cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A focused electric spark source for non-contact stress wave excitation in solids

A focused electric spark is used as a non-contact acoustic source to excite stress waves in solids. The source consists of an electric spark source located at the near focus of an ellipsoidal reflector that focuses the acoustic disturbance generated by the spark source to the far focal point. Experimental studies using both contact and non-contact sensors indicate that the source has the capability to excite the Rayleigh surface wave and impact-echo mode (S1-zero-group-velocity Lamb mode) in a 250 mm thick concrete slab and to enable fully air-coupled testing of concrete specimens.
Increasing Protein Stability by Polar Surface Residues: Domain-Wide Consequences of Interactions Within a Loop

We have examined the influence of surface hydrogen bonds on the stability of proteins by studying the effects of mutations of human immunoglobulin light chain variable domain (V(L)). In addition to the variants Y27dD, N28F, and T94H of protein kappa IV Len that were previously described, we characterized mutants M4L, L27cN, L27cQ, and K39T, double mutant M4L/Y27dD, and triple mutant M4L/Y27dD/T94H. The triple mutant had an enhanced thermodynamic stability of 4.2 kcal/mol. We determined the structure of the triple mutant by x-ray diffraction and correlated the changes in stability due to the mutations with changes in the three-dimensional structure. Y27dD mutant had increased stability of Len by 2.7 kcal/mol, a large value for a single mutation. Asp27d present in CDR1 formed hydrogen bonds with the side-chain and main-chain atoms within the loop. In the case of the K39T mutant, which reduces stability by 2 kcal/mol, Lys39 in addition to forming a hydrogen bond with a carbonyl oxygen of a neighboring loop may also favorably influence the surface electrostatics of the molecule. We showed that hydrogen bonds between residues in surface loops can add to the overall stability of the V(L) domains. The contribution to stability is further increased if the surface residue makes more than one hydrogen bond or if it forms a hydrogen bond between neighboring turns or loops separated from each other in the amino acid sequence. Based on our experiments we suggest that stabilization of proteins might be systematically accomplished by introducing additional hydrogen bonds on the surface. These substitutions are more straightforward to predict than core-packing interactions and can be selected to avoid affecting the protein's function.
NEARLY OPTIMAL CONTROL OF NONLINEAR MARKOVIAN SYSTEMS SUBJECT TO WEAK AND STRONG INTERACTIONS

This paper develops hierarchical control schemes of nonlinear dynamic systems under Markovian disturbances subject to weak and strong interactions. The state space of the underlying Markov chain is decomposed into several groups of recurrent states and a group of transient states resulting in a singularly perturbed Markov chain formulation. Instead of finding the control of the original system directly, a limit problem that is much simpler to handle is derived. Using the optimal control of the limit system, a near optimal control policy is constructed for the original system. The asymptotic optimality of the constructed control is proved.
Expression of fatty acid-CoA ligase 4 during development and in brain

Fatty acid utilization is initiated by fatty acid-CoA ligase, which converts free fatty acids into fatty acyl-CoA esters. We have cloned previously the human long-chain fatty acid-CoA ligase 4 (FACL4), which is a central enzyme in controlling the free arachidonic acid level in cells and thereby regulating eicosanoid production. We report here the expression of this gene in tissues, particularly in different parts of the brain. We found that FACL4 encoded a 75 kDa enzyme and that there was a modified translation product expressed in the brain. FACL4 was expressed in early stages of development with a significant amount of FACL4 mRNA detected in an E7 mouse embryo. In addition, FACL4 was highly expressed in both adult and newborn mouse brain especially in the granule cells of the dentate gyrus and the pyramidal cell layer of CA1 in hippocampus, and the granular cell layer and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum.
Experience Modifies the Plastic Properties of Identified Neurons

Crickets (Acheta domesticus) were reared in the presence of continuously repeating tone pulses. The responses of large abdominal interneurons to similar tone pulses were then compared. The giant interneurons of treated specimens are more resistant to habituation than those of control specimens.
Mode selective photodissociation dynamics in V+(OCO).

The electrostatic V+(OCO) complex has a vibrationally resolved photodissociation spectrum in the visible. Photodissociation produces V++CO2 (nonreactive pathway) and VO++CO (reactive pathway). Production of VO+ is energetically favored, but spin forbidden. One-photon dissociation studies confirm mode selectivity observed by Lessen et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 95, 1414 (1991)]: excitation of one quantum of rocking motion enhances VO+ production by >30%. Branching ratio measurements in one-photon dissociation are extended to higher energy. The effect of OCO antisymmetric stretch vibrations on reactivity is investigated using vibrationally mediated photodissociation, in which the OCO antisymmetric stretch is excited at 2390.9cm−1. Vibrationally excited molecules are then dissociated in the visible. Seven vibronic bands are investigated, involving the antisymmetric stretch alone and in combination with the CO2 bend, the V+(OCO) stretch and rock. Exciting the antisymmetric stretch leads to a ∼15% increase in the rea...
Some remarks on finite elements with an elliptic hole

Some issues regarding the implementation of finite elements with elliptic holes are discussed. Although the treatment of rigid body modes appears to be different for Trefftz functions satisfying boundary conditions on circular holes from those functions ensuring the satisfaction of boundary conditions on elliptic holes, the programming can be done similarly. For the investigation of the numerical performance of hole elements using a larger number of Trefftz functions, a 24-node hole element is compared to 8-node and 16-node elements. Details of the implementation issues are given.
Hyperfine-Structure Studies of Highly Excited D and F Levels in Alkali Atoms Using a cw Tunable Dye Laser

Highly excited $S$, $D$, and $F$ levels in cesium and rubidium have been populated utilizing a two-step optical excitation method. In the first step an rf lamp is used to transfer atoms into the first $P$ states, and the subsequent excitation is performed with the tunable radiation of a cw dye laser. We give results for the hyperfine structure of several $D$ and $F$ states in ${\mathrm{Cs}}^{133}$ and ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{87}$, obtained in level-crossing and optical double resonance experiments.
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is associated with motor vehicle crashes: The reality beyond the driving test

Patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) have impaired driving skills, but association of MHE with motor vehicle crashes is unclear. Standard psychometric tests (SPT) or inhibitory control test (ICT) can be used to diagnose MHE. The aim was to determine the association of MHE with crashes and traffic violations over the preceding year and on 1-year follow-up. Cirrhotics were diagnosed with MHE by ICT (MHEICT) and SPT (MHESPT). Self and department-of-transportation (DOT)-reports were used to determine crashes and violations over the preceding year. Agreement between self and DOT-reports was analyzed. Patients then underwent 1 year follow-up for crash/violation occurrence. Crashes in those with/without MHEICT and MHESPT were compared. 167 cirrhotics had DOT-reports, of which 120 also had self-reports. A significantly higher proportion of MHEICT cirrhotics experienced crashes in the preceding year compared to those without MHE by self-report (17% vs. 0%, p=0.0004) and DOT-reports (17% vs. 3%, p=0.004, relative risk:5.77). SPT did not differentiate between those with/without crashes. A significantly higher proportion of patients with crashes had MHEICT compared to MHESPT, both self-reported (100% vs. 50%, p=0.03) and DOT-reported (89% vs. 44%, p=0.01). There was excellent agreement between self and DOT-reports for crashes and violations (Kappa 0.90 and 0.80). 109 patients were followed prospectively. MHEICT patients had a significantly higher future crashes/violations compared to those without (22% vs. 7%, p=0.03) but MHESPT did not. MHEICT (Odds ratio:4.51) and prior year crash/violation (Odds ratio:2.96) were significantly associated with future crash/violation occurrence.
Does taking steps to control one's drug use predict entry into treatment?

Background: Treatment readiness has been shown to predict entry and success in drug treatment programs. Objective: To examine the association between treatment readiness (defined as engaging in activities to control one's drug use) and enrolling in drug treatment. Methods: Longitudinal data collected through face-to-face interviews (March 2004–February 2007, NIDA-funded) from 585 injectors in Baltimore were analyzed. Results: Avoiding buying drugs and drug-related people and places were associated with entering treatment at follow-up. Also, the more activities one engaged in, the greater likelihood of entering drug treatment. Conclusions and Scientific Significance: These findings suggest that practicing behaviors to control one's drug use may be a beneficial strategy for getting ready for treatment.
Association of nickel versus transport of cadmium and calcium in tonoplast vesicles of oat roots

The plant vacuole has long been suspected of being a site for accumulation of Ni in plant roots, but testing this hypothesis directly by vacuole isolation is technically difficult and has not been reported. Here, we have attempted to determine if Ni can be transported into isolated oat (Avena sativa L.) root tonoplast vesicles as an alternative approach toward understanding the importance of the vacuole in Ni accumulation in roots. We found that, in contrast to Ca and Cd, Ni did not affect the proton gradient of vesicles (MgATP energized or artificially created), and further, that Cd/H antiport activity was not affected by the presence of Ni. Nickel was associated with vesicles, but relative rates of accumulation/association of metals with vesicles were Ca > Cd Ni. Protonophores and the potential Ni ligands citrate and histidine, and nucleoside triphosphates or PPi did not stimulate Ni association with vesicles. Comparison of Ni versus Ca and Cd associated with vesicles using various membrane perturbants indicated that while Ca and Cd are rapidly and principally antiported to the vesicle sap, Ni is only slowly associated with the membrane in a not-easily dissociated condition. Our results indicate the absence of an Ni/H antiport or Ni-nucleotide-dependent pump in oat root tonoplasts, and support the contention that the vacuole is not a major compartment for Ni accumulation in oat roots.
Two serine residues on GluN2A C-terminal tails control NMDA receptor current decay times

NMDA receptors are glutamate-activated, Ca2+-permeable ion channels with critical roles in synaptic transmission and plasticity. The shape and size of their current is modulated by several kinase/phosphatase systems, and numerous residues located on the receptors’ intracellular C-termini are phosphorylated in vivo. To investigate the mechanisms by which phosphorylation may control channel gating, we examined the single-channel behaviors of receptors carrying the S900A or S929A substitution in their GluN2A subunits and thus were rendered resistant to phosphorylation at those sites. We found that the mutations reduced channel open probability primarily by increasing the frequency of desensitized events. The kinetic models we developed revealed complex but similar changes in mechanism for the two mutants, leading to the view that dephosphorylation at either site may cause receptors to activate slower, deactivate faster and desensitize more frequently. This modulatory mechanism is consistent with the proposed...
The Improved Point-Ion Potentials for the F+-Centers in LiNbO3 and LiTaO3

The validity of the point-ion potentials is very essential and even critical for the study of the F+-centers in lithium niobate and lithium tantalate. Earlier calculations are based on the assembly of 810 ions of the crystal-lattices. In order to address to this important subject in much greater detail new potentials are developed by including 3750 ions instead of 810 ions. It is found that the 3750 point-ion potentials are almost in accord with those of 810 point-ions for each crystal. This is also true for the resulting values of the transition energies. Thus the convergence of the lattice sums is further demonstrated, and the validity of 810 point-ion potentials is more convincingly shown. Die Zuverlassigkeit des Punktionenpotentials ist sehr wesentlich und sogar kritiseh bei der Untersuchung der F+-Zentren in Lithiumniobiat und Lithiumtantalat. Fruhere Untersuchungen beruhen auf der Anordnung von 810 Ionen des Kristallgitters. Um sich diesem wesentlichen Punkt ausfuhrlicher zuzuwenden, werden neue Potentiate durch Einbeziehung von 3750 statt 810 Ionen entwickelt. Es wird gefunden, das die 3750-Punkt-Ionen-Potentiale fast mit denen der 810-Punktionen-Potentiale fur jeden Kristall ubereinstimmen. Dies ist auch fur die resultierenden Werte der Ubergangsenergien der Fall. Damit wird die Konvergenz der Gittersummen erneut und die Zuverlassigkeit des 810-Punktionenpotentials zwingender gezeigt.
A laboratory study of the effect of Fe(II)-bearing minerals on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation measurements

A laboratory study was conducted to measure the effect of the mineralogic form and concentration of iron(II) [Fe(II)] minerals on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation rates of water-saturated sand mixtures. We measured mixtures of quartz sand and three common Fe(II)-bearing minerals in granular form: siderite (FeC O3 ) , pyrite (Fe S2 ) , and pyrrhotite ( Fe1−x S ; 0<x<0.2 ) at two concentrations of iron by weight. The NMR response of these samples was used to calculate four transverse relaxation rates for each Fe(II) mineral mixture: total mean log, bulk fluid, diffusion, and surface relaxation rates. The surface area of the samples was used to calculate the surface relaxivity of the sample and the magnetically active surface. For each iron mineral, the mean log and surface relaxation rates were greater for samples with higher Fe(II) concentration. For the siderite,pyrrhotite, and high-concentration pyrite mixtures, surface relaxation was the dominant relaxation mechanism. Bulk fluid relaxation co...
PREDICTORS OF PRONUNCIATION ACCURACY IN SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING1

Sixty-one non-native speakers of English were measured on 20 variables suspected of displaying significant relationships to pronunciation accuracy. The English pronunciation of the non-native speakers was then rated under controlled conditions by a panel of 14 native English-speaking judges. The variables which proved to be most strongly related to pronunciation accuracy were native language, strength of the speaker's concern about his pronunciation, and amount of conversation carried on at work and at school with native speakers of English. Among the variables found to have negligible relationships to pronunciation accuracy were amount of formal classroom training in the pronunciation of English, extroversion, and sex.
Hypolipidemic Activity of 3-N-(1′,8′-Naphthalimido)propionic Acid in Rodents

3-N-(1′,8′-Naphthalimido)propionic acid was synthesized and shown to effectively lower both serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats and mice. In hyperlipidemic mice, serum lipid levels were lowered significantly, approaching normal levels of cholesterol and below normal levels of triglyceride. The serum lipid levels were reduced due to accelerated clearance of cholesterol via the biliary route as well as a lowering of available acetyl CoA in the cytoplasm for liver de novo cholesterol and triglyceride syntheses. The liver regulatory enzyme of fatty acid and triglyceride syntheses were depressed by drug treatment. Significant reduction of liver lipids as well as the lipid content of the lipoprotein fractions were observed. The agent possessed a safe therapeutic index when used as a hypolipidemic agent.
Factors Related to Performance Ratings of Engineering Students in Cooperative Education Placements

The placement of post-secondary students in cooperative education (co-op) settings impacts students, employers, and academic institutions. Those responsible for securing such placements need information to guide them in maximizing the success of these assignments. The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between engineering students' performance in cooperative education placements and student demographic factors student academic factors co-op setting factors prior work experience. A survey was completed by 271 engineering students from nine U.S. engineering schools with formalized, structured cooperative education programs. Eight of the 14 predictor variables were related to performance ratings, although the statistically significant correlations were modest. The student's grade point average most highly correlated with performance in co-op placements (r=0.34). Among the other relationships found were the positive correlation of performance with the percent of coursework completed prior to placement (r=0.26) and the length of the placement (r=0.31). No evidence was found to suggest that the size of the co-op employer related to the student's performance. Coordinators of cooperative education may find these results useful to share with student advisees. However, due to the correlational nature of the study, readers are cautioned not to assume the findings reflect causal connections.
Modern Pulsed Wavemeters

Several technologies are available for interferometrically measuring laser wavelength to the precision of a Doppler width. These include instruments based on Fabry-Perot etalons, Fizeau wedges, Michelson interferometers, and other novel schemes. The current state of the art of these instruments is reviewed. Two new pulsed wavemeter designs are presented, the solid Fizeau wedge and the index mismatched interferometer. These instruments exhibit accuracies in the 106 range, and are very compact and inexpensive to fabricate.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Analytical Theory for the Quasi-Steady and Low-Frequency Equatorial Ocean Response to Wind Forcing: The “Tilt” and “Warm Water Volume” Modes

Abstract Analytical theory is used to examine the linear response of a meridionally unbounded stratified ocean to large-scale, low-frequency wind forcing. The following results, applied mainly to the equatorial Pacific, were obtained. (i) Provided that the wind stress curl vanishes at large distance from the equator, a general Sverdrup solution is valid in the quasi-steady (frequency ω → 0) limit. The meridionally averaged zonal flow toward the western boundary layer is zero so that there is no net mass flow into the boundary layer and the large-scale boundary condition is therefore satisfied. This solution predicts a zero pycnocline response in the eastern equatorial Pacific. It therefore predicts that, for the eastern equatorial Pacific, a slow weakening of the equatorial trade winds will not lead to long-term El Nino conditions there. (ii) Consistent with observations and other previous work, for finite but small frequencies there are two modes of equatorial motion. One is a “tilt” mode in which the eq...
AGENDA SETTING, THE "THIRD WAVE," AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE STATE

On the eve of a new millennium, the United States appears bent on diffusing the administrative state’s (Waldo) authority to address social problems throughout the public, market, and civic spheres. Ascendant presently in informing this “neoadministrative” state is a “downsizing, defunding, and devolution” (D3) agenda premised on behavioral, instrumental, and normative assumptions that are not so much wrong as seriously incomplete. This article argues that appropriately matching the metes and bounds of the neoadministrative state with the challenges posed by Third Wave transformations will elude the United States unless an alternative agenda is offered. This agenda must go beyond one-size-fits-all prescriptions, be better informed by empirically based research, and be culturally resonant with the values Lipset identifies as the “American Creed.” To this end, the rudiments of—and important questions posed by—a “reconnecting, reconceptualizing, and reengaging” (R3) agenda are offered, which may yet reframe d...
The effect of pinealectomy on hibernation in two species of seasonal hibernators, Citellus lateralis and C. richardsonii

Pinealectomies and radical sham pinealectomies were performed on golden-mantled and Richardson's ground squirrels approximately 1 month prior to the date of normal immergence for each species. Pinealectomy did not disrupt the hibernating rhythm of either species. These results suggest (1) that the pineal is not required for torpor to be initiated or maintained, (2) that either melatonin is not required for hibernation or another melatonin-producing organ compensates for the loss of the pineal, and (3) that the influence of the pineal is seasonal and had already acted prior to its surgical removal.
An Approach to the Patient with Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a common endocrinological complaint. The causes of this complaint can vary from dissatisfaction with a normal pattern of hair growth on the one hand, to the first clinical manifestation of androgen overproduction by an adrenal adenocarcinoma on the other. The purpose of this short review is to reexamine the physiology of hair growth in normal women, identify the common abnormal patterns, and explore the differential diagnosis associated with each. An approach to working through the differential diagnosis will be described, and the commonly available treatment modalities for the various forms of hirsutism will be examined in terms of risk and benefit. The review is written from the point of view of the physician and the most efficient, cost effective, and safe clinical approach to the patient with the problem.
Increased PTHrP and Decreased Estrogens Alter Bone Turnover but Do Not Reproduce the Full Effects of Lactation on the Skeleton

During lactation, calcium is mobilized from the maternal skeleton to supply the breast for milk production. This results in rapid but fully reversible bone loss. Prior studies have suggested that PTHrP, secreted from the breast, and estrogen deficiency, due to suckling-induced central hypogonadism, combine to trigger bone resorption. To determine whether this combination was sufficient to explain bone loss during lactation, we raised PTHrP levels and decreased levels of estrogens in nulliparous mice. PTHrP was infused via osmotic minipumps and estrogens were decreased either by using leuprolide, a long-acting GnRH agonist, or by surgical ovariectomy (OVX). Bone mineral density declined by 23.2 ± 1.3% in the spine and 16.8 ± 1.9% in the femur over 10 d of lactation. This was accompanied by changes in trabecular architecture and an increase in both osteoblast and osteoclast numbers. OVX and PTHrP infusion both induced a modest decline in bone mineral density over 10 d, but leuprolide treatment did not. The combination of OVX and PTHrP was more effective than either treatment alone, but there was no interaction between PTHrP and leuprolide. None of the treatments reproduced the same degree of bone loss caused by lactation. However, both forms of estrogen deficiency led to an increase in osteoclasts, whereas infusion of PTHrP increased both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Therefore, although the combination of PTHrP and estrogen deficiency contributes to bone loss, it is insufficient to reproduce the full response of the skeleton to lactation, suggesting that other factors also regulate bone metabolism during this period.
Exploring graduate and undergraduate course evaluations administered on paper and online: a case study

The purpose of this study was to analyse the students’ evaluations of the course and instructor for all statistics courses offered during fall semester 2009 at a large university in the southern United States. Data were collected and analysed for course evaluations administered both online and on paper to students in both undergraduate and graduate courses. Unlike most previous studies on this subject, class section rather than student was treated as the unit of analysis. It was of specific interest to verify prior research findings that evaluation surveys administered online would not result in lower course and instructor ratings and lower response rates. The results showed that there is not sufficient evidence within the collected data to conclude that either course and instructor ratings or response rates are lower for evaluations administered online (online evaluations) than they are for evaluations administered on paper (paper evaluations). Of secondary interest was whether class ratings would be ass...
Are Conceptualizations of Employee Compliance and Noncompliance in Information Security Research Adequate? Developing Taxonomies of Compliance and Noncompliance

This paper offers a grounded theory approach to a review of behavioral information security research. Behavioral information security research is in a nascent state, yet it is growing rapidly due to the importance of information security in organizations. This review examines a particular problem in security research, namely the lack of clear conceptualizations of employee compliance and noncompliance with security policies and norms. This review finds that definitions of compliance and noncompliance are taken-for-granted, which may indicate danger in examining results across studies. Based on existing research of compliance in the information systems field and other fields, this paper identifies four types of compliance and five types of noncompliance along with dimensions of compliance and noncompliance using a grounded theory approach.
Hind limb somatosensory evoked potentials in the monkey: the effects of distal axonopathy.

Computer-averaged short-latency somatosensory evoked potentials (SLSEP) to unilateral stimulation of the peroneal nerve were recorded from surface electrodes overlying the peripheral nerve, cauda equina, spinal cord, brainstem, and contralateral sensorimotor region. Seven monkeys were studied under normal conditions and at various stages of distal axonopathy induced by systematic acrylamide intoxication. With the use of a noncephalic reference, a series of five small-amplitude positive components were identified that precede the initial cortical activity. On the basis of timing and topography of the components, the source of the first one, SLSEP1, was localized to the lumbar dorsal root fibers and that of the second, SLSEP2, to the ascending spinal tracts, principally the gracile fasciculus. Bipolar recordings of the SLSEP2 overlying the rostral extreme of the cervical spinal cord provided a sensitive measure of the onset of distal axonopathy. Changes in the timing of this component antedated both abnormalities of spinal or peripheral nerve conduction and behavioral signs of intoxication. The initial alteration was specific to stimulation of the hind limb and was associated with early morphological change limited to the terminal and preterminal portions of the long axons in the gracile fasciculus.
Stent‐Assisted Carotid Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty: An Interventional Neuroradiologist's Perspective

There is currently no proof of the long-term clinical effectiveness of either carotid percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (CPTA) or stent-assisted carotid percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (SACPTA). Nevertheless, these types of endovascular therapies for carotid revascularization offer several apparent advantages over surgery. Until level I evidence of clinical safety and efficacy is available, however, the application of CPTA or SACPTA should be. restricted to patients considered poor candidates for endarterectomy, or those participating in approved multidisciplinary research initiatives.
Model predictive control of a hybrid electric powertrain with combined battery and ultracapacitor energy storage system

Due to the high energy density characteristic of the batteries with respect to the ultracapacitors and high power density characteristic of the ultracapacitors with respect to the batteries, combining these electrical energy storage devices is believed to provide an effective energy storage system for the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) applications. A real-time energy management strategy which supervises the split of the driver demand power between the engine, the battery and the ultracapacitor of the HEV is required. This paper presents an optimisation-based energy management strategy for the optimal control of the propulsion system of an HEV with combined battery and ultracapacitor storage system; an optimal control problem with a quadratic cost function is defined and linear time-varying Model Predictive Control (MPC) framework is employed to solve it in real-time. The simulation results of a high-fidelity model of an HEV with power-split powertrain show that the proposed strategy can effectively distribute power between the different components of the HEV while the powertrain constraints are enforced and the charge and discharge rate of the battery is noticeably reduced.
Educating Students with Severe Disabilities: Enhancing the Conversation Between Research and Practice

More conversation is needed between practitioners and researchers given the rapidly evolving field of severe disabilities. This article contributes to this conversation by describing the practical implications of current research in determining what, where, and how to teach students with severe disabilities. From this translation of research to practice, several questions are raised for future research, including how to gather information needed for educational planning, how to incorporate preferences of students with limited communication skills, how to balance various curricular options and empower families to participate in these decisions, how to select needed supports, and how to expand current research methods to address these and other questions.
A new permutation‐based method for assessing agreement between two observers making replicated quantitative readings

A new coefficient for assessing agreement between two observers using a permutation-based method is introduced in this article. When observations are binary, this coefficient compares the observed disagreement (probability of discordance) between the observers with its expected value under the hypothesis of individual equivalence. This hypothesis states that for each subject, the conditional distributions of the readings of the two observers are identical, and therefore from a statistical viewpoint it does not matter which observer makes the reading on this subject. Let K and L denote the numbers of replicated observations that are available from observers X and Y, respectively, on a given subject. Then the expected disagreement under individual equivalence for a subject is based on the (K + L) choosing K possible assignments of X's and Y's to the K + L observations made on this subject. Simple methods for the estimation of the new coefficient and its standard error are derived. The new coefficient is compared with kappa and the coefficient of individual agreement, which is based on comparing the inter and intra observer disagreements. Simulation studies confirm the validity of the estimated coefficient and its standard error. Data from a study involving the evaluation of mammograms by 10 radiologists are used to illustrate this new approach to the evaluation of observer agreement.
Cryptococcus neoformans: A sugar‐coated killer with designer genes

Cryptococcus neoformans has become a common central nervous system pathogen as the immunocompromised populations enlarge world-wide. This encapsulated yeast has significant advantages for the study of fungal pathogenesis and these include: (1) a clinically important human pathogen; (2) a tractable genetic system; (3) advanced molecular biology foundation; (4) understanding of several virulence phenotypes; (5) well-studied pathophysiology; and (6) robust animal models. With the use of a sequenced genome and site-directed mutagenesis to produce specific null mutants, the virulence composite of C. neoformans has begun to be identified one gene at a time. Studies into capsule production, melanin synthesis, high temperature growth, metabolic pathways and a variety of signaling pathways have led to understandings of what makes this yeast a pathogen at the molecular level. Multiple principles of molecular pathogenesis have been demonstrated in virulence studies with C. neoformans. These include evolutionary differences between the varieties of C. neoformans in their genes for virulence, quantitative impact of genes on the virulence composite, species and site-specific importance of a virulence gene, gene expression correlation with its functional importance or phenotype and the impact of a pathogenesis gene on the host immune response. C. neoformans has now become a primary model to study molecular fungal pathogenesis with the goal of identifying drug targets or vaccine strategies.
Optimal sensor design and control of piezoelectric laminate beams

In this paper, a new smart structure optimal design strategy is introduced and applied to robust vibration control of a piezoelectric laminate beam. The optimization of the smart material layout and the control law are performed simultaneously to extract maximum performance from the system. A homogenization approach is used to allocate sensor material, while a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) is used for the control law. The method is applied to a pinned-pinned beam where two cost functions are considered, both focusing on increasing the stability margin of the closed-loop system. The first is based on the observability gramian and the second on the control weighting parameter of the LQR cost function. Both cost functions yield optimal sensor distributions that improve the closed-loop performance as compared with uniform density distributions. In addition to investigating the effect of the cost function on the design, two different sensor design domains are considered. The first consists of five isolated patches of sensor material (a discrete sensor domain), while the second assumes the five patches cover the entire beam, but are electrically isolated (segmented distributed sensor domain). In all cases considered, the cost function based on the LQR control weighting parameter generates smoother sensor distributions that are always positively polled, an important fabrication consideration. The segmented distributed sensor approach yields the overall best performance.
Effect of Manganese Toxicity on the Indoleacetic Acid Oxidase System of Cotton

The effect of substrate manganese on tissue manganese levels and activity of the indoleacetic acid (IAA)-oxidase system of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, L.) was investigated. A sand culture technique was used with 1, 3, 9, 27 and 81 mg manganese (MnSO(4)) per liter nutrient solution applied in various experiments.The following relationships held for both long-term (126 days) and short-term (12-14 days) exposures to manganese treatment: A) There was a direct relationship between substrate and tissue manganese. B) Only the 81 mg/liter Mn plants exhibited severe manganese toxicity symptoms. C) At the toxic level of manganese an increased IAA-oxidase activity and decreased IAA-oxidase inhibitor activity was observed. There was a direct relationship between degree of enzyme response and severity of visible symptoms. D) With the manganese toxicity plants, but none of the other treatments, extracts of the young leaves contained as much IAA-oxidase activity as extracts of much older leaves. E) Crude extracts from the plants grown with 81 mg manganese per liter solution, in contrast to those of other treatments, destroyed IAA without addition of MnCl(2) to the assay medium.A hypothesis is advanced stating that manganese toxicity symptoms in cotton are expressions of auxin deficiency caused by IAA-oxidase activity increased by the abnormal tissue levels of manganese.
TEM Study of the Central Dark Line in Enamel Crystallites

The dark line which is observed in enamel crystallites represents a planar defect involving a single 100 plane of the hydroxyapatite structure. It may occur in the majority of crystals throughout the enamel, although it is only observed in specific diffraction conditions. Its presence may be related both to the formation and growth of crystallites in the developing tooth and to the manner in which the crystallites dissolve during caries. TEM studies show clearly that the central defect is not a dislocation, stacking fault or lattice twin boundary. They further indicate that it cannot represent a structural twin boundary. The remaining possibilities are that it represents a substitution in the HAP lattice, most likely involving carbonate ion, or a separate compatible calcium phosphate phase.
BioMEMS Technologies for Regenerative Medicine

The emergence of BioMEMS fabrication technologies such as soft lithography, micromolding and assembly of 3D structures, and biodegradable microfluidics, are already making significant contributions to the field of regenerative medicine. Over the past decade, BioMEMS have evolved from early silicon laboratory devices to polymer-based structures and even biodegradable constructs suitable for a range of ex vivo and in vivo applications. These systems are still in the early stages of development, but the long-term potential of the technology promises to enable breakthroughs in health care challenges ranging from the systemic toxicity of drugs to the organ shortage. Ex vivo systems for organ assist applications are emerging for the liver, kidney and lung, and the precision and scalability of BioMEMS fabrication techniques offer the promise of dramatic improvements in device performance and patient outcomes. Ultimately, the greatest benefit from BioMEMS technologies will be realized in applications for implantable devices and systems. Principal advantages include the extreme levels of achievable miniaturization, integration of multiple functions such as delivery, sensing and closed loop control, and the ability of precision microscale and nanoscale features to reproduce the cellular microenvironment to sustain long-term functionality of engineered tissues. Drug delivery systems based on BioMEMS technologies are enabling local, programmable control over drug concentrations and pharmacokinetics for a broad spectrum of conditions and target organs. BioMEMS fabrication methods are also being applied to the development of engineered tissues for applications such as wound healing, microvascular networks and bioartificial organs. Here we review recent progress in BioMEMS-based drug delivery systems, engineered tissue constructs and organ assist devices for a range of ex vivo and in vivo applications in regenerative medicine.
Hierarchical location analysis for integrated area planning in rural India

An approach to hierarchical location analysis being developed for integrated area planning in microregions defined as Community Development Blocks throughout rural India is described. Preparation of a general settlement plan is the first of three steps that have evolved as the principal components of the plan making process. Step two deals individually with functional sectors of economic and social activity such as agriculture, industry, and health. Finally, step three involves the preparation of an integrated area development plan (IAP). The IAP has four purposes. The first purpose is to reconcile possible differences between sectoral plans as well as between the sectoral plan and the General Settlement Plan. The second purpose is to propose and justify plans on the basis of sectoral integration that have not been proposed in the individual sectoral plans. The third purpose is to summarize all the major planning proposals made and possibilities for additions and deletions. Finally, the fourth purpose is to summarize key information pertaining to implementation of the IAP. Equations are provided to explain the P-median algorithm used to choose candidates for service centers. 27 references.
Parents' Use of Inductive Discipline: Relations to Children's Empathy and Prosocial Behavior

Relations between parents' discipline, children's empathic responses, and children's prosocial behavior were examined in order to evaluate Martin Hoffman's claim that children's empathy and empathy-based guilt mediate the socialization of children's prosocial behavior. 78 sixth and seventh graders (138-172 months in age), their mothers, and teachers completed multiple measures of Hoffman's constructs. Results were largely consistent with theory. Parents' use of inductive as opposed to power-assertive discipline was related to children's prosocial behavior. Children of inductive parents were more empathic; and more empathic children were more prosocial. Moreover, children's empathy was found to mediate the relation between parents' discipline and children's prosocial behavior. Few relations were obtained for children's guilt indices, but post hoc analyses yielded theoretically consistent results. Contrary to expectations, parents' use of statements of disappointment was the component of the inductive discipline score which was most strongly related to children's prosocial behavior.
AULACOPLEURID TRILOBITES FROM THE UPPER ORDOVICIAN OF VIRGINIA

Abstract Five species of aulacopleurid trilobites occur in rich, silicified trilobite faunas from the Upper Ordovician of Virginia: Harpidella triloba (Hu, 1975a), Strasburgaspis cona (Hu, 1971), and Strasburgaspis? n. sp. A, all from the Turinian Edinburg Formation, Harpidella whittingtoni new species, from the overlying Turinian Oranda Formation, and Harpidella evitti new species, from the Chatfieldian Martinsburg Formation. The species of Harpidella, similar to other sets of congeneric taxa known from the formations, are subtly but pervasively differentiated. In addition to qualitative differentia such as the expression of the eye socle and of pygidial tubercle rows, the species are shown to differ in cranidial and librigenal shape via landmark-based geometric morphometric analysis. The genus Strasburgaspis (type species S. cona) is new. It is assigned to Aulacopleuridae on the basis of its micropygous morphology, but it shares potential apomorphies with Brachymetopidae and could prove to be the most p...
Role of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Its Inhibition in Radiotherapy

Growth factors are substances that regulate cell growth and proliferation, and maintain architectural and functional homeostasis in normal tissues. They bind to specific cell membrane receptors setting in motion a highly regulated network of cellular events, signal transduction, gene activation, transcription, etc., which then regulate cell cycle checkpoints. Growth factors act locally by autocrine or paracrine functions or on distant tissues via endocrine activities. Over a hundred different growth factors have been identified, many of which interact with each other rendering complimentary or opposing effects on cell growth. Compared to normal tissues, growth factor signaling pathways in tumors are commonly subverted to result in inordinate division and function of cells. Tumors, which are composed of both malignant cells and many types of normal cells that infiltrate tumors, including endothelial cells, fibroblasts and lymphoid cells, secrete a variety of growth factors, which regulate tumor growth and dissemination. Comparable to their action in normal tissues, these factors can be autocrine, paracrine or affect cells at a distance from their production site and may have complementary or opposing effects on tumor cell growth.
Surgical anatomy of the liver.

This article attempts to bring together the facts concerning regional anatomy of the liver as well as intrahepatic arrangements. This will obviate complications associated with liver trauma and will also aid in conserving functioning liver tissue.
Airflows generated by an impacting drop

A drop impacting a solid surface with sufficient velocity will splash and emit many small droplets. However, lowering the ambient air pressure suppresses splashing completely. This effect, robustly found for different liquid and substrate properties, raises the fundamental question of how air affects a spreading drop. In a combined experimental and numerical study we characterize the flow of air induced by the drop after it hits the substrate, using a modified Schlieren optics technique combined with high-speed video imaging and Lattice-Boltzmann simulations. Our experiments reveal the emergence of air structures on different length scales. On large scales, the airflow induced in the drop's wake leads to vortex structures due to interaction with the substrate. On smaller scales, we visualize a ring structure above the outer edge of the spreading liquid generated by the spreading of the drop. Our simulations reveal the interaction between the wake vorticity and the flows originating from the rapidly escaping air from below the impacting drop. We show that the vorticity is governed by a balance between inertial and viscous forces in the air, and is unrelated to the splashing threshold.
Blood Transfusion Strategies for Hemostatic Resuscitation in Massive Trauma

Massive transfusion practices were transformed during the 1970s without solid evidence supporting the use of component therapy. A manual literature search was performed for all references to the lethal triad, acute or early coagulopathy of trauma, fresh whole blood, and component transfusion therapy in massive trauma, and damage control resuscitation. Data from recent wars suggest traditional component therapy causes a nonhemostatic resuscitation worsening the propagation of the lethal triad hastening death. These same studies also indicate the advantage of fresh whole blood over component therapy even when administered in a 1:1:1 replacement ratio.
Effect of mold growth on the pH of tomato juice

Fifty-eight species of 21 genera of molds were grown on tomato juice for 35 days to determine the effect on pH. The molds included members of the class Phycomycetes and the families Moniliaceae , Dematiaceae , and Tuberculariaceae . All molds except two raised the pH from the initial pH 4.1 to a range from 4.9 to greater than 9.0. Thirty-three of the Fungi lmperfecti (53%) raised the pH to values above 7.0. None of the Phycomycetes tested raised the pH above 7.0.
The Environment of Death and its Influence on Police Officers in the United States

Exposure to the threat of death or to death events is acknowledged to be a factor in the manifestation of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Police officers in the United States are immersed in ...