cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thyroid surgery: a comparison of outcomes between experts and surgeons in training.

Abstract Objectives: Our objective was to compare the results of thyroid surgery performed by residents in a large metropolitan public hospital (MPH) with those performed by faculty in a large private hospital (PH) setting. Methods: All records of thyroid surgery performed by otolaryngologists for the period between 1986 and 1998 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were adequacy of data and follow-up. Ninety-two thyroid procedures performed by residents in an MPH were compared with 181 thyroid operations in a PH setting performed by the faculty of these residents for differences in accuracy of diagnostic studies, operative parameters, and complication rates. Results: The demographic distribution in both groups was similar. Presenting symptoms were twice as frequent in the MPH group (45% vs 22%). More total thyroidectomies were performed in the PH group (49% vs 32%). Blood loss, operative time, and hospitalization days were similar in both groups. Preoperative fine needle aspiration and intraoperative frozen section results showed sensitivities and specificities that were comparable. No permanent vocal cord paralysis was observed in either group. Permanent hypocalcemia was more frequent in the PH group (8.8%:PH vs 5.1%:MPH). Conclusions: The results of thyroid surgery performed by residents in training in an Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery program in an MPH, measured by rates of complications, length of hospitalization, and duration of surgery, are similar to those of faculty at a PH setting in groups of patients with very similar characteristics. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;125:30-3)
Weight changes associated with unilateral STN DBS and advanced PD.

Abstract Weight gain following bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) in Parkinson disease (PD) has been characterized previously, but little is known about changes in weight following unilateral STN DBS. Weight gain of approximately 10 kg at one year after bilateral STN DBS for PD has been noted in previous studies, and PD in the absence of DBS has been associated with weight loss. A case-control comparison evaluated the change in weight following unilateral STN DBS in PD. In 39 patients who underwent unilateral STN DBS for PD, we measured the weight change over 1 year versus both preoperative weight change and the weight change in 40 age- and disease severity-matched PD controls without DBS. Regression analyses incorporating age, gender, baseline weight in case or control were conducted to assess weight changes. At 12 months following surgery, the mean weight of unilateral STN DBS patients increased by 4.3 ± 7.2 kg versus the preoperative baseline weight (p
The Psychological Distancing Model: A Study of the Socialization of Cognition

The role of socialization of cognition is presented in the context of the Psychological Distancing Model, which is the central point of departure for the development of representational competence. Psychological distancing and representational competence are inexorably linked in human development. This exposition details the relationship of mutual interdependence. The focus of this paper is on verbal communication within dyads in the service of activating and energizing representational thought. Instances of distancing acts are presented and their psychological consequences are detailed. The Psychological Distancing Model (PDM) is conceptualized as a metaphor—a bridge between exogenous cognitive demands and internalization and understanding of the representational rule.
Binding of alkaline earth metal ions to nucleotides: crystal structure of a hydrated strontium salt of inosine-5′-monophosphate

Crystals of Sr2+ (C10H11PN4O8)2− · 6.5H2O are orthorhombic, space groupP212121, witha = 21.925(1),b = 21.503(1),c = 8.600(1) A, and eight formula weights per unit cell. A trial structure was obtained by Patterson, superposition, and Fourier techniques and was refined by full-matrix least-squares calculations using absorption-corrected, CuKα, diffractometer data. The finalR index is 0.032. A strontium ion is coordinated to N(7), the site that is often involved in the binding of transition metals to purine nucleotides. Strontium ions are also directly coordinated to a phosphate-oxygen atom and to ribose-hydroxyl groups. These direct interactions are accompanied by a number of outer-sphere, water-mediated contacts of strontium ions with various acceptor sites on the nucleotides.
Guest Editors' Introduction: Energy Harvesting and Conservation

Pervasive computing aims to integrate computation into our daily work practice to enhance our activities without being noticed. In other words, computing becomes truly invisible. Yet at the heart of every pervasive computing system are electronic components that consume energy. Managing the energy needs of mobile systems, or systems for which reliable power isnt guaranteed, can be a significant distraction for users. How can we minimize user involvement in the energy management process to make pervasive computing devices more pervasive?
Lifting of model structures to fibred categories

A fibred category consists of a functor $p: \mathbf{N} \to \mathbf{M}$ between categories $\mathbf{N}$ and $\mathbf{M}$ such that objects of $\mathbf{N}$ may be "pulled back along any arrow of $\mathbf{M}$". Given a fibred category $p: \mathbf{N} \to \mathbf{M}$ and a model structure on the "base category" $\mathbf{M}$, we show that there exists a lifting of the model structure on $\mathbf{M}$ to a model structure on $\mathbf{N}$. We will refer to such a system as a "fibred model category" and give several examples of such structures. We show that, under certain conditions, right homotopies of maps in the base category $\mathbf{M}$ may be lifted to right homotopic maps in the fibred category. Further, we show that these lifted model structures are well behaved with respect to Quillen adjunctions and Quillen equivalences. Finally, we show that if $\mathbf{N}$ and $\mathbf{M}$ carry compatible closed monoidal structures and the functor $p$ commutes with colimits, then a Quillen pair on $\mathbf{M}$ lifts to a Quillen pair on $\mathbf{N}$.
Surface Structures and Segregation of Polystyrene/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Blends Studied by Sum-Frequency (SF) Spectroscopy

Molecular structures at the surface and interface of polystyrene (PS)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blend films were obtained by sum-frequency (SF) spectroscopy. Using this technique, both the surface of the blend and the internal interface between the two blend polymers are simultaneously probed. Two types of blend film structures were obtained depending on sample treatment. The as-cast film (dried under vacuum at room temperature) gave a PMMA-on-PS bilayer structure whose SF spectrum was dominated by the C−H symmetric stretch of the PMMA ester methyl groups. When the bulk PMMA concentration was higher than 13% w/w, the SF features were identical to that of the pure PMMA films. The lack of PS SF features in this blend film suggests that the PS phenyl rings may be randomly oriented at the PS−PMMA interface. Upon annealing at 150 °C for 20 h, the PS segregated to the film surface as a result of its lower surface free energy, and a PS-rich phase was formed near the polymer−air interface, as evidenced by ...
Crystal Structure of the DNA Binding Domain of the Replication Initiation Protein E1 from Papillomavirus

Papillomaviral infection causes both benign and malignant lesions and is a necessary cause of cervical carcinoma. Replication of this virus requires the replication initiation proteins E1 and E2, which bind cooperatively at the origin of replication (ori) as an (E1)2-(E2)2-DNA complex. This is a precursor to larger E1 complexes that distort and unwind the ori. We present the crystal structure of the E1 DNA binding domain refined to 1.9 A resolution. Residues critical for DNA binding are located on an extended loop and an alpha helix. We identify the E1 dimerization surface by selective mutations at an E1/E1 interface observed in the crystal and propose a model for the (E1)2-DNA complex. These and other observations suggest how the E1 DNA binding domain orchestrates assembly of the hexameric helicase on the ori.
The Impact of New College Graduates on Intrastate Labor Markets.

A crucial issue in the debate on state support for higher education is the extent that a state's production of college graduates affects the state's education attainment. The view that many new graduates take their state-supported degrees to labor markets in other states undermines states' incentives to promote wider access to college. This study offers reasons to be skeptical of this view, and develops a simple framework to quantify the intrastate labor-market effects from the production of new college graduates. Data for years 1992–2005 from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the Current Population Survey (CPS) are used to quantify the effects of new graduates on states' net migration, employment, unemployment, labor force nonparticipation, and wages of college graduates. The results indicate that a state's production of college graduates has a nearly proportionate impact on the state's college attainment.
Teacher portfolios: an effective way to assess teacher performance and enhance learning

Often administrators seek alternative methods of evaluating staff while staff are frequently searching for methods to represent the breadth and quality of their efforts. One method proving to be effective for gathering and organising products of teacher activity is the portfolio. This article will discuss the procedures that teachers can apply in developing their own portfolio assessment to help generate data for making decisions about teaching performance and effectiveness of their performance. The development of teacher portfolio requires planning, time organisation, and cooperation from students, colleagues, parents, and supervisors. The format of the portfolio may vary from individual to individual and be based upon personal choice. Portfolios provide a convenient insight into both the content and methods of instruction used by the teacher and by doing so add a significant qualitative dimension to many existing teacher evaluation systems.
Mild hypercholesterolemia blunts the proinflammatory and prothrombotic effects of hypertension on the cerebral microcirculation.

Although an increased leukocyte and platelet adhesion is observed in cerebral venules of mice with either hypertension (HTN) or hypercholesterolemia (HCh), it remains unclear whether the combination of HTN and HCh exerts a comparable effect on leukocyte and platelet recruitment in the cerebral microvasculature. Thus, we examined whether HCh alters platelet and leukocyte adhesion, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, in cerebral venules in two models of murine HTN: DOCA salt-induced and angiotensin II (Ang II) induced. In both models, the mice were placed on either a normal or cholesterol-enriched diet. An enhanced recruitment of adherent leukocytes and platelets in cerebral venules was noted in both HTN models in the absence of HCh, but not in its presence. The Ang II-induced increase in BBB permeability was attenuated by HCh as well. Both total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were elevated in the HCh mice. The HTN-induced increase in leukocyte and platelet adhesion was attenuated in apolipoprotein A-I transgenic mice (ApoA1-Tg) and blunted in wild-type mice treated with the ApoA1 mimetic peptide, 4F. Our findings indicate that mild HCh significantly blunts the cerebral microvascular responses to HTN and that HDL may have a role in mediating this beneficial effect of HCh.
The effect of marine isoprene emissions on secondary organic aerosol and ozone formation in the coastal United States

The impact of marine isoprene emissions on summertime surface concentrations of isoprene, secondary organic aerosols (SOA), and ozone (O3) in the coastal areas of the continental United States is studied using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regional-scale Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system. Marine isoprene emission rates are based on the following five parameters: laboratory measurements of isoprene production from phytoplankton under a range of light conditions, remotelysensed chlorophyll-a concentration ([Chl–a]), incoming solar radiation, surface wind speed, and sea-water optical properties. Model simulations show that marine isoprene emissions are sensitive to meteorology and ocean ecosystem productivity, with the highest rates simulated over the Gulf of Mexico. Simulated offshore surface layer marine isoprene concentration is less than 10 ppt and significantly dwarfed by terrestrial emissions over the continental United States. With the isoprene reactions included in this study, the average contribution of marine isoprene to SOA and O3 concentrations is predicted to be small, up to 0.004 m gm �3 for SOA and 0.2 ppb for O3 in coastal urban areas. The light-sensitivity of isoprene production from phytoplankton results in a midday maximum for marine isoprene emissions and a corresponding daytime increase in isoprene and O3 concentrations in coastal locations. The potential impact of the daily variability in [Chl-a ]o n O 3 and SOA concentrations is simulated in a sensitivity study with [Chl-a] increased and decreased by a factor of five. Our results indicate that marine emissions of isoprene cause minor changes to coastal SOA and O3 concentrations. Comparison of model simulations with few available measurements shows that the model underestimates marine boundary layer isoprene concentration. This underestimation is likely due to the limitations in current treatment of marine isoprene emission and a coarse spatial resolution used in the model simulations.
Genetic aspects of aluminum tolerance in sorghum

To obtain crops tolerant to aluminum (Al) toxicity in acid soils, several methods have been used to screen different plant species and genotypes to this production constraint. Little is known about the effect of the method on genetic analyses and breeding method suggested. Three genetic studies were conducted to examine evaluation method on inheritance and gene action of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] to Al toxicity as measured by seedling dry matter production.
Widespread expression of ecto-apyrase (CD39) in the central nervous system

We have shown that ecto-apyrase protein is expressed in primary neurons and astrocytes in cell culture (T.-F. Wang, P.A. Rosenberg, G. Guidotti, 1997. Mol. Brain Res. 1997, 47: 295-302). Here we present immunohistochemical studies showing that ecto-apyrase protein is widely distributed in rat brain, as it is present in neurons of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum as well as in glial cells and endothelial cells. Ecto-apyrase is enriched in brain postsynaptic density membrane fractions and is localized in proximity to synaptophysin, the marker of synaptic vesicles. These results together with the observation that P2 purinergic receptors are present throughout the brain suggest that ecto-apyrase is involved in regulating synaptic transmission mediated by extracellular ATP.
The dark clouds over US astronomy.

The proposed cancellation of NASA's latest space telescope shows the difficulties ahead. But there is a solution, says Michael S. Turner.
Complex between α-bungarotoxin and an α7 nicotinic receptor ligand-binding domain chimaera.

To identify high-affinity interactions between long-chain α-neurotoxins and nicotinic receptors, we determined the crystal structure of the complex between α-btx (α-bungarotoxin) and a pentameric ligand-binding domain constructed from the human α7 AChR (acetylcholine receptor) and AChBP (acetylcholine-binding protein). The complex buries ~2000 A² (1 A=0.1 nm) of surface area, within which Arg³⁶ and Phe³² from finger II of α-btx form a π-cation stack that aligns edge-to-face with the conserved Tyr¹⁸⁴ from loop-C of α7, while Asp³⁰ of α-btx forms a hydrogen bond with the hydroxy group of Tyr¹⁸⁴. These inter-residue interactions diverge from those in a 4.2 A structure of α-ctx (α-cobratoxin) bound to AChBP, but are similar to those in a 1.94 A structure of α-btx bound to the monomeric α1 extracellular domain, although compared with the monomer-bound complex, the α-btx backbone exhibits a large shift relative to the protein surface. Mutational analyses show that replacing Tyr¹⁸⁴ with a threonine residue abolishes high-affinity α-btx binding, whereas replacing with a phenylalanine residue maintains high affinity. Comparison of the α-btx complex with that coupled to the agonist epibatidine reveals structural rearrangements within the binding pocket and throughout each subunit. The overall findings highlight structural principles by which α-neurotoxins interact with nicotinic receptors.
Effects of neem-based insecticides on beet armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Three commercial neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae))-based insecticides, Agroneem, Ecozin, and Neemix, and a non-commercial neem leaf powder, were evaluated for oviposition deterrence, antifeedant effect on larvae, and toxicity to eggs and larvae of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on cotton leaves in the laboratory. Oviposition deterrence in no-choice, and two- and five- choice assays, was observed for the neem-based insecticide treatments when compared with a non-treated control. Neem-based insecticides also deterred feeding by beet armyworm larvae. Direct contact with neem-based insecticides decreased the survival of beet army- worm eggs. Survival of beet armyworm larvae fed for 7 days on leaves treated with neem- based insecticides was reduced to 27, 33, 60, and 61% for neem leaf powder, Ecozin, Agroneem, and Neemix, respectively. Possibilities for adoption of neem-based insecticides in commercial cotton for beet armyworm control are discussed.
Performance Optimization of Rotary Dehumidifiers

A rotary dehumidifier consists of a rotating porous matrix made of a desiccant with mechanically supporting materials. The dehumidification performance of a rotary dehumidifier wheel depends on its rotational speed, the sorption properties of the desiccant, the heat and mass transfer characteristics of the matrix, and the size of the dehumidifier. The effect of the rotational speed on the dehumidification performance of a rotary dehumidifier has been investigated by Zheng, Worek, and Novosel (1993). this paper extends that previous work and investigates the effects of desiccant sorption properties, the heat and mass transfer characteristics, and the size of the rotary dehumidifier on the dehumidification performance. The results show that the using desiccant materials in a rotary dehumidifier with different adsorption characteristics results in a wide variation in dehumidification performance. However, the maximum performance of a rotary dehumidifier occurs for a desiccant material having an isotherm shape that can be characterized to have a separation factor of 0.07. Also, as the desiccant moisture uptake increases, the dehumidifier performance also increases. However, the performance improvement for a desiccant matrix having a maximum moisture uptake of larger than 0.25 by weight is not significant. The heat and mass transfer properties and the sizemore » of rotary dehumidifier are characterized by the number of transfer units NTU. Generally, the larger the NTU, the better dehumidification performance. However, similar to the maximum moisture uptake, when the NTU is larger than 12, the performance will not improve significantly. Also, the dehumidifier with the most favorable adsorption characteristic has a slower rotational speed, which results in lower power requirements to rotate the desiccant wheel and smaller carry-over losses.« less
Temporal variation, dormancy, and coexistence: a field test of the storage effect.

Theoretical models suggest that overlapping generations, in combination with a temporally fluctuating environment, may allow the persistence of competitors that otherwise would not coexist. Despite extensive theoretical development, this “storage effect” hypothesis has received little empirical attention. Herein I present the first explicit mathematical analysis of the contribution of the storage effect to the dynamics of competing natural populations. In Oneida Lake, NY, data collected over the past 30 years show a striking negative correlation between the water-column densities of two species of suspension-feeding zooplankton, Daphnia galeata mendotae and Daphnia pulicaria. I have demonstrated competition between these two species and have shown that both possess long-lived eggs that establish overlapping generations. Moreover, recruitment to this long-lived stage varies annually, so that both daphnids have years in which they are favored (for recruitment) relative to their competitor. When the long-term population growth rates are calculated both with and without the effects of a variable environment, I show that D. galeata mendotae clearly cannot persist without the environmental variation and prolonged dormancy (i.e., storage effect) whereas D. pulicaria persists through consistently high per capita recruitment to the long-lived stage.
A Review of Haptic Spatial Abilities in the Blind

Abstract We review evidence of spatial abilities in the blind and address proposed limitations of haptic perception (the combination of tactile, proprioceptive, and kinesthetic information) in forming spatial representations. In particular, we counter the idea that touch is sequential and permits only egocentric representations. We consider specific spatial abilities of the blind with regards to development, and two-dimensional depictions of space. We conclude that spatial capacities in the blind are not diminished compared to those of the sighted.
Density Functional Study on Highly Ortho-Selective Addition of an Aromatic CH Bond to Olefins Catalyzed by a Ru(H)2(CO)(PR3)3 Complex

The origin of the high ortho selectivity and the reaction mechanism of the catalytic addition of an aromatic CH bond to olefins by the Ru complex Ru(H)2(CO)(PR3)3 are investigated by means of density functional theory. We assumed the three- and four-coordinate complexes Ru(CO)(PH3)n (n = 2, 3) as active species, as suggested by the experimental results, and studied the reaction of benzaldehyde with ethylene catalyzed by these model complexes. According to the computational results, in the most favorable path first the formyl oxygen of benzaldehyde coordinates to the Ru atom, and then the cleavage of the closest ortho-CH bond takes place in two steps through an unusual intermediate, 10, a mechanism completely different from the conventional oxidative addition proceeding in a single step. Before the CH bond breaking, the RuC bond is formed, being driven by the change in π bonds of the conjugated system, to lead to 10, having the RuC bond and a CH agostic interaction, and then the hydrogen of the agostic CH ...
The Use and Effectiveness of an Argumentation and Evaluation Intervention in Science Classes

This study explored teachers' use of the Argumentation and Evaluation Intervention (AEI) and associated graphic organizer to enhance the performance of students in middle and secondary science classrooms. The results reported here are from the third year of a design study during which the procedures were developed in collaboration with teachers. A quasi-experimental pretest- posttest design with 8 experimental and 8 control teachers was used with a total of 282 students. An open-ended test assessed students' abilities to evaluate a scientific argument made in an article. The students were asked to identify the claim and its qualifiers, identify and evaluate the evidence given for the claim, examine the reasoning in support of the claim, consider counterarguments, and construct and explain a conclusion about the claim. The quality of stu- dents' responses was assessed using a scoring rubric for each step of the argumentation process. Findings indicated a significantly higher overall score and large effect size in favor of students who were instructed using the AEI compared to students who received traditional lecture- discussion instruction. Subgroup and subscale scores are also presented. Teacher satisfaction and student satisfaction and confidence levels are reported.
Erratum to: Equality in Obstetrical Care: Racial/Ethnic Variation in Group B Streptococcus Screening

The online version of the original article can be found under doi:10.1007/s10995-010-0682-8.
Extending continuum fusion to create unbeatable detectors

We develop an extension of continuum fusion methods that allows the generation of unbeatable decision rules for discrete binary composite hypothesis testing problems. Background: Amongst the many flavors of continuum fusion (CF) algorithm, one can always be found that will produce the uniformly most powerful (UMP) solution to any composite hypothesis (CH) testing problem, when such a solution exists [1]. This optimality property, combined with the flexibility in design afforded by CF principles, led to the prospect that with any reasonably defined optimality metric, any detection problem could be solved with some CF-based decision rule (DR). Doubt was cast on this possibility in a paper by Theiler [2], who showed that applying continuum fusion logical rules to a particular discrete (as opposed to continuum) problem could not produce the better algorithm. Theiler’s example requires creation of a CH test, and for these no generally optimal form exists. However, Theiler’s problem also obeyed an invariance principle, and if solutions are restricted to obey the same invariance, then a uniformly most powerful invariant (UMPI) solution does exist. This solution cannot be generated by applying current CF principles to this discrete parameter problem. In short, standard CF logic cannot produce a highly desirable answer. The UMPI solution exemplifies Bayesian solutions to discrete parameter CH problems, and it is shown below why standard CF solutions cannot always produce them, in agreement with Theiler’s result. Bayesian solutions feature prominently in statistical decision theory, because they form the class of unbeatable decision rules, as defined below. Thus, standard CF principles cannot produce an important class of solutions to discrete CH problems. Here we extend the CF methodology in a way that converts any discrete parameter fusion problem into a continuous one. Continuum fusion solutions to the converted problem then generate the entire class of unbeatable detectors.
Divorce adjustment as a function of finding meaning and gender differences.

Abstract The present study examined the relationship between finding meaning after divorce and subsequent adjustment. A sample of 119 volunteers (58 men, 68 women) in various stages of divorce completed the Constructed Meaning Scale, the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (to measure their general disposition to see the world as meaningful), the Disentanglement subscale (emotional separation from former spouse) of the Fisher Divorce Adjustment Scale, and the Scales of Psychological Well-Being. The participants also responded to open-ended questions about their perceptions of the causes and consequences of their divorce. Seven variables (gender, education, initiator status, length of separation, disentanglement, sense of coherence, and meaning) were used to predict psychological well being following divorce. Using sequential multiple regression analysis, meaning was found to add predictive power to psychological well-being over and above all other predictor variables. No gender differences were obtained for ...
Immunochemical studies on lens protein-protein complexes III. Age-related changes in the stability of lens alpha crystallin containing compleces

Abstract The age dependence of the stability of lens crystallin complexes was investigated. The lens protein fractions retained on Diaflo XM-300 membranes were subsequently separated on Bio-gel A 15 m columns, yielding one calf cortical α-β crystallin complex and two different bovine nuclear α-β-γ crystallin complexes. Separate samples of these different lens crystallin complexes were exposed for various lengths of time to acidic or alkaline pH, or to high concentrations of salts at neutral pH. Acidic pH, three units below the neutral, had a more pronounced dissociating effect on the crystallin complexes than alkaline pH, three units above the neutral, or a high salt concentration. The dissociation of the various complexes was tested by ultrafiltration on Diaflo XM-300 membranes and by immunochemical analysis of the fractions retained and filtered. Comparison of the calf cortical and bovine nuclear complex preparations indicated that the stability of the crystallin complexes increases with progressive aging of the lens. The crystallin complexes investigated did dissociate in a constant electrical field, yielding free α-, β- and γ-crystallin molecules.
Determining computable scenes in films and their structures using audio-visual memory models

In this paper we present novel algorithms for computing scenes and within-scene structures in films. We begin by mapping insights from film-making rules and experimental results from the psychology of audition into a computational scene model. We define a computable scene to be a chunk of audio-visual data that exhibits long-term consistency with regard to three properties: (a) chromaticity (b) lighting (c) ambient sound. Central to the computational model is the notion of a causal, finite-memory viewer model. We segment the audio and video data separately. In each case we determine the degree of correlation of the most recent data in the memory with the past. The respective scene boundaries are determined using local minima and aligned using a nearest neighbor algorithm. We introduce a periodic analysis transform to automatically determine the structure within a scene. We then use statistical tests on the transform to determine the presence of a dialogue. The algorithms were tested on a difficult data set: five commercial films. We take the first hour of data from each of the five films. The best results: scene detection: 88% recall and 72% precision, dialogue detection: 91% recall and 100% precision.
A study of the decay KL0 → πeν

Abstract We report results from a Dalitz plot analysis of 17750 K e3 0 candidates obtained in an experiment designed to have high efficiency across the Dalitz plot. Assuming a vector interaction form factor ƒ + (q 2 ) = ƒ + (0) (1 + λ + q 2 /m π 2 ) we obtain λ + = 0.0348 ± 0.0044. Our upper limits for the scalar (ƒ s ) and tensor (ƒ t ) form factors at the 95% confidence level are ƒ s ƒ + (0) and ƒ t ƒ + (0) .
In vitro scratch assay: a convenient and inexpensive method for analysis of cell migration in vitro

In vitro scratch assay: a convenient and inexpensive method for analysis of cell migration in vitro
The cortisol awakening response (CAR) in toddlers: Nap-dependent effects on the diurnal secretory pattern

Abstract Introduction Cortisol levels in adults show a sharp decrease from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Most toddlers take afternoon naps, which is associated with a less mature diurnal pattern characterized by a midday plateau in cortisol secretion. Napping in preschoolers produces a robust cortisol awakening response (CAR), which may account for such maturational differences. This experimental study extends prior work by examining whether the presence and timing of the nap-dependent CAR influences the diurnal cortisol pattern in toddlers. Methods Toddlers ( n = 28; 13 females; 30–36 months) followed a strict biphasic sleep schedule (≥12.5 h time in bed; ≥90 min nap) for ≥3 days before each of four randomly ordered, in-home cortisol assessments. For each assessment, saliva samples were obtained at morning awakening, ∼09:30, pre-nap, 0, 15, 30, 45, 90, and 135 min post-nap awakening (verified with actigraphy), and ∼19:30. On one day, children napped at their scheduled time, and parents collected saliva samples. On another day, children missed their nap, and parents collected saliva samples at matched times. On two other days, children napped 4 h (morning) and 7 h (afternoon) after awakening in the morning, during which time researchers collected pre- and post-nap saliva samples. Saliva was assayed for cortisol (μg/dl). Results Three-level multilevel models were used to estimate the CAR and diurnal cortisol patterns in all four conditions. Compared to the no-nap condition (no observed CAR; b = −0.78, p = 0.65), we found a pronounced cortisol rise following the morning nap ( b = 11.00, p b = 5.19, p b = 4.97, p b = 10.21, p b = 3.41, p b = 7.50, p b = −0.17, p = 0.82). No other differences in diurnal profiles were observed between the parent-collected nap and no-nap conditions; however, toddlers had a steeper evening decline on the day of the morning nap compared to the parent-collected afternoon nap ( b = 0.30, p b = 0.27, p Discussion These well-controlled findings suggest that the presence and timing of daytime naps influence the pattern of diurnal cortisol secretion in toddlers. They also provide support for the hypothesis that napping is the primary state driving the immature midday plateau in cortisol secretion, which becomes more adult-like across childhood. Prior studies of the diurnal cortisol pattern have employed a cubic model, and therefore, have not detected all possible variations due to napping. Our experimental data have important methodological implications for researchers examining associations between the slope of the diurnal cortisol pattern and developmental outcomes, as well as those utilizing afternoon cortisol reactivity protocols in napping children.
The Effects of Context and Feedback on Age Differences in Spoken Word Recognition

We investigated the hypothesis that age differences in speech discrimination would be reduced by enhancing the distinctiveness of the speech processing event in terms of both the context of encoding and the response outcome. Younger and older adults performed an auditory lexical decision task in which the degree of semantic constraint (context) and type of feedback were manipulated. Main effects of age indicated that older adults generally showed lower discriminability (D) and greater bias (B) toward reporting signals to be words. Consistent with the environmental support hypothesis, older adults were differentially facilitated in discriminability by feedback, but only when semantic context was provided. Also, for both younger and older adults, feedback and context each had the effect of reducing bias and facilitating the speed of rejecting nonwords. Contrary to one suggestion in the literature that aging brings an insensitivity to environmental contingency, older adults were at least as capable as the young in taking advantage of feedback to normalize the speech signal so as to increase discriminability and decrease bias.
Reduction of malodorous compounds from a treated swine anaerobic lagoon.

There is a need for treatment technologies that can eliminate environmental problems associated with anaerobic lagoons. These technologies must be able to capture nutrients, kill pathogens, and reduce emissions of ammonia and nuisance odors. To meet these needs, a full-scale wastewater treatment plant was installed as a demonstration project on one of three 4360-pig (Sus scrofa) production units in a finishing farm in Duplin County, North Carolina. Once the treatment plant was operational, flow of raw manure into the unit’s corresponding lagoon was discontinued and the lagoon was used to store treated wastewater. Water quality was monitored in the converted lagoon and in the two conventional lagoons. A gas chromatographic method was developed to measure concentration of five selected malodorous compounds (phenol, p-cresol, 4-ethylphenol, indole, and skatole) in liquid lagoon samples. Dramatic improvements in the water quality parameters TKN, NH3–N, solids, COD, and BOD in the converted waste lagoon paralleled reductions in malodorous compounds. Nine months after conversion, identified malodorous compounds in liquid extractions averaged 6.6 and 38.8 ng mL 21 in water from the converted lagoon and the conventional lagoons, respectively. The reduction was particularly marked for p-cresol, 4-ethylphenol, and skatole, all of which make important contributions to swine waste odors due to their characteristic odors and low detection thresholds.
Icing effect on the aeroacoustics of helicopter blade-vortex interaction; a numerical study using large-eddy simulation

The influence of icing effect on the helicopter blade-vortex mechanism of interaction is investigated using large eddy simulation (LES). The simulations were performed for a Reynolds number, Re = 1.3 x 10 6 , based on the chord, c, of the airfoil (NACA0012). Computations are carried out to investigate the influence of the icing effect on the aerodynamic coefficients and acoustic field. It was observed that the icing effect influences the aerodynamic coefficients in a specific manner. Larger amplitudes of aerodynamic coefficients were observed for the case of an iced leading edge when compared with the clean NACA0012 case.
Integration of Energy Concepts by Modeling Techniques

Abstract The TDN system uses only one feed energy value, although the partial efficiency of energy use for maintenance is greater than for gain. The California net energy system overcomes this limitation by separating energy requirements for maintenance from those for weight gain. Michigan researchers developed a set of adjustments for age, frame size, previous growth rate, breed type, environment, feed additives, and growth stimulants. In 1986, California workers proposed more general, dynamic models that include prediction of body composition based on cell number and size mechanisms of growth to predict net protein synthesis. However, accuracy of fat gain prediction is variable; therefore, integrated models of growth with digestion and metabolism have been developed in England and in California. The later model has equations for two pools of DNA and protein and one fat pool; partial efficiencies of nutrients for maintenance and production may be evaluated. With each new model, prediction accuracy was improved by addition of new terms to conceptually validated models that were already accepted and in use. These terms were added using either empirical adjustment factors or mechanistic concepts and representations of biological functions at lower levels of aggregation.
Application of genetic algorithms in resource constrained network optimization

There are limited solution techniques available for resource constrained project scheduling problems with stochastic task durations. Due to computational complexity, scheduling heuristics have been found useful for large deterministic problems. In this paper, the authors demonstrate the use of a genetic algorithm to optimize over a linear combination of scheduling heuristics. A simulation model is used to evaluate the performance of each combination of the heuristics selected by the genetic algorithm, and this performance information is used by the genetic algorithm to select the next combinations to evaluate. The genetic algorithm and simulation based approach is demonstrated using a multiple resource constrained project scheduling problem with stochastic task durations.
Control education via autonomous robotics

This paper details the development and implementation of three courses on autonomous robotics that are offered at the University of Washington. The three-course sequence is now in its fourth year. The structure of each course is discussed along with wisdom on what worked and what did not work. It is hoped that this paper is useful to others developing hands-on, creative courses in control systems and robotics.
Scheduling water application on drip irrigated sugarcane

Abstract Irrigation is necessary in order to produce sugarcane in semiarid south Texas, but water supplies are becoming increasing limited. Drip and sprinkler irrigation systems offer more precise water control than conventional furrow irrigation, but are more expensive. This study was conducted to evaluate four different methods (pan evaporation (Epan), evapotranspiration (ET), auto-tensiometers, manual tensiometers) for determining the amount of irrigation water to apply, and three different frequencies of water application on sugarcane, in order to make the most efficient use of available water using subsurface drip irrigation. The study was conducted over three sugarcane seasons: the plant crop and two ratoon crops. The amount of water applied based on the different methods varied from year to year, with the ET method prescribing the most water in the first ratoon crop but the least amount in the second ratoon. This was probably caused mostly by differences in annual weather conditions. The more frequently water was applied, the larger amount any method tended to prescribe, since more frequent applications resulted in keeping the soil profile fuller, therefore providing less capacity to store rainfall when it occurred. Number of stress days as determined by calculating a stress coefficient based on ET and soil water balance indicated a large amount of stress in the first ratoon but almost none in the second ratoon crop. Direct soil water monitoring indicated much less stress than the calculated levels. Growth measurements and sugarcane yields showed that the highest water applications resulted in the best responses, regardless of the scheduling method used. All irrigation scheduling methods were effective, prescribing similar amounts of water for a given season. Direct measurement using tensiometers gives the most accurate assessment of field conditions, but is expensive and labor intensive. Automated tensiometers were not very reliable. Pan evaporation and ET are effective once they are properly calibrated by developing appropriate coefficients for a particular region. Pan evaporation has been used for a long time, but it is more difficult to obtain reliable data compared to ET data from automated weather stations.
In Vivo and In Vitro Arginine Methylation of RNA-Binding Proteins

Heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) bind pre-mRNAs and facilitate their processing into mRNAs. Many of the hnRNPs undergo extensive posttranslational modifications including methylation on arginine residues. hnRNPs contain about 65% of the total NG,NG-dimethylarginine found in the cell nucleus. The role of this modification is not known. Here we identify the hnRNPs that are methylated in HeLa cells and demonstrate that most of the pre-mRNA-binding proteins receive this modification. Using recombinant human hnRNP A1 as a substrate, we have partially purified and characterized a protein-arginine N-methyltransferase specific for hnRNPs from HeLa cells. This methyltransferase can methylate the same subset of hnRNPs in vitro as are methylated in vivo. Furthermore, it can also methylate other RNA-binding proteins that contain the RGG motif RNA-binding domain. This activity is evolutionarily conserved from lower eukaryotes to mammals, suggesting that methylation has a significant role in the function of RNA-binding proteins.
Toxicity of infliximab in the course of treatment of Crohn’s disease

Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the pro-inflammatory mediator TNF-alpha, which was approved in the US in 1998 for treatment-resistant Crohn's disease. Since that time, the indications have dramatically expanded to include rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis and most recently, active ulcerative colitis. Although the safety profile in the initial studies was quite favourable, subsequent studies have shown that a small percentage of patients reported severe side effects, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, lymphoma, drug-induced lupus and hepatotoxicity. Although these complications are rare, it is important to properly screen patients for predisposing conditions before beginning treatment. Furthermore, concurrent use of other immunosuppresive agents, such as 6-mercaptopurine, may reduce the incidence of less serious side effects, such as arthralgias, myopathies and other antibody-associated diseases. Since its approval, infliximab has revolutionised the treatment of Crohn's disease and has shown benefit in a variety of other inflammatory conditions, but significant toxicities can occur that necessitate thorough screening protocols and periodic clinical evaluation.
COMPLEX INTERACTIONS OF FISH, SNAILS, AND LITTORAL ZONE PERIPHYTON

This study examines the interaction of predation and resource-based effects of fish on freshwater periphyton communities. Current theory predicts that fish primarily influence periphyton communities by controlling herbivore densities. But fish may also influence algal communities by increasing available nutrients via nutrient recycling. To separate these effects and to determine their relative importance, we made a number of specific predictions based on the literature and tested these predictions by manipulating the presence and absence of the molluscivorous redear sunfish, Lepomis microlophus, and snails, Physella heterostropha, in a replicated factorial experiment. We examined the effects of fish on nutrient concentrations in the water and on snail grazing activity and life history traits. We also evaluated the effect of fish and snails on cell number, biovolume, cell size, and growth form of all periphyton, green algae, diatoms, and blue-green algae. Concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen in the water were significantly higher in the presence of fish, but this had little effect on total periphyton. Although fish had only visual and waterborne (olfactory) contact with snails, their presence inhibited snail reproduction and/or increased mortality of small snails such that twice as many snails were produced in the absence of fish. Snail grazing activity was six times higher in the absence of caged fish than in their presence. In the absence of fish, snails reduced periphyton cell number and increased the average size of the periphyton cells, primarily through effects on green algae. Snails reduced the biovolume of diatoms and blue-green algae. Fish also reduced diatom biovolume by decreasing the average cell size of diatoms. Snails increased the proportion of gelatinous colonies in the periphyton. Previous research suggests that fish have a positive indirect effect on algae by removing grazers. Fish can augment this effect by negatively affecting snail life history traits and by reducing grazing activity. In addition, fish may have an important but less obvious direct effect on algae via changing nutrient concentrations and possibly altering competitive outcomes among taxa and growth forms.