cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease and birth outcomes

This study was undertaken to examine the impact that prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) has on birth and early neonatal outcomes. The prevalence of prenatally diagnosed CHD has risen over the past decade, but the effect that prenatal diagnosis of CHD has on peripartum decisions remains unclear. No consensus exists on the effect of prenatal diagnosis on neonatal outcomes. Between January 2004 and July 2009, a retrospective chart review of all neonates with CHD admitted to our institution’s neonatal intensive care unit was conducted. Obstetric and postnatal variables were collected. Among the 993 subjects, 678 (68.3 %) had a prenatal diagnosis. A prenatal diagnosis increased the odds of a scheduled delivery [odds ratio (OR) 4.1, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 3.0–5.6] and induction of labor (OR 11.5, 95 % CI 6.6–20.1). Prenatal diagnosis was not significantly associated with cesarean delivery when control was used for maternal age, multiple gestation, and presence of extracardiac anomaly. Mean gestational age had no impact on prenatal diagnosis, but prenatal diagnosis was associated with increased odds of delivery before a gestational age of 39 weeks (OR 1.5, 95 % CI 1.1–1.9) and decreased odds of preoperative intubation (OR 0.5, 95 % CI 0.3–0.6). Prenatal diagnosis did not have an impact on preoperative or predischarge mortality. Prenatal diagnosis was associated with increased odds of a scheduled delivery, birth before a gestational age of 39 weeks, and a decreased need for invasive respiratory support. Prenatal diagnosis of CHD was not associated with preoperative or predischarge mortality.
Late Cambrian (Furongian; Paibian, Steptoean) Agnostoid Arthropods from the Cow Head Group, Western Newfoundland

Nine agnostoid species from late Cambrian (Paibian: Steptoean) boulders from the Cow Head Group in western Newfoundland fall into three biostratigraphically distinct faunas. The Glyptagnostus reticulatus Fauna contains only the eponymous species and correlates with the lower part of the Paibian and the basal Steptoean of North America. The “Innitagnostus” inexpectans Fauna is more diverse and likely correlates into part of the lower Steptoean Aphelaspis Zone of western North America. The youngest fauna, the Acmarhachis kindlei n. sp. Fauna, also includes species of Homagnostus and Pseudagnostus, as well as a second new species of Acmarhachis, A. whittingtoni. It probably correlates with the Dunderbergia Zone (mid-Pabian and mid-Steptoean) of the western United States. The Laurentian species Acmarhachis typicalis Resser (1938) and A. acuta (Kobayashi, 1938) are evaluated from restudy of type material, and types of “Innitagnostus” inexpectans (Kobayashi, 1938) from British Columbia are also reillustrated.
Statins exert endothelial atheroprotective effects via the KLF2 transcription factor

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, statins, have been shown to positively impact vascular function independent of their plasma lipid-lowering action. Several of these beneficial effects involve modulation of gene expression. Here we explored whether the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), a biomechanically activated gene we recently identified as part of the endothelial "atheroprotective phenotype," is regulated by statins and whether this mechanism is important for the non-lipid lowering beneficial effects mediated by these drugs in endothelium. The mRNA levels of KLF2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells increased in the presence of various statins. KLF2 induction was observed within 8 h after drug treatment and remained elevated for at least 24 h. This statin effect on KLF2 expression was reversed by addition of mevalonate and its downstream metabolite geranygeranyl pyrophosphate. Furthermore, inhibition of protein geranylgeranylation with GGTI-298 significantly induced KLF2 levels, whereas inhibition of farnesylation did not. Statin-mediated KLF2 expression was followed by the up-regulation of several of its downstream transcriptional targets. Using small interfering RNA to block KLF2 expression, we demonstrated that this transcription factor is necessary for the statin-mediated regulation of several pathophysiologically relevant genes. These results strongly implicate KLF2 as a transcriptional regulator of the statin-mediated effects in vascular endothelium and provide a novel mechanism for the well established non-lipid lowering beneficial cardiovascular effects of statins.
Candidates for astrometric or direct-imaging detection of extra-solar planets, and comments on the photometric method

Abstract Knowledge of a star's rotation period and ν sin i can be used to select stars that are seen pole-on, and thus are well suited to planetary searches by astrometric or direct-imaging means. A table of such stars is presented. This method is not suitable for discriminating equator-on systems and so cannot be used to select candidates for the photometric method of W. J. Borucki and A. L. Summers (1984 , Icarus 58 , 121–134).
Assay of Na,K-ATPase in plasma membrane preparations: Increasing the permeability of membrane vesicles using sodium dodecyl sulfate buffered with bovine serum albumin

Determination of maximal Na,K-ATPase activity in isolated plasma membranes is generally hampered by the vesicular nature of the preparation, limiting access of ATP and ions to one face or the other of the transmembrane protein. Detergents are often used to make the vesicles permeable to the substrates; however, the detergent/protein ratio is extremely critical for optimal activation. The use of bovine serum albumin as a detergent buffer is described. With this method the amount of membrane protein in the assay can be varied over a wide range, with full detergent activation. The method has been used for assay of Na,K-ATPase activity of membranes from dog kidney, rabbit brain, and electric organ of eel.
Drug use and dependence in cocaine dependent subjects, community-based individuals, and their siblings

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to examine substance use and dependence among cocaine dependent subjects and their siblings compared to individuals recruited from the same neighborhood and their siblings in order to better understand family and neighborhood contributions to the development of dependence. Methods Cocaine dependent subjects were recruited through treatment centers. Community-based subjects were matched to cocaine dependent index cases on age, ethnicity, gender, and zip code. One full sibling for each case and community-based subject participated. Results Cocaine dependent subjects were significantly more likely than community-based subjects to use all substances studied and were 2–10 times more likely to be dependent on alcohol and other illicit drugs. Dependence only on cocaine was uncommon ( Conclusions Cocaine dependence is characterized by polysubstance use and dependence. In addition, the prevalence of substance dependence in the community subjects was higher than reported for the general population, indicating that cocaine dependent cases live in high-risk communities with elevated prevalence of substance dependence. A potential intervention to decrease the family clustering of dependence is to reduce the initiation of drug use in relatives at risk.
A vortex-lattice method for general, unsteady aerodynamics

A general method of calculating unsteady, incompressible, inviscid, three-dimensional flows around arbitrary planforms has been developed. The method is an extension of the vortex-lattice technique. It is not limited by aspect ratio, camber, or angle of attack, as long as vortex breakdown does not occur above the surface of the wing and separation occurs only along sharp edges. As the wing performs arbitrary maneuvers, the position of the wake and the distribution of circulation on the wing and in the wake are obtained as functions of time. One desirable feature of the present method is its ability to treat steady lifting flows very efficiently. Several examples of steady and unsteady flows are presented. These include rectangular wings, with and without flaps, delta, and cropped delta wings.
ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIALIST CITIES

The collapse of the Socialist bloc after 1989 has been a topic of inquiry in many of the social sciences. In urban geography, however, there has been little systematic review about the changing nature of socialist cities in an era of rapid globalization. This paper outlines some of the macroeconomic contours that have conditioned national and metropolitan economies since 1989. It then reviews some of the defining features of the socialist city as a backdrop to Warsaw, selected Chinese cities, Ho Chi Minh, and Havana, which are the case studies of this special issue. [Key words: socialism, uneven development, globalization, urban morphology, public spaces.]
Age-Associated Changes in the DNA of Mouse Tissue

The template activity of DNA with calf thymus DNA polymerase has been studied in sections of fixed brain, liver, and heart tissues from young and senescent mice. The enzyme catalyzed greater incorporation of deoxyribonucleotide monophosphates into nuclei of old mouse neurons, astrocytes, Kupffer cells, and heart muscle fibers. The results are interpreted as the accumulation of DNA strand breaks with aging.
Simulation of tensile strength of anisotropic fibre-reinforced composites at low temperature

Abstract This article presents a simulation scheme to predict the effect of fibre anisotropy on composite tensile failure strength at room and low temperatures. The simulation model combines the shear lag equation with the chain of bundles probability model to describe the composite failure behaviour. The effect of fibre anisotropy on thermal stresses developed in composite constituents due to cooling to low temperatures is considered. The failure strength of composites composed of fibres with different degrees of anisotropy is obtained and comparisons are made with experiments. Simulated results for E-glass-, graphite- and Kevlar-epoxy type composites showed close agreement with the experiments.
Experimental studies on the transfusion of blood obtained postmortem.

A decrease in the posttransfusion survival of Cr51-labeled rabbit erythrocytes obtained postmortem became more pronounced as the time after death increased. This effect became proportionately greater when rabbit cadavers were maintained at 37 C, as compared with 4 C or 20 C, prior to the procurement of blood for survival studies. Decreased survival of normal control cells incubated with postmortem plasma or subjected to anoxia for eight hours was not observed. The following postmortem changes in blood were observed: increase in red cell osmotic fragility, alteration of morphology with appearance of spherocytes and crenated cells, increased plasma hemoglobin, decrease in pH and intracellular ATP. These changes became more marked as the time interval between death and blood collection increased. Normal and postmortem specimens possessed equivalent antigenicity as judged by immunization experiments in rats.
Risk of RSV-associated hospitalization (RSV-hosp) and economic impact of RSV prophylaxis for premature infants born ≤ 32 weeks gestation • 1348

Risk of RSV-associated hospitalization (RSV-hosp) and economic impact of RSV prophylaxis for premature infants born ≤ 32 weeks gestation • 1348
Dark structures in molecular radiationless transitions determined by ultrafast diffraction.

The intermediate structures formed through radiationless transitions are termed “dark” because their existence is inferred indirectly from radiative transitions. We used ultrafast electron diffraction to directly determine these transient structures on both ground-state and excited-state potential energy surfaces of several aromatic molecules. The resolution in space and time (0.01 angstrom and 1 picosecond) enables differentiation between competing nonradiative pathways of bond breaking, vibronic coupling, and spin transition. For the systems reported here, the results reveal unexpected dynamical behavior. The observed ring opening of the structure depends on molecular substituents. This, together with the parallel bifurcation into physical and chemical channels, redefines structural dynamics of the energy landscape in radiationless processes.
Agenda for Asian Economic History

What could and should researchers in Asian economic history do during the decade of the seventies? Given the number and the diversity of Asian nations, this is an extremely large question which a person endowed only with a normal amount of ego and without a thorough knowledge of all Asian economic histories should refrain from even attempting to answer. Apparently, however, my ego is above average in size, and to compensate for my much less than complete knowledge of Asian economic history, I resorted to the most efficient method of remedying this weakness: I picked the brains of the leading specialists.
Fanconi anemia: a multi-age cancer susceptibility syndrome

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disease characterized by congenital abnormalities, progressive bone marrow failure and marked cancer predisposition. However, two recently identified FA complementation groups, FA-D1 and FA-N, are characterized by pronounced susceptibility to pediatric solid tumors. While FA has traditionally been viewed as an exclusive pediatric disorder, the clinical manifestations of FA may often only become apparent in young adults. Biallelic mutations in any one of 13 different genes leads to FA, and the products of the 13 FA genes are thought to act cooperatively in a cellular pathway, the FA pathway, to repair damaged DNA. Despite exciting recent breakthroughs in FA gene identification, the mechanism(s) of DNA repair regulated by this pathway remains poorly understood. Here, we will review our current understanding of the clinical and molecular features of FA, and discuss the implications of the FA pathway for cancer in the general population.
Lithium induced nuclear reactions and the production of negative lithium ions

Abstract Lithium induced nuclear reactions in the energy range available with electrostatic accelerators provide a useful tool in nuclear structure studies. An easy method is described for obtaining large currents of negative charged lithium ions for tandem Van de Graaff accelerators.
Limits for spatial anisotropy by use of nuclear-spin-polarized Be-9(+) ions

The frequency of a nuclear spin-flip (Vertical Bar..delta..m/sub I/Vertical Bar = 1) transition in /sup 9/Be/sup +/ has been compared to the frequency of a hydrogen maser transition (Vertical Bar..delta..FVertical Bar = 1, ..delta..m/sub F/ = 0) to see if the relative frequencies depend on the orientation of the /sup 9/Be/sup +/ ions in space. The present null result represents a decrease in the limits set by Hughes and Drever on a spatial anisotropy by a factor of about 300.
Phase I study of the combination of docetaxel, temozolomide and cisplatin in patients with metastatic melanoma

In a search for more effective combination chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, we conducted a phase I trial of a novel combination of docetaxel, temozolomide, and cisplatin. Patients with inoperable or recurrent metastatic melanoma with a Zubrod performance status of 2 or less and adequate organ function were eligible. The dose of docetaxel was escalated between cohorts of patients, and the doses of temozolomide and cisplatin were fixed. A standard 3 + 3 dose escalation design was used to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Among 23 patients who were enrolled, 21 were evaluable for toxicity. Eighteen patients (78%) had stage IV-M1c disease. The dose-limiting toxicities were myelosuppression and pulmonary embolism. The MTD was 30 mg/m2 docetaxel on days 1, 8, and 15 when given with 150 mg/m2 temozolomide on days 1–5, and 20 mg/m2 cisplatin on days 1–4, repeating every 4 weeks. Among 19 patients evaluated for response, 6 (32%) had partial responses and 5 (26%) had stable disease. Among 14 chemo-naive patients, 6 (43%) had a partial response and 4 (29%) had stable disease. Nine patients developed brain metastases by the time of the last follow-up evaluation, and the median time to brain metastases for all 19 evaluable patients has not been reached. This combination was well tolerated and appears to be a promising treatment for patient with metastatic melanoma.
Correlates of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder in a Sample of HIV-Positive, Methamphetamine-using Men Who have Sex with Men

Substance use has been identified as a risk factor for elevated levels of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). This study examined methamphetamine use and sexual risk behaviors as correlates of OCD in a sample of 245 HIV-positive men having sex with men (MSM) in San Diego, CA. In a logistic regression analysis, OCD was associated with greater frequency of methamphetamine use, more depressive symptoms, seeking out risky venues and risky sexual partners when “high” on methamphetamine, and reporting fewer sex acts in the past 2 months. These data suggest the need for increased awareness and understanding of the role that OCD may play in the drug use behaviors and risky sexual practices of methamphetamine users.
Shortest Loops are Pacemakers in Random Networks of Electrically Coupled Axons.

High-frequency oscillations (HFOs) are an important part of brain activity in health and disease. However, their origins remain obscure and controversial. One possible mechanism depends on the presence of sparsely distributed gap junctions that electrically couple the axons of principal cells. A plexus of electrically coupled axons is modeled as a random network with bidirectional connections between its nodes. Under certain conditions the network can demonstrate one of two types of oscillatory activity. Type I oscillations (100-200 Hz) are predicted to be caused by spontaneously spiking axons in a network with strong (high-conductance) gap junctions. Type II oscillations (200-300 Hz) require no spontaneous spiking and relatively weak (low-conductance) gap junctions, across which spike propagation failures occur. The type II oscillations are reentrant and self-sustained. Here we examine what determines the frequency of type II oscillations. Using simulations we show that the distribution of loop lengths is the key factor for determining frequency in type II network oscillations. We first analyze spike failure between two electrically coupled cells using a model of anatomically reconstructed CA1 pyramidal neuron. Then network oscillations are studied by a cellular automaton model with random network connectivity, in which we control loop statistics. We show that oscillation periods can be predicted from the network's loop statistics. The shortest loop, around which a spike can travel, is the most likely pacemaker candidate. The principle of one loop as a pacemaker is remarkable, because random networks contain a large number of loops juxtaposed and superimposed, and their number rapidly grows with network size. This principle allows us to predict the frequency of oscillations from network connectivity and visa versa. We finally propose that type I oscillations may correspond to ripples, while type II oscillations correspond to so-called fast ripples.
Interdisciplinary teaching in elementary schools: educating English Language Learner (ELL) students with multidimensional practices

School accountability has funnelled educational practices into a path where teaching practices are heavily centred in Language Arts instruction. Focusing learning almost exclusively in the aforesaid area develops a one-dimensional process that could hold back certain students from a well-balanced education. This article presents a model of interdisciplinary teaching, building cognitive bridges between subject areas, implemented during the 2006–2007 school year with 29 English Language Learners (ELL) 4th grade students from an elementary school located in Southern California. The goal was to increase students' language proficiency and their academic performance by creating multidimensional practices that emphasised the idea that a subject area (i.e., Mathematics) is an open body of knowledge fed by other disciplines (i.e., Science, Social Studies). The outcomes of this project suggest that students exposed to interdisciplinary methodologies not only build language as a multidimensional tool but they also i...
Convergence characteristics of two Monte Carlo models for reliability evaluation of interconnected power systems

Abstract The convergence characteristics of two Monte Carlo models are investigated in this paper. These two models or their variations have been used by the electric power industry. Model 1 is based on the random sampling of generator and transmission line status for each hour. Model 2 advances the generation and transmission using the next-event approach. Mathematical analysis and system studies indicate that model 2 converges slower than model 1. The simulation time for model 2 is generally more than twice the mean duration of loss of load. The CPU time per year of simulation is shorter for model 2. However, the total CPU time for model 2 is much longer than for model 1.
Gas-Phase Ion Mobilities and Structures of Benzene Cluster Cations (C6H6)n+, n = 2−6

Benzene clusters are generated by pulsed supersonic beam expansion, ionized by electron impact, mass-selected and then injected into a drift cell for ion mobility measurements in a helium buffer gas. The measured collision cross sections and theoretical calculations are used to determine the structures of the cluster cations (C6H6)n+ with n = 2−6. Density functional theory calculation, at an all-electron level and without any symmetry constraint, predicts that the dimer cation has two nearly degenerate ground state structures with the sandwich configuration more stable than the T-configuration by only 0.07 eV. The ion mobility experiment indicates that only one structure is observed for the mass-selected dimer cation at room temperature. The calculated cross section for the sandwich structure agrees very well (within 2.4%) with the experimental value. For the n = 3−6 clusters, the experiments suggest the presence of at least two structural isomers for each cluster. A Monte Carlo minimum-energy search tech...
Children with emotional disabilities: Perceptions of siblings

This paper reports the process and findings of a study of siblings of children with emotional disabilities. The intent of the research was to engage in an exploratory study through the use of a focus group to gain a preliminary understanding of the perceptions siblings have of a brother or sister with an emotional disability and the service system. Recommendations are given to mental health professionals for working with families and siblings of children with emotional disabilities. Ideas for including siblings in working with family systems are presented.
The isotopic abundance and content of sulfur in meteorites

Abstract Twenty meteorites were studied in the iron (hexahedrites and octahedrites) and stony (enstatite achondrite, carbonaceous, enstatite, bronzite and hypersthene chondrites) families. Troilite is the chief sulfur component of iron meteorites and the δS34 ranges from 0 to + 0.6‰ with respect to Canyon Diablo troilite. Stony meteorites contain a wide variety of sulfur compounds including water and acid soluble sulfides, elemental sulfur, water and acid soluble sulfates and unidentified components soluble only in aqua regia. The δS34 content of the isolated compounds varies from +2.5 to −5.5‰ with respect to Canyon Diablo. The weighted average for all components of each meteorite, however, falls within ± 1 ‰ of Canyon Diablo. The S33 distribution closely follows S34. The data strongly suggest that differentiations have occurred in a closed system, corresponding to the meteorites or their parent body, and starting from a single source of sulfur. There is no evidence for biological activity having occurred in the meteorites, either from the distribution of sulfur compounds or from the isotope abundance data.
Origins of Selectivity in Pericyclic Reaction Cascades for the Synthesis of Gambogin and Lateriflorone

Quantum mechanical calculations demonstrate that the second step of a Claisen−Diels−Alder reaction cascade controls regioselectivity that gives advanced intermediates for the synthesis of gambogin and 1-O-methyllateriflorone.
461 ROLE OF DIETARY PROTEIN AND AMINO ACIDS IN THE MODULATION OF PLASMA SOMATOMEDIN ACTIVITY IN RATS

The mechanism of growth retardation in many nutritional deficiency states has not been delineated. Somatomedin (SM) is depressed after prolonged fasting or in severe malnutrition despite elevated growth hormone (GH) concentrations, suggesting both nutrition and GH may act as modulators of SM. We have studied the effects of varying concentrations of dietary protein (2.5, 5, 10, 20%) and specific dietary amino acid deficiencies on body and organ weights, GH, SM, cartilage glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) and biochemical composition of brain and liver. Changes in body weights and organ weights were similar for 2.5% protein, a valine deficient or a tryptophane deficient diet (-10%). An increase of 177% was observed for animals on a complete amino acid diet or a 20% protein diet. Arginine deficiency had an intermediate effect. Biochemical alterations were more striking in liver than in brain. Serum SM ranged from 0.20 units for rats on the valine and tryptophane deficient diet to 1.44 units for the rats on the complete diet. SM was positively correlated with the protein content of the diet, body and organ weight changes, food efficiency and cartilage GAGS content and negatively correlated with GH concentrations. These data suggest that dietary protein and amino acids play a direct role in the modulation of SM activity and the growth retardation associated with some nutritional deficiency states may be related to its additional effect on SM activity.
Adiponectin receptor-1 expression is decreased in the pancreas of obese mice.

Background. Obesity is epidemic in the 21st century and has been shown to be a risk factor for developing severe acute pancreatitis. Adipose tissue produces small molecules called adipokines, which are important in modulating metabolism and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin is decreased in obesity and inversely mirrors the severity of pancreatitis in a murine experimental model. Adiponectin acts through two receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2; no data are currently available regarding adiponection receptor expression in the obese murine pancreas. Materials and methods. Immunohistochemical and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis were undertaken to determine expression of adiponectin receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in the pancreas and liver of lean (C57BL/6J) and congenitally obese (Lep Ob and Lep Db ) mice. Results. Immunohistochemistry confirmed expression of both AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in the pancreas of all three murine strains. Staining was positive in acinar cells and to a lesser extent in islet cells. Pancreatic gene expression of AdipoR2 was similar among lean and obese mice. AdipoR1 gene expression, however, was significantly (P < 0.001) decreased in the pancreas of both Lep Ob and Lep Db mice compared to wild-type lean animals. Gene expression of both AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 was significantly less in the liver of obese (Lep Ob and Lep Db ) mice compared to wild-type lean animals (P < 0.001). Conclusions. These data show for the first time that the adiponectin receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 are expressed in the obese murine pancreas. The paucity of AdipoR1 receptors may be important when considering the role played by adipokines in the genesis of severe pancreatitis in obesity.
A possible embryonic mechanism for the establishment of innervation of inner ear sensory structures.

The objective of this study was to explore the hypothesis (Van De Water, 1976) that differentiating sensory receptors of the inner ear may attract ingrowing neurites of the statoacoustic (VIIIn) ganglion by chemotaxis. Co-cultured embryonic inner ears which shared a single VIIIn ganglion were grown “in vitro” to the equivalent of 20 days gestation and then processed histologically to show both cytodifferentiation of sensory structures and the presence of neural elements. Specimens of both 11- and 12.5-day-old co-cultured otocysts showed that VIIIn ganglion neurites grew into sensory receptors of both (+) with and (-) without ganglion inner ear explants. Fourteen-day-old co-cultured inner ears revealed that only the (+) ganglion inner ear explants received VIIIn ganglion neurites into the sensory areas, and that neurites were not attracted into the (-) ganglion explants. The results were found to support the hypothesis of a limited period of chemotaxis as being a possible mechanism for the establishment of...
Reply to comment on ‘Characterization of surface and ground water δ18O seasonal variation and its use for estimating groundwater residence times’ by R. E. Criss and W. E. Winston

It is the nature of the scientific method to use a variety of models, procedures, techniques and data to quantify and analyse natural phenomena. Recently, in Reddy et al. (2006), we published a study in which υ18O values for precipitation, surfaceand ground-water samples from the Shingobee River Headwaters Area (SRHA) were analysed using an amplitude-attenuation (convolution integral) approach for estimating mean residence times (MRTs). This approach has been used in many small watershed studies (e.g. Stewart and McDonnell, 1991; DeWalle et al., 1997; Burns and McDonnell, 1998; McGuire et al., 2002; Rodgers et al., 2005; McGuire and McDonnell, 2006). In a comment, Criss and Winston (2006) disagree with our method and present an alternative approach for interpreting υ18O values in the SRHA. We feel that this comparison with our methodology is unfair. Criss and Winston (2006) focus their attention on the weaknesses in our method and the strengths of theirs, while overlooking our detailed evaluation of model predictions with other independent watershed hydrologic properties. The comment by Criss and Winston (2006) makes several points, some of which we agree are valid criticisms of our paper. In this response, we will address their concerns regarding (1) our interpretation of the current state of the literature, (2) the data we used in the analysis, and (3) the relative merits of the two modelling approaches. In so doing, we will update the dataset with precipitation υ18O data from 1990 to 2004, and compare the two approaches to provide a fair basis for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both methods. Additionally, we will discuss some technical issues that arise for scientists in choosing between simple and complex models.
Development of a tool to assess fidelity to a psycho‐educational intervention

song m.-k., happ m.b. & sandelowski m. (2010) Development of a tool to assess fidelity to a psycho-educational intervention. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(3), 673–682. Abstract Aim. This paper is a description of a method to develop and conduct a customized psycho-educational intervention fidelity assessment as part of pilot work for an efficacy study. A tool designed to assess treatment fidelity to a psycho-education intervention for patients with end-stage renal disease and their surrogate decision makers, Sharing the Patient’s Illness Representations to Increase Trust, is presented as an illustration. Background. Despite the specificity and idiosyncrasy of individual interventions and the call to systematically evaluate treatment fidelity, how to accomplish this goal has not been clarified. Tools to adequately measure treatment fidelity are lacking. Methods. We developed the Sharing the Patient’s Illness Representations to Increase Trust Treatment Fidelity Assessment tool by identifying elements that were idiosyncratic to the intervention and those that could be adapted from existing tools. The tool has four components: overall adherence to the intervention content elements; pacing of the intervention delivery; overall dyad responsiveness; and, overall quality index of intervention delivery. The study was undertaken between 2006 and 2008. Results. Inter-rater reliability ranged from 0·80 to 0·87 for the four components. The tool showed utility in training and monitoring, such as detecting unplanned content elements delivered and the use of proscribed communication behaviours. Conclusion. Psycho-educational interventions are one of the most common types of nursing interventions worldwide. Use of fidelity assessment tools customized to the individual interventions may enhance systematic evaluation of training and monitoring treatment fidelity.
Teratogenic evaluation of terpenoid derivatives.

Abstract Eight terpenoid derivatives with juvenile hormone activity were tested for teratogenicity. Three of the derivatives were teratogenic when administered to mice as a single intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/gm on either day 9 or day 10 of pregnancy. However, intubation at 5 mg/gm of the two most teratogenic derivatives resulted in one of the derivatives marginally increasing the incidence of abnormal embryos above peanut oil-intubated controls; the other intubated derivative was without adverse affect. Of the remaining five compounds, two with high juvenile hormone activity were without teratogenic effect when injected at 1 mg/gm. Since teratogenic effects were observed only at a dose above likely exposure levels and by a route of administration not possible in the environment, support is provided for the potential use of terpenoid derivatives in the control of insect pests.
E-Beam-Induced Fluorescence Of Excimers In Cryogenic Solutions

We have detected the fluorescence emitted from excimer molecules formed in e-beam-pumped mixtures in a liquid argon host. The mixtures were both binary (halogen donors in the liquid argon) and ternary (dilute concentrations of donors and other rare gases in the liquid argon). Many excimers were observed, including the rare-gas dimers Xe/sub 2/, Kr/sub 2/, and Ar/sub 2/. Strong fluorescence was seen from XeF, XeCl, and ArO.
Mechanics of a Free-Surface Liquid Film Flow

Etude de l'ecoulement sous l'effet de la gravite d'un rideau de liquide visqueux a surface libre entre deux fils verticaux
Variable-Temperature NMR Studies of Soluble Polymer-Supported Phosphine−Silver Complexes

The use of polymers as supports for organometallic catalysts has received wide attention. However, catalyst reactivity is sometimes altered as a consequence of catalyst immobilization by a polymeric ligand and such altered reactivity can complicate such supported catalysts’ use. The results in this study show that heptane phase selectively soluble polyisobutylene (PIB)-bound phosphine ligands have essentially identical kinetic behavior when compared to electronically similar isobutyldiphenylphosphine analogues in phosphine coordination and exchange in silver(I) halide complexes. These studies used variable-temperature 31P NMR spectroscopy to probe the silver−phosphine exchange processes for both AgI and AgCl complexes of these polymeric and low molecular weight phosphine ligands. The results show that the dynamic behavior of the PIB- and isobutyldiphenylphosphine−AgX complexes is nearly identical based on line-shape analysis of these 31P NMR spectra as a function of temperature. Similar studies of more po...
Choosing your network: social preferences in an online health community.

Abstract A growing number of online health communities offer individuals the opportunity to receive information, advice, and support from peers. Recent studies have demonstrated that these new online contacts can be important informational resources, and can even exert significant influence on individuals' behavior in various contexts. However little is known about how people select their health contacts in these virtual domains. This is because selection preferences in peer networks are notoriously difficult to detect. In existing networks, unobserved pressures on tie formation – such as common organizational memberships, introductions to friends of friends, or limitations on accessibility – may mistakenly be interpreted as individual preferences for interacting/not interacting with others. We address these issues by adopting a social media approach to studying network formation. We study social selection using an in vivo study within an online exercise program, in which anonymous participants have equal opportunities for initiating relationships with other program members. This design allows us to identify individuals' preferences for health contacts, and to evaluate what these preferences imply for members' access to new kinds of health information, and for the kinds of social influences to which they are exposed. The study was conducted within a goal-oriented fitness competition, in which participation was greatest among a small core of active individuals. Our results show that the active participants displayed indifference to the fitness and exercise profiles of others, disregarding information about others’ fitness levels, exercise preferences, and workout experiences, instead selecting partners almost entirely on the basis of similarities on gender, age, and BMI. Interestingly, the findings suggest that rather than expanding and diversifying their sources of health information, participants' choices limited the value of their online resources by selecting contacts based on characteristics that are common sources of homophily in offline relationships. In light of our findings, we discuss design principles that may be useful for organizations and policy makers trying to improve the value of participants' social capital within online health programs.
Repeated cluster analysis of stomach contents data: method and application to diet of cod in NAFO division 3L

Data matrices of fish stomach contents frequently contain many zeros, and nonzero values often do not follow usually encountered statistical distributions. Therefore, many common methods of statistical analysis are inappropriate for such data. A method of repeated k-means cluster analysis is proposed for exploratory analysis of data sets on fish stomach contents. Objective rules are proposed for setting the clustering parameters, so the arbitrariness and subjectivity common in interpreting hierarchical clustering methods is avoided. Because the clusters are nonhierarchical, the analysis method also requires much less computer time and memory. Application of the method is illustrated with a data set of 1771 stomachs of cod (Gadus morhua), feeding on 38 different prey types. The results of the clusterings reveal that nine types of prey may account for the systematic information about the diet of cod in this sample from the northern Grand Bank in Spring of 1979. The results are also used to test specific hypotheses about size selectivity of the predator, spatial variation of feeding, environmental influences on diet, and relative preferences among prey taxa.
Molecular Simulation of the Diffusion of Uranyl Carbonate Species in Aqueous Solution

Abstract Potential-based molecular dynamics simulations of aqueous uranyl carbonate species (MxUO2(CO3)y2+2x−2y with M = Mg, Ca, or Sr) were carried out to gain molecular-level insight into the hydration properties of these species. The simulation results were used to estimate the self-diffusion coefficients of these uranyl carbonate species, which often dominate uranyl speciation in groundwater systems. The diffusion coefficients obtained for the monoatomic alkaline-earth cations and polyatomic ions (uranyl, carbonate, and uranyl tri-carbonate) were compared with those calculated from the Stokes–Einstein (SE) equation and its variant formulation by Impey et al. (1983) . Our results show that the equation of Impey et al. (1983) , originally formulated for monovalent monoatomic ions, can be extended to divalent monoatomic ions, with some success in reproducing the absolute values and the overall trend determined from the molecular dynamics simulations, but not to polyatomic ions, for which the hydration shell is not spherically symmetrical. Despite the quantitative failure of both SE formulations, a plot of the diffusion coefficients of the uranyl carbonate complexes as a function of the inverse of the equivalent spherical radius showed that a general linear dependence is observed for these complexes as expected from the SE equation. The nature of the alkaline-earth cation in the uranyl carbonate complexes was not found to have a significant effect on the ion’s diffusion coefficient, which suggests that the use of a single diffusion coefficient for different alkaline-earth uranyl carbonate complexes in microscopic diffusion models is appropriate. The potential model reproduced well published quantum mechanical and experimental data of Ca x UO 2 ( CO 3 ) 3 2 x - 4 and of the individual constituent ions, and therefore is expected to offer reliable predictions of the structure of magnesium and strontium uranyl carbonate aqueous species, for which there is no structural data available to date. In addition, the interatomic distances reported for Ca x UO 2 ( CO 3 ) 3 2 x - 4 could help with the refinement of the interpretation of EXAFS data of these species, which is made difficult by the similar uranium-distant carbonate oxygen and uranium–calcium distances. An analysis of the dynamics of water exchange around the alkaline-earth cations revealed that the presence of the uranyl tri-carbonate molecule has a strong influence on the geometry of the cation’s first hydration shell, which, in turn, can considerably affect the water exchange kinetics depending on whether the imposed geometry matches that around the isolated alkaline-earth cation. This result shows that the alkaline-earth uranyl carbonate complexes have distinct water exchange dynamics, which may lead to different reactivities. Finally, significant changes in water residence time were also predicted when replacing carbonate for water ligands in the uranyl coordination shell.
Marburg—a new pallasite

Abstract A new meteorite, found at Marburg-an-der Lahn, Hesse, Germany, is described. It contains well-rounded olivine crystals having a composition of 12.5 mole % fayalite. Neither compositional variation between crystals, nor zoning within the olivine crystals could be detected. The average of two compositional determinations of the metal phase is: Fe88.4, Ni-11.02, Co-0.51, P-0.005, S-0.028 wt. % and Ga-19 ppm. A modal analysis indicated the following approximate composition (wt. %): metal-63, olivine-35, and combined troilite and schreibersite-2, with troilite predominating. The cooling rate, determined on the metal phase, is 0.8°C per 10 6 yr. On the basis of these measurements, the Marburg pallasite appears to be a typical representative of this rare and interesting group of meteorites.
The effects of instructional organization and locus of control orientation on meaningful learning in high school biology students

This study investigated the effects on meaningful learning achievement of concept-related instructional organization and locus of control orientation. Two five-week instructional treatments were developed, one which explicitly stressed concept relationships and one which did not. Five hundred and forty-one subjects at six Indiana high schools were involved in the study. Analyses of covariance of posttest and six-week retention test scores with treatment as the independent variable showed no significant treatment effect. Analyses of variance of test scores with locus of control orientation as the independent variable resulted in highly statistically significant differences. Subjects with an internal locus of control orientation achieved more than externally oriented subjects. A two-way analysis of covariance by treatment and locus of control orientation resulted in a statistically significant treatment/locus of control interaction effect for retention test scores. Externally oriented subjects who were exposed to the concept-related treatment generally retained more than those in the comparison group. Internally oriented subjects retained about the same amount of information regardless of treatment group. When the male and female subjects were analyzed separately, the interaction effect appeared greater for females than for males.
Static Scene Analysis for the Perception of Heading

In the current study, we explored observers' use of two distinct analyses for determining their direction of motion, or heading: a scene-based analysis and a motion-based analysis. In two experiments, subjects viewed sequentially presented, paired digitized images of real-world scenes and judged the direction of heading; the pairs were presented with various interstimulus intervals (ISIs). In Experiment 1, subjects could determine heading when the two frames were separated with a 1,000-ms ISI, long enough to eliminate apparent motion. In Experiment 2, subjects performed two tasks, a path-of-motion task and a memory-load task, under three different ISIs, 50 ms, 500 ms, and 1,000 ms. Heading accuracy decreased with an increase in ISI. Increasing memory load influenced heading judgments only for the longer ISI when motion-based information was not available. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the scene-based analysis has a coarse spatial representation, is a sustained temporal process, and...
THE DISPERSION OF BIDS ON INDIVIDUAL NEW MUNICIPAL ISSUES

This paper examines the determinants of the dispersion of interest rates bid on competitively sold, new municipal issues. Theory suggests that the dispersion of prices (interest rates) on a new municipal issue depends on the expected costs and benefits of underwriter search on that issue. The greater the expected costs and the lower the expected benefits, the smaller will be underwriter search and the greater will be municipal interest rate dispersion. For empirical testing, the expected costs and benefits of underwriter search are measured by characteristics of the bond issue, the bond issuer, and the market conditions. The empirical tests suggest that the theory holds.
Conceptual/operational criteria of causality: relevance to systematic epidemiologic theory.

Abstract Emphasis has recently been placed on the possibility of developing “unified” criteria of causality applicable to both the infectious and chronic, non-infectious diseases. Yet, contemporary efforts are essentially compilations of criteria established over the past 140 years, without provision of the conceptual basis allowing such a unification. From hierarchical views of the natural history of infectious and neoplastic (i.e., chronic non-infectious) disease, it is possible to identify discipline and natural history-related concepts of causation from which it is possible to derive conceptual criteria of causality and complementary operational criteria of causality. These criteria are entirely relevant to the comprehension of disease as both product and process and applicable to both the infectious and neoplastic diseases.
A state-space model for finger tapping with applications to cognitive inference

Sensory-motor functions have been repeatedly linked to both cognitive and physical functions. One common test of sensory-motor performance frequently used for neuropsychological evaluation is the Halstead-Reitan finger tapping test (FTT). While this test has been normed and used extensively, the underlying sensory, motor and cognitive processes mediating tapping behavior during the test are not well understood. As a first step towards investigating the behavioral aspects manifested by these processes, we describe a state-space model for finger tapping during the FTT. This state-space model exploits quasiperiodicity to decompose tapping into a set of time-varying states corresponding to the instantaneous amplitude of the finger oscillation, the instantaneous frequency (or speed) of tapping, and a phase that keeps track of the current finger position during the cycle. We evaluate the model by showing a good fit between estimated and actual measurements, and outline an experiment that will relate features from the model to cognitive function.