cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does epidural anesthesia affect the course of labor and delivery

The progress of labor ideally leads to a normal, spontaneous, vaginal delivery. Many factors--maternal, fetal, obstetrical and anesthetic--may collectively contribute to delaying or precluding an ideal outcome. Adverse outcomes of labor and delivery must be clearly defined in terms of maternal, fetal, or neonatal morbidity or mortality, and should be distinguished from abnormal data (such as fetal heart rate, duration of labor, and incidence of low forceps deliveries) that are only indirectly related to outcome. Epidural anesthesia is not a singular phenomenon. Variations and subtle nuances in the administration of epidural anesthesia create a vast array of potential anesthetic regimens. To discover the anesthetic methods that provide excellent analgesia with no adverse effects on the course of labor is an ideal goal that has not yet been achieved. To approach this goal, the answers to several questions are needed. Are study patient groups adequately matched for risk factors? Are obstetrical practices well-defined with respect to elective versus indicated use of instrumental or cesarean delivery methods? Do the risks of instrumental delivery outweigh the benefit of perineal analgesia associated with epidural anesthesia? Is it possible to provide optimal analgesia throughout stage two labor without tending to increase the risk of instrumental delivery? Can delayed pushing during stage two labor increase the probability of spontaneous vaginal delivery with continuous epidural anesthesia? Well-controlled clinical trials and refinements in both anesthetic and obstetric techniques are necessary to resolve such issues so that every parturient (and fetus) may undergo a safe and painless delivery.
Program Evaluation in Crime and Delinquency

Societies whose posture toward criminal or deviant behavior is essentially retributive need not concern themselves with the assessment of the methods they apply to those accused of such behaviors. Such societies do not expect the convicted offender to “get better,” though they may hope or presume that one effect of the retribution (e.g., incarceration, loss of the offending bodily part) might be to limit the future occurrence of the behavior in question. The retribution serves as its own end.
Gender differences in eating disorder psychopathology across DSM-5 severity categories of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Objective This study examined whether patterns of eating-disorder (ED) psychopathology differed by gender across DSM-5 severity specifiers in anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Method We tested whether ED psychopathology differed across DSM-5 severity specifiers among 532 adults (76% female) in a residential treatment center with AN or BN. We hypothesized that severity of ED psychopathology would increase in tandem with increasing severity classifications for both males and females with AN and BN. Results Among females with BN, DSM-5 severity categories were significantly associated with increasing ED psychopathology, including Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire dietary restraint, eating concern, shape concern, and weight concern; and Eating Disorder Inventory drive for thinness and bulimia. ED psychopathology did not differ across DSM-5 severity levels for males with BN. For both males and females with AN, there were no differences in ED psychopathology across severity levels. Discussion Results demonstrate that DSM-5 severity specifiers may function differently for males versus females with BN. Taken together, data suggest DSM-5 severity specifiers may not adequately capture severity, as intended, for males with BN and all with AN. Future research should evaluate additional clinical validators of DSM-5 severity categories (e.g., chronicity, treatment non-response), and consider alternate classification schemes.
Development of the individualised Comparative Effectiveness of Models Optimizing Patient Safety and Resident Education (iCOMPARE) trial: a protocol summary of a national cluster-randomised trial of resident duty hour policies in internal medicine.

Introduction Medical trainees’ duty hours have received attention globally; restrictions in Europe, New Zealand and some Canadian provinces are much lower than the 80 hours per week enforced in USA. In USA, resident duty hours have been implemented without evidence simultaneously reflecting competing concerns about patient safety and physician education. The objective is to prospectively evaluate the implications of alternative resident duty hour rules for patient safety, trainee education and intern sleep and alertness. Methods and analysis 63 US internal medicine training programmes were randomly assigned 1:1 to the 2011 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education resident duty hour rules or to rules more flexible in intern shift length and number of hours off between shifts for academic year 2015–2016. The primary outcome is calculated for each programme as the difference in 30-day mortality rate among Medicare beneficiaries with any of several prespecified principal diagnoses in the intervention year minus 30-day mortality in the preintervention year among Medicare beneficiaries with any of several prespecified principal diagnoses. Additional safety outcomes include readmission rates, prolonged length of stay and costs. Measures derived from trainees’ and faculty responses to surveys and from time-motion studies of interns compare the educational experiences of residents. Measures derived from wrist actigraphy, subjective ratings and psychomotor vigilance testing compare the sleep and alertness of interns. Differences between duty hour groups in outcomes will be assessed by intention-to-treat analyses. Ethics and dissemination The University of Pennsylvania Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved the protocol and served as the IRB of record for 40 programmes that agreed to sign an Institutional Affiliation Agreement. Twenty-three programmes opted for a local review process. Trial registration number NCT02274818; Pre-results.
The Role of Calpain and Proteasomes in the Degradation of Carbonylated Neuronal Cytoskeletal Proteins in Acute Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

The present study was designed to investigate the role of calpain and the proteasome in the removal of oxidized neuronal cytoskeletal proteins in myelin basic protein-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). To this end, EAE rats received a single intrathecal injection of calpeptin or epoxomicin at the first sign of clinical disease. Forty-eight hours later, animals were sacrificed and lumbar spinal cord segments were dissected and used for biochemical analyses. The results show that calpain and proteasome activity is specifically, but partially, inhibited with calpeptin and epoxomicin, respectively. Calpain inhibition causes an increase in total protein carbonylation and in the amount of neurofilament proteins (NFPs), β-tubulin and β-actin that were spared from degradation, but no changes are seen in the oxidation of any of three NFPs. By contrast, proteasome inhibition has no effect on total protein carbonylation or cytoskeletal protein degradation but increases the amount of oxidized NFH and NFM. These results suggest that while the proteasome may contribute to removal of oxidized NFPs, calpain is the main protease involved in degradation of neuronal cytoskeleton and does not preferentially targets oxidized NFPs species in acute EAE. Different results were obtained in a cell-free system, where calpain inhibition rises the amount of oxidized NFH, and proteasome inhibition fails to change the oxidation state of the NFPs. The later finding suggests that the preferential degradation of oxidized NFH and NFM in vivo by the proteasome occurs via the 26S and not the 20S particle.
Investigation of Ldb19/Art1 localization and function at the late Golgi

The arrestin-related family of proteins (ARTs) are potent regulators of membrane traffic at multiple cellular locations in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Several ARTs act at multiple locations, suggesting that ARTs with well-established functions at one location may have additional, as of yet, uncharacterized roles at other locations in the cell. To more fully understand the spectrum of cellular functions regulated by ART proteins, we explored the localization and function of Ldb19/Art1, which has previously been shown to function at the plasma membrane, yet is reported to localize to the trans-Golgi network (TGN). We report that the C-terminal fusion of Ldb19 with GFP is functional and, as previously reported, localizes to the TGN. We further establish that Ldb19 associates with late stages of TGN maturation that are enriched in the clathrin adaptor protein complex-1 (AP-1). Additionally, we present genetic interaction assays that suggest Ldb19 acts at the late TGN in a mechanism related to that of AP-1. However, Ldb19 and AP-1 have dissimilar phenotypes in a subset of assays of membrane traffic, suggesting Ldb19 functions at the TGN are distinct from those of AP-1. Together these results indicate Ldb19 functions at the TGN, in addition to its well-established role in endocytosis.
Tissue-specific contributions of Tmem79 to atopic dermatitis and mast cell-mediated histaminergic itch

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common skin disease in children. It is characterized by relapsing inflammation, skin-barrier defects, and intractable itch. However, the pathophysiology of itch in AD remains enigmatic. Here, we examine the contribution of Tmem79, an orphan transmembrane protein linked to AD in both mice and humans. We show that Tmem79 is expressed by both keratinocytes and sensory neurons, but that loss of keratinocytic Tmem79 is sufficient to elicit robust scratching. Tmem79−/− mice demonstrate an accumulation of dermal mast cells, which are diminished following chronic treatment with cyclooxygenase inhibitors and an EP3 receptor antagonist. In Tmem79−/− mice, mast cell degranulation produces histaminergic itch in a histamine receptor 1/histamine receptor 4 (H4R/H1R)-dependent manner that may involve activation of TRPV1− afferents. TMEM79 has limited sequence homology to a family of microsomal glutathione transferases and confers protection from cellular accumulation of damaging reactive species, and may thus play a role in regulating oxidative stress. In any case, mechanistic insights from this model suggest that therapeutics targeting PGE2 and/or H1R/H4R histaminergic signaling pathways may represent useful avenues to treat Tmem79-associated AD itch. Our findings suggest that individuals with mutations in Tmem79 develop AD due to the loss of protection from oxidative stress.
Presence of Left Atrial or Left Ventricular Thrombus at the Time of CF-LVAD Implantation is Associated with Increased Post-Operative Risk of Stroke or Death

Purpose Patients with advanced HF are at increased risk for intra-cardiac thrombus formation. The impact of pre-existing left atrial (LA) or left ventricular (LV) thrombi on post-operative outcomes in LVAD patients is unknown. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 376 patients who underwent HeartMate II LVAD implantation from February 2009 through August 2018 at a single large volume center. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) within 1 month of implant, intra-operative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and operative reports were reviewed to identify patients with pre-existing LA (including appendage) or LV thrombus at the time of LVAD implantation. We assessed the composite endpoint of stroke and death at 6 months and 2 years. Results Of the 376 patients (age 57±13 years, 81% male, 47% ICM), 26 (6.9%) had a pre-existing thrombus (13 in LA and 15 in LV). Incidence of stroke at 6 months was 23% in patients with intracardiac thrombi and 9% in patients without intracardiac thrombi (p=0.02). Incidence of stroke at 2 years was 23% in patients with intracardiac thrombi and 14% in patients without intracardiac thrombi (p=0.22). Notably all strokes occurred in the first 6 months of device support in patients with intra-cardiac thrombi. Patients were significantly more likely to die or have a stroke in the first 6 months of device support if they had pre-existing intracardiac thrombi (HR (95%CI): 2.7 (1.4, 5.2), p Conclusion Pre-existing LA or LV thrombus is associated with decreased survival free of stroke following CF-LVAD implantation which may have important implications for patient selection and management.
Adverse events during apheresis: A 10-year experience at a tertiary academic medical center.

BACKGROUND Apheresis can be associated with adverse events (AEs). Available studies published on apheresis-associated AEs lack uniformity of data. Unfortunately, there is no common database in the United States (US) to report apheresis-associated AEs. We evaluated our institutional incidence of apheresis-associated AEs and compared it with published literature. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a 10-year retrospective study of apheresis procedures and associated AEs at our facility, a tertiary academic medical center, from 2007 to 2016. Concurrently, a literature search was conducted on AEs associated with apheresis procedures. Twenty-eight studies including data from US and other countries' facilities were analyzed. RESULTS The overall AE incidence was 6.9% (396/5684 procedures). Frequency of AEs associated with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) was higher (8.5%, P < .0001) compared to other apheresis procedures. Significant correlation between number of TPE and AEs (Spearman rho [rs ] = 0.7, P = .002) was encountered. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease over time of moderate and severe AEs (rs = -0.64, P = .04 and rs = -0.83, P = .003 respectively). Comparison of our institutional AEs (6.9%) to data from other countries (9.8%) and US (22.6%) indicated a significant difference (P < .0001). CONCLUSION Overall our incidence of AEs was significantly lower than current published literature. Incidence of AEs published in other countries is significantly lower than US rates. Differences in incidence of AEs emphasize need for uniform reporting and stratification of AEs and development of a common database to report AEs. Therefore, we propose a grading rationale in order to standardize reporting of AEs.
Heterodyne Mixing Efficiency of a Digital Holography System

We experimentally measure the heterodyne mixing efficiency of a digital holography system using two separate calculations. The results show each calculation was within 4% of the expected value of 32.2%.
Discovering Structure Through Patterns.

V^/ne of the emphases in our modern mathematics programs is to have children investigate and discover many of the myriad of patterns that exist in all phases of elementary school mathematics. It is in the area of investigating patterns that children frequently demonstrate an amazing degree of creativity. Several articles that were designed to help teachers investigate patterns with their children have appeared in this journal. From time to time, teachers may find activities that stimulate interest and circumvent monotonous drill exercises in their classes. Many times these same activities could lead to a thorough investigation of those concepts that form the structure of elementary school mathematics. It is the intent of this paper to demonstrate how a teacher could begin with a simple patterninvestigating activity and continue the activity to include the investigation of basic structure concepts. In many publications it is possible to find activities that begin by asking children to investigate an array of numerals such as the one in figure 1. The letters are used to identify the columns of numerals, and the array can be extended vertically, indefinitely. А В С D E F G
An Internal Learning Approach to Video Inpainting.

We propose a novel video inpainting algorithm that simultaneously hallucinates missing appearance and motion (optical flow) information, building upon the recent 'Deep Image Prior' (DIP) that exploits convolutional network architectures to enforce plausible texture in static images. In extending DIP to video we make two important contributions. First, we show that coherent video inpainting is possible without a priori training. We take a generative approach to inpainting based on internal (within-video) learning without reliance upon an external corpus of visual data to train a one-size-fits-all model for the large space of general videos. Second, we show that such a framework can jointly generate both appearance and flow, whilst exploiting these complementary modalities to ensure mutual consistency. We show that leveraging appearance statistics specific to each video achieves visually plausible results whilst handling the challenging problem of long-term consistency.
Implementation of a multi-modal pain regimen to decrease inpatient opioid exposure after injury.

Abstract Introduction In 2013, we implemented a pill-based, multi-modal pain regimen (MMPR) in order to decrease in-hospital opioid exposure after injury at our trauma center. We hypothesized that the MMPR would decrease inpatient oral morphine milligram equivalents (MME), decrease opioid prescriptions at discharge, and result in similar Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores. Methods Adult patients admitted to a level-1 trauma center with ≥1 rib fracture from 2010 to 2017 were included – spanning 3 years before and 4 years after MMPR implementation. MME were summarized as medians and interquartile range (IQR) by year of admission. The effect of the MMPR on daily total MME was estimated using Bayesian generalized linear model. Results Over the 8 year study period, 6,933 patients who met study inclusion criteria were included. No significant differences between years were observed in Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) Chest or Injury Severity Scores (ISS). After introduction of the MMPR, there was a significant reduction in median total MME administered per patient day from 60 MME/patient day (IQR 36–91 MME/patient day) pre-MMPR implementation to 37 MME/patient day (IQR 18–61 MME/patient day) in 2017, p Conclusion The introduction of a multi-modal pain regimen resulted in significant reduction in in-patient opioid exposure after injury. The reduction in inpatient opioid use from 2010 to 2017 was equivalent to 11 mg less oxycodone or 17 mg less hydrocodone per patient per day. Additionally, use of the MMPR was associated with a reduction in NRS pain scores.
Survival of Listeria innocua and Native Microflora in Sanitizer-Treated Wild Blueberries (Vaccinium Angustifolium)

Recalls of frozen foods contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes have highlighted a need to optimize postharvest processing practices. Peroxyacetic acid (PAA), electrolyzed oxidizing water (EO), an...
Radiative Transfer Modelling of the Accretion Flow onto a Star-Forming Core in W51

We present an analysis of the temperature, density, and velocity of the molecular gas in the star-forming core around W51 e2. A previous paper (Ho and Young 1996) describes the kinematic evidence which implies that the core around e2 is contracting onto a young massive star. The current paper presents a technique for modelling the three-dimensional structure of the core by simulating spectral line images of the source and comparing those images to observed data. The primary conclusions of this work are that the molecular gas in e2 is radially contracting at about 5 km/s and that the temperature and density of the gas decrease outward over 0.15 pc scales. The simple model of the collapse of the singular isothermal sphere for low-mass star formation (Shu 1977) is an inadequate description of this high-mass molecular core; better models have temperature decreasing outward as r^-0.6, density as r^-2, and velocity increasing as r^+0.1. The core appears to be spherical rather than disk-like at the scale of these observations, 0.3 pc. In this paper we show how a series of models of gradually increasing complexity can be used to investigate the sensitivity of the model to its parameters. Major sources of uncertainty for this method and this dataset are the interdependence of temperature and density and the assumed NH3 abundance.
Forest composition of Ismayadi permanent plot in Malinau district, North Kalimantan

The uniqueness of Indonesia's forests in addition to having a high level of biodiversity, also forest types are oriental, australian, and transitional, so there are many rare plants and endemic species. This study aims to determine composition as well as the association of diversity of tree species in the Ismayadi plot. The research location is Ismayadi's Permanent Plot at the location of the HPH P.T. Inhutani II with an area of 1 Ha in Malinau District, North Kalimantan Province. Primary data with diameter and tree height parameters and identification of existing plant species and associations are accompanied by data from previous years as a reference. The results of observations on individual trees, namely the number of individual trees on Ismayadi plot size of 100 m x 100 m in year 2017 were 271 individual trees. The number of dead was 10 trees (3.7%). The genera Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae) dominates as many as 65 trees. Association of species of shrubs or trees under the canopy as follows: Rauvolfia, Syzygium, Shorea leprosula, Dysoxylum, Glutta walliciana, Luvunga (Rutaceae), Santiria (Burseraceae), Macaranga, Calamus, Etlingiera, Lasianthus, Actinodaphne, Pternandra, Litsea, Leptocomia (Arecaceae), Garcinia, Pandanus, Licuala, Blechnum, Callophylum. This paper also presents a comparison at the same location in Malinau District and also the need for immediate conservation efforts at the CIFOR Permanent Measurement Plot (PUP) location.
Examining unauthorized events & gatherings in the COVID-19 pandemic

Despite the pervasiveness of unauthorized and illegal events and gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, event scholars have not examined the behavior of attendees, the various types of unauthoriz...
Endovascular snare technique to facilitate delivery of self-expanding valve during transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve replacement in angulated aortas: A case series.

Background Transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve replacement (ViV) has been widely accepted as a less invasive alternative to treat failed aortic surgical or transcatheter bioprosthetic valves. Angulated aortas present an additional challenge, particularly when using self-expanding transcatheter heart valves (SE-THV). Methods Two patients with failed surgical bioprosthetic aortic valves and one patient with a failed transcatheter bioprosthetic aortic valve underwent transcatheter aortic ViV using SE-THV. All were deemed high-risk for surgical aortic valve replacement by a heart team. All three patients had initial failed SE-THV delivery using a conventional approach with subsequent successful delivery using the endovascular snare technique. Results In Cases 1 and 2, the SE-THV was biased towards the greater curve of the angulated aorta and behind the outer frame of the bioprosthetic valve frame. An endovascular snare was deployed through a secondary left femoral artery access, and the valve delivery system was advanced through the snare in the ascending aorta. The snare was tightened around the SE-THV capsule proximal to the hat-marker, allowing deflection of the SE-THV and successful delivery. In Case 3, the SE-THV interacted with the tall frame of a failed SE-THV. A snare via the left femoral artery was deployed in the descending artery. The SE-THV was advanced through the snare, and both the snare and SE-THV were advanced together to the ascending aorta where the SE-THV was deflected and successfully delivered. Conclusions The endovascular snare technique is a feasible option for successful delivery of SE-THV during transcatheter aortic ViV in failed transcatheter or surgical bioprosthetic valves in angulated aortas.
The Winner's Curse, Reserve Prices and Endogenous Entry: Empirical Insights From eBay Auctions.

Internet auctions have recently gained widespread popularity and are one of the most successful forms of electronic commerce. We examine a unique data set of eBay coin auctions to explore the determinants of bidder and seller behavior. We begin by documenting a number of empirical regularities in our data set of eBay auctions. Next, we specify and estimate a structural econometric model of bidding on eBay. Using our parameter estimates from this model, we measure the extent of the winner’s curse and simulate seller revenue under different reserve prices.
Nerve transfers to restore femoral nerve function following oncologic nerve resection.

Introduction Advances in the care of soft-tissue tumors, including imaging capabilities and adjuvant radiation therapy, have broadened the indications and opportunities to pursue surgical limb salvage. However, peripheral nerve involvement and femoral nerve resection can still result in devastating functional outcomes. Nerve transfers offer a versatile solution to restore nerve function following tumor resection. Methods Two cases were identified by retrospective review. Patient and disease characteristics were gathered. Preoperative and postoperative motor function were assessed using the Medical Research Council Muscle Scale. Patient-reported pain levels were assessed using the numeric rating scale. Results Nerve transfers from the obturator and sciatic nerve were employed to restore knee extension. Follow up for Case 1 was 24 months, 8 months for Case 2. In both patients, knee extension and stabilization of gait without bracing was restored. Patient also demonstrated 0/10 pain (an average improvement of 5 points) with decreased neuromodulator and pain medication use. Conclusion Nerve transfers can restore function and provide pain control benefits and ideally are performed at the time of tumor extirpation. This collaboration between oncologic and nerve surgeons will ultimately result in improved functional recovery and patient outcomes.
Institutional Investors and Mispricing of Unionized Firms

To gain better understanding about the impact of different types of institutional investors on the informational efficiency of stock markets, we examine investment in one group of underperforming firms: firms with strong labor unions. While publicly available, information about unionization is hard to obtain and understand. We find that hedge funds avoid investing in firms with strong unions, but passive investors invest more in these firms. When unionization becomes stronger (weaker), investment by hedge funds declines (increases). When firms are excluded from the S&P 500 index, reducing passive-investor interest, stock-price declines are larger for firms with strong unions.
Abstract 17041: Outcomes After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation With and Without CTI Ablation: Insights From the UC San Diego AF Ablation Registry

Introduction: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a well-established therapy for patients with drug refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it remains unclear whether prophylactic cavotricuspid...
Nephrologists’ Attitudes Towards Native Kidney Biopsy: A Qualitative Study

Rationale & Objective Although kidney biopsy is a useful tool, nephrologists' approach toward biopsies is inconsistent for reasons incompletely understood, including lack of established clinical guidelines. We examined contemporary clinical decision-making patterns among nephrologists to perform native kidney biopsy. Study Design Qualitative study using semistructured interviews. Setting & Participants Purposive sampling was used to select nephrologists from different regions in the United States. Semistructured interviews were continued until thematic saturation. Analytical Approach A modified grounded theory was used to identify dominant themes reflecting the nephrologists' decision-making styles about kidney biopsy. Results Twenty nephrologists were interviewed: 16 (80%) were from academic centers, 3 (15%) performed their own biopsies, and 7 (35%) had been in practice for less than 10 years. The median time of practice was 14 years. We found substantial variability among the nephrologists in their attitude toward using kidney biopsy, which reflected individual differences in weighing the risks and benefits of the procedure for an individual patient. Five overarching themes were identified: operator comfort with biopsy and availability of interventional radiologist, exposure to biopsy during training and years of experience, concerns about the invasiveness of biopsy and inflicting harm, perception of evidence base and limited treatment options, and patient characteristics and preference. Limitations Generalizability was limited because the nephrologists sampled may not have been broadly representative. Conclusions Multiple factors influence nephrologists' decision to pursue kidney biopsy, with substantial variability among nephrologists that can have meaningful clinical implications. This suggests the need to establish consensus guidelines to make biopsy practice more standardized.
Previous experiences of novice coaches and their coach-created motivational climate: a collective case study

Background: Novice coaches receive little attention in the literature as many studies choose to focus on experienced and elite level coaches. Those involved in the development of coaches have a res...
A comparison of decision alaysis and expert rules for sequential diagnosis

Abstract There has long been debate about the relative merits of decision theoretic methods and heuristic rule-based approaches for reasoning under uncertainty. We report an experimental comparison of the performance of the two approaches to troubleshooting, specifically to test selection for fault diagnosis. We use as experimental testbed the problem of diagnosing motorcycle engines. The first approach employs heuristic test selection rules obtained from expert mechanics. We compare it with the optimal decision analytic algorithm for test selection which employs estimated component failure probabilities and test costs. The decision analytic algorithm was found to reduce the expected cost (i.e. time) to arrive at a diagnosis by an average of 14% relative to the expert rules. Sensitivity analysis shows the results are quite robust to inaccuracy in the probability and cost estimates. This difference suggests some interesting implications for knowledge acquisition.
The Development of Scientific Thinking

We introduce three views of science that ground different perspectives on the long-term development of scientific thinking: science-as-reasoning, science-as-conceptual change, and science-as-practice. An emphasis on science as an integrated set of epistemic practices is receiving increasing attention. For example, new science education standards in the United States highlight the importance of students' participation in scientific practices, which are communally recognized and supported ways of generating, revising, and critiquing scientific knowledge. Based on reviews of the history, philosophy, and psychology of science, we argue that the defining practice of science is modeling, and that it is useful to conceive of other scientific practices in relation to this foundational one. Accordingly, we trace the ontogeny of representational and material practices of modeling and situate seven related scientific practices, such as constructing and interpreting data, or developing explanations and arguments, as motivated by modeling. This perspective identifies fruitful areas for additional research that can inform the field's understanding of how to describe and support the development of scientific thinking. Keywords: epistemic practices; development of scientific reasoning; modeling; scientific practices; scientific thinking
Web service-based business process automation using matching algorithms

In this paper, we focus on two problems of the Web service-based business process integration: the discovery of Web services based on the capabilities and properties of published services, and the composition of business processes based on the business requirements of submitted requests. We propose a solution to these problems, which comprises multiple matching algorithms, a micro-level matching algorithm and macro-level matching algorithms. The solution from the macro-level matching algorithms is optimal in terms of meeting a certain business objective, e.g., minimizing the cost or execution time, or maximizing the total utility value of business properties of interest. Furthermore, we show how existing Web service standards, UDDI and BPEL4WS, can be used and extended to specify the capabilities of services and the business requirements of requests, respectively.
PRODUCTION OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-I (IGF-I) BY HUMAN PLACENTAL TISSUE

Previous data revealed that a variety of mouse fetal tissues, with the exception of the placenta, are capable of producing IGF-I that may act locally to regulate fetal growth (D'Ercole, et al.,Dev. Biol. 75: 315, 1980). Although the placenta is essential for normal fetal development, little is known regarding the mechanisms controlling placental growth. Human placental explants were examined at various stages of gestation for the ability to produce IGF-I in organ culture. The placental explants were washed extensively and incubated in serum-free media. The media was acidified and chromatographed over a Sephadex G-50 column to separate the IGF-I from specific binding proteins. IGF-I was measured by specific radioimmunoassay (RIA). Placental tissue from all gestational ages secreted immunoreactive IGF-I, 2.19±.35 ng./mg. prot./48 hrs. (Mean±S.D.). There was no difference in IGF-I production between pre-term (9-19wk.) and term placentae under these conditions. The activity was reduced >60% by 50 uM cyclohexamide, suggesting that most of the activity was the result of de novo protein synthesis. The similarity of this material to authentic human IGF-I is supported by parallel displacement in the RIA and co-elution on a Sephadex G-50 column. The human placenta contains specific IGF receptors. These data demonstrate that the human placenta is also capable of producing IGF-I, that may act locally to regulate placental growth.
Memory Development across the Life Span

In this chapter, we provide an integrated account of age-related changes in memory skills across the life span, focusing on the growth of memory in childhood and its decline in later adulthood. Our treatment highlights the ways in which both prior knowledge about the materials to be remembered and the effort requirements of strategy utilization are linked to changes in the deployment of mnemonic techniques. We also consider theory-based treatments of recollection and familiarity, processes that are assumed to underlie the performance of both children and adults. Further, as we describe the changing abilities of children and adults, we emphasize the patterns of context specificity that characterize the literature and explore factors that may moderate or mediate developmental changes in skill. Keywords: memory development; deliberate memory; mnemonic strategies; strategy development; knowledge; attentional capacity; recollection and familiarity; context specificity; developmental context
Morphological transformations based on optical symbolic substitution and polarization-encoded optical shadow-casting systems

Abstract By conbining two powerful optical computing techniques, namely, optical symbolic substitution (OSS) and polarization-encoded optical shadow-casting (POSC), morphological or shape transformation operations are demonstrated. Accordingly, erosion, dilation, opening, and closing operations are realized using both OSS and POSC schemes. These morphological operations are used for noise removal in binary images.
Propagation of a large Forbush decrease in cosmic-ray intensity past the Earth, Pioneer 11 at 34 AU, and Pioneer 10 at 53 AU

Observations of a large Forbush decrease in cosmic-ray intensity at the earth, Pioneer II and Pioneer 10 are reported. The Pioneer 10 data show a large impulsive decrease in cosmic-ray intensity at the greatest distance from the sun observed to date. The apparent radial speed of propagation of the Forbush decrease was about 820 km/s, independent of the radial distance. The observations reported here and similar previous observations provide the basis for a new quantitative model of the propagation of Forbush decreases in the outer heliosphere.
On Their Own Turf: Community Design and Active Aging in a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community

This research examines neighborhood-scale physical and social environmental conditions that are associated with active living among seniors in Greendale, Wisconsin. The town's demographics reflect a naturally occurring retirement community. From survey responses of over 700 seniors, findings show that far more seniors reported walking for health and exercise reasons than for instrumental reasons or for social interaction. Senior Greendalers rarely reported deterrents to walking because of poor safety. Most residents feel safe being out in their neighborhood at night, and show a strong sense of belongingness to one's neighborhood. The latter may be linked to one's feeling of safety, and NORC qualities themselves may elicit these perceptions. Proximity to amenities in one's neighborhood seems to be a key factor in reports of walking behavior, regardless of the specific amenity itself. Retrofitting communities may be necessary to promote healthier environments in which adults age and remain vital.
Summary paper on fluidization and transport phenomena

Abstract The papers presented in the sessions on fluidization and transport phenomena cover a wide range of subjects pertaining to fluid—particle systems. Examples of these subjects include bubble coalescence mechanisms, entrainment, pressure effects and chaos in bubbling and turbulent fluidized beds, wave phenomena and cluster structure in circulating fluidized beds, and spectral and fractal characteristics in gas—liquid—solid fluidized beds. In this summary paper, an overview based on these papers is given and salient results are highlighted.
Resonance Raman spectra of Ru(bpz)32+ in aqueous sulfuric acid solutions

The resonance Raman spectra of tris(2,2'-bipyrazine)ruthenium(II) complex, Ru(bpz) 3 2+ , were obtained in solutions of H 2 SO 4 -H 2 O and 2 H 2 SO 4 - 2 H 2 O at acid concentrations between 0 and 98 wt.%. The spectral results are consistent with sequential protonation (or deuteration) of the six peripheral nitrogen atoms, the first three protons being added to separate bipyrazine ligands to form Ru(bpzH + ) 3 5+ . These findings are in agreement with the conclusions of previous studies based on electronic absorption and emission spectra
Mass shifts and local space charge effects observed in the quadrupole ion trap at higher resolution

Mass measurements made using the quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer under high resolution conditions display non-random errors which are attributed to local and general space charge conditions. Each ion in the trap experiences a degree of charge interaction which depends on (i) the total number of charges in the trap, (ii) the number of ions of the same m/z value, and (iii) the abundances and mass differences of neighboring ions. The net field formed by the sum of these ion/ion interactions produces delayed ion ejection. Mass assignments are observed to shift on simply increasing the ionization time, so increasing the total number of trapped ions. The effect of the presence of other ions on mass shifts is amplified as the mass difference between the two populations of ions decreases. As ions of a particular m/z value are isolated by gradual elimination of neighboring ions of lower and, more particularly, higher mass, the observed mass of the ion of interest shifts to lower mass due to the reduction of space charge. The different environments experienced by calibrant and analyte ions constitute a source of error in mass calibration methods which employ external mass standards. Current calibration procedures which involve the construction of a calibration line based on the observed masses of CsI cluster ions are in error because these ions have much higher abundances than the analyte ions. However, extrapolation of experimental data to the point of zero space (i.e. zero ion abundance) eliminates the differences in the charge environments experienced by each ion. Clear trends are observed, even for high resolution experiments on peptide mixtures, between the number and masses of ions in the trap and the observed ejection times of ions of different masses.
Manganese(II)-dependent extradiol-cleaving catechol dioxygenase from Arthrobacter globiformis CM-2.

A manganese-dependent 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate 2,3-dioxygenase from Arthrobacter globiformis strain CM-2 (MndD) cloned in Escherichia coli has been purified to homogeneity. Sedimentation equilibrium analysis indicates an α4 homotetrameric holoenzyme structure (4 × 38 861 Da). Steady-state kinetic analysis of MndD with a variety of substrates and inhibitors yields very similar relative rates to the known Fe(II)- and Mn(II)-dependent 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate 2,3-dioxygenases from Pseudomonas ovalis and Bacillus brevis, respectively. Yet, unlike the Fe(II)-dependent enzyme, MndD retains almost all activity in the presence of H2O2 and CN- and is inactivated by Fe(II). ICP emission analysis confirms the presence of 3.0 ± 0.2 g-atoms Mn (and only 0.7 ± 0.2 g-atoms Fe) per tetrameric holoenzyme molecule. Comparison of MndD samples with varying metal content, including an apo and partial-apo enzyme preparation, shows a strong positive correlation between specific activity and Mn content. EPR spectra of MndD a...
Predictors of motivation to use computer‐mediated political communication systems

The study assessed several predictors of citizen motivation to use a computer‐mediated political communication system (CMPCS): needs, traditional political participation, satisfactions obtained from that participation, and satisfactions anticipated from CMPCS use. Telephone interviews were conducted with a random sample of 405 mid‐Michigan residents of voting age. Needs and the satisfactions anticipated from CMPCS use were found to be the most substantial predictors of CMPCS motivation for both computer owner and nonowner sub‐samples. Traditional political participation also predicted CMPCS motivation for computer owners.
Discovery of nuclear and plastid microsatellites, and other key genomic information, in the rare endemic plant (Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. barbarae) using minimal 454 pyrosequencing

Next-generation Roche 454 pyrosequencing was used to rapidly identify 149 novel nuclear microsatellite loci and five plastid microsatellites from non-enriched genomic DNA of the rare endemic Santa Barbara Jewelflower (Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. barbarae). Analysis of this dataset showed a high level of orthology to annotated genes of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, as well as low levels of repetitive DNA sequences (particularly transposon-like elements). Thus, a modest sequencing effort using the 454 (or equivalent long-read platform) is a cost-effective and highly informative first step in the development of molecular-genetic resources for a non-model organism.
Reproductive impact of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to highlight the impact of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on menstrual function, fertility and reproductive outcomes. Women with PCOS often present with anovulation, menstrual disturbances and hyperandrogenism. Management options for the reproductive
Genetic dissection of seed shattering, agronomic, and color traits in American wildrice ( Zizania palustris var. interior L.) with a comparative map.

A comparative map of American wildrice (Zizania palustris var. interior L.) was used to identify loci controlling seed shattering, plant height, maturity, tiller number, plant habit, panicle length seed length, and color traits. Two to six significant quantitative-trait-loci (QTLs, P < 0.05) were detected for each trait evaluated, representing the first trait-mapping in wildrice. The chosen population was designed to emphasize the mapping of loci controlling the shattering trait, which is the most important trait in the management of this newly domesticated species. Three loci were detected that controlled the discretely categorized variation between shattering and non-shattering plants. Seed-shattering loci were detected and validated among the F2 and F3 generations. A multiple regression model with these three loci described 49.6% of the additive genetic variation. A genetic model with the same three loci including dominance and locus interactions predicted the shattering versus non-shattering phenotype at a success rate of 87%. The comparative map was based on mapped RFLP markers used in white rice (Oryza sativa L.) and other grass species. Anchor loci provided a reference point for the identification of potential orthologous genes on the basis of white rice mutant loci and consensus grass species QTLs. Candidate orthologous loci were identified among all traits evaluated. The study underscores the benefits of extending trait analysis through comparative mapping, as well as challenges of QTL analysis in a newly domesticated species.
Condensation rate of water on aqueous droplets in the transition regime

Abstract The rate of condensation of water on single aqueous solution drops in the transition regime is measured with an electrodynamic balance. Observed characteristic relaxation times are compared with those predicted theoretically to determine the thermal accommodation coefficient, which is found to be unity (consistent with the accepted value in the literature). Due to the large heat of vaporization of water and the experimental conditions used, the relaxation time is relatively insensitive to the water mass accommodation coefficient, although the data would support a value close to unity.
Neural networks research in context: A longitudinal journal cocitation analysis of an emerging interdisciplinary field

A cocitation analysis for thirty-six journals and other publications in neural networks research and related disciplines was conducted over three consecutive time periods spanning the years 1990-early 1997. Cluster analysis and MDS maps identified groupings representing foundation research areas (physics/optics, computer engineering, neuroscience, expert systems & cognition, and perception) along with neural networks and mathematical modeling of neural systems. Principal components analysis demonstrated a similar structure, with several journals and books loading on a majority of the factors. An INDSCAL analysis showed an increasing separation between natural sciences/psychology and engineering/neural networks research from the first time period to the third.
Incorporation of labeled precursors into lipids of tumors induced by rous sarcoma virus

Abstract 1. 1. A comparison was made of the lipids in the chorioallantoic membranes of chicken eggs and in tumors induced in the membranes by Rous sarcoma virus. 2. 2. Thin-layer chromatography of the lipids from the two tissues revealed only minor differences in their compositions. 3. 3. Measurements were made of the incorporation of several labeled precursors into the lipids of the two tissues. From a buffered salt medium containing glucose, the greatest incorporation of radioactivity was found in the triglycerides. This was true for both tissues and for either glucose or acetate as the radioactive precursor. The tumor slices incorporated about six times as much radioactivity as did the normal membranes. Much of the increased incorporation took place in the triglycerides, but there appeared to be an increased incorporation by the tumors in almost all of the lipid fractions tested. There was considerable incorporation into the glycerol portion of the triglycerides from glucose and even from pyruvate. 4. 4. The difference in incorporation by the two tissues appeared to be largely a matter of amount rather than of distribution.