cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pedagogies to Achieve Sustainability Learning Outcomes in Civil and Environmental Engineering Students

The civil and environmental engineering disciplines have identified the levels of knowledge about sustainability that are desirable for students to achieve as they graduate with a bachelor’s degree, as well as sustainability-related competencies to be obtained during a master’s degree, and on-the-job, prior to professional licensure. Different pedagogies are better suited to help students attain these levels of cognitive ability, while also developing affective outcomes. This paper provides examples of different methods that have been used at one institution to educate engineering students about sustainability, supported with data that indicates whether the method successfully achieved the targeted learning outcomes. Lectures, in-class active learning, readings, and appropriately targeted homework assignments can achieve basic sustainability knowledge and comprehension by requiring students to define, identify, and explain aspects of sustainability. Case studies and the application of software tools are good methods to achieve application and analysis competencies. Project-based learning (PBL) and project-based service-learning (PBSL) design projects can reach the synthesis level and may also develop affective outcomes related to sustainability. The results provide examples that may apply to a wider range of disciplines and suggest sustainability outcomes that are particularly difficult to teach and/or assess.
Aetherizing Lambda: Barotropic Fluids as Dark Energy

We examine the class of barotropic fluid models of dark energy, in which the pressure is an explicit function of the density, p=f({rho}). Through general physical considerations we constrain the asymptotic past and future behaviors and show that this class is equivalent to the sum of a cosmological constant and a decelerating perfect fluid, or 'aether', with w{sub AE}{>=}0. Barotropic models give substantially disjoint predictions from quintessence, except in the limit of {lambda}CDM. They are also interesting in that they simultaneously can ameliorate the coincidence problem and yet 'predict' a value of w{approx_equal}-1.
Macrophage-independent Fungicidal Action of the Pulmonary Collectins

Histoplasma capsulatum (Hc) is a facultative intracellular fungal pathogen that causes acute and chronic pneumonia. In this study, we investigated the role of the pulmonary collectins, surfactant proteins (SP) A and D, in the clearance of Hc yeast from the lung. Exposure of yeast to either collectin induced a dose-dependent decrease in [3H]leucine incorporation by several strains of Hc. This decrement was attributed to killing of the collectin-exposed yeast since it failed to grow on agar medium. Exposure to SP-A or -D resulted in increased yeast permeability based on a leak of protein from the organism and enhanced access of an impermeant substrate to intracellular alkaline phosphatase. Inbred and outbred SP-A null (-/-) mice were modestly more susceptible to pulmonary infection with Hc than strain and age-matched SP-A (+/+) control mice. The increase in susceptibility was associated with a decrement in the number of CD8+ cells in the lungs of SP-A-/- mice. Neither SP-A nor SP-D inhibited the growth of macrophage-internalized Hc. We conclude that the SP-A and SP-D are antimicrobial proteins that directly inhibit the growth of Hc by increasing permeability of the organism and that Hc gains asylum from collectin-mediated killing by rapid entry into pulmonary macrophages.
Calculations and observations of proton precipitation in the dayside aurora

ABSTRACT A simple procedure to evaluate the Balmer excitation rates of H0 and H to produce the corresponding volume emission rates vs. height, using semi-empirical range relations of protons in air is used. The calculations are carried out with identified ion—energy particle spectra of the dayside aurora obtained by low altitude satellites. Itis found, that the calculated emission intensities of H, and H are observable for ground—based optical detection.Measurements of the dayside aurora at Longyearbyen, Svalbard, are discussed in relation to these calculations.Furthermore it is observed, pulsed proton events on the dayside, which for decreasing time between each event shows increase in the emission intensity and a fluctuating behavior in the primary initial proton energy. Each pulsed proton event was associated with an enhancement in the green 5577 A emission, and some corresponded to poleward—moving auroral forms. 1. INTRODUCTION Around the vicinity of the subsolar point, magnetic reconnection is most likely to occur (Cowley, 1982). During thereconnection process magnetosheath ions are accelerated to about twice the Alfven velocity. Satellite measurementshave shown step like patterns in the ion energy—time profiles (Newell and Meng, 1991; Smith and Lockwood, 1990;Lockwood and Smith, 1992), which are common cusp precipitation signatures for ions (Lockwood et al., 1993).Each step in the ion energy—time plot is thought to be indicative of magnetic reconnection taking place. This isbecause for each subsequent reconnection ions are accelerated at the reconnection site and move along the fluxtube, precipitating down into the ionosphere. Precipitation of magnetosheath electrons into the ionosphere alsooccurs during magnetic reconnection, but the electrons are not accelerated by the reconnection process because theirthermal velocities exceed the antisunward convection speed. The electrons interact with atomic oxygen producingboth red [01] 6300 A and green [01] 5577 A emissions. These newly opened flux tubes are thought to be the sourceof the cusp precipitation. Ground based optical observations (Sandholt et al., 1986, 1989; Rairden and Mende,1989; Fasel et al., 1992, 1993) have seen poleward—moving auroral arcs, in both the red and green line emissions,which may be ionospheric signatures of the newly reconnected flux tubes. The diffuse red band produced by lowenergetic electrons colliding with atomic oxygen seen near magnetic noon was defined as the cusp by Heikkila (1985)and was later redefined by Sandholt et al. (1989) to also contain poleward—moving auroral forms having green lineemissions. This region corresponds to the gap of discrete auroras seen by the DMSP satellites in the dayside auroraloval (Meng, 1981).
Patterns and predictors of settlement amounts from surgical malpractice claims in the United States, 1990-2006

Introduction Medical malpractice litigation continues to be hotly debated, particularly given recent healthcare reform legislation. In this study the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) data was scrutinized to evaluate predictors of malpractice claims ending in large payments. Methods Retrospective analysis of the NPDB from 1990-2006 involving physicians and/or residents. Payments were adjusted to 2006 dollars. Large payments defined as those exceeding one million dollars. Multivariate regression evaluated predictors of large payments. Statutory law in the states demonstrating significant predictive values was analyzed. Results A total of 58,518 claims were included. Patients were predominantly female (62%) and inpatient (63%) with mean age of 42 years. Claims per year decreased and payment sums increased over the study period. Median payment was $132,915 (95th percentile $983,263). Claims most frequently cited improper performance (42%). Adjusted analysis explored predictors of large settlements. Patient outcomes of quadriplegia/brain damage/life-long care (OR 142), major permanent injury (OR 66), and death (OR 28) increased the likelihood of large settlements. Compared to 20-69 year-olds, claims involving children less than 10 years-old were 1.7 times more likely to receive large payments (p=0.005); and patients over 70 years were 80% less likely (p Conclusions Nationwide, surgical malpractice claims are decreasing in number with rising payment amounts. Patient outcome is the strongest predictor of payment size although significant variation in payments between states exists. Heterogeneity of payment sizes among states suggests a profound impact from the local legal environments.
Hormonal control of proteinase activity in squash cotyledons.

A crude proteolytic enzyme preparation which hydrolyzes casein was isolated from the cotyledons of squash seedlings. The presence of ethylene diamine tetraacetate or cysteine did not appreciably affect the activity of the preparation. During the course of germination, the level of proteolytic activity increased in the cotyledons of intact embryos through the third day and then decreased. The presence of the embryonic axis during the first 32 hours of germination was a prerequisite for the development of maximum proteolytic activity.The presence of a cytokinin, such as benzyladenine, kinetin, BTP [6-(benzylamino)-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)-9H-purine], or phenyladenine, in the culture solution could reproduce the effect of the embryonic axis. Other growth regulators did not produce this stimulation. High concentrations (1 mm) of all growth regulators examined were inhibitory. Various combinations of growth regulators failed to produce any synergistic effects. 6-Methylpurine inhibited the development of proteinase activity, and this inhibition was only partially restored by benzyladenine.A proteinase was partially purified from the cotyledons of 2-day-old squash seedlings and its synthesis was shown to be under the control of the embryonic axis.
Dose Patterns of Cellular Effects Induced by Carcinogens: Evidence for the Presence or Absence of Thresholds

The patterns of response of individual cells to carcinogens may be a factor that influences the shape of the dose-response curve for cancer in human populations; thus the existence of a threshold for cellular response may imply a threshold for cancer induction. The patterns of response of cultured mammalian cells to carcinogen treatment is described for four cellular endpoints: cytotoxidty, mutation, sister chromatid exchange, and in vitro transformation. These data, taken in toto, indicate that for some carcinogens a threshold exists for the induction of cellular effects, but for some carcinogens thresholds probably do not exist. Cancer-prone human beings may contain cell populations without thresholds, making them especially sensitive to low doses of environmental carcinogens.
High-density array analysis of DNA methylation in Tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cell lines

Roughly two-thirds of all breast cancers are ERα-positive and can be treated with the antiestrogen, Tamoxifen, however resistance occurs in 33% of women who take the drug for more than 5 y. Aberrant DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism that alters gene expression in cancer, is thought to play a role in this resistance. To develop an understanding of Tamoxifen-resistance and identify novel pathways and targets of aberrant methylation, DNA from MCF-7 breast cancer cells and Tamoxifen-resistant derivatives, TMX2–11 and TMX2–28, were analyzed using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Normalizing against MCF-7 values, ERα-positive TMX2–11 had 4000 hypermethylated sites and ERα-negative TMX2–28 had over 33 000. Analysis of CpG sites altered in both TMX2–11 and TMX2–28 revealed that the Tamoxifen-resistant cell lines share 3000 hypermethylated and 200 hypomethylated CpGs. ZNF350 and MAGED1, two genes hypermethylated in both cell lines, were examined in greater detail. Treatment with 5-aza-2′deoxycitid...
“The Reality of it All”: History Students Read the Movies

What and how do students learn about history from motion pictures? How does this knowledge interact with the history they learn in school? This is a complex problem space that has seen little empirical research. To lay the groundwork for addressing these questions, we describe two exploratory studies. The first study takes a broad view, using interviews and classroom observations to scrutinize the use of movies in two high school history classrooms. The second study focuses more narrowly on a small group of students who view two movie excerpts, then think aloud while reading a selection of historical texts, and later while answering an essay question. Another group engages in the same task, but without viewing the film excerpts. Provisional conclusions are reached about the influence of movies on high school students' understandings of the past, and suggestions are made for the direction of future research.
The use of the cecum for cecocystoplasty

Cystoplasty is a well-established technique for the enlargement of a contracted bladder due to tuberculosis or interstitial cystitis. It may also be a practical alternative to urinary diversion for some bladder tumors and in carefully selected forms of neuropathic bladder.
Recent advances in chromatographic and electrophoretic methods for the study of drug-protein interactions

Drug-protein binding is an important process in determining the activity and fate of a pharmaceutical agent once it has entered the body. This review examines various chromatographic and electrophoretic methods that have been developed to study such interactions. An overview of each technique is presented along with a discussion of its strengths, weaknesses and potential applications. Formats that are discussed include the use of both soluble and immobilized drugs or proteins, and approaches based on zonal elution, frontal analysis or vacancy peak measurements. Furthermore, examples are provided that illustrate the use of these methods in determining the overall extent of drug-protein binding, in examining the displacement of a drug by other agents and in measuring the equilibrium or rate constants for drug-protein interactions. Examples are also given demonstrating how the same methods, particularly when used in high-performance liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis systems, can be employed as rapid screening tools for investigating the binding of different forms of a chiral drug to a protein or the binding of different proteins and peptides to a given pharmaceutical agent.
Crop water stress index for watermelon

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the suitability of a crop water stress index (CWSI) to schedule irrigation for watermelon ( Citrullus vulgaris ) grown with trickle irrigation. The effects of five irrigation levels (100, 75, 50, 25 and 0% replenishment of soil water depleted from 0.90 m soil profile depth) on watermelon yields and resulting CWSI were investigated. The highest yield and water use was obtained under fully irrigated conditions (100% replenishment of soil water depleted) in 2 years. The CWSI was calculated from measurements of infrared canopy temperatures, ambient air temperatures and vapor pressure deficit values for five irrigation levels. The trends in CWSI values were consistent with the soil water contents induced by the deficit irrigations. Unlike the yield, CWSI increased with increased soil water deficit. An average CWSI of about 0.41 before irrigation produced the maximum yield. The yield was directly correlated with mean CWSI values and the linear equation ‘ Y =91.143−66.077 CWSI’ can be used for yield prediction. The CWSI value was useful for evaluating crop water stress in watermelon and should be useful for timing irrigation and predicting yield.
One-dimensional solutions of the Ginzburg--Landau equations for thin superconducting films

Solutions to the Ginzburg-Landau equations have been obtained for plane films in a longitudinal magnetic field. Only symmetrical one-dimensional solutions were generated, but without restrictive assumptions on the Ginzburg-Landau parameter $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ or the effective wave function $\ensuremath{\psi}$. The critical field has been calculated from these solutions as a function of $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ and the ratio of film thickness $d$ to penetration depth. Curves are given to show how the behavior of films at the critical field depends on the various parameters involved. The computer solutions join smoothly onto those derived in the limit $\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$. The limit of validity of these computer solutions in the light of the vortex solutions of Abrikosov and the asymmetrical solutions of Saint-James and de Gennes is determined, and a "phase diagram" in the ($\ensuremath{\kappa}, d$) plane for all types of solutions is suggested.
Social Work Licensure: A Brief History and Description:

This article provides a brief history of the development of social work as a profession including professional training, educational accreditation, and state licensing for professional practice. Th...
Serum biomarkers for personalization of nanotherapeutics-based therapy in different tumor and organ microenvironments

Enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect, the mechanism by which nanotherapeutics accumulate in tumors, varies in patients based on differences in the tumor and organ microenvironment. Surrogate biomarkers for the EPR effect will aid in selecting patients who will accumulate higher amounts of nanotherapeutics and show better therapeutic efficacy. Our data suggest that the differences in the vascular permeability and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) accumulation are tumor type as well as organ-specific and significantly correlated with the relative ratio of MMP-9 to TIMP-1 in the circulation, supporting development of these molecules as biomarkers for the personalization of nanoparticle-based therapy.
An introduction to the draft code of ethics

A brief history of the development of the draft code and key concepts in its structure are described.
Human prefrontal cortex: processing and representational perspectives

Through evolution, humans have acquired 'higher' cognitive skills — such as language, reasoning and planning — and complex social behaviour. Evidence from neuropsychological and neuroimaging research indicates that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) underlies much of this higher cognition. A number of theories have been proposed for how the PFC might achieve this. Although many of these theories focus on the types of 'process' that the PFC carries out, we argue for the validity of a representational approach to understanding PFC function.
Morphine tolerance and physical dependence: Influence of cholinergic agonists and antagonists☆

The effects of centrally acting agents which alter cholinergic activity were assessed in mice rendered tolerant to and dependent on morphine (M mice) and in naive mice (N mice). In both N and M mice, physostigmine potentiated morphine analgesia slightly, and this action was blocked by atropine and scopolamine. When administered 10 min before naloxone in dependent mice atropine enhanced precipitated withdrawal jumping; when given 30 min before naloxone, atropine produced an inhibition of the response. Physostigmine abd oxotremorine greatly inhibited the jumping response, while echothiophate had no effect. The inhibitory effect of physostigmine on naloxone precipitated withdrawal jumpimg was reversed by atropine and scopolamine but atropine did not alter morphine tolerance and dependence development. Brain acetylcholine (ACh) levels in both N and M mice were increased by physostigmine, the increase being greater in M mice. This increase was blocked by prior administration of atropine or scopolamine. When atropine was administered to M mice 10 min before sacrifice, brain AC-h levels decreased. However, when brain ACh levels were determined 30 min after atropine, no change was found. It was concluded that ACh does not play a major direct role in the development of tolerance and dependence, but that ACh is involved in the manifestations of acute morphine effects and in some of the withdrawal signs in the dependent state.
How philanthropy can alter our view of the past: a look at Colonial Williamsburg

The restoration of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, serves as an important study in the history of philanthropy in the United States. Williamsburg demonstrates how the investments of philanthropists such as the Rockefeller family can be used to subtly alter Americans' perceptions of their past. This manipulation resulted in the promotion of the Rockefellers' ideological interpretation of history at Williamsburg. This history stressed the role of Williamsburg as a monument to the ideals of Americanism: democracy, republicanism and individual achievement. Through times of domestic and international crisis, from the Red Scare of the 1920s through the Cold War of the 1950s, the Rockefeller family held up Williamsburg as a beacon to which Americans could look as a steadying force. In doing so, the Rockefellers created a past which never truly existed. They downplayed the roles of women and blacks, who were all but ignored in the early presentation of the town, in favour of the aristocrats of the age: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and George Wythe. The presentation which emerged during the restoration's first half-century was one that failed to acknowledge the roles played by less prominent groups and over-accentuated the importance of a small minority of illustrious townspeople.
Schedule instability, service level and cost in a material requirements planning system

The primary objective of this work was to evaluate how four important system parameters (schedule frozen interval, schedule re-planning interval, safety stock and lot-sizing rules) affect material requirements planning (MRP) system performance in terms of schedule instability, total cost and service level, considering different levels of two operating factors: the lead-times of items in the product structure, and the accuracy of the demand forecast. The research design employed a simulation model in Visual Basic run on a personal computer. This study concluded that all system parameters and operating factors significantly influence the three performance measures. Frozen interval, forecast accuracy, and lead-time have the most significant impact on system instability and total cost. Forecast accuracy, safety stock, and lead-time have the most impact on service level. Due to the interactions among system parameters and operating factors, there are no win-win principles to set parameters in order to achieve ...
Modulation of expression of virus-like elements following exposure of mice to high- and low-LET radiations

Modulation of virus expression has been reported following exposure to a variety of cellular stresses, including UV radiation and heat-shock. The experiments reported here were designed to examine expression of endogenous VL30 (virus-like 30 S) elements following exposure of whole mice to ionizing radiations. Whole mice were exposed to doses of neutrons (50 cGy) or gamma-rays (300 cGy) shown to be equally efficient in cancer production in the whole animal, and tissues were harvested at 10 and 60 min following completion of the exposure. RNA extracted from these tissues and from tissues of untreated controls was examined for VL30 RNA accumulation by dilution dot blot and Northern blot analyses. These studies revealed that neutrons repressed VL30 RNA accumulation evident within 10 min following exposure in brain, gut, thymus and spleen but not in liver, in which VL30 RNA was unaffected by radiation exposure. During this same time interval, gamma-rays induced VL30 expression in gut and brain and to a lesser extent in liver. These experiments suggest the presence of a differential molecular response following whole-body exposure to high- versus low-LET radiations. In addition, this work demonstrates that ionizing radiations may affect expression of murine endogenous viral sequences.
The Microbiome and its Impact on Disease in the Preterm Patient

Emerging technologies derived largely from the Human Genome Project are applied to evaluating the intestinal microbiota in preterm infants. The microbial ecology of the developing intestine is highly related to health and disease, and new discoveries are emerging that will help us understand disorders in the development of the intestinal microbial ecosystem and how to eventually manipulate them to prevent diseases such as necrotizing enterocolitis and late onset sepsis. Here, a brief overview of the developing microbiome as it pertains to several aspects of health and disease in the preterm infant is presented.
Provenance of the Neoproterozoic Johnnie Formation and Stirling Quartzite, southeastern California, determined by detrital zircon geochronology and Nd isotope geochemistry

Abstract Detrital zircon geochronology coupled with Nd isotopic data constrains the provenance of the Neoproterozoic Johnnie Formation and Stirling Quartzite in the southern Nopah Range, southeastern California, and provides data to test a model of the early tectonic evolution of the southwestern Laurentian continental margin. A total of 228 detrital zircon grains from four samples of quartzose arenite, were analyzed by sensitive high resolution ion microprobe – reverse geometry (SHRIMP-RG). To supplement the provenance information derived from these grains, whole-rock Nd isotopic compositions of four coarse- and fine-grained samples were analyzed from the Rainstorm Member of the Johnnie Formation. Paleo- and Mesoproterozoic zircons dominate the lower Johnnie Formation and upper Stirling Quartzite, whereas the middle Johnnie Formation and lower Stirling Quartzite have a greater proportion of late Grenville-aged detritus, lesser amounts of older ∼1400 Ma Mesoproterozoic grains, and a scattering of Paleoproterozoic grains. Archean-aged zircons occur in both samples of the Johnnie Formation and both samples of the Stirling Quartzite. We interpret this distribution to indicate a source area composed of a mixture of local and distal provenance components. Sedimentary rock Nd isotopic compositions are characterized by low ɛNd (0) values that range from −16.1 to −20.0, are independent of grain size or 147Sm/144Nd ratios, and suggest derivation from Nd Provinces 2 and 3 (Yavapai and Mazatzal provinces). Shifting provenance patterns from the Johnnie Formation and superjacent Stirling Quartzite and Wood Canyon Formation indicate an evolving provenance recorded by a general up-section increase of late Grenville-aged detritus. These data support a Laurentian provenance for Johnnie Formation detritus composed of contributions from both distal source areas in the cratonic interior and local source areas in the rift shoulder, which is consistent with its deposition as part of a post-rift, early-stage, passive-margin succession.
Analysis of radiation-induced liver disease using the Lyman NTCP model.

Abstract Purpose : To describe the dose—volume tolerance for radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) using the Lyman—Kutcher—Burman (LKB) normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model. Methods and Materials : A total of 203 patients treated with conformal liver radiotherapy and concurrent hepatic arterial chemotherapy were prospectively followed for RILD. Normal liver dose—volume histograms and RILD status for these patients were used as input data for determination of LKB model parameters. A complication was defined as Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Grade 3 or higher RILD ≤4 months after completion of radiotherapy. A maximal likelihood analysis yielded best estimates for the LKB NTCP model parameters for the liver for the entire patient population. A multivariate analysis of the potential factors associated with RILD was also completed, and refined LKB model parameters were obtained for patient subgroups with different risks of RILD. Results : Of 203 patients treated with focal liver irradiation, 19 developed RILD. The LKB NTCP model fit the complication data for the entire group. The “n” parameter was larger than previously described, suggesting a strong volume effect for RILD and a correlation of NTCP with the mean liver dose. No cases of RILD were observed when the mean liver dose was Conclusion : These data demonstrate that the liver exhibits a large volume effect for RILD, suggesting that the mean liver dose may be useful in ranking radiation plans. The inclusion of clinical factors, especially the diagnosis of primary hepatobiliary cancer vs. liver metastases, improves the estimation of NTCP over that obtained solely by the use of dose—volume data. These findings should facilitate the application of focal liver irradiation in future clinical trials.
Gadolinium released from MR contrast agents is deposited in brain tumors: in situ demonstration using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Background: Gadolinium (Gd)-containing MRI contrast agents (GdCA) are widely used in studies of brain tumors, and a number of reports suggest that under certain conditions, such as renal failure, Gd may be released from GdCA into patient's tissues. Whether this may happen in abnormal tissues in the absence of renal failure has not been studied.Purpose: To test the hypothesis that the local retention of GdCA resulting from brain tumor-associated alterations in the blood–brain barrier (BBB) may result in the deposition of Gd released from the GdCA, depending on stability.Material and Methods: In this retrospective study, 30 selected brain tumor biopsies from 28 patients (taken before and after an institutional switch from a less stable to an intermediate stable GdCA) were searched for Gd-containing deposits using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Relevant histories and laboratory results were obtained through institutional electronic records. Associations between t...
A Note on Nucleolus/MTPD Accounting Allocations

The nucleolus linear programming (LP) method for allocating joint costs associated with a shared resource often stops short of uniquely specifying all savings allocations. Barton [1] recently presented the minimum total propensity to disrupt (MTPD) as a secondary criterion for uniquely determining those allocations not provided by the initial LP solution. Barton demonstrated the uniqueness of his solution on a specific example with a four-entity grand coalition. We show a practical approach for implementing Barton's two-step procedure. Our purpose is to make the nucleolus/MTPD model readily accessible to a wide range of practitioners using commonly available spreadsheet tools. We also demonstrate the global optimality of the allocations that the model provides.
Gastroschisis with antenatal intestinal evisceration

Summary Gastroschisis is a rare congenital malformation in which antenatal intestinal evisceration occurs through a paraumbilical defect. A covering membrane is characteristically absent. Less than half of the reported infants with gastroschisis have survived. Prompt operation, with decompression of the bowel and closure of skin over the herniated intestine, may increase survival with this anomaly. Heat losses should be minimized both before and during operation.
Evidence from the Florida Straits for Younger Dryas ocean circulation changes

[1] The waters passing through the Florida Straits today reflect both the western portion of the wind‐driven subtropical gyre and the northward flow of the upper waters which cross the equator, compensating North Atlantic Deep Water export as part of the large‐scale Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. It has been postulated from various lines of evidence that the overturning circulation was weaker during the Younger Dryas cold event of the last deglaciation. We show here that the contrast in the oxygen isotopic composition of benthic foraminiferal tests across the Florida Current is reduced during the Younger Dryas. This most likely reflects a decrease in the density gradient across the channel and a decrease in the vertical shear of the Florida Current. This reduced shear is consistent with the postulated reduction in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. We find that the onset of this change in density structure and flow at the start of the Younger Dryas is very abrupt, occurring in less than 70 years.
Slippery Bottom Boundary Layers on a Slope

Abstract The turbulent bottom boundary layer for rotating, stratified flow along a slope is explored through theory and numerical simulation. The model flow begins with a uniform current along constant-depth contours and with flat isopycnals intersecting the slope. The boundary layer is then allowed to evolve in time and in distance from the boundary. Ekman transport up or down the slope advects the initial density gradient, eventually giving rise to substantial buoyancy forces. The rearranged density structure opposes the cross-slope flow, causing the transport to decay exponentially from its initial value (given by Ekman theory) to near zero, over a time scale proportional to f/(Nα)2, where f is the Coriolis frequency, N is the buoyancy frequency, and α is the slope angle. The boundary stress slowing the along-slope flow decreases simultaneously, leading to a very “slippery” bottom boundary compared with that predicted by Ekman theory.
Fixing the broken policy process.

The article discusses the question of whether sustainable development should be left to the free market, and how to diminish the impact of trade group lobbyists on U.S. environmental policy. A method for increasing the influence of scientists and the general public on environmental policy, using the internet, is proposed.
Reforms in Urban School District Policy Making: Comparing the "Watchdog" and the "Think Tank"

Imbalances in the relationships between boards of education, school superintendents, and the school district bureaucracy are perennial problems in large urban school systems. This article describes two recent urban district reforms, in Chicago and Los Angeles. and argues that the reform mechanisms in these cities are reflective of the particular kinds of imbalances needing correction. An examination of these two reform efforts helps to indicate promising strategies for changing and improving urban school district decision and policy making systems.
Agarose gel electrophoresis of denatured RNA with silver staining

This paper describes agarose gel electrophoresis and silver staining of denatured RNAs. Glyoxal- or formaldehyde-denatured RNAs are electrophoresed in an agarose gel cast on a plastic support using an inert, low conductivity buffer. Following electrophoresis, the gel is stained with a sensitive silver stain. The method produces sharp, well-resolved bands and yields accurate RNA size estimates. Because of its sensitivity and simplicity, it is suitable for routine laboratory use.
The Interplay of Organization Type, Organization Size, and Practitioner Role on Perceived Crisis Preparedness: A Cognitive Appraisal Approach

This study examined the perceived crisis preparedness of a random sample of public relations practitioners in the United States (N=144) as evidenced in their assessment of crisis situation and organizational resources. The main effects of organization size and practitioner role were evident on practitioner's perceived crisis preparedness in different crisis situations. Organization type was found to be effective only when it interplayed with either practitioner role or organization size.
Factors affecting the risk of blood bank specimen hemolysis

Objectives: To evaluate simultaneously several possible risk factors for blood bank specimen hemolysis. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of emergency department and labor and delivery patients to estimate the effect of various factors on the risk of blood bank specimen hemolysis. Study variables included patient demographics, type and gauge of needle or catheter, anatomic location of venipuncture, and patient care area. Hemolysis was determined by blood bank laboratory technicians. Cox proportional hazards multivariate regression modeling was performed to estimate the adjusted relative risks for hemolysis. Results: Of the 605 subjects with complete data, 194 (32.1%) subjects had blood specimens drawn directly with a steel needle, and 411 (69.1%) had specimens drawn through a Vialon (BD Medical Systems, Inc., Sandy, UT) intravenous (IV) angiocatheter. The overall risk of hemolysis for all was 7%, 10% for Vialon IV angiocatheters and 1.5% for steel needles. In the multivariate analysis, the factors most closely associated with hemolysis were the use of Vialon IV catheters and sampling from an anatomic site other than the antecubital area. Conclusions: Blood bank specimens drawn from Vialon IV catheters (particularly smaller gauge catheters) and from veins outside the antecubital area are at significantly increased risk to hemolyze.
A High-Resolution Modeling Study of the 24 May 2002 Dryline Case during IHOP. Part II: Horizontal Convective Rolls and Convective Initiation

Abstract In Part I of this paper, the timing and location of convective initiation along a dryline on 24 May 2002 were accurately predicted, using a large 1-km-resolution nested grid. A detailed analysis of the convective initiation processes, which involve the interaction of the dryline with horizontal convective rolls, is presented here. Horizontal convective rolls (HCRs) with aspect ratios (the ratio of roll spacing to depth) between 3 and 7 develop in the model on both sides of the dryline, with those on the west side being more intense and their updrafts reaching several meters per second. The main HCRs that interact with the primary dryline convergence boundary (PDCB) are those from the west side, and they are aligned at an acute angle with the dryline. They intercept the PDCB and create strong moisture convergence bands at the surface and force the PDCB into a wavy pattern. The downdrafts of HCRs and the associated surface divergence play an important role in creating localized maxima of surface co...
Focal Osseous Dysplasia

Focal osseous dysplasia (FOD) is one of the benign fibro-osseous lesions of the jaw bones and the most commonly occuring benign fibro-osseous lesion. This entity occurs more commonly in females and has a predilection for African Americans. Radiographically, the lesion has a variable appearance depending on the duration but may appear as a radiolucent to radiopaque lesion that can be well to poorly defined. Hisotologically, when biopsied, there are fragments of bony trabeculae intermixed with fibrous stroma with incomplete stromal vasculature. The main differential diagnosis is with ossifying fibroma, which is neoplastic while FOD is considered a reactive process. Most patients with FOD may be followed clinically without surgical intervention.
Mouse-Colonizing Helicobacter pylori SS1 Is Unusually Susceptible to Metronidazole Due to Two Complementary Reductase Activities

In most strains of Helicobacter pylori, mutational inactivation of the rdxA (HP0954) gene, which encodes a nitroreductase that converts metronidazole (MTZ) from a harmless prodrug to a mutagenic and bacteriocidal product, is sufficient to make this pathogen resistant to clinically significant levels of MTZ. Here we report that SS1, a strain with the special ability to colonize mice, is unusual in being susceptible to very low concentrations of MTZ (0.5 microgram/ml) and in being especially difficult to mutate to MTZ resistance (Mtz(r)). These phenotypic traits were traced to expression in this strain of the normally quiescent H. pylori frxA gene (HP0642, an rdxA paralog) along with rdxA. Transformation tests using rdxA::cam and frxA::kan insertion mutant DNAs, with selection solely for the chloramphenicol and kanamycin resistance markers, and sequence analyses of frxA in spontaneous Mtz(r) derivatives of rdxA null mutant strains each showed that the development of Mtz(r) in SS1 required inactivation of both rdxA and frxA. Inactivation of either gene alone left SS1 susceptible to MTZ, although it was readily mutable from an MTZ-susceptible to an Mtz(r) phenotype. Reverse transcriptase PCR tests showed that frxA mRNA was at least 10-fold more abundant in SS1 than in reference strain 26695. It is proposed that these reductases play primarily nutritional roles during bacterial growth.
Codependency and Recovery: Gender, Self, and Emotions in Popular Self-Help

Popular contemporary rhetoric of the self advocates knowing the needs of the self and reaching a balance between self and other. As a consequence of economic dependence on men, women have emotional obligations that make meeting these goals unlikely. The recently identified condition called codependency addresses the tensions underlying this situation. Recovering from codependency serves as an aligning action that accounts for past behavior using the quasi-medical rhetoric of addiction. The sick role then allows for small amounts of deviance from female gender role norms in that it permits women to exercise some self-determination in the allocation of their time and emotions. Although critics have ignored the possibility, codependency can provide a tool of resistance for those who have few resources to challenge the status quo.
Antimicrobial Prevention of Early-onset Group B Streptococcal Sepsis: Estimates of Risk Reduction Based on a Critical Literature Review

Objective. To identify interventions that reduce the attack rate for early-onset group B streptococcal (GBS) sepsis in neonates. Study Design. Literature review and reanalysis of published data. Results. The rate of early-onset GBS sepsis in high-risk neonates can be reduced by administration of antibiotics. Treatment during pregnancy (antepartum prophylaxis) fails to reduce maternal GBS colonization at delivery. With the administration of intravenous ampicillin, the risk of early-onset infection in infants born to women with preterm premature rupture of membranes is reduced by 56% and the risk of GBS infection is reduced by 36%; addition of gentamicin may increase the efficacy of ampicillin. Treatment of women with chorioamnionitis with ampicillin and gentamicin during labor reduces the likelihood of neonatal sepsis by 82% and reduces the likelihood of GBS infection by 86%. Universal administration of penicillin to neonates shortly after birth (postpartum prophylaxis) reduces the early-onset GBS attack rate by 68% but is associated with a 40% increase in overall mortality and therefore is contraindicated. Intrapartum prophylaxis, alone or combined with postnatal prophylaxis for the infants, reduces the early-onset GBS attack rate by 80% or 95%, respectively. Conclusions. Women with chorioamnionitis or preterm premature rupture of membranes and their infants should be treated with intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin. Intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis may be appropriate for other women whose infants are at increased but less extreme risk, and supplemental postpartum prophylaxis may be indicated for some of their infants. Selection of appropriate candidates and prophylaxis strategies requires careful consideration of costs and benefits for each patient. group B streptococcus, neonatal sepsis, early-onset sepsis, prevention, prophylaxis.
Factors Altering the Temporal and Within-Plant Distribution of Coccinellids in Corn and Their Impact on Potential Intra-guild Predation

In New York, the primary coccinellid in corn and sweet corn (Zea mays, L.) has historically been Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer). However, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) has also been observed the last few years. The objectives of this study were to document the level of establishment of both species in corn and sweet corn and to understand their interactions. The temporal and within-plant distributions of all coccinellids were recorded for 3 yr. The results indicated that H. axyridis and C. maculata were the only abundant coccinellids in corn and sweet corn, with adults and larvae of both species having distinct temporal and within-plant distributions. C. maculata adults were found earlier in the season and lower on the plant than H. axyridis adults. Larvae of both species were often found at the same time and were lower on the plant than their respective adults. Temporal distributions of both species were correlated to crop maturity, aphid density, planting date, and corn type, but not to nearby vegetation. The within-plant locations were correlated to crop maturity, aphid density, planting date, nearby vegetation, and the presence of conspeciÞc coccinellids. While the distribution of each population was unique, some C. maculata and H. axyridis shared time and space, providing the potential for intra-guild predation. An encounter between H. axyridis and C. maculata was most likely to occur when the corn had high aphid populations during pollen shed. These extra-guild food sources minimize intra-guild predation, allowing these two species to co-exist in New Yorkcorn and sweet corn Þelds.
The Anatomy of the Performance of Buy and Sell Recommendations

Brokerage house buy and sell recommendations influence stock prices. Short-term price reaction is a function of the strength of the recommendation, the magnitude of the change in recommendation, the reputation of the analyst, the size of the brokerage house, the size of the recommended firm, and contemporaneous earnings forecast revisions. The strength of the recommendation, firm size, and contemporaneous earnings forecast revisions are associated with price changes that appear to be permanent, information effects. The magnitude of the change in recommendation, analyst reputation, and broker size appear to have temporary, price pressure effects.
Acute effects of single-site pacing from the left and right ventricle on ventricular function and ventricular-ventricular interactions in children with normal hearts.

Objective. We studied, as a physiological benchmark, acute effects of right ventricular (RV) apical, RV outflow, and left ventricular (LV) pacing in children with normal cardiac function on LV and RV function and ventricular–ventricular interactions. Design. The design of the study was a prospective, acute intervention. Setting. The study was conducted in a tertiary care electrophysiology laboratory. Population and Methods. Seven children (mean ± SD, 12 ± 4 years) were paced after accessory pathway ablation, at baseline (AOO), and with atrioventricular pacing (DOO) from the RV apex, RV outflow, and left ventricle. Outcome Measures. Right ventricular dP/dTmax and RV dP/dTneg (high-fidelity transducer-tipped catheters, Millar Instruments, Houston, TX, USA), cardiac index (Fick), blood pressure, and QRS duration were measured at each pacing condition. Intra- and interventricular mechanical dyssynchrony, systolic- and diastolic peak tissue velocities, and isovolumic acceleration were recorded by tissue Doppler imaging at the lateral mitral, septal, and tricuspid annuli at each condition. Results at each pacing condition were compared by repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results. Pacing prolonged QRS duration, causing electrical dyssynchrony (86 ± 19 ms [baseline], 141 ± 44 ms [RV apex], 121 ± 18 ms [RV outflow], and 136 ± 34 ms [LV], P < .01). Right ventricular outflow pacing caused LV intraventricular delay (63 ± 52 vs. 12 ± 7 ms, P < .05). Right ventricular apical pacing caused interventricular delay (61 ± 29 vs. 25 ± 18 ms, P < .05). There were no significant changes in blood pressure, cardiac index, RV dp/dTmax, RV dP/dTneg, regional tissue velocities, or isovolumic acceleration during any of the pacing conditions, indicating preserved ventricular function and hemodynamics. No important ventricular–ventricular interactions were seen. Conclusions. In children with normal cardiac anatomy and function, single-site RV apical, RV outflow, and LV pacing induce electromechanical dyssynchrony without significantly changing ventricular function or hemodynamics, or adversely affecting ventricular–ventricular interactions.