cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supercritical fluid extraction of PCBs in tandem with high resolution gas chromatography in environmental analysis

A simple method has been developed for the direct coupling of supercritical fluid extractions (SFE) with a high resolution gas chromatograph (HRGC) equipped with an electron capture detector (ECD). SFE conditions have been investigated for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from sediments in terms of mobile phase, entrainer, pressure, temperature, and mass-flow through the extractor. Dynamic leaching and static steady-state extractions were compared. Extraction efficiencies of up to 100% in less than 15 minutes have been obtained. The extracted PCBs are quantitatively transferred into a fused silica open tubular column (OTC). Determination of PCBs was tested on certified sediment from National Water Research Institute and the results agreed well with certified values.
Nuclear Import of Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase

Leukotrienes are lipid messenger molecules that are secreted by leukocytes to orchestrate a rapid and prolonged immune response. The enzyme 5-lipoxygenase catalyzes the rate-limiting first two steps in the synthesis of leukotrienes from arachidonic acid. Although it has long been known that 5-lipoxygenase moves from the cytoplasm to a membrane following activation, it has only recently been recognized that the enzyme may shuttle into and out of the nucleus before activation. The regulation of this movement of soluble 5-lipoxygenase between the cytoplasm and the nucleoplasm, as well as its impact on 5-lipoxygenase action, leukotriene synthesis and cell function, is only now being elucidated. This review details the state of our understanding of the nuclear import of 5-lipoxygenase and its potential importance in immunity.
Heat Budget in the Gulf Stream Region: The Importance of Heat Storage and Advection

Abstract A simple three-dimensional thermodynamic model is used to study the heat balance in the Gulf Stream region (30°–45°N, 40°–75°W) during the period from November 1992 to December 1999. The model is forced by surface heat fluxes derived from NCEP variables, with geostrophic surface velocity specified from sea surface height measurements from the TOPEX/Poseidon altimeter and Ekman transport specified from NCEP wind stress. The mixed layer temperature and mixed layer depth from the model show good agreement with the observations on seasonal and interannual time scales. Although the annual cycle of the upper-ocean heat content is underestimated, the agreement of the interannual variations in the heat content and the sea surface height are good; both are dominated by the large decrease from 1994 to 1997 and the increase afterward. As expected from previous studies, the surface heat flux dominates the seasonal and interannual variations in the mixed layer temperature. However, interannual variations in t...
The Role of Dispersoids in Mechanically Alloyed NiAl

Mechanical alloying followed by hot extrusion has been used to produce fully dense, crack free, very fine grained NiAl-based alloys containing a bimodal distribution of aluminum oxide dispersoids. The unique microstructure provides the materials with high strength and good compressive ductility at ambient and elevated temperatures. The emphasis of the paper is on the importance of the dispersion phase in controlling grain size, texture, deformation mechanisms and ultimately mechanical properties of the mechanically alloyed NiAl-based materials.
Longitudinal Study of Reading Disability and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Implications for Education.

The majority of children who receive special ed- ucation services meet criteria for reading disability (RD) or attention-defi cit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but addi- tional research is needed to understand the long-term aca- demic outcome of children in these groups. Individuals with RD only ( N = 71), ADHD only ( N = 66), both RD and ADHD ( N = 51), or neither disorder ( N = 118) were identifi ed through the ongoing Colorado Learning Disabilities Research Center twin study and retested 5 years later. Results of the follow-up test- ing indicated that, in addition to ongoing reading diffi culties, individuals with RD exhibited higher rates of academic diffi - culties, depression, and adolescent-onset conduct disorder. Initial ADHD status was associated with academic and social diffi culties and elevated rates of nearly all comorbid disorders 5 years later. The group with comorbid RD and ADHD had more stable reading defi cits than the group with RD without ADHD and exhibited greater impairment than groups with either disorder alone on outcome measures of academic func- tioning and social diffi culties. These results suggest that indi- viduals with both RD and ADHD are at increased risk for negative outcomes as adolescents and young adults and that when RD and ADHD co-occur, interventions should be pro- vided for both disorders. LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF READING DISABILITY AND ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER: DIAGNOSTIC STABILITY AND DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES IN LATE ADOLESCENCE
Regulation of the vascular extracellular superoxide dismutase by nitric oxide and exercise training

The bioactivity of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) reflects its rates of production and of inactivation by superoxide (O(2)(*-)), a reactive species dismutated by extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD). We have now examined the complementary hypothesis, namely that NO modulates ecSOD expression. The NO donor DETA-NO increased ecSOD expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner in human aortic smooth muscle cells. This effect was prevented by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ and by the protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor Rp-8-CPT-cGMP. Expression of ecSOD was also increased by 8-bromo-cGMP, but not by 8-bromo-cAMP. Interestingly, the effect of NO on ecSOD expression was prevented by inhibition of the MAP kinase p38 but not of the MAP kinase kinase p42/44, suggesting that NO modulates ecSOD expression via cGMP/PKG and p38MAP kinase-dependent pathways, but not through p42/44MAP kinase. In aortas from mice lacking the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), ecSOD was reduced more than twofold compared to controls. Treadmill exercise training increased eNOS and ecSOD expression in wild-type mice but had no effect on ecSOD expression in mice lacking eNOS, suggesting that this effect of exercise is meditated by endothelium-derived NO. Upregulation of ecSOD expression by NO may represent an important feed-forward mechanism whereby endothelial NO stimulates ecSOD expression in adjacent smooth muscle cells, thus preventing O(2)(*-)-mediated degradation of NO as it traverses between the two cell types.
Students' usability evaluation of a Web-based tutorial program for college biology problem solving

The understanding of core concepts and processes of science in solving problems is important to successful learning in biology. We have designed and developed a Web-based, self-directed tutorial program, SOLVEIT, that provides various scaffolds e.g., prompts, expert models, visual guidance to help college students enhance their skills and abilities in solving problems in science. An initial version of SOLVEIT was used in this study. This paper details the features of SOLVEIT that are contextualized within the biological domains of evolution and ecology. A qualitative case study was conducted to evaluate the usability of the program. Selected students were recruited from an introductory biology course at a large public university in the south-eastern United States. Data for this study were collected through the SOLVEIT database and semi-structured interviews. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of the program for improving students' problem solving in biology. Suggestions for the use of SOLVEIT and its further improvement and development are discussed, along with suggestions for future research. This study also provides more general guidance for researchers and practitioners who are interested in the design, development and evaluation of Web-based tutorial programs in science education.
SQL open heterogeneous data access

We describe the open, extensible architecture of SQL for accessing data stored in external data sources not managed by the SQL engine. In this scenario, SQL engines act as middleware servers providing access to external data using SQL DML statements and joining external data with SQL tables in heterogeneous queries. We describe the state-of-the art in object-relational systems and their companion products, and provide an outlook on future directions.
Gender, achievement, and persistence in an undergraduate computer science program

The proportion of computer science (CS) bachelor's degree recipients who are women has consistently been small and is declining. This study investigates factors that predict performance and persistence in an undergraduate CS program and explores why even high-achieving students leave the undergraduate "CS pipeline." The factors that predict achievement and retention sometimes interact in complex, unexpected ways. Male students who earned less than a B in an introductory CS course were more likely to take the next course in the curriculum than were women who earned less than a B. Achievement is a factor in even high-achieving students' decision to leave CS; loss of interest can accompany loss of confidence. Level of achievement was predicted by various background factors including Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, the number of Calculus courses taken before entering the CS program, amount of access to a computer at home, prior computing experience, and having a mentor or role model during high school. Most of these factors also predicted persistence beyond the first two courses required for a CS major. Curiously, women in the introductory CS course who reported having low exposure to specific programming skills outperformed women who reported having a high level of programming experience. The reverse was true of men. Further investigation provided evidence that women who develop programming skills while in high school might do so at the expense of developing other skills that strongly predict CS achievement, particularly math skills.
Floral development and the formation of unisexual spikelets in the Andropogoneae (Poaceae)

We investigated spikelet development in four distantly related species of the grass tribe Andropogoneae to determine whether spikelet development and the formation of unisexual florets are uniform throughout the tribe. We studied development in Bothriochloa bladhii, Coelorachis aurita, Heteropogon contortus,and Hyparrhenia hirta, and compared these with Panicum, a member of the sister tribe Paniceae. Many aspects of spikelet development in the species we have studied correlate with what is already known for Tripsacum and maize (both Andropogoneae), despite variation in how unisexual florets are distributed on the plant. The formation of unisexual spikelets is also uniform. All florets initiate both pistil and stamen primordia. In florets destined to be male, cell death occurs in the subepidermal layers of the gynoecium after the formation of a gynoecial ridge. In florets destined to be female, there is no apparent cell death in the stamens, but growth ceases after anther formation. The similarity in spikelet development and the formation of unisexual florets point to a common genetic mechanism for sex determination throughout the Andropogoneae and possibly the entire Panicoideae. Use of a cell death pathway to cause gynoecial abortion may be the basis of one morphological character that defines the subfamily.
REBUS FLASH CARDS AND TRADITIONAL ORTHOGRAPHY FLASH CARDS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Rebus pictographic symbols as an intermediate step in reading instruction with educable mentally retarded children. Traditional orthography flash cards were used as a comparative approach. Using twelve students enrolled in the summer laboratory experience at Georgia Southern College and twelve graduate students as student tutors (ST), a pretest of 50 traditional orthography words was given. With a specific procedure, each child was given individualised instruction for nine weeks. After each session, progress or lack of progress was graphed for both groups. Results indicated that effectiveness was best evaluated on an individual basis. A steady increase in the number of symbols identified was found in five of the six subjects (Ss) using the Rebus symbols, and only three of six Ss, two of whom had high pre‐test scores, showed a rapid climb to a perfect score of 50 when using traditional orthography flash cards.
RAF/MEK Dependence of KRAS-Mutant Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas

Studies using genetically engineered mouse models indicate that RAF activation is sufficient to induce pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasms, suggesting that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK) inhibitor-based combination approaches may have clinical use in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas.
Plan B and the Doctrine of Double Effect

This article discusses emergency contraception and the sides of the argument on whether it is a contraceptive or an abortifacient. It argues on the side of emergency contraception being a contraceptive and brings up the issue of -- is taking emergency contraception morally equivalent to intentionally procuring an abortion? It comes to the conclusion that even if hormonal contraception functions sometimes as an abortifacient its use is not morally identical to procuring an early abortion.
PREDICTION OF OSCILLATORY FLOW EXCITATION AT THE LEADING EDGE OF A MODIFIED NACA 0015 AIRFOIL

The goal of this investigation is to numerically simulate the effects of oscillatory actuators placed on the leading edge of an airfoil, and to quantify the effects of oscillatory blowing on airfoil stall behavior. It has been demonstrated experimentally that periodic blowing can delay flow separation. The computations were performed for a TAU 0015 airfoil at Reynolds number ~ 11 with the two-equation Wilcox 6 0 × k ω − turbulence model. The predicted lift coefficient, , versus momentum-blowing coefficient, l C % cµ , illustrates a similar trend to Seifert’s experimental data at high angle of attack, α =22 o . At this angle of attack, which is much greater than the static stall angle of about 12 o , the lift increases monotonically with increasing blowing until at , the lift is approximately equal to that prior to static stall. 0.07% c µ
Voltage Control of Aggregate Electric Water Heater Load for Distribution System Peak Load Shaving Using Field Data

In this paper, a set of field data is used to show that proper voltage control of electric water heaters (EWHs) during peak-demand hours can reduce aggregate EWH power demand without sacrificing many customers' comfort level. Also, viable voltage-control implementation methods are proposed. The proposed control methods can be extended to some other thermostatically controlled devices.
Scientific skepticism and new discoveries: an analysis of a report of zinc/phytase supplementation and the efficacy of botulinum toxins in treating cosmetic facial rhytides, hemifacial spasm and benign essential blepharospasm.

AbstractIntroduction: A recent paper in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology by Koshy and colleagues (2012, 11():507–512) report on “Effect of Dietary Zinc and Phytase Supplementation on Botulinum Toxin Treatments” and conclude by claiming the discovery of “a potentially meaningful role for zinc and/or phytase supplementation in increasing the degree and duration of botulinum toxin effect in the treatment of cosmetic facial rhytids, benign essential blepharospasm, and hemifacial spasm”. The purpose of this paper is to examine these published claims for possible methodological and design errors and potential sources of bias. Methods: The authors evaluated the published results in comparison to the published literature on zinc deficiency, the role of phytase, prior reports of an effect of zinc on activity of botulinum toxin, issues of study design and execution and if the reported results of the study supported the study's conclusions. Results: Multiple issues are present in the reported study, which appear ...
Using Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Models to Incorporate Chemical and Non-Chemical Stressors into Cumulative Risk Assessment: A Case Study of Pesticide Exposures

Cumulative risk assessment has been proposed as an approach to evaluate the health risks associated with simultaneous exposure to multiple chemical and non-chemical stressors. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) models can allow for the inclusion and evaluation of multiple stressors, including non-chemical stressors, but studies have not leveraged PBPK/PD models to jointly consider these disparate exposures in a cumulative risk context. In this study, we focused on exposures to organophosphate (OP) pesticides for children in urban low-income environments, where these children would be simultaneously exposed to other pesticides (including pyrethroids) and non-chemical stressors that may modify the effects of these exposures (including diet). We developed a methodological framework to evaluate chemical and non-chemical stressor impacts on OPs, utilizing an existing PBPK/PD model for chlorpyrifos. We evaluated population-specific stressors that would influence OP doses or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, the relevant PD outcome. We incorporated the impact of simultaneous exposure to pyrethroids and dietary factors on OP dose through the compartments of metabolism and PD outcome within the PBPK model, and simulated combinations of stressors across multiple exposure ranges and potential body weights. Our analyses demonstrated that both chemical and non-chemical stressors can influence the health implications of OP exposures, with up to 5-fold variability in AChE inhibition across combinations of stressor values for a given OP dose. We demonstrate an approach for modeling OP risks in the presence of other population-specific environmental stressors, providing insight about co-exposures and variability factors that most impact OP health risks and contribute to children’s cumulative health risk from pesticides. More generally, this framework can be used to inform cumulative risk assessment for any compound impacted by chemical and non-chemical stressors through metabolism or PD outcomes.
Autonomous nondeterministic tour guides: improving quality of experience with TTD-MDPs

In this paper, we address the problem of building a system of autonomous agents for a complex environment, in our case, a museum with many visitors. Visitors may have varying preferences for types of art or may wish to visit different exhibits on multiple visits. Often, these goals conflict. For example, many visitors may wish to see the museum's most popular work, but that could cause congestion, ruining the experience. Thus, our task is to build a set of agents that can satisfy their visitors' goals, while simultaneously providing high quality experiences for all.
The cost-effectiveness of team debugging in teaching cobol programming

A team-debugging approach to teaching introductory COBOL programming is described. Team debugging activities consist of the formation of different three-person teams for each assigned program to read and critique team members' program listings. These activities require no additional resources or drastic changes in teaching style.The effectiveness of this approach was empirically assessed with a sample of 215 undergraduate Business Administration students. An experimental group participated in the team debugging activities while a control group did not. COBOL proficiency was measured by a final examination testing (1) knowledge of language rules, (2) the ability to read a program listing, and (3) the ability to write a program, Analysis of multiple covariance was used to statistically adjust test scores for age and conditional reasoning ability. The experimental group achieved higher mean scores for all three variables. For the program writing variable, the difference was statistically significant (F = 9.50, p
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AS STORYTELLING

I’ll tell you a story About Jack a Nory, And now my story's begun; I’ll tell you another Of Jack and his brother, And now my story is done. [Anon] A great writer of fiction both creates a new, unique, individual world – through acts of imagination, through language that feels inevitable, through commanding forms – and responds to a world, the world the writer shares with other people but that is unknown or miss-known by still more people, confined in their worlds. Call that history, society, what you will. The writers who matter most to us are those who enlarge our consciences and our sympathies and our knowledge. [Susan Sontag] This paper elucidates the interpretive approach to public administration that Professor Rhodes and I have developed over the last ten years. It defends the importance of storytelling in governance. The early studies of governance often drew on modernist empiricism and policy network theory to argue that public sector reforms had created a differentiated polity. While this governance literature offered a compelling account of contemporary public administration, it rested on a modernist empiricism that proved vulnerable to questions such as those raised by rational choice theorists about its micro foundations. Professor Rhodes and I thus rejected modernist empiricism in favour of an emphasis on meanings and storytelling. Our interpretive approach rests on ‘meaning holism’. It replaces naIve empiricism with an anthropological epistemology based on comparing rival accounts. It rejects reified ontologies for recognition of the constructed nature of social reality. It moves away from formal explanations towards historicism. It provides a defence of public administration as storytelling.
Gifted Adolescents' Attitudes Toward Their Giftedness:

The purpose of this study was to assess gifted adolescents' views of their own giftedness and their perceptions regarding how giftedness is viewed by others. One hundred eighty-four gifted adolescents completed an open-ended questionnaire on giftedness. Resutts indicated that their views of giftedness were not unidimensional. They were positive about their giftedness but did not believe that others were positive. Also, gifted adolescents viewed giftedness as positive with regard to their personal growth and academic performance but as negative in social relations with others. Gifted adolescents have strongly mixed attitudes about their giftedness.
Understanding Data Quality through Reliability: A Comparison of Data Reliability Assessment in Three International Relations Datasets

Although recent data creation efforts in international relations have begun to focus on issues of reliability and validity more explicitly than previously, current efforts still contain significant problems. This essay focuses on three recent data generation projects that study international relations (the ICOW, ATOP, and River Treaty datasets) and shows the successes and failures of each in assessing reliability when generating data from qualitative evidence. All three datasets attempt to generate reliable data, document the procedures used, and present indications of data reliability. However, their efforts face problems when assessing the reliability of their case selection variables, in the development of reliability indicators, and in the presentation of reliability statistics. In addition to evaluating these recent efforts to generate large-N databases, this essay clarifies the difference between generating data from qualitative and quantitative evidence, explains the importance of reliability when coding qualitative evidence, and provides ways to improve the assessment of the quality of one's data.
Poorly Differentiated Lung Cancer

W HEN THE FIRST curative resection of a lung cancer was reported in 1933, little was known about the important therapeutic implications of the various histologic types of pulmonary neoplasms.’ As more lung tumors were resected, it became clear that patients with small cell carcinoma (SCC) were seldom surgical candidates, since these tumors rapidly recurred systemically. When effective combination chemotherapy for SCC evolved in the 197Os, it became clear that many patients with lung cancer can achieve cure or important clinical remission, provided that the available therapeutic modalities are selected appropriately. Consequently, it became increasingly important to develop a lung cancer classification to correctly identify the different tumor types. Clinically, the most important distinction needs to be made between SCC and non-small cell carcinoma (non-SCC). However, a variety of other responsive neoplasms such as lymphomas, sarcomas, and germinal tumors can either arise in the mediastinum or present with metastases to the lung. These tumors can have undifferentiated histology and need to be distinguished from primary lung cancers. The term “poorly differentiated lung cancer” (PDLC) refers to a malignant pulmonary neoplasm that lacks distinctive light microscopic features. Although a diagnosis of PDLC poses no problem to patients who are suitable candidates for surgery or for whom only supportive care is required, the use of this term often obscures the recognition of SCC and delays the institution of effective therapy. This paper addresses the problems associated with the use of PDLC as a diagnosis, and reviews present and future
The Effects of Weight Management Programs on Self-Esteem in Pediatric Overweight Populations

Objective Review published findings on self-esteem and pediatric overweight, and changes in self-esteem subsequent to weight management programs. Methods We used PsycInfo and MedLine searches to identify peer-reviewed journal articles examining self-esteem changes following participation in weight management programs Results Data regarding the relationship between self-esteem and obesity is mixed. Factors that place overweight children ‘‘at-risk’’ for low self-esteem include early adolescence, female gender, identification with majority cultural standards of body shape, exposure to teasing and peer victimization, a history of greater parental control over feeding, and internal attributions about weight status. Data from intervention studies suggest positive effects on self-esteem across settings. Components related to self-esteem improvements include weight change, parent involvement, and group intervention format. Conclusions Well-designed, longitudinal studies using multidimensional measures of self-esteem, and following CONSORT guidelines are needed to confirm and expand these findings. Emphasis should be placed on examining mediators and moderators of self-esteem change.
Treatment of Constipation in Older Adults

Constipation is a common complaint in older adults. Although constipation is not a physiologic consequence of normal aging, decreased mobility and other comorbid medical conditions may contribute to its increased prevalence in older adults. Functional constipation is diagnosed when no secondary causes can be identified, such as a medical condition or a medicine with a side effect profile that includes constipation. Empiric treatment may be tried initially for patients with functional constipation. Management of chronic constipation includes keeping a stool diary to record the nature of the bowel movements, counseling on bowel training, increasing fluid and dietary fiber intake, and increasing physical activity. There are a variety of over-the-counter and prescription laxatives available for the treatment of constipation. Fiber and laxatives increase stool frequency and improve symptoms of constipation. If constipation is refractory to medical treatment, further diagnostic evaluation may be warranted to assess for colonic transit time and anorectal dysfunction. Alternative treatment methods such as biofeedback and surgery may be considered for these patients.
Optimum Estimation of Bit Synchronization

In digital communication systems, optimum estimation and detection algorithms require that precise knowledge of the bit transition time be known to the receiver before bit-by-bit detection can be made. This paper presents the derivation of Bayes or maximum a posteriori estimation algorithms for optimum estimation of bit timing. Performance of the optimum system is evaluated and suboptimal realizations suggested.
Key Performance Indicators in Highway Design and Construction

AASHTO has expressed the need for formalized and effective performance-based management in highway projects. Performance measures and key performance indicators (KPIs) are widely used by international highway agencies to manage performance in public-private partnership contracts, with great success. Performance measures have been used by a number of U.S. state departments of transportation (DOTs) to manage highway agency performance, but the use of formalized KPIs is limited. This research presents information from four detailed design-build (DB) case studies. The case studies were selected from DOTs with mature performance management systems to determine how contractor performance is managed during design and construction. The research found that although performance measures were used in the majority of the case studies, formal KPIs were not. This paper provides a description of practices for managing performance during design and construction and how the current practices and DB requests for proposal o...
Learning to recognize daily actions using gaze

We present a probabilistic generative model for simultaneously recognizing daily actions and predicting gaze locations in videos recorded from an egocentric camera. We focus on activities requiring eye-hand coordination and model the spatio-temporal relationship between the gaze point, the scene objects, and the action label. Our model captures the fact that the distribution of both visual features and object occurrences in the vicinity of the gaze point is correlated with the verb-object pair describing the action. It explicitly incorporates known properties of gaze behavior from the psychology literature, such as the temporal delay between fixation and manipulation events. We present an inference method that can predict the best sequence of gaze locations and the associated action label from an input sequence of images. We demonstrate improvements in action recognition rates and gaze prediction accuracy relative to state-of-the-art methods, on two new datasets that contain egocentric videos of daily activities and gaze.
Surgical Techniques: Cervical Sympathectomy in the Treatment of CRPS/RSD

Skin abnormalities, such as discoloration, edema, temperature alterations and abnormal sweating, have led many to conclude that Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), previously known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. These previous clinical observations led to the concept that disrupting sympathetic innervation to an affected extremity, by chemical blockade or surgical disruption of the sympathetic chain, could improve symptoms. However, recent evidence has raised questions about the primary role of the sympathetic nervous system in CRPS/RSD, and clinical results from disruption of sympathetic innervation in patients with CRPS/RSD have remained inconsistent.
Criminal disposition of persons involved in 72 cases of fatal child abuse.

Seventy-two cases of fatal child abuse were studied to determine the numbers of cases in which charges were filed, indictments returned, and convictions obtained. The sentences given and amount of time served were also examined.All of the cases reviewed involved children six years of age or under who were in the care of their parent(s) or substitute caretaker(s) when the injuries or conditions occurred which resulted in their deaths. Charges were filed in less than one-half of the cases, and convictions were obtained in less than one-third of these cases. The sentences given and actual time served varied considerably.The results of the present study illustrate the need for improved training of medical personnel, law enforcement officials and prosecuting attorneys in the investigation and prosecution of cases of fatal child abuse.
Case Study 1: Reinterpreting Natural Evolution

This chapter, the first case study, reconsiders the drive behind natural evolution in light of the myth of the objective. Much discussion of evolution in popular culture emphasizes survival and reproduction as a central objective of the process. This chapter turns this perspective on its head, painting natural evolution as an open-ended exploration that succeeds in spite of competition. In particular, we can view evolution as a diversifying search that accumulates an increasing collection of organisms that can survive and reproduce. In other words, surviving and reproducing is something satisfied from the origin of life. Thus the sheer majesty of evolution is in the great variety and complexity of ways to make a living, not narrowly in how well a particular organism can compete with others. The conclusion is evolution may be better viewed through an objective-free lens as water spilling through the space of possible ways to live, instead of as a red-toothed competition between organisms.
Community robotics

The purpose of this research is to design and build a collective robot system with communication between the individual robots and a supervisor robot. This project examines the possibility of adding one or more robots to the group and reconfiguring the new group to maintain task completion and increase efficiency. First, the project standardizes the communication process and make messaging more reliable and efficient. Next, the work focuses on the discrete-event modeling of the robotic community and investigates the implementation of model-based designs for the community's supervision.
Intraocular foreign bodies: A review

Intraocular foreign body injuries may result in a wide range of intraocular pathology and visual outcomes based on the mechanism of injury, type of foreign body, and subsequent complications. We have reviewed the literature to describe the epidemiology and mechanisms of such injuries; types of foreign bodies; imaging tools for diagnosis; current trends in management, presurgical, and surgical interventions; as well as visual prognosis and potential complications. The purpose of this review is to familiarize clinicians with the recent advances in diagnosis and management of such injuries.
GENETIC CONSTRAINTS AND THE PHYLOGENY OF INSECT-PLANT ASSOCIATIONS: RESPONSES OF OPHRAELLA COMMUNA (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE) TO HOST PLANTS OF ITS CONGENERS.

We ask whether patterns of genetic variation in a phytophagous insect's responses to potential host plants shed light on the phylogenetic history of host association. Ophraella communa feeds chiefly, and in eastern North America exclusively, on Ambrosia (Asteraceae: Ambrosiinae). Using mostly half-sib breeding designs, we screened for genetic variation in feeding responses to and larval survival on its own host and on seven other plants that are hosts (or, on one case, closely related to the host) of other species of Ophraella. We found evidence for genetic variation in feeding responses to five of the seven test plants, other than the natural host. We found no evidence of genetic variation in feeding responses to two plant species, nor in capacity for larval survival on six. These results imply constraints on the availability of genetic variation; however, little evidence for constraints in the form of negative genetic correlations was found. These results are interpreted in the context of a provisional phylogeny of, and a history of host shifts within, the genus. Ophraella communa does not present evidence of genetic variation in its ability to feed and/or survive on Solidago, even though it is probably descended from a lineage that fed on Solidago or related plants, possibly as recently as 1.9 million years ago. Genetic variation in performance on this plant may have been lost. Based on evidence for genetic variation and on mean performance, by far the greatest potentiality for adaptation to a congener's host was evinced in responses to Iva frutescens, which not only is related and chemically similar to Ambrosia, but also is the host of a closely related species of Ophraella that may have been derived from an Ambrosia-associated ancestor. Genetic variation in O. communa's capacity to feed and/or survive on its congeners' hosts is less evident for plants that do not represent historically realized host shifts (with one exception) than for those that may (but see Note Added in Proof). The results offer some support for the hypothesis that the evolution of host shifts has been guided in part by constrained genetic variation.
Still Another Elementary Proof that σ 1/k2 = π2/6

(1972). Still Another Elementary Proof that σ 1/k2 = π2/6. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 45, No. 3, pp. 148-149.
Myopathic Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome

Three siblings with the myopathic form of mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome and a homozygous mutation in the TK2 gene are reported from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY.
Access to the pactamycin core via an epoxide opening cascade.

A synthetic strategy to establish five contiguous stereocenters, in a stereocontrolled manner, on the core structure of pactamycin is described. This sequence exploits the use of a Lewis acid mediated epoxide opening cascade to set the relative configuration of the C4–C5 diol while reversing the configuration at C7. This sequence provides the oxygenated core of pactamycin in just 11 steps.
Impact of Energy Storage System on the Unit Commitment Problem with Volatile Wind Power

This paper presents a simulation method that can assess the impact of energy storage system(ESS) on the unit commitment(UC) problem with volatile wind power.In order to achieve the higher system flexibility and reduce the impact of volatility of wind power,ESS is incorporated into the UC problem with wind power.The UC problem with wind power and ESS is formulated as the mixed-integer convex program,which is optimized by branch and bound combined with interior point method.During the branch and bound process,best first search and depth first search are combined to expedite the computation.Numerical simulations on a ten-unit system show that the introduction of ESS is effective to reduce the impact of volatility of wind power on the UC problem.
A study on Law Knowledge of Paramedical Students in Polytechnic College before and after Internship

Objective To know about law knowledge of paramedical students in polytechnic college before and after internship and to provide some bases for strengthening education of paramedical students on law knowledge.Methods A study on self-made questionnaire answered by students of grade 2006,2007and2008.Result Law courses taught at university is the main approach for paramedical students to access the law knowledge.The knowledge structure of students changes little and can't meet the needs of clinical work.Conclusion To strengthen education in law knowledge of paramedical students and to improve their ability to deal with the law risks.
Professional training and development for teachers

In view of the problem in professional training for university teachers,this paper presents that the training for university teachers should be in multiple channels and with high-quality.While training in the aspects of moral character,professional knowledge and aesthetic,it must be made sure that teachers enjoy high-quality professional development opportunities.Teacher performance appraisal is an effective mechanism to ensure professional training and development for teachers.
Analysis on Influenza Surveillance in Wuxi Area during 2008-2009

[Objective] To understand the epidemic situation of influenza in Wuxi area,analyze the epidemic trends and characters,and provide the scientific basis for influenza prevention.[Methods]Nasopharynx swab and gargling specimens collected from influenza-like patients in clinic were inoculated with MDCK cells,and virus isolation and subtype identification were conducted.[Results]From January 2008 to April 2009,95 strains of influenza virus were isolated from 827 specimens of influenza-like patients,and the positive rate was 11.49%.Among them,31(32.63%) strains were identified as A/H1N1,43(45.26%) strains were A/H3N2,6(6.32%) strains were B victoria,and 15(15.79%) strains were B yamagata.[Conclusion]From 2008 to 2009,the epidemic situation of influenza in Wuxi area was calm relatively.A/H1N1,A/H3N2,B-victoria and B-yamagata were found,and the predominant strains in summer would become the epidemic strains in winter and spring.
E-009 endovascular treatment of complex distal posterior cerebral artery aneurysms with the pipeline embolization device

Background Treatment of complex posterior circulation aneurysms can be extremely difficult and particularly challenging when the aneurysm is fusiform in nature or located within the distal segments of the cerebral vasculature. The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) has become increasingly more popular for treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms, particularly within the anterior and proximal posterior circulation. No studies have examined the devices results in the treatment of distal posterior circulation aneurysms, including device patency within smaller distal vessels and aneurysm occlusion rates. Objective To retrospectively present our institutional experience with use of the PED in treatment of complex posterior cerebral artery aneurysms. Methods A total of 2 patients presenting with complex, distal posterior cerebral artery aneurysms were treated with the PED at our institution from November 2012 to March 2013. All patients medical records were reviewed including clinic visits, cross sectional imaging and angiographic studies. Results All patients had presented to our clinic with unruptured aneurysms. Both patients presented with a chief complaint of headache, in addition, patient 2 developed a progressive left-sided visual field deficit over the previous 6 weeks. The average size of the aneurysms was 8.0 mm at its largest diameter. Patient 1’s aneurysm was saccular in nature, measured 6 × 4 mm, arose for the right P2–3 junction and incorporated a posterolateral temporal branch at its base. Patient 2’s aneurysm was fusiform in morphology, partially thrombosed and arose from a dysplastic portion of the late-P2 segment at an early bifurcation of the posterior cerebral artery. Both patients underwent aneurysm embolization utilizing a single PED. Due to the morphology and junctional nature of patient 2’s partially thrombosed aneurysm, adjunctive intrasaccluar coils were placed prior to PED deployment. All patients achieved a favorable post-procedural outcome (mRS = 0). No patients experienced neurologic complications or perforator infarction from endovascular treatment from the PED. Presenting symptoms resolved in both patients, including complete resolution of patient 2’s progressive left-sided visual field deficit. Follow-up cerebral angiography at one year showed 100% aneurysm occlusion with no flow limiting stenosis of the PED. Conclusion Given the increased morbidity associated with microsurgery and the limitations of other treatment methods, PED use provides a practical and viable treatment option for distal posterior cerebral artery aneurysms. Based on our limited institutional experience, PED use for treatment of distal posterior cerebral artery aneurysms in select patients, is shown to be safe and effective. Disclosures P. Mazaris: None.
Rendering the Navier-Stokes Equations for a Compressible Fluid into the Schrödinger Equation for Quantum Mechanics

The mass and momentum transfer phenomena in a compressible fluid represented by the Navier–Stokes equations are shown to convert into the Schrodinger equation for quantum mechanics. The complete Navier–Stokes equations render into an extended generalized version of Schrodinger equation. These results complement the Madelung’s (Zeitschrift fur Physik 40 (3–4), pp. 322–326, 1926–1927) derivations that show how Schrodinger’s equation in quantum mechanics can be converted into the Euler equations for irrotational compressible flow. The theoretical results presented here join the classical Madelung paper to suggest the possibility that quantum effects at sub-atomic levels deal with a compressible fluid susceptible to wave propagation, rather than a particle. The link between such a fluid and the “quantum particle” is under current investigation.
A New Technique for Volar Capsulodesis for Isolated Palmar Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Injuries: A Cadaveric Study and Case Report

Introduction Most surgical techniques for scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) repair address only the dorsal component of the ligament, potentially leading to high surgical failure rates. We introduce a new technique to reconstruct the volar SLIL using a portion of the long radiolunate ligament (LRL). A biomechanical evaluation was performed to evaluate the rupture strength of this repair, and a subsequent anatomic study was performed to verify that this repair would not compromise the blood supply to either the scaphoid or the lunate. Methods A reconstruction of the volar SLIL was developed utilizing a lunate-based strip of the LRL. Fourteen cadaver arms were injected with red-colored epoxide and latex. The blood supply of the volar wrist capsule was dissected. The vascular supply to the ligaments, scaphoid, and lunate were investigated. The biomechanical strength of this reconstruction was tested on five cadaver arms by potting the scaphoid, lunate, and radius and subjecting the repair to a tensile load using a servohydraulic vertical displacement testing machine. Results In all arms, a branch of the radial artery or radiocarpal arch supplied the radioscapholunate ligament at the medial border of the LRL. The proximal half of the scaphoid was supplied by dorsal branches of the radial artery. In all cases, a vessel entered the lunate on its ulnar volar side, away from the repair. The average strength of the intact LRL strip was 97.4 N, and the average strength of the ligament-suture interface used for the capsulodesis was 43.5 N. Conclusion This volar approach to the SLIL does not compromise the vascularity of the scaphoid or the lunate. This approach allows the possibility of repairing or augmenting the volar SLIL. The strength of this repair appears to be less than the strength of the native SLIL. Further clinical studies are warranted.
Cabinet Craft and Reform

It is possible to consider Whig and Liberal attitudes towards reform, during the 1858–59 recess, in isolation from government plans. Not that ministerial intention had little relevance for opposition thinking; quite the contrary. But rather the cabinet’s scheme remained quite unknown to those outside it. Indeed, as testament to Derby’s skill, it remained obscure even to some within the cabinet. As Cornewall Lewis mused, in formulating their own thoughts the opposition were forced to discuss ‘what ought to be done about an unknown bill, producing an unknown effect upon public opinion and parties in the House’.1 Whig and Liberal ignorance was the intended effect of ministerial silence. Even when the Conservative Lyndhurst met Derby in November 1858, he found the premier ‘spoke a good while but said as little’.2 In October Derby had reminded Disraeli of the merits of ministerial evasiveness. ‘Nothing has so disconcerted our opponents, especially of the peers, as the silence we have kept as to all our intended measures.’3