cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Normative noninvasive bladder function measurements in healthy women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim To conduct an evidence synthesis of normative reference values for bladder function parameters in women. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting bladder function parameters obtained from noninvasive tests in healthy women. Seven databases were searched for relevant studies from inception through December 2018, with manual searching of reference lists. We included English language articles that provided quantitative data on urination frequency, voided and postvoid residual volumes, and uroflowmetry results in women without lower urinary tract symptoms. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were undertaken by at least two independent reviewers. Random-effects meta-analytic models were used to derive study-level pooled mean estimates and 95% confidence intervals. Results A total of 24 studies (N = 3090 women, age range, 18-91 years) met eligibility criteria. Pooled mean estimates of bladder function parameters were: 6.6 daytime voids (95% confidence interval (95% CI), 6.2, 7.0), 0.4 nighttime voids (95% CI, 0.0, 0.8), 1577 mL for 24-hour voided volume (95% CI 1428,1725); 12 mL for postvoid residual volume (95% CI, 4, 20); and 28 mL/sec for maximum flow rate (95% CI, 27,30). Between-study heterogeneity was high for all outcomes (I2 = 61.1-99.6%), but insufficient data were available to explore reasons for this high heterogeneity (eg, differences by age). Conclusion Although summary mean estimates of bladder function parameters were calculated, the wide heterogeneity across studies precludes generalization of these estimates to all healthy women. Further research is needed to determine normative reference values within specific groups, such as those defined by age.
A comparison of kombucha SCOBY bacterial cellulose purification methods

Kombucha SCOBY pellicle formed as a waste product in the kombucha tea fermentation industry can be used as a potential source for bacterial cellulose. We have compared four simple, scalable purification methods for the purification of this jelly like cellulosic matrix containing bacteria, yeast cells, proteins and polyphenols as impurities. The method using two successive 1.0 M NaOH washings at 90 °C, followed by the treatment with 1.5% (w/w) aq. NaOCl for 2 h, was the most effective method and gave the purified cellulose sample with the highest leucometer whiteness value of 81.4 ± 4.8. The purified cellulose samples were analyzed using FT-IR, TGA, SEM, EDX, X-ray and water absorption at room temperature.
Advanced data handling in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography

Abstract Advanced data handling techniques, specifically chemometric data analysis tools, have become an integral part of successful implementation of comprehensive two-dimensional (2D) gas chromatography (GC×GC) for the analysis of complex samples. When GC×GC is coupled with a multichannel detector such as a time-of-flight–mass spectrometer (TOFMS), enormous data sets are produced that require chemometric methods to glean meaningful information. Chemometric methods utilize linear algebra and statistical concepts to reveal underlying chemical relationships in the data that are related to the experimental design. However, the successful application of chemometrics is not without its challenges in order to reap the rewards. Since there are a myriad of chemometric methods, in this chapter we focus on the operation of the most common tools: deconvolution, pattern recognition, discovery-based analysis, and property prediction methods. Considerations of experimental design, preprocessing, data structure, and analysis goals are included. Current applications of these advanced data handling methods are demonstrated to highlight the ability to obtain useful information from complex samples.
“Starting Points Matter”: Humanizing Economics Pedagogy through New Economic Paradigms

This paper considers the implications of the neoclassical dominant narrative in economics education and conceptualizes specific responses that teachers and teacher educators can take to promote a h...
Succinate dehydrogenase‐deficient gastrointestinal stromal tumor of stomach diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy: Report of a distinct subtype in cytology

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)-deficient gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are characterized by the lack of mutations in KIT receptor tyrosine kinase complex and platelet derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFRA) that are commonly found in the majority of GISTs. SDH-deficient GISTs comprise approximately 5%-10% of all GISTs. This subset may be associated with Carney Triad and Carney-Stratakis syndrome. SDH-deficient GISTs show unique demographic, radiologic, morphologic findings, clinical behavior, and treatment response. To our knowledge, the identification and characterization of this subset of GISTs have not yet been described in the cytopathology literature. By understanding the clinical as well as the other unique features of this tumor, in addition to the rapidly evolving identification of specific molecular alterations and targeted therapies, cytopathologists may play an important role in the diagnosis and work-up of these patients to allow clinicians to better manage and treat them. We present a young female with gastric SDH-deficient GIST diagnosed by fine-needle biopsy with supporting surgical pathology follow-up and molecular confirmation. This report suggests that the diagnosis of SDH-deficient GIST can be made on cytology in the appropriate clinical setting by using cytomorphologic features and demonstrating SDH loss by IHC on the cell block. In addition, molecular testing may be possible on the cytology cell block or supernatant to confirm the diagnosis.
Stress Relaxation of Comb Polymer Melts

Branched polymers stress relaxation is at the center to their function as viscosity modifiers, though the fundamentals that underlie the correlation between the polymer topology and their impact on viscosity remains an open question. Here, the stress relaxation of short, branched polyethylene comb polymer melts is studied by molecular dynamics simulations. A coarse-grained model where four methylene groups constitute one bead is used, and the results are transposed to the atomistic level. For arms of length comparable to entanglement length ne of the linear polymer, we show that while increasing the number of branches with the same arm length decreases the plateau modulus, the terminal diffusive time does not change significantly. Increasing the arm length decreases the plateau modulus and increases the terminal time. As arms shorter than ne relax by the entanglement time, both the chain mobility and stress relaxation can be described by reptation of the backbone with an increased tube diameter and an increased friction coefficient; or in other words, the branches act as a solvent.
Baccalaureate nursing students' engagement with end-of-life curriculum: A grounded theory study.

Abstract Background The art of being prepared to support patients and their families during end of life experiences is not always emphasized in nurse education. Despite the efforts from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC), only 25% of nursing schools across the United States are using their modules. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore how student nurses engage with end of life education. Design Qualitative study using a grounded theory approach. Setting Baccalaureate nursing program located in the rural agricultural western United States. Participants Using purposive sampling, a single cohort of baccalaureate student nurses in two focus groups (n = 17; n = 23). Methods Using a grounded theory approach, student experiences and engagement with the curriculum were explored. Using the constant comparative method, three researchers coded the data independently and then came together to reach consensus on themes and for the development of the conceptual model. Results Three categories emerged from the data to describe the student engagement with the curriculum: Novice, Evolving, and Prepared. The central theme for the Novice students was Being Afraid. Students expressed fear over the unknown and not knowing what to say or do. Becoming Aware was the central theme for the Evolving students which included a blend of being aware of their deficiencies as well as the important aspects of end of life care. The final category was Prepared. The theme for this category was Becoming Accomplished, which included recognition of respectful care, disrespectful care, team work, and advocacy. Conclusion End of life education is essential for nursing students to provide appropriate care at end of life, as well as providing improved knowledge, attitudes, and confidence of students. The End of Life Nursing Education Consortium modules, placed strategically within the curriculum, allow nursing students to move through the process of Being Afraid, to Becoming Aware, and finally Becoming Accomplished upon graduation.
Measuring the Barriers to Adherence With Neurology Clinic Appointments for Children With Epilepsy: A Pilot Study.

Introduction:Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in children. Missed appointments reflect missed opportunity to provide care for children with epilepsy. The objective of this ...
The endocannabinoid system, cannabis, and cannabidiol: Implications in urology and men's health.

Background The endocannabinoid system is a neuromodulatory system responsible for partial regulation of cognitive and emotional processes in the human central nervous system such as behavior, mood disorders, and neurologic disorders such as epilepsy. The endocannabinoid system is also prevalent throughout the peripheral nervous system and human body and its receptors and signaling pathways are present and active in areas including the male and female reproductive tracts and organ systems such as the urologic and gastrointestinal system. Summary The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a brief background on the endocannabinoid system and to discuss the implications of the endocannabinoid system in urology as it applies to the male reproductive system, risk of urologic malignancy, and impact on the lower urinary tract, voiding, and urologic pain. It also summaries and discusses the epidemiology and research on cannabis and cannabidiol products. Key message The endocannabinoid system affects the urologic and reproductive systems. Cannabis products and inhibitors targeting endocannabinoid pathways are being studied for their potential use as treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms and other urologic symptoms. Cannabis use adversely affects spermatogenesis and semen parameters and may be a risk factor for testicular germ cell tumors, however, it may be useful as a potential treatment for urologic symptoms. Cannabidiol products are popular in the consumer marketplace but there is still a paucity of scientific data on their potential medicinal use.
Disparities among neurointerventionalists suggest further investigation of conscious sedation versus general anesthesia during thrombectomy for acute stroke

Introduction Prior retrospective and case-control studies have shown that the use of general anesthesia (GA) during endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) was independently associated with poor clinical outcomes compared with cases performed under conscious sedation (CS). Conversely, recent small randomized clinical trials (RCT) demonstrated a trend toward better outcome in cases performed under GA. Methods We submitted an online survey to 193 Society of Vascular Interventional Neurology and 78 American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons - Cerebrovascular Section neuroendovascular practitioners. Questions were aimed at understanding the current state of anesthesia practice during EVT, and to determine if there is clinical equipoise for a large multicenter RCT comparing GA versus CS during EVT. Results Between March and May of 2017, we received 116 (43%) responses. Anesthesiologists were responsible for managing 96% of the GA cases as compared to only 51% of the CS cases (P Conclusion The significant variation among neuroendovascular providers, added with the lack of consensus among recent trials and meta-analyses, demonstrate clinical equipoise for further studies to explore the effects of anesthesia during EVT in AIS-LVO.
Dominant negative effects of SCN5A missense variants

IntroductionUp to 30% of patients with Brugada Syndrome (BrS) carry loss-of-function (LoF) variants in the cardiac sodium channel gene SCN5A. Recent studies have suggested that the SCN5A protein product NaV1.5 can form dimers and exert dominant negative effects. MethodsWe identified 35 LoF variants (<10% peak current compared to wild type (WT)) and 15 partial LoF variants (10-50% peak current compared to WT) that we assessed for dominant negative behavior. SCN5A variants were studied in HEK293T cells alone or in heterozygous co-expression with WT SCN5A using automated patch clamp. To assess clinical risk, we compared the prevalence of dominant negative vs. putative haploinsufficient (frameshift/splice site) variants in a BrS case consortium and the gnomAD population database. ResultsIn heterozygous expression with WT, 32/35 LoF variants and 6/15 partial LoF showed reduction to <75% of WT-alone peak INa, demonstrating a dominant negative effect. Carriers of dominant negative LoF missense variants had an enriched disease burden compared to putative haploinsufficient variant carriers (2.7-fold enrichment in BrS cases, p=0.019). ConclusionsMost SCN5A missense LoF variants exert a dominant negative effect. Cohort analyses reveal that this class of variant confers an especially high burden of BrS.
In Search of Power: African Americans in the Era of Decolonization, 1956–1974

In Search of Power is a history of the era of civil rights, decolonization and Black Power. In the critical period from 1956 to 1974, the emergence of newly independent states worldwide and the struggles of the civil rights movement in the United States exposed the limits of racial integration and political freedom. Dissidents, leaders and elites alike were linked in a struggle for power in a world where the rules of the game had changed. Brenda Gayle Plummer traces the detailed connections between African Americans' involvement in international affairs and how they shaped American foreign policy, integrating African American history, the history of the African Diaspora and the history of United States foreign relations. These topics, usually treated separately, not only offer a unified view of the period but also reassess controversies and events that punctuated this colorful era of upheaval and change.
U.S. Air Quality and Health Benefits from Avoided Climate Change under Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

We evaluate the impact of climate change on U.S. air quality and health in 2050 and 2100 using a global modeling framework and integrated economic, climate, and air pollution projections. Three internally consistent socioeconomic scenarios are used to value health benefits of greenhouse gas mitigation policies specifically derived from slowing climate change. Our projections suggest that climate change, exclusive of changes in air pollutant emissions, can significantly impact ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution across the U.S. and increase associated health effects. Climate policy can substantially reduce these impacts, and climate-related air pollution health benefits alone can offset a significant fraction of mitigation costs. We find that in contrast to cobenefits from reductions to coemitted pollutants, the climate-induced air quality benefits of policy increase with time and are largest between 2050 and 2100. Our projections also suggest that increasing climate policy stringency beyond a certain degree may lead to diminishing returns relative to its cost. However, our results indicate that the air quality impacts of climate change are substantial and should be considered by cost-benefit climate policy analyses.
The Evaluation of Satellites Including TCV Initial State Transitions in the Cl L Emission Spectra of KCl

In the previous paper by Andermann1 it was shown that it might be possible to observe TCV initial state satellites in the C1 L2,3 emission spectrum of KCl (s). Since KCl is isoelectronic to Ar+-Ar-, and since the L emission satellites of Ar (g) and Ar (s) have received considerable attention recently2,3,4 the high resolution evaluation of the general nature of the C1 L2,3 satellites in KCl, under varied excitation conditions, presents an inviting challenge per se also.
A Watershed-Level Bioeconomic Analysis of the Value of 6-8 Month Climate Forecasts

We examine the value of climate forecasts to agricultural producers in a small watershed in southeast Alabama. To carry out the analysis, SWAT is used to divide the Kelly Creek watershed into 77 subwatersheds, according to soil type and topography; then APEX is used to simulate crop yield outcomes for the subwatersheds under a variety of weather scenarios. Finally, an economic profit optimization is developed, from which optimal profits and land uses for given weather are obtained. Values are determined by comparing baseline outcomes to outcomes under various weather outcomes. We find that perfect forecasts would result in per acre values ranging from $9-$183/ac in the study area.
Ethylene dimerization in nickel containing SAPO materials studies by electron spin resonance and gas chromatography:-Influence of the channel size

Dehydrated nickel-containing silicoaluminophosphates SAPO-n (n=5,8,11) are catalytically active for ethylene dimerization. The catalytic activity of the SAPOs for this reaction is shown to be due to nickel (I) species in ion-exchange or framework positions. The ethylene dimerization activity and the selectivity for the formation of n-butenes is dependent on the location (ion-exchange vs framework site) of the nickel (I) species and on the channel size of the SAPO-n material. Electron spin resonance studies support the gas chromatography experiments showing that in SAPO-34 no reaction occurs, whereas in SAPO 5, 8 or 11 materials dimerization products are found.
Identifying State Dependence in Non-Stationary Processes

We consider the identification of state dependence in a non-stationary process of binary outcomes within the context of the dynamic logit model with time-variant transition probabilities and an arbitrary distribution for the unobserved heterogeneity. We derive a simple identification result that allows us to calculate a test for state dependence in this model. We also consider alternative tests for state dependence that will have desirable properties only in stationary processes and derive their asymptotic properties when the true underlying process is non-stationary. Finally, we provide Monte Carlo evidence that shows a range of non-stationarity in which the effects of mis-specifying the binary process as stationary are not too large.
Modeling of rod-pinch-diode performance at 2 to 4 MV

Summary form only given. The rod-pinch diode has been scaled up successfully to 2 to 4 MV in experiments on the ASTERIX generator. Well-behaved impedance is achieved for anode-cathode (A-K) gaps /spl ges/ 3.75 mm at 2.7-MV peak voltage and /spl ges/ 6.5 mm at 4-MV peak voltage. Shots with smaller A-K gaps exhibit rapidly decreasing impedance. The electrical behavior of the diode is analyzed with the rod-pinch-diode model. This model generates a current waveform by combining the space-charge-limited (SCL) current and the critical current, evaluated using the measured diode voltage. The model includes several physical parameters to account for anode and cathode plasma expansion, as well as the generation of ion current. The model current is fit to the measured diode current by adjusting these parameters. The model current reproduces the shape and magnitude of the measured current for shots with well-behaved impedance (shots with sufficiently large A-K gap) using physically reasonable values of the model parameters. These parameters are consistent with values determined in previous analyses of rod-pinch shots at 1 to 2 MV on the Gamble II and TriMeV generators. The analysis indicates that the rod-pinch diode on ASTERIX transitions from SCL to critical current early in the pulse. With the large currents in this experiment (55 to 135 kA), the ion current turns on very early in the pulse (3 to 8 ns). The fits are most sensitive to the /spl alpha/-factor in the critical-current formula and to the anode expansion velocity v/sub A/. Values of the /spl alpha/-factor and v/sub A/ are consistent with the values obtained in the previous analyses at 1 to 2 MV.
Microphonic analysis of cryo-module design

Mechanical resonances in superconducting accelerator structures and cryo-module components can lead to coupling between mechanical noise and electron beam parameters. We have studied the mechanical resonance spectrum of a 500 MHz 2-cell structure and cryo-module that was designed and built by Siemens for TRW, Inc., and have measured the effect of these vibrational modes on the RF eigenfrequency of the structure. We identify the most dangerous resonances of this system and discuss related design issues. >
Normal Human Lung Epithelial Cells Inhibit Transforming Growth Factor-β Induced Myofibroblast Differentiation via Prostaglandin E2.

Introduction Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive disease with very few effective treatments. The key effector cells in fibrosis are believed to be fibroblasts, which differentiate to a contractile myofibroblast phenotype with enhanced capacity to proliferate and produce extracellular matrix. The role of the lung epithelium in fibrosis is unclear. While there is evidence that the epithelium is disrupted in IPF, it is not known whether this is a cause or a result of the fibroblast pathology. We hypothesized that healthy epithelial cells are required to maintain normal lung homeostasis and can inhibit the activation and differentiation of lung fibroblasts to the myofibroblast phenotype. To investigate this hypothesis, we employed a novel co-culture model with primary human lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts to investigate whether epithelial cells inhibit myofibroblast differentiation.
Intracellular calcium levels and calcium fluxes in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampal slice during in vitro ischemia: relationship to electrophysiological cell damage

Five minutes of oxygen and glucose deprivation (termed “in vitro ischemia”) causes long-term synaptic transmission failure (LTF) in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampal slice. Dependence of LTF on cell calcium was tested by generating graded reductions in cell Ca. There was a strong correlation between the average level of exchangeable cell Ca in CA1 during ischemia, and the extent of LTF. In standard buffer, exchangeable cell Ca in CA1 increased by 35% after 3 min of ischemia and remained elevated for the entire 5 min of ischemia. Unidirectional Ca influx increased by 35% during the first 2.5 min of ischemia and remained at that level for the next 2.5 min. There were no changes in unidirectional Ca efflux during this period. Thus, the accumulation results from increased influx of Ca. Ca influx during the first 2.5 min of ischemia depended entirely on NMDA channels; it was completely blocked by the noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801. However MK-801 had no effect during the second 2.5 min. This inactivation of NMDA-mediated influx during ischemia appears to result from dephosphorylation. Okadaic acid increased Ca influx during the second 2.5 min of ischemia and this increase was blocked by MK-801. The ischemia-induced Ca influx during the second 2.5 min of ischemia was attenuated 25% by nifedipine (50 microM) and an additional 35% by the Na/Ca exchange inhibitor benzamil (100 microM). The AMPA/kainate antagonist DNQX had no effect on the Ca influx. Antagonists were used to relate Ca influx to LTF. Blockade of enhanced Ca entry during ischemia in standard buffer (2.4 mM Ca) had no effect on LTF, consistent with total cell Ca prior to ischemia being adequate to cause complete LTF. However, MK-801 strongly protected against LTF when the buffer contained 1.2 mM Ca, a more physiological level. MK-801 combined with DNQX prevented transmission damage in standard buffer. Thus, AMPA/kainate receptor activation contributes to ischemic damage, although not by enhancing Ca entry.
Surgical pearl: digital imaging for mapping Mohs surgical specimens.

From the Division of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center. Reprints not available from authors. J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:712-3. Copyright © 2000 by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. 0190-9622/2000/$12.00 + 0 16/74/107957 doi:10.1067/mjd.2000.107957 M ohs micrographic surgery requires precise mapping of tissue specimens.1 In most instances the specimens are round, oval, or crescentic, and diagrams can be easily drawn by the Mohs surgeon. Complex tissue specimens, however, may be more challenging to accurately diagram by hand. We describe the use of digital imaging to precisely map such specimens. Using a Sony Mavica MVC-FD7 digital camera, we photographed the surgical specimen on a white nonadhering dressing and recorded it into an image file on a 3.5-inch floppy disk. The image was then imported into Microsoft Word 97 and converted to gray scale using the image control application. Image brightness was increased, using the photo tool function, to a lighter shade that allowed subsequent drawing on the diagram to be seen. Image size was then adjusted to approximate the actual size of the specimen (Fig 1). The printed image was then used to precisely map tissue sectioning (Fig 2). A dotted line is drawn on the map to indicate which edge is dyed (not shown in Fig 2). We have found that the use of this technique does not delay the Mohs procedure. Our histotechnologists produce the image in approximately 2 minutes and have no special training other than proficiency in Microsoft Word 97. In our practice there is no extra cost to using this method of mapping because the equipment is being used for Mohs surgery. The equipment needed includes a personal computer, printer, and digital camera. Microsoft Word 97 software is commonly included with purchase of a personal computer. If purchased separately, this software costs approximately $300. The digital camera we use currently costs $500. Digital imaging is emerging as a useful tool in dermatology.2 The technique we describe allows the surgeon to easily design an accurate map of more complex tissue specimens during Mohs micrographic surgery. PEARLS
Glucocorticoid-regulated VEGF expression in ischemic skeletal muscle.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent neovascular inducer. Gene therapeutic delivery of a plasmid DNA encoding VEGF has been shown to impart collateral vessel development in animal models of hindlimb ischemia. Constitutive, long-lived expression of VEGF through gene transfer, however, may result in hypervascularization and/or leaky blood vessels. To that end, the introduction of regulated VEGF gene transfer technology may provide a safer and more controlled therapy for ischemic tissues. We developed a glucocorticoid-regulated plasmid vector (pNGVL-hAP/GRE5-vegf-pA) for modulating VEGF gene expression. This plasmid possessed five tandem repeats of the glucocorticoid-responsive element and adenovirus major-late promoter driving the expression of the VEGF165 cDNA. Intramuscular delivery of this plasmid to mice, and subsequent treatment with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX), led to greatly enhanced VEGF expression. Similar delivery to the gracillis muscle of New Zealand white rabbits that had undergone ligation of their femoral artery to induce ischemia exhibited increased VEGF expression and collateral vessel development only in the presence of DEX. Additionally, reintroduction of DEX at a time point during which initial VEGF transgene levels had subsided resulted in a vigorous reinduction of VEGF transgene expression. This new iteration of VEGF gene delivery provides for finetuned angiogenic factor-based therapy for tissues requiring neovascularization.
Blood Pressure Measurements in the Anesthetized Horse Comparison of Four Methods

Arterial blood pressure values in anesthetized horses were determined by one direct and two indirect methods and compared to control values obtained simultaneously by direct measurement with a strain gauge. Results of all three techniques differed significantly from control arterial pressure; the values obtained using an aneroid manometer and electronic sphygmomanometer were slightly less than control pressure, and values obtained by auscultation were greater than control. The direct method with the aneroid manometer was most acceptable because of its accuracy, ease of operation, adaptability, and cost. The electronic sphygmomanometer was also acceptable because of its accuracy and ease of operation. The auscultation technique was not as accurate as the other methods but can be used clinically if its limitations are considered.
Application of hydrocarbon vapor phase measurements to outline a subsurface fuel plume

Abstract During the delineation of a recent well‐documented subsurface hydrocarbon spill originating within a tank farm in Virginia, measurement of vapor phase hydrocarbon, VPH, concentrations were gathered during the placement of monitor wells, and subsequent concentrations were measured using hand driven as well as hydraulic press driven soil probes. Several conclusions were made: The subsurface hydrocarbon plume (primarily diesel fuel, jet fuel and gasoline) rests on the local water table at depths of 10–40 feet. The organic vapor analyses closely delineated the margin of the plume, and the concentration of vapor was better associated with Phase Separated Hydrocarbon, PSH, thickness than with the depth of the plume. The plume advanced rapidly (as much as 350 feet/year) along subsurface soil partings related to near‐vertical foliation in the local bedrock. At the front of the advancing plume, hydrocarbon in the soil vapor was detectable before PSH was detected in monitor wells. Immediately outside the t...
Diversity in Everyday Research Practice: The Case of Data Editing

How should social science researchers deal with data inaccuracies? This article uses Web-based survey data collected from faculty members in three social science disciplines to document variation in views about data editing. Through an analysis of qualitative responses to a hypothetical vignette, the authors demonstrate that a wide range of opinion surrounds the “proper” use of data. Reactions are to some extent contingent on discipline and experience with different types of data and data collection methods. They also depend on characteristics of the data-editing situation—for example, whether the problem is with an independent or dependent variable. Even taking these social and situational factors into account, however, there is still substantial diversity in vignette responses. Normative standards that pervade other aspects of the research process have not yet emerged for data editing.
Theoretical overview: emphasis on neutrinos

Abstract The missing mass of the universe is likely to consist of at least three components: baryons, neutrinos, and a particle which was weakly interacting and slow moving (“cold”) in the early universe. It is doubtful that the baryonic candidates observed by microlensing could be an appreciable part of our local dark matter halo. The dominant cold component might be the supersymmetric neutralino, and if so, recent accelerator constraints making this more gaugino-like should make direct detection of the dark matter particle easier. Despite recent observations favoring a low-density universe, such a model (even with the addition of a cosmological constant) does not fit universe structure. The only model which does has a critical density, 20% neutrinos, 10% baryons, and 70% cold dark matter. The data are fit better if the neutrino dark matter is shared between two neutrino species ( ν μ and ν τ ) rather than one, a mass pattern which also explains the solar and atmospheric neutrino deficits and the LSND experiment. It is shown here that KARMEN and other experiments do not conflict with the LSND results in the appropriate mass region. Further support for this mass pattern is provided by the need for a sterile neutrino to rescue heavy-element nucleosynthesis in supernovae.
Spin-Exchange Cross Section for Electron Excitation of Na 3S 3P Determined by a Novel Spectroscopic Technique

An experimental technique is described which enables determination of the partial cross sections for electron excitation of atoms as a function of changes in spin and orbital angular momentum. This method provides a good signal-to-noise ratio in the energy region near threshold, and could be used to study long- or short-lived excited states of many atomic systems. Measurements for Na 3s-3p, near-threshold excitation are reported here. The results are generally in good agreement with the close-coupling calculations of D. L. Moores and D. W. Norcross (J. Phys. B 5, 1482 (1972)) for the largest ..delta..m/sub S/ and ..delta..m/sub L/ components of the cross section, but not for the component with chemically bond..delta..m/sub S/chemically bond = 1 and chemically bond..delta..m/sub L/chemically bond = 1, indicating that the exchange interaction is larger than previously recognized.
A MAC protocol for HFC networks: Design issues and performance evaluation

Medium Access Control (MAC) layer protocols are designed to control transmissions over shared mediums. Bi-directional Cable TV networks using Hybrid Fiber/Coazial (HFC) systems are good examples of broadcast environments where a MAC protocol is needed to allocate the multiaccess medium among the various nodes. One can think of a MAC protocol as a collection of components each performing a certain number of functions. An HFC MAC protocol can be broken into the following set of components: ranging or acquisition process, frame format, support for higher layer traffic classes, bandwidth allocation, bandwidth request, contention resolution mechanism. Ranging is the phase during which the round trip delay time to the head-end is calculated and the station synchronization to the downstream timing is performed. The frame format element of the MAC defines the upstream and downstream frames and describes their contents. If the MAC needs to provide support for ATM, it also needs to differentiate between different classes of traffic supported by ATM, such as Constant Bit Rate (CBR), Variable Bit Rate (VBR) and Available Bit Rate (ABR). Bandwidth allocation represents an essential part of the MAC and controls the granting of requests at the headend. Finally, the contention resolution mechanism which is maybe the most important aspect of the MAC consists of a backoff phase and a retransmission phase. This paper examines two of the MAC elements mentioned above, namely the contention resolution and the bandwidth allocation mechanisms. Different solutions for each component are considered and evaluated. Performance is measured in terms of request delay, mean access delay and access delay probability distribution. Simulation results for configurations and scenarios of interest are also presented.
TPD characterization of surface adsorption sites of model Ziegler-Natta polymerization catalysts

Abstract The surface adsorption sites of titanium chloride films that can be used as model Ziegler–Natta polymerization catalysts have been investigated with temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of various probe molecules. The adsorption sites can be differentiated depending on the heat of desorption of the molecule. Two titanium chloride films were produced by electron-induced chemical vapor deposition of TiCl4 and co-deposition of Mg and TiCl4 on gold substrates. The surfaces of both films were chlorine-terminated. 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene (mesitylene) was found to be an effective and non-destructive molecule for TPD characterization of adsorption sites on the model catalysts. The film produced by the electron-induced chemical vapor deposition had a distribution of adsorption sites that were not thermodynamically stable and subject to high-temperature annealing, while the film prepared by the co-deposition had a stable surface structure that was composed of domains of the MgCl2(001) basal plane structure.
Separation theorem for nonlinear measurements

General solutions to the optimal stochastic control problem, or the combined estimation and control problem, are extremely difficult to compute since dynamic programming is required. However, if the system is linear, if the measurements are linear, and if the cost is quadratic, then the optimal stochastic controller is separated into 1) a filter to generate the conditional mean of the state, and 2) the optimum (linear) controller that results when all uncertainties are neglected. By altering the system configuration a new separation theorem is derived for arbitrary nonlinear measurements, discrete-time linear systems, and a quadratic cost. If a feedback loop is placed around the nonlinear measurement device (e.g., an analog-to-digital converter), then the stochastic control can be found without dynamic programming and is computed by cascading a nonlinear filter and the optimum (linear) controller. The primary advantage is the significant saving in computation. The performance of this new system configuration relative to the system without feedback depends on the nonlinearity, and it is not necessarily superior. A numerical example is presented.
Sound compositions for expanding musicianship education

Composing has been slighted at all levels of education. Following an analysis of the history and failure of compositional pedagogy for developing musicianship, a new rationale for such pedagogy is presented. This pedagogy is argued to be essential for preparing contemporary musicians and audiences to understand most properly what music ‘is’ and ‘is good for’, and for promoting ever-new conceptions of ‘music’ and of its evolving values. In addition to advancing general musicianship in relation to the standard repertory, the special contribution of pedagogy rooted in composing organised sound pieces is outlined in relation to a new praxial philosophy of music that is challenging the limited and limiting theory of music and its value provided by traditional aesthetic theory. The latter is seen to be a major impediment to new compositional modes that expand musical frontiers, while the praxial theory supports, as well as gains support from, various new attempts to organise sound for expressive and other purposes.
The calcium paradox of essential hypertension.

Abstract Three disparate observations—that calcium mediates vascular smooth muscle contraction, that calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure, and that increased dietary calcium intake can also ameliorate hypertension—constitute somewhat of a paradox. The complex interrelationships between calcium metabolism and essential hypertension are discussed in this review. Recent evidence suggests possible defects in intracellular calcium transport or in calcium binding in essential hypertension. This evidence, and the paradoxical therapeutic efficacy of both calcium channel blockers and supplemental dietary calcium, can be integrated into a single theoretic construct.
Managing the impact of high market growth and learning on knowledge worker productivity and service quality

Abstract Many high technology firms in the information technology, engineering, and internet content industries experience exponential growth but are also dependent on knowledge workers requiring extensive periods of training or apprenticeship. Under these conditions productivity management becomes a critical yet dynamically complex issue. This paper uses control theory techniques to dynamically solve this staffing problem at a strategic level. The novelty of this paper's formulation of the staffing problem lies in the use of time-discounting in combination with a special cost structure. The resulting optimal policy reflects the influence of both capacity shortfall and salary penalties. Under most real-world conditions, it will drive capacity and employment levels asymptotically towards a constant fractional shortfall. An illustration is presented using enterprise requirement planning (ERP) project implementers. One important managerial implication is that the interaction of extensive training requirements with market growth can cause firms to under-perform by delivering low levels of service at a high cost. Further this underperformance will escalate with increases in either market growth or training requirements. Finally, the paper puts this research into a framework with the experience curve and technology supply chain literatures to outline possible directions for future research.
Dilemmas of democratisation: Safeguarding minorities in Russia, Ukraine and Lithuania

(1997). Dilemmas of democratisation: Safeguarding minorities in Russia, Ukraine and Lithuania. Europe-Asia Studies: Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 89-106.
The relationship of circulating estradiol to tardive dyskinesia in men and postmenopausal women

In order to assess the relationship between tardive dyskinesia (TD) and baseline circulating concentrations of estradiol, prolactin and homovanillic acid, we studied 43 outpatient men and postmenopausal women on chronic antipsychotic medication. Serum estradiol did not correlate with severity of TD, antipsychotic medication dose, serum prolactin or plasma HVA. Multiple regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between plasma HVA and severity of TD in postmenopausal women. These findings support the hypothesis that estrogen might serve a protective role against neuroleptic-induced striatal dopamine pathology.
Three-dimensional reconstruction of objects buried in layered media

In this work, we focus on the 3D image reconstruction of buried objects in layered media with sources and receivers located in the top layer. The inversion of scattering data collected by such a partial aperture is in principle more difficult than in the case of a full aperture because the non-uniqueness become more severe. Both the Born iterative method (BIM), and the distorted Born iterative method (DBIM) are used as the inversion methods. In this work, the stabilized biconjugate-gradient fast Fourier transform (BCGS-FFT) method is applied for calculating 3D electromagnetic scattering in general planarly layered media.
Vascular endothelial growth factor upregulates expression of ADAMTS1 in endothelial cells through protein kinase C signaling.

Purpose ADAMTS1 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) has been demonstrated to inhibit angiogenesis in vivo and to suppress endothelial cell proliferation in vitro. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of ADAMTS1 in endothelial cells and in a mouse model of ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization and to study the regulation of ADAMTS1 expression in endothelial cells by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In addition, the potential function of endothelial cell-derived ADAMTS1 on cell proliferation was investigated. Methods Expression of ADAMTS1 in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and the mouse model of ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization was assayed by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. The effect of ADAMTS1 on endothelial cell proliferation was evaluated using siRNA knockdown and [3H] thymidine incorporation. Results ADAMTS1 mRNA and protein levels were increased in a mouse model of ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization, and VEGF induced time- and dose-dependent increases in ADAMTS1 mRNA and protein expression in endothelial cells. This upregulation was inhibited by the VEGF receptor (VEGFR)2 inhibitor SU1498, anti-VEGFR2 neutralizing antibody, and the phospholipase C (PLC)-gamma inhibitor U73122. VEGF upregulation of ADAMTS1 expression was completely abolished by the inhibition of protein kinase C by calphostin C and largely blocked by the specific inhibition of PKCbeta. Knockdown of endogenous ADAMTS1 resulted in increased proliferation of endothelial cells. Conclusions These results indicate that VEGF significantly induces ADAMTS1 expression in endothelial cells in a PKC-dependent fashion. ADAMTS1 expression is also increased, along with VEGF expression, in vivo in ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization. In addition, ADAMTS1 appears to be an endogenous regulator of endothelial cell proliferation. Therefore, VEGF upregulation of ADAMTS1, a potent angiogenesis inhibitor, may represent a mechanism for feedback inhibition of angiogenesis and retinal neovascularization.
Eating the endoplasmic reticulum: quality control by autophagy

Autophagy is connected to a surprising range of cellular processes, including the stress response, developmental remodeling, organelle homeostasis and disease pathophysiology. The inducible, predominant form of autophagy, macroautophagy, involves dynamic membrane rearrangements, culminating in the formation of a double-membrane cytosolic vesicle, an autophagosome, which sequesters cytoplasm and organelles. The signal transduction mechanisms that regulate autophagy are poorly understood and have focused on extracellular nutrient sensing. Similarly, little is known about the contribution of the endomembrane organelles to autophagy-related processes. Recent studies have provided interesting links between these topics, revealing that the secretory pathway provides membrane for autophagosome formation, and that autophagy has an important role in organelle homeostasis.
Developments in Post-marketing Comparative Effectiveness Research

Physicians and insurers need to weigh the effectiveness of new drugs against existing therapeutics in routine care to make decisions about treatment and formularies. Because Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of most new drugs requires demonstrating efficacy and safety against placebo, there is limited interest by manufacturers in conducting such head-to-head trials. Comparative effectiveness research seeks to provide head-to-head comparisons of treatment outcomes in routine care. Health-care utilization databases record drug use and selected health outcomes for large populations in a timely way and reflect routine care, and therefore may be the preferred data source for comparative effectiveness research. Confounding caused by selective prescribing based on indication, severity, and prognosis threatens the validity of non-randomized database studies that often have limited details on clinical information. Several recent developments may bring the field closer to acceptable validity, including approaches that exploit the concepts of proxy variables using high-dimensional propensity scores, within-patient variation of drug exposure using crossover designs, and between-provider variation in prescribing preference using instrumental variable (IV) analyses.