cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teaching Sustainability Topics to Attract and Inspire the Next Generation of Civil Engineers

AbstractRecent natural events such as earthquakes in Japan and storm surge effects in New York have led to the growing interest in sustainable civil engineering. While sustainability topics, such as soil liquefaction and green building design, are typically included within civil engineering programs at the baccalaureate or graduate levels, topics in sustainability can be adapted for secondary school students as well. In addition, efforts to attract quality and diverse students into civil engineering have given rise to engineering camps aimed at secondary school students. This research focuses on the exploration of civil engineering sustainable module topics for secondary school students through the development of content as well as implementation of two case studies. Sustainability module topics are identified and instructional content (lesson objectives, key concepts, activities, experiments, and other pedagogical techniques) are proposed. Two modules are applied at the Bucknell Engineering Summer Camp p...
Femtosecond Laser Milling of Ultrathin Films of LiNbO3

We report femtosecond laser cutting of ultrathin ferroelectric sheets. This process enables one to do rapid patterning of microns-thick films of complex oxides such as LiNbO3, which are obtained via ion-beam exfoliation from standard wafers. Cutting these fragile samples is extremely difficult using standard methods but can be done effectively with ultrafast lasers. To achieve fast writing speed, we employ a high-repetition-rate amplified Ti:sapphire laser system with a pulse peak power of ~100MW. Optimization of the depth and quality of cut were determined as a function of laser pulse energy, crystallographic axes, optical polarization, and pre- and post-ablation chemical treatments.
A Proposal to Assess the Service Quality of Online Travel Agencies: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT The importance of service quality in improving customer satisfaction and loyalty in traditional business settings has been established through the use of such instruments as SERVQUAL.54 However, these established service quality dimensions, or similar measures, have not been applied to electronic commerce settings. Using online travel services as a case study, an assessment tool, E-QUAL, was developed to evaluate the service quality of electronic commerce businesses from the consumers' perspective. In contrast to the existing Web site evaluation tools that focus on the “coolness” or level of “interactivity” of the site, E-QUAL is based on the proven conceptual framework of the SERVQUAL instrument and is adjusted for the unique attributes of the electronic commerce. The findings have theoretical and managerial implications for assessing quality of service for online companies.
A minimal basis semi-ab initio approach to the band structures of semiconductors

Abstract The band structures of 32 of the most important semiconductor crystals are calculated using an efficient, minimal basis, orthogonalized LCAO method. These include the diamond structure of C, Si, Ge, α-Sn; the zinc blende structure of β-SiC, BN, BP, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InP, InAs, InSb, β-ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdS, CdTe; the wurtzite structure of AlN, GaN, ZnO, α-ZnS, CdS, CdSe; the sodium chloride structure of CdO, GeTe, SnTe and trigonal Se and Te. The calculations, which involve diagonalizations of small size matrix equations yield results having the following characteristics: (1) satisfactory valence bands and lower conduction bands and bulk densities of states; (2) the gap sizes and the locations of valence band maximum and conduction band minimum in agreement with experiment; (3) reasonable values of fractional ionicity and electron and hole effective masses. These are achieved by fine-tuning the exchange parameters in the construction of the potentials. Application of this approach to the study of the electronic structures of disordered and other complex semiconductor systems is also discussed.
Colombian Basin magnetism and Caribbean plate tectonics

A shipboard magnetic survey of the central Caribbean Sea has detected certain Late Cretaceous magnetic anomalies predicted in the northern Colombian Basin by a sea-floor spreading model of the region. The locations, trends, widths, lengths, shapes, polarities, and amplitudes of index anomalies 33 and 34 were specified by models derived earlier. All of these dimensions have been observed except one, the width of reversed anomaly 34, which may point to a change in spreading rate or to a possible error in the magnetic reversal scheme used. The extended sea-floor spreading model is generally consistent with drilling results from the Caribbean Sea, but it could be specifically confirmed — or rejected — by drilling to basement in the Colombian Basin.
Knowledge competence in clinical and counseling training and readiness for internship

The concept of competence has become the driving force in the education and training of professional psychologists. In fact, competence has evolved into increasingly sophisticated forms, now perhaps best represented by the cube model, which integrates foundational, functional, and developmental variables into ideas about professional training. This article considers one component of professional training, scientific knowledge, and argues that knowledge competence, measured by the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, should occur before a student is certified as internship ready.
MONOAMINE OXIDASE A AND B IN CULTURED CELLS

— Monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity against tryptamine was compared in a number of continuous rodent lines, including neuroblastoma, hepatoma, melanoma, nephroma, sarcoma and L cells. Activities against tryptamine varied over 300-fold in homogenates of different lines, being highest in hepatoma line MH1C1 and lowest in a neuroblastoma line lacking hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) activity. The amount, but not the type, of MAO activity varied with the stage of growth in homogenates of neuroblastoma and hepatoma cells. Measurements of succinate-cytochrome c reductase (SCCR), another mitochondrial enzyme, also showed 20-fold variations between lines, being highest in neuroblastoma line N1E-115 and lowest in hepatoma line MH1C1; SCCR and MAO activities appeared to be regulated independently. The relative proportions of the A and B types of MAO activity were determined in homogenates and living cultures. Clorgyline inhibition of tryptamine deamination in homogenates indicated that in all lines except MH1C1, greater than 95% of the MAO activity was of the A type. In MH1C1 homogenates, using clorgyline or deprenyl, 40–70% of the activity appeared to be of the A type and 30-60% of the B type. In cultures of neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells, deamination of tryptamine and dopamine was sensitive to inhibition by low concentrations of clorgyline, indicating that the A type of activity is present intracellularly. as in homogenates. In MH1C1 hepatoma cultures, tryptamine deamination showed a biphasic sensitivity to clorgyline. We interpret this to mean that A and B types of MAO activity occur together in living hepatoma cells.
Indications for Liver Transplantation

Patients should be considered for liver transplantation if they have evidence of fulminant hepatic failure, a life-threatening systemic complication of liver disease, or a liver-based metabolic defect or, more commonly, cirrhosis with complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatorenal syndrome, or bleeding caused by portal hypertension. While the complications of cirrhosis can often be managed relatively effectively, they indicate a change in the natural history of the disease that should lead to consideration of liver transplantation. Referral to a liver transplant center is followed by a detailed medical evaluation to ensure that transplantation is technically feasible, medically appropriate, and in the best interest of both the patient and society. Patients approved for transplantation are placed on a national transplant list, although donor organs are allocated locally and regionally. Since 2002, priority for transplantation has been determined by the Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, which provides donor organs to listed patients with the highest estimated short-term mortality.
The economic impacts of banning commercial bottomfish fishing in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Abstract This study examines the economic impacts of closing the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands bottomfish fishery, as part of a larger effort to create an effective marine protected area. An overview of the market for NWHI bottomfish in Hawaii is given using input–output data and a fishery closure analysis is conducted using public data on commercial fishing and primary information collected through interviews with wholesalers, restaurants, and retailers. Assuming the worst-case scenario, the wholesale price per pound of Onaga and Opakapaka is estimated to increase by $0.80 and $0.42, respectively. But this is unlikely, as the own-price elasticity of demand for Hawaii-caught bottomfish is found to be highly elastic and there is widespread substitution with imports. The overall economic loss is thus quite small, while the environmental gains of creating the largest marine protected area in the world could be substantial.
Peripheral chromatolysis after transection of mouse facial nerve

Adult male mice, after transection of the facial nerve near the stylomastoid foramen, were sacrificed at predetermined intervals by the two-step perfusion fixation with a modified Heidenhain's Susa solution and subsequently autopsied after a delay of at least four hours. The normal population of neurons consists of one “small” form with small basophil granules and one “large” with numerous coarse granules. The initial change demonstrable in the “large” neuron 12 hours post-operatively is the loosening of cytoplasmic basophil material which proceeds to a disappearance peripherally at the 24-hour stage; simultaneously an increased staining of the non-particulate cytoplasm takes place. The disintegration of basophil material reaches a maximum 9 days post-operatively and from 12 through 49 days post-operatively occurs an increasingly prominent restoration of basophil material near the nuclear membrane. At the 49-day stage the number of recovered “large” neurons is small and many are lost. At the 9-and 12-days post-operative stages appears a dark abnormal neuron of questionable origin. Histiocyte reaction is apparent by an increasing number of mitotic figures along vascular walls from the 2nd day to the 9th day; the invasion of microglia cells occurs from the 3rd day and clusters of microglia from the 9th day. The sequential changes in the “small” neuron are somewhat similar to those in the “large” type. In its recovered forms, it exceeds the “large” in number, but is abnormal in color and poorly supplied with basophil material. A concurrent study of the rabbit facial nucleus discloses two types of neurons which after axotomy react differently but mimic at a slower rate the sequence in mice. The cardinal feature of acute retrograde cell changes is the inability of the cytoplasm to store properly its basophil material, as first manifested by a loosening of texture with an early disappearance along the cell periphery and then by haphazard deposition of granular material.
Czochralski growth and characterization of single-crystal akermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7)☆

Abstract High-purity, optically transparent single crystals of the tetragonal silicate, akermanite (Ca 2 MgSi 2 O 7 ), were grown by the Czochralski method. Boules were pulled in sizes up to 8 mm in diameter by 20 mm in length from stoichiometric melts in platinum crucibles at approximately 1520°C. The best quality growth was achieved in argon or nitrogen at pulling rates of 3 mm/hr or less, and spectrochemical analyses indicate a crystal purity of >99.99%. Several properties of the resulting samples are given, including X-ray diffraction, optical and compression data. The room-temperature uniaxial compressive strength of akermanite was determined to be 35 kg/mm 2 in the [001] and 5.5 kg/mm 2 in the [001]. Crystals were also grown doped with limited amounts, individually, of Mn 2+ , Fe 2+ , Co 2+ , Ni 2+ , Nd 3+ , Eu 3+ , and Gd 3+ .
Detection of Initial Yield and Onset of Failure in Bonded Posttensioned Concrete Beams

This paper discusses monitoring of bonded posttensioned (PT) concrete elements using the acoustic emission technique. In particular, a statistical pattern recognition technique based on a multivariate outlier analysis is presented to identify initial yielding and the onset of failure. Experimental tests on large-scale single-tendon bonded PT concrete beams, subjected to multiple load cycles, will be presented to validate the proposed monitoring system.
Organized nanofibrous scaffolds to mimic the macroscopic curvature of the meniscus

The menisci are crescent-shaped fibrocartilaginous tissues featuring highly aligned collagen arranged in a circumferential fashion to allow transmission of loads across the knee joint. To mimic this macroscopic orientation, we developed a novel electrospinning method to collect circumferentially aligned (CircAl) fibers, quantified their structure and mechanics, and compared them to linearly aligned (LinAl) scaffolds. Fiber orientation of CircAl scaffolds varied considerably as a function of position (p 0.05). Alterations in cellular alignment on a macroscopic scale were observed on the CircAl scaffolds. Mechanical analysis of the CircAl scaffolds revealed significant interactions between scaffold length and region (p 0.05). In conclusion, we developed electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds with a spatially varying macroscopic fiber orientation, creating a gradient in fiber alignment and differences in tensile properties over a macroscopic scale. These organized nanofibrous scaffolds can potentially direct the formation of an anatomic meniscus construct with structure and function that vary across a large anatomic expanse.
An Advanced Numerical Model for Assessing 3-D Wind Fields

An h-adaptive mass consistent finite element model (FEM) is developed for constructing 3-D wind fields over irregular terrain. The h-adaptive FEM allows the element size to be changed dynamically according to local flow and topographic features. The mesh is refined and unrefined to satisfy preset error criteria. Localized high resolution wind fields can be constructed. The FEM model uses a variational method in an integral function that minimizes the variance of the difference between the observed and analyzed variable. Simulation results are presented for constructing 3-D wind fields for two regions in Nevada. The method appears promising for accurately depicting large scale wind fields, especially where high resolution is needed to capture rapidly changing flows associated with local topographic features.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Jet ventilation for laser laryngeal surgery in children. Modification of the Saunders jet ventilation technique.

Abstract In our clinical series, 40–50% O 2 and 50–60% N 2 O (regulated by a blender and delivered by manual jet ventilation (MJV)) and residual halothane from induction provided satisfactory supralaryngeal anesthesia. Fentanyl, N 2 O, atracurium, and lidocaine administered i.v. effectively blunted laryngeal stimulation, allowed control of respiration, and minimized vocal cord motion. Wide unobstructed surgical access to the entire endolarynx is provided. Atracurium (an intermediate-acting non-depolarizing muscle relaxant administered in a single bolus or by constant infusion) achieves the needed level of blockade and permits the anesthesiologist to focus on the pattern of respiration rather than the degree of neuromuscular blockade. Its duration of action seems to be well matched to the average duration of this surgical procedure. Because its reversal is prompt (35–45 min from i.v. injection to 25% recovery by neuromuscular transmission monitor) (Brandom et al, Clinical pharmacology of atracurium in paediatric patients, Br. J. Anaesth. , 55 (1983) 117S–121S) children can be discharged safely from the recovery room to home after an appropriate period of observation in the short-stay unit. Our report confirms and extends another recent report supporting supraglottic jet ventilation (Scamman, F.L. and McCabe, B.F., Supraglottic jet ventilation for laser surgery of the larynx in children, Ann. Otol. Rhinol. Laryngol. , 95(1986) 142–145). We belive that the MJV techinique is advantageous in children, particularly for outpatient surgery. Attention to detail and careful communication between a skilled anesthesilogist and surgeon are essential. Dangerous barotrauma can occur and skill and monitoring are essential.
Of mice and Down syndrome

Analyzing hematopoiesis in the Ts65Dn mouse, which is trisomic for many orthologs of human chromosome 21 genes, may shed light on leukemogenesis in Down syndrome, as demonstrated by Kirsammer and colleagues in this issue.
The non-competitive NMDA antagonist MK-801 increases food intake in rats.

A role for excitatory amino acids in the control of feeding behavior has not been extensively investigated. Nevertheless, there is direct and circumstantial evidence to indicate that some circuits involved with feeding behavior include glutamatergic elements. To test the hypothesis that endogenous glutamate participates in the control of food intake, we performed experiments to determine whether MK-801, a non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) ion channel antagonist, is capable of altering intake of liquid and solid foods in hungry or satiated rats. Following a 16 h fast, intake of 15% sucrose was significantly enhanced by systemic treatment with MK-801. Water intake was not altered by the NMDA antagonist. Rats did not ingest more rat chow after MK-801, unless they had been fasted. When a more palatable food (cookies) was offered, MK-801 did increase intake. Thus MK-801 enhanced food intake only when feeding was initiated by food-deprivation or increased palatability. In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that endogenous glutamate plays a role in the control of food intake. Blockade of NMDA receptor function by MK-801 may diminish or delay satiety signals, rather than initiate feeding behavior per se.
A combined endodontic‐peripdontic lesion Its management and resolution

Abstract A case report of a combined endodontic and periodontic lesion is described. Emphasis has been placed on the difficulty in diagnosing this type of case. Solutions to this problem including sequence of therapy have been discussed.
Clinical, demographic, and situational factors linked to distress associated with benign breast biopsy

Benign breast biopsy (BBB) can be distressing for many women. Few studies have examined specific aspects of the BBB more or less distressing or risk factors for distress. Women (N = 51) who had a recent BBB reported the magnitude of distress associated with specific aspects of their experience. Clinical and demographic variables were also examined as risk factors for distress. All women reported some distress associated with the BBB with one third reporting their experience was "very stressful." Generally, biopsy-specific events were more distressing than follow-up mammography. Distress risk factors included younger age, less education, nonsurgical biopsy, and no family history of breast cancer. Clinical efforts to better manage biopsy-related distress are warranted. The authors identified clinical and demographic risk factors that furnish a simple, efficient, and potentially cost-effective means of stratifying risk for distress in the breast biopsy setting.
Proof of concept and dose estimation with binary responses under model uncertainty

This article suggests a unified framework for testing Proof of Concept (PoC) and estimating a target dose for the benefit of a more comprehensive, robust and powerful analysis in phase II or similar clinical trials. From a pre-specified set of candidate models, we choose the ones that best describe the observed dose-response. To decide which models, if any, significantly pick up a dose effect, we construct the permutation distribution of the minimum P-value over the candidate set. This allows us to find critical values and multiplicity adjusted P-values that control the familywise error rate of declaring any spurious effect in the candidate set as significant. Model averaging is then used to estimate a target dose. Popular single or multiple contrast tests for PoC, such as the Cochran-Armitage, Dunnett or Williams tests, are only optimal for specific dose-response shapes and do not provide target dose estimates with confidence limits. A thorough evaluation and comparison of our approach to these tests reveal that its power is as good or better in detecting a dose-response under various shapes with many more additional benefits: It incorporates model uncertainty in PoC decisions and target dose estimation, yields confidence intervals for target dose estimates and extends to more complicated data structures. We illustrate our method with the analysis of a Phase II clinical trial.
Association of decreased quality of life and erectile dysfunction in hemodialysis patients.

Association of decreased quality of life and erectile dysfunction in hemodialysis patients. Background Quality of life in hemodialysis patients has been associated with treatment outcomes. We explored the impact of erectile dysfunction on quality of life in a cohort of hemodialysis subjects. Methods A random sample of 302 Philadelphia area hemodialysis (HD) subjects was enrolled using a cross-sectional design. Subjects completed a self-administered questionnaire including items on sexual function, past medical history, and quality of life. Linear regression (accounting for sampling design by weighted estimation methods) was used to examine the associations between various measures of quality of life (the dependent variables) and erectile dysfunction (ED) and other variables (the predictor variables). Results We found the emotional domains of the SF-36, a multi-purpose, short-form health survey with 36 questions, to be more profoundly associated with ED than the physical domains. Using the physical and mental components of the SF-12, a new 12-item short form health survey as predictors of ED, only the mental composite score (MCS) was statistically significant after adjusting for age and diabetes ( P = 0.008). Subjects with ED had significantly lower quality of life mean scores. In particular, ED was associated with poorer social interaction (mean score difference, -10.3, adjusted P P = 0.005), more role limitations due to emotional problems (-22.9, adjusted P = 0.01), and poorer social function (-17.8, P = 0.001). Conclusion Recent advances in therapies for ED warrant that the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction be included in the global health assessment by the nephrologists and primary care providers of patients with renal insufficiency, as it may improve the quality of life of patients.
Right bundle branch block and ventricular septal fibrosis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Background Right bundle branch block (RBBB) is associated with ventricular septal fibrosis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) after alcohol septal ablation, but little data are available in HCM patients without a history of septal ablation. Methods Magnetic resonance late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was performed in 59 HCM patients with no history of alcohol septal ablation. The location and extent of LGE were examined in relation to electrocardiographic features including RBBB. Results LGE volume was higher in 7 HCM patients with RBBB (7.3 ± 7.4 g/cm) than in patients without RBBB (2.9 ± 7.4 g/cm, p = 0.016). LGE volume was positively correlated to QRS duration of RBBB (correlation coefficient = 0.93, p = 0.023). The diagnostic value of RBBB was highly specific for the detection of LGE in the ventricular septum, with sensitivity 21% and specificity 94%. Conclusions The presence of RBBB may be a simple marker for detecting ventricular septal fibrosis in HCM patients who had no history of alcohol septal ablation. Further studies are necessary to confirm our findings.
The effects of zinc and calcium deficiencies on the rate of bone resorption in the rat

Abstract An effect of zinc deficiency on bone resorption was assessed in rats, by measuring the rate of resorption in rapidly growing animals and a pathologically increased resorption secondary to calcium deficiency. Bone resorption was quantitated by the loss of 3 H-tetracycline from previously labeled bone. There was no effect of zinc deficiency on bone resorption in either normally growing or calcium deficient animals. Calcium deficiency alleviated the effect of zinc deficiency on body weight. In calcium deficient animals, bone zinc concentration was almost double that of calcium supplemented animals, suggesting a partial substitution of zinc for calcium in bone mineral.
Touch preparation of jumbo forceps biopsies allows rapid adequacy assessment of subepithelial GI masses.

f v T l c c U l w ( u H s l c A o n o a p s a q n w Subepithelial mass lesions are detected frequently during clinical care, often incidentally seen in the stomach during endoscopy performed for other indications. Alteratively, they may be seen on radiographic imaging or ecause of symptoms. Evaluation of these lesions may be hallenging because superficial biopsies will rarely be iagnostic. After evaluation of these lesions with EUS to haracterize their layer of origin, tissue acquisition is often erformed. There are multiple modalities to sample these lesions, ncluding EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA), EUS-guided core eedle biopsy, bite-on-bite forceps biopsies, and endocopic resection.2 EUS-FNA cytology alone may be inadequate or inaccurate in nearly half of these patients.3-5 Although EUS-guided core needle biopsy is intended to provide histology, the rigid needle can be difficult to use and does not reliably obtain tissue and, thus, may be inadequate.6 For lesions that create an impression on the astric lumen, bite-on-bite forceps biopsies by using umbo forceps allow the creation of a tunnel through the ucosa into the underlying lesion.7 However, for deep lesions, it may be unclear whether adequate tissue has been obtained, in contrast to EUS-FNA, in which on-site cytology is often used. In this study, we describe our results with using the bite-on-bite technique with jumbo forceps and touch-
An integrated approach to mapping worldwide bioterrorism research capabilities

Biomedical research used for defense purposes may also be applied to biological weapons development. To mitigate risk, the U.S. government has attempted to monitor and regulate biomedical research labs, especially those that study bioterrorism agents/diseases. However, monitoring worldwide biomedical researchers and their work is still an issue. In this study, we developed an integrated approach to mapping worldwide bioterrorism research literature. By utilizing knowledge mapping techniques, we analyzed the productivity status, collaboration status, and emerging topics in bioterrorism domain. The analysis results provide insights into the research status of bioterrorism agents/diseases and thus allow a more comprehensive view of bioterrorism researchers and ongoing work.
Subcellular distribution and partial characterization of an α-ketoisocaproate oxidase of rat liver: Formation of β-hydroxyisovaleric acid☆

Abstract Isopycnic sucrose gradient separation of rat liver organelles revealed the presence of two distinct branched-chain α-keto acid decarboxylase activities; a mitochondrial activity, which decarboxylates the three branched-chain α-keto acids and requires CoA and NAD + and a cytosolic activity, which decarboxylates α-ketoisocaproate, but not α-ketoisovalerate, or α-keto-β-methylvalerate. The latter enzyme does not require added CoA or NAD + . Assay conditions for the cytosolic α-ketoisocaproate decarboxylase activity were optimized and this activity was partially characterized. In rat liver cytosol preparations this activity has a pH optimum of 6.5 and is activated by 1.5 m ammonium sulfate. The decarboxylase activity has an apparent K m of 0.03 m m for α-ketoisocaproate when optimized assay conditions are employed. Phenylpyruvate is a very potent inhibitor. α-Ketoisovalerate, α-keto-β-methylvalerate, α-ketobutyrate, and α-ketononanoate also inhibit the α-ketoisocaproate decarboxylase activity. The data indicate that the soluble α-ketoisocaproate decarboxylase is an oxidase. Rat liver cytosol preparations consumed oxygen when either α-ketoisocaproate or α-keto-γ-methiolbutyrate were added. None of the other α-keto acids tested stimulated oxygen consumption. 1- 14 C-Labeled α-keto-γ-methiolbutyrate is also decarboxylated by cytosol preparations. The α-ketoisocaproate oxidase was purified 20-fold from a 70,000 g supernatant fraction of a rat liver homogenate. In these preparations the activity was increased 4-fold by the addition of dithiothreitol, ferrous iron, and ascorbate. The major product of this enzyme activity is β-hydroxyisovalerate. Isovalerate is not a free intermediate in the reaction. The data indicate an alternative pathway for metabolism of α-ketoisocaproate which produces β-hydroxyisovalerate.
Mapping of satellite Earth observations using moving window block kriging

Abstract. Global gridded maps (a.k.a. Level 3 products) of Earth system properties observed by satellites are central to understanding the spatiotemporal variability of these properties. They also typically serve either as inputs into biogeochemical models or as independent data for evaluating such models. Spatial binning is a common method for generating contiguous maps, but this approach results in a loss of information, especially when the measurement noise is low relative to the degree of spatiotemporal variability. Such "binned" fields typically also lack a quantitative measure of uncertainty. Geostatistical mapping has previously been shown to make higher spatiotemporal resolution maps possible, and also provides a measure uncertainty associated with the gridded products. This study proposes a flexible moving window block kriging method that can be used as a tool for creating high spatiotemporal resolution maps from satellite data. It relies only on the assumption that the observed physical quantity exhibits spatial correlation that can be inferred from the observations. The method has several innovations relative to previously applied methods: (1) it provides flexibility in the spatial resolution of the contiguous maps, (2) it is applicable for physical quantities with varying spatiotemporal coverage (i.e., density of measurements) by utilizing a more general and versatile data sampling approach, and (3) it provides rigorous assessments of the uncertainty associated with the gridded products. The method is demonstrated by creating Level 3 products from observations of column-integrated carbon dioxide (XCO2) from the GOSAT (Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite) satellite, and solar induced fluorescence (SIF) from the GOME-2 (Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment-2) instrument.
A view of the tip of the iceberg: revisiting conceptual continuities and their implications for science learning

We respond to Hwang and Kim and Yeo’s critiques of the conceptual continuity framework in science education. First, we address the criticism that their analysis fails to recognize the situated perspective of learning by denying the dichotomy of the formal and informal knowledge as a starting point in the learning process. Second, we address the critique that students’ descriptions fail to meet the “gold standard” of science education—alignment with an authoritative source and generalizability—by highlighting some student-expert congruence that could serve as the foundation for future learning. Third, we address the critique that a conceptual continuity framework could lead to less rigorous science education goals by arguing that the ultimate goals do not change, but rather that if the pathways that lead to the goals’ achievement could recognize existing lexical continuities’ science teaching may become more efficient. In sum, we argue that a conceptual continuities framework provides an asset, not deficit lexical perspective from which science teacher educators and science educators can begin to address and build complete science understandings.
CNS glial progenitors and schwann cells in neurofibromatosis Type 1

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) one of the most common of all autosomal dominant disorders, affecting about 1 in 3500 individuals. NF1 is considered to be a tumor suppressor disease, in which lack of the NF1 gene product causes disease. NF1 predisposes patients to central nervous system dysfunction including learning disabilities and brain tumors, to bright spots on MRI scans, postulated to be nests of dysmyelination, and to peripheral nerve tumors, both benign and malignant. Glial abnormalities might account for some or all of these defects. To test this, we prepared cultures from spinal cords of embryonic day 12.5 mouse embryos with NF1 mutations. The data show that glial progenitors, both O2A cells and glial restricted progenitors (GRPs) are dramatically amplified in cultures from mutant mice spinal cords, as compared to cultures from wild type littermates. Cells with a single mutant allele show an intermediate phenotype; signalling pathway defects including elevated Ras-GTP appear to cause the increased cell number. Schwann cells cultured from NF1 mutant E12.5 dorsal root ganglia are also highly abnormal. Mutant Schwann cells differentially express the epidermal growth factor receptor protein (EGFR). EGFR was tested for ability to drive tumor formation in transgenic mice- CNPase-EGFR mice show nerve thickening, consistent with early tumor formation. The data are consistent with a key role for glial cells in brain and peripheral nerve dysfunction in NF1. Acknowledgements: Supported by NIH-NS28840, the DOD Program on Neurofibromatosis, and the NMSS.
Singular behavior of the stress field at the wedge-shaped corners of branching cracks

The method of homogeneous solutions using the self-similarity nature of certain field variables is employed to investigate the behavior of the stress field in the vicinity of wedge-shaped corners of branching cracks, a problem which poses difficulty when attempted by other methods. Closed form solutions are obtained by using the theory of complex variables. Two examples are studied; 1) when an existing crack branches off with constant velocity under an arbitrary angle and 2) when an existing crack bifurcates with different velocities at arbitrary angles. The method presented here can also be extended to study the stress field behavior at the wedge-shaped corners created by any number of branching cracks.
Three new species of Monochaetum (Melastomataceae) from Colombia

Three new species of Monochaetum (Melastomataceae: Melastomeae) are described from Colombia. Monochaetum carbonoi , known only from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, is characterized by its overall pubescence of smooth and unbranched trichomes, prominent flap-like scars on the inflorescence nodes, calyx lobes that are deciduous after anthesis, glabrous hypanthia, dimorphic stamens, and sessile, oblong-ovate bracteoles. Monochaetum longicaudatum , known from only one population on the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and one population in the Central Cordillera of the Andes (Nevado del Ruiz and Santa Isabel area), is characterized by its dense and congested inflorescences, abaxial foliar surface with dense, long and divergent trichomes, ovate to ovate-elliptic petals with a broadly acute apex, deciduous calyx lobes, long filaments and appendages on the antesepalous stamens, and its long setulose style. Monochaetum perijensis , known only from the Serrania de Perija in the northern Cordillera Oriental of the Andes, is characterized by leaves that are basally nerved, glabrous hypanthia, ciliate petals, and persistent calyx lobes that are oblong and acute apically. Each species is illustrated, compared with presumed relatives, and provided with a conservation assessment using IUCN guidelines.
Sigma effects of nalorphine in the chronic spinal dog.

Abstract The effects of graded doses of nalorphine and morphine were studied in nondependent chronic spinal dogs. Morphine and low doses of nalorphine produced behavioral changes characterized by indifference, whereas the largest dose of nalorphine produced canine delirium indistinguishable from that produced by SKF-10,047 or cyclazocine. Nalorphine depressed the flexor reflex; however, a plateau was observed. The data suggest that nalorphine is a partial agonist of the k type and a σ agonist in addition to being a competitive antagonist at the μ receptor, and further, that the dysphoric and hallucinogenic effects of nalorphine-like drugs are due to their σ activity.
Governance Institutions and Adaptation Costs: Evidence from the Fall of the Berlin Wall

This paper investigates how institutions governing the employment relationship influence firms' adaptation to environmental changes. After the Berlin Wall fell, migration from East Germany accounted for an abrupt increase in the supply of a key resource---labor---in the West. I study responses to this disruption among firms in the economically important machinery and equipment industry. I find that western firms adapted to migration by increasing employment unless they were affiliated with a works council, an institution that limits the firm's autonomy in managing its workforce. I also find evidence of institution-contingent responses to migration in two areas of firm strategy: vertical boundaries and the focus on exploration versus exploitation. The results suggest that “hybrid” i.e., less hierarchical governance institutions increase adaptation costs. The results also indicate that such adaptation costs have implications for multiple aspects of firm decision making that are nominally beyond the scope of those governance institutions. This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
Review: capnography and mass-spectrometry in anesthesia

The author has reviewed the principles and clinical applications of capnography and mass spectrometry for gas analysis in anesthesia. Emphasis has been placed on the source of the capnogram, the practical relevance, and its major limitations. >
Radiation dosimetry for radioimmunotherapy. An overview of current capabilities and limitations.

Background. The two major uncertainties associated with absorbed dose calculations involve: (1) measurement errors from assessment of radioactivity in specific organs and tissues by direct counting; and (2) application of standard anthropomorphic and biokinetic models for dose assessment. Uncertainties in direct counting result from the inherent difficulty of measuring radioactivity inside the body. Although the system recommended by the Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) Committee of the Society of Nuclear Medicine provides a general framework and conceptual basis for the dosimetry of administered radiopharmaceuticals, it does not provide complete methods for assessing some of the more important quantities of interest in radioimmunotherapy, such as dose to tumors and descriptions of spatial dose distributions within tissues
Kinetic partitioning during protein folding yields multiple native states

The prevailing view in the field of protein folding holds that the native state is the most stable structure possible. A corollary of this thermodynamic hypothesis is that the native state is in equilibrium with all other conformations of the protein. We have found an example of a protein that may exist in two different states, both of which may be regarded as 'native', but which cannot equilibrate on a timescale that is biologically meaningful. We propose that the active conformation of this protein is at only one of several energy minima, and that during the process of refolding in vitro--and, we assume, folding in vivo--the choice of which state the polypeptide finally attains is determined by kinetic partitioning between folding pathways.
Population structure and genetic variation in the endangered Giant Kangaroo Rat ( Dipodomys ingens )

Populations of the endangered giant kangaroo rat, Dipodomys ingens (Heteromyidae), have suffered increasing fragmentation and isolation over the recent past, and the distribution of this unique rodent has become restricted to 3% of its historical range. Such changes in population structure can significantly affect effective population size and dispersal, and ultimately increase the risk of extinction for endangered species. To assess the fine-scale population structure, gene flow, and genetic diversity of remnant populations of Dipodomys ingens, we examined variation at six microsatellite DNA loci in 95 animals from six populations. Genetic subdivision was significant for both the northern and southern part of the kangaroo rat’s range although there was considerable gene flow among southern populations. While regional gene diversity was relatively high for this endangered species, hierarchical F-statistics of northern populations in Fresno and San Benito counties suggested non-random mating and genetic drift within subpopulations. We conclude that effective dispersal, and therefore genetic distances between populations, is better predicted by ecological conditions and topography of the environment than linear geographic distance between populations. Our results are consistent with and complimentary to previous findings based on mtDNA variation of giant kangaroo rats. We suggest that management plans for this endangered rodent focus on protection of suitable habitat, maintenance of connectivity, and enhancement of effective dispersal between populations either through suitable dispersal corridors or translocations.
Introductory Essay. Art and Evangelization: Creating A New Art in 16th-Century Mexican Missions

Just two years after the Conquest of Mexico in 1521 by Hernando Cortes and his army of Spanish soldiers and Indian allies, a trio of Flemish Franciscans—Pedro de Gante (Pieter of Ghent), Juan de Te...
Cyclic Prefix Based Symbol Timing Synchronization Method for OFDM Systems by Using the Correlation Property of Preamble

In this paper, an improved and effective estimation method for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol timing synchronization is proposed. This maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) based method takes advantage of (cyclic prefix) CP along with the conventional training sequence, which consists of four identical parts (but the last two parts with different sign). By exploring the multivariate Gaussian distribution within the OFDM preamble symbol as well as corresponding CP, the accuracy of symbol timing error estimation can be significantly enhanced due to its smaller estimation variance. The performance of the proposed method is validated and compared with existing estimation (and synchronization) methods in terms of timing metric and mean square error (MSE) under AWGN, Rayleigh flat fading and frequency-selective multipath Rayleigh fading environments, respectively. Computer simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method under various levels of signal to noise ratio (SNR).
The Painleve´ property, a modified Boussinesq equation and a modified Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation

Abstract It is shown that the modified Boussinesq equation and the modified Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation, both of which are known to be completely integrable, possess the Painlev'e property for differential equations as defined by Weiss, Tabor and Carnevale.
Consistent Third-Order Shell Theory with Application to Composite Cylindrical Cylinders

A consistent third-order shell theory with applications to composite circular cylinders is presented and its finite element formulation is developed. The formulation has seven displacement functions and requires C 0 continuity in the displacement field. The exact computation of stress resultants is carried out through numerical integration of material stiffness coefficients of the laminate. A displacement finite element model is developed using Lagrange elements with higher-order interpolation polynomials. These elements preclude any effect of shear and membranes locking. Comparisons of the present results with those found in the literature for typical benchmark problems involving isotropic and composite cylindrical shells are found to be excellent and show the validity of the developed shell theory and its implementation into a finite element code.
The challenged personality as a precondition for sustained creativity

Abstract Major misfortunes of youth cause a disturbance in the acquisition of social scripts: The world is seen in a different, often new light, which is one of the prerequisites for creativity. If these youths also receive a fair number of assistances, they will have a high appreciation of themselves and a drive for giving life to their unique vision in a product, which—if seen as useful by society—can be considered an act of creation. The personality that is shaped by high levels of misfortunes and assistances can be called challenged and can be contrasted with six other personality types which were shaped by different levels of assistances and misfortunes and which have a lower potential for creativity than the challenged. Evidence for this interpretation of the creative personality is derived from literature on eminent people and from two experiments. From this understanding of the roots of creativity, one can derive practical applications in the field of education, and theoretical implications in rel...
Aspects of the taxonomic relation in the biomedical domain

Taxonomies are commonly used for organizing knowledge, particularly in biomedicine where the taxonomy of living organisms and the classification of diseases are central to the domain. The principles used to produce taxonomies are either intrinsic (properties of the partial ordering relation) or added to make knowledge more manageable (opposition of siblings and economy). The applicability of these principles in the biomedical domain is presented using the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) and issues raised by the application of these principles are illustrated. While intrinsic principles are not challenged, we argue that the opposition of siblings brings to bear excessive constraints on a domain ontology and that the adverse effects of economy may outweigh its benefits. The two-level structure used in the UMLS is discussed.
Abstraction and Relational learning

Most models of categorization learn categories defined by characteristic features but some categories are described more naturally in terms of relations. We present a generative model that helps to explain how relational categories are learned and used. Our model learns abstract schemata that specify the relational similarities shared by instances of a category, and our emphasis on abstraction departs from previous theoretical proposals that focus instead on comparison of concrete instances. Our first experiment suggests that abstraction can help to explain some of the findings that have previously been used to support comparison-based approaches. Our second experiment focuses on one-shot schema learning, a problem that raises challenges for comparison-based approaches but is handled naturally by our abstraction-based account.