cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Productivity and constraints in the acquisition of the passive.

The acquisition of the passive in English poses a learnability problem. Most transitive verbs have passive forms (e.g., kick/was kicked by), tempting the child to form a productive rule of passivization deriving passive participles from active forms. However, some verbs cannot be passivized (e.g. cost/was cost by). Given that children do not receive negative evidence telling them which strings are ungrammatical, what prevents them from overgeneralizing a productive passive rule to the exceptional verbs (or if they do incorrectly passivize such verbs, how do they recover)? One possible solution is that children are conservative: they only generate passives for those verbs that they have heard in passive sentences in the input. We show that this proposal is incorrect: in children's spontaneous speech, they utter passive participles that they could not have heard in parental input, and in four experiments in which 3–8-year-olds were taught novel verbs in active sentences, they freely uttered passivized versions of them when describing new events. An alternative solution is that children at some point come to possess a semantic constraint distinguishing passivizable from nonpassivizable verbs. In two of the experiments, we show that children do not have an absolute constraint forbidding them to passivize nonactional verbs of perception or spatial relationships, although they passivize them somewhat more reluctantly than they do actional verbs. In two other experiments, we show that children's tendency to passivize depends on the mapping between thematic roles and grammatical functions specified by the verb: they selectively resist passivizing made-up verbs whose subjects are patients and whose objects are agents; and they are more likely to passivize spatial relation verbs with location subjects than with theme subjects. These trends are consistent with Jackendoff's “Thematic Hierarchy Condition” on the adult passive. However, we argue that the constraint on passive that adults obey, and that children approach, is somewhat different: passivizable verbs must have object arguments that are patients, either literally for action verbs, or in an extended abstract sense that individual languages can define for particular classes of nonactional verbs.
In situ auger analysis of surface composition during high fluence ion implantation

Abstract A multi-technique ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) target chamber has been used to perform in situ Auger electron spectroscopic (AES) analysis during ion implantation and AES sputter depth profiling of the substrate within 1–2 min after implantation. Iron was implanted with 150 keV Ti + at a 45° angle of incidence in a target chamber with pressures ranging from 8 × 10 −9 Torr of residual gases up to 1 × 10 −5 Torr of intentionally admitted CO gas. A fluence of ∼1.0 × 10 16cm −2 was needed to sputter away the C-covered air-formed oxide. The implanted Ti reached the surface at the 1 at.% level by ∼1.5 × 10 16cm −2. With increasing fluence, the Ti surface concentration increased to ∼15 at.% at steady-state with a curve shape that was concave downward at all fluences. The surface C concentration was found to be proportional to that of Ti for implants in CO, supporting a vacuum carburization model. Substantial O surface concentration (15–20 at.%) was detected for these runs but depth profiles showed only carburization, not oxidation, of the implanted layer. Even in the best vacuum available (8 × 10 −9Torr), some carburization was observed and was attributed to residual gas absorption. An increase in Ti retained dose with increasing CO pressure has been observed but not yet independently confirmed. The Ti/Fe surface concentration ratio is higher for implants done in CO, and this is discussed in terms of modification of the sputter yield for Ti.
2011 Kentucky Library Association/Kentucky School Media Association joint conference: Information…The Library Superpower!

The Kentucky Library Association (KLA)/Kentucky School Media Association (KSMA) 2011 Joint Conference was held September 28 to October 1 in Louisville, Kentucky. Bringing together librarians from all types of libraries and all regions of Kentucky, the annual conference is a time to make connections across geographical and professional divisions. The 2011 theme, “Information…The Library Superpower,” encouraged librarians to explore their unique strengths. Conference topics included creative practices, the role of change, the value of cooperative endeavors, and opportunities to learn about new resources and enhance skills.
Demand-side approaches to manage electricity outages in developing countries

This paper describes significant cost saving opportunities for consumers in developing countries by the use of computational intelligence and demand-side-management techniques to mitigate the massive use of diesel back-up during grid outages. Application of load scheduling optimization is investigated during scheduled power outages for statistical distributions of loads and diesel pricing for residential consumer in India under conditions of both a flat-rate and Time-of-Day grid tariff structure. Two load shifting approaches are explored - a casual load shift out of blackout region and a combined TOD-Outage scheduler. The load types modeled include passive loads and schedulable. Maximum executable peak load at any time is constrained by an aggregate load limit. The maximum diesel savings for consumer due to load shifting can be approximately 40% for a flat-tariff grid to more than 70% for a TOD-tariff grid. Effect of rising diesel prices on the economic benefits of load-shifting is also examined.
Low-cost, risk-reduction testing of class D spacecraft photovoltaic systems

The end-to-end verification of a spacecraft photovoltaic power generation system requires light! A low-cost, portable, and end-to-end photovoltaic-system test appropriate for NASA's new generation of Class D missions is presented. High risk, low-cost, and quick-turn satellites rarely have the resources to execute the traditional approaches from higher-class (A-C) missions. The Class D approach, as demonstrated on the Lunar Atmospheric and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE), utilizes a portable, metal-halide, theatre lamp for an end-to-end photovoltaic system test. While not as precise and comprehensive as the traditional Large Area Pulsed Solar Simulator (LAPSS) test, the LADEE method leverages minimal resources into an ongoing assessment program that can be applied through numerous stages of the mission. The project takes a true Class D approach in assessing the technical value of a costly, high-fidelity performance test versus a simpler approach with less programmatic risk. The resources required are a fraction of that for a LAPSS test, and is easy to repeat due to its portability. Further, the test equipment can be handed down to future projects without building an on-site facility. At the vanguard of Class D missions, the LADEE team frequently wrestled with and challenged the status quo. The philosophy of risk avoidance at all cost, typical to Class A-C missions, simply could not be executed. This innovative and simple testing solution is contextualized to NASA Class D programs and a specific risk encountered during development of the LADEE Electrical Power System (EPS). Selection of the appropriate lamp and safety concerns are discussed, with examples of test results. Combined with the vendor's panel-level data and periodic inspection, the method ensures system integrity from Integration and Test (I&T) through launch. Following launch, mission operations tools are utilized to assess system performance based on a scant amount of available data.
Convergence Behaviors of Reduced-Order Models for Frictional Contacts

Numerical models to simulate interface behavior of friction connections under cyclic loading are investigated. The question of validity of lower order models in successfully capturing response of friction joints under cyclic loading is addressed. Single-element macroslip models are not capable of capturing localized interface behavior prior to gross interfacial slip. This paper focuses the convergence behavior of a multi-point contact microslip model comprised of Iwan-type elements for different physical parameters such as system response amplitude and kinematic state of the friction joint. It is observed that system dynamics play a significant role in determining the convergence of frictional behavior, especially for tuned damper sets. This behavior is explored using simple linearized models. In addition, the interface kinematic behavior converges at a slower rate than the structural response and therefore requires a higher-order interface model.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Effect of evaluative others upon learning and performance of a complex motor task.

Two experiments were conducted to assess the effect of evaluation potential upon learning and performing a complex motor task. In Experiment 1, 45 subjects learned the motor task (mirror tracing) to criterion and were then introduced to one of three treatments. Subjects performed the task either (a) alone, (b) in the presence of a blindfolded audience, or (c) in the presence of an evaluative audience. In Experiment 2, 45 subjects were introduced to the same three treatments but the subjects did not learn the task beforehand. The subjects learning the motor task were significantly inhibited by the evaluative audience, while the subjects who had already learned the task were significantly facilitated in their motor responses. The blindfolded audience also had an effect upon learning and performance. The results of both experiments were discussed in relation to their support of Cottrell’s evaluation potential hypothesis.
Application of MEMS force sensors for in situ mechanical characterization of nano-scale thin films in SEM and TEM

Abstract We present a novel tensile testing technique utilizing MEMS force sensors for in situ mechanical characterization of sub-micron scale freestanding thin films in SEM and TEM. Microfabrication techniques are used to cofabricate the thin film specimens with force sensors to produce the following unique features: (1) small setup size to fit in SEM and TEM for in situ experiments, (2) ability to measure tensile pre-stress in specimen, (3) alignment between specimen and applied loading axes with lithographic precision, (4) no extra gripping mechanism required, and (5) ability to measure creep strain in the material. The technique allows single or multilayers of materials that can be deposited/grown on silicon substrate to be tested. We demonstrate the technique by testing a 100 nm thick, 8.8 μm wide and 275 μm long freestanding aluminum specimen (average grain size about 50 nm) in situ inside an environmental SEM chamber, and present another setup for similar experiment in TEM. Experimental results strongly suggest that at this size scale: (1) elastic modulus does not change, (2) size effects on yield strength are pronounced (63 times the bulk pure aluminum yield stress), and (3) permanent strain hardening effects are absent.
A Bayesian spatial model with auxiliary covariates to assess and adjust nonignorable nonresponse

Abstract Nonresponse is a persistent problem in surveys because results from respondents only are subject to nonresponse bias. Many methods have been developed to deal with ignorable (missing at random) nonresponse data. In this paper, we provide a method to assess and adjust nonignorable (not missing at random) nonresponse bias in a small area estimation problem. We propose a bivariate Bayesian hierarchical linear mixed model to estimate both satisfaction rate and response rate. This model uses spatial dependencies among subdomains and auxiliary information from sample units to assess and adjust nonresponse bias. In addition, it explicitly includes a parameter that indicates whether the nonresponse is ignorable or not. The method is used to analyze the 2001 Missouri Deer Hunter Attitude Survey (MDHAS). The result shows that the nonresponse in MDHAS is nonignorable. Hunter age and the number of deer harvested have strong effects on satisfaction and response rates, and spatial dependencies are strong amongst counties of hunters’ residences. The estimated satisfaction rates are lower after adjusting for nonresponse bias.
Transitional Cavernous Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery

Twenty-three cases of transitional cavernous aneurysms are presented. Aneurysms of this subgroup (of a total of 118 cases of cavernous sinus aneurysms) arise entirely from within the cavernous sinus but project into the extracavernous intradural subarachnoid space, thus resembling other intracranial aneurysms in their increased risk of rupture. Six aneurysms were small (less than 15 mm), 6 were large (15 to 25 mm), and 11 were giant (more than 25 mm). Thirteen patients (57%) had a subarachnoid hemorrhage, nine patients (39%) had compressive symptoms, and one patient (4%) was asymptomatic. A direct surgical approach was performed successfully in 18 cases (78%), and indirect bypass methods were performed in 5 cases. The overall surgical outcome was excellent in 87% of the patients, with three complications (13%) including one fatality. It is suggested that this subgroup is a different entity from other cavernous or extracavernous aneurysms and should be managed aggressively with direct clipping whenever possible because of the increased risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage. A simplified numerical classification system of clinoidal-region aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (including transitional aneurysms) is also proposed.
Generalized self-consistent model for composites with functionally graded and multilayered interphases. Transfer matrix approach

Abstract This paper reports calculations for the transverse shear moduli of fiber and particulate composites with interphases having nonhomogeneous elastic properties in the radial direction. A multiphase generalized self-consistent (MGSC) model is applied for composites with multi-layered fiber-matrix interphases using the transfer matrix method. In this model a transfer matrix is defined for each intermediate layer between an inclusion and the unknown effective medium and a total transfer matrix is derived to relate the elastic field in the inclusion to that in the effective medium. In this form the solution for an arbitrary number of interphasial layers resembles the simplicity of the GSC solution for a two-phase composite. To determine the transverse shear modulus of the composite with continuously varied interphases in the radial direction, a transfer matrix for the inhomogeneous interphase is found using the solution of the governing differential equation of the elastic field. An approximation to the transfer matrix is obtained for a thin functionally-graded interphase. Also the spring approximation is considered. The approximate results for the transverse shear modulus are compared with those for the functionally-graded interphase discretized into multilayered homogeneous interphasial layers when the MGSC model can be used directly. The effect of the inhomogeneous interphase on the composite transverse modulus is illustrated by numerical examples.
Observations on the permeability of the choriocapillaris of the eye.

The choriocapillaris is a fenestrated capillary bed located posterior to the retinal pigment epithelium. It serves as the main source of supply to the photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and other cells of the outer retina. The permeability of these capillaries to intravenously injected ferritin (MW — approx. 480,000; mol. diam. 11 nm) was examined in the mouse, rabbit, and guinea pig, each of which is characterized by a different type of retinal vascularization. In all three species, the bulk of the ferritin remained in the capillary lumina, where it appeared to be blocked at the level of the diaphragmed fenestrae. Some ferritin was present in endothelial cell vacuoles. The results confirm previous work on the rat choriocapillaris and indicate that the barrier function of the choriocapillary endothelium is present even among species in which the retinal circulation differs significantly.
The allyl intermediate in regioselective and enantioselective iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions

The isolation and structural characterization of metallacyclic allyl (2a) and crotyl (2b) iridium complexes are reported. Complexes 2a and 2b are rare examples of iriduim allyl complexes that undergo nucleophilic attack at terminal position, rather than the central position, of the allyl unit. Structures of 2a and 2b were obtained by X-ray diffraction. Nucleophilic attack was observed at the carbon that is bound to iridium trans to phosphorus through a longer Ir−C bond. However, the effect of the trans phosphine ligand on the Ir−C bond lengths was smaller than the effect of the substituent on the allyl group in 2b. The competence of complexes 2a and 2b to be intermediates in the catalytic asymmetric allylic substitutions was evaluated by studying their reactivity toward stabilized carbon and heteroatom nucleophiles and comparing the rates and selectivities to those of the catalytic reactions. The stereoselectivity and regioselectivity of stoichiometric reactions of 2b were similar to those of reactions ca...
Exploratory Work in Fiber Optic Brush Seals for Turbomachinery Health Prognostics

Brush seals are found in aircraft engines, compressors, steam turbines, and power generators. Their design enables excellent sealing while mitigating any adverse rotor dynamics. Brush seals rely heavily on a pressure differential across their bristle pack to force the bristles to press against the rotor. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as “blow-down,” enables brush seals to seal tightly at a variety of operating conditions and transient events. The phenomenon of blow-down is rather complex. There are frictional forces between each bristle and between the bristle tips and rotor, fluid flow through the bristle pack and beneath the bristle tips, dynamic excitation of individual fibers, and even dynamic excitation of the bristle pack as a whole. These factors are also functions of operating temperature, operating pressure, and rotor speed, thus making them extremely difficult to model for reliability and life predictions. To develop a better understanding of the physics behind blow-down as well as gain further insight into the general behavior of brush seals under different operating conditions, a brush seal incorporating fiber Bragg grating sensors was fabricated and experimentally tested at GE Global Research. Fiber Bragg grating technology and brush seal technology form a synergistic relationship. The fiber Bragg grating sensor cables can be inserted within the heart of a brush seal bristle pack to interrogate the seal’s health and operating environment without limiting or interfering with the sealing capability of the brush seal. As a consequence, thermal profiles and strain levels within a brush seal can be measured directly. Multifunctional fiber Bragg grating sensors are a platform for integral turbomachinery health prognostics. In this work, a Kevlar fiber brush seal was augmented with a series of fiber Bragg grating sensors designed to measure the thermal and the dynamic strain response of the seal. A series of tests were then performed to validate the proposed concept of using fiber Bragg grating sensors to interrogate the seal. The results of the experimental work performed indicate that the local thermal transients, bristle pack dynamics, and static strain can all be extracted using fiber Bragg grating sensors.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Providing new opportunities or reinforcing old stereotypes? Perceptions and experiences of single-sex public education

Abstract There has been a widespread increase in single-sex public schooling in the U.S. following 2006 changes to the Department of Education regulations motivated by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Single-sex public schooling is viewed as a means to improve the educational experiences and performance of low-income youth of color. Yet little is known about its effects and efficacy, particularly for these populations. This article is based on a community-based participatory research project, on which high school students and university researchers collaborated, conducted in a low-income, African American high school implementing single-sex courses. Our findings challenge proponents' key assumptions that single-sex education will improve the academic achievement of low-income youth of color by 1) eliminating distraction from the other sex; 2) addressing the different learning styles of girls and boys; and 3) remedying inequities by offering these youth opportunities traditionally afforded to more privileged youth. While some distractions were decreased, others were increased or ignored; racialized stereotypes of hypersexuality and essentialized notions of gender were reinforced; and students felt punished rather than privileged by being separated by sex. We conclude that single-sex education as a public school option is a neoliberal approach to addressing low achievement that deflects attention from the structural inequities that created the problem and implicitly blames those experiencing oppression.
Prostate-specific antigen-based screening: controversy and guidelines

Although prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening has improved the detection of prostate cancer, allowing for stage migration to less advanced disease, the precise mortality benefit of early detection is unclear. This is in part due to a discrepancy between the two large randomized controlled trials comparing PSA screening to usual care. The European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) found a survival benefit to screening, while the United States Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial did not. Furthermore, the benefit of immediate surgical intervention for screen-detected prostate cancer is unclear, as the results superficially differ between the two large randomized controlled trials comparing prostatectomy to observation. The Prostate Cancer Intervention Versus Observation Trial (PIVOT) found no survival benefit for prostatectomy in PSA screened U.S. men, while the Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group Study Number Four (SPCG-4) found a survival benefit for prostatectomy in clinically diagnosed prostate cancer. As a result of the controversy surrounding PSA screening and subsequent prostate cancer treatment, guidelines vary widely by organization.
Stereoselective Olefin Polymerization Catalysts Generated by the Transfer-Epimetalation of Olefins or Acetylenes with Dialkyltitanium(IV) Complexes: Three-Membered Metallocycles as Proposed Chiral Sites1

Efficient transfer-epimetalations of simple olefins and acetylenes by R2TiL2 reagents (R = Bun, But; L = X) are readily achieved in THF at −78 °C to generate titanacyclopropa(e)ne intermediates, re...
Nonspecific interaction of lac repressor with DNA: an association reaction driven by counterion release

We have investigated the nonspecific interaction of lac repressor protein with DNA by a quantitative application of DNA-cellulose chromatography (deHaseth, P.L., et al. (1977), Biochemistry 16 (third of five papers in a series in this issue)). The observed association constant for the interaction, KRD obsd, is a sensitive function of ion concentrations and pH. Application of binding theory to interpret these effects gives the results that 11 +/- 2 monovalent ions are released in the interaction and two groups on repressor must be protonated for repressor to bind to DNA. We argue that much of the ion release results from the displacement of cations from the DNA, and estimate on this basis that 12 +/- 2 phosphates are involved in ionic interactions with the protein. Ion release drives the protonation reaction and the overall repressor-DNA interaction. The major role of low molecular weight ions in the repressor-DNA interaction suggests that ion concentration changes must be considered in discussing mechanisms of control of gene expression.
EXPLORING THE EFFORT OF GENERAL SOFTWARE PROJECT ACTIVITIES WITH DATA MINING

Software project effort estimation requires high accuracy, but accurate estimations are difficult to achieve. Increasingly, data mining is used to improve an organization's software process quality, e.g. the accuracy of effort estimations. Data is collected from projects, and data miners are used to discover beneficial knowledge. This paper reports a data mining experiment in which we examined 32 software projects to improve effort estimation. We examined three major categories of software project activities, and focused on the activities of the category which has got the least attention in research so far, the non-construction activities. The analysis is based on real software project data supplied by a large European software company. In our data mining experiment, we applied a range of machine learners. We found that the estimated total software project effort is a predictor in modeling and predicting the actual quality management effort of the project.
Expression of scavenger receptor BI in COS-7 cells alters cholesterol content and distribution.

Previous studies have shown that scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) stimulates the bidirectional flux of free cholesterol (FC) between HDL and SR-BI-expressing cells. A major component of the enhanced F...
Philosophic Objection to Vaccination as a Risk for Tetanus Among Children Younger Than 15 Years

Objectives. Although safe and effective vaccines are available to protect against tetanus in the United States and vaccination rates are high, cases of tetanus among children continue to occur. The objectives of this article are to describe reported cases of tetanus in children in the United States and to identify the reasons for lack of protection against tetanus. Methods. We reviewed all cases of tetanus in children Results. From 1992 through 2000, 15 cases of tetanus in children Conclusion. The majority of recent cases of tetanus among children in the United States were in unvaccinated children whose parents objected to vaccination. Parents who choose not to vaccinate their children should be advised of the seriousness of the disease and be informed that tetanus is not preventable by means other than vaccination.
Tetracycline-Regulated Suppression of Amber Codons in Mammalian Cells

As an approach to inducible suppression of nonsense mutations in mammalian cells, we described recently an amber suppression system in mammalian cells dependent on coexpression of Escherichia coli glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase (GlnRS) along with the E. coli glutamine-inserting amber suppressor tRNA. Here, we report on tetracycline-regulated expression of the E. coli GlnRS gene and, thereby, tetracycline-regulated suppression of amber codons in mammalian HeLa and COS-1 cells. The E. coli GlnRS coding sequence attached to a minimal mammalian cell promoter was placed downstream of seven tandem tetracycline operator sequences. Cotransfection of HeLa cell lines expressing a tetracycline transactivator protein, carrying a tetracycline repressor domain linked to part of a herpesvirus VP16 activation domain, with the E. coli GlnRS gene and the E. coli glutamine-inserting amber suppressor tRNA gene resulted in suppression of the amber codon in a reporter chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene. The tetracycline transactivator-mediated expression of E. coli GlnRS was essentially completely blocked in HeLa or COS-1 cells grown in the presence of tetracycline. Concomitantly, both aminoacylation of the suppressor tRNA and suppression of the amber codon were reduced significantly in the presence of tetracycline.
Aging Induced Mechanical Property Degradation and Microstructure Evolution of SAC+X Lead Free Solder Alloys

Aging Induced Mechanical Property Degradation and Microstructure Evolution of SAC+X Lead Free Solder Alloys Zijie Cai, Jeffrey C. Suhling, Pradeep Lall and Michael J. Bozack [+] Author Affiliations Paper No. IPACK2013-73241, pp. V001T07A016; 13 pages doi:10.1115/IPACK2013-73241 From: • ASME 2013 International Technical Conference and Exhibition on Packaging and Integration of Electronic and Photonic Microsystems • Volume 1: Advanced Packaging; Emerging Technologies; Modeling and Simulation; Multi-Physics Based Reliability; MEMS and NEMS; Materials and Processes • Burlingame, California, USA, July 16–18, 2013 • Conference Sponsors: Electronic and Photonic Packaging Division • ISBN: 978-0-7918-5575-1 • Copyright © 2013 by ASME abstract The microstructure, mechanical response, and failure behavior of lead free solder joints in electronic assemblies are constantly evolving when exposed to isothermal aging and/or thermal cycling environments. In our prior work on aging effects, we have demonstrated that large degradations occur in the material properties (stiffness and strength) and creep behavior of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) lead free solders during aging. These effects are universally detrimental to reliability and are exacerbated as the aging temperature and aging time increases. Conversely, changes due to aging are relatively small in conventional Sn-Pb solders.
Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of anterior column acetabular fractures.

Objective: The current standard treatment of anterior column acetabular fractures includes formal open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) through a variety of anterior approaches. These approaches have been associated with significant blood loss, infection, lengthy operative times, and neurovascular complications. It therefore seems reasonable to consider less invasive alternatives to conventional treatment methods. A technique for percutaneous reduction and fixation of a particular acetabular fracture pattern is presented. Execution of this technique has been facilitated by the use of image-guided surgical navigation.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 23 patients who had suffered an acute anterior column fracture of the acetabulum (OTA 62-A3.2, 62-A3.3, 62-B3.2, 62-B3.3) managed with closed reduction and internal fixation using large-bore cannulated screws over an 11-year period. An additional three patients treated during the study period underwent formal ORIF with plate...
Perceptual Inference Through Global Lexical Similarity

The literature contains a disconnect between accounts of how humans learn lexical semantic representations for words. Theories generally propose that lexical semantics are learned either through perceptual experience or through exposure to regularities in language. We propose here a model to integrate these two information sources. Specifically, the model uses the global structure of memory to exploit the redundancy between language and perception in order to generate inferred perceptual representations for words with which the model has no perceptual experience. We test the model on a variety of different datasets from grounded cognition experiments and demonstrate that this diverse set of results can be explained as perceptual simulation (cf. Barsalou, Simmons, Barbey, & Wilson, 2003) within a global memory model.
Lead exposure from lead crystal

In a study of the elution of lead (Pb) from crystal decanters and glasses, port containing 89 micrograms Pb/l was placed in decanters and the Pb content of the wine rose steadily to 3518 micrograms/l after 4 months. Wines and spirits stored in crystal decanters for a long time contained Pb at concentrations up to 21,530 micrograms/l. In a short-term experiment white wine eluted small amounts of Pb from crystal glasses within minutes.
American education systems in a global context

This paper discusses the co-evolution of global and national knowledge networks. Particular attention is given to policy implications for American education; international competitiveness in math, science, and technology; and the shortcomings of American performance in these fields. The education and science policy decisions of the United States, India, and China are major determinants of each country’s ability to advance knowledge and enhance the well-being of major portions of the world’s population, with outcomes affecting not just residents in these countries but those beyond their borders as well. Each of these countries has its own historical and cultural education policy framework, yet there is considerable overlap among their knowledge production systems, as students and scholars increasingly participate in global knowledge networks. In turn, these interwoven networks help to shape national knowledge production systems. The education and knowledge production decisions of China, India, and the United States will be major determinants of each country’s ability to advance world knowledge and enhance the well-being of major portions of the world’s populations. The combined populations of China, India, and the United States total roughly 2.75 billion people, about 40% of Earth’s total population, and if these three largest nations can design and implement educational systems that educate their populations in the realms of science, technology, global awareness, and critical creative thought, not only will quality of life in each of these population centers likely improve, but the well-being of many of the world’s peoples beyond the borders of China, India, and the United States is likely to be enhanced significantly as well. China, India, and the United States have each made major, though different, policy commitments for enhancing the quality of education and quantity of educated residents within their borders. At the same time, many of the educational institutions and the education policy makers in these countries are engaging proactively beyond their borders and becoming part of transnational education networks of prolific cooperation and intense competition that inform, and can even transform, national education policies and practices. We know from work in science studies and the sociology of science both that science is advanced largely through networks of practice, and that the context of these networks matters [1–4]. Thus, we must consider the ongoing development of national knowledge production networks in a global context and consider global knowledge networks in national and local contexts. In this paper, we argue that the co-development of national and global knowledge networks should be examined explicitly as we consider our national educational policies [5]. We acknowledge, however, that these networks are not all of a piece, that each area of knowledge production has its own subculture, and that each local subculture (e.g., Silicon Valley Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
The influence of ART on the treatment of Trichomonas vaginalis among HIV-infected women

Objective. Among women who are human immunodeficiency virus positive (HIV+), both prevalent and persistent infections with Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) are common. TV has been shown to increase vaginal shedding of HIV, which may influence HIV sexual and perinatal transmission, making prevention important. In 1 cohort of HIV+ women in Kenya, antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, mostly nevirapine based, was associated with lower cure rates of TV for single-dose therapy. Our goal was to repeat this study in a US-based cohort of HIV+/TV+ women and compare outcomes to those with multidose therapy. Methods. A secondary data analysis was performed on a multicentered cohort of HIV+/TV+ women who were randomized to single-dose (2 grams) or 7-day (500 mg twice daily) multidose metronidazole (MTZ) treatment. Test of cure visit, via culture, occurred 6–12 days after treatment completion. Information was collected on sex partner treatment and sexual exposures. Persistent TV infection rates were compared for women on ART at baseline vs not on ART. Results. Of the 226 women included, those on ART had more treatment failuresthan women not on ART (24/146 [16.4%] vs 5/80 [6.3%]; P=.03). When stratified by treatment arm, more treatment failures were seen in the single-dose arm (17/73 [23.3%] vs 3/39 [7.7%]; P= .05) than in the multidose arm (7/73 [9.6%] vs 2/41 [4.8%]; P=.39). Conclusions. ART usage was associated with a higher TV persistent infection rate among those receiving the single-dose treatment, but not the multidose, providing more evidence that multidose should be the preferred treatment for HIV+ women.
Mechanisms of viral pathogenesis in rheumatic disease

Considerable evidence indicates that viruses may be important environmental factors in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. A concordance rate of 25% for the most common illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in monozygotic twins shows that genetic factors influence susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.1 Alternatively, a 70% discordance rate emphasises the importance of environmental factors. Forensic studies of archeological sites revealed the presence of RA-like erosive bony changes in pre-Columbian New World populations dating back 6500 years and the absence of RA in the Old World before the 18th century.2 This geographical distribution suggests that RA may have spread from the Americas through environmental factors, possibly by a virus, another microorganism, or an antigen. Viruses can elicit acute or subacute and, less often, chronic forms of arthritis. These viral arthritis syndromes can be diagnosed by recognition of well defined clinical signs and detection of viral antibodies and nucleic acids. Viral elements may also play a part in the pathogenesis of idiopathic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. This editorial will assess mechanisms of viral pathogenesis in rheumatic disease by focusing on known viruses capable of causing inflammatory arthritis syndromes and comparing virally induced immunological aberrations with those noted in rheumatic disease patients. Viral infections often lead to inflammatory syndromes where arthralgias or arthritis may represent a major manifestation. Most cases of viral arthritis, such as rubella or parvovirus B19 arthropathies are short-term and self limited as a result of an efficient elimination of the organism by the immune system. Chronic arthropathies have been associated with persistent or latent viral infections, virus induced autoimmunity, polyclonal B cell activation, and immunodeficiency resulting in opportunistic infections, largely because of an inability of the immune system to eliminate the pathogen. This latter group of viruses include human immunodeficiency virus 1 …
Application of the method of optical caustics to the study of high-temperature creep fracture

For the first time the time-dependent transition of the crack-tip fields can be observed. To interpret what is observed will, of course, require a more in-depth investigation. Nevertheless, the current exploratory study has demonstrated that the method of optical caustic may be a valuable tool for the study of high-temperature creep fracture.
Effect of ethanol on DARPP-32 phosphorylation in transgenic mice that express human type VII adenylyl cyclase in brain.

Background: Dopamine and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-regulated phosphoprotein of molecular weight 32 kDa (DARPP-32) is a bidirectional signaling protein found in dopaminergically innervated brain areas. The characteristics and direction of DARPP-32 effects are regulated by phosphorylation of this protein. Phosphorylation of DARPP-32 on threonine-34 (T34) is regulated through the activation of dopamine (D1) receptors and stimulation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) and protein kinase A activity and by calcineurin. Phosphorylation of DARPP-32 on threonine-75 (T75) is regulated by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and protein phosphatase 2A. DARPP-32 has been implicated in the motivational effects of ethanol. Methods: The authors characterized transgenic mice that overexpress an ethanol-sensitive isoform of AC (AC7) in brain by measuring basal and ethanol-modulated DARPP-32 phosphorylation. Phosphorylated and total DARPP-32 were measured by immunoblotting in brain areas associated with the motivational and anxiolytic effects of ethanol (nucleus accumbens, striatum, and amygdala). Results: AC7 transgenic mice had higher basal levels of T34 DARPP-32 than wild-type mice in striatum and amygdala, whereas basal levels of T75 DARPP-32 did not differ between wild-type and transgenic mice. Ethanol administration increased T34 DARPP-32 in nucleus accumbens and amygdala (but not in the striatum) of wild-type and transgenic mice (with a greater effect in amygdala of transgenic mice than wild-type mice). Ethanol administration increased T75 DARPP-32 in amygdala of only the wild-type mice and in nucleus accumbens and striatum of both the transgenic and wild-type mice. Conclusions: The effect of ethanol on the balance of DARPP-32 phosphorylation, especially in amygdala of wild-type versus transgenic mice, may contribute to differential motivational effects of ethanol in these animals.
Germline Transcription and Switch Recombination of a Transgene Containing the Entire H Chain Constant Region Locus: Effect of a Mutation in a STAT6 Binding Site in the γ1 Promoter

The switch (S) in H chain class is preceded by germline transcription and then mediated by a DNA recombination event. One of the impediments toward understanding the mechanism is the lack of a system in which a recombinant DNA molecule undergoes cytokine-regulated class S recombination. To study class S recombination, we used transgenic mice with a 230-kb bacterial artificial chromosome that included a rearranged VDJ gene and the entire murine H chain constant region locus. We found that both germline transcription and S recombination to the transgenic γ1 H chain gene were regulated by IL-4 like that of the endogenous genes. In mice with two or more copies of the H chain locus transgene, both germline transcripts and S recombination took place at levels comparable to those from the endogenous loci. We also prepared a version of the transgene with a 4-bp mutation in a STAT6 binding site in the γ1 promoter region. On the average, this mutation reduced germline transcription by 80%, but did not change the amount of S recombination in vitro. Among both the wild-type and mutant transgenes, we found no significant correlation between the amount of germline transcripts and the amount of S recombination. We infer that the physiologic level of germline transcription of the γ1 gene is in excess over the amount required for efficient S recombination.
Fascicular premature beats with narrow QRS in the presence of bundle-branch block.

The electrocardio-gram of o sixty-two-year-old male revealed right bundle-branch block, left anterior superior fascicular bJack, and right precordial Q waves consistent with anteroseplal myocardial infarction. Premoture beats with narrow QRS (100 ms) occurred inter-miltently; coupling infervals varied between 560–600 ms. His bundle electrogram confirmed the fascicular origin of the premature beats. During otrial prematuring studies, it was shown that an appropriately timed premature beat could prolong infra-His conduction time, but QRS normalization was not achieved. The possible electrophysiologic mechanisms that could result in a normal QRS complex with fascicular premature beats in this patient are discuased; a new mechanism is sug-gested.
Gender effects on plasma and brain copper.

The effect of gender on systemic and brain levels of copper is relatively understudied. We examined gender effects in mice and human subjects. We observed a trend to higher serum copper levels in female compared to male LaFerla “triple transgenic” (1399 ±233 versus 804 ±436ng/mL, P = 0.06) mice, and significantly higher brain copper levels in female- versus male wild-type mice (5.2 ± 0. 2v ersus 4.18 ± 0.3ng/mg wet wt, P = 0.03). Plasma copper was significantly correlated with brain copper in mice (R2=0.218; P = 0.038). Among human subjects with AD, both plasma copper (1284 ±118 versus 853 ±81ng/mL, P = 0.005) and cerebrospinal fluid copper (12.8 ± 1v ersus 10.4 ±0.7ng/mL,P = 0.01) were elevated in women compared to men. Among healthy control subjects, plasma copper (1008 ± 51 versus 836 ± 41ng/mL; P = 0.01) was higher in women than in men, but there was no difference in cerebrospinal fluid copper. We conclude that gender differences in copper status may influence copper-mediated pathological events in the brain.
Seismic Evaluation of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory High Flux Isotope Reactor Support Assembly

The support assembly of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory H igh F lux I sotope R eactor (HFIR) was modeled to determine the assembly’s response to a seismic excitation. The compliance of this structural component to established U. S. Department of Energy (USDOE) standards [1, 2] is evaluated.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The tRNA Gene-Linked STRs and Other Genetic Typing Methods

Only one in ten Entamoeba histolytica infections is invasive but the bacterium is responsible for an annual death toll of up to 100,000 people. A key question in amebiasis is, therefore, what is responsible for the variable outcome of infection. To address whether it is linked to the genotype of the infecting strain, several protein-coding and noncoding genes have been investigated. However, with the use of only tRNA gene-linked short tandem repeat (STR) loci, a significant difference among the genotypes of three different clinical populations—asymptomatic, diarrheal/dysenteric, and liver abscess—was detected. This multilocus genotyping method is simple and reliable as it amplifies DNA extracted from culture, stool samples, and liver abscess pus samples. As a result, these markers are useful in studying the patterns of transmission of this important disease and the epidemiological links between individual infections. Because tRNA-linked STRs are noncoding DNAs, one caveat of this system is that they may not be directly linked to parasite virulence and may work only as surrogate markers to predict infection outcomes. A novel genotyping method to identify nonsynonymous SNPs that may directly correlate with the parasite virulence is currently underway.
Transplantation: The role of RAAS blockade in kidney transplantation.

Blockade of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) slows the progression of many forms of kidney disease, but whether this therapy is beneficial in kidney transplant recipients is unclear. A new randomized controlled trial suggests that RAAS blockade is not beneficial in the transplant setting, but the underpowered nature of this study limits its conclusions.
CORRELATION BETWEEN ENDOGLUCANASE SECRETION AND CELL WALL STRENGTH IN OOMYCETE HYPHAE : IMPLICATIONS FOR GROWTH AND MORPHOGENESIS

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Photobleaching of PL and Temperature Dependence of ESR in Nitrogen-Rich Amorphous Silicon Nitride Films

We report measurements in nitrogen-rich a-SiNx:H (x > 1.3) of visible light photobleaching of photoluminescence (PL) that has been fatigued with UV light. We also review the temperature dependence of electron spin resonance (ESR) from a-SiN1.6:H films. The samples were prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) at 400 and 250° C. The optical gap of a-SiN1.6:H is about 5 eV. In PL experiments, the PL intensity fatigues under UV excitation, finally reaching a saturated value. By illuminating with visible light, the UV effect is partially bleached, that is, the PL intensity is partially restored. The bleaching light ranges in energy from 2.0 to 4.8 eV. With increasing bleaching-light energy, the reinduced PL intensity increases, reaches a maximum at a bleaching energy of 3.8 eV, and then quickly decreases. In ESR experiments, there exists a small ESR signal in as-deposited films before UV excitation and the variation of the ESR signal with temperature is similar to that of a-As.