cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NANDA's Definition of Nursing Diagnosis: A Plea for Conceptual Clarity

A working definition of nursing diagnosis was adopted by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) Biennial Business Meeting in March 1990. Because of the working nature of the definition, members and nonmembers of the Association were invited to judge the merits and faults of the definition and to recommend areas needing further debate, analysis, or modification. The purpose of this article is to apply principles and rules of definition to an analysis of the working definition of nursing diagnosis as adopted by the NANDA General Assembly. In presenting this analysis, concerns and questions regarding the conceptual, logical, and grammatical clarity of essential elements (e.g., clinical judgment; individual, family, or community responses; actual or potential health problems; and actual or potential life processes) in the definition are posed; and, where appropriate, suggestions for clarification are offered. Further debate, research, and clinical testing is requested in an attempt to improve NANDA's very important contribution to the development of nursing practice theory.
Efficient "total" extraction of perfluorooctanoate from polytetrafluoroethylene fluoropolymer.

To determine the optimum conditions for the complete extraction of perfluorooctanoate (PFO) from polytetrafluoroethylene fluoropolymers, sample preparation and pressurized solvent extraction (PSE) conditions were investigated. Solvent extraction temperature, solvent residence time, relaxation time between extractions, and the effects of heating before PSE showed that methanol at 150 °C extraction temperature and a 12 min solvent residence time were the most efficient conditions. Preheating the polymer before extraction at 150 °C for 24 h significantly enhanced the quantity of PFO removed. Heating above 150 °C resulted in loss of PFO. PFO was determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.
The hourglass facial deformity

Summary The “Hourglass Facial Deformity” is the result of bilateral irradiation of the orbits and anterior cranial base during infancy. The deformity is uniformly characterized by a distinctly misshapen upper face at the level of the orbits, with depression of the temporal region, hypotelorism, and flattened nasal root. These patients exhibited varying degrees of frontal bossing. Since they had previous enucleation, the orbital soft-tissue can be dissected off the eye socket, lateral orbital walls, and if necessary, the orbital cone, through a bicoronal incision. The deformity is then easily corrected with implantation of acrylic alloplastic material. Four cases are presented which had varying degrees of the same deformity and were successfully corrected using the operative procedure described. No complications have been encountered. Two patients required eye socket revisions.
Micromechanical Elastoplastic Damage Mechanics for Elliptical Fiber-Reinforced Composites with Progressive Partial Fiber Debonding

By considering progressive interfacial partial debonding, a multi-level elastoplastic damage formulation is proposed to predict the overall transverse behavior of continuous elliptical fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites within the framework of micromechanics and homogenization. Based on the method of equivalent inclusion and taking the evolutionary interfacial debonding angle into consideration, partially debonded isotropic elliptical fibers are replaced by equivalent orthotropic yet perfectly bonded elliptical fibers. Three interfacial damage modes are considered. The Weibull's probabilistic function is employed to describe the varying probability of progressive partial fiber debonding. The effective elastic moduli of four-phase composites, consisting of a ductile matrix and randomly located yet unidirectionally aligned elliptical fibers are derived via a micromechanical formulation. Further, the explicit exact exterior- point Eshelby's tensor for an elliptical fiber is presented to investigate its effects upon inelastic responses of composites due to the cross-sectional shapes of fibers. In order to characterize the overall transverse elastoplastic damage behavior, an effective yield function is derived based on the ensemble-area averaging and the first-order effects of eigenstrains upon the overall yielding. Finally, comparisons between the present predictions and experimental data, and biaxial simulations are performed to illustrate the potential of the proposed framework.
Growth of delamination cracks due to bending in a [905/05/905] laminate

Abstract A study of the growth of delamination due to bending in a [905/05/905] graphite/epoxy laminate is presented. A plane strain finite element analysis is used to determine the strain energy release rate during delamination in a three-point-bend specimen. A closed form expression for energy release rate is obtained from classical lamination theory and Timoshenko beam theory and is compared with the finite element analysis result. These results combined with the experimentally determined critical load, Pcrit, are used to calculate the critical strain energy release rate, GC. The critical energy release rate is also determined experimentally by the compliance method.
Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis: pathogenesis and prevention

suggest that inflammatory mediators, specially platelet activating factor, participate in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis, there is not enough data in humans in order to determine if 'heir appearence is a cause or on effect of the disease process. Further investigation is Deeded to get a better understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease from which new methods of preventioand management may emerge.
Range charts and no-space graphs

Abstract No-space graphs present one solution to the familiar problem: given data on the occurrence of fossil taxa in separate, well-sampled sections, determine a range chart; that is, a reasonable working hypothesis of the total range in the area in question of each taxon studied. The solution presented here treats only the relative sequence of biostratigraphic events (first and last occurrences of taxa) and does not attempt to determine an amount of spacing between events. Relative to a hypothesized sequence, observed events in any section may be in-place or out-of-place. Out-of-place events may indicate (1) the event in question reflects a taxon that did not fill its entire range (unfilled-range event), or (2) the event in question indicates a need for the revision of the hypothesized sequence. A graph of relative position only (no-space graph) can be used to facilitate the recognition of in-place and out-of-place events by presenting a visual comparison of the observations from each section with the hypothesized sequence. The geometry of the graph as constructed here is such that in-place events will lie along a line series and out-of-place events will lie above or below it. First-occurrence events below the line series and last-occurrence events above the line series indicate unfilled ranges. First-occurrence events above the line series and last-occurrence events below the line series indicate a need for the revision of the hypothesis. Knowing this, the stratigrapher considers alternative positionings of the line series as alternative range hypotheses and seeks the line series that best fits his geologic and paleontologic judgment. No-space graphs are used to revise an initial hypothesis until a final hypothesis is reached. In this final hypothesis every event is found in-place in at least one section, and all events in all sections may be interpreted to represent in-place events or unfilled-range events. No event may indicate a need for further range revision. The application of the no-space graph method requires the assumption of lack of reworking and the assumption that taxa that are present in a single horizon indicate taxa whose ranges overlap. When applied to hypothetical and actual data, the no-space graph technique produces geologically reasonable range charts that compare favorably with results produced by other methods.
Presteady-state analysis of a single catalytic turnover by Escherichia coli uracil-DNA glycosylase reveals a "pinch-pull-push" mechanism.

Abstract Uracil-DNA glycosylase catalyzes the excision of uracils from DNA via a mechanism where the uracil is extrahelically flipped out of the DNA helix into the enzyme active site. A conserved leucine is inserted into the DNA duplex space vacated by the uracil leading to the paradigmatic “push-pull” mechanism of nucleotide flipping. However, the order of these two steps during catalysis has not been conclusively established. We report a complete kinetic analysis of a single catalytic turnover using a hydrolyzable duplex oligodeoxyribonucleotide substrate containing a uracil:2-aminopurine base pair. Rapid chemical-quenched-flow methods defined the kinetics of excision at the active site during catalysis. Stopped-flow fluorometry monitoring the 2-aminopurine fluorescence defined the kinetics of uracil flipping. Parallel experiments detecting the protein fluorescence showed a slower Leu191 insertion step occurring after nucleotide flipping but before excision. The inserted Leu191 acts as a doorstop to prevent the return of the flipped-out uracil residue, thereby facilitating the capture of the uracil in the active site and does not play a direct role in “pushing” the uracil out of the DNA helix. The results define for the first time the proper sequence of events during a catalytic cycle and establish a “pull-push”, as opposed to a “push-pull”, mechanism for nucleotide flipping.
Characterizing the near-earth object hazard and its mitigation

Abstract Within observational constraints and analytic orbit determinations, potential NEO hazards and mitigations are characterized in terms of orbit displacements to establish (arbitrary) “safe” closest approach distances and corresponding energies that must be externally applied to achieve appropriate orbit displacements from the Earth. Required orbital velocity changes depend on projected closest Earth approach distances and time to (near) impact. Energy to achieve orbital displacement depends on NEO mass, required orbital velocity change, and the energy–momentum coupling coefficient. Errors in these parameters introduce uncertainties into hazard index and mitigation procedures. Hazard avoidance levels and mitigation indices for nine near-Earth asteroids, including 1997 XF 11 and 1999 AN 10 , with non-zero Earth-impact probabilities are computed as examples of the proposed methodology, generating insight into the dilemma of predicting near impacts. This zeroth order approximation should not be construed as solving an orbital mechanics problem, nor establishing a particular set of criteria for mitigation action, but rather as a “survival index”.
Technological complexity and economic growth

Abstract Over the last fifty years there have been large secular increases in educational attainment and R&D intensity. The fact that these trends have not stimulated more rapid income growth has been a persistent puzzle for growth theorists. We construct a model of endogenous economic growth in which income growth, R&D intensity, and educational attainment depend on the complexity of new technologies. An increase in complexity that makes passive learning more difficult induces increases in R&D and education, alongside a decline in income growth. Our explanation also predicts a concurrent rise in the skill premium.
Image-based intracavitary brachytherapy in the treatment of inoperable uterine cancer: individual dose specification at specific anatomical sites.

Abstract Purpose With advances in imaging studies, dose specification for uterine cancer can be defined at specific anatomical sites such as the myometrium or the serosal surface rather than at arbitrary points or milligram-hours. This report presents our experience with image-based brachytherapy for inoperable uterine cancer. Methods and materials Eight patients with organ-confined uterine cancer (2 Stage I GI, 3 Stage I G2, 3 Stage I G3) underwent definitive radiation therapy because of poor medical condition. All the patients underwent a CT or MRI scan of the pelvis before intracavitary application. Based on the size of the uterine cavity, a single-channel intrauterine applicator was selected for a small uterus, and a multiple-channel intrauterine applicator was used for a large uterus. A CT ( n =5) or MRI ( n =3) scan of the pelvis was performed with the applicator in place in addition to orthogonal pelvic films. Individualized dose specification was 75 Gy to the midmyometrium and limited to 50 Gy to the serosal surface of the uterus based on imaging information. Results Four patients with Stage I G1–2 disease had intracavitary brachytherapy alone. Four patients with Stage I G2–3 disease were treated with a combination of external pelvic radiation and intracavitary brachytherapy. Six patients had low-dose-rate brachytherapy, and 2 patients had high-dose-rate brachytherapy. Five patients had single-channel intrauterine brachytherapy, and 3 patients had multiple-channel brachytherapy. Based on the measurements of the uterine wall thickness by the imaging studies, the dose specification was prescribed to 1.5 cm lateral to the central axis of the uterus in 4 patients, 2.0 cm in 3 patients, and 2.5 cm in 1 patient. The medium followup time after radiation treatment was 38 months. Six patients are alive without evidence of disease, and 2 patients died of other causes. All patients had local control without major side effects. Conclusions Image-based brachytherapy based on individualized dose specification at specific anatomical sites can be done easily and provides excellent local control for inoperable uterine cancer.
A photoelectric shock scrambler

A shock scrambler using photoelectric conductors which operate relays is described. The scrambler has advantages of low cost and reliable operation.
Discussion of “Analysts’ industry expertise”

Abstract Kadan et al. (this issue) examine whether financial analysts exhibit industry expertise. It is not obvious from the title, but the study actually examines two different types of analysts: firm-specific analysts that have been examined extensively in prior research, and the rarer industry analysts who provide outlooks on whole industries. This study is the first to examine a large sample of explicit industry recommendations, and provides a fresh insight into an important aspect of financial research—industry expertise. In this discussion, I assess the motivation, contribution and empirical procedures within the context of capital markets research on sell-side analysts
ABIOTIC SYNTHESIS OF AMINO GROUPS.

Abstract An attempt was made to synthesize amino groups under nonreducing conditions from nitrogen. An aqueous solution of acetic acid was electrically sparked and yielded amino acid-like substances. The sparking of a solution of glycerol gave a product containing reducing amino compounds, some of which had the α-amino-aldehyde grouping. In both cases, molecular nitrogen extracted from the gaseous phase appeared to be the source from which amino nitrogen resulted.
Onset of surface-tension-driven Benard convection

An experimental investigation of the onset of convection in shallow fluid layers heated uniformly from below and cooled from above by an air layer has been made. If the depth of the silicone layer is smaller than 2 mm the onset of convection takes place in two stages. There is first a weak pattern, which is characterized by its appearance at ever smaller temperature gradients as the depth of the fluid is decreased. When the temperature difference across the fluid is increased a second strong pattern forms near the predicted critical Marangoni number. The cells in this pattern are hexagonal and seem to be what one has always referred to as Benard cells. The temperature gradient at which this pattern appears increases with decreased depth. The heat transfer through the fluid has been measured. The critical temperature gradient for the formation of the hexagonal pattern has been determined from the break of the heat transfer curve.
Conclusions and data analysis: a 6-year study of Raman spectroscopy of solid tumors at a major pediatric institute

Create a Raman spectroscopic database with potential to diagnose cancer and investigate two different diagnostic methodologies. Raman spectroscopy measures the energy of photons scattered inelastically by molecules. These molecular signatures form the basis of identifying complex biomolecules and can be used to differentiate normal from neoplastic tissue. 1,352 spectra from 55 specimens were collected from fresh or frozen normal brain, kidney and adrenal gland and their malignancies. Spectra were obtained utilizing a Renishaw Raman microscope (RM1000) at 785 nm excitation wavelength with an exposure time of 10 to 20 s/spectrum over three accumulations. Spectra were preprocessed and discriminant function analysis was used to classify spectra based on pathological gold standard. The results of leave 25 % out training/testing validation were as follows: 94.3 % accuracy for training and 91.5 % for testing adrenal, 95.1 % accuracy for training and 88.9 % for testing group of brain, and 100 % accuracy for kidney training/testing groups when tissue origin was assumed. A generalized database not assuming tissue origin provided 88 % training and 85.5 % testing accuracy. A database can be made from Raman spectra to classify and grade normal from cancerous tissue. This database has the potential for real time diagnosis of fresh tissue and can potentially be applied to the operating room in vivo.
Cholecystokinin Mediates Progression and Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer Associated with Dietary Fat

Background Obesity and dietary fat are associated with increased risk of several malignancies including pancreatic cancer. The incidence of pancreatic cancer is increased in countries that consume diets high in fat.
Delayed complete heart block complicating percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

reducing ventricular distension. During regional ischemia in animal models, the Hemopump increases collateral perfusion within the risk region.6 Thus the Hemopump may be especially useful during transient ischemic episodes complicating high-risk coronary angioplasty. Although the Hemopump has a large 21F profile seated across the aortic valve, it did not interfere with routine coronary angiography or angioplasty. The Hemopump produces little hemolysis or aortic valve trauma, and thus may be useful for long-term support.6 Nevertheless, the size of the device and the requirement for placement via surgical arteriotomy of the femoral artery limit the speed of insertion. Furthermore, placement of the distal catheter in the left ventricular cavity can mechanically induce ventricular arrhythmias or dislodge mural thrombus. These preliminary findings suggest that circulatory assistance using the Nimbus Hemopump may be useful in high-risk patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. The long-term effect of this device on survival in patients with cardiogenic shock is currently under study.
The synthesis of alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl and isocyanato complexes, fac-M(CO)3(P-P)Z [M = Mn, Re; P-P = dppe, dppp; Z = C(O)OMe, C(O)OEt, C(O)NHPrn, NCO]. The single crystal structures of fac-Mn(CO)3(dppp)C(O)OEt and fac-Mn(CO)3(dppe)NCO

Abstract The title compounds were prepared by the reaction of the cationic complex [M(CO) 4 (P-P)] + [BF 4 ] − with the appropriate nucleophiles leading to fac -M(CO) 3 (P-P)Z [M = Mn, Re; P-P = dppe, dppp; Z = C(O)OMe, C(O)OEt, C(O)NHPr n , NCO] complexes. The X-ray structures of fac -Mn(CO) 3 (dppp)C(O)OEt and fac -Mn(CO) 3 (dppe)NCO are also reported.
DEVELOPMENT AND HOMOLOGIES OF HEAD STRIPES IN THE DELPHINOID CETACEANS

Ontogeny and variation of head stripes were investigated in Stenella attenuata, S. longirostris, and Delphinus delphis. The eye stripe and the blowhole stripe together comprise the bridle. The Anlage of the bridle is a line extending across the back of the head in small fetuses. As the blowhole moves posteriorly and the rostrum lengthens, an inflection point develops in the line above the eye. This point moves forward, creating a progressively greater triangular area between the incipient eye and blowhole stripes. Well before birth, the inflection point is close to the apex of the melon, and the eye and blowhole stripes are narrow and well defined. This process proceeds to varying degrees in the other delphinoids. For example, in Peponocephala electra and in Cephalorhynchus spp., the inflection point migrates only part of the way to the apex of the melon, and the resulting “blowhole stripe” remains a broad caplike feature, resembling the state of development in small fetuses of Stenella and Delphinus. A simple eye spot without a stripe may be primitive, as it occurs in non-delphinoid cetaceans. Presence of the bridle only in the delphinids and phocoenids may unite them in a clade exclusive of the monodontids.
Comparison of two selection techniques used in augmentative and alternative communication

An alternating treatments design was implemented to compare two selection techniques used in augmentative and alternative communication systems: scanning and direct selection. Specifically, use of inverse circular scanning and direct selection (using a head-mounted optical pointer) by a child with severe physical limitations was compared across response accuracy, acquisition rate, and response time. Results indicated that direct selection was more effectively used by the child across all three dimensions, even though preassessment information predicted that scanning should be a more appropriate technique. Off-task and attentional fatigue issues seemed to play a role in determination of the most appropriate match between selection technique demands and child skills and limitations.
Form, function, and evolution of the distal phalanx.

This study illustrates, with the use of laboratory material, personal observations, and available paleoanthropologic material, the evolutionary changes in the distal phalanx, division of the pulp into a proximal and distal region, and the uniqueness of passive hyperextension of the distal phalanx in modern man.
Proteomic Analysis of Schistosoma mansoni Egg Secretions

Schistosomiasis remains a largely neglected, global health problem. The morbid pathology of the disease stems from the host's inflammatory response to parasite eggs trapped in host tissues. Long term host/parasite survival is dependent upon the successful modulation of the acute pathological response, which is induced by egg antigens. In this study, using Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology, we identified the Schistosoma mansoni egg secretome consisting of 188 proteins. Notably we identified proteins involved in redox balance, molecular chaperoning and protein folding, development and signaling, scavenging and metabolic pathways, immune response modulation, and 32 novel, previously uncharacterized schistosome proteins. We localized a subset of previously characterized schistosome proteins identified in egg secretions in this study, to the surface of live S. mansoni eggs using the circumoval precipitin reaction. The identification of proteins actively secreted by live schistosome eggs provides important new information for understanding immune modulation and the pathology of schistosomiasis.
Green Fallow for the Central Great Plains

Use of fallow to store soil water is a common practice in semiarid regions. In the central Great Plains, the most common dryland cropping system is winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow. Stubble mulching involving tillage is the predominant weed-control practice during the 14-mo fallow period. As a result of tillage, soil organic matter content has declined 40 to 70% since the early 1900s. This decline has called for development of cropping practices that control soil erosion and increase soil organic matter. Green fallow is the practice of growing a legume during the time period not devoted to crop production. Water is a major limiting factor for crop production in the central Plains, and water use by the legume could reduce grain yields. Field studies were conducted near Tribune, KS, from 1990 to 1994 to evaluate green fallow in the central Great Plains. The objectives were to (i) evaluate the production potential of several dryland forage legumes, (ii) quantify the water use of dryland legumes as a function of growth period, and (iii) measure the effects of legume growth on grain yield of subsequent crops. Of 11 legume species evaluated, hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) and yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis Lam.) were the most promising in terms of biomass production and weed control. Hairy vetch was planted in a green fallow system and allowed to grow for selected periods of time. In all cases, green fallow depleted soil water and reduced grain yield of suhsequent crops. Allowing hairy vetch growth throughout the fallow period reduced soil water by up to 178 mm and reduced grain yield by 42 to 83%. For every millimeter of soil water depletion by vetch, grain yields decreased by 15 kg ha -1 . Although green fallow is too detrimental to suhsequent crop yields to be recommended in the central Great Plains, dry land legumes may have potential as forage crops.
A Mobile Database Design Methodology for Mobile Software Solutions

Mobile devices used in e-commerce or m-commerce have been in existence for a few years now, however in the last couple of years they have started playing a significant role in our life as the technologies in the Internet advance. A number of mobile applications and services are already in the market and more are expected to become available in the future. As more demand is placed on mobile devices, it will become critical to properly manage the limited storage, display, and processing power of mobile devices. The purpose of this paper is to develop a viable mobile database design methodology for designing appropriate databases for m-commerce oriented systems involving mobile business applications and services.
The BiSciCol Triplifier: bringing biodiversity data to the Semantic Web

Recent years have brought great progress in efforts to digitize the world’s biodiversity data, but integrating data from many different providers, and across research domains, remains challenging. Semantic Web technologies have been widely recognized by biodiversity scientists for their potential to help solve this problem, yet these technologies have so far seen little use for biodiversity data. Such slow uptake has been due, in part, to the relative complexity of Semantic Web technologies along with a lack of domain-specific software tools to help non-experts publish their data to the Semantic Web. The BiSciCol Triplifier is new software that greatly simplifies the process of converting biodiversity data in standard, tabular formats, such as Darwin Core-Archives, into Semantic Web-ready Resource Description Framework (RDF) representations. The Triplifier uses a vocabulary based on the popular Darwin Core standard, includes both Web-based and command-line interfaces, and is fully open-source software. Unlike most other RDF conversion tools, the Triplifier does not require detailed familiarity with core Semantic Web technologies, and it is tailored to a widely popular biodiversity data format and vocabulary standard. As a result, the Triplifier can often fully automate the conversion of biodiversity data to RDF, thereby making the Semantic Web much more accessible to biodiversity scientists who might otherwise have relatively little knowledge of Semantic Web technologies. Easy availability of biodiversity data as RDF will allow researchers to combine data from disparate sources and analyze them with powerful linked data querying tools. However, before software like the Triplifier, and Semantic Web technologies in general, can reach their full potential for biodiversity science, the biodiversity informatics community must address several critical challenges, such as the widespread failure to use robust, globally unique identifiers for biodiversity data.
Increasing access to opioid agonist treatment in U.S. treatment shortage areas

nor were there any significant interactions between ibudilast and MA. Reported adverse events were similar during ibudilastand placebo-treatment, and were typical adverse events observed during MA studies. Expected stimulant cardiovascular effects (increased heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure) were associated with MA administration, with the higher MA dose associated with greater increases in all 3 cardiovascular measures. Conclusions: Ibudilast treatment was well-tolerated with MA administration. Cardiovascular effects of MAwere not significantly altered with ibudilast treatment. This initial phase I study supports the safety and tolerability of ibudilast for treatment of MA dependence and provides evidence to further study the efficacy of ibudilast. Financial support: NIDA R01DA029804.
Comments on the paper by Pier Angelo Toninelli

Energy intensity, that is the ratio between energy and gross domestic product (GDP) (E/Y), is an important concept in research on the energy–economy relationship. Almost unknown, however, is the tw...
Mathematics Instruction and the Tablet PC.

The use of tablet PCs in teaching is a relatively new phenomenon. A cross between a notebook computer and a personal digital assistant (PDA), the tablet PC has all of the features of a notebook with the additional capability that the screen can also be used for input. Tablet PCs are usually equipped with a stylus that allows the user to write on the screen. Handwriting recognition software converts this input into text for use with software such as internet browsers and email programs. As an educational tool, two of the most important features of the tablet PC are annotation and wireless communication. The annotation feature allows the user to write on almost any document much as one would annotate a printout of the same document. The wireless communication feature allows tablet PCs to share information with one another. The advantages of these features and their impact on the Murray State University (MSU) classroom will be discussed in the evaluation section.
Molecular diagnosis of putative Stargardt disease probands by exome sequencing

Background: The commonest genetic form of juvenile or early adult onset macular degeneration is Stargardt Disease (STGD) caused by recessive mutations in the gene ABCA4. However, high phenotypic and allelic heterogeneity and a small but non-trivial amount of locus heterogeneity currently impede conclusive molecular diagnosis in a significant proportion of cases. Methods: We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) of nine putative Stargardt Disease probands and searched for potentially disease-causing genetic variants in previously identified retinal or macular dystrophy genes. Follow-up dideoxy sequencing was performed for confirmation and to screen for mutations in an additional set of affected individuals lacking a definitive molecular diagnosis. Results: Whole exome sequencing revealed seven likely disease-causing variants across four genes, providing a confident genetic diagnosis in six previously uncharacterized participants. We identified four previously missed mutations in ABCA4 across three individuals. Likely disease-causing mutations in RDS/PRPH2, ELOVL, and CRB1 were also identified. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the enormous potential of whole exome sequencing in Stargardt Disease molecular diagnosis and research. WES adequately assayed all coding sequences and canonical splice sites of ABCA4 in this study. Additionally, WES enables the identification of disease-related alleles in other genes. This work highlights the importance of collecting parental genetic material for WES testing as the current knowledge of human genome variation limits the determination of causality between identified variants and disease. While larger sample sizes are required to establish the precision and accuracy of this type of testing, this study supports WES for inherited early onset macular degeneration disorders as an alternative to standard mutation screening techniques.
Interspecific scaling of toxicity data.

This paper reexamines the scaling approaches used in cancer risk assessment and proposes a more precise body weight scaling factor. Two approaches are conventionally used in scaling exposure and dose from experimental animals to man: body weight scaling (used by FDA) and surface area scaling (BW/sup 0.67/ - used by EPA). This paper reanalyzes the Freireich et al. (1966) study of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of 14 anticancer agents in mice, rats, dogs, monkeys, and humans, the dataset most commonly cited as justification for surface area extrapolation. This examination was augmented with an analysis of a similar dataset by Schein et al. (1970) of the MTD of 13 additional chemotherapy agents. The reanalysis shows that BW/sup 0.75/ is a more appropriate scaling factor for the 27 direct-acting compounds in this dataset.
THE NATURE OF EMBODIMENT: RELIGION AND SCIENCE IN DIALOGUE

. What is embodiment? And how does this notion apply not only to science qua science but also to the conversation between religion and science? I offer a descriptive analysis of an embodied conversation between religion, science, ethics, and technology. The domain of embodiment is one in which the participants practice humility in the face of others, become aware of their own limitations and finitude, bear witness to the other's finiteness and limitations, take account of the sociocultural atmosphere, and acknowledge the ethical weight of the conversation for all involved. I offer examples of how this tangled knot of emergent practices is put into play, examples that expand upon some notions of what conversations between religion and science should be like.
A note on a comparison of confidence interval techniques in truncated life tests

Several approximate procedures are available in the literature for obtaining confidence intervals for the parameter A of an exponential distribution based on time truncated samples. This paper contains the results of an empirical study comparing three of these procedures.
Approximate privacy-preserving data mining on vertically partitioned data

In today's ever-increasingly digital world, the concept of data privacy has become more and more important. Researchers have developed many privacy-preserving technologies, particularly in the area of data mining and data sharing. These technologies can compute exact data mining models from private data without revealing private data, but are generally slow. We therefore present a framework for implementing efficient privacy-preserving secure approximations of data mining tasks. In particular, we implement two sketching protocols for the scalar (dot) product of two vectors which can be used as sub-protocols in larger data mining tasks. These protocols can lead to approximations which have high accuracy, low data leakage, and one to two orders of magnitude improvement in efficiency. We show these accuracy and efficiency results through extensive experimentation. We also analyze the security properties of these approximations under a security definition which, in contrast to previous definitions, allows for very efficient approximation protocols.
SOURCE PARAMETERS OF THE 1957 ALEUTIAN EARTHQUAKE FROM TSUNAMI WAVEFORMS

We studied the source parameters of the 1957 Aleutian earthquake using tsunami waveform data recorded on tide gauges around the Pacific Ocean. Using a finite-difference computation, this tsunami can be numerically simulated. The tsunami records were inverted for the slip distribution on the rupture area. Results show that slip was concentrated in the western half of the aftershock zone with a maximum displacement of 7m. The moment computed from the slip distribution is 88×1020 Nm, giving the 1957 earthquake a moment magnitude of Mw=8.6. The waveform inversion confirms that no slip occurred in the Unalaska Island area, making this area a possible seismic gap with a potential to rupture in a great earthquake and generate a Pacific-wide tsunami.
Surface albedo following biochar application in durum wheat

The agronomic use of charcoal from biomass pyrolysis (biochar) represents an interesting option for increasing soil fertility and sequestering atmospheric CO2. However, before moving toward large-scale biochar applications, additional research must evaluate all possible land‐atmosphere feedbacks. Despite the increasing number of studies investigating the effect of biochar on soil physical, chemical and biological properties, only a few have been done on surface albedo variations on agricultural lands. The present work had the aim of characterizing the annual albedo cycle for a durum wheat crop in Central Italy, by means of a spectroradiometer measurement campaign. Plots treated with biochar, at a rate of 30‐60 t ha 1 , showed a surface albedo decrease of up to 80% (after the application) with respect to the control in bare soil conditions, while this difference tended to decrease during the crop growing season, because of the prevailing effect of canopy development on the radiometer response. After the post-harvesting tillage, the soil treated with biochar again showed a lower surface albedo value (<20‐26% than the control), while the measurements taken in the second year after application suggested a clear decrease of biochar influence on soil color. The modeling of the surface energy balance highlighted changes in the partitioning of heat fluxes and in particular a substantial increase of ground heat fluxes on an annual basis.
Distortion in linearized electrooptic modulators

Intermodulation and harmonic distortion are calculated for a simple fiber-optic link with a representative set of link parameters and a variety of electrooptic modulators: simple Mach-Zehnder, linearized dual and triple Mach-Zehnder, simple directional coupler (two operating points), and linearized directional coupler with one and two dc electrodes. The resulting dynamic ranges, gains, and noise figures are compared for these modulators. A new definition of dynamic range is proposed to accommodate the more complicated variation of intermodulation with input power exhibited by linearized modulators. The effects of noise bandwidth, preamplifier distortion, and errors in modulator operating conditions are described. >
While God Is Marching on: The Religious World of Civil War Soldiers

They read the same Bible and prayed to the same God, but they faced each other in battle with rage in their hearts. The Civil War not only pitted brother against brother but also Christian against Christian, with soldiers from North and South alike devoutly believing that God was on their side.Steven Woodworth, one of our most prominent and provocative Civil War historians, presents the first detailed study of soldiers' religious beliefs and how they influenced the course of that tragic conflict. He shows how Christian teaching and practice shaped the worldview of soldiers on both sides: how it motivated them for the struggle, how it influenced the way they fought, and how it shaped national life after the war ended.Through the diaries, letters, and reminiscences of common soldiers, Woodworth illuminates religious belief from the home front to the battlefield, where thoughts of death and the afterlife were always close at hand. Woodworth reveals what these men thought about God and what they believed God thought about the war.Wrote one Unionist, "I believe our cause to be the cause of liberty and light . . . the cause of God, and holy and justifiable in His sight, and for this reason, I fear not to die in it if need be". With a familiar echo, his Confederate counterpart declared that "our Cause is Just and God is Just and we shall finally be successful whether I live to see the time or not".Woodworth focuses on mainstream Protestant beliefs and practices shared by the majority of combatants in order to help us better understand soldiers' motivations and to realize what a strong role religion played in American life throughout the conflict. In addition, he provides sharpinsights into the relationship between Christianity and both the abolition movement in the North and the institution of slavery in the South.Ultimately, Woodworth shows us how opposing armies could put their trust in the same God while engaging in four years of organized slaughter and destruction. His compelling work provides a rich new perspective on religion in American life and will forever change the way we look at the Civil War.
A new generation of journals is born.

The 21 st century has provided new technical and educational opportunities as well as challenges which have not been approached and exploited sufficiently by traditional scientific journals. Furthermore, case reports are usually "neglected" by traditional journals for a variety of reasons, including limited space in the hardcopy version of the journal issue and priority over original research and review articles. The Journal of Radiology Case Reports is a new generation of journals, which is dedicated to provide open-access, high-quality, peer-reviewed and interactive Radiology case reports.
Breast augmentation using silicone gel–filled implants

The author provides pointers for using silicone gel-filled breast implants. Technical differences between the use of silicone gel-filled and saline implants include the need for a longer incision for insertion of gel implants. The author discusses patient selection, noting the variety of patients for whom gel implants may provide significant benefit including those with implant rippling, minimal breast tissue, minimal ptosis, and breast deformities such as tubular breast. The need for proper size selection considering breast base diameter is emphasized. The author provides his views on smooth versus textured gel implants and the role of hemostasis in avoiding capsular contracture.
Expression of Putative Virulence Factors of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Differs in Bovine and Human Infections

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a commensal organism in cattle, but it is a pathogen in humans. This differential expression of virulence suggests that specific virulence factors are regulated differently in human and bovine hosts. To test this hypothesis, relative real-time reverse transcription-PCR was used to relate the expression of several putative virulence genes (eae, espA, stx2, rfbE, ehxA, and iha) to that of the “housekeeping” gene gnd during natural human and experimental bovine infection with E. coli O157:H7. We examined these genes in fecal samples from eight humans and four calves. iha and espA were significantly more expressed in bovine infections. rfbE and ehxA appeared to be more highly expressed in human infections, though these differences did not achieve statistical significance. Our results support the hypothesis that some virulence-associated genes of O157:H7 are differentially expressed in a host-specific manner.
Vaccination of Wildlife: The Role of Recombinant Poxvirus Vaccines

There are two major milestones in the history of vaccinology in the 18th and 19th centuries. The first milestone, the birth of vaccinology, occured in England. On May 14th 1796, Edward Jenner used cowpox virus taken from the wrist of a milkmaid, Sarah Nelmes, to vaccinate James Phipps; six weeks later Jenner inoculated Phipps with smallpox virus taken from a pustule of a patient with the disease. The result of this experiment is known to all associated with vaccines and led to one of the most significant medical achievements of the 20th century; the global eradication of smallpox in 1977. The second milestone occured in France on July 6th 1885 when Louis Pasteur treated Joseph Meister, who had been bitten by a rabid dog three days previously, by vaccinating him with attenuated strains of rabies virus grown in rabbit brain. Joseph Meister survived and the concept of vaccination was firmly established.
Export Entry in Small Companies: Effecs of Timing on Strategy and Performance

New and small companies are increasingly active in exporting, but little is known about relationships between timing of this decision and international strategy. or performance. This exploratory study examines effects of early and late export entry on international strategy and performance in a sample of 134 exporting U S. manufacturers. Results show different patterns of international strategy are associated with early versus late export entry, and that depending on timing of this entry, certain strategies result in improved performance.
Complementing the Curriculum with a Local Economy Center

As an academic discipline, economics has long labored under challenging pedagogic conditions. The challenging conditions are a consequence of the abstract nature of the discipline. Textbooks at both the introductory and intermediate level, of course, attempt to meet this pedagogic challenge by providing interesting personal, institutional, and historical vignettes for students. But, for all their illustrative values, these vignettes fall far short of providing the conditions which pedagogic studies have increasingly highlighted as very important, these being a motivational context for inquiry and learning, an experiential component in the learning process, and a meaningful practice of skills. A local economy research center is an innovative way of providing these motivational, experiential, and practicum conditions for those with an economics major as well as for those whose studies and research are outside of, but rely heavily on, economics. By being involved in a project that is immediately real and relevant, students work in a setting that meets the experiential component by definition. This experiential element contains in itself multiple opportunities for students to mature, and with that take on increased levels of responsibility and ownership with respect to both process and content. As a result of the collaborative and mentoring model which the work of a local economy research center gets done, moreover, individual students come to their assumption of responsibility and ownership in an environment which is both safe and flexible. In this paper, we describe the pedagogical benefits that have been captured at our center over the past five years at the undergraduate level, document our current efforts to make explicit the student learning outcomes, outline future plans to assess the achievement of these outcomes, and highlight how a student’s participation in the activities of the Local Economy Center enriches what they receive in the classroom. What we find is that students, faculty, and the local economy that surrounds a college all benefit from the presence of a local economy research center whose agenda is deliberately tied to the curriculum, where student research is regularly and systematically assessed, and the needs of the community for economic knowledge are documented and satisfied.
Large Strain Viscoelastic Constitutive Models for Rubber, Part II: Determination of Material Constants

Abstract A method for determining material constants in large strain viscoelastic materials was demonstrated for a highly saturated nitrile rubber. Material constant selection was based on viscoelastic stress relaxation data at small and large strains, under both tension and compression, and was constrained to assure Drucker stability. Assuming that the viscoelastic strain energy function was both time and strain separable, a Prony series was constructed for the time dependent material constants. For comparison, four different Prony series were developed from collocation methods and a nonlinear regression analysis, each separately based on either large or small tensile strain relaxation data. In addition, a final Prony series was constructed from dynamic data. These Prony series were included in this comparison to judge their ability to predict both large and small strain material behavior. Finite element analyses of large and small step-strain relaxation tests and a single cycle hysteresis loop at large ...