cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morphometric and Histopathological Parameters of Gonadal Development in Adult Common Carp from Contaminated and Reference Sites in Lake Mead, Nevada

Abstract This study examined the hypothesis that exposure to sublethal concentrations of contaminants alters the gonadal condition of feral common carp Cyprinus carpio. Adult common carp in Lake Mead, Nevada, were collected from a contaminated site (Las Vegas Bay) that receives municipal and industrial effluent and from a reference site (Overton Arm) with a relatively low level of contamination. Fish were sampled seven times over a 1-year period extending over two separate spawning seasons. Morphometric and histopathological parameters of gonadal and germ cell development were determined. In males, the pattern of seasonal changes in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) was similar between the sites and showed no clear association with site-specific seasonal temperature profiles. However, Las Vegas Bay males had consistently lower GSI values and, on one of the sampling dates, a lower proportion of sperm relative to other germ cell stages (determined histologically). Further, Las Vegas Bay males had a higher incid...
Low-voltage organic electro-optic modulators using transparent conducting oxides as electrodes

In this paper, we present a novel device structure for organic electro-optic modulators using transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) as electrodes to substantially reduce the switching voltage, and describe their fabrication. We report two different types of device geometry, a top conducting and a side conducting geometry, and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. We discuss how the voltage and speed performance of such modulators are dependant on the conductivity/optical loss ratio of the TCO electrodes. Our device simulation shows that by appropriately engineering the high TCO conductivity/optical loss ratio, 4-6x lower switching voltage can be achieved while still maintaining high modulation frequencies and low optical loss. We show that certain new TCO materials are capable of achieving the high conductivity/optical loss required for efficient modulation in the 1300-1550 nm wavelength range. We summarize the optical loss characteristics at 1300 nm of different types of thin-film TCO materials grown using different deposition techniques. TCO electrodes based on different types of materials, such as In 2 O 3 , ZnO, and ITO have been investigated for our device structures. Fabrication issues associated with the deposition of TCO electrodes directly on organic EO materials and our approach to addressing them are discussed. Initial results for organic EO modulators fabricated with TCOs as electrodes are presented, and the performance of these modulators are compared with theoretical modeling results. The new device structures presented here will enable next generation low-voltage organic EO modulators targeting RF photonics applications.
Doppler broadening integrals and other relatives of the error function

Abstract A simple and accurate method of computing Voigt functions is presented. The method is suggested as a possible means of computing related functions.
Education of Speech-Language Pathologists in the United Kingdom.

The education of speech—language pathologists (SLPs) in the United Kingdom and Ireland has many parallels with the university programs in the United States. A comparison of the two also reveals several differences. I know several SLPs who have moved to Ireland to assume excellent positions; furthermore, I recently met three other professionals who have relocated from Ireland to California to work in the schools and hospitals there. Thus, it is important to understand educational programs beyond our borders. This interview with Sister Marie de Monfort Supple of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, provides such an opportunity. I met Sister Marie in 1995 at the International Association of Logopedics and Phonetrics (IALP) Conference in Cairo, Egypt. She has been a dynamic international leader in speech—language pathology issues for several decades and is often present at ASHA conferences. I have visited Trinity College twice and hold my colleagues there in high esteem. In this interview, Sister Marie offers a ...
A simple efficient liquid scintillator for counting aqueous solutions in a liquid scintillation counter

Abstract A modification of the naphthalene-dioxane-PPO liquid scintillator has been described which will allow up to 3.0 ml of an aqueous solution to be counted. The efficiency of this method in the presence of 1.0 ml water is 65.6% for C 14 and 11.7% for tritiated water. This liquid scintillator has been used to count carbon-14 and tritium in urine, plasma, and liver homogenate. The effect of isotope concentration, solute concentration, and the presence of acids and bases on the count rate has been investigated.
A Computed Tomographic Stereotactic Adaptation System

An adaptation to render an existing popular stereotactic apparatus compatible with computed tomography (CT) is described. A localization system attaches to the stereotactic head holder and a simple computer program allows considerable accuracy in the translation of CT data into stereotactic space in
Band and Orchestra Teachers’ Rankings of General Pedagogical Knowledge and Skill

Classroom management, presentation, and organization skills are significant predictors in the success or failure of teachers regardless of subject. Elements of this type have been categorized in the literature as general pedagogical knowledge (GPK). The purpose of this quantitative study is to determine if a relationship exists between music teachers’ rankings of importance for GPK variables and the variables related to primary teaching assignment, grade level, teaching experience, and school size. Band and orchestra directors (N = 173) ranked the variables organize and plan instruction; develop rules, routines, procedures, handbooks, etc.; enforce classroom rules promptly and consistently; and develop relationships with students highest of all GPK variables. Some of the findings in this study suggest that band and orchestra directors may approach their time in classrooms differently based on their teaching assignment and grade level. Results give an insight into the specific nature of classroom managemen...
The Effects of HIV/AIDS on the Retention of Black Women in College

Although only contributing approximately 12% to the United States population, Black Americans account for the majority (51%) of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in this country. Black women in college between the ages of 18 and 24 fall directly in the center of these alarming statistics. These young women are faced with the psychosocial manifestations of internal negotiation, sacrifice of sexual safety, and ultimate threat of contracting HIV/AIDS, coupled with the negative social stereotypes attached to such behavior. Consequently, psychosocial ramifications of HIV/AIDS diagnoses play an integral role in the lives of the young Black women affected, including their decision to persist in their pursuit of a college degree. This article specifically explores the effects of HIV/AIDS on the retention of Black women in college.
Specification and Moral Rights

In this paper, I offer objections to an approach to formulating principles referring to moral rights that has come to known as “specification.” These objections (which are directed at all forms of specification, including one recently defended by Hallie Liberto) focus on rights-principles in their role as premises of inferences to conclusions regarding the moral rights of individuals in particular situations. I argue on practical grounds that specified principles have no useful role to play in such inferences, and on theoretical grounds that the specificationist position is self-defeating. This latter argument also suggests an interpretation of rights principles that avoids the objections to which specification is vulnerable.
Biographies: Carl Hammer (1914-2004)

Carl Hammer was a pioneer in many ways, but he was foremost an organizer and a tireless promoter of computing.
Continuous-flow, atmospheric-pressure microplasmas: a versatile source for metal nanoparticle synthesis in the gas or liquid phase

Continuous-flow, atmospheric-pressure microplamas are a unique class of plasmas that are highly suitable for emerging nanomaterials applications. Here, we present two schemes for the preparation of metal nanoparticles based on these plasma sources. Nanoparticles are synthesized in the gas phase by non-thermal dissociation of vapor precursors in a microplasma reactor. Monometallic Ni and Fe nanoparticles, as well as compositionally controlled NiFe bimetallic nanoparticles, can be grown with tunable mean diameters between 1 and 5 nm and narrow size distributions. Alternatively, colloidal metal nanoparticles are produced directly in aqueous solutions. Metal cations generated from anodic dissolution of a bulk metal or present in the form of metal salt are reduced by the microplasma to form nanoparticles and capped by a stabilizer. Both approaches are low cost, scalable and general and should allow a wide range of nanoparticle materials to be synthesized in the gas or liquid phase.
Changing Smoking Patterns and Mortality from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the result of many years of accelerated decline in lung function in susceptible cigarette smokers. Although risk factors for the susceptibility of smokers to COPD have been established, there are still large gaps in our knowledge of the biological basis for these risk factors and of how to identify individuals at risk. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death and, in contrast to other major chronic diseases in the United States, has not shown declines in mortality over the past 20 years. Mortality trends reflect patterns of initiation of cigarette smoking that occurred 30 to 50 years previously. Current mortality trends indicate that COPD mortality may be leveling off among white males, but will continue to increase among women, African-Americans, and the elderly. Recent studies indicate that early identification of individuals with airflow obstruction and smoking intervention can halt the progression of COPD, but widespread screening and intervention programs have not yet been established.
Synthetic, Structural, Spectroscopic, and Theoretical Studies of Structural Isomers of the Cluster Pt3(μ-PPh2)3Ph(PPh3)2. A Unique Example of Core Isomerism in Phosphine Phosphido-Rich Clusters

Two isomers of the phosphido-bridged platinum cluster Pt3(μ-PPh2)3Ph(PPh3)2 (2 and 3) have been isolated, and their structures have been solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmc21 with a = 22.192(10) A, b = 17.650(9) A, c = 18.182(8) A, and Z = 4. Compound 3 crystallizes with 2 molecules of dichloromethane in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 21.390(10) A, b = 18.471(9) A, c = 19.021(11) A, β = 105.27(5)°, and Z = 4. The two isomers differ essentially in their metal−metal distances and Pt−(μ-PPh2)−Pt angles. Thus 2, having an imposed Cs symmetry, contains a bent chain of metal atoms with two short Pt−Pt distances of 2.758(3) A and a long separation of 3.586(2) A. In 3, which has an imposed C2 symmetry, the metal atoms form an isosceles triangle with two Pt−Pt distances of 2.956(3) A and one of 3.074(4) A. These isomers can be smoothly interconverted by changing the crystallization solvents. Solution and solid-state 31P NMR studies have ...
Knowing What to Expect: Introducing Preservice Teachers to IEP Meetings

M than five million IEP conferences are conducted each year. Despite the number of meetings, many IEPs are not educationally useful or legally correct (Bateman & Linden, 1998). A common concern for principals and special education directors hiring new special education teachers is their lack of information concerning IEP development and experience establishing parent relationships that are required to produce valid, family-centered, and legally compliant IEPs (Gelzheiser, McLane, Meyers, & Pruzek, 1998; Huefner, 2000). For decades prior to the enactment of P.L. 94-142, now the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents and family members were totally alone in their burden of educating and caring for their children with disabilities. IDEA not only guaranteed a free and appropriate education for all children, it also mandated parent involvement (Simpson, 1996). Parental participation as a right enforceable by law was possibly the most radical provision of the law. This provision is based on the assumption that parental participation is beneficial to both parents and professionals and is a vehicle to hold schools accountable to parents and students (Turnbull, Turnbull, & Wheat, 1982 as cited in Rock, 2000). Congress upheld these assumptions in two reauthorizations of P.L. 94-142; IDEA 1997 strengthens and expands the role of parents (Bateman & Linden, 1998). IEPs have been identified as the most significant component of IDEA. Two major elements characterize IEPs. First, the IEP meeting is a process of joint decision-making for parents and professionals. Second, the IEP document describes and documents decisions made by parents and professionals (Simpson, 1996). While the IEP provides a tool that is intended to be used to initiate and implement a parent-professional partnership facilitating an effective and appropriate education for children with disabilities, the legal rights of children and parents and the mandate for parent involvement do not always result in a positive parent teacher partnership (Simpson, 1996). Despite the emphasis on active family involvement and the ongoing rhetoric regarding collaboration, there are many reports indicating that family involvement continues to be passive or submissive participation (Ferguson, Ferguson, & Jones, 1988; Gallivan-Fenlon, 1994; HanleyMaxwell, Whitney-Thomas, & Pogoloff, 1995; Harry, 1992). Passive participation cannot be the ideal or most productive role in light of the fact that family members are generally the one constant in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Family members often remain actively involved, providing or obtaining supports and services throughout the life span (Ferguson, Ferguson, Jeanchild, Olson, & Lucyshyn, 1993). Contradictions often exist between professional espoused values related to family involvement and the reality of daily practices when interacting with families (Pogoloff, 1997).
C. D. orientation to evaluation: Systems‐process model for program evaluators

Abstract Use of the community development process is increasingly characteristic of public agencies (both governmental and nongovernmental) that are charged with assisting in planning, implementing, and evaluating action programs/Professionals involved in the community development process, either as agency employees or as outside consultants/ researchers, need to consider all phases of program development (planning, implementation and evaluation) from a community development orientation. While consideration generally is given to planning and implementation, evaluation should receive considerably more attention. A systems‐process model of the evaluation process is presented which conceptualizes the evaluation process into five major phases. Issues within each phase are discussed to suggest how the evaluation process can beneficially incorporate many of the same features and characteristics found in the community development process. The systems‐process model of evaluation is an attempt to conceptually deal...
Resuspension of Soil as a Source of Airborne Lead near Industrial Facilities and Highways

Geologic materials are an important source of airborne particulate matter less than 10 microm aerodynamic diameter (PM10), but the contribution of contaminated soil to concentrations of Pb and other trace elements in air has not been documented. To examine the potential significance of this mechanism, surface soil samples with a range of bulk soil Pb concentrations were obtained near five industrial facilities and along roadsides and were resuspended in a specially designed laboratory chamber. The concentration of Pb and other trace elements was measured in the bulk soil, in soil size fractions, and in PM10 generated during resuspension of soils and fractions. Average yields of PM10 from dry soils ranged from 0.169 to 0.869 mg of PM10/g of soil. Yields declined approximately linearly with increasing geometric mean particle size of the bulk soil. The resulting PM10 had average Pb concentrations as high as 2283 mg/kg for samples from a secondary Pb smelter. Pb was enriched in PM10 by 5.36-88.7 times as compared with uncontaminated California soils. Total production of PM10 bound Pb from the soil samples varied between 0.012 and 1.2 mg of Pb/kg of bulk soil. During a relatively large erosion event, a contaminated site might contribute approximately 300 ng/m3 of PM10-bound Pb to air. Contribution of soil from contaminated sites to airborne element balances thus deserves consideration when constructing receptor models for source apportionment or attempting to control airborne Pb emissions.
Studies of surface reactions of NO by isotope labeling: VII. Oxygen exchange between nickel oxide and N18O, 18O2 and N218O

Abstract Previously it was found that Fe 2 O 3 exchanges oxygen with nitric oxide at temperatures far below those required for the decomposition of NO. This work extends the study to NiO. A comparison is made between the exchange of oxygen in the surface of NiO single crystals with N 18 O, 18 O 2 and N 2 18 O. Exchange of oxide oxygen with NO is measurable at room temperature, while the exchange with O 2 begins at 200 °C; N 2 O exchanges its oxygen even more slowly than does molecular oxygen and, unlike NO, tends to decompose before the oxygen exchanges.
Excitatory amino acid receptors in epilepsy

Abstract Excitatory amino acid transmitters participate in normal synaptic transmission throughout the CNS (see Headley and Grillner, May TiPS ), so it comes as no surprise that such excitatory pathways are involved in the initiation of seizures and their propagation. Most attention has been directed to synapses using NMDA receptors, although more recent evidence indicates potential roles for the AMPA receptors as well. In this article — the first of two to focus on the neurological dangers inherent in excitatory amino acid pathways — Raymond Dingledine, Chris McBain and James McNamara consider their involvement in epilepsy; next month's article will cover brain damage following ischemia and hypoxia.
Mechanism of thymineless death.

Approximately 30 years ago it was observed by Seymour Cohen that an E. coli mutant that required thymine became non-viable within one generation time after transfer to a medium lacking thymine. This was in contrast to the prolonged tolerance for depletion of precursors for protein or RNA synthesis, or requirements for energy metabolism and carbon sources.
Suitability of Case Mix Adjustment Models for Accurately Predicting Expected Lengths of Stay (LOS) and Hospital Charges for Inpatient Newborn Infants• 456

Comparisons of LOS and financial data for neonatal care are hampered by lack of verified models that adjust for different mixes of patients served at different times and by different providers. This report describes current progress in the development and testing of several such models.Methods: Clinical and financial data on 22,850 births in FY 95-96 for two metropolitan hospitals, A and B. Hospital A, a tertiary center, provides levels I, II, and III neonatal care. B, provides only levels I and II care. Patients excluded who died, were transferred, or had incomplete data. Remaining records divided randomly into two sets; one for model development, the other verification. Four models generated. Two based on aggregate data from A and B, two on data only from patients born at hospital A. Birth weight(250 g stratifications), gestation (2 wk strata), male sex, and multiple birth, introduced as independent variables to linear regression procedure. Either LOS or hospital charges used as dependent variables. Verifications of parameter estimates performed by computing a predicted LOS and total hospital charge for each patient not used in model generation. Predicted values compared to actual LOS and charges. Results: Significant differences in characteristics of patients at each hospital (p<.001). Model using aggregate data from both hospitals generated R2 of.83 for LOS and.63 for charges. In verification, actual LOS was predicted with residual error of only 2%. Prediction of hospital charges slightly less accurate with residual error of 6%. Using hospital A data only to generate 3rd and 4th models was less accurate in predicting hospital B performance for LOS (10% residual error). The prediction was even worse for charges (56% residual error). Conclusions: If model parameters are generated using aggregate data including records from the specific hospital, LOS for a neonate in a specific hospital can be fairly well predicted using a simple set of independent variables. Using aggregate data also produces fairly accurate expectations for hospital charges. Prediction of LOS and hospital charges for a specific hospital are far less accurate if models are based only on data from another hospital. Speculation: Hospital charges are less well predicted than LOS because they are not established solely as consequence of disease risk, severity, or length of care.
Spatially regulated genes expressed during seed germination and postgerminative development are activated during embryogeny.

We investigated the control of genes expressed primarily during seed germination and postgerminative development in Brassica napus L. We identified cloned mRNA sequences which became prevalent within 1 day after the start of imbibition and were at low or undetectable levels in immature embryos, dry seeds, and leaves. Most postgermination-abundant mRNAs accumulated primarily, though not exclusively, in different parts of the seedling. Of the 14 cloned mRNAs, 8 were prevalent in cotyledons, 2 were abundant in seedling axes, and 4 were approximately equally distributed in both parts. We showed that although these mRNAs reached maximal levels in seedlings, the spatially regulated mRNAs were also detected at distinct embryonic stages; mRNAs prevalent in seedling axes accumulated primarily during early embryogenesis while cotyledon-abundant mRNA concentration increased during late embryogeny. We conclude that the temporal and spatial regulation of gene expression in seedlings reflects similarities and differences in the physiological functions of cotyledons and axes. Furthermore, the regulated expression of cotyledon-abundant genes during late embryogeny suggests that the mRNAs and possibly proteins may accumulate in preparation for subsequent seedling growth. Similarities in the accumulation of cotyledon-abundant mRNAs may indicate coordinate regulation of this gene set.
Observation on the in vivo inactivation of testosterone propionate by the liver of the white rat.

THE mechanism by which the liver inactivates2 various steroid hormones has been the subject of numerous investigations since Zondek (1934) first demonstrated the inactivation of estrogen by this organ. Interest in the metabolism of estrogens seems to have been more extensive than interest in the metabolism of androgens. Six years after Zondek’s observation with estrogens, Biskind and Mark (1939) demonstrated that pellets of testosterone propionate implanted in the spleen did not effect weight changes in the prostate or seminal vesicles of castrate rats. They observed that pellets implanted subcutaneously, or into a subcutaneously transplanted spleen, caused a marked increase in the size of the male accessories. From this evidence, they suggested that the liver was the site of inactivation of testosterone propionate. Later, these observations were extended to methyl testosterone and testosterone (Burrill and Greene, 1942). The former caused slight prostatic enlargement when implanted in the spleen.
Social and orientation behavior of Polyergus breviceps during slave-making raids

In southeastern Arizona, Polyergus breviceps conducts slave raids on Formica gnava. Intraspecific territorial raids are frequent, and result in brood capture when the invaded colony is small. Target Formica colonies are located by one or more Polyergus scouts. Field tests show that scouts use optical orientation when returning from the target nest to their own colony, and when leading nestmates on the slave raid back to the Formica colony (Fig. 1). Both scouts and raiders deposit a chemical trail as they move out on the raid. After the raid, the Polyergus workers orient to their home nest by simultaneously using optical cues and the chemical trail deposited on the outbound raid.
Bond graph simulation of skeletal muscle glucose metabolism.

Abstract A mathematical model of skeletal muscle glucose metabolism is presented. This model resulted from the application of thermodynamics combined with the dynamics of an energy storage capability. The physiological system consists of the insulin modulated, carrier-mediated transport of glucose into skeletal muscle, the biochemical reactions of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway, the cyclic 3′,5′ adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase controlled synthesis/degradation of glycogen stores, and the diffusion of lactate from muscle. The metabolic system is defined and synthesized by the construction of the energy flow bond graph. The bond graph model was evaluated by simulating the system response over a 2 min period to step increases in extracellular epinephrine concentration. The simulated response of the metabolites and modulated enzymes corresponds, qualitatively and quantitatively, with in vivo measurements published in the literature.
Patient Safety and End-of-Life Care Common Issues, Perspectives, and Strategies for Improving Care

The current state of the science in the fields of patient safety and palliative and end-of-life care have many issues in common. This article synthesizes recent systematic reviews and additional research on improving patient safety and end-of-life care and compares each field's perspective on common issues, both in traditional patient safety frameworks and in other areas, and how current approaches in each field can inform the other. The article then applies these overlapping concepts to a key example area: improving documentation of patient preferences for life-sustaining treatment. The synthesis demonstrates how end-of-life issues should be incorporated into patient safety initiatives. In addition, evaluating overlap and comparable issues between patient safety and end-of-life care and comparing different perspectives and improvement strategies can benefit both fields.
Modification of cholesterool crystal-induced inflammation

Cholesterol crystals induced inflammation in normal rats upon being injected into the footpad. Cholesterol caused less swelling than did an equal amount (3 mg) of monosodium urate crystals. In rats made deficient in essential fatty acids on the basis of clinical criteria (thereby presumably being deficient in prostaglandins) cholesterol crystals did not produce normal levels of swelling. Injections of prostaglandin E1, prostacyclin and thromboxane (B2) did not result in perturbations in cholesterol-induced swelling. Colchicine and indomethacin, given systemically, were very effective in reducing cholesterol crystal-induced foot swelling. Prostaglandin E2 also demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect.
High electron mobility AlGaN/GaN heterostructures grown on sapphire substrates by molecular-beam epitaxy

High-quality AlGaN/GaN heterostructures have been grown by ammonia gas-source molecular-beam epitaxy on sapphire substrates. Incorporation of a low-temperature-grown AlN interlayer during the growth of a thick GaN buffer is shown to substantially increase the mobility of the piezoelectrically induced two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in unintentionally doped AlGaN/GaN heterostructures. For an optimized AlN interlayer thickness of 30 nm, electron mobilities as high as 1500 cm2/V s at room temperature, 10 310 cm2/V s at 77 K, and 12 000 cm2/V s at 0.3 K were obtained with sheet densities of 9×1012 cm−2 and 6×1012 cm−2 at room temperature and 77 K, respectively. The 2DEG was confirmed by strong and well-resolved Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations starting at 3.0 T. Photoluminescence measurements and atomic force microscopy revealed that the densities of native donors and grain boundaries were effectively reduced in the AlGaN/GaN heterostructures incorporating low-temperature-grown AlN interlayers.
Functional assessment and treatment of trichotillomania and skin-picking: A case study

Abstract This case study included functional assessment and treatment of trichotillomania and skin picking by a 6-year old female kindergarten student of typical development. The school׳s behavior specialist provided assessment and treatment services in the school setting. Functional assessment included indirect assessment (i.e., teacher completed functional assessment rating scale and follow-up interview) followed by a brief functional analysis. The behavior specialist used functional assessment data to individually tailor a simplified habit reversal intervention, which effectively treated trichotillomania and skin picking. Treatment gains maintained at 3-month follow-up. Results from this case study may be used to inform assessment and treatment of trichotillomania and skin picking across school and clinical settings.
Knowledge base evaluation of medicine residents on the gastroenterology service: Implications for competency assessments by faculty

Abstract Background & Aims: Clinician educators are asked to provide both formative and summative evaluations on the medical knowledge of residents. This study evaluated the accuracy of these evaluations and the perception of residents regarding the ability of faculty to assess medical knowledge. Methods: Gastroenterology knowledge ratings provided by 15 faculty gastroenterologists on 49 internal medicine residents during a required gastroenterology rotation were correlated with performance on the gastroenterology subsection of the In-Training Examination for Internal Medicine. Residents also were surveyed regarding their perception of the ability of faculty to judge their knowledge of medical gastroenterology. Results: The mean correlation (Kendall's tau b) of faculty ratings with performance on the ITE was 0.30 ( P Conclusions: The ability of faculty gastroenterologists to judge the knowledge of gastroenterology in their resident trainees was quite limited. Residents, as well as faculty, inaccurately perceive the ability of gastroenterologists to render professional judgments on their knowledge base as good. An end-of-rotation written examination would appear to be required to provide an accurate assessment of the medical knowledge of residents. CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY 2003;1:64-68
Ottoman Population Records and the Census of 1881/82–1893

Population movements have always played a dynamic role in the transformation of human society throughout history. Indeed, there is not a single phase of history anywhere in the world which has not been related in some way to low or high rates of birth and mortality, to migration and settlement and to their social, cultural, economic, and political effects. The history of the Middle East supplies excellent examples to support this contention. The Muslim calendar begins with an act of migration, that is the hejira of a.d. 622. Migrants going from the countryside to urban centers or fleeing from areas hostile to Islam have always exerted a crucial influence upon the social and political destiny of Muslim countries. The refugees from Spain to North Africa in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the forced migration of Muslims from Russia (the Caucasus and Crimea) in the eighteenth to twentieth centuries, the shift of population in India, Pakistan, and Palestine in the 1940s, to cite just a few examples, have been major factors accounting, at least in part, for the social transformation of the Muslim world in general, and of the Middle East in particular.
Visual search for high-level configural differences as well as low-level critical features is highly efficient early in childhood

Visual search, or the ability to locate a single target from a field of distractors, is used as a means of assessing the capacity of the visual system with regard to the detection of low-level stimulus dimensions such as color, line orientation, and other specific perceptual features and higher level characteristics such as three-dimensional (3-D) orientation implied by pictorial cues to depth or occlusion. Target-distractor differences of importance to the visual system result in rapid (and possibly preattentive) target location while differences of lesser importance (or differences that are less salient) tend to elicit slower, less efficient search performance (search in this latter case may require attentional resources.) Adult abilities in this type of task have been tested extensively, but comparatively little is known about the development of these abilities. The present investigation was conducted to test, across a range of ages in childhood, the ability to detect visual search targets defined by a low-level critical feature (a texton; B. Julesz, 1981) and by static (pictorial) cues to depth. Children 2 to 9 years of age and adults were tested with each type of target. Previous data from infant studies predicted that the texton-defined differences would elicit highly efficient search performance, and this proved to be the case. When no texton difference was present, however, children's search was highly inefficient. Children between 4 to 9 years of age also proved to be quite efficient at locating a target, differing only by a pictorially rendered 3-D orientation from the distractors, but were much less efficient when the static cues to 3-D orientation were removed. These findings confirm previous reports that the basic processes underlying visual search are functional early in development, but suggest that children's search is less efficient than adult search when attention is required for object localization.
UnyLinker: An Efficient and Scaleable Synthesis of Oligonucleotides Utilizing a Universal Linker Molecule: A Novel Approach To Enhance the Purity of Drugs

A novel universal linker (UnyLinker) molecule which has a conformationally rigid and chemically stable bridge head ring oxygen atom carrying a conventional 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl (DMT) and succinyl groups locked in a syn orientation has been developed to carry out oligonucleotide synthesis efficiently and smoothly. The geometry of the vicinal syn oxygen functionalized group allows fast and clean cleavage under standard aqueous ammonia deprotection conditions to afford high-quality oligonucleotides. No base modification is observed, based on the ion-pair HPLC−UV−MS (IP-HPLC−UV−MS) method with detection limit of <0.1%. A class of impurities formed by branching from the exocyclic amino group of nucleosides loaded onto a solid support has been eliminated by the use of this method. Examples demonstrating the versatile nature of this molecule are shown by syntheses of different chemistries such as 2′-deoxy, 2′-O-methyl, 2′-O-methoxyethyl, Lock nucleic acids (LNA), 2′-α-fluoro nucleic acids (FANA), conjugates such...
Elimination and strengthening of glycinergic/GABAergic connections during tonotopic map formation.

Synapse elimination and strengthening are central mechanisms for the developmental organization of excitatory neuronal networks. Little is known, however, about whether these processes are also involved in establishing precise inhibitory circuits. We examined the development of functional connectivity before hearing onset in rats in the tonotopically organized, glycinergic pathway from the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) to the lateral superior olive (LSO), which is part of the mammalian sound localization system. We found that LSO neurons became functionally disconnected from ∼75% of their initial inputs, resulting in a two-fold sharpening of functional topography. This was accompanied by a 12-fold increase in the synaptic conductance generated by maintained individual inputs. Functional elimination of MNTB–LSO synapses was restricted to the period when these glycinergic/GABAergic synapses are excitatory. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms by which precisely organized inhibitory circuits are established during development.
The Yellow Press: Asian American Radicalism and Conflict in Gidra

This article analyzes the highly politicized Asian American newspaper Gidra as a way of expanding our conception of ethnic media beyond mainstream publications to include radical ethnic media. In contrast to the notion that ethnic communities might shy from exposing the internal conflicts that jeopardize their own community’s stability, Gidra demonstrates three different kinds of conflict: external conflict, internal conflict, and conflict that is produced by the paper itself. Through this exploration, the different ways that Asian American identities were created and discussed during the late 1960s and early 1970s are also assessed, as the radical contingent of the Asian American Movement used print publications to redefine what it meant to be Asian in America.
Mechanical behaviour and failure phenomenon of an in situ toughened silicon nitride

The Weibull modulus, fracture toughness and crack growth resistance of an in-situ toughened, silicon nitride material used to manufacture a turbine combustor were determined from room temperature to 1371 C. The material exhibited an elongated grain structure that resulted in improved fracture toughness, nonlinear crack growth resistance, and good elevated temperature strength. However, low temperature strength was limited by grains of excessive length (30 to 100 microns). These excessively long grains were surrounded by regions rich in sintering additives.
Dissection of Coactivator Requirement at RNR3 Reveals Unexpected Contributions from TFIID and SAGA

The gene encoding ribonucleotide reductase 3 (RNR3) is strongly induced in response to DNA damage. Its expression is strictly dependent upon the TAFII subunits of TFIID, which are required for the recruitment of SWI/SNF and nucleosome remodeling. However, full activation of RNR3 also requires GCN5, the catalytic subunit of the SAGA histone acetyltransferase complex. Thus, RNR3 is dependent upon both TFIID and SAGA, two complexes that deliver TATA-binding protein (TBP) to promoters. Furthermore, unlike the majority of TFIID-dominated genes, RNR3 contains a consensus TATA-box, a feature of SAGA-regulated core promoters. Although a large fraction of the genome can be characterized as either TFIID- or SAGA-dominant, it is expected that many genes utilize both. The mechanism of activation and the relative contributions of SAGA and TFIID at genes regulated by both complexes have not been examined. Here we delineated the role of SAGA in the regulation of RNR3 and contrast it to that of TFIID. We find that SAGA components fulfill distinct functions in the regulation of RNR3. The core promoter of RNR3 is SAGA-dependent, and we provide evidence that SAGA, not TAFIIs within TFIID, are largely responsible for TBP recruitment. This taken together with our previous work provides evidence that SAGA recruits TBP, whereas TFIID mediates chromatin remodeling. Thus, we described an unexpected shift in the division of labor between these two complexes and provide the first characterization of a gene that requires both SAGA and TFIID.
Displacement of streptococcus zooepidemicus from equine uterine epithelium by N-acetyl-d-galactosamine in vitro

Summary The capability of bacteria to adhere to host cells, such as the uterine epithelium, is an essential step for the survival of the infectious agent and subsequent pathogenesis. Some bacteria, but not all, attach to specific sugars on the surface of mucosal cells. Lectins on the surface of the bacteria mediate this type of binding to mucosal sugars by specific “lock and key” interactions. Streptococcus zooepidemicus is one of the bacteria commonly associated with endometritis in susceptible mares. The purpose of this study was to determine: 1 ) which sugar(s) competitively inhibit the attachment of S. zooepidemicus to the endometrium in vitro; 2) whether the sugar attaches to S. zooepidemicus or to the epithelium; 3) if the sugar could displace S. zooepidemicus from the mare's mucosa in vitro . Fresh endometrial biopsies from diestrus uteri, were incubated with S. zooepidemicus (0.5 ml of 10 9 cells/ml suspension, O.D.= 0.9 at 640 nm) in the presence of: no sugar (control), N -acetyl- d -galactosamine (D-galNAc),D-(+)-mannose, a-D-(+)-glucose or N -acetyl- d -glucosamine (D-gluNAc)(sugar concentration=25 rag/ml). Bacterial colonization was significantly reduced by D-galNAc and D-(+)-mannose when compared to controls (p S. zooepidemicus prior to its contact with tissue, significantly inhibited bacterial colonization of the epithelium. No significant decrease in bacterial attachment was observed when this sugar was incubated with the endometrium prior to the introduction of the bacteria. These results indicate that this sugar acts upon the bacteria and not the endometrium to prevent binding. In the third study, uterine tissue was incubated with S. zooepidemicus for 1 h to establish attachment of the bacteria. Then D-galNAc was added to the culture. This resulted in a significant displacement of the bacteria from the tissue.
Heavy Metals, Hematology, Plasma Chemistry, and Parasites in Adult Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis)

Ozark (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) and eastern hellbenders (C. a. alleganiensis) from seven rivers in Missouri, USA, were collected to investigate essential information on hematology, parasites, and plasma chemistry and levels of select heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Co) in the animals' blood. The body masses of Ozark hellbenders were much smaller than those of eastern hellbenders. Blood parasites were detected in Ozark hellbenders, but not eastern hellbenders. The higher frequency in occurrence of eosinophils in Ozark hellbenders (8.8-16.8%) than in eastern hellbenders (highest at 6.6%) might result from the infection of parasites. Seven of the 18 hematology and plasma parameters (hematocrit, basophils, eosinophils, K, P, Ca, and chloride) showed significant differences between subspecies. The blood levels of heavy metals Co, Hg, and Pb differed significantly between subspecies. Ozark hellbenders had higher blood levels of Co ( p < 0.001), while blood levels of Hg and Pb were higher in eastern hellbenders. The levels of chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) were not different between subspecies and among rivers. The eastern hellbenders at Niangua River and the Ozark hellbenders at the North Fork of the White River had lower Hg levels compared to eastern and Ozark hellbenders at other sites. All together, our findings provide important baseline information for managing this endangered species. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1132-1137. # 2010 SETAC
The Ethics of Respect in Nursing

The term respect is pervasive in biomedical ethical literature and in all disciplines. It is a concept used to connote dignity, reverence, and regard. To demonstrate respect implies actions of doing what is good. When viewed in the context of nursing research, practice, and education, questions abound as to how respect is offered to others. The author of this column examines and offers possible definitions for the term respect and provides possible implications for leadership in nursing from a nursing theoretical perspective.
Towards Energy Efficient Design of Multi-radio Platforms for Wireless Sensor Networks

We study the problem of concurrently supporting multiple radios with different capabilities and interfaces on a single sensor node platform. Through a detailed experimental study on hardware multi-radio platforms, using the two representative radio technologies 802.15.4 and 802.11, we identify bottlenecks and design tradeoffs that are usually overlooked and that, as we show, have a significant impact on the sensor network's performance and energy efficiency. Our findings are threefold. We show that a proper pairing of processor and radio is crucial for taking the full advantage of the energy efficiency of higher bandwidth radios. The processor/radio pairing affects the energy balance of a sensor node, thus making the design of dynamic switching among multiple radios more challenging. Second, we demonstrate and quantify the impact of network traffic on energy consumption of a sensor node while varying network parameters, and illustrate the deficiency of existing energy-optimizing protocols. Our results indicate that by properly adjusting network parameters, such as packet size and transmission period, energy savings of up to 50% can be achieved under heavy network traffic conditions when a CSMA-based MAC is used. We conclude by presenting a set of guidelines for designing and implementing energy efficient multi-radio platforms.
Low temperature specific heat of EuSe

Abstract Specific heat measurements on EuSe from 0.5 to 6°K are reported. An anomaly at 2.8°K was found.
Online adaptation policy design for grid sensor networks with reconfigurable embedded nodes

This paper presents a systematic methodology for designing the adaptation policies of reconfigurable sensor networks. The work is motivated by the need to provide efficient sensing, processing, and networking capabilities under tight hardware, bandwidth, and energy constraints. The design flow includes two main steps: generation of alternative design points representing different performance-cost trade-offs, and finding the switching rates between the points to achieve effective adaptation. Experiments studied the scaling of the methods with the size of the networks, and the effectiveness of the produced policies with respect to data loss, latency, power consumption, and buffer space.
Wood decomposition as influenced by invertebrates

The diversity and habitat requirements of invertebrates associated with dead wood have been the subjects of hundreds of studies in recent years but we still know very little about the ecological or economic importance of these organisms. The purpose of this review is to examine whether, how and to what extent invertebrates affect wood decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. Three broad conclusions can be reached from the available literature. First, wood decomposition is largely driven by microbial activity but invertebrates also play a significant role in both temperate and tropical environments. Primary mechanisms include enzymatic digestion (involving both endogenous enzymes and those produced by endo- and ectosymbionts), substrate alteration (tunnelling and fragmentation), biotic interactions and nitrogen fertilization (i.e. promoting nitrogen fixation by endosymbiotic and free-living bacteria). Second, the effects of individual invertebrate taxa or functional groups can be accelerative or inhibitory but the cumulative effect of the entire community is generally to accelerate wood decomposition, at least during the early stages of the process (most studies are limited to the first 2–3 years). Although methodological differences and design limitations preclude meta-analysis, studies aimed at quantifying the contributions of invertebrates to wood decomposition commonly attribute 10–20% of wood loss to these organisms. Finally, some taxa appear to be particularly influential with respect to promoting wood decomposition. These include large wood-boring beetles (Coleoptera) and termites (Termitoidae), especially fungus-farming macrotermitines. The presence or absence of these species may be more consequential than species richness and the influence of invertebrates is likely to vary biogeographically.