cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Deep Learning Approach to Hazard Detection for Autonomous Lunar Landing

A deep learning approach is presented to detect safe landing locations using LIDAR scans of the Lunar surface. Semantic Segmentation is used to classify hazardous and safe locations from a LIDAR scan during the landing phase. Digital Elevation Maps from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission are used to generate the training, validation, and testing dataset. The ground truth is generated using geometric techniques by evaluating the surface roughness, slope, and other hazard avoidance specifications. In order to train a robust model, artificially generated training data is augmented to the training dataset. A UNet-like neural network structure learns a lower dimensional representation of LIDAR scan to retain essential information regarding safety of the landing locations. A softmax activation layer at the bottom of the network ensures that the network outputs a probability of a safe landing spot. The network is also trained with a cost function that prioritizes the false safes to achieve a sub 1% false safes value. The results presented show the effectiveness of the technique for hazard detection. Future work on electing one landing spot based on proximity to the intended landing spot and the size of safety region around it is motivated.
Evaluation of the Small Changes, Healthy Habits Pilot Program: Its Influence on Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Behaviors of Adults in Louisiana

The community-based Small Changes, Healthy Habits (SCHH) program was developed to teach skills and techniques to help adults in Louisiana make and maintain small behavioral changes in their food selection, preparation, and consumption, and in physical activity routines. The content of this four-week program included habit formation and goal setting techniques; physical activity guidance; strategies for a healthier home food environment; a grocery store tour focused on label reading for healthier food selections; basic knife and cooking skills. The program was piloted at ten sites throughout the state. A survey with 14 core items was applied before and after the program to evaluate participant acquisition of skills and behaviors associated with topic areas. A total of 47 participants provided complete data sets. Post-program, these participants reported increased confidence in preparing healthy meals at home (p = 0.04); changes in fats (p = 0.03) and salt (p = 0.01) intake; increased frequency of reading nutrition labels (32%); decreased frequency of meals eaten outside the home (Improvement Index = 0.27); and decreased time/day spent sitting (p < 0.05). These short-term results suggest that the SCHH program has potential to positively affect healthy eating and to reduce sedentary behaviors, both of which are fundamental to good health and wellness.
Maternal depression, adverse childhood experiences, and social support in relation to gestational diabetes risk: results from the Albany Infant and Mother Study (AIMS)

Psychosocial factors are of increasing interest as potential influencers in disease development. This study explores associations between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal depression, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and social support, in response to emerging evidence in these areas. An observational, prospective cohort study (AIMS) served as the source of secondary data for this study. Participants included 300 pregnant women aged 18–40 years at an upstate New York prenatal care clinic, who completed a set of self-report questionnaires assessing exposures and stressors both during and prior to their pregnancy. Data were also abstracted from infant and maternal medical records. Logistic regression modeling estimated the odds ratios (ORs) of developing GDM in relation to psychosocial factors. There was a significant association between depression and GDM (OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.15, 7.06), which persisted in the model adjusted for age and BMI (aOR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.25, 8.10). No significant associations were found between ACEs or social support with GDM. Study findings support an association between maternal depression and GDM development. This study underscores the need for additional research on psychosocial factors and connections to health risks.
Effects of Weather on Foraging Success and Hunting Frequency in Winter-Irruptive Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) in Upstate New York

The effects of weather on an individual can often alter the population dynamics of a species. Knowledge of how weather influences individual behavior is therefore essential in understanding its full impact in the context of population ecology. Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) exhibit expensive long-distance migrations in winters following population irruptions. During irruptive movements, many owls migrate past the southernmost extent of their traditional wintering grounds, the mechanism for which is still debated. We propose and test the “milder climate” hypothesis; Snowy Owls wintering in lower latitudes are better able to meet their metabolic demands due to higher temperatures and lower snow cover. During the Snowy Owl irruption of 2014–2015, we examined this hypothesis by assessing the influence of local weather variables on foraging success, frequency of prey capture attempts, and overall activity budgets in a sample of wintering Snowy Owls in New York, USA. We used eBird, an online citizen science resource, to help locate Snowy Owls, which we observed from an automobile. We found that none of the weather variables tested affected foraging success. However, the lack of effect of snow depth on foraging success may suggest that hearing is more important for hunting in Snowy Owls than previously thought. Hunting frequency decreased with increasing temperatures, suggesting Snowy Owls were better able to meet their metabolic demands in higher temperatures. We thus offer support for the milder climate hypothesis; Snowy Owls wintering in lower latitudes may be able to offset the energetic expenses of long-distance movements.
Initial Presentation of Papillary Craniopharyngioma with BRAF Mutation Treated with Adjuvant Chemotherapy (867)

Objective: We present a rare case of BRAFV600E positive papillary craniopharyngioma treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. Background: Craniopharyngiomas are rare solid or mixed solid-cystic suprasellar tumors that arise from Rathke’s pouch. Of the two histological variants, papillary craniopharyngiomas are predominantly seen in adults, and 95% have BRAFV600E mutations. They are slow growing with symptoms of visual impairment, endocrine abnormalities, and headache, often presenting a year before diagnosis. MRI Brain shows a cystic calcified parasellar lesion. Historically, treatment includes two approaches: aggressive surgery for total resection versus conservative subtotal resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. In terms of recurrence, total tumor removal provides favorable results, though if unachievable adjuvant radiotherapy is also beneficial. Radiotherapy can cause endocrine, visual, cognitive abnormalities, and vascular complications such as stroke. This leads to increased long-term mortality from treatment complications rather than tumor recurrence. Targeted chemotherapy with BRAF inhibition has been reported for recurrent tumors, but not for initial treatment of papillary craniopharyngiomas. Design/Methods: Case Report Results: A 44 year old male presents with fatigue, weight gain, polydipsia, polyuria, and undetectable testosterone levels. MRI brain showed a large solid-cystic appearing suprasellar mass with surrounding edema, pressing on the optic chiasm. Neurological and ophthalmologic exams were unremarkable. Patient underwent craniotomy for subtotal resection which revealed a WHO grade I papillary craniopharyngioma with BRAFV600E mutation. The case was discussed at tumor board; the decision was made to defer radiation therapy and proceed with targeted chemotherapy with dabrafenib and trametinib. Subsequent MRI brain showed interval decrease in size of the papillary craniopharyngioma. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the initial occurrence of papillary craniopharyngioma treated with targeted adjuvant chemotherapy, which has only been reported for tumor recurrence. Established treatment of initial tumor onset with radiotherapy also has unfavorable treatment complications. Further research is indicated to establish targeted chemotherapy as an initial treatment option. Disclosure: Dr. Gopal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thakur has nothing to disclose. Dr. Puduvalli has nothing to disclose.
Dissociation-stimulated desorption: a new mechanism for COFe(100)

Abstract We propose a new mechanism for surface systems: dissociation-stimulated desorption . Evidence for this effect is provided by results from a detailed temperature programmed desorption (TPD) study of submonolayer coverages of CO on clean Fe(100). Our theoretical model gives excellent agreement with experiment. The ratio of rate constants for stimulated desorption to dissociation without desorption is extracted. This mechanism may play a role in other adsorption systems, especially at high surface coverages.
National Parks in Crisis Eugenia Horstmann Connally, editor. National Parks and Conservation Association, Washington, D.C., 1982; 220 pp., $14.00

(1983). National Parks in Crisis Eugenia Horstmann Connally, editor. National Parks and Conservation Association, Washington, D.C., 1982; 220 pp., $14.00. Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development: Vol. 25, No. 8, pp. 44-45.
Exploring the Role of Being Out on a Queer Person's Self-Compassion

Recent changes in societal attitudes toward lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities have resulted in more people openly identifying with sexual minority status. Due to research on the effects of denying one's sexual orientation and the negative effects of this, many have advocated for more openness in queer sexual orientation. Compassion means connecting to the suffering of others not by avoiding their pain but instead by identifying it so that the feeling of kindness may emerge. Self-compassion, therefore, involves being touched by and open to one's own suffering, not avoiding or disconnecting from it, generating the desire to alleviate one's suffering and to heal oneself with kindness. The purpose of the research is to understand the impact that being out has on a queer person's self-compassion. The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) is a 26-item, 5-point Likert measure, where a higher score equated to higher self-compassion and looked at how a person showed loving kindness to one's self through the six dimensio...
A compact millimeter-wave comb generator for calibrating broadband vector receivers

We propose a compact and low-cost waveform source that can be used to calibrate the magnitude and phase response of vector receivers over a bandwidth as large as a few gigahertz. The generator consists of a broadband comb generator followed by a filter and amplifier. As a demonstration, we constructed and calibrated a source suitable for calibrating vector signal analyzers operating between 43 GHz and 46.5 GHz. We then used the source to characterize the response of a commercially available vector signal analyzer. We compared the result with calibrations performed with a general-purpose source.
Stress and coping in caregiving partners of men with AIDS.

HIV disease presents profound challenges to primary caregivers including adjusting to the care recipient’s disease progression, having increasing responsibilities for decision making as the disease progresses, responding to unexpected improvement, having to deal with a virtually uncontrollable disease, and managing role conflict and fatigue. Caregivers who are themselves infected with HIV face additional challenges. Caregiving partners of men with AIDS have high levels of dysphoric mood but, at the same time, they report levels of positive morale that are comparable to community norms. Caregivers sustain positive morale by deriving meaning from their caregiving. Health professionals are in a good position to support caregivers and, thereby, help their patients.
Subsolidus Phase Relations in the Ga2O3-In2O3-SnO2 System

Subsolidus phase relationships in the Ga2O3–In2O3–SnO2 system were studied by X-ray diffraction over the temperature range 1250–1400°C. At 1250°C, several phases are stable in the ternary system, including Ga2O3(ss), In2O3(ss), SnO2, Ga3−xIn5+xSn2O16, and several intergrowth phases that can be expressed as Ga4−4xIn4xSnn−4O2n−2 where n is an integer. An In2O3–SnO2 phase and Ga4SnO8 form at 1375°C but are not stable at 1250°C. GaInO3 did not form over the temperature range 1000–1400°C.
Ultra-high energy γ rays and cosmic rays from accreting degenerate stars

Ultra-high energy (UHE) γ-ray emission, with photon energies up to 2×1016 eV, has been detected1,2 from the galactic X-ray source Cygnus X-3 (Cyg X-3), implying the acceleration of charged particles there to even greater energies. We present here a model for acceleration of particles to such energies in binary-star systems containing accreting magnetized neutron stars, which, if correct, implies that many of the known pulsating X-ray sources and magnetized cataclysmic variables should also emit UHE γ rays.
Thinking style and socio-economic status.

Reflectiveness as assessed by the Conceptual Styles Test was not related to cultural deprivation or to impulsive behavior.
Accounting for radiotelemetry signal flux in triangulation point estimation

Triangulation by radiotelemetry is a method commonly used to estimate locations of wildlife. Despite the importance of the accuracy of resulting location estimates, there has been little development and comparison of alternative methods for point-location estimation for 25 years. Most methods assume that signal transmissions as they are received are consistent, but signal heterogeneity and fluxing is common. Using data from a beacon study, we determined that a subjective ranking of confidence in the accuracy of a signal was correlated with absolute bearing error. Using this factor and the distance from a telemetry station to the error triangle incenter, we developed an algorithm to place a weighted point-location estimate in relative proximity to each error triangle leg. We have termed this the weighted-incenter method. Despite previous findings that the major confidence ellipse axis of Lenth’s maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) correlated best to linear distance error, our beacon test data indicated that total bearing angle difference was the best single predictor of linear error with an optimal total angle of about 100°. The new and intuitive weighted-incenter method offered some improvement over previous methods such as the MLE estimator, but only with suboptimal angle bearings that may be common in field studies. By using a MATLAB function to produce data for site-specific regression analyses, one can determine which method should produce the more accurate point-location estimate for each triangulation observation. Further significance of this study for field biologists is discussed.
Tethering of mobile router networks

In this paper we develop a framework based on disjunctive programming for motion planning of mobile routers. Although the methodology presented in this paper can be applied to general motion planning problems we focus on coordinating a team of mobile routers to maintain connectivity between a fixed base station and a mobile user within a walled environment. This connectivity management problem is decomposed into three phases: (i) computing a feasible line-of- sight path between the base station and the mobile user; (ii) determining the number of required routers and their goal locations; and (iii) solving the motion planning with obstacle and inter-vehicle collision avoidance problem. The optimization problems are solved using CPLEX. Simulation results show the applicability of the proposed strategy.
Some three component water-dimethyl sulfoxide-salt phase diagrams

Abstract Phase diagrams for the three component systems water-DMSO-NaCl, water-DMSO-KCl and water-DMSO-CaCl2 were determined at 37°C. Only in the calcium chloride system did a compound precipitate. This compound was shown to be CaCl2·3H2O·3DMSO.
When does cigarette fading increase the likelihood of future cessation

Objective: To determine which smokers report cigarette fading, how much they fade, when fading leads to quitting, and, if not, whether it can be maintained. Methods: Subjects were 1,682 adult smokers interviewed by telephone in 1990 and 1992 as part of the California Tobacco Survey. Data from three timepoints in the same subjects were compared. At Time 1 (one year before the baseline survey), all respondents were daily smokers who recalled their average daily cigarette consumption retrospectively at baseline. At Time 2 (baseline survey), all respondents were current smokers who provided concurrent data on their average daily cigarette consumption. At Time 3 (follow-up), smoking status and current cigarette consumption among nonabstinent respondents were assessed. Results: Nearly 18% of smokers reduced consumption between Times 1 and 2. The mean reduction was 13 cigarettes per day. Only moderate to heavy smokers who reduced consumption to below 15 cigarettes per day were more likely to be in cessation at Time 3 (24.9% versus 5.8%, respectively). The cessation rate for moderate to heavy smokers that became light smokers by baseline was similar to that for smokers who were already light smokers 1 year before baseline. Continuing smokers who reduced consumption between Times 1 and 2 maintained a mean reduction of 11.4 cigarettes per day. Conclusions: Cigarette fading increases cessation among moderate to heavy smokers who become light smokers.
Single-crystal CdTe solar cells with Voc greater than 900 mV

We fabricated single-crystal CdTe photovoltaic devices in a heterojunction structure with an In-doped CdS window layer and ZnO/Al-doped ZnO front contact. By replacing the polycrystalline absorber layer of a CdTe solar cell with a single crystal, we were able to achieve open-circuit voltage (Voc) as high as 929 mV. Simulations and measurements indicate that increased minority-carrier lifetime and carrier concentration can explain this high Voc. Cu and Na both introduce transient effects in single-crystal CdTe similar to those observed in polycrystalline CdTe, suggesting that Group I dopants pose stability problems that are linked fundamentally to their defect chemistry in CdTe, regardless of the presence of grain boundaries.
Synaptogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus: Effects of in utero ethanol exposure

Abstract In animal models of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, ethanol causes a number of changes in brain development, with many of these changes being very transient. This is especially true for the process of synaptogenesis in different brain areas. Our quantitative electron microscopic study of Synaptogenesis in the molecular layer of the rat dentate gyrus supports the above statement, by demonstrating that ethanol has no effect on the appearance of synapses in the dentate gyrus during early postnatal life (10–30 days old). However, prenatal ethanol exposure does appear to affect the process of synapse turnover, which is indicated by the significantly delayed appearance of complex (curved) synapses and multiple synaptic contacts on single axonal terminals. Efficient synapse turnover is thought to be required for the normal maintenance of neuronal plasticity, which in turn ensures an animal's ability to respond to novel environments, tasks and injuries. It would seem that the prenatal neurotoxicology of ethanol may manifest itself by more subtle mechanisms at sites of structural and functional importance.
Alterations in physical parameters and proteins of lens from Rana catesbeiana during development.

Abstract Lens proteins and lens gross morphology were examined during tadpole and adult development of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana . Significant increases in the lens physical parameters of diameter, wet weight, dry weight (94–97% protein), and percent water were observed to accompany both natural and thyroxine-induced metamorphosis. These increases in lens parameters were not accompanied by growth of tadpoles during metamorphic change. Lens proteins were isolated from whole lenses and also from specified layers within whole lenses by a new fractionation method. Electrophoretic examination of whole lenses showed that the lens proteins did not change rapidly, one for another, prior to or during metamorphosis. However, changes became apparent during post metamorphic development. These changes included an increase in the relative concentration and mobility of alpha crystallin, a decrease in the relative concentration of gamma crystallin and an increase in the relative concentration of beta crystallin. Examination of specified layers within tadpole and frog lenses demonstrated that changes in the patterns of lens protein synthesis and modification may occur during development. Rapid and reproducible methods for quantitating changes in lens gross morphology and lens proteins, and for fractionating both tadpole and frog lenses into a number of definable layers were devised in the course of this study.
Biodegradable polymers: Chymotrypsin degradation of a low molecular weight poly(ester‐urea) containing phenylalanine

A low molecular weight poly(ester urea), poly(L-phenylalanine/ethylene glycol/1,6-diisocyanatohexane), and a model diester diurea, dimethyldiphenylalaninehexamethylenediruea, were synthesized and found to be hydrolyzed by α-chymotrypsin solutions at pH 7.8. After ten-day exposure to 0.1 mg/ml enzyme solution at room temperature, 79.9% weight loss was observed for the model diester diurea (containing two ester linkages per molecule). A weight loss of 19.4% was observed for the poly(ester urea) of Mn 1930 (containing an average of eight ester linkages per molecule) after the same period of exposure. A poly(ester urea) of similar molecular weight, but derived from glycine instead of phenylalanine, was found to resist chymotrypsin hydrolysis.
Blood lead—Tooth lead relationship among Boston children

The amount of lead in deciduous teeth has been used extensively as a marker for infant lead exposure and body burden. Elevated tooth lead levels have been seen in children who had lead poisoning. Also, on a population wide basis tooth lead levels appear to vary according to housing status and presumably lead exposure. This exposure index has been applied using varying techniques in Denmark, and the United Kingdom. Because of the neurotoxicity of lead, the tooth lead levels of retarded and normal children have been compared. Most recently, in research of lead and child development, tooth lead levels have been used as markers of past lead exposure. Despite the widespread use of tooth lead values, very little is known about the exact time course of lead deposition in tooth from blood. This report compares blood lead levels at different ages to tooth lead levels in a group of Boston children.
Incorporation of Western components with Russian drilling operations, case history of Ardalin field operations, Timan Pechora Basin

Polar Lights Co. (PLC) is a 50/50 joint venture (JV) formed by Conoco and Arkhangelskgeologia (AG), a Russian geophysical association, to exploit reserves in the Timan Pechora Basin. Ardalin was the first field to be developed under this JV. Three Uralmash 3-D-86 rigs supplemented with western components, materials, and services were used to successfully accomplish the development drilling. This paper identifies the major Russian and western rig equipment merged on the rig and the Russian and western materials and services used during the drilling operations.
High-power potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP/532) laser vaporization prostatectomy: 24 hours later

Abstract Objectives. To study the feasibility and immediate postoperative outcome of vaporization prostatectomy by high-power potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP/532) laser in 10 men with bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and to evaluate their clinical and voiding outcome 24 hours postoperatively. Methods. The KTP/532 laser at 60 W was produced by a prototype Laserscope generator and delivered through a side-deflecting fiber with a 22F continuous-flow cystoscope. Sterile water was used for irrigation. The prostatic lobes were readily vaporized to within capsular fibers. The mean lasing time was 29 ± 8 minutes, during which a mean of 104.6 ± 30 kJ of energy was delivered. Results. The prostate volumes ranged from 22 to 60 mL (mean 38.4 ± 9.7). None of the 10 patients had any significant blood loss or any fluid absorption. Foley catheters were removed in less than 24 hours postoperatively. All patients were satisfied with their voiding outcome. The mean peak urine flow rate increased from 8 ± 1.3 mL/s preoperatively to 19.4 ± 8.4 mL/s (142%, P = 0.003266) 24 hours postoperatively. Postvoid residual volumes remained essentially unchanged from their preoperative levels, as expected ( P = 0.767423). One patient had urgency, but none had dysuria, hematuria, or incontinence or required recatheterization. Three patients have returned for 3-month follow-up; all 3 patients have had excellent results and are very satisfied with the outcome. Conclusions. Our very early and limited experience indicates that high-power KTP/532 laser vaporization prostatectomy is feasible and appears to be safe and effective for quickly relieving bladder outlet obstruction due to BPH. Larger randomized clinical trials to compare this technique with standard transurethral resection of the prostate and more follow-up data are needed to determine its long-term efficacy and durability.
Relational language supports relational cognition in humans and apes

We agree with Penn et al. that our human cognitive superiority derives from our exceptional relational ability. We far exceed other species in our ability to grasp analogies and to combine relations into higher-order structures (Gentner 2003). However, we argue here that possession of an elaborated symbol system – such as human language – is necessary to make our relational capacity operational.
Electron beam image recorder

A new electron beam recording medium is reported. The medium is well suited for use in a high resolution recorder with near-real-time display capability. The development time can be less than 1 s. Black-on-white images are produced on the opaque tape with a contrast of 15:1 by exposure with 1 × 1011electrons/cm2for a peak density of 1.3. The resolution of the medium exceeds 500 line pairs/mm, and the granularity is very low. Another feature of the medium allows the recorded information to be read out directly from the tape with a scanning electron beam. The latent image is produced by a process termed nucleation. Electron bombardment of the tape produces nucleation sites which are extremely favorable deposition sites for metal vapor atoms. Development takes place in the vacuum, immediately after electron beam recording, by selectively depositing a thin metal film which forms the image. The developed image is permanent and does not degrade under further electron beam bombardment or high intensity projection lamps. Recordings of 945-line television with a 20 MHz bandwidth have been made with an electron beam recorder, which was constructed for evaluating the media. An opaque projector was also constructed for projecting 35 mm images from the tape to a large screen display.
Nucleotide sequence of a cDNA clone encoding a Drosophila muscle tropomyosin II isoform.

Abstract A cDNA clone was sequenced that contains the entire coding region for the muscle tropomyosin II isoform from Drosophila .The cDNA clone is 1253 nucleotides (nt) long and contains an 88-nt 5'-leader sequence and a 310-nt 3 '-untranslated sequence.The muscle tropomyosin II isoform consists of 285 amino acids and is 60 % homologous with the previously reported muscle tropomyosin I isoform from Drosophila and 55% homologous with rabbit muscle tropomyosin.
The City and the Nation: Sofia’s Trajectory from Glory to Rubble in WWII

This article untangles the history of the Bulgarian capital city from that of the state to analyze how the development of Sofia between 1934 and 1944 embodied the achievements and weaknesses of midcentury Bulgaria. During this period, Sofia embarked on an intensive project of urban planning and renewal. Municipal leaders and intellectuals aspired to transform the cluttered and chaotic city into a modern and attractive “European” capital on the one side and the heart of national existence on the other. This bifurcated vision of the nation—rooted in the past yet forward and Westward looking—failed to convince Sofia’s growing citizenry to stay and defend their city during the Allied bombing campaign of late 1943/early 1944. The wartime fate of this Axis capital revealed the shortcomings of the Bulgarian state and the nationalism it promoted. When residents did return to the bombed city, it was not out of patriotic duty but because it still appeared more “European,” more “modern” than any other place in the c...
An analytical model for the assessment of pesticide exposure levels in soils and groundwater

The movement and degradation of pesticide residues in soils and groundwater are complex processes affected by soil physical, (bio)chemical, and hydrogeological properties, climatic conditions, and agricultural practices. This work presents a physically-based analytical model suitable for long-term predictions of pesticide concentrations in groundwater. The primary interest is to investigate the impact of soil environment, related physical and (bio)chemical processes, especially, volatilization, crop uptake, and agricultural practices on long-term vulnerability of groundwater to contamination by pesticides. The soil is separated into root and intermediate vadose zones, each with uniform properties. Transport in each soil zone is modeled on the basis of complete mixing, by spatial averaging the related point multiphase-transport partial differential equation (i.e., linear-reservoir models). Transport in the aquifer, however, is modeled by a two-dimensional advection-dispersion transport equation, considering adsorption and first-order decay rate. Vaporization in the soil is accounted for by assuming liquid-vapor phase partitioning using Henry's law, and vapor flux (volatilization) from the soil surface is modeled by diffusion through an air boundary layer. Sorption of liquid-phase solutes by crops is described by a linear relationship which is valid for first-order (passive) crop uptake. The model is applied to five pesticides (atrazine, bromacil, chlordane, heptachlor, and lindane), and the potential for pesticide contamination of groundwater is investigated for sandy and clayey soils. Simulation results show that groundwater contamination can be substantially reduced for clayey soil environments, where bio(chemical) degradation and volatilization are most efficient as natural loss pathways for the pesticides. Also, uptake by cross can be a significant mechanism for attenuating exposure levels in ground-water especially in a sandy soil environment, and for relatively persisting pesticides. Further, simulations indicate that changing agricultural practices can have a profound effect on vulnerability of groundwater to mobile and relatively persisting pesticides.
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

This paper is the first report from the Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) Registry of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The era of interventional cardiology was born with the performance of the first successful balloon angioplasty by Andreas Gruentzig on
Five-Year Survival in Treated Stage I and II Small Cell Carcinoma of the Lung

Ten consecutive patients were treated more than five years ago, for small cell carcinoma of the lung in clinical and surgical stages I or II. Patients underwent initial surgical resection, followed by intensive combination chemotherapy for at least a year, or to limit of tolerance. Four patients were classified as stage II, T2 N1; 4 had T2 N0; and 2 had T1 N0. One patient (T2 N1) died of tumor recurrence in the central nervous system 14 months after resection. Two died of other causes before five years, one (T2 N0) of a pulmonary embolus on the seventh postoperative day, and the other (T2 N1) of carcinoma of the prostate at 50 months. Seven patients (70%) remained well and disease-free at five years postoperation. Two of the 7 died of unrelated causes, one (T2 N0) at 72 months and one (T2 N1) at 108 months. Five remain well at 61 to 112 months after resection. Although this series is small, no reports have shown comparable survival in a defined group of small cell carcinoma patients treated nonoperatively or by surgical resection alone.
The Reinvention of Cultural Geography

Abstract Over the past fifteen years, a small group of scholars defining themselves as “new cultural geographers” has launched a sustained critique of “traditional cultural geography,” which they identify with the socalled Berkeley school. Commendably, these writers have advanced cultural research in several important ways, yet in the process their critique of their academic forebears has increasingly moved off-the-mark. The leaders of the new cultural geography depict the scholarship of the Berkeley school as static, empiricist, and obsessed with relict landscapes and material artifacts, when in fact it was, and is still, dynamic, predominantly historicist, and interested primarily in the relationships between diverse human societies and their natural environments. Furthermore, despite the claims of their detractors, few if any “traditional” cultural geographers have ever conceptualized culture as a superorganic structure. Cultural geography—old-fashioned or avant-garde—has always been a pluralistic ende...
Astrocyte-Derived Thrombospondin-2 Is Critical for the Repair of the Blood-Brain Barrier

Thrombospondin (TSP)-2–null mice have an altered brain foreign body response (FBR) characterized by increases in inflammation, extracellular matrix deposition, and leakage of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In the present study, we investigated the role of TSP-2 in BBB repair during the brain FBR to mixed cellulose ester filters implanted in the cortex of wild-type (WT) and TSP-2–null mice for 2 days to 8 weeks. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed enhanced and prolonged neuroinflammation in TSP-2–null mice up to 8 weeks after implantation. In addition, recovery of the BBB was compromised and was associated with increased gelatinolytic activity and low levels of collagen type IV in the basement membranes of TSP-2–null blood vessels. An analysis of protein extracts from implantation sites revealed elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in TSP-2–null brains. TSP-2–null astrocytes secreted higher levels of both MMPs in vitro compared with their WT counterparts. Furthermore, TSP-2–null astrocytes were deficient in supporting the recovery of barrier function in WT endothelial cells. Finally, Western blot analysis of astrocytes and brain endothelial cells revealed TSP-2 expression only in the former. Taken together, our observations suggest that astrocyte-derived TSP-2 is critical for the maintenance of physiological MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels during the FBR and contributes to the repair of the BBB.
Propagation of liquid plugs with yield stress in human airways

The airway closure due to the capillary instability [1] occurs in lung diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or emphysema. The reopening process involves with displacement of plugs constituted from mucus, a non-Newtonian fluid with a yield stress, in the airways. In this work the steady propagation of mucus plugs in a 2D channel is studied numerically, assuming that the mucus is a Bingham fluid. The governing equations are solved by a mixed-discontinuous finite element formulation and the free surface is resolved with the method of spines. The constitutive equation for Bingham fluid is implemented through a regularized constitutive equation. According to the numerical results, the yield stress behavior of the plug modifies the plug shape, the pattern of the streamlines and the distribution of stresses in the plug domain and along the walls in a significant way. The distribution along the walls is a major factor in studying cell injuries.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Patterns of health care use that may identify young children who are at risk for maltreatment.

Objectives. Early identification of children who are at risk for maltreatment continues to pose a challenge to the medical community. The objective of this study was to determine whether children who are at risk for maltreatment have characteristic patterns of health care use before their diagnosis of abuse or neglect that distinguish them from other children. Methods. We performed a case-control study among Medicaid-enrolled children to compare patterns of health service among maltreated children in the year before a first report for abuse or neglect that led to an immediate placement into foster care, with patterns of health service use among matched control subjects. Exposure variables, obtained from Medicaid claims, included the total number of non–emergency department (ED) outpatient visits, the total number of ED visits, the frequency of injury-related diagnoses, the frequency of nonspecific diagnoses that have been previously linked to abuse, and the number of changes in a child’s primary care provider. Multivariate models were performed adjusting for cash assistance eligibility, race, and child comorbidities. Results. We characterized the health service use patterns, during the year before their first maltreatment report, of 157 children with serious and substantiated abuse or neglect. Health service use during the same period was also characterized among 628 control subjects who were matched by age, gender, and number of months of Medicaid eligibility. Sixteen percent of cases changed their primary care providers, compared with 10% of the control subjects. Multivariable modeling demonstrated that maltreated children were 2.62 (95% confidence interval: 1.40–4.91) times more likely than control subjects to have had 1 previous change in primary care provider and 6.87 (95% confidence interval: 1.96–24.16) times more likely to have changed providers 2 or more times during the year before their first maltreatment report. There were no differences between case patients and control subjects in the frequency of ED visits and rates of diagnoses of injury or nonspecific somatic complaints. Conclusions. Victims of serious and substantiated physical abuse and neglect change ambulatory care providers with greater frequency than nonabused children. Recognition of this patient characteristic may allow for earlier identification of children who are at risk for additional or future maltreatment.
A direct antenna modulation (DAM) transmitter with a switched electrically small antenna

The first demonstration of a DAM transmitter with an electrically small antenna is presented in this paper. Traditionally efficiency-bandwidth product of an electrically small radiation system is inversely proportional to radiation Q of the antenna, which is high in nature according to radiation wave properties. However, a DAM transmitter operates in time-variant mode so that its efficiency-bandwidth product is not limited by Q. The key to improve the efficiency-bandwidth product is to decouple far-field radiation energy from near-field reactive energy. In DAM scheme, far field radiation is directly turned on and off to represent information, while a maximum reactive energy is circulated within system to enhance efficiency-bandwidth performance. To prove the concept, a traditional and a DAM transmitter have been tested and compared under the same condition. Results show that information tone received from the DAM transmitter is significantly higher in magnitude when signal bandwidth exceeds bandwidth of the traditional transmitter.
Teaching Meteorology in the Middle Grades

A student looks out of the classroom window and sees dark puffy clouds in the winter sky. Suddenly, a small white speck is seen drifting down. A hand shoots up and aquestionis heard, "Mrs. Reynolds, it's snowing out. Will we have school tomorrow?" The teacher looks out to make her own assessment. She doesn't know, so she answers,"Let'sjust check the news tonight." Mrs. Reynolds now has some difficulty quelling the excitement of her students, while she privately ponders how safe her journey home will be that aftemoon. Mrs. Reynolds finds herself, like most teachers, unable to answer her students' questions about the weather, let alone her own. She must, therefore, rely upon the measurements and predictions of others that seem, at best, guesses and, at worst, a black art. The current temperature is easy enough to understand, but what does the local temperature have to do with temperatures to the east or west? Furthermore, what significance can be attached to the clouds seen only a day before? Clearly, Mrs. Reynolds needs some assistance in gaining a basic understanding of atmospheric processes, if not just to answer her students' questions, then to gain some peace of mind for herself. Purpose
A reassessment of the taxonomic and phylogenetic affinities of the fossil catarrhines from fort Ternan, Kenya

This paper presents a reassessment of the taxonomic and phylogenetic affinities of the fossil catarrhine primates from the important middle Miocene site of Fort Ternan in Kenya. Although the sample of specimens is rather small, the material can be attributed to at least five different species, identified here asKenyapithecus wickeri, Proconsul sp., a large species of oreopithecid,Simiolus sp., and a small species of catarrhine of indeterminate status.Kenyapithecus wickeri probably represents a conservative sister-taxon of the extant large hominoids. It is more derived than“Sivapithecus” africanus from Maboko Island, from which it can be distinguished at the generic level. A small species of catarrhine from Fort Ternan can be attributed toSimiolus. It is probably a different species fromSimiolus enjiessi from the early Miocene of East Africa, but additional material is needed to confirm its taxonomic distinctiveness. The occurrence of at least five species of catarrhine primates at Fort Ternan confirms that species diversity levels were as high during the middle Miocene as they had been during the early Miocene. However, the overall taxonomic and ecological composition of the middle Miocene catarrhine community was quite different, evidently due to a significant change in the local ecological setting. Taxonomic differences between the catarrhine faunas at Fort Ternan and Maboko Island can probably be explained as a consequence of a chronological separation between the two sites, and, to a lesser degree, to paleoecological differences.
Predictors of antipsychotic withdrawal or dose reduction in a randomized controlled trial of provider education

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of an educational program to reduce antipsychotic use in nursing homes that had high use rates post-OBRA-87 and to identify factors that predicted antipsychotic withdrawal or 50% or greater dose reduction. DESIGN/SETTING: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the educational program (nursing home the unit of randomization and analysis) was conducted in 12 Tennessee nursing homes (6 education/6 control). Cohort analysis in baseline antipsychotic users identified factors predicting withdrawal or dose reduction. SUBJECTS: The RCT analysis included 1152 patients in the homes at baseline and 6 months. The cohort analysis included 133 baseline antipsychotic users in the five education homes able to implement the recommendations of the educational program. OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in days of antipsychotic use per 100 days of nursing home residence, withdrawal from antipsychotics, reduction in antipsychotic dose by 50% or more. RESULTS: Following the educational intervention, use of antipsychotics in the six education homes decreased from 25.3 days per 100 at baseline to 19.7 days per 100 by month 6, a 23% reduction relative to control homes (P = .014). In the withdrawal analysis, 44 (33%) of 133 baseline antipsychotic users were withdrawn. Factors at baseline predicting successful withdrawal were low antipsychotic dose, no use of benzodiazepines or antidepressants, and behavioral symptoms score below the median. However, although an additional 22 patients had dose reductions 50%, none of the predictors of withdrawal were associated with dose reductions. CONCLUSION: Focused provider education programs may facilitate antipsychotic reduction above and beyond that attributable to regulatory changes. Patients who are poor candidates for total antipsychotic withdrawal may tolerate substantial dose reductions, which should reduce their risk of adverse antipsychotic effects.
Theory for no formation in turbulent coal flames

A NO pollutant model has been formulated to be consistent with the assumptions madein current comprehensive models for fuel-rich turbulent pulverized-fuel flames. The model accounts for the effects of turbulent fluctuations. The pollutant species equations are decoupled from the overall velocity, temperature and major species field equations. The fuel nitrogen is assumed to evolve from the coal at a rate proportional to coal weight loss and to react quickly to HCN in the gas phase. The homogeneous rate of decay of HCN to NO or N2 includes the effects of turbulent fluctuations to obtain a time-mean reaction rate. Heterogeneous reduction of the NO is modeled by a slow (non-fluctuating) rate. Thermal and prompt NO are considered to be insignificant in these fuel-rich coal flames. The timemean reaction rates are obtained by assuming that the species mass fractions are linear functions of stoichiometry, and then integrating the resulting kinetic expression over the probability density functions for the appropriate mixture fractions. Computations are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the theory to practical coal combustion chambers.
Stability of penicillin-"carbowax" mixtures.

“Carbowax” 10001 and polyethylene glycol 600 were found to inactivate penicillin. The inactivating effect could be removed in aueous solution by adjustment of pH, but addition of alkali to molten anhydrous base did not have this stabilizing effect. Addition of BAL did not stabilize penicillin in “Carbowax”-polyethylene glycol mixtures.
Quantum fluctuations in a φ 4 field theory. II. One-mode approximation

We study the effect of quantum fluctuations on one-particle states in a ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ field theory, using a self-consistent Hartree-type approximation. For one-particle states, the presence of quantum fluctuations implies that perturbation theory should not be done about the $c$-number constant field associated with the vacuum, but rather one should start with a space-dependent classical field specially chosen for the single-particle state. The classical field no longer obeys the classical field equations; it emerges from a self-consistent calculation including the effect of quantum fluctuations. In this paper, we make a further approximation by keeping only the lowest quantum mode in the fluctuation (i.e., the one-mode approximation). We demonstrate that the inclusion of a single mode in the quantum fluctuations is enough to produce many physically interesting results which are qualitatively different from those obtained in a purely classical system. In particular, we find that a stable "baglike" solution emerges naturally. We determine the particle wave functions, the space-dependent classical fields, and the energies of these baglike one-particle states explicitly in both the weak- and the strong-coupling limits. We exhibit the numerical solutions for intermediate coupling strengths. Finally, we discuss briefly the connections of our solutions and the kink-antikink bound-state solutions obtained by Dashen, Hasslacher, and Neveu.