cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Building Collective Teacher Efficacy Through Teacher Collaboration

Both individual and collective efficacy are often overlooked in discussions about school improvement, despite the fact that these constructs exert significant influence on students’ literacy learning and achievement. The authors in this chapter focus on how efficacious high school English teachers in an urban school feel and in particular, if they believe that their efforts impact students’ literacy lives. Four high school English teachers are profiled, drawing upon interviews and observations. The findings reveal that improving teacher efficacy, individually and collectively, supports teachers to develop their agency and identity, and as a result, their job satisfaction and impact on students. The authors consider how to engage themselves and their teacher colleagues in increasing efficacy and thus student literacy learning. Most importantly, the authors provide a series of recommendations that ELA teachers and their leaders can use to mobilize the impact of efficacy in their schools.
Correlation between chorionic plate vascularization and risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely preterm infants.

Abstract Introduction/objectives The chorionic plate vessels of the placenta are in direct continuity with the fetal vasculature, suggesting chorionic and fetal angiogenesis may be subjected to similar regulatory mechanisms. In this study, we determined the correlation between chorionic plate vascularization and complications of prematurity, focusing on bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and other conditions with important microvascular components. Methods We performed a clinicoplacental analysis of 127 extremely preterm infants (23–28 weeks gestation). Chorionic plate vascularization was assessed by number and density of perforating chorionic vessels (PCVs). Charts were reviewed for relevant maternal and neonatal data, including respiratory, neurologic and gastrointestinal complications of prematurity. Results The placentas displayed marked variability in number (36–523/placenta) and density of PCVs (0.46–3.74 PC V/cm2). The median PCV density of infants with severe BPD was significantly higher than that of infants without BPD (1.51 PC V/cm2 versus 1.09 PC V/cm2, P Conclusion Chorionic plate vascularization correlates with frequency and severity of BPD, supporting a vascular basis that in part is antenatal in origin. Quantitative assessment of chorionic plate vascularization may allow early identification of preterm infants at high risk for BPD (proposed threshold: PCV density ≥1.50 PC V/cm2). The lack of correlation between chorionic vascularization and neurologic/gastrointestinal complications suggests these conditions may have less important antenatal and/or vascular contributions.
Preserving privacy for pediatric patients and families: use of confidential note types in pediatric ambulatory care.

Objective This study evaluates and characterizes the use of a confidential clinic note type as part of the implementation of open notes at a free-standing children's hospital. We describe how this electronic health record feature which disables patient and family access to selected notes in the patient portal is used across our institution, which clinicians are using this feature, and the type of data our clinicians consider confidential. Materials and methods Through retrospective chart review, we have evaluated the use of a confidential note type over a 1-year period. Results We identified 402 964 clinic notes created during a 1-year period, of which 9346 (2.3%) were flagged as confidential. Use of this confidential note type was associated with female patient sex and increase in patient age. It was used most frequently by a small subset of providers. 922 (83.8%) of 1100 notes manually reviewed contained sensitive information. Reasons for confidential notes varied, but patient's mental health was most commonly identified. Discussion Our data demonstrate variability in the use of a confidential note type across specialties, patient ages, and types of confidential information. This note type is frequently utilized by a subset of providers who often manage sensitive patient and parent information. As vendors and institutions enable open notes, thoughtful implementation and provider education surrounding the use of this confidential feature is needed. Conclusion A confidential clinic note feature is an integral aspect of pediatric open notes implementation. This feature supports protection of confidential information pertaining to our patients and their caregivers.
Analyzing the Foodshed: Toward a More Comprehensive Foodshed Analysis

Foodshed Analysis is a tool used by researchers to measure the feasibility of providing more local food to a community. That there are economic, environmental, and societal benefits provided by eating locally produced food is a central assumption of Foodshed Analysis research. These benefits, however, are not inherent to a localized food system, but instead are goals that local food system participants must work to achieve. Foodshed Analysis may be a helpful tool that can be used to advise food system reform to the benefit of a community’s economy, environment, and society, but, in order for this tool to be effective, communities and researchers must move beyond over-valuing proximity and embrace the complicated nature of food systems. Foodshed Analysis researchers also need to address the problems of scale, boundaries, and variables that currently confound their studies. At this stage, Foodshed Analysis researchers have an opportunity to discuss how Foodshed Analysis can be most effective. This paper explores an application of Foodshed Analysis that respects and acknowledges the complexity of the issues it tackles, so that it can provide a comprehensive approach to analyzing, and perhaps improving, regional food systems.
The Sustainability Perspective at Florida Gulf Coast University

In this chapter, we explore why another text on sustainability in higher education is important at this time, and more specifically why the story of Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) informs this discourse. FGCU’s story illustrates the challenges associated with integrating sustainability in higher education. This chapter sets the stage for the book. Subsequent chapters explicate successes in overcoming impediments to sustainability at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), document strategies that have improved both the teaching and implementation of sustainability on campus, and reflect on barriers that have remained insurmountable. At a time when the word sustainability has become overworked, we set the context for a fresh perspective by looking at the trade-offs and ongoing lessons learned at FGCU as it attempts to live its sustainability mission.
Computational modeling and stability analysis of BOLT hypersonic geometry including off-nominal conditions

With an interest in developing and studying the stability of laminar undisturbed basic-state solutions, this work is focused on accurately modeling the laminar flowfield of the boundary layer transition (BOLT) geometry under nominal and off-nominal conditions (i.e., nonzero angles of pitch and yaw). The BOLT flowfield is studied using the DPLR flow solver with MUSCL Steger–Warming fluxes using a set of five grids at different resolutions and identical grid topologies. A total of three different sets of conditions are studied: two flight conditions and one wind-tunnel-scale (33%) condition. (1) For the two sets of nominal flight operating conditions, it is found that the flow structures in the centerline region of BOLT are similar to those found in prior studies including in shape, location, and extent both vertically and spanwise, but a detailed comparison of velocity contours shows that further quantitative convergence studies are warranted. The centerline region, however, extends to at most 4 cm in semi-span at the aft end of the geometry (20% of the semi-span). Away from the centerline and where wind-tunnel-scale results have observed regions of possibly transitional behavior, the laminar flowfield converges with high accuracy. (2) For nominal wind-tunnel operating conditions, all grid resolutions simulated show good agreement in most regions as compared with prior results, with any differences falling within the scatter of existing experimental and DNS results. Aside from this focus, boundary-layer stability is examined outboard of the centerline region at nonzero pitch and yaw for a flight case, and second mode and stationary crossflow instabilities are considered. Second-mode instability is found to be locally significant at certain pitch and yaw angles particularly downstream of the swept leading edges. In addition, stationary crossflow is found to become highly amplified in significant wedges extending to the aft end of the BOLT geometry, with N-factors consistent with those found for HIFiRE-5b associated with transitional flow. The reasons for amplification of these different instabilities are also investigated from a physics-based perspective.
Soft-skills Training and Cultural Sensitization of Indian BPO workers: A Qualitative Study

This paper describes a study of soft-skills training at a large Business Process Outsourcing Firm located in Bangalore, India. Soft-skills training pertains to social and customer handling skills in addition to cultural sensitization of Indians to other cultures. Soft-skills are very important for the success of BPO firms, yet there is not much in the literature that addresses soft-skills training of BPO workers. This study attempts to bridge the gap. It adopts a qualitative approach using a combination of methods such as the long interview, secondary sources research and actual observation. The results are used to develop a framework for future studies in this area.
Case 32: Allen’s Test in an Anesthetized Patient – Is It Possible?

You are the anesthesiologist for a 62-year-old man, 60 kg and 5 ft 10 in., undergoing a Whipple procedure for pancreatic carcinoma. Two hours have elapsed and everything is going well and there is only minimal bleeding. Both arms are secured on arm boards at 80° to the operating table. With considerable dismay you notice that his right hand, in which you have placed a 20-gauge arterial catheter, is pale. This is a change from how it appeared prior to the radial artery cannulation. You discover that there is no capillary filling in his nail beds. Spasm/thrombosis is the most likely cause. There are two ways of dealing with this problem. (a) Leave the catheter in and warm up the hand with blankets at up to 45°C. If and when the hand shows capillary filling, you can take the catheter out. If the hand does not improve, it has been suggested that you can give lidocaine or vasodilator drugs through the catheter if you think this is a spasm. If it is a thrombus, you have a problem or (b) take the catheter out immediately. Unfortunately there are no prospective studies to show what the best options are.
Optimality of beamforming and closed form secrecy capacity of MIMO wiretap channels with two transmit antennas

A Gaussian multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wiretap channel model is considered. The input is a two-antenna transmitter, while the outputs are the legitimate receiver and an eavesdropper, both equipped with multiple antennas. All channels are assumed to be known. The problem of obtaining the optimal input covariance matrix that achieves secrecy capacity subject to a sum power constraint is addressed, and a closed-form expression for the secrecy capacity is obtained. The sufficient and necessary condition for beamforming to be optimal is also given.
Change detection in regional and volumetric disc parameters using longitudinal confocal scanning laser tomography

Abstract Purpose To develop a clinically specific strategy for optic nerve head (ONH) surface change detection within longitudinally acquired confocal scanning laser tomographic (CSLT) images. Design Experimental study. Participants and/or controls Twelve monkeys, each with one glaucomatous and one contralateral normal eye. Main outcome measures Detection of ONH surface change within the CSLT images of each monkey's glaucomatous eye. Methods Six 10° and six 15° CSLT images and four stereo optic disc photographs were obtained from both eyes of 12 monkeys on 3 separate days (imaging sessions) and then every 2 weeks after laser to one eye (study eye) to elevate intraocular pressure. For each set of 10° and 15° images per eye (and for each of the 7–25 imaging sessions per monkey), 37 CSLT parameters were calculated. Univariate change required an individual parameter to change in excess of its analysis of variance-determined minimum detectable change (MDC) value. Multivariate change required groups of three parameters, considered together, to demonstrate significant change as determined by a multivariate analysis of variance. The rate of false-positive change detection for each individual parameter and for a group of three-parameter combinations was determined using both a one-in-a-row strategy (change at a single session) and a two-in-a-row strategy (change at two successive sessions) within the postlaser images of the 12 unchanging contralateral normal eyes. Change detection within the study eye images was then assessed for only those individual parameters and three-parameter combinations that were clinically specific (i.e., showed less than 10% false-positive change detection in the normal eyes). Results A total of 36 prelaser (three per monkey) imaging sessions and 158 postlaser (4–22/monkey) imaging sessions was performed. Clinically specific change detection (low rate of false positives) was achieved only with the two-in-a-row strategy. Overall, multivariate ONH surface change detection performed best; the best-performing three-parameter combination detected only 8 change events (4 onset and 4 progression) in 139 imaging sessions within the postlaser imaging sessions of the contralateral normal eyes and a total of 47 change events (11 onset and 36 progression) within the postlaser imaging sessions of the 12 study eyes. Counterintuitive (anterior) change occurred in most parameters within the late postlaser imaging sessions of the study eyes followed to end-stage damage. Conclusions Clinically specific detection of the onset and progression of glaucomatous ONH surface change is possible within longitudinally acquired CSLT images.
Abstract 20617: A Risk Score for Predicting Mortality in in 10,582 Patients Hospitalized With Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Background: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTCM) is characterized by acute, reversible left ventricular dysfunction in the absence of epicardial coronary artery occlusion. Because of its rarity, little is known risk factors for mortality during initial presentation in patients with TTCM. Objectives: To describe risk factors for in-hospital mortality and major adverse events (MAE) in TTCM. Methods: Deidentified hospital data from California, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Colorado between 2006 and 2012 were harmonized, and hospital records reporting the ICD-9 code 429.83 (takotsubo cardiomyopathy) were analyzed. Demographics, comorbidities, and in-hospital mortality were quantified. Characteristics independently associated with death were identified using multivariate logistic regression, and a risk score was calculated using positive multivariate predictors of in-hospital mortality. Performance in predicting death was compared with the full regression model using area under th...
Is Silence Golden? Confidentiality and Correlated Culpability

We consider the formation and legal protection of secret agreements by analyzing a negotiated settlement between a harmed plaintiff and a culpable defendant that seeks to disenfranchise a second harmed plaintiff by keeping the existence (and details) of the instant settlement secret. This is done so as to reduce the likelihood of the second plaintiff suing the defendant for damages or, failing that, to reduce the losses incurred by the defendant in the second suit. Such agreements happen every day and are generally legal, but are they socially optimal? Formally, we consider a sequence of incomplete information bargaining games wherein uninformed plaintiffs make demands of the informed defendant, with the defendant and the first plaintiff recognizing that their actions in the first case may convey information about the defendant's culpability to the second plaintiff. We then use the results of the analysis to provide insight as to when the law should prohibit or permit confidential agreements. We find that, even though early plaintiffs prefer permitting confidentiality and later plaintiffs prefer prohibiting it, the average plaintiff prefers prohibition. We also show that defendants always prefer that confidentiality be permitted. When role-interim decisions (that is, decisions made when agents know whether they are likely to be plaintiffs or defendants) have no (or small) adverse welfare consequences, society would (ex ante) prefer permitting confidential settlements. However, if agents know their roles, then this conflict of preferences can mean reduced consumer demand due to perceived incentives for firms to reduce care and due to the expectation of undercompensation for harms suffered. This can lead to further reduced care and provide reduced incentives to innovate. Furthermore, confidentiality potentially biases perceived reputations of firms, potentially leading consumers to avoid trade due to concern for adverse selection and moral hazard. We also show how this analysis can systematically inform the exercise of judicial discretion with regard to such agreements.
Carbon-coated alumina as a catalyst support

Abstract The minimum loadings of carbon required to completely cover a pure phase γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst support and a commercial HDS support were determined. Carbon was deposited from the liquid-phase carbonization of anthracene or the vapor-phase pyrolysis of propylene. Water adsorption was used to determine whether the Al 2 O 3 surface had been completely covered by carbon. Water vapor was adsorbed irreversibly on exposed Al 2 O 3 but reversibly on Al 2 O 3 surface covered by carbon. The liquid-phase experiments showed that the γ-Al 2 O 3 support surface was not completely covered for carbon loadings of less than 67 wt%. Calcining the coked supports had little effect on the surface coverage. Carbon deposited from the cracking of propylene at 101 kPa and 673 K completely covered the commercial HDS support at a loading of 5 wt%. The γ-Al 2 O 3 support was covered at a loading of 7 wt% from the cracking of 10.1 kPa propylene at 673 K. A slower carbon deposition rate was shown to favor more uniform surface coverage.
The digital humanities and professional and technical communication: Teaching opportunities and challenges

This paper examines similarities and differences between Professional and Technical Communication and the development of the field of the Digital Humanities. The humanistic concerns of both fields offer natural alliances, as does the frequent colocation of DH and PTC faculty in departments of English. The paper examines a new syllabus for an introduction to DH graduate course offered by a PTC program as evidence of how PTC concerns are relevant to DH.
Molecular Spectrum of Cadmium Vapour

PROF. ROBERTSON'S observation1 of a maximum at 2212 A. in the spectrum of an arc between cadmium electrodes which is much more intense than the cadmium band at 2125 is very interesting. This observation is surprising in view of the fact that no maximum at 2212 was observed by Cram2 in fluorescence or Tesla discharge, while the 2125 band was easily observed both in fluorescence and discharge. The condensed copper spark giving more intensity near 2212 than 2125 when used as source for fluorescence excited 2125 with no emission maximum at 2212. These two bands have nearly the same intensity in absorption. The failure of an emission maximum at 2212 to appear along with the 2125 band of cadmium in fluorescence and discharge in pure cadmium vapour shows that the 2212 maximum is likely to be due to an impurity. The opportunity for observing spectra due to impurities (such as CdO, CdH, etc.) is always much greater in the arc in air than in a quartz tube containing only pure cadmium.
Effect of pregnancy on the thymolymphatic system. I. Changes in the intact rat after exogenous HCG, estrogen, and progesterone administration.

Abstract This article is a continuation of work undertaken to evaluate the effect of pregnancy on the thymolymphatic system in humans. Pregnancy is known to produce a reversible atrophy in small mammals. In this study, exogenous HCG, estrogen, and progesterone were given alone and in all possible combinations to intact Wistar rats. The animals were killed after a treatment period equal to the gestation period and the thymus and lymphoid structures evaluated for changes in weight and/or morphology. HCG and estrogen alone produced significant reduction in thymic weight. HCG produced significant reduction in spleen weight. Estrogen and progesterone in combination produced significant reduction in spleen and thymus weight while HCG and estrogen together significantly reduced thymic weight. The three hormones in combination produced the most marked thymic atrophy. HCG and estrogen, when given in combination, produced a marked decrease in the number of small lymphocytes in the thymus and an apparent increase in the perivascular reticulum. When all three were given together there was disappearance of the medulla in the thymus. The study continues in an effort to sort out the various endocrine effects on the thymolymphatic system.
Cytokinin Oxidase Gene Expression in Maize Is Localized to the Vasculature, and Is Induced by Cytokinins, Abscisic Acid, and Abiotic Stress

Cytokinins are hormones that play an essential role in plant growth and development. The irreversible degradation of cytokinins, catalyzed by cytokinin oxidase, is an important mechanism by which plants modulate their cytokinin levels. Cytokinin oxidase has been well characterized biochemically, but its regulation at the molecular level is not well understood. We isolated a cytokinin oxidase open reading frame from maize (Zea mays), called Ckx1, and we used it as a probe in northern and in situ hybridization experiments. We found that the gene is expressed in a developmental manner in the kernel, which correlates with cytokinin levels and cytokinin oxidase activity. In situ hybridization with Ckx1 and transgenic expression of a transcriptional fusion of the Ckx1 promoter to the Escherichia coli beta-glucuronidase reporter gene revealed that the gene is expressed in the vascular bundles of kernels, seedling roots, and coleoptiles. We show that Ckx1 gene expression is inducible in various organs by synthetic and natural cytokinins. Ckx1 is also induced by abscisic acid, which may control cytokinin oxidase expression in the kernel under abiotic stress. We hypothesize that under non-stress conditions, cytokinin oxidase in maize plays a role in controlling growth and development via regulation of cytokinin levels transiting in the xylem. In addition, we suggest that under environmental stress conditions, cytokinin oxidase gene induction by abscisic acid results in aberrant degradation of cytokinins therefore impairing normal development.
A quantitative method of identifying older persons at risk for increasing long term care services

Abstract The purpose of this study was to test the utility of upper and lower extremity performance, grip strength, and mental status as predictors of stability or chronic deterioration in a cohort of frail older persons. The study population consisted of a random sample of forty patients selected from residents of an intermediate level care facility. Demographic information, manual ability, mental status, grip strength, mobility, active and resolved medical problems, medications, and professional's estimate of each participant's likelihood of requiring skilled nursing care were obtained within 2 weeks after identifying the sample. Manual ability, mental status, grip strength, and mobility were included in a Performance Index to predict functional ability. Study participants were followed for 2 years to observe which individuals remained at the intermediate care level and which persons required transfer to skilled nursing care. Of the 27 persons who completed the study, 21 persons remained stable (Group 1) and 6 individuals were transferred to skilled nursing care (Group 2) over the 2 year follow-up period. Group comparisons of the mean values revealed statistically significant differences for age, manual ability and the Performance Index. The Performance Index was a statistically significant predictor of increasing dependency (p We conclude that at least four dimensions of functional measurement; upper extremity performance, mental status, grip strength and ambulation can be used to make accurate predictions regarding the overall stability of an institutionalized frail older person. The implications of these findings are significant for clinicians, geriatric researchers and health planners.
High dose fractionated ionizing radiation inhibits prostate cancer cell adhesion and β1 integrin expression

BACKGROUND The effect of ionizing radiation on extracellular matrix (ECM)-mediated cellular functions is an important area of research for translational science. Mechanisms of tumor cell ability to proliferate, migrate, and survive appear dependent on integrin-mediated adhesion to the ECM; however, the exact role therapeutic radiation plays in altering signaling pathways and promoting cell death within remains less well established. METHODS To examine these effects on prostate carcinoma cell lines, cells were irradiated at sub-lethal doses. We have studied two human prostate cancer cell lines (PC3 and DU-145) irradiated with different fractionated radiation schedules. Three groups were compared to non-irradiated controls. Group A was given a single dose of 5 Gy. Group B was given 5 Gy the first week and then 10 Gy the second week for a total of 15 Gy. Group C was given 5 Gy the first week, and then 10 Gy the second and third week for a total of 25 Gy. Cells were analyzed at their prescribed total dose. At 48 hr post irradiation, cells were detached from culture dishes and were subsequently used for adhesion assays and immunoblotting analysis. RESULTS Our findings revealed that two prostate carcinoma cell lines, PC3 and DU-145, had a reduced cellular adhesion to fibronectin (FN) compared to the non-irradiated control groups. Both prostate cancer cell lines showed decreased adhesion to FN and reduced β1 integrin protein levels at a total dose of 25 Gy, but not at the doses of 15 and 5 Gy. In a parallel analysis, at the maximum total dose of 25 Gy, both PC3 and DU-145 demonstrated a significant decrease in cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS High dose radiation treatment of prostate cancer cell lines inhibits integrin expression. Our study suggests that promoting a synergistic decrease in adhesion could bring additional therapeutic benefit to patients treated with radiation therapy. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Implications of natural history traits to system-level dynamics: comparisons of a grassland and a forest

Abstract The importance of life-history traits to vegetation pattern and system-level behavior was evaluated for two North American ecosystems, a semiarid grassland and an eastern deciduous forest. Responses of the systems to spatial and temporal variability in environmental conditions were compared using a common modeling framework, a class of individual-based simulators known as ‘gap models’ that incorporate life-history mechanisms to simulate mixed-species, mixed-lifeform and mixed-age communities. A grassland (STEPPE) and a forest model (ZELIG) of similar structure were used to provide a comparative analysis between the two ecosystem types. Life-history traits were important in distinguishing dynamics between the simulated grassland and forest. Responses of the two systems to spatial extent and temporal variability were not simply scaled by the size or rate of processes associated with individual grasses or trees. Two important characteristics of a system were the form of growth by the dominant species (clonal or incremental) and the mode of competition (symmetric, asymmetric). Perennial grasses with clonal growth were responsive to a broader range of environmental conditions relative to the more restrictive response of individual trees with incremental growth. The endogenous rhythm associated with the lifecycle of individual trees was important to forest dynamics, but was not important for systems dominated by clonal grasses with an indefinite lifespan. Asymmetric competition for light by individual trees resulted in different system-level dynamics than for a grassland, where symmetric competition for belowground resources by individual grassland plants is the primary mode of competition.
Predictors and outcome of low initial forced expiratory volume in 1 second measurement in children with cystic fibrosis.

Objective To identify the characteristics of children with cystic fibrosis with low initial forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) % predicted and to investigate their outcome. Study design Patients were categorized into low or high initial FEV 1 groups using cluster analysis. Comparisons of the demographic and clinical data were performed between the 2 groups. Results From 122 children, 21 clustered into the low and 101 into the high FEV 1 group. The mean FEV 1 was 69% ± 12% predicted for the low and 95% ± 12% predicted for the high FEV 1 group ( P 1 group had lower body mass index percentiles ( P = .003), were hospitalized more frequently ( P = .001), and had been on dornase alfa longer ( P = .006). Low FEV 1 group had more patients with positive cultures for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P = .002) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ( P P aeruginosa ( P = .009) and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus + P aeruginosa ( P = .005). The low FEV 1 group continued to have low FEV 1 measurements, their FEV 1 declined slower, required more hospitalizations per year ( P = .01), and had more cultures for mucoid ( P = .003) and nonmucoid P aeruginosa ( P = .02) ± methicillin resistant S aureus ( P = .002) in comparison with the high FEV 1 group. Poor adherence was associated with lower initial FEV 1 values in females, and early, rapid decline of FEV 1 in males. Conclusions Some children with cystic fibrosis may present with poor lung function early in life and continue to have subnormal lung function associated with reduced body mass index, more frequent hospitalization, and higher rates of infection. Such children may benefit from careful evaluation and close follow-up.
Changes in competence determine the timing of two sequential glucocorticoid effects on sympathoadrenal progenitors

We have studied the control of adrenal chromaffin cell development by glucocorticoids (GCs), in a reconstituted in vitro system. The development of the chromaffin phenotype involves two sequential, GC-dependent events: the decision not to become a sympathetic neuron, and the decision to express the epinephrine-synthesizing enzyme, phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT). Both decisions appear to be mediated by the type II GC receptor. Competence to express PNMT develops on a schedule in vitro which parallels that seen in vivo, but only in progenitors that have first failed to undergo neuronal differentiation. The schedule of PNMT induction is thus controlled by the time of appearance of neither the inducing signal nor its receptor, as previously suggested, but rather by a cell-intrinsic timed process in chromaffin precursors. The two effects of GCs are pharmacologically distinct, suggesting that the GC receptor may interact differently with different genes in the same cell, in a manner that changes with development.
Low-energy (5–100 eV) electron- and ultraviolet (6.4 eV) photon-stimulated desorption of neutral fragments from NaNO3 single crystals

The low-energy (5-100 eV) electron-stimulated desorption (ESD) of neutrals from NaNO 3 single crystals is compared with 193 nm (6.4 eV) photon-stimulated desorption (PSD). The major ESD and PSD products, NO( 2 II), and O( 3 P), were detected via laser resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization. The less abundant NO 2 and O 2 products were detected only via quadrupole mass spectrometry. The ESD yields of NO( 2 II) and O( 3 P) show a linear dependence upon incident electron-beam current, indicating single-electron desorption events. The PSD yields of these fragments show a 1-photon dependence on laser fluence, with no observable threshold down to I μJ/cm 2 . For both ESD and PSD, the velocity distributions of NO( 2 II) and O( 3 P) have non-thermal components, consistent with near-surface dissociation events. We propose a mechanism for NO( 2 II) and O( 3 P) desorption which involves exciton production, localization and decay at the vacuum-surface interface. The NO 2 and O 2 velocity distributions are equilibrated to the 423 K surface temperature and the formation of these products may involve reactive scattering of O-atoms. Since the neutral product yields and energy distributions are very similar for ESD and PSD, the final states involved in desorption must be similar.
Epitaxial Growth and Characterization of β ‐ SiC Thin Films

Crack‐free monocrystalline films having very smooth final surfaces may be reproducibly grown at 1600 K and 760 torr on (100) Si substrates using and and if the Si is initially reacted with the alone. This initial step produces a buffer layer which reduces the mismatches in expansion coefficients and lattice parameters and thus allows the subsequent growth of the film to a thickness exceeding 5 μm. It is necessary to heat the Si wafers from room temperature to the reaction temperature in a and environment rather than preheating the substrates to the reaction temperature. An off‐axis orientation of the Si in excess of approximately 3° results in a very rough final growth surface on the film.
Susceptibility to hepatotoxicity in transgenic mice that express a dominant-negative human keratin 18 mutant.

Keratins 8 and 18 (K8/18) are intermediate filament phosphoglycoproteins that are expressed preferentially in simple-type epithelia. We recently described transgenic mice that express point-mutant human K18 (Ku, N.-O., S. Michie, R.G. Oshima, and M.B. Omary. 1995. J. Cell Biol. 131:1303-1314) and develop chronic hepatitis and hepatocyte fragility in association with hepatocyte keratin filament disruption. Here we show that mutant K18 expressing transgenic mice are highly susceptible to hepatotoxicity after acute administration of acetaminophen (400 mg/Kg) or chronic ingestion of griseofulvin (1.25% wt/wt of diet). The predisposition to hepatotoxicity results directly from the keratin mutation since nontransgenic or transgenic mice that express normal human K18 are more resistant. Hepatotoxicity was manifested by a significant difference in lethality, liver histopathology, and biochemical serum testing. Keratin glycosylation decreased in all griseofulvin-fed mice, whereas keratin phosphorylation increased dramatically preferentially in mice expressing normal K18. The phosphorylation increase in normal K18 after griseofulvin feeding appears to involve sites that are different to those that increase after partial hepatectomy. Our results indicate that hepatocyte intermediate filament disruption renders mice highly susceptible to hepatotoxicity, and raises the possibility that K18 mutations may predispose to drug hepatotoxicity. The dramatic phosphorylation increase in nonmutant keratins could provide survival advantage to hepatocytes.
The Relation Between Visibility and the Size-Number Distribution of Airborne Soil Particles

Abstract Simultaneous visibility observations and size-number distribution measurements of airborne soil particles were made during incidents of soil erosion in west Texas. Visibilities were calculated by applying Mie scattering theory to measured size distributions and were compared with observed visibilities. Agreement was found, and similar comparison with artifical modicications to the observed size distributions demonstrated that any major changes in the observed size distributions would result in significant discrepancies between the observed and the calculated visibilities. These comparisons confirm that under our experimental conditions the optically important particles are those in the size range 0.62 < r < 20 μm. The sensitivity of the calculated visibility to modifications in the measured size distribution implies that such comparisons between calculated and observed visibility provide a means of confirming size distribution measurements under a variety of conditions.
Peptide Perturbations in Model Membranes

We investigate peptide interactions with model membranes and how they affect phase dynamics and mobility. Previously, we have studied lipid phase rearrangement due to cross-linking lipids in the headgroup position. Building on this, our current efforts investigate peptide perturbations in lipid bilayers. We cross-link transmembrane peptides on the surface of lipid vesicles to examine the interactions between the helices, mimicking B cell receptor clustering. Expanding on surface-based perturbations, we utilize peptide forming fibrils that associate with anionic lipids, indicating an electrostatic association. These fibril-liposome systems are a useful model to study plaque-based diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and type II diabetes. We analyze these associations using microscopy, FRAP, FRET and CD spectroscopy.
Modification of polyolefin surfaces with iron cluster oxidants

Modification of polyethylene and polypropylene film and powder surfaces with oxygen and hydrogen peroxide is promoted by nonporphyrinic, nonfree radical based iron reagents such as Fe 3 O(OCOCH 3 ) 6 (C 6 H 5 N) 3.5 and FeCl 3 .6H 2 O/picolinic acid. These oxidation systems introduced small amounts of carbonyl groups onto the surface of these polymers. The most visible manifestation of this reaction was increased polyolefin wettability toward water. The overall process produced a fraction of the density of functional groups introduced by conventional etching chemistry.
Formation of ice in plane stagnation flow

The problem of unsteady formation of ice on an instantaneously cooled plate normal to an otherwise isothermal flow of liquid is studied analytically, taking into account the mutual interaction between the flow and the ice-formation process. Short-time solution is obtained by asymptotic series expansions, while long-time solution, based on first-order deviations from steady conditions, is derived by Laplace transforms. Results are presented in the form of thickness variations and distortions of velocity profiles by the advance of the ice front, and discussed in terms of two physical parameters.
Layout verification for mixed-domain integrated MEMS

As design of integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) mature, there is an increasing need for verification tools for such mixed-domain layouts. This requires a mixed-domain layout-versus-schematic tool capable of extracting an integrated schematic from the mixed-domain layout and verifying it against the design schematic. This paper reports on a prototype implementation of such a tool and an extraction methodology for integrated MEMS designs capable of capturing domain-specific parasitics. A custom schematic-versus-schematic tool is then used to compare the parameters and connectivity of schematic elements between the extracted and design schematic. Finally, simulation of the extracted schematic is used to analyze the behavior of the designed layout.
Inverse Dynamics-Based Fuzzy Logic Control of a Projectile Smart Fin

A smart fin for a subsonic projectile should be able to produce maneuvering force and moment that can control its rotation during flight. Piezoelectric actuator is an attractive alternative to usual hydraulic actuators due to its simplicity. The cantilever-shaped actuator can also be fully enclosed within the hollow fin. It has an end fixed to the rotation axle of the fin while the other end is pinned at the tip of the fin. A dynamic model of the system, including external moment due to aerodynamic effects, is obtained using the finite element approach. This paper presents a novel approach for automatically creating fuzzy logic controllers for the fin. This approach uses the inverse dynamics of the smart fin system to determine the ranges of the variables of the controllers. Simulation results show that the proposed controller can successfully drive smart fin under various operating conditions.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Catalyst Deactivation in Gas–Solid Photocatalysis

Photocatalyst lifetime is potentially important in process economics, as it sets maximum run times between catalyst regeneration or replacement. This note surveys the literature of photocatalytic air treatment and purification in order to identify the emerging photocatalyst deactivation issue. For each pertinent paper, the authors evaluate the total number of molecules converted by a photocatalyst over time and compare this cumulative photocatalytic molecular conversion to the estimated total number of illuminated surface sites. This comparison establishes that photocatalyst deactivation is virtually always found in single-pass fixed-bed photoreactors for cumulative contaminant conversion in excess of 1-10 equivalent monolayers. 28 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
Global measurements of wind fields using the Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS) on the Earth Observing System (EOS)

The technology for measuring global wind fields in space by the Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS) to be flown on the Earth Observing System (EOS) is discussed. Studies initiated by NASA to determine the feasibility of using Doppler lidar from a platform in space to measure the wind globally have shown the general feasibility of the technique and have identified the technological problems that need to be resolved. Among the lidar systems being evaluated, CO2 coherent detection lidar is given special consideration. A comprehensive research program, the Global Backscatter Experiment, has been established to study global distribution of naturally occurring atmospheric aerosols that provide signal return at the wavelengths used by the techniques under consideration. Wind profiles from space will provide essential information for advancing the skill of numerical weather prediction, furthering the present knowledge of the large-scale atmospheric circulation and climate dynamics, and of global biogeochemical and hydrologic cycles.
DETERMINATION OF C5a IN MURINE MODELS OF STAPHYLOCOCCAL ENTEROTOXIN B–INDUCED TOXIC SHOCK

Robust host innate immune response to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and structurally related superantigens causes toxic shock and various autoimmune diseases. While proinflammatory cytokines are known for mediating SEB-induced toxicity, the role of complement C5a in SEB-mediated shock is less well-understood. An ELISA was developed to measure the complement activation product, C5a, in different murine models of toxic shock. This assay provides easy, quantifiable data for complement activation and its role in various SEB-induced toxic shock models.
VMAT1 deletion causes neuronal loss in the hippocampus and neurocognitive deficits in spatial discrimination

Vesicular monoamine transporters (VMAT) are involved in presynaptic storage and release of neurotransmitters. While it was thought initially that only VMAT2 is brain expressed and VMAT1 is present only in the periphery, recent data have challenged the exclusive expression of VMAT2 in the brain. To further elucidate the role of VMAT1 brain expression and its potential role in neuropsychiatric disorders, we have investigated mice lacking VMAT1. Comparison of wildtype and knock-out (KO) mice using qPCR and immunohistochemistry documents the expression of VMAT1 in the brain. Deletion of VMAT1 leads to increased hippocampal apoptosis and reduced neurogenesis as assessed by caspase-3-labeling and 5-bromo-deoxy-uridine-labeling. Behavioral data show that mice lacking VMAT1 have neurocognitive deficits. VMAT2 expression is not altered in VMAT1 KO mice, suggesting a distinct role of VMAT1. Our data support VMAT1 brain expression and suggest that VMAT1 plays a key role in survival of hippocampal neurons and thus might contribute to neurocognitive deficits observed in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Anomalous antioxidant effects in selenium- and vitamin E-deficient liver mitochondria.

In this study, we investigate the mechanisms of two anomalous protective effects of exogenous vitamin E that had previously been postulated to involve either a specific antioxidant effect or a non-antioxidant function of the vitamin. These atypical vitamin E effects were observed during the prevention of NAD-induced respiratory decline occurring in homogenates and mitochondria prepared from vitamin E- and selenium-deficient rat liver. The study showed neither hypothesis to be true; rather, the two effects, one in homogenates and the other in isolated mitochondria, were explained by other mechanisms. The protective effect against respiratory decline in homogenates was found to result from interference in the thiobarbituric acid assay for lipid peroxidation by ethanol (the conventional solvent for vitamin E addition). With other non-interfering solvents, inhibition of lipid peroxidation by vitamin E, in contrast to previous studies, correlated perfectly with prevention of respiratory decline. The atypical vitamin E effect occurring in isolated mitochondria—and consisting of a requirement for cytosol proteins for the prevention of respiratory decline by exogenous vitamin E—was found to be caused by the prevention of adverse glass effects and not by the action of vitamin E-specific binding proteins. Frequent failures in the combined protective effect of vitamin E and cytosol, which had been a major complication of respiratory decline studies, were found to be caused by phospholipase activity generated during isolation procedures. Irreversible deactivation of respiratory enzymes by lipid peroxidation was found not to be involved in the respiratory decline mechanism.
Dating the Galaxy by Uranium Decay

Assuming that the heavy elements were produced early in the history of halo-population clusters, and that the U/sup 235/U/sup 238/ production ratio was between l and 2, the age of the galaxy is induced to be (7.4 plus or minus 0.5) x 1O/sup 9/ yr. Various alternative time dependences of the U production rate are considered. (T,F.H.)
The structure of the acidic polysaccharide secreted by Klebsiella aerogenes type 54 strain A3

Abstract The polysaccharide secreted by Klebsiella aerogenes type 54 strain A3 was isolated, methylated, the ester carboxyl-reduced, and the product partially hydrolyzed. The resulting, partially O -methylated oligosaccharides were reduced and ethylated, and the mixture of products was fractionated by l.c. The l.c. fractions containing per- O -alkylated oligosaccharide-alditols were analyzed by e.i.-m.s. Pure per- O -alkylated oligosaccharide-alditols were also analyzed by 1 H-n.m.r. spectroscopy. The products obtained by base-catalyzed degradation and subsequent ethylation of the per- O -methylated polysaccharide were fractionated by l.c. The main product isolated was analyzed by e.i.-m.s., c.i.-m.s., and 1 H-n.m.r. spectroscopy. The results of these studies, in conjunction with results of analytical methods commonly used in the elucidation of polysaccharide structures, unambiguously characterized the primary glycosyl structure of the polysaccharide. Base-labile substituents, previously reported to be present in the polysaccharide, were not studied. Structure 1 revises, and complements, previously reported structures.