cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The primary aerobic biodegradation of biodiesel B20

We describe the primary aerobic biodegradation of a B20 fuel (20% soybean fatty acid methyl esters, 80% petroleum diesel) by unacclimated inocula from a rainwater detention pond. Biodegradation was rapid and essentially complete, with an overall median 'half-life', at approximately 100 ppm B20, of 6.8 days (n=34). Using purge-and-trap and extraction methodologies, both coupled to GC/MS, and hexachloroethane and hexachlorobenzene as conserved internal markers in the B20, we followed the biodegradation of total detectable material, 76 individual analytes and eight undifferentiated groups of isomers, and calculated their half-lives under these conditions. The fatty acid methyl esters, n-alkanes and iso-alkanes, and simple and alkylated aromatic compounds were the most readily degraded compounds, followed by the naphthenes. The last (identified) compounds to be degraded were ethylalkanes, trisubstituted cyclohexanes and decalins, but even these disappeared with an apparent 'half-life' of <30 days.
Time-delayed dynamic output feedback ℋ∞ controller design for civil structures: A decentralized approach through homotopic transformation

For the control of large-scale complex systems, it has been widely recognized that decentralized approaches may offer a number of advantages compared with centralized approaches. Primarily, these advantages include less feedback latency and lower demand on communication range, which may result in better control performance and lower system cost. This paper presents a decentralized approach for the control of large-scale civil structures. The approach provides decentralized dynamic output feedback controllers that minimize the ℋ∞ norm of the closed-loop system. The effect of feedback time delay is considered in the problem formulation, and therefore, compensated during the controller design. The control decentralization is achieved using a homotopy method that gradually transforms a typical centralized controller into multiple uncoupled decentralized controllers. At each homotopy step, linear matrix inequality (LMI) constraints are satisfied to guarantee the performance requirement for the closed-loop ℋ∞ norm. The proposed algorithm is validated through numerical simulations with a five-story example structure. Performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with a time-delayed decentralized control algorithm that is based upon the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) criteria. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examining the Missing Completely at Random Mechanism in Incomplete Data Sets: A Multiple Testing Approach

A multiple testing procedure for examining implications of the missing completely at random (MCAR) mechanism in incomplete data sets is discussed. The approach uses the false discovery rate concept and is concerned with testing group differences on a set of variables. The method can be used for ascertaining violations of MCAR and disproving this mechanism in empirical behavioral and social research. The procedure can also be employed when locating violations of MCAR in observed measures is of interest. The outlined approach is illustrated with data from a cognitive intervention study.
On generalized maximum likelihood estimation in the proportional hazards model with partially informative censoring

The generalized maximum likelihood estimator (GMLE) is derived and some of its variants are compared with the partial Abdushukurov-Cheng-Lin (PACL) and Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimators under the proportional hazards model with partially informative censoring. A comparison of small sample properties is conducted based on a simulation study. The results show that the GMLEs perform competitively with the PACL estimator.
Aftershock area expansion and mechanical heterogeneity of fault zone within subduction zones

We investigate global variations in the pattern of aftershock area expansion associated with large subduction zone earthquakes. The expansion of aftershock areas with time is relatively small in the subduction zones of Alaska, the Aleutians, Mexico, and parts of the Kuriles and South America. These subduction zones are interpreted to be characterized by moderate to strong interplate coupling. In contrast, the extent of aftershock expansion is greater for events within the subduction zones of northeast Japan and western and south Pacific where interplate coupling is inferred to be weak. These results are interpreted in terms of an asperity model where a fault zone is represented by a distribution of strong spots (asperities) and weaker zones. The immediate aftershock area is assumed to extend over an area occupied by asperities, and the subsequent expansion to occur into the surrounding weaker zones. If large asperities abut each other on a fault plane, interplate coupling is strong and little expansion of aftershock area occurs. Smaller and more sparsely distributed asperities cause weak interplate coupling and significant expansion of aftershock area. Small and densely distributed asperities result in moderate interplate coupling and little aftershock expansion.
Spine deformity correction in Marfan syndrome.

Study design Retrospective review of records and radiographs with postoperative questionnaire of patients with Marfan syndrome receiving surgical correction for spinal deformity. Objective To characterize and analyze the challenges of surgical correction for spinal deformity in Marfan syndrome and to present recommendations that may reduce morbidity and increase success for these procedures. Summary of background data Spinal deformities are common in Marfan syndrome and usually refractory to conservative management. The few, smaller studies of surgical intervention reported on earlier surgical techniques but suggested increased complication rates. Methods Records and radiographs of 39 patients with confirmed Marfan syndrome who underwent surgical management at either of two institutions for primary scoliosis (n = 26), kyphosis (n = 7), or deformity secondary to previous surgery elsewhere (n = 6) were reviewed. Presentation features, complications, and therapeutic results were analyzed. Low back outcome scores were generated from a questionnaire given to patients after surgery. Results Increased blood loss and rates of infection (10%), dural tear (8%), instrumentation fixation failure (21%), pseudarthrosis (10%), and coronal (8%) and sagittal (21%) curve decompensation were noted. Infection was often associated with dural tear and decompensation with extreme correction. One patient died of valvular insufficiency 11 weeks after surgery. Conclusion The cardiopulmonary condition of patients with Marfan syndrome should be evaluated and planned for before surgery. Preoperative computed tomograph to assess bony adequacy for fixation and magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate dural ectasia are indicated. Attention paid to the sagittal profile, extension of fusion to vertebrae neutral and stable in both planes, minimization of soft tissue dissection, and avoidance of extreme correction may prevent curve decompensation.
Synthetic gastrin as a dual adrenergic blocker.

A gastrin-like peptide, pentagastrin, was found to exhibit anα- as well asβ-adrenergic blockade on various isolated preparations in vitro. The block appears to be competitive in nature. However, since the concentrations required to produce the block were well above the physiologic or hormonal range, the significance of the blockade is not clear at present. If natural gastrin is also found to exhibit such a block, it may suggest a possible secondary involvement of autonomic cardiovascular regulation in Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, which is usually accompanied by hypotension.
Spinal anesthesia and obstetric practice

Abstract Oskar Kreis introduced spinal anesthesia into obstetrical practice in 1900. This form of anesthesia offered several advantages over the use of inhalation agents. It was fast, safe and it could be administered by the obstetrician, thereby obviating the need for additional personnel. Kreis' work stimulated others to explore other types of blocks suitable for obstetrics. It also initiated a debate about the role of the nervous system in the initiation and maintenance of normal labor.
On the influence of surface reconstruction on crystal growth processes

Abstract Application of the morphologic Periodic Bond Chain method to diamond-like crystal structures learns that {001} faces should be K or S type, i.e. they will be atomically rough. This implies that these cubic faces should have a very high growth rate and that on these surfaces no steps should appear because the step free energy is zero. However, this is in conflict with quite a lot of experimental evidence, especially for the {001} faces of Si, Ge, GaAs and diamond which generally are slowly growing stable faces crowded with growth steps. This contradiction can be explained by accepting that under the conditions where these crystals were grown the {001} surface has reconstructed into the well known (2 × 1) reconstruction where the surface atoms lower their energy by dimerization and occupy different positions with respect to the bulk phase. This leads to the creation of a step free energy larger than zero and thus to the observed F-like behaviour. It is demonstrated that the (2 × 1) reconstruction not only is present for the cases under high vacuum conditions, but also can be operative at normal growth conditions, for instance at 1 bar pressure, where adsorption might play a role. Further the lateral orientations of growth steps on the {111} and {001} faces of diamond-like semiconductor crystals are discussed in terms of reconstruction near or at step site atoms.
Monolithic integration of AlGaInP laser diodes on SiGe/Si substrates by molecular beam epitaxy

Room temperature operation of visible AlGaInP laser diodes epitaxially integrated on Si was demonstrated. Compressively strained laser heterostructures were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on low dislocation density SiGe∕Si substrates, where the threading dislocation density of the top relaxed Ge layers was measured in the range of 2×106cm−2. A threshold current density of Jth∼1.65kA∕cm2 for the as-cleaved, gain-guided AlGaInP laser grown on SiGe∕Si was obtained at the peak emission wavelength of 680nm under pulsed mode current injection. These results show that not only can high quality AlGaInP materials grown by MBE be achieved on Si via relaxed SiGe interlayers, but the prototype demonstration of laser diode operation on Si illustrates that very defect sensitive optoelectronics in the III-P system can indeed be integrated with Si substrates by heteroepitaxial methods.
Safe Sex for Sale: Is Legalizing Sex Work the Answer to Sex Trafficking in the Netherlands?

This analysis of Dutch prostitution and trafficking policies looks at the historical background of the current policies and at what effect they have on sex trafficking in the Netherlands. For many years the Dutch have maintained a position of tolerance (gedogen) in regards to prostitution, as long as it did not cause a large public disturbance or health issue. However in response to the globalization of a growing sex industry, and the increasing amount of sex trafficking, the Netherlands has adopted a unique harm-reduction approach by way of legalizing and regulating voluntary sex work. This follows from the idea that one cannot regulate what is forbidden. The author argues that, although the policies of legalization and regulation create safer work environments and provide rights to voluntary sex workers, the illegal underground sex industry continues to thrive. Efforts to prevent sex trafficking and prosecute traffickers are impeded by insufficient funding and law enforcement personnel, as well as inconsistent standards of regulation across municipalities. The author suggests a combination of policies that would place the responsibility on sex workers’ clients to ensure the sexual services they are receiving are legal and from a voluntary sex worker. This, along with increased funding and uniform standards, will help better regulate the Dutch sex industry. Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Christopher Carey
Endoscopic measurements of gastric mucosal blood flow in dogs.

The feasibility and validity of endoscopic measurements of gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) using 3% H2 gas clearance were investigated in the intact stomach of anesthetized dogs. Platinum electrodes were lengthened and modified to permit passage through the instrument channel of a standard gastroscope. In five anesthetized dogs, antral mucosal blood flow (103.2 ± 5.3 ml/min/100 g tissue) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the corpus (66.9 ± 7.1 ml/min/100 g tissue). Histamine stimulation selectively increased flow in the corpus to 134.5 ± 7.5 ml/min/100 g tissue. Comparison of endoscopic GMBF measurements in these five dogs on 2 different days revealed a close correlation (r = 0.87, P < 0.001). Endoscopic H2 clearance measurements obtained in five awake dogs were not significantly different from those obtained during pentobarbitol anesthesia. In 12 dogs, GMBF determined by endoscopic H2 gas clearance showed a good agreement (r = 0.91, P < 0.001) with that measured by radioactive microspheres. These two methods also demonstrated comparable changes in GMBF induced by intravenous infusion of histamine and vasopressin. It was concluded that 3% H2 gas clearance can be used to accurately and reproducibly measure GMBF through the endoscope, a unique advantage of this method for potential clinical use.
The role of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in the United States

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) have been providing anesthesia care in the United States (US) for nearly 150 years. Historically, anesthesia care for surgical patients was mainly provided by trained nurses under the supervision of surgeons until the establishment of anesthesiology as a medical specialty in the US. Currently, all 50 US states utilize CRNAs to perform various kinds of anesthesia care, either under the medical supervision of anesthesiologists in most states, or independently without medical supervision in 16 states; the latter has become an on-going source of conflict between anesthesiologists and CRNAs. Understanding the history and current conditions of anesthesia practice in the US is crucial for countries in which the shortage of anesthesia care providers has become a national issue.
Targeted improvement of Steinernema carpocapsae for control of the pecan weevil, Curculio caryae (Horn) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) through hybridization and bacterial transfer

The entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae, has shown promise for control of adult pecan weevil, Curculio caryae, a key pest of pecan. In previous studies, the Italian strain of S. carpocapsae was found to be among the most virulent to C. caryae adults, but possessed poor heat and desiccation tolerance. In contrast, the DD-136 strain exhibited high levels of heat and desiccation tolerance but low virulence to the weevil. Our objective was to determine the feasibility of developing improved strains of S. carpocapsae by transferring the nematode’s bacterial symbiont (Xenorhabdus nematophila) from the Italian strain to the DD-136 strain, and through hybridization between the two wild-type nematodes. Three modiWed strains were created: one through bacterial transfer alone and two hybrids through controlled crosses. We hypothesized that the improvement approaches would result in strains possessing high levels of heat and desiccation tolerance similar to DD-136 and virulence similar to the Italian strain. The hypothesis was supported in two out of three modiWed strains. Heat and desiccation tolerance in all modiWed strains was more than 2.5-fold greater than the Italian strain and not diVerent from the DD-136 strain, except one hybrid had lower heat tolerance than DD-136. Mortality of adult C. caryae from the modiWed strains at 2 or 3 days post-treatment was greater than from DD-136 and similar to the Italian strain. Overall, the results indicate that bacterial transfer and hybridization could be a valuable tool in improving the biocontrol eYcacy of S. carpocapsae. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Alkaloids from Crinum amabile

Abstract From the bulbs of Vietnamese Crinum amabile , besides lycorine, buphanisine and augustine, for the first time, ambelline, flexinine, and two new alkaloids crinamabine and 4a-dehydroxycrinamabine were isolated. Their structures were established from spectroscopic evidence.
Tripeptide analysis of collagen synthesized by silica-exposed fibroblast cultures.

Abstract The effect of silica on collagen biosynthesis by confluent monolayers of Wl-38 fibroblast cultures was examined by a more comprehensive method of analysis. The presence of the particulates had no direct effect on protein (collagen) synthesis, proline incorporation or prolyl hydroxylase activity; the latter as determined by the degree of hydroxylation. Silica however, was highly toxic to the cells.
Emerging Models for the Molecular Basis of Mammalian Circadian Timing

Mammalian circadian timekeeping arises from a transcription-based feedback loop driven by a set of dedicated clock proteins. At its core, the heterodimeric transcription factor CLOCK:BMAL1 activates expression of Period, Cryptochrome, and Rev-Erb genes, which feed back to repress transcription and create oscillations in gene expression that confer circadian timing cues to cellular processes. The formation of different clock protein complexes throughout this transcriptional cycle helps to establish the intrinsic ∼24 h periodicity of the clock; however, current models of circadian timekeeping lack the explanatory power to fully describe this process. Recent studies confirm the presence of at least three distinct regulatory complexes: a transcriptionally active state comprising the CLOCK:BMAL1 heterodimer with its coactivator CBP/p300, an early repressive state containing PER:CRY complexes, and a late repressive state marked by a poised but inactive, DNA-bound CLOCK:BMAL1:CRY1 complex. In this review, we analyze high-resolution structures of core circadian transcriptional regulators and integrate biochemical data to suggest how remodeling of clock protein complexes may be achieved throughout the 24 h cycle. Defining these detailed mechanisms will provide a foundation for understanding the molecular basis of circadian timing and help to establish new platforms for the discovery of therapeutics to manipulate the clock.
Fast and robust Delaunay tessellation in periodic domains

An algorithm is presented for constructing three-dimensional Delaunay tessellations in periodic domains. Applications include mesh generation for periodic transport problems and geometric decomposition for modelling particulate structures. The algorithm is a point insertion technique, and although the general framework is similar to point insertion in a convex hull, a number of new issues are introduced by periodicity. These issues are discussed in detail in the context of the computational algorithm. Examples are given for the tessellation of random points and random sphere packings. Performance data for the algorithm are also presented. These data show an empirical scaling of the computation time with size of O(N1.11) and tessellation rates of 7000–14000 tetrahedrons per second for the problems studied (up to 105 points). A breakdown of the performance is given, which shows the computational load is shared most heavily by two specific parts of the point-insertion procedure. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flumazenil, diazepam, nordiazepam and oxazepam interactions on plasma protein binding

The effect of flumazenil (FLU) on plasma protein binding of diazepam (DZ), nordiazepam (ND) and oxazepam (OX) was determined in plasma from drug-naive dogs to which graded concentrations of tested drugs alone and in combination were added. The results revealed that as the concentration of FLU added to plasma alone was increased its binding with plasma proteins decreased and that there were no significant binding interactions between FLU and OX, ND and DZ.
Development of a Response Surface for Prediction of Nitrate Removal in Sulfur — Limestone Autotrophic Denitrification Fixed-Bed Reactors

Sulfur–limestone autotrophic denitrification (SLAD) processes are very efficient for treatment of ground or surface water contaminated with nitrate. However, detailed information is not available on the interaction among some major variables on the design and performance of the SLAD process. In this study, the response surface method was used by designing a rotatable central composite test scheme with 12 SLAD column tests. A polynomial linear regression model was set up to quantitatively describe the relationship of the effluent and influent nitrate–nitrogen concentration and hydraulic retention time (HRT) in the SLAD column reactors. This model may be used for estimating the effluent nitrate–nitrogen concentration when the influent nitrate–nitrogen concentration ranges between 20 and 110 mg∕L and the HRT ranges between 2 and 9 h . Based on our model and the requirement for nitrite control, we recommend that the HRT of the SLAD column reactor be kept ⩾6 h and the nitrate loading rate less than 200 g N O3−...
PRODUCTION OF THROMBOXANE A2 AND NITRIC OXIDE IN THE LUNG ARE ASSOCIATED WITH PULMONARY INJURY IN RAT ENDOTOXEMIA

Thromboxane(Tx) A2, a vasoconstrictor, is associated with severe pulmonary dysfunction in endotoxemia. The vasodilators, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PG) E2 may have beneficial effects by counteracting the lung deterioration caused by TxA2. We investigated the relationship of TxA2, PGE2, NO and pulmonary function in early rat endotoxemia.
Comparison of proliferation indices in glioblastoma multiforme by whole tissue section vs tissue microarray.

Tissue microarrays (TMAs) reduce the amount of tissue analyzed with the assumption that protein and gene expression patterns are homogeneous throughout tumors. Many tumor types, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are heterogeneous in many regards, including cell proliferation. We retrospectively compared Ki-67 labeling indices (LIs) determined by whole tissue section (WTS) vs TMA in a series of 50 GBMs from 45 patients. A paired t test indicated that the difference between average LIs obtained from a TMA vs a WTS was not significant (P = .51). There was no correlation between TMA and WTS (r = 0.042; P = .77), indicating that the methods yielded very different results in individual tumors. The Ki-67 LI did not always correlate with the tissue section in an individual tumor; however, when evaluating a large number of tumors on a TMA, the LI range and mean LI were roughly comparable with the LI range and mean LI determined from the WTS. In an attempt to increase throughput expression profiling of tumor samples, tissue microarray (TMA) can be used. It is a method of harvesting small cores of tissue and placing them in an array on a recipient block, such that hundreds of cases can be easily analyzed simultaneously. 1 The reflex criticism of this technique is that the small amount of tissue analyzed may not be representative of the tumor, particularly in heterogeneous tumors. Constituting approximately 25% of all intracranial tumors, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary tumor of the central nervous system. This highly malignant neoplasm grows quickly, and, without therapy, 95% of patients die within 3 months of diagnosis. 2 Among neuroepithelial tumors, it generally is difficult to identify prognostic factors among high-grade tumors, ie, factors that predict why a small subset of patients with GBM survive longer. In GBM, besides age, Karnofsky performance status, and location, no other prognostic factors have been reliably identified that influence survival. Sex, tumor size, preoperative conditions, specific neurologic findings, extent of tumor resection, diverse histologic features of the resected tumor, response to radiotherapy, reoperation, and postoperative adjuvant treatment each have been regarded as significant by some authors and relatively unimportant by others. 3-13
Observing industrial control system attacks launched via metasploit framework

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) are present across many industries ranging from automotive to utilities. These systems have been found to be connected to corporate enterprise servers and can communicate over unencrypted communication channels. Interconnections of this type provide an attack vector for people with malicious intent and therefore are a critical cyber security risk. To better understand these risks and possible security measures, this research presents as proof of concept several attacks against a programmable logic controller along with observations made during the attacks. Our results indicate a time sequence difference between legitimate and spoofed command and control packets. Attacks are launched using the Metasploit Framework against a simulated control scenario. Using the observations made in this paper it is then suggested that several features can be extracted and then utilized in next generation mitigation and detection techniques for the industrial control environment.
The Development of Novel Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease that affects approximately 0.5 – 1% of adults worldwide and commonly results in joint destruction and significant impairment in the quality of life. RA is considered an autoimmune disease with unknown etiology. Many pathogenic pathways of RA have been revealed recently, which has led to development of various novel therapies. Objective: The current treatments for RA fall into four categories: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, non-biological, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological DMARDs. In this review, we discuss some of the most recent development in antirheumatic therapies. Methods: Using SciFinder Scholar and PubMed as our main search tools, we evaluated various newly developed therapies for RA. In each drug category, emphases are placed on the mode of action, limitations and new drug candidates from the patent search. Those therapies that are well-established are reviewed on...
Evaluating local coastal zone land use planning capacities in California

Local jurisdictions' coastal zone land use plans play an important role in protecting critical coastal resources and ensuring coastal communities' sustainable development. This study extends the previous national and regional measurement systems to local coastal zone land use planning. This study evaluates 46 California local jurisdictions' coastal zone land use plans and analyzes the factors influencing local coastal zone land use planning capacities. The descriptive results show that planning quality varied widely in scope and content, and did not fully utilize available coastal management tools and mechanisms to influence local development patterns. The regression results further highlight the influence of planning capacity, public participation, environmental sensitivity, and contextual characteristics. Six policy recommendations are provided to improve local coastal zone land use planning capacities.
Phenome-wide association studies (PheWASs) for functional variants.

The genome-wide association study (GWAS) is a powerful approach for studying the genetic complexities of human disease. Unfortunately, GWASs often fail to identify clinically significant associations and describing function can be a challenge. GWAS is a phenotype-to-genotype approach. It is now possible to conduct a converse genotype-to-phenotype approach using extensive electronic medical records to define a phenome. This approach associates a single genetic variant with many phenotypes across the phenome and is called a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS). The majority of PheWASs conducted have focused on variants identified previously by GWASs. This approach has been efficient for rediscovering gene–disease associations while also identifying pleiotropic effects for some single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, the use of SNPs identified by GWAS in a PheWAS is limited by the inherent properties of the GWAS SNPs, including weak effect sizes and difficulty when translating discoveries to function. To address these challenges, we conducted a PheWAS on 105 presumed functional stop-gain and stop-loss variants genotyped on 4235 Marshfield Clinic patients. Associations were validated on an additional 10 640 Marshfield Clinic patients. PheWAS results indicate that a nonsense variant in ARMS2 (rs2736911) is associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These results demonstrate that focusing on functional variants may be an effective approach when conducting a PheWAS.
Diatom biomonitoring of streams: reliability of reference sites and the response of metrics to environmental variations across temporal scales

Abstract Benthic diatoms are widely used indicators of human impacts on stream ecosystems because they are very responsive to changing environmental conditions. However, little research has explicitly focused on their reliability with regards to temporal variation in assemblage structure and environmental conditions. We examined variability in diatom-environment relationships at bi-weekly, monthly, and yearly time scales from 7 reference, 7 agricultural, and 2 acid mine drainage (AMD)-impacted streams, and how nutrient and pH fluctuations may affect the interpretation of diatom metrics and the Diatom Model Affinity (DMA) index. Reference streams had less bi-weekly variability in NO3-N concentrations than non-reference streams. The % eutraphentic diatoms and DMA scores were more strongly correlated with seasonal means of NO3-N and PO4-P concentrations than with same day concentrations. Most nutrient indicator metrics had strong correlations with watershed land use. All 14 non-AMD streams experienced substantial increases in NO3-N and decreases in temperature from November to May, which were associated with high species turnover, substantial changes in community structure, reduced diversity and richness, increased relative abundances of high nutrient diatoms, and decreases in low nutrient diatoms and DMA scores. The % acidophilic diatoms and DMA scores were significantly correlated with increased pH associated with greater precipitation at AMD sites from December to April (r = −0.77, r = 0.62, respectively; P
A Brief Preschool Playroom Interview: Correlates with Independent Behavioral Reports

Abstract A half-hour structured play interview was conducted with 29 3-year-olds who were participating in a longitudinal study of normal infant development. Ratings of concentration and peer aggression derived from doll play, and behavior ratings of the child's ability to separate and his or her ability to relate to the interviewer showed significant correlation with independent ratings of similar behaviors by parent, nursery school teacher, and clinic psychologist. The study provides some support for the validity of brief play interviews with preschool children as performed in a clinical setting.
Past Imperfect: Feminism and Social Histories of Silent Film

Picking up on recent feminist calls for an emphasis on social histories of cinema, the author argues for the importance of socio-historical contextualization in order to preserve feminist goals of critiquing epistemologies and power relations. Analyzing two early Edison films, she shows that the historical importance of each can be located in the ways they depict ideological confusion over female sexuality and mobility in changing urban spaces. Through socio-cultural contextualization, she further illuminates how Laughing Gas (Edison, 1907) depicts social tensions about the national rise of African American female domestics.
Magnetite lamellae in olivine and clinohumite from Dabie UHP ultramafic rocks, central China

Ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) minerals of the Maowu mafic-ultramafic complex in the Dabieshan, east-central China exhibit many exsolution textures. Magnetite lamellae are common in olivines and Ti clinohumites from harzburgite and garnet pyroxenite. Monazite-(Ce) lamellae occur in apatites from the garnet pyroxenite. Independent P-T estimates suggest that these ultramafic rocks formed at P > 5 GPa and T = 700 ± 50 °C. The lamellae-bearing minerals are believed to preserve an earlier, higher P-T record prior to exsolution. Compositions and unit-cell parameters of the magnetite and host olivine and intergrowth relations were determined using a newly developed X-ray diffraction microprobe technique employing synchrotron radiation. The host olivine and magnetite lamellae bear a topotaxial relation with [220] Mag | | [200] Ol, [111]Mag | | [3 3 1]Ol, [11 1] Mag | | [331] Ol, [242]Mag | | [2 2 0]Ol. The recalculated composition of primary olivine may contain up to 1.5 wt% Fe 2O3. Four hypotheses may explain the observed intergrowths of oriented magnetite lamellae in olivine: (1) oxidation of olivine; (2) decomposition of Fe 3+ -bearing olivine formed at >6 GPa; (3) exsolution of a spinel (wadsleyite) solid-solution Fe 3O4-(Fe,Mg)2SiO4 during decompression; and (4) breakdown of phase A [Mg7Si2(OH)6] + enstatite. The third hypothesis appears to be the most likely inasmuch as no additional silicate phase occurs as associated inclusions in the olivine host. However, the actual mechanism for exsolution of magnetite from olivine remains to be studied experimentally.
Initial Impressions: Reflections of Pre-Service Educators

Preservice early childhood educators responded in daily reflection journals on their field experience in local elementary classrooms. These journal entries were categorized according to the frequency of the responses. The focus of the study became the nature of the initial impressions that these preservice educators had of their cooperating teachers. We know that first impressions many times are very important. Much can be learned about how these cooperating teachers handled the first few minutes of interaction with the preservice educators.
Unilateral Paramedian Transpedicular Approach for Repair of Anterior Transdural Spinal Cord Herniation: Report of a Case and Literature Review

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation is a rare but potentially treatable cause of thoracic myelopathy. The rarity and variable clinical presentation often results in missed diagnosis and delay in treatment. Posterior midline approach with laminectomy has been the most common approach performed for spinal cord herniation in cases described in the literature. A posterior approach is limited by the danger of retracting the spinal cord and difficulty visualizing the dural defect. Considering the anterior location of the dural defect, a posterolateral allows for a more ventral view without spinal cord manipulation. We report a rare case of idiopathic spinal cord herniation which was managed by unilateral paramedian transpedicular approach with an excellent clinical outcome.
Primary sex ratios vary with clutch size in the size-dimorphic White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus

Sex allocation theory explains how parents should allocate reproductive effort to the rearing of sons and daughters. A central premise is that there is room for individual optimization of brood sex ratios as a function of the relative rearing costs of sons and daughters, the fitness return curves for sons and daughters, and the total amount of reproductive resources available. When sons are more expensive to raise than daughters, and fitness returns per unit investment are equal for the two sexes, we show with a simple graphical model that large clutches should be female-biased. We tested this prediction in a field study of the White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus in Norway. In this species, males are nearly 20 % heavier than females, and the predominant mating system is social monogamy with little or no extrapair paternity, indicative of similar reproductive variances for the two sexes. We found a significant deficit of males (27 % males) for the largest clutch size (=6 eggs) in the population and no deviation from parity for five-egg clutches (47 % males). This contrast could not be explained by any sex-biased mortality rate at the egg or nestling stages, and thus suggests facultative adjustment of the primary sex ratio. We also verified a sexual dimorphism in growth rates at the nestling stage. Our results indicate that different rearing costs of sons and daughters may select for clutch-size dependent sex-ratio adjustment in size-dimorphic species.
Impacts of the Doha Round framework agreements on dairy policies.

Abstract Dairy is highly regulated in many countries for several reasons. Perishability, seasonal imbalances, and inelastic supply and demand for milk can cause inherent market instability. Milk buyers typically have had more market power than dairy farmers. Comparative production advantages in some countries have led to regulations and policies to protect local dairy farmers by maintaining domestic prices higher than world prices. A worldwide consensus on reduction of border measures for protecting dairy products is unlikely, and dairy will probably be an exception in ongoing World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations. Under the Doha Round framework agreements, countries may name some products such as dairy as “sensitive,” thereby excluding them from further reforms. However, new Doha Round framework agreements depart from the current WTO rule and call for product-specific spending caps. Such caps will greatly affect the dairy sector because dairy accounts for much of the aggregate measure of support (AMS) in several countries, including the United States and Canada. Also, the amounts of dairy AMS in several countries may be recalculated relative to an international reference price. In addition, all export subsidies are targeted for elimination in the Doha Round, including export credit programs and state trading enterprises, which will limit options for disposing of surplus dairy products in foreign markets. Currently, with higher domestic prices, measures for cutting or disposing of surpluses have been used in many countries. Supply control, which is not regulated by WTO rules, remains as an option. Although explicit export subsidies are restricted by WTO rules, many countries use esoteric measures to promote dairy exports. If countries agree to eliminate “consumer financed” export subsidies using a theoretical definition and measurements proposed herein as Export Subsidy Equivalents (ESE), dairy exports in many countries may be affected. Although domestic supports and export subsidies will be reduced in the Doha Round, possible exclusion of “sensitive” products from tariff reduction will help some countries’ dairy sectors survive after those final agreements. A key concern for those countries will be the simultaneous restriction of surplus-disposing measures. With fewer marketing options for surpluses, countries that continue border protection and high internal prices will likely be forced to use domestic supply control programs in the future.
Increased neuronal firing in computer simulations of sodium channel mutations that cause generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus.

Generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) is an autosomal dominant familial syndrome with a complex seizure phenotype. It is caused by mutations in one of 3 voltage-gated sodium chann...
Alcohol and malt liquor availability and promotion and homicide in inner cities

We investigated the role of the alcohol environment in explaining disparities in homicide rates among minorities in 10 cities in the United States using 2003 data from the Malt Liquor and Homicide study. We hypothesized that (a) higher concentrations of African Americans would be associated with higher homicide rates, as well as higher alcohol and malt liquor availability and promotion, and (b) the relationship between neighborhood racial/ethnic concentration and homicide would be attenuated by the greater alcohol and malt liquor availability and promotion in African American neighborhoods. Hypotheses were tested using separate Poisson, linear, and logistic regression models that corrected for spatial autocorrelation. Census block groups served as the unit of analysis (n = 450). We found that higher concentrations of African Americans were associated with higher homicide rates as well as greater alcohol availability, especially malt liquor availability. The promotion of malt liquor on storefronts was also significantly greater in African American than in other neighborhoods. However, none of the measures representing alcohol or malt liquor availability and promotion variables changed the effect of neighborhood racial/ethnic concentration on homicide. Limitations and implications of our findings are discussed.
Dietary Chemopreventative Benzyl Isothiocyanate Inhibits Breast Cancer Stem Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

A small subset of mammary tumor-initiating cells (also known as breast cancer stem cells; bCSC), characterized by expression of different markers [CD44(high)/CD24(low)/epithelial-specific antigen (ESA)+], aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH1) activity, and ability to form mammospheres under ultra-low attachment culture conditions, are suspected to evade conventional therapies leading to disease recurrence. Elimination of both therapy-sensitive epithelial tumor cells and therapy-resistant bCSC is therefore necessary for prevention of breast cancer. We have shown previously that a nontoxic small-molecule constituent of edible cruciferous vegetables (benzyl isothiocyanate; BITC) inhibits mammary cancer development in mouse mammary tumor virus-neu (MMTV-neu) transgenic mice by causing epithelial tumor cell apoptosis. The present study shows efficacy of BITC against bCSC in vitro and in vivo. Mammosphere formation frequency and CD44(high)/CD24(low)/ESA+ and/or ALDH1+ populations in cultured MCF-7 (estrogen receptor-positive) and SUM159 (triple-negative) human breast cancer cells were decreased significantly in the presence of plasma achievable concentrations of BITC. BITC administration in the diet (3 μmol BITC/g diet for 29 weeks) resulted in a marked decrease in bCSCs in the MMTV-neu mice tumors in vivo. Overexpression of full-length Ron as well as its truncated form (sfRon), but not urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, conferred near complete protection against BITC-mediated inhibition of bCSCs in MCF-7 cells. The BITC treatment downregulated protein levels of Ron and sfRon in cultured breast cancer cells and in tumor xenografts. Ron overexpression resulted in upregulation of bCSC-associated genes Oct-4, SOX-2, and Nanog. In conclusion, the present study indicates that BITC treatment eliminates bCSCs in vitro and in vivo.
Resolving the Raman-induced cross frequency shift in fast optical soliton collisions

We present a numerical investigation of fast optical soliton collisions in the presence of delayed Raman response. By employing a high-resolution numerical grid and by averaging over radiation-induced oscillations we are able to accurately measure the Raman-induced cross talk and cross frequency shift. The results of our numerical simulations confirm the analytic predictions based on the adiabatic perturbation theory.
Information Security and Task Interdependence: An Exploratory Investigation

This sequential qualitative-quantitative study investigates reported levels of task interdependence by certified information security professionals from organizations worldwide. The empirical tests show that information security ranked high in task interdependence compared to other information system related tasks. Additionally, comparing results from a different survey, information security work demonstrates higher levels of reported task interdependence than telecommunications software development work. We present the results of a demographic analysis of the survey taken by 936 certified information security professionals. Overall, the results suggest that information security work in organizations requires high levels of task interdependence. These findings have implications for researchers by identifying task interdependence-related topics for future study. For practitioners, these findings provide relevant insight into the nature of information security work in organizations
Early intervention programs for children with autism: conceptual frameworks for implementation.

Four diverse early intervention programs for children with autism - discrete trial training, LEAP, floor time, and TEACCH - are described. For each program, the concepts of learning, development, and autism are summarized, intervention procedures are outlined, and connections between theory and practice are illustrated. Research outcomes for each of the four programs are discussed.
State Medicaid managed care enrollment: understanding the political calculus that drives Medicaid managed care reforms.

The objective of this article is to understand the political motivations underlying Medicaid managed care reforms by examining the determinants of enroll- ment of beneficiaries in managed care plans in the fifty states. To highlight the role of the model variables, including measures of the political environment, public inter- est, and special interests, a distinction is made between capitated and fee-for-service managed care enrollment. The results show that cost containment within the context of the Medicaid program is perceived as strongly favored by voters. Accordingly, the relative cost and tax price of providing Medicaid services are important factors in states' decision to enroll Medicaid beneficiaries in managed care plans, particu - larly capitated ones. The results also indicate a surprisingly significant influence by labor unions that generally oppose managed care enrollment for fears of lost jobs. The recipient population and provider groups also play an important role in shaping the Medicaid managed care landscape. The influence of variables measuring states' ability and willingness to pay and median voter preferences suggest that, within the context of Medicaid managed care enrollment, the public's interests are being served; however, the results also point toward inequities within the program and implications concerning financing arrangements between states and the federal government.
Social exclusion in middle childhood: Rejection events, slow-wave neural activity, and ostracism distress

This study examined neural activity with event-related potentials (ERPs) in middle childhood during a computer-simulated ball-toss game, Cyberball. After experiencing fair play initially, children were ultimately excluded by the other players. We focused specifically on “not my turn” events within fair play and rejection events within social exclusion. Dense-array ERPs revealed that rejection events are perceived rapidly. Condition differences (“not my turn” vs. rejection) were evident in a posterior ERP peaking at 420 ms consistent, with a larger P3 effect for rejection events indicating that in middle childhood rejection events are differentiated in <500 ms. Condition differences were evident for slow-wave activity (500–900 ms) in the medial frontal cortical region and the posterior occipital–parietal region, with rejection events more negative frontally and more positive posteriorly. Distress from the rejection experience was associated with a more negative frontal slow wave and a larger late positive ...
SOAP note: Why I want to complete a pharmacy practice residency.

### Subjective. I am a 25-year-old, fourth-year pharmacy student at the University of California, San Francisco, interested in pursuing a general pharmacy practice residency. I have spent the first 2.5 years of pharmacy school simply going through the motions and learning through text what the