cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Rural Math, Science, and Technology Elementary School Tangled up in Global Networks of Practice

This is an ethnographic study of a newly created math, science, and technology elementary magnet school in a rural community fiercely committed to cultural preservation while facing unprecedented economic instability brought on by massive loss of manufacturing jobs. Our goal was to understand global- and community-level contexts that influenced the school’s science curriculum, the ways the school promoted itself to the community, and the implicit meanings of science held by school staff, parents and community members. Main sources of data were the county’s newspaper articles from 2003 to 2006, the school’s, town’s, and business leaders’ promotional materials, and interviews with school staff, parents, and community members. A key finding was the school’s dual promotion of science education and character education. We make sense of this “science with character” curriculum by unpacking the school and community’s entanglements with historical (cultural preservation), political (conservative politics, concerns for youth depravity), and economic (globalization) networks. We describe the ways those entanglements enabled certain reproductive meanings of school science (as add-on, suspect, and elitist) and other novel meanings of science (empathetic, nurturing, place-based). This study highlights the school as a site of struggle, entangled in multiple networks of practice that influence in positive, negative, and unpredictable ways, the enacted science curriculum.
Effect of pH on the equilibrium dialysis of phenytoin suspension with and without enteral feeding formula.

Significant decreases have been reported in phenytoin absorption when the suspension is combined with continuous enteral feedings. Several theories for this interaction have been proposed including binding of phenytoin to the protein constituents of the enteral formula, phenytoin binding to the calcium in the enteral formula, and inadequate dissolution of the suspension when delivered with the enteral formula due to the high pKa of phenytoin and the acidic nature of the enteral formula. We therefore evaluated the effects of pH levels 2.0, 3.5, 6.0, and 8.0 on the interaction of phenytoin suspension with enteral formula (Osmolite) with equilibrium dialysis using a Spectra/Por 1 (MWCO 6000-8000) molecularporous dialysis membrane. Phenytoin concentrations in the dialysis membrane (internal phase) mimicked the expected stomach concentrations of a 100-mg dose administered in an adult stomach containing 200 ml of gastric fluid. External phase buffers were sampled at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 12.0, and 24.0 hr af...
Evaluation of true interlamellar spacing from microstructural observations

A method for evaluating true interlamellar spacing from micrographs is proposed for a multidomained lamellar structure. The microstructure of these materials is assumed to be composed of many domains with the lamellae aligned roughly parallel to each other within each domain and with the domains themselves randomly oriented relative to one another. An explicit expression for the distribution of apparent interlamellar spacing is derived assuming that the distribution of the true interlamellar spacing is Gaussian. The average interlamellar spacing is close to the peak interlamellar spacing observed in the distribution. The theoretical distributions are compared with experimental ones obtained by analyzing micrographs of PbTe–Sb2Te3 lamellar composites.
Qualification of quantum cascade lasers for space environments

Laser-based instruments are enabling a new generation of scientific instruments for space environments such as those used in the exploration of Mars. The lasers must be robust and able to withstand the harsh environment of space, including radiation exposure. Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), which are semiconductor lasers that emit in the infrared spectral region, offer the potential for the development of novel laser-based instruments for space applications. The performance of QCLs after radiation exposure, however, has not been reported. We report on work to quantify the performance of QCLs after exposure to two different radiation sources, 64 MeV protons and Cobalt-60 gamma rays, at radiation levels likely to be encountered during a typical space flight mission. No significant degradation in threshold current or slope efficiency is observed for any of the seven Fabry-Perot QCLs that are tested.
The hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter: A motility disorder with manometric features of outflow obstruction

The aim of this study was to define the clinical presentation, motility characteristics, and prevalence and patterns of gastroesophageal reflux in patients with hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (HTLES). HTLES was defined by a resting pressure measured at the respiratory inversion point on stationary manometry of greater than 26 mm Hg (ninety-.fth percentile of normal). One hundred consecutive patients (80 women, 20 men; mean age 54.7 years, range 23 to 89 years), diagnosed with HTLES at our institution between September 1996 and October 1999, were studied. Patients with achalasia or other named esophageal motility disorders or history of foregut surgery were excluded, but patients with both HTLESand ‘nutcracker esophagus’ were included. Themost commonsymptoms in patients withHTLES were regurgitation (75%), heartburn (71%), dysphagia (71%), and chest pain (49%). The most common primary presenting symptoms were heartburn and dysphagia. The intrabolus pressure, which is a manometric measure of Outflow obstruction, was significantly higher in patients with HTLES compared to normal volunteers. The residual pressure measured during LES relaxation induced by a water swallow was also significantly higher than in normal persons. There were no significant associations between any of the relaxation parameters studied (residual pressure, nadir pressure, duration of relaxation, time to residual pressure) and either the presence or severity of any symptoms or the presence of abnormal esophageal acid exposure. Seventy-three patients underwent 24-hour pH monitoring, and 26% had increased distal esophageal acid exposure. Compared to a cohort of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease but no HTLES (n _ 300), the total and supine periods of distal esophageal acid exposure were significantly lower in the patients with HTLES and abnormal acid exposure. Patients with HTLES frequently present with moderately severe dysphagia and typical reflux symptoms. Approximately one quarter of them have abnormal esophageal acid exposure on pH monitoring. Patients with HTLES have significantly elevated intrabolus and residual relaxation pressures on liquid boluses, suggesting that Outflow obstruction is present.
Superplastic properties of two rapidly solidified powder metallurgy aluminium alloys

Abstract Very fine microstructures resulting from the ultrasonic gas atomization of two highly alloyed aluminum alloys promoted superplastic deformation at selected temperatures and strain rates. An Al6.7Mg&.sbnd;Li alloy (where the composition is given in approximate weight per cent) exhibited a maximum tensile elongation of 184% at 325°C (598 K) for an initial strain rate of 10 −2 s −1 and an X7091 alloy showed a tensile elongation of 218% at 400°C (673 K) for an initial strain rate of 9 × 10 −3 s −1 . In comparison with conventionally produced ingot alloys, the rapidly solidified powder metallurgy aluminum alloys show high elongation values at the relatively high strain rate of 10 −2 s −1 but do not achieve as high elongation values at the slower strain rates (10 −3 − 10 −5 s −1 ).
STUDIES OF FLAVIN ADENINE DINUCLEOTIDE-REQUIRING ENZYMES AND PHENOTHIAZINES-I. INTERACTIONS OF CHLORPROMAZINE AND D-AMINO ACID OXIDASE.

Abstract The hog kidney d -amino acid oxidase used in this study was purified approximately 200-fold. The apooxidase, devoid of FAD, exhibited no glycine oxidase activity and was stable over a period of at least 180 days when maintained at −15°. The limited solubility of phenothiazines at pH 8.3 required that a reliable system be obtained at pH 7.3. That this was accomplished is evidenced by kinetic studies which demonstrated the dependence of enzymic activity on substrate (Km = 1.37 × 10−2 M), FAD ( K ƒ = 1.88 × 10 −7 M ) , and enzyme concentrations. Chlorpromazine was found to inhibit d -amino acid oxidase in competition with its coenzyme, FAD; the Ki for the reaction being 2.5 × 10−4 M at pH 7.3. The degree of inhibition varied with the method of exposure of the apooxidase, FAD, and chlorpromazine to each other. In addition, this inhibition was found to be a function of the apooxidase protein concentration; i.e. as the protein concentration increased, the extent of inhibition decreased. This was also confirmed by a decreased inhibition when albumin was added to the reaction mixture. Therefore, it is suggested that this nonspecific complexing between chlorpromazine and protein might explain the large number of diverse effects attributed to chlorpromazine and has undoubtedly complicated inhibition studies.
Bio-antimutagenic Effects of Sesquiterpene Lactones from Costus Root Oil

(1987). Bio-antimutagenic Effects of Sesquiterpene Lactones from Costus Root Oil. Agricultural and Biological Chemistry: Vol. 51, No. 2, pp. 585-587.
Cell division in the marine slime mold, Labyrinthula sp., and the role of the bothrosome in extracellular membrane production

Electron microscopic observations of vegetative cell division inLabyrinthula indicate that the specialized invaginations of the cell surface called bothrosomes arisede novo between newly divided daughter cells and function in the production of the membrane-bound extracellular matrix or slimeways. Protocentrioles are formed before each division and persist through cell separation but are not found in interphase cells. Cytokinesis begins after the completion of mitosis and occurs by vesicle accumulation and fusion, an unusual cytokinetic mechanism reminiscent of zoospore cleavage. Cell elongation after cytokinesis is accompanied by elongation of the Golgi apparatus and the appearance of non-spindle microtubules.
A Comparison of Methods for the Microscopic Examination of Frozen Tissue

Crystallization of water in tissue has received considerable study (Heard, 1955a, b; Maurer and Murray, 1951; Meryman, 1957; Parkes, 1957; Smith, 1961; Woodroof et al., 1946). In many instances the conclusions concerning tissue disruption and crystal location (intra- or extracellular) are based on observations of specimens from which the ice crystals have been removed. The ice is usually removed by lyophilization, solvent extraction, or a combination of the two (Humason, 1962; Sass, 1961; Heard, 1955 a, b; Rapatz and Luyet, 1959). Specimens prepared in this manner contain numerous voids which, according to Parkes (1957, p. 524) “presumably represent the spaces occupied by ice crystals.” To our knowledge, no one has published information demonstrating how accurately the void spaces represent the size and location of ice crystals. The information which follows should be of some value in that respect.
Wasserstein kernels for one-dimensional diffusion problems

Abstract We treat the evolution as a gradient flow with respect to the Wasserstein distance on a special manifold and construct the weak solution for the initial-value problem by using a time-discretized implicit scheme. The concept of Wasserstein kernel associated with one-dimensional diffusion problems with Neumann boundary conditions is introduced. On the basis of this, features of the initial data are shown to propagate to the weak solution at almost all time levels, whereas, in a case of interest, these features even help with obtaining the weak solution. Numerical simulations support our theoretical results.
The Helpful Colon

TO THE EDITOR: It is with a smile that we read the letter by Kirsch about a contented colon (1), yet we believe that there is more to the story. In his letter, Dr. Kirsch reminded us that there are differing definitions of what constitutes a successful colonoscopy, usually depending on which end of the scope you find yourself. He introduced the idea of the colon as a "silent" spectator, the countenance of which the endoscopist can gaze upon for determining satisfaction with a colonoscopic procedure. We would like to add that the colon is not always silent. A common complaint heard by the gastroenterologist is borborygmi. Also, it is not uncommon that the colon "vocalizes" displeasure at being instrumented with a loud and forceful release of flatus. At other times, the gastroenterologist is aided by the colon in completing a colonoscopy. This was made apparent to us during a recent colonoscopy on a young lady with Crohn's disease. Initially, upon reaching the cecum, the colon greeted us with a smile (Fig. 1); and within a matter of seconds opened wide to allow easy passage of the colonoscope (Fig. 2). We agree with Dr. Kirsch that being attuned to the colonic countenance may be beneficial to the endoscopist and ultimately the patient.
Initial experience with the changeable skin-level port-valve: A new concept for long-term gastrointestinal access

Abstract Background/Purpose: Experience with a new multipurpose system for long-term enteral access is reported. At the core of the concept is a changeable, skin-level "port" (SL port) that incorporates a valve accessible through a locking, right-angle feeding adapter. The new system allows conversion of a previously-inserted, long gastrointestinal catheter into a "button-type" skin-level device without removal of the long catheter, thereby eliminating pain, tract damage, and the risk of separation of the viscus from the abdominal wall. Methods: Sixty-four SL ports were used in 44 children (ages 2 weeks to 19 years). Conversion from long tube to skin-level device was performed 33 times, either immediately after the catheter placement or some time thereafter (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, 18; Stamm gastrostomy, 6; laparoscopic gastrostomy, 7; jejunostomy, 2). Insertion as an assembled button-type device in an established tract was performed seven times. Twenty SL ports showing sings of leakage were replaced with an identical device without catheter removal. SL ports remained in place from 1 week to 15 months.
Information and Communications Technology and Trade in Emerging Market Economies

We examine the effects of information and communications technology (ICT) on international trade in emerging markets. Using panel data for forty emerging market economies (EMEs) from 1995 to 2010, we estimate fixed effects models of exports and imports with ICT as the main explanatory variable of interest. The empirical results overwhelmingly suggest that Internet subscriptions and Internet hosts have significant positive effects on both exports and imports in EMEs. Thus, the trade-enhancing effect of ICT does not depend on ICT infrastructure or ICT capability per se but on its use. This result is robust to a number of sensitivity checks.
Finite Element Analysis Using Uniform B-Spline Basis

Implicit boundary finite element method uses structured grids for analysis instead of a conforming finite element mesh. The geometry of the structure is represented independently using curve / surface equations. These equations are used to apply boundary conditions even though there may not be nodes available on the boundary. In this paper, this method is applied for analysis using uniform B-spline basis defined over structured grids. Solutions can be constructed that are C1 or C2 continuous throughout the analysis domain using B-spline basis functions. Therefore, the computed stress and strain are continuous in the analysis domain thus eliminating the need for smoothing stress/strain results. Compared to conforming mesh, it is easier to generate structured grids that overlap the geometry and the elements in the grid are regular shaped and undistorted. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the performance of these B-spline elements. The results are compared with analytical solutions as well as traditional finite element solutions. Convergence studies for several examples show that B-spline elements provide accurate solutions with fewer elements and nodes as compared to traditional finite element method (FEM).Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Effect of retained austenite – Compressive residual stresses on rolling contact fatigue life of carburized AISI 8620 steel

Abstract In this study the rolling contact fatigue (RCF) of case carburized AISI 8620 steel was numerically and experimentally investigated. For the numerical study, a two dimensional finite element (FE) RCF model based on the continuum damage mechanics (CDM) was developed to investigate the fatigue damage accumulation, crack propagation and final fatigue life of carburized AISI 8620 steel under various operating conditions. A randomly generated Voronoi tessellation was used to model the effects of material microstructure topology. The boundaries of the Voronoi elements were assumed to be the weak planes where damage accumulates, cracks initiate and propagate to simulate inter-granular cracks. A series of torsional fatigue tests were conducted on carburized AISI 8620 steel specimens containing 0% and 35% retained austenite (RA) to determine fatigue load (S) vs. life (N) of the material. The S–N results were then used to determine the material parameters necessary for the rolling contact fatigue model. The torsional fatigue test results indicate that the carburized AISI 8620 specimens with higher RA demonstrate higher life than the specimens with lower RA. The RCF model also indicates that the material with higher level of compressive residual stresses (RS) and retained austenite demonstrates higher RCF life. In order to corroborate the results of RCF model, a three-ball-on-rod rolling contact fatigue test rig was used to determine the RCF lives of carburized AISI 8620 steels with different amounts of RA. The fatigue life and cracks evolution pattern from the numerical and experimental results were corroborated. The results indicate that they are in good agreement.
Life-table analysis of treatment outcome following 185 consecutive alcoholism halfway house discharges.

We define a halfway house as a transitional residence where patients learn skills and acquire confidence to function independently after discharge to a noninstitutionalized setting. Accordingly, our residents are provided shelter, food, counseling, group therapy, and medical care, but are expected to do assigned housework, attend AA, take disulfiram, obtain outside work, pay some rent, and find a place to live. The life-table method examines outcome for all patients seen up to the time of analysis and allows for different lengths of time that patients are known to the program. With this method, we calculated probability of not drinking (“survival“) for successive 2-mo intervals after discharge from the house, based on the fate of all 185 patients known to us in August 1977. At least 101 patients drank during the first 2 mo. Cumulative probabilities of abstinence were 0.37 at 2 mo, 0.28 at 4 mo, 0.21 at 6 mo. and 0.19 for several months thereafter. Survival curves calculated for subsets of the population were similar when we classified for race, sex, prior inpatient rehabilitation, or employment at discharge. Patients older than 40 did slightly better. We conclude that (1) most patients will do well while in a sheltered environment, no matter what it is called, and (2) social rehabilitation itself does not produce sobriety. We will prevent relapses more effectively only when we better understand the physiology of alcohol hunger.
Book Learning: The Cognitive Potential of Bookmaking

ABSTRACT A TA/researcher looks deeply into the thinking that takes place in the context of bookmaking projects.
Cation radical and carbocation mediated reactions within Ca Y zeolite: 1-phenyl 3,4-dihydronaphthalene

Reactions of carbocations and radical cation of 1-phenyl 3,4-dihydronaphthalene have been investigated within Ca Y.
Measurement and simulation of tailing zones of a cationic dye in analytical-scale reversed phase chromatography.

Abstract A quantitative physical description of tailing is reported here for analytical-scale reversed phase chromatography with Type B silica. Simulations of experimental chromatograms for a cationic dye, 1,1′-didodecyl-3,3,3′3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) were performed as a function of DiI concentration and flow rate, revealing nonlinear tailing due to a bi-Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The strong site comprises less than 0.1% of the residual silanols, the desorption rate constant of DiI from this type of site is (85±8 ms)−1, and the free energy of the silanophilic interaction is 16 kJ/mol, indicating hydrogen bonding or another strong electrostatic interaction.
Lifelong learning and the professional

Dt: Mawby's article prefaced the 1985 Annual Report of the Kellogg Foundation, of which he is Board Chairman. From its founding by W K Kellogg in 1930 the Foundation has been deeply committed to the )el& of health, agriculture and education. Dt: Mawby's statement puts this policy into the new dimension of continuing professional education a n d its influence upon American lqe. It will interest and hearten MoBIUS readers.
Estimation of mixing parameters for cancellation of discretized eddy current signals using time and frequency domain techniques

In this paper, we present two methods for estimating the mixing parameters used in scaling, rotating, and time shifting discrete time eddy current impedance plane trajectories in order to suppress unwanted support plate signals. One method operates directly on the time signals. The other method operates on the frequency domain representation of these signals and consequently is computationally more involved. Both methods require the minimization of a functional which measures the energy difference between the horizontal and vertical components of the high and low frequency data. Three illustrative examples are presented, and it is shown that the use of the frequency domain method is justified if the data are corrupted with random noise as well as with unknown multisample time shifts.
THE INHIBITION OF PHENYLALANINE AND TYROSINE HYDROXYLASES BY HIGH OXYGEN LEVELS

— The Km for oxygen for rat liver phenylalanine hydroxylase depended on the structure of the reduced pterin cofactor. When the synthetic cofactor, 6,7-dimethyltetrahydropterin, was employed, the apparent Km for oxygen was 20%. When the natural cofactor, tetrahydrobiopterin, was used, the apparent Km for oxygen was 0.35 %. Substrate inhibition (40 per cent inhibition at 43% oxygen) was observed with the natural cofactor but not with the synthetic cofactor. Oxygen also caused substrate inhibition with bovine adrenal medulla and brain tyrosine hydroxylases. The inhibition was more dramatic in the presence of the natural cofactor than with the synthetic cofactor. Substrate inhibition by oxygen of brain tyrosine hydroxylase may explain the lowered brain levels of norepinephrine and dopamine observed after treatment of animals with hyperbaric oxygen.
EFFECT OF PRESSING ON MOISTURE LOSS AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF BEEF

Paired halves of top round (Semimembranosus and Adductor muscles) sub-primals were removed from each of ten, USDA Choice, approximately 272 kg steers, freezer wrapped, frozen, and stored at -24° C for approximately 1 month. Following freeze-tempering, each primal was divided longitudinally with one half being pressed at 344 Newtons/cm2 to a specified shape in a Bettcher Model 70 Press, while the other half served as nonpressed control. Moisture loss and sensory properties were determined for 2.54 cm thick steaks. No significant differences were found in juiciness, flavor or Kramer shear values between pressed and non-pressed top round steaks, however, sensory tenderness scores were lower (P < 0.05) for steaks that were pressed than for those that were not pressed. Holding steaks at 2° C for 0, 1, 2, or 3 days did not significantly alter Kramer shear or sensory panel evaluations. Cooking loss, drip loss and total loss were not affected by pressing. Drip loss was lower (P < 0.05) and cooking loss was higher (P < 0.05) for steaks held one day at 2° C than for steaks held 2 or 3 days at 2° C. When drip loss and cooking loss were combined (total loss) there was no difference among the four storage times. Drip loss following portion cutting could result in a problem in fresh merchandising of freeze-tempered cuts.
A fair protocol for signing contracts

Two parties, A and B, want to sign a contract C over a communication network. To do so, they must simultaneously exchange their commitments to C. Since simultaneous exchange is usually impossible in practice, protocols are needed to approximate simultaneity by exchanging partial commitments in piece-by-piece manner. During such a protocol, one party or another may have a slight advantage; a fair protocol keeps this advantage within acceptable limits. A new protocol is proposed. It is fair in the sense that, at any stage in its execution, the conditional probability that one party cannot commit both parties to the contract given that the other party can, is close to zero. This is true even if A and B have vastly different computing powers and is proved under very weak cryptographic assumptions. >
Chaotic advection in a two-dimensional flow: Le´vy flights and anomalous diffusion

Long-term particle tracking is used to study chaotic transport experimentally in laminar, chaotic, and turbulent flows in an annular tank that rotates sufficiently rapidly to insure two-dimensionality of the flow. For the laminar and chaotic velocity fields, the flow consists of v flow regimes, tracer particles stick for long times to remnants of invariant surfaces around the vortices, then make long excursions (“flights”) in the jet regions. The probability distributions for the flight time durations exhibit power-law rather than exponential decays, indicating that the parrticle trajectories are described mathematically as Levy flights (i.e. the trajectories have infinite mean square displacement per flight). Sticking time probability distributions are also characterized by power laws, as found in previous numerical studies. The mixing of an ensemble of tracer particles is superdiffusive: the variance of the displacement grows with time as tλ with 1<λ<2. The dependence of the diffusion exponent λ and the scaling of the probability distributions are investigated for periodic and chaotic flow regimes, and the results are found to be consistent with theoretical predictions relating Levy flights and anomalous diffusion. For a turbulent flow, the Levy flight description no longer applies, and mixing no longer appears superdiffusive.
The role of EMS systems in public health emergencies.

Introduction Until now, the public health response to the threat of an epidemic has involved coordination of efforts between federal agencies, local health departments, and individual hospitals, with no defined role for prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) providers. Methods Representatives from the local health department, hospital consortium, and prehospital EMS providers developed an interim plan for dealing with an epidemic alert. The plan allowed for the prehospital use of appropriate isolation procedures, prophylaxis of personnel, and predesignation of receiving hospitals for patients suspected of having infection. Additionally, a dual notification system utilizing an EMS physician and a representative from the Office of Infectious Diseases from the hospital group was implemented to ensure that all potential cases were captured. Initially, the plan was employed only for those cases arising from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/Public Health Service (PHS) quarantine unit at the airport, but its use later was expanded to include all potential cases within the 9-1-1 system. Results In the two test situations in which it was employed, the plan incorporating the prehospital EMS sector worked well and extended the "surveillance net" further into the community. During the Pneumonic Plague alert, EMS responded to the quarantine facilities at the airport five times and transported two patients to isolation facilities. Two additional patients were identified and transported to isolation facilities from calls within the 9-1-1 system. In all four isolated cases, Pneumonic Plague was ruled out. During the Ebola alert, no potential cases were identified. Conclusions The incorporation of the prehospital sector into an already existing framework for public health emergencies (i.e., epidemics), enhances the reach of the public safety surveillance net and ensure that proper isolation is continued from identification of a possible case to arrive at a definitive treatment facility.
A Method for Measuring the Motion of Culture

Beginning with Edward Tylor's (1889) definition of culture as socially "acquired," I focus in this article on motion as social acquisition and transmission through "artifacts"—both durable (like ceramic pots) and fleeting (like sounds). Motion can be detected by comparison of the artifacts to which people are exposed with those they in turn produce. I examine rates of interaction with artifacts and changes in rates as evidence of the operation of "forces" such as interest and metaculture. I develop a set of axioms or laws of motion, growing out of fine-grained research on naturally occurring discourse, and endeavor to demonstrate their utility through application to three empirical cases. Although I deal with relatively small-scale artifacts, I conclude this article with the suggestion that its methods may prove useful in the broader study of cultural phenomena.
Restoring habitat corridors in fragmented landscapes using optimization and percolation models

Landscape fragmentation and habitat loss are significant threats to the conservation of biological diversity. Creating and restoring corridors between isolated habitat patches can help mitigate or reverse the impacts of fragmentation. It is important that restoration and protection efforts be undertaken in the most efficient and effective way possible because conservation budgets are often severely limited. We address the question of where restoration should take place to efficiently reconnect habitat with a landscape-spanning corridor. Building upon findings in percolation theory, we develop a shortest-path optimization methodology for assessing the minimum amount of restoration needed to establish such corridors. This methodology is applied to large numbers of simulated fragmented landscapes to generate mean and variance statistics for the amount of restoration needed. The results provide new information about the expected level of resources needed to realize different corridor configurations under different degrees of fragmentation and different characterizations of habitat connectivity (“neighbor rules”). These results are expected to be of interest to conservation planners and managers in the allocation of conservation resources to restoration projects.
Emerging concepts in the pharmacogenomics of arrhythmias: ion channel trafficking

Continuous, rhythmic beating of the heart requires exquisite control of expression, localization and function of cardiac ion channels - the foundations of the cardiac myocyte action potential. Disruption of any of these processes can alter the shape of the action potential, predisposing to cardiac arrhythmias. These arrhythmias can manifest in a variety of ways depending on both the channels involved and the type of disruption (i.e., gain or loss of function). As much as 1% of the population of developed countries is affected by cardiac arrhythmia each year, and a detailed understanding of the mechanism of each arrhythmia is crucial to developing and prescribing the proper therapies. Many of the antiarrhythmic drugs currently on the market were developed before the underlying cause of the arrhythmia was known, and as a result lack specificity, causing side effects. The majority of the available drugs target the conductance of cardiac ion channels, either by blocking or enhancing current through the channel. In recent years, however, it has become apparent that specific targeting of ion channel conductance may not be the most effective means for treatment. Here we review increasing evidence that suggests defects in ion channel trafficking play an important role in the etiology of arrhythmias, and small molecule approaches to correct trafficking defects will likely play an important role in the future of arrhythmia treatment.
A Perfectly Normal Abnormality: German Foreign Policy after Kosovo and Afghanistan

For decades Japan and the Federal Republic of Germany have gone to extraordinary lengths to cultivate as low a profile as possible on defense and national security policy matters. However, since the Gulf War, the Federal Republic has come under growing pressure from its allies to assume a greater international security role. Slowly, reluctantly it has acceded to these demands, albeit at the expense of considerable internal angst and turmoil. At the same time, German decision makers have sought to preserve as much as possible the old approach to security policy. Consequently, the long-standing German norms eschewing the use of military force have been gradually displaced, although not wholly replaced, by norms of multilateralism. Rather than a dramatic break with the past, the Federal Republic's actions in Kosovo and Afghanistan can be seen as the culmination of a series of incremental steps that had begun a decade ago.To substantiate these claims this paper will first briefly outline the origins of the Cold German national security practices and the peculiar constellation of domestic and international factors that shaped them. It will then consider in what ways these factors have both changed, and not changed, since the end of the Cold War and sketch the trajectory along which German defense and national security policies have evolved since 1991. Finally, the paper briefly examines the Federal Republic's response to the Kosovo and Afghan crises before offering some general conclusions about the likely future evolution of German security policy.
Lipid management in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND Diabetes is correlated with a high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The management of diabetic dyslipidemia, a well-recognized and modifiable risk factor, is a key element in the multifactorial approach to preventing CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic dyslipidemia is characterized by elevated triglyceride levels, decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. OBJECTIVES To describe the effective approach to the management of dyslipidemia in patients with diabetes to allow providers and payers to become familiar with the treatment goals for all the components of lipoproteins, to correctly initiate appropriate lipid-lowering medications based on treatment goals and lipid-lowering capability, and to apply the data presented in lipid clinical trials to the treatment of patients with diabetes. SUMMARY Diabetes is associated with a 2- to 4-fold increase in risk for CVD. The risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) include hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and smoking. Therefore, prioritizing and managing diabetic patients with CVD risk factors is vital. CONCLUSION LDL-C appears to have the greatest role in premature and early atherosclerosis and the development of CAD and must be treated as aggressively as hyperglycemia to reduce CAD risk. Becoming familiar with lipid treatment goals and the many therapies available today can help providers and payers implement the appropriate approach to managing diabetic dyslipidemia risk factors and reduce the burden of this disease.
Stability, structure, and oxidation state of Mo/H-ZSM-5 catalysts during reactions of CH4 and CH4–CO2 mixtures

Abstract Mo2 O 5 2 + -ZSM-5 (Mo/Alf=0.4, Si/Alf=20) samples prepared by sublimation of MoO3 were carburized in CH4 to form MoCx clusters active in CH4 pyrolysis and then exposed to different CO2/CH4 mixtures. CO2/CH4 reactant ratios between 0 and 0.1 increased catalyst stability but decreased pyrolysis rates, and ratios above 0.1 led to a sudden loss of activity that was reversed after removal of CO2. Below CO2/CH4 ratios of 0.1, the catalyst bed can be described as a CO2-reforming and pyrolysis reactor in series. In the first segment of the bed, where CO2 is present, pyrolysis is completely suppressed by reverse Boudouard reactions; pyrolysis reactions begin after CO2 is completely consumed. CO2 cannot directly influence rates or deactivation for pyrolysis reactions. Rather, the greater stability observed with CO2-containing reactants arises solely from the presence of H2, formed in the CO2-reforming section, in the pyrolysis regions within the catalyst bed. The evolution of catalyst structure and composition in CO2/CH4 reactants was also probed by mass spectrometric analysis of effluent streams and by in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy to determine the underlying processes responsible for reversible deactivation at CO2/CH4 ratios greater than 0.1. MoCx-ZSM-5 samples exposed to CO2/CH4 streams with 0.022 and 0.055 ratios at 950 K acquire 0.3 ± 0.01 and 1.75 ± 0.03 O-atoms/Mo, respectively. X-ray absorption edge energies in MoCx-ZSM-5 increased from 0.2 to 1.9 eV (relative to Mo0) after contact with 0.025 CO2/CH4 mixtures at 950 K for 1 h, indicating that oxidation of some Mo centers occurs. These spectral changes occurred concurrently with the detection of pre-edge features typical of MoOx structures. Radial structure functions resemble those for samples exposed to pure CH4, which consist of 0.6-nm MoCx clusters, but show an additional Mo O coordination shell also detected in bulk β-Mo2C exposed to ambient air. These data suggest that the inhibition and ultimate suppression of catalytic pyrolysis reactions with CO2 addition reflect the oxidation of active MoCx structures, the extent of which increases with increasing CO2/CH4 reactant ratios. CO2/CH4 reactant ratios above 0.1 lead to conversion of MoCx to MoOx structures, which are inactive for both reforming and pyrolysis reactions of CH4, but which reform active MoCx after an induction period when exposed to pure CH4 reactants at reaction conditions.
Distributed methods for solving the security-constrained optimal power flow problem

The optimal power flow is the problem of determining the most efficient, low-cost and reliable operation of a power system by dispatching the available electricity generation resources to the load on the system. Unlike the classical optimal power flow problem, the security-constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF) problem takes into account both the pre-contingency (base-case) constraints and post-contingency constraints. In the literature, the problem is formulated as a large-scale nonconvex nonlinear programming. We propose two decomposition algorithms based on the Benders cut and the alternating direction method of multipliers for solving this problem. Our algorithms often generate a solution, whose objective function value is smaller than conventional approaches.
Realities of replication: implementation of evidence-based interventions for HIV prevention in real-world settings

Background To have public health impact, evidence-based interventions (EBIs) must be implemented appropriately at meaningful scale. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Replicating Effective Programs and Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions programs disseminate select EBIs by providing program materials and training health providers on their appropriate use and implementation. Sociometrics’ HIV/AIDS Prevention Program Archive (HAPPA) and Program Archive for Sexuality, Health, and Adolescents (PASHA) are likewise the largest EBI collections targeting sexual risk behaviors in the private sector. This study examined the extent to which organizations that obtain EBIs from HAPPA and PASHA implement, adapt and evaluate them and factors associated with program implementation.
The Dilemmas of Legal Mobilization: Ideologies and Strategies of Mental Patient Liberation Groups

The decision to participate in the legal process depends in part upon the ideologies of the potential participants. The ideology that has dominated the rights movement during the past two decades is what Stuart Scheingold describes as the myth of rights. But participation in litigation, including rights evolution litigation, has also been colored by other and sometimes conflicting ideologies. Thus the mobilization of legal resources can be seen as the ways participants in litigation cope with multiple ideologies. This paper looks at the mental patient liberation movement in this way. That movement has been very much affected by a myth of rights ideology, as well as by a liberation ideology that is quite contradictory to the tenets of the myth of rights. The paper documents these ideologies, looks at the way the movement has tried to reconcile them, and shows how this problematic reconciliation affects the nature of mental health rights litigation.
Parents and Peers as Social Influences to Deter Antisocial Behavior

Growth curve analyses were used to investigate parents’ and peers’ influence on adolescents’ choice to abstain from antisocial behavior in a community-based sample of 416 early adolescents living in the Southeastern United States. Participants were primarily European American (91%) and 51% were girls. Both parents and peers were important influences on the choice to abstain from antisocial behavior. Over the four-year period adolescents relied increasingly on parents as influences and relied less on peers as influences to deter antisocial behavior. Significant gender differences emerged and suggested that female adolescents relied more on social influences than did male adolescents but that as time progressed male adolescents increased the rate at which they relied on peers. Higher family income was associated with choosing peers as a social influence at wave 1, but no other significant income associations were found. Understanding influences on adolescents’ abstinence choices is important for preventing antisocial behavior.
Why Parents Use the Emergency Department During Evening Hours for Nonemergent Pediatric Care

Background. Emergency departments (EDs) are commonly used by pediatric patients for nonemergent reasons. There is little information regarding how parents perceive their use of the ED and primary care availability during evening hours. Methods. We conducted a survey of parental perspectives of ED use during evening hours. Participants were parents of pediatric patients (age 0-18 years) at a large quaternary medical center’s ED presenting between 17:00 and 22:00 hours from January 15, 2013 to March 12, 2013. Results. Most patients had a primary care pediatrician (98/102, 96.1%); 80% of their pediatricians (78/98) did not have evening hour availability. Overall, 46.7% of parents would have preferred to go to their primary care pediatrician. Conclusions. Many parents who expect outpatient treatment prefer to take their child to a primary care pediatrician during evening hours, but present to the ED because of lack of primary care access.
The NASA VLBI2010 Proof-of-Concept Demonstration and Future Plans

The next generation geodetic VLBI instrument is being developed with a goal of 1 mm position uncertainty in twenty-four hours. We have implemented a proof-of-concept system for a possible VLBI2010 signal chain, from feed through recorder, on the Westford (Massachusetts, USA) 18-m and MV-3 (Maryland, USA) 5-m antennas. Data have been obtained in four 512 MHz bands spanning the range 3.5 to 11 GHz to investigate the sensitivity and phase delay capability of the system. Using a new phase cal design, the phases have been aligned across four bands spanning 2 GHz with an RMS deviation of approximately eight degrees. Several components of the system will be improved for the prototype version of VLBI2010, including the feed, digital backend, and recorder, and these will be installed on a 12-m antenna that has been purchased and is ready for installation at the Goddard Space Flight Center outside of Washington, D.C., USA, site of the MV-3 antenna.
A Modern Focusing Schlieren for Flow Visualization

A focusing schlieren system has been developed that does not have the limitations of previous versions, such as low image brightness, small field of view, and difficulty of use. Two-dimensional slices of the flow can be examined at selected depths. Good results are demonstrated, even through poor optical quality windows. A comparison with shadowgraph and conventional schlieren is also shown.
The toxic action of nitrobenzene, with special reference to the cerebellum

The toxic action of nitrobenzene has been comparatively little studied in an experimental way. The investigations here reported have been in progress about two years. Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, white rats and mice, hens, pigeons, frogs, and certain insects and blood parasites have been used. The animals have in all cases been exposed to air saturated with the vapor of the nitrobenzene at various temperatures in a special metal box of forty cubic feet capacity, and so arranged that good ventilation was insured. The periods of exposure varied from one to twenty-four hours, or even longer, as in case of rabbits and guinea pigs; with other animals the exposure was usually much shorter. The effects obtained vary with the type of animal somewhat. In dogs and birds the nervous system disturbances predominate, with lighter dosage, while in the other mammals used blood changes are more prominent, especially in severe poisoning. The details of these variations will be published later. At this time we give on...
Electrical contact fabrication and measurements of metals and alloys to thermoelectric materials

Low electrical contact resistance is essential for the fabrication of high efficiency thermoelectric generators in order to convert heat to electricity. These contacts must be stable to high temperatures and through thermal cycling. A ratio of the contact resistance to the leg resistance below 0.1 is the goal for fabrication of a high efficiency thermoelectric power generation device. Here we present the fabrication procedures and characterization of contacts of metal alloys to Pb-Sb-Ag-Te (LAST) and Pb-Sb-Ag-Sn-Te (LASTT) compounds. Contacts were fabricated and measured for both ingot and hot pressed materials. Stainless steel 316 has shown a low resistance contact to these thermoelectric materials when the proper bonding conditions are used. Different time-temperature-pressure conditions for bonding to n-type and to p-type legs are presented. Contact resistances below 10μΩcm 2 have been measured. In addition, break tests have shown bond strengths exceeding the semiconductor fracture strength. One of the considerations used in selecting iron alloys for electrical interconnects is the similarity in the coefficient of thermal expansion to the LAST and LASTT materials which is 18 ppm/°C and relatively temperature insensitive. Contacts to the thermoelectric materials were accomplished by diffusion bonding in a furnace developed in our lab at Michigan State University. The furnace is capable of reaching temperatures of up to 1000°C with a controlled atmosphere of a reducing gas. Fabrication procedures and contact data are presented in this paper.