cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short-term clinical outcomes of transanal endorectal pull-through colorectal resection and oblique anastomosis for Hirschsprung's disease

Objective To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of transanal endorectal pull-through colorectal resection and oblique anastomosis for Hirschsprung's disease and Hirschsprung's disease allied disorders.Methods Fifty five patients,who were diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease and Hirschsprung's disease allied disorders,were recruited in this study.All of them underwent transanal endorectal pull-through colorectal resection to remove the abnormal bowel,and oblique anastomosis to restore the continuity of the bowel.They were followed up after being discharged from the hospital.Their clinical data including operation duration,intraoperative blood loss,length of hospital stay,and defecation function after surgery were retrospectively analyzed.Results No death and postoperative complications were noted in this study.The operation duration and intraoperative blood loss were 70.30 min and 12.5 ml in the patients younger than 3 months,77.95 min and 16 ml in the patients aged 3 months to 1 year,77.26 min and 20 ml in the patients aged 1-3 years,and 122.8 min and 40 ml in the patients older than 3 years.No patients were applied analgesics after surgery.After surgery,the patients had loose stool 4 to 10 times every day in the first 2 days.And most of them had semisolid stool 2-5 times per day after 1 week.No postoperative infection,anastomotic fistula,and anastomosis rupture was observed on these patients.Average length of hospital stay was 1 week.Thirty nine patients were fully recovered from the surgery and followed up for 2-30 months.They all had normal urination function.None of them had obstructed defecation,fecal incontinence and anal stricture.Of the 39 patients,35 male patients had normal erectile function.Thirty eight were younger than 3 years old,and defecated normally 2 months after surgery.The patients younger than 1 year defecated 2-4 times a day.The patients aged 1-3 years old defecated 1-2 times a day.And the patients older than 3 years defected 1-2 times a day.One patient was 7 years and 6 months old,and defecated normally 6 months after surgery.Three patients had enterocolitis around 2 months after surgery,and were cured after conservative treatment.Twenty patients underwent anorectal manometry.And 4 of them had anorectal? inhibitory reflex.Conclusions The short-term clinical outcomes of transanal endorectal pull-through colorectal resection and oblique anastomosis for Hirschsprung's disease and Hirschsprung's disease allied disorders are satisfied. Key words: Hirschsprung' s disease; Proctocolectomy, restorative; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive
User Engagement with Digital Deception

Digital deception in online social networks, particularly the viral spread of misinformation and disinformation, is a critical concern at present. Online social networks are used as a means to spread digital deception within local, national, and global communities which has led to a renewed focus on the means of detection and defense. The audience (i.e., social media users) form the first line of defense in this process and it is of utmost importance to understand the who, how, and what of audience engagement. This will shed light on how to effectively use this wisdom-of-the-audience to provide an initial defense. In this chapter, we present the key findings of the recent studies in this area to explore user engagement with trustworthy information, misinformation, and disinformation framed around three key research questions (1) Who engages with mis- and dis-information?, (2) How quickly does the audience engage with mis- and dis-information?, and (3) What feedback do users provide? These patterns and insights can be leveraged to develop better strategies to improve media literacy and informed engagement with crowd-sourced information like social news.
A 35-Year-Old Woman With Progressive Dyspnea and Cough.

Case Presentation A 35-year-old woman with no known medical history presented to the ED with complaints of progressive dyspnea for several months. The patient also reported episodic cough with yellow to green sputum production. She denied fever, chills, weight loss, or hemoptysis. She also denied any history of previous lung diseases in her family. She denied any history of tobacco or recreational drug use or any exposures. She was originally from El Salvador and immigrated to the United States approximately 3 years earlier. She was evaluated in El Salvador at age 15 for "lung issues" but had never received a formal diagnosis.
A Clarification of Slope and Scale.

Improvements in the quantification and visual analysis of data, plotted across non-standardized graphs, are possible with the equations introduced in this paper. Equation 1 (an expression of graphi...
A physics-informed geometric learning model for pathological tau spread in Alzheimer's disease.

Tau tangles are a pathophysiological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and exhibit a stereotypical pattern of spatiotemporal spread which has strong links to disease progression and cognitive decline. Preclinical evidence suggests that tau spread depends on neuronal connectivity rather than physical proximity between different brain regions. Here, we present a novel physics-informed geometric learning model for predicting tau buildup and spread that learns patterns directly from longitudinal tau imaging data while receiving guidance from governing physical principles. Implemented as a graph neural network with physics-based regularization in latent space, the model enables effective training with smaller data sizes. For training and validation of the model, we used longitudinal tau measures from positron emission tomography (PET) and structural connectivity graphs from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) from the Harvard Aging Brain Study. The model led to higher peak signal-to-noise ratio and lower mean squared error levels than both an unregularized graph neural network and a differential equation solver. The method was validated using both two-timepoint and three-timepoint tau PET measures. The effectiveness of the approach was further confirmed by a cross-validation study.
Adult Romantic Attachment and Relational Ethics: A Dyadic Analysis of Couples in Therapy

Using a dyadic design, we examined associations between adult attachment and relational ethics in a sample of 69 mixed-gender couples seeking therapy at a university clinic. Results showed significant variance between couples’ reports of relational ethics, explained by male partners’ attachment avoidance and anxiety styles. Overall, when attachment anxiety was high, partners themselves experienced greater relational ethics, but the other partner experienced lesser relational ethics. Additionally, some important gender differences emerged. While higher attachment avoidance in men was related to decreased relational ethics for both partners, increased attachment anxiety in men was related to their own reports of higher relational ethics in the relationship. This work represents a step toward empirical integration of adult attachment theory and contextual theory of therapy and points to opportunities for the development of clinical implications.
Surface excess free energies and equilibrium Wulff shapes in variable chemical environments at finite temperatures

Abstract Burgeoning interest in nanoparticles across a number of distinct fields has spurred broad investigation into the optimization of particle shape and surface chemistry. Here we demonstrate the application of DFT and DFPT calculations to compute bulk reference free energies and surface excess free energies accounting for vibrational and, where appropriate, configurational entropies of solid particles and particle surfaces. Using these results we construct “particle configuration maps”—graphical maps of the equilibrium shape and surface chemistry of particles over a range of temperatures and environmental conditions. Applied to W particles in O- or Ba/O-containing environments (a model system relevant to thermionic dispenser cathodes with critical applications in vacuum electronic devices) these maps highlight the critical role that Ba plays in controlling both the shape and surface chemistry of W particles in application-relevant conditions. These system-specific findings demonstrate the broad power of DFT+DFPT computed particle configuration maps: revealing connections between and insight into particle behavior and properties as a function of experimentally-relevant conditions.
Training a simulated bat: Modeling sonar-based obstacle avoidance using deep-reinforcement learning

Recent evidence suggests that sonar provides bats only with limited information about the environment. Nevertheless, they can fly swiftly through dense environments while avoiding obstacles. Previously, we proposed a sonar-based obstacle avoidance model that only relied on the interaural level difference of the onset of the echoes. In this paper, we extend this previous model. In particular, we present a model that (1) is equipped with a short term memory of the three most recent echo trains, and (2) uses the full echo train. Because handcrafting a controller to use more sonar data is challenging, we resort to machine learning to train a robotic model. We find that both extensions substantially increase performance and conclude that these could be used to enhance our existing models of bat sonar behavior. We discuss the implications or our method and findings for both biology and bio-inspired engineering.
Risk Factors for Discharge to a Non-Home Destination and Reoperation Following Outpatient Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) in Medicare-Eligible Patients.

Introduction:The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services removed total hip arthroplasty (THA) from the inpatient-only (IO) list in January 2020. Given this recommendation, we analyzed Medicare-e...
Exploring the Nexus Between Research and Development Expenditures and Corporate Financial Performance: A Sectoral Analysis

The financial outcomes of research and development (R&D) expenditures are not instantaneous and straightforward. To explore the varied perspectives of these relationships this study employs Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). Analyses reveals significant variances in different asset classes and in different sectors, besides finding the evidence of multiple regimes. The findings provide insights in the risk-return paradigm of R&D investment, and the successive return, besides helping the policy makers to settle the priority sector to get the expected result in line with the country’s investment policy.
Stability and bifurcation in a two-species reaction–diffusion–advection competition model with time delay

Abstract In this paper, we are concerned with the dynamics of a class of two-species reaction–diffusion–advection competition models with time delay subject to the homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition or no-flux boundary condition in a bounded domain. The existence of steady state solution is investigated by means of the Lyapunov–Schmidt reduction method. The stability and Hopf bifurcation at the spatially nonhomogeneous steady-state are obtained by analyzing the distribution of the associated eigenvalues. Finally, the effect of advection on Hopf bifurcation is explored, which shows that with the increase of convection rate, the Hopf bifurcation phenomenon is more likely to emerge.
Sex Education Practices for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Qualitative Study

Importance People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) express a clear interest in intimate relationships but face many barriers to receiving sex education (SE) that would support their engagement in these relationships. Objective To understand barriers to, the context of, and recommendations for SE for people with IDD. Design Qualitative study design with interviews and focus groups with four key stakeholder groups. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Participants Participants were 8 youths with IDD, 9 parents, 12 health care providers, and 8 educators. Results Four barriers to SE were identified: (1) values and cultural issues, (2) parental attitudes toward their child's sexuality, (3) a lack of organizational policies and standards, and (4) limited professional education or societal biases. These barriers contribute to a SE context primarily initiated by people with IDD or provided reactively. The participants recommended proactive, formal SE provided by multiple stakeholders throughout adulthood. Conclusions and relevance Stakeholders should advocate for policies, standards, and additional training for parents, educators, and health care providers to support SE for people with IDD throughout adulthood. What This Article Adds: Barriers to SE contribute to the current context in which SE is shared with people with IDD. Stakeholders can advocate for policies, standards, and training to overcome these barriers and support recommendations for proactive, formal SE provided by multiple stakeholders through adulthood.
Some Recent Developments In Nonparametric Statistics

The main motivation for the development of nonparametric statistics was the need for statistical methods that have desirable properties when little is assumed about the population or populations being sampled. For a number of problems tests were designed whose probability of falsely rejecting the hypothesis was equal or at most equal to a specified constant under little or no assumptions beyond that of random sampling and which were consistent (that is, had error probabilities approaching zero with increasing sample size) in a wide class of alternatives. Classical examples are Smirnov’s two-sample test, which is consistent against all alternatives of the two-sample problem, and Wilcoxon’s two-sample test, whose domain of consistency is more restricted. These two tests depend only on the rank order of the observations and therefore seem to discard much information contained in the sample. It seemed reasonable to expect that a test which is valid under few assumptions, and especially a rank test, could not be nearly as powerful in a parametric class of distributions as an optimal parametric test for that class. It came therefore as a surprise when it was found that often there are nonparametric tests, including rank tests, which compare favorably with corresponding classical parametric tests.
Smoothing Range Data for Curvature Estimation

The calculation of curvature plays a crucial role in the recognition of sculptured objects from range data. The smoothing operation which must precede the calculation of curvature should be considered an important part of this process as it has the potential to alter its results. We take as our goal the selection of an effective scale and method for smoothing range data which minimizes changes in the shape of the object. Toward this end we have examined the effect of two aspects of the smoothing process on detection of extremal points of curvature. First, we discuss the use of cross validation as method of scale selection, and second we look at the results of nonlinear smoothing, in particular the use of anisotropic diffusion. Several recommendations are also made regarding the potential usefulness of smoothing methods which take into account the orientation of the surface.
The Psychology of Human-Computer Mismatches

Publisher Summary This chapter proposes a framework for the assessment of learning outcomes associated with technology. It discusses the kind of expertise that is required for such assessment, the nature of current instructional technologies, and potential mismatches between technologies and human learning. These mismatches occur with respect to four classes of characteristics of human learners: natural learning and memory processes; perception; individual differences in learning styles and other cognitive factors; and individual differences in social and personality factors. The human–machine mismatches occur in each of these domains. The chapter determines the instructional outcomes produced by learning technologies. Educational uses of technology suggest several conclusions that should inform a research agenda. Four options predominate university courses: Web-based instruction, video-delivered distance learning, electronic interactive-learning environments, and simulated environments. Technology-infused instruction poses some fundamental dilemmas for learners that are rooted in mismatches between the capabilities of humans and those of machines.
Solar-generated disturbances in the heliosphere

It has long been known that disturbances can propagate from Sun to Earth with periods of a few days following large solar flares. Other disturbances re-occur with the solar rotation rate implying that they are more or less stably generated by a specific region on the solar surface. At the Sun some of these disturbances are readily observed in coronagraphs and against the solar disk. Several techniques have been used to remotely detect and follow different disturbances in the interplanetary medium as they propagate outward from the Sun. These techniques include interplanetary scintillation, kilometric radio and Helios photometer observations. In situ, spacecraft can mark the passage of disturbances by direct measurement along the column convected past the observation point. As probes of the heliospheric magnetic field and disturbances in themselves, particles above the energy of the thermal plasma traverse the heliosphere and indicate the extent of its structures. Both the basic physics, as well as the spatial and temporal evolution of disturbances, can be confused as they propagate through the interplanetary medium largely because of the data coverage limitations. However, as their basic physics becomes better known through more complete observations and theory, the extent and accuracy of these disturbances can be better described.
Electromagnetic radiation from termination points of metallic conductor

This paper presents phenomenological evidence of electromagnetic energy radiation from the termination nodes of an electric conductor. In experiments, the electrical current of mega-ampere per square centimeter densities passed through a section of low diameter wire terminated by spot welding to a large diameter wire. Under these conditions, X-rays were recorded on X-ray sensitive film. This radiation was generated solely from the termination points of both the cathodic and anodic polarities, and was not radiated by the wire itself. In this paper, we also analyzed other effects of the passage of mega-ampere per square centimeter currents through gold, copper, and aluminum.
Ad and Patterns of Singular Cardinals Below $\Theta$

Using Steel's recent result that assuming AD, in L [ℝ] below Θ, κ is regular iff κ is measurable, we mimic below Θ certain earlier results of Gitik. In particular, we construct via forcing a model in which all uncountable cardinals below Θ are singular and a model in which the only regular uncountable cardinal below Θ is ℵ 1 .
Synaptic vesicle redistribution during hippocampal frequency potentiation and depression in young and aged rats.

Technical complexities associated with studies of defined synapses in the mammalian CNS have made it difficult to determine whether CNS synaptic vesicles respond to repetitive monosynaptic activation in the same ways as do PNS vesicles. Moreover, even in the PNS, the specific ultrastructural correlates of short-term synaptic potentiation are not well characterized. In the present studies, therefore, the Schaffer collateral-commissural fiber projection to field CA1 of the hippocampus was used as a model brain system in which to assess quantitative relations between dynamic vesicle patterns and frequency potentiation and depression. Anesthetized rats were perfused with aldehyde fixative during stimulation trains and concomitant microelectrode recording in order to study temporal correlations between physiology and synaptic structure. In addition, young and aged animals were compared to determine whether there are ultrastructural correlates of a previously described age-related impairment of hippocampal frequency potentiation. After 1 min of 10 Hz synaptic stimulation (stim), frequency potentiation of the population spike was correlated with increases in local vesicles (LV; within 150 nm of the active zone) and in vesicles directly apposed (AV) to the active zone membrane of CA 1 synapses. In addition, the ratio LVD: DVD of local-to-distant vesicle (DV; beyond 150 nm) densities was increased under all stimulation conditions. After 10 min of 10 Hz stim, or 1 min of 40 Hz stim, some vesicle depletion (approximately 25%) was present, as was some spike depression or decline from peak potentiation. However, LV depletion was not well correlated with degree of spike depression. Mean dendritic spine area was also increased in association with potentiation (at 1 min of 10 Hz stim) in young rats. Membrane infoldings similar to the cisternae described in other systems were seen with repetitive stimulation, providing evidence of vesicle recycling in these CNS terminals. In comparison to young control animals, terminals in non-stimulated aged group control rats exhibited a higher LVD:DVD ratio and a reduced DVD. In addition, the stimulation-induced increase in AV at 1 min of 10 Hz stim was not present in aged rat synapses. However, no age-related differences in vesicle-density measures were found at any stimulation point.
Influence of technology on magnetic tape storage device characteristics

There are available today many data storage devices that serve the diverse application requirements of the consumer, professional entertainment, and computer data processing industries. Storage technologies include semiconductors, several varieties of optical disk, optical tape, magnetic disk, and many varieties of magnetic tape. In some cases, devices are developed with specific characteristics to meet specification requirements. In other cases, an existing storage device is modified and adapted to a different application. For magnetic tape storage devices, examples of the former case are 3480/3490 and QIC device types developed for the high end and low end segments of the data processing industry respectively, VHS, Beta, and 8 mm formats developed for consumer video applications, and D-1, D-2, D-3 formats developed for professional video applications. Examples of modified and adapted devices include 4 mm, 8 mm, 12.7 mm and 19 mm computer data storage devices derived from consumer and professional audio and video applications. With the conversion of the consumer and professional entertainment industries from analog to digital storage and signal processing, there have been increasing references to the 'convergence' of the computer data processing and entertainment industry technologies. There has yet to be seen, however, any evidence of convergence of data storage device types. There are several reasons for this. The diversity of application requirements results in varying degrees of importance for each of the tape storage characteristics.
Reorganization of the database log for information warfare data recovery

Using traditional logs that contain only before and after images of data items and record neither any of the read operations nor actual mathematical or logical operations associated with an update, a complete damage assessment and repair of the database is not possible in the post Information Warfare scenario. In this research, a new logging protocol is proposed which records all appropriate information required for the complete repair of a database that was updated by committed but affected transactions. This information includes various predicates and statements used in the transaction. An algorithm to incorporate these in the log is offered. Based on this new log, a method to perform damage assessment and recovery is presented.
Corticosteroids influence the mortality and morbidity of acute critical illness.

Use of corticosteroids for adrenal supplementation and attenuation of the inflammatory and immune response is widespread in acute critical illness. The study hypothesis was that exposure to corticosteroids influences the mortality and morbidity in acute critical illness. This case–control retrospective study was performed in a single multidisciplinary intensive care unit at a tertiary care institution and consisted of 10,285 critically ill patients admitted between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2004. Demographics, comorbidities, acute illness characteristics including severity measured by Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, concurrent medications, therapeutic interventions and incidence of infections were obtained from electronic medical records, were examined with multiple regression analysis and were adjusted for propensity of corticosteroid exposure. The primary outcome was hospital death, and the secondary outcome was transfer to a care facility at hospital discharge. Corticosteroid exposure in 2,632 (26%) patients was characterized by younger age, more females, higher Charlson comorbidity and maximal daily Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores compared with control patients. Corticosteroids potentiated metabolic and neuromuscular sequels of critical illness with increased requirements for diuretics, insulin, protracted weaning from mechanical ventilation, need for tracheostomy and discharge to a care facility. Early exposure to corticosteroids predisposed to recurrent and late onset of polymicrobial and fungal hospital-acquired infections. Corticosteroids increased the risk for death or disability after adjustments for comorbidities and acute illness characteristics. Corticosteroids increased the risk for death or disability in critical illness. Hospital-acquired infections and metabolic and neuromuscular sequels of critical illness were exacerbated by corticosteroids. Careful appraisal of the indications for use of corticosteroids is necessary to balance the benefits and risks from exposure in acute critical illness.
Thoracic Positioning and Incisions

This chapter reviews major categories of positions and incisions for thoracic surgery. Specific procedures (see Section IV) and ­surgeons’ preferences may dictate minor variants. Understanding of surgical positions and incisions helps to avoid complications, improve surgical exposure, and anticipate events.
Methanolysis of the Intervertebral Disc

Methanolysis of intervertebral disc samples at 60° was largely hydrolysis as shown by the absence of methylated derivatives on chromatograms of the reaction products. Extent of the reaction increased with acid strength; the products were the same. Maximum solubilization was about 80% and 50% for hyaline cartilage plate and nucleus pulposus samples, respectively. The results of aqueous acid (hydrolysis) for hyaline cartilage plate paralleled the methanolysis reaction. Nucleus pulposus samples did not show, in the aqueous system, a direct relation between acid strength and extent of reaction: 0.1 N acid solubilized more material than 1.0 N acid. Therefore, methanolysis and hydrolysis reactions may be used for differentiating tissue even though the basis of the "methylation blockade" of certain staining reactions is lost when performed at 60°.
Frequently-asked questions about double-blind reviewing

As announced in an editorial [Snodgrass 2007], ACM Transactions on Database Systems has adopted double-blind reviewing, in which the identities of the author and the reviewer are not known to each other. That editorial provided a comprehensive analysis of the costs of double-blind reviewing (DBR) and a detailed examination of the decision.
Further applications of bias to discriminant analysis

This article extends the biased minimum x2 rule to the unequal covariance matrix case and to the case of several populations, The biased procedure is shown to improve the performance of the commonly used classification procedures. Results of sampling experiments over a broad range of conditions are provided to demonstrate this improvement.
Improving the Delivery System for Teaching the Project Planning and Feasibility/Site Development Course to Building Construction Undergraduate Students and Real Estate Graduate Students

The Project Planning and Feasibility/Site Development course in the Building Construction program includes the nomenclature and process of developing residential real property. This multidisciplinary capstone course covers material related to market study, site selection and site analysis, project feasibility analysis, site design, design of houses, estimating, scheduling, financing, and project closeout. By completing this course, students get an overall understanding of the land development process. This article explains a delivery system used by a new instructor of the existing course. The course methodology encourages students to develop self-learning, critical thinking, communication skills, and teamwork abilities. The course overview, objectives, methods, (such as lectures, guest speakers, videos/films, a semester capstone project, field trips), and the instructor assessment of students are presented. The students' evaluations of the course delivery system are also provided.
Creatine kinase release after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

After successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), 25 (20%) of 128 patients had elevation of creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB). The increase was mild (mean 9% MB with total creatine kinase of 179 U/L). Three variables were significantly related to the enzyme elevation: chest pain, small branch vessel occlusion, and recent myocardial infarction. Of the patients with CK-MB elevation, 60% experienced chest pain and 32% sustained a small branch vessel occlusion during PTCA, compared with 11% and 8%, respectively, of the 103 patients without enzyme elevation (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01). Of 16 patients with recent myocardial infarction, seven (44%) had release of CK-MB. Although mild enzyme elevation after successful PTCA is likely due to a small amount of myocardial necrosis, this phenomenon was not associated with increased cardiac morbidity or mortality. Therefore, release of CK-MB without other clinical evidence for myocardial infarction after successful PTCA does not in itself warrant longer hospitalization, and routine serial enzyme determinations are probably unnecessary. By reducing the number of laboratory tests and the duration of hospitalization, the cost effectiveness of PTCA may be increased.
Ultraviolet-absorption photometer for measurement of ozone on a rocket-boosted payload.

We developed a rocket payload to perform in situ measurements of atmospheric ozone at the University of Houston. The ozone detector is a dual-beam UV-absorption photometer that uses the 253.7-nm radiation from a low-pressure mercury-vapor lamp to illuminate two identical absorption chambers. We describe the design features and the operation of the instrument. The fundamental resolution of the photometer is shown to be 2.7 × 1015 molecules m−3. We present the ozone profile measured during parachute descent following boosted ascent to 60 km by a Nike–Orion rocket. The uncertainty in the measurement of this ozone profile is estimated to be 8.2%.
The Effects of Doubling Limestone Sand Applications in Two Acidic Southwestern Pennsylvania Streams

We studied the effects of limestone sand additions in Bear and Rock runs, two chronically and episodically acidified streams in southwestern Pennsylvania, U.S.A. Linn Run, a nearby episodically acidified stream, served as a reference stream. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of doubling recommended limestone sand amounts on water quality and macroinvertebrates on Bear and Rock runs and to assess substrate changes resulting from limestone sand inundation. Approximately 23 and 6 tonnes of limestone sand were added annually to the headwaters of Bear and Rock runs, respectively, from 1999 to 2001. In 2002, amounts were doubled. Macroinvertebrate communities were assessed from 1999 to 2003 at points above and below the sand additions on Bear Run and Rock Run. Small, plastic substrate samplers were used to assess sand substrate effects. Doubling annual limestone sand amounts resulted in significantly improved pH and acid-neutralizing capacity; however, total dissolved aluminum increased significantly downstream (α≤ 0.05). Macroinvertebrate density and diversity were not significantly affected, but an increase in acid-sensitive taxa was observed at a site 3,500 m downstream. Substrate sampler data indicated a significant negative relationship between amount of sand deposited and density of macroinvertebrates. The mixed water quality and benthic macroinvertebrate results were reasonably consistent with earlier work and call into question the use of limestone sand in the restoration of chronically and episodically acidified waters.
Synthesis of Complex-oxide Nanorods via Pulsed-laser Deposition

Nanorods composed of complex oxides have been synthesized using hydrothermal and sol-gel methods, but pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) provides precise, layer-by-layer control of growth, and is the method of choice for synthesizing complex structures. However, producing complex-oxide nanorods by PLD has proved elusive. Here we report on our efforts to produce nanorods composed of the best-understood complex oxide, strontium titanate (STO). The results suggest it is indeed possible to produce STO nanorods via PLD by using a template of MgO nanorods.
Stress-strain behavior of concrete columns confined with hybrid composite materials

A new type of concrete columns was developed at the University of Alabama in Huntsville for new construction to achieve more durable and economical structures. The columns are made of concrete cores encased in a PVC tube reinforced with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP). The PVC tubes are externally reinforced with continuous impregnated fibers in the form of hoops at different spacings. The PVC acts as formwork and a protective jacket, while the FRP hoops provide confinement to the concrete so that the ultimate compressive strength and ductility of concrete columns can be significantly increased. The volume of fibers used in this hybrid column system is very modest compared to other existing confinement methods such as FRP tubes and FRP jackets. This paper discusses the stress-strain behavior of these new composite concrete cylinders under axial compression loading. Test variables include the type of fiber, volume of fiber, and the spacing between the FRP hoops. A theoretical analysis was performed to predict the ultimate strength, failure strain and the entire stress-strain curve of concrete confined with PVC-FRP tubes. Test results show that the external confinement of concrete columns by PVC-FRP tubes results in enhancing compressive strength, ductility and energy absorption capacity. A comparison between experimental and analytical results indicates that the models provide satisfactory predictions of ultimate compressive strength, failure strain and stress-strain response.
miRNAs link metabolic reprogramming to oncogenesis

The most profound biochemical phenotype of cancer cells is their ability to metabolize glucose to lactate, even under aerobic conditions. This alternative metabolic circuitry is sufficient to support the biosynthetic and energy requirements for cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Alterations in oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes are involved in the metabolic switch of cancer cells to aerobic glycolysis, increased glutaminolysis, and fatty acid biosynthesis. miRNAs mediate fine-tuning of genes involved directly or indirectly in cancer metabolism. In this review we discuss the regulatory role of miRNAs on enzymes, signaling pathways, and transcription factors involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. We further consider the therapeutic potential of metabolism-related miRNAs in cancer.
ω-Conotoxin-MVIID Blocks an ω-Conotoxin-GVIA-sensitive, High-threshold Ca2+ Current in Fish Retinal Ganglion Cells

Reduction of Ca2+ current amplitude by the Conus peptide omega-conotoxin-MVIID (omega-CTx-MVIID) was measured in voltage-clamped, goldfish retinal ganglion cells. Effects of depolarizing shifts in holding potential, and sequential applications of omega-CTx-MVIID, omega-CTx-GVIA, and BAY-K-8644, together with effects of Ni2+ and omega-Aga-IIIA, indicated that omega-CTx-MVIID may target Ca2+ channels differing from those termed T, L, N, P < Q and R.
A simple derivation of the autocorrelation of a random pulse train

A simple derivation is given for the autocorrelation of the random process y(t) = Σ k h k (t-t k ) where the random function h k (t) is idependent of {t k } and of h n (t), n ≠ k, and {t k } is a random point process (not necessarily stationary). The results are applied to a model of an electrical power system.
Genetics & the Quality of Life.

Joseph D. McInerney Joseph D. Mclnemey is director of the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study, The Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Since joining the BSCS staff in 1977, McInerney has worked on a variety of programs, including immunology, genetics, and science technology and society. Mclnerney is co-chair of the National Association of Biology Teachers/National Science Teachers Association Biology Test Committee.
The Psychiatric Institute, 722 West 168 Street, New York City 32

(1950). The Psychiatric Institute, 722 West 168 Street, New York City 32. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 30, No. 1, pp. 123-138.
Depo-provera: contraceptive risk?

PIP: This writer agrees with Carol Levine that the issue involving depo-provera is both complex and confusing. Comment is offered on some of the conclusions reached by Levine in her article, "Depo-Provera and Contraceptive Risk: A Case Study of Values and Conflicts". In the discussion of risks and benefits, problems with administration of estrogens are rarely recommended for depo-provera users. The metabolic side-effects which are identified are also seen among oral contraceptive (OC) users and, with the exception of weight gain, appear to have a smaller impact than the combination oral steroids. Exception is taken with the description of delayed return of fertility as a "particularly serious side-effect," for delay in return appears to be a matter of months only. In regard to carcinogenicity, there is no statistically valid evidence of danger relating depo-provera to breast or cervical cancer in the human. Levine's article gives the impression that depo-provera is intended for poor women or "2nd class" citizens and this fails to accurately reflect what probably would occur were the drug available in the United States. This writer believes depo-provera to be a safer contraceptive method than the OC and to be more effective in practice.
Recent observations on the role of hemostatic determinants in the development of the atherothrombotic plaque

Recent evidence suggests that hemostatic determinants play a major role in the evolution of the atherothrombotic plaque. Platelets can serve as cholesterol donors for macrophages, thereby facilitating foam cell formation. Lipoprotein(a) inhibits fibrinolysis and may also contribute to atherogenesis by serving as a ligand for the scavenger receptor. By complexing with fibrin(ogen) in atheromatous lesions, lipoprotein(a) attenuates clearance of this protein, promoting atherogenesis and vascular dysfunction. These observations suggest that thrombotic determinants are critical for the development of the atheromatous plaque, and may guide the appropriate selection of potential therapeutic options in the future.
Disentangling the ‘Cogito’

It has been taken for granted that the Cogito represents the culmination of Descartes' search for a proposition whose truth is to be immune against the propensities of the sceptic and the malefaction of the arch-demon, immune even against their combined assault. The desired proposition was to be such that, in spite of themselves, the sceptic and the arch-demon would have no choice but to concede its certainty. The means of achieving this wondrous thing is supposed to be an argumentative conjunction, I think, therefore I am, which, itself indubitable, transfers indubitability to its components I think and I am. That this be the direction of the transfer is required by two considerations: (i) even if each component is indubitable, it would not follow on any plausible logical doctrine that I think, therefore I am is likewise indubitable; for one thing, relevance of content is, as is being increasingly recognised, required in logical relations between actual propositions, and, for another, 'therefore' interposed between actual propositions says more than a mere conjunction of truth-values; (2) Descartes repeatedly proclaims I think, therefore I am (the 'Cogito' henceforth) to be thefirst principle (= definite truth) of his philosophy1; hence, there could be no premise (indubitable proposition) contained in that philosophy from which the 'Cogito' could be derived. In this connection, it is not otiose to emphasise that the 'Cogito' has to be taken as categorical rather than conditional, if it is to be construed as asserting existence. On the other hand, if the 'Cogito' is categorical and indubitable, so would be I think and I am, categorically asserted. While past discussions of the 'Cogito' have traditionally treated each of the three statements as indubitable, it has systematically been overlooked that if the 'Cogito' were really a categorical argumentative conjunction, then Descartes would have mistaken the first principle of his own philosophy, which should have been I think. Indeed, the idea that this is so must be what explains the
Utilizing simple biochemical measurements to predict lifetime output of biocatalysts in continuous isothermal processes

The expected product yield of a biocatalyst during its useful lifetime is an important consideration when designing a continuous biocatalytic process. One important indicator of lifetime biocatalyst productivity is the dimensionless total turnover number (TTN). Here, a method is proposed for estimating the TTN of a given biocatalyst from readily-measured biochemical quantities, namely the specific activity and the deactivation half-life, measured under identical conditions. We demonstrate that this method may be applied to any enzyme whose thermal deactivation follows first-order kinetics, regardless of the number of unfolding intermediates, and that the TTN method circumvents the potential problems associated with measuring specific catalyst output when a portion of the enzyme is already unfolded. The TTN estimation was applied to several representative biocatalysts to demonstrate its applicability in identifying the most cost-effective catalyst from a pool of engineered mutants with similar activity and thermal stability.
The hypereosinophilic syndrome in association with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

phenicol toxicity. The white blood cell count returned promptly following cessation of methicillin therapy. Levitt and associates ' described a 14-month-old boy with S. aureus pneumonia and gastroenteritis who developed severe neutropenia four days following onset of methicillin therapy. The bone marrow was consistent with maturational arrest of the granulocytic cells. The shift to the left seen in the bone marrow aspirate in Case 1 is consistent with that seen with other semisynthetic penicillins. This suggests that the neutropenia observed with oxacillin is secondary to a reversible toxic effect on the maturation of the granulocytic series. The possibility that the neutropenia was due to an immune mechanism cannot be excluded, but seems unlikely in view of the rapid rise in the neutrophil count following removal of the antibiotic. Bone marrow toxicity by penicillin-like drugs has been infrequently reported in children. Our observation o f severe neutropenia associated with oxacillin therapy in four children indicates that differential white blood cell counts should be obtained frequently during therapy. High-dose semisynthetic penicillins are now used frequently for long-term treatment of penicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections. Thus, there is a large potential for adverse effects on the bone marrow. In our experience with oxacillin, cessation of therapy resulted in recovery from neutropenia within several days.
Caspase inhibitors block the retinal ganglion cell death following optic nerve transection.

Abstract Retinal ganglion cells die by apoptosis following axotomy. The molecular mechanisms of the retinal ganglion cell death are not well understood. In the present study using RT-PCR and in situ hybridization techniques we demonstrated that levels of mRNA for Bcl-2 and Bcl-x decreased after axotomy. Bax levels remained high until 4 days after axotomy, decreased by day 7 and remained low up to day 10. CPP32 levels increased at day 7 and remained high after optic nerve cut. We studied whether inhibitors of CPP32/caspase would save the axotomy induced ganglion cell death. DEVD-CHO (Ac-Asp-Glu-Val-aspartic acid aldehyde) and DEVD-FMK (Z-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-FMK), caspase inhibitors, when administered intraocularly at the time of optic nerve cut, at days 3 and 7 protect about 30–35% the ganglion cells from death. We further demonstrated that the number of reactive microglia decrease in the retina when the inhibitors were given as compared with retina where no inhibitors were given. The present data offers new avenues for studying the complex interactions between the retinal ganglion cell death and the activation of resident microglia/macrophages.
Endocrine profiles of dairy cows following experimentally induced clinical mastitis during early lactation

Abstract Concentrations of LH, cortisol, estradiol-17β (E 2 ), prolactin and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F 2α (PGFM) were determined in cows with experimentally induced clinical mastitis during early lactation. Cows free of intramammary infection (IMI) and in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle were balanced by lactation number and days in milk and assigned to either control ( n =5) or treatment ( n =5) groups. Treated cows were infected experimentally (day 0), in two mammary quarters, with Streptococcus uberis and developed clinical mastitis within 60 h after inoculation as evidenced by increased mastitis scores, elevated rectal temperatures, mammary swelling and isolation of S. uberis pathogen. Four days following bacterial challenge, blood samples were collected every 20 min for 8 h for determination of PGFM and LH following administration of oxytocin and GnRH, respectively. Blood samples were also collected on days 0, 4 and 7 of the experiment to determine concentrations of E 2 , prolactin and cortisol. Four days after bacterial challenge, concentrations of cortisol were higher ( P =0.04) in experimentally infected cows than controls. Experimentally challenged cows had increased ( P =0.02) concentrations of cortisol on days 4 and 7 compared with day 0. Control cows had no significant increase in blood cortisol during the experimental period. Baseline concentrations of PGFM did not differ between groups; however, peak concentrations of PGFM following oxytocin challenge were elevated ( P =0.006) in cows with clinical mastitis compared with control animals. Prolactin, E 2 and LH did not differ between cows with clinical mastitis or controls. Experimentally induced mastitis during early lactation elevated concentrations of cortisol during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. Furthermore, mastitic cows demonstrated an increased PGFM response following oxytocin administration. Altered reproductive efficiency in cows with clinical mastitis caused by Gram-positive pathogens may be the result of increased uterine sensitivity to prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ).