cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) observations of glacial and periglacial morphologies in the circum-Argyre Planitia highlands, Mars

[1] The landscape of the Argyre Planitia and adjoining Charitum and Nereidum Montes in the southern hemisphere of Mars has been heavily modified since formation of the Argyre impact basin. This study examines morphologies in the Argyre region revealed in images acquired by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera and discusses the implications for glacial and periglacial processes. Distinctive features such as large grooves, semicircular embayments in high topography, and streamlined hills are interpreted as glacially eroded grooves, cirques, and whalebacks or roche moutonnee, respectively. Large boulders scattered across the floor of a valley may be ground moraine deposited by ice ablation. Glacial interpretations are supported by the association of these features with other landforms typical of glaciated landscapes such as broad valleys with parabolic cross sections and stepped longitudinal profiles, lobate debris aprons interpreted as remnant debris covered glaciers or rock glaciers, and possible hanging valleys. Aligned boulders observed on slopes may also indicate glacial processes such as fluting. Alternatively, boulders aligned on slopes and organized in clumps and polygonal patterns on flatter surfaces may indicate periglacial processes, perhaps postglaciation, that form patterned ground. At least portions of the Argyre region appear to have been modified by processes of ice accumulation, glacial flow, erosion, sediment deposition, ice stagnation and ablation, and perhaps subsequent periglacial processes. The type of bedrock erosion apparent in images suggests that glaciers were, at times, wet based. The number of superposed craters is consistent with geologically recent glacial activity, but may be due to subsequent modification.
The equal pay act: Responsibilities and rights

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA) requires that men and women receive equal pay for equal work. Plaintiffs who claim discrimination on the basis of the EPA may settle out of court, or may bring legal action in the courts. Employers possess specific rights under the law, and can defend themselves against charges of discrimination through a number of “employer defenses.” These defenses involve providing that pay differences are based on seniority systems, merit systems, production systems, or “any other factor other than sex.” This article will also discuss the impact of court decisions that have further honed the responsibilities and rights of both employees and employers under the EPA.
DROPLET MODEL THEORY OF THE NEUTRON SKIN

The droplet-model theory of the neutron skin is reviewed and an elementary formula is derived for the associated difference between the RMS radii of the neutron and proton density distributions. The resulting predictions are compared with recent experimental estimates and with Hartree-Fock calculations. There appears to be no serious disagreement with most of the current, tentative data. Improved measurements should eventually make possible an independent estimate of the stiffness coefficient Q, governing the resistance of the nuclear surface against the formation of a neutron skin.
MINERALIZATION OF ORGANOGENIC AMMONIUM IN THE MONTEREY FORMATION SANTA MARIA AND SAN JOAQUIN BASINS, CALIFORNIA, USA

Abstract Inorganic fixed-ammonium (NH4) contents as high as 0.28 wt% were measured in organicrich, quartz-grade siliceous rocks of the Miocene Monterey Formation from the Santa Maria and San Joaquin basins, California. The greatest amount of fixed-NH4 was found in rocks associated with hydrocarbons in the Point Arguello and Lost Hills oil fields, where the NH 4 (NH 4 + K) molar ratio of bulk samples ranges from 0.17–0.35. The formation of NH4-illite is suggested by the parallel increase in the percent of illite in the mixed-layered illite/smectite ( I S ) and in the NH 4 (NH 4 + K) molar ratio of the clay-sized fraction with increasing burial depth. Mineralization of NH4 appears to be promoted by the coincident timing of the smectite-to-illite clay mineral transformation and the release of NH4 during catagenesis. NH4-feldspar may form at shallow burial depths in rocks from the Point Arguello field that contain a greater amount of detrital K-feldspar and in which the I/S contains only 10–20% illite. Quartzgrade siliceous Monterey rocks from coastal outcrops in the Lions Head area lack significant amounts of hydrocarbons and have NH 4 (NH 4 + K) molar ratios of 0.14–0.21. Rocks from the Lions Head area show a strong positive correlation between diagenetic illite and fixed-NH4 contents, with NH4 constituting 18–21 Mol% of the fixed interlayer cations in the I/S. Low grade, opal-A and opal-CT siliceous Miocene rocks from coastal outcrops in the Pt. Pedemales area have low fixed-NH4, contents (≤0.01 wt%) because these rocks contain minor amounts of diagenetic K-bearing minerals (I/S contains ≤ 10% illite) and they lack significant amounts of generated or migrated hydrocarbons. The increase in the organic ( C N ) ratio with burial depth most likely reflects the preferential release of N compared to C and suggests that NH4 release is greatest during shallow burial bacterial degradation and deep burial catagenesis (oil generation). The results of this study support the suggestion of Williams et al. (1989) that high fixed-NH4 contents may provide a long-term geologic record of low-temperature (
Laser photoelectron spectroscopy of 1- and 2-naphthol: relative stability of the cis and trans cation rotamers

Abstract Laser photoelectron spectra of 1- and 2-naphthol have been measured using high-resolution zero electron kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy. The selective nature of the 1 + 1 ionization process allows independent measurement of the photo-electron spectra of the cis and trans rotamers of each molecule. The result is a determination of the stability of the rotamers in the ion relative to the neutral ground state. Lifetime measurements of the intermediate S 1 state of both rotamers in each molecule are also presented to address the question of different oscillator strengths for the cis and trans rotamers. The results indicate the oscillator strengths are similar and therfore the intensity of S 0 —S 1 transitions can be used to estimate the population of cis and trans rotamers in the ground state.
Cyclin D1–Cdk4 controls glucose metabolism independently of cell cycle progression

Insulin constitutes a principal evolutionarily conserved hormonal axis for maintaining glucose homeostasis; dysregulation of this axis causes diabetes. PGC-1α (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α) links insulin signalling to the expression of glucose and lipid metabolic genes. The histone acetyltransferase GCN5 (general control non-repressed protein 5) acetylates PGC-1α and suppresses its transcriptional activity, whereas sirtuin 1 deacetylates and activates PGC-1α. Although insulin is a mitogenic signal in proliferative cells, whether components of the cell cycle machinery contribute to its metabolic action is poorly understood. Here we report that in mice insulin activates cyclin D1-cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4), which, in turn, increases GCN5 acetyltransferase activity and suppresses hepatic glucose production independently of cell cycle progression. Through a cell-based high-throughput chemical screen, we identify a Cdk4 inhibitor that potently decreases PGC-1α acetylation. Insulin/GSK-3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta) signalling induces cyclin D1 protein stability by sequestering cyclin D1 in the nucleus. In parallel, dietary amino acids increase hepatic cyclin D1 messenger RNA transcripts. Activated cyclin D1-Cdk4 kinase phosphorylates and activates GCN5, which then acetylates and inhibits PGC-1α activity on gluconeogenic genes. Loss of hepatic cyclin D1 results in increased gluconeogenesis and hyperglycaemia. In diabetic models, cyclin D1-Cdk4 is chronically elevated and refractory to fasting/feeding transitions; nevertheless further activation of this kinase normalizes glycaemia. Our findings show that insulin uses components of the cell cycle machinery in post-mitotic cells to control glucose homeostasis independently of cell division.
Relationship among diastolic intraventricular pressure gradients, relaxation, and preload: impact of age and fitness

Diastolic intraventricular pressure gradients (IVPGs) are a measure of the ability of the ventricle to facilitate its filling using diastolic suction. We assessed 15 healthy young but sedentary subjects, aged 65 yr with known reductions in ventricular compliance (elderly sedentary subjects; age, 70 +/- 4 yr); and 12 master athletes, aged >65 yr, previously shown to have preserved ventricular compliance (elderly fit subjects; age, 68 +/- 3 yr). Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and echocardiography measurements were performed at baseline, during load manipulation by lower body negative pressure at -15 and -30 mmHg, and after saline infusion of 10 and 20 ml/kg (elderly) or 15 and 30 ml/kg (young). IVPGs were obtained from color M-mode Doppler echocardiograms. Baseline IVPGs were lower (1.2 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.4 +/- 0.7 mmHg, P < 0.0001), and the time constant of pressure decay (tau(0)) was longer (60 +/- 10 vs. 46 +/- 6 ms, P < 0.0001) in elderly sedentary than in young subjects, with no difference in PCWP. Although PCWP changes during load manipulations were similar (P = 0.70), IVPG changes were less prominent in elderly sedentary than in young subjects (P = 0.02). Changes in stroke volume and IVPGs during loading manipulations correlated (r = 0.96, P = 0.0002). PCWP and tau(0) were strong multivariate correlates of IVPGs (P < 0.001, for both). IVPG response to loading interventions in elderly sedentary and elderly fit subjects was similar (P = 0.33), despite known large differences in ventricular compliance. The ability to regulate IVPGs during changes in preload is impaired with aging. Preserving ventricular compliance during aging by lifelong exercise training does not prevent this impairment.
Is robotic radical cystectomy an appropriate treatment for bladder cancer? Short-term oncologic and clinical follow-up in 50 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVES Recent case series have now been reported for robotic cystectomy. Despite the novelty of these approaches, few reports have been published on the oncologic and clinical outcomes, even in the short term. We report the oncologic and short-term clinical outcomes of 50 patients who underwent robotic-assisted radical cystectomy. METHODS A total of 50 patients underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy and extracorporeal urinary diversion for bladder cancer. The outcome measures included the pathologic outcomes, complication rate, timing of adjuvant chemotherapy, disease recurrence, and overall and disease-specific survival. RESULTS Robotic cystectomy was performed in 40 men and 10 women at a mean age of 63.6 years. Of the 50 patients, 66% had Stage pT2 or less, 14% had pT3 disease, and 20% Stage N+ disease. No patient had positive surgical margins. The mean number of lymph nodes removed was 19 (range 8-37). The mean clinical follow-up was 13.2 months. Seven patients had evidence of recurrent disease. Three patients died of advanced urothelial carcinoma, and two died of other causes. Longer term complications included stomal hernia in 2 and partial ureteral obstruction in 1. Eleven patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy for Stage pT3 disease and N+ disease at a mean of 7.2 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS The clinical and oncologic follow-up of patients undergoing robotic radical cystectomy appears to be favorable in the short term. As our follow-up increases, we should expect to continue to truly define the long-term clinical appropriateness and oncologic success of this procedure.
Implementation of Physician Order Entry: User Satisfaction and Self-Reported usage Patterns

Objectives : To evaluate user satisfaction, correlates of satisfaction, and self-reported usage patterns regarding physician order entry (POE) in one hospital. Design : Surveys were sent to physician and nurse POE users from medical and surgical services. Results : The users were generally satisfied with POE (mean = 5.07 on a 1 to 7 scale). The physicians were more satisfied than the nurses, and the medical staff were more satisfied than the surgical staff; satisfaction levels were acceptable (more than3.50) even in the less satisfied groups. Satisfaction was highly correlated with perceptions about POE's effects on productivity, ease of use, and speed. POE features directed at improving the quality of care were less strongly correlated with satisfaction. The physicians valued POE's off-floor accessibility most, and the nurses valued legibility and accuracy of POE orders most. Some features, such as off-floor ordering, were perceived to be highly useful and reported to be frequently used by the physicians; while other features, such as “quick mode” ordering and personal order sets, received little self-reported use. Conclusions : Survey of POE users showed that satisfaction with POE was good. Satisfaction was more correlated with perceptions about POE's effect on productivity than with POE's effect on quality of care. Physicians and nurses constitute two very different types of users, underscoring the importance of involving both physicians and nonphysicians in POE development. The results suggest that development efforts should focus on improving system speed, adding on-line help, and emphasizing quality benefits of POE.
Completeness of Adverse Drug Experience Reporting to the FDA: II. A Comparison of Manufacturer and Direct Reports on New Molecular Entities

Two channels for reporting domestic, spontaneous adverse drug experiences (ADEs) on Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Form 1639 were compared for completeness: 1639 reports submitted directly by health professionals to the FDA versus ADE concerns communicated by health professionals to manufacturers who then sent this information on 1639 forms to the FDA. These two channels were compared on ADE reporting completeness for thefirst three years of marketing for new molecular entities (NMB) approved in 1988 and 1989. Completion rates were computed for those FDA-computerizedfields on the 1639 form for which completion is not required for data entry (eg, age, sex, ADE onset date) but is necessary forpharmacoepidemiological studies. The two channels were also compared on completion rates for reports containing outcomes of death or hospitalization. In general, direct reports had higher completion rates than manufacturer reports; for both channels, died/hospitalized reports had higher completion rates than reports with other outcomes. It seems that manufacturers should be able to increase their reporting completion rates since health professionals are reporting more complete information directly to the FDA.
Isolation and Characterization of Anti-SEB Peptides Using Magnetic Sorting and Bacterial Peptide Display Library Technology

Peptide display libraries offer an alternative method to existing antibody development methods enabling rapid isolation of highly stable reagents for detection of new and emerging biological threats. Bacterial display libraries are used to isolate new peptide reagents within 1 week, which is simpler and timelier than using competing display library technology based on phage or yeast. Using magnetic sorting methods, we have isolated peptide reagents with high affinity and specificity to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), a suspected food pathogen. Flow cytometry methods were used for on-cell characterization and the binding affinity (Kd) of this new peptide reagent was determined to be 56 nm with minimal cross-reactivity to other proteins. These results demonstrated that magnetic sorting for new reagents using bacterial display libraries is a rapid and effective method and has the potential for current and new and emerging food pathogen targets.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Canine leukocyte cell adhesion molecules (LeuCAMs): Characterization of the CD11/CD18 family

The canine LeuCAM (CD11/CD18) family is characterized using a panel of newly developed anti-canine LeuCAM monoclonal antibodies (mAb) as well as a cross-reactive anti-human CD11b mAb. The new anti-canine LeuCAM mAb were developed by immunizing mice with purified canine CD11/CD18 antigen derived from an anti-canine CD18 affinity column. Six mAb with reactivity to the canine LeuCAM family were cloned and characterized. These 6 included a new anti-canine CD18 mAb, 2 anti-canine CD11a mAb, 2 anti-canine CD11c mAb, and a mAb which recognizes a novel canine CD11/CD18-related macrophage antigen, designated LeuCAMmac, which is described in a separate report. The cell and tissue distribution of canine LeuCAMs was found to be similar to that reported in other species with a few notable exceptions. One prominent exception was the finding that canine CD11c, in contrast to human CD11c, was much more widely distributed on dendritic cells than it was on tissue macrophages. The molecular organization of the canine LeuCAM family was also found to be similar to that reported in other species, with the possible exception of the canine CD11b alpha chain, which may exist as several different species. It is anticipated that these anti-canine LeuCAM mAb will prove useful in immunophenotypic studies of canine hemolymphatic system neoplasia.
Using carbon isotopes of bulk sedimentary organic matter to reconstruct the history of nutrient loading and eutrophication in Lake Erie

Lacustrine productivity in Lake Erie was reconstructed using measurements of V3C of sedimented organic C (S13C,,,) and non-apatite inorganic P (NAIP) in three cores. Inferred changes in lacustrine productivity were related to historic changes in phosphorus loading. P loading increased slowly after forest clearance and early settlement in the late 18OOs, then increased exponentially from the late 1940s to early 197Os, and finally decreased after the mid- 1970s in response to management practices implemented to improve water quality. Similarly, the sediment accumulation rate of NAIP increased rapidly during the 1940s and 195Os, peaked during the late 1960s and early 197Os, and then decreased after the mid-1970s. The signal of 613C,, normalized to account for the historic 1.4o/oo depletion in V3C of atmospheric CO, mirrors that for accumulation of NAIP in sediments. Our results show that paleoproductivity peaked in the lower Great Lakes during the mid- 1970s but has since declined as a result of P abatement programs. Inferred trends for NAIP and 613C Orgc are those predicted in P-limited lacustrine systems and demonstrate that the carbon isotopic ratio of organic C can be used as a proxy for paleoproductivity in large, deep lakes.
REU in Physics at Howard University

The NSF-funded REU summer program in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Howard University provided cutting-edge research opportunities in Computational Nanophysics, Experimental Nanophysics, Laser Spectroscopy, Atmospheric Physics and Superstring Theory to six undergraduate students recruited from across the U.S. The REU students were engaged in challenging research projects under the supervision of seasoned mentors across a variety of stimulating physics sub-disciplines that included: (1) computation-intensive surface nanophysics of condensed phase systems focused on the adsorption of gases in Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs); (2) experimental measurements using light scattering techniques on gels and polymers in the condensed phase; (3) experimental laser spectroscopy with special emphasis on Raman spectral measurements on tungsten oxide nanolayer deposited on a silicon substrate; (4) observation-based and modeling-intensive atmospheric physics project for developing better understanding of wind lidar performance under various aerosol/cloud loading and relative humidity scenarios in the U.S. and regional ozone and aerosols modeling and analysis of data recorded in West Africa; and (5) a cross-disciplinary project involving quantum theory, supersymmetry, graph theory, encryption, and super-commutative algebra and algebraic geometry with applications to string theory. Each student learned a multitude of relevant techniques related to their research projects, with the vision of teaching and nurturing knowledge, both theoretical and experimental, that will be useful throughout their academic careers both in their major discipline and in interdisciplinary research as a whole. Raman Spectroscopy, 3D Physics Modeling, Monte Carlo Simulations, Algebraic Geometry and Graph Theory are some of the techniques that the students learned that illustrate the importance of physics research in general and have wide-ranging applications in interdisciplinary studies. In addition, the students participated in field trips to the University of Maryland (visit coinciding with NanoDay), Georgetown University (cleanroom tour and research presentations), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (visit coinciding with Science Jamboree Day), and Smithsonian Museums (coinciding with evening fireworks viewing on the Mall on July 4). The REU students gave midterm and final research presentations and submitted a research paper in refereed journal format at the end of their internship. A comprehensive assessment of the REU program was conducted by an independent project evaluator.
Collaborating with suppliers in product development: a US and Japan comparative study

Despite its risks, an increasing number of buyers share design work with their suppliers. However, the outsourcing of design work has been relatively neglected in the literature. Based on mail survey data from 174 US and 122 Japanese automotive component suppliers with product design capability, this study investigates the degree of supplier involvement in design and the factors leading to supplier involvement. The two strongest predictors of the degree of early supplier involvement in design in both Japan and the United States are the degree of technological uncertainty and supplier technical capabilities. Automotive companies are more likely to outsource designs of high uncertainty and select suppliers of high technical capability for design outsourcing. Technological uncertainty also has interaction effects-in the United States, high uncertainty makes customers want to give greater design responsibility to highly technically capable suppliers and those who are most dependent on them as a percent of supplier sales. Overall, the study supports notions of convergence between the US and Japanese supplier management practices in joint product development.
Data skeletons: simultaneous estimation of multiple quantiles for massive streaming datasets with applications to density estimation

We consider the problem of density estimation when the data is in the form of a continuous stream with no fixed length. In this setting, implementations of the usual methods of density estimation such as kernel density estimation are problematic. We propose a method of density estimation for massive datasets that is based upon taking the derivative of a smooth curve that has been fit through a set of quantile estimates. To achieve this, a low-storage, single-pass, sequential method is proposed for simultaneous estimation of multiple quantiles for massive datasets that form the basis of this method of density estimation. For comparison, we also consider a sequential kernel density estimator. The proposed methods are shown through simulation study to perform well and to have several distinct advantages over existing methods.
Linear decentralized estimation of correlated data for wireless sensor networks

In this paper, we consider distributed estimation of an unknown random vector by using wireless sensors and a fusion center (FC). We adopt a linear model for distributed estimation of a vector source where both observation models and sensor operations are linear and the multiple access channel (MAC) is coherent. The sensors are designed to minimize the mean square error (MSE) at the fusion center without considering the noise at the fusion center. Subsequently, a filter is designed to cancel out the effect of the noise at the fusion center. We present a closed form solution. When the number of unknown parameters increases, an approximate closed form solution is provided that can be implemented distributively. Since there is no power constraint imposed on transmit power of each sensor, we investigate the average transmit power of each sensor. We show that as the number of unknown parameters increases, the sensor power is inversely proportional to the number of unknown parameters of interest. Finally, simulations are provided to verify the analysis and present the performance of the proposed scheme.
Reflex responsiveness of a human hand muscle when controlling isometric force and joint position.

Objective: This study compared reflex responsiveness of the first dorsal interosseus muscle during two tasks that employ different strategies to stabilize the finger while exerting the same net muscle torque. Methods: Healthy human subjects performed two motor tasks that involved either pushing up against a rigid restraint to exert a constant isometric force equal to 20% of maximum or maintaining a constant angle at the metacarpophalangeal joint while supporting an equivalent inertial load. Each task consisted of six 40-s contractions during which electrical and mechanical stimuli were delivered. Results: The amplitude of short and long latency reflex responses to mechanical stretch did not differ significantly between tasks. In contrast, reflexes evoked by electrical stimulation were significantly greater when supporting the inertial load. Conclusions: Agonist motor neurons exhibited heightened reflex responsiveness to synaptic input from heteronymous afferents when controlling the position of an inertial load. Task differences in the reflex response to electrical stimulation were not reflected in the response to mechanical perturbation, indicating a difference in the efficacy of the pathways that mediate these effects. Significance: Results from this study suggest that modulation of spinal reflex pathways may contribute to differences in the control of force and position during isometric contractions of the first dorsal interosseus muscle. � 2007 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Monte Carlo Model for Energy Spectra Analysis in Dedicated Nuclear Breast Imaging

A Monte Carlo model for dedicated nuclear breast imaging was developed using the Monte Carlo N-particle (MCNP) code. The modeled gamma camera was the LumaGem 3200s system, which comprised a 96 times128 array of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) elements with 1.6 times 1.6 mm2 and was equipped with a high sensitivity collimator. The patient model consisted of an 800-mL breast compressed to a thickness of 5.5 cm and an adjacent 8000-mL torso containing compartments modeling the liver and heart. Energy spectra from patients were acquired to determine an average patient energy spectrum. A phantom simulation was performed to determine the activity concentration in liver and heart regions versus the torso cavity and breast that produced an energy spectrum most closely matching the average patient spectrum. The Monte Carlo simulation was performed to simulate the energy spectra and breast images acquired from patient studies. The simulation allowed changes in intrinsic energy resolution of the detector and energy window. A correction to model the tailing effect in the CZT was also developed. The spectral components and their contribution to the energy windowed image were examined and the effect of changes in energy resolution on tumor contrast was determined. Results showed that 13-19% of counts in the breast image are scattered events (primarily first order Compton) and scatter from the torso region accounts for less than 4% of counts in the breast image for energy resolutions between 3.9-20%. Events from the torso are concentrated at the chest wall edge of the detector's field of view, consequentially decreasing tumor contrast in this area. Because of low overall scatter in the breast, changes in energy resolution were found to have minimal effect on tumor contrast.
Sex distribution in arrested precompacted human embryos

Evidence of sexual dimorphism before fetal gonadal differentiation in mammals has been accumulating, suggesting that male embryos develop faster than female ones. The current investigation was performed to evaluate whether the development rate of precompacted human embryos is controlled by sex chromosomes. Sex was determined by polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridisation in 172 arrested embryos derived from in vitro fertilisation. The sex ratio (1.02:0.98) did not differ significantly from 1:1. Although more males appeared to have greater fragmentation, the difference between the sex ratios of highly fragmented and normal embryos (1.08:0.92) was not significant. Arrested female embryos had a tendency to exhibit more than five nuclei and less than 10% fragmentation, but the trend was not statistically significant. The current results suggest that the first developmental block in human embryos occurs prior to and shortly after genomic activation and is not determined by the presence of the Y chromosome.
Meta-data based mediator generation

Mediators are a critical component of any data warehouse; they transform data from source formats to the warehouse representation while resolving semantic and syntactic conflicts. The close relationship between mediators and databases requires a mediator to be updated whenever an associated schema is modified. Failure to quickly perform these updates significantly reduces the reliability of the warehouse because queries do not have access to the most current data. This may result in incorrect or misleading responses, and reduce user confidence in the warehouse. Unfortunately, this maintenance may be a significant undertaking if a warehouse integrates several dynamic data sources. This paper describes a meta-data framework, and associated software, designed to automate a significant portion of the mediator generation task and thereby reduce the effort involved in adapting to schema changes. By allowing the DBA to concentrate on identifying the modifications at a high level, instead of reprogramming the mediator, turnaround time is reduced and warehouse reliability is improved.
Toward a Theory of Public Opinion

Progress in the formation of an adequate body of public opinion theory has, perhaps, not been as slow as we sometimes think. Neither is there an antithesis between the collection of empirical data and theory building. The generalizing process could be hastened, however, if greater emphasis were placed on certain aspects of empirical research: for instance, on establishing better series of data, and on probing the social substratum of public opinion. The exponent of this encouraging view is Professor of Sociology and an Associate Director of the Bureau of Applied Social Research at Columbia University, Past VicePresident of the American Association for Public Opinion Research, and holder of the Julian L. Woodward Memorial Award. The wide recognition he has received both in the opinion research field, and beyond it, is testimony of the major contributions his own work has made to both theory and methodology.
TI-TRNG: Technology Independent True Random Number Generator

True random number generators (TRNGs) are needed for a variety of security applications and protocols. The quality (randomness) of TRNGs depends on sensitivity to random noise, environmental conditions, and aging. Random sources of noise improve TRNG quality. In older or more mature technologies, the random sources are limited resulting in low TRNG quality. Prior work has also shown that attackers can manipulate voltage supply and temperature to bias the TRNG output. In this paper, we propose bias detection mechanisms and a technology independent TRNG (TI-TRNG) architecture. The TI-TRNG enhances power supply noise for older technologies and uses a self-calibration mechanism that reduces bias in TRNG output due to aging and attacks. Experiment results on 130nm, 90nm, and 45nm FPGAs demonstrate the quality of random sequences from the TI-TRNG across aging and different environmental conditions.
Fault location for teed circuits with mutually coupled lines and series capacitors

This paper investigates the problem of fault location in teed circuits. Previous work presented in C.Y. Evrenssoglu and A. Abur (Oct. 200), has successfully extended the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) based fault location technique of F.H. Magnago and A. Abur (Oct. 1998) to the case of teed circuits. In this paper, additional challenges introduced in the presence of MOV protected series capacitors and/or mutually coupled line sections in teed circuits are addressed. DWT based fault location procedures are developed and tested for these special cases. Fault signals simulated by ATP are used to validate the new fault location procedure under various scenarios.
Brain-sparing radiotherapy for neuroblastoma skull metastases.

Background Neuroblastoma (NB) frequently metastasizes to the skull, often diffusely involving the calvarium and skull base. Radiotherapy may enhance local control; however, irradiating the brain is undesirable in young patients. The purpose of this study was to describe the technique, outcome and toxicities in patients with high risk NB metastatic to the skull treated with brain-sparing skull radiotherapy (BSRT). Procedure Between 1999 and 2007, 31 patients with INSS stage four high risk NB, aged 2–32 years (median 6 years), underwent multimodality therapy, including radiotherapy to the whole skull using a brain-sparing technique never previously described in this population. Dosimetric analyses were performed to compare the BSRT technique to a whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) technique. Patients were either treated to consolidate upfront induction therapy (n = 22) or to palliate relapsed disease (n = 9). Results Thirty of 31 patients (97%) completed the full course of BSRT. Median follow-up was 19 months (range 1–83 months). Radiographic response to therapy was noted in 89% of patients. The actuarial rate of disease control in the skull was 89% and 60% 1 year after starting BSRT in patients treated in consolidation and for palliation, respectively. BSRT delivered half of the mean radiation dose to the brain when dosimetrically compared to whole brain radiotherapy. Few patients experienced significant toxicity. Conclusions BSRT in NB patients with diffuse skull metastases offers dosimetric advantages over WBRT and results in good local control when used in the consolidative setting. The technique is well tolerated and while toxicity appears acceptable, longer follow-up is necessary. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1163–1168. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Targeted Therapy of Thyroid Cancer

The primary therapy of thyroid cancer is surgical resection. For locally advanced or metastatic well-differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), radioactive iodine is often curative. The adverse prognostic characteristics for DTC are well known, including age, positive lymph nodes, increased tumor size, and distant metastasis. Positron emission tomography positive disease is also a negative prognostic marker. These patients have a higher risk for the development of metastatic disease and have a shorter survival. Once disease has become radioiodine refractory, the systemic therapeutic options are limited due to poor response rates and high toxicity. Recently, there has been research that has provided greater insight into the molecular pathology of thyroid cancers. It is hoped that, with this improved understanding, new targeted therapies directed against unique cellular abnormalities can be developed into therapeutic options for patients with advanced or aggressive thyroid cancers. Newly developed multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, developed for other solid tumors, hold promise in thyroid carcinomas. Greater insight into the molecular pathophysiology of thyroid cancer has also provided hope for redifferentiation of dedifferentiated tumors. Agents of clinical interest include retinoic acid, PPAR-gamma antagonists, demethylating agents, and histone deacytelase inhibitors.
Growth, Turbulence, and Protectionism

This paper discusses today's growing protectionism using a framework for economic growth, trade, and capital flows drawn from the natural sciences. In this framework economic activity is viewed as transformations of energy - both current solar energy and vintage solar energy, stored in the form of natural resources, human capital, physical capital and technology - driven by the laws of thermodynamics. The paper explains why efficient global capital markets and high-speed communications networks accelerate global economic growth. It then uses recent developments in nonequilibrium thermodynamics (NET) to outline the link between rapid growth, accelerating trade and cross-country capital flows, and turbulence, in the form of protectionism. Finally, it discusses an approach for mitigating the harmful impact of unavoidable turbulence and protectionism on the global economy.
59 LIPID DYNAMICS IN THE EARLY EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT OF ZEBRAFISH BY DESORPTION ELECTROSPRAY IONIZATION MASS SPECTROMETRY IMAGING AND NANOELECTROSPRAY–MASS SPECTROMETRY

This study introduces a combination of mass spectrometry-based analytical approaches with little or no sample preparation for the study of zebrafish (Danio rerio) lipid metabolism during early development (0 through 96 h post-fertilization, hpf). Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) imaging and nanoelectrospray (nESI) MS were used. Embryos (N = 107) were placed onto filter paper squares and analysed by DESI-MS imaging. Embryos were arranged in rows with each one corresponding to a different developmental time, so that each DESI-MS image contained arrays of samples at different hpf. After completion of DESI-MS acquisition, the arrays were cut into strips of paper, isolating each embryo, which was subsequently inserted into a nESI tip and analysed. All experiments were performed using a linear ion trap mass spectrometer. DESI-MS images were acquired in the positive ion mode using acetonitrile doped with 10 ppm AgNO3, which allowed for the detection of cytosolic neutral lipids, such as cholesteryl esters (CE), diacylglicerols (DAG), triacylglycerols (TAG), squalene, and ubiquinone. For the nESI, experiments were run in full mass scan and MS/MS, in both negative and positive ion mode, using a mixture of dimethylformamide and acetonitrile to detect membrane phospholipids (e.g. phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylglycerols). Principal component analysis was used to explore DESI-MS images and nESI data in an unsupervised fashion. The combination of DESI-MS imaging, providing chemical and spatial location, and nanoESI, providing a broader and more extensive structural information, showed that the lipid content changes dramatically over the first days of development. Accumulation of DAG and TAG, which are usually concentrated in the embryos yolk sac as an important storage for early development, were observed between 0 and 48 hpf. Embryos at the intermediate phase of development (24 hpf) were distributed between those of 0 and 48 hpf, reflecting the dynamics associated with development and might be correlated with TAG consumption and de novo synthesis. After 72 and 96 hpf, samples differed from prior developmental stages by the content of squalene, ubiquinone, and CE 22 : 5 (overexpressed), while the TAG content decreased. Further decrease of TAGs and ubiquinone occurred between 72 and 96 hpf. These observations indicated that zebrafish embryos rely entirely on the yolk sac for the nutrients needed to sustain growth and survival during the first four days of development. Yolk lipids are the likely source of TAGs, as well as cholesterol, a required component of cell membranes and a precursor for bile acids. The abundance of ubiquinone can be tied to zebrafish embryo growth, differentiation and organogenesis, and activation of mitochondria.
Preceptor development: Responses to frequently asked questions from preceptors in academic hospitals

Preceptor development continues to be a trending topic within our profession. ASHP’s accreditation standards include requirements for preceptor development, and residency program directors continue to seek novel and unique methods for developing preceptors’ aptitude and ability for teaching.[1][
Trends in Pharmacotherapy for Bladder Dysfunction Among Children in the United States, 2000 to 2013

Bladder-related issues such as nocturnal enuresis and incontinence have long been a part of general pediatric practice. Increasingly, clinicians are prescribing medications directed at a variety of types of bladder dysfunction, but no prior population-based data exist. We used MarketScan health care claims data on 32 074 638 insured children to estimate utilization patterns by age, sex, year, and geographic region in the United States from 2000 to 2013, and to assess related diagnosis codes. Approximately 1 in 500 children filled an antimuscarinic prescription. The most common prescriptions were for oxybutynin (78%) and tolterodine (17%). Rates were highest at ages 6 to 10 years (65/100 000 person-months), 31% higher for girls versus boys, peaked in 2011 (44/100 000 person-months), and were highest in the Midwest (59/100 000 person-months). Seventy-three percent of children with prescriptions had diagnosis codes for genitourinary symptoms, and 13% had codes for congenital anomalies. Research is needed regarding the comparative effectiveness and safety of these drugs in children.
Logistic Modeling for Optimal Resource Allocation in Network Assisted Power Control

Controlling the distribution of resources is imperative in any wireless system. Much research has considered the efficiency of the allocation in terms of bits per Joule of radiated energy. The most common model used in analysis of this utility has been the logistic curve. Many game theoretical concepts have been used to propose algorithms that help such systems reach an optimal operating point. This paper investigates network assisted power control in general and, unlike other work that has previously been done, proves that for a very general class of functions it is Pareto Optimal. Furthermore, a methodology to modeling wireless systems with various modulation and channel conditions as logistic functions is presented and their trade-offs investigated.
Primary Pancreatic Lymphoma Presenting as Acute Pancreatitis

Primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL) is a rare extranodal manifestation of any histopathologic subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that predominantly involves the pancreas. Fewer than 2% of extranodal malignant lymphomas and 0.5% of all pancreatic masses constitute PPL.1 Common clinical manifestations include abdominal pain, jaundice, acute pancreatitis, small bowel obstruction, and diarrhea. The clinical and radiologic findings are not pathognomonic, and the diagnosis is established only after histopathologic and cytopathologic examination with confirmatory molecular testing. Although rare, this particular neoplasm is amenable to treatment even in very advanced stages. It has been shown that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with a gene expression profile similar to the profiles of germinal center (GC) B cells has a better prognosis than lymphoma with a gene expression profile that resembles activated B cells.2 Therefore, GC immunohistochemical staining was adopted for all patients diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma. These cases can be divided into 3 expression patterns: a GC B-cell pattern expressing CD10 and/or BCL6 but without activation markers, an activated GC B-cell pattern expressing at least 1 GC B-cell marker and 1 activation marker, and an activated non-GC B-cell pattern expressing activation markers (MUM1/IRF4) but no GC B-cell markers.2 These expression patterns represent distinct clinicopathologic subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that impact disease prognosis and treatment.
Anxiety in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes.

Abstract Problem Mental health conditions are prevalent in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms are highly correlated and are two of the most prevalent mental health conditions in youth in the general population. The detrimental effect of depressive symptoms in youth with T1D has been well documented, but the effects of anxiety symptoms are not well understood. Eligibility criteria Studies were included if they were published between 1990 and 2015, and evaluated anxiety symptoms in a population of youth with T1D. Sample A total of 20 studies were identified from a sample of 338 papers. Results Anxiety symptoms were prevalent in youth with T1D. Anxiety symptoms were associated with higher glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, poorer self-management and coping behaviors, depressive symptoms, fear of hypoglycemia, and lower blood glucose monitoring frequency. State anxiety and trait anxiety symptoms affected health outcomes differently. Girls were at a higher risk of anxiety symptoms than boys. Conclusions Anxiety symptoms in youth with T1D have detrimental effects on health outcomes, including self-management, quality of life, and HbA1c. Implications Future research should aim to improve our current screening and treatment practices.
Las gramineas dioicas de México

En resumen, hemos senalado que existen mas generos de gramineas dioicas en Mexico que en ningun otro pais del mundo. Al parecer esta area geografica ha sido un centro importante para la evolucion de la dioecia en las gramineas. Hemos querido sugerir tambien la forma en que se ha desarrollado el dimorfismo sexual, y cuales son las tendencias mas importantes hacia la especializacion. Se continuan haciendo investigaciones con estas gramineas, con la esperanza de aprender mas acerca de todos los aspectos de estas taxa, y, tal vez, aportar mas luz al problema fascinante de la evolucion de la dioecia en las plantas.
Introduction: Sharia Dynamics and the Anthropology of Islam

Daniels argues that this volume charts a new direction for the anthropology of Islam by demonstrating how to overcome the dichotomy between the “discursive tradition” and “interpretive frameworks” approaches. This chapter notes some problems with popular conceptions of practice and suggests sustaining cultural analysis of knowledge embodied in practices as well as discerning power relations and other aspects of context. Daniels also provides some historical background of the complex concepts and reasoning principles of Islamic jurisprudence before highlighting the varied usage of fiqh tools in contemporary sociocultural processes. In addition, this introductory chapter describes how this volume explores sharia dynamics, the role discourses and practices of sharia play in sociopolitical processes, many of which are connected to modernity, secularism, and political Islamic projects.