cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The development and expression of physical nicotine dependence corresponds to structural and functional alterations in the anterior cingulate-precuneus pathway.

Introduction Perturbations in neural function provoked by a drug are thought to induce neural adaptations, which, in the absence of the drug, give rise to withdrawal symptoms. Previously published structural data from this study indicated that the progressive development of physical dependence is associated with increasing density of white matter tracts between the anterior cingulum bundle and the precuneus. Methods Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we compared 11 smokers after 11 h of abstinence from nicotine and after satiation, with 10 nonsmoking controls, using independent component analysis for brain network comparisons as well as a whole brain resting-state functional connectivity analysis using the anterior cingulate cortex as a seed. Results Independent component analysis demonstrated increased functional connectivity in brain networks such as the default mode network associated with the withdrawal state in multiple brain regions. In seed-based analysis, smokers in the withdrawal state showed stronger functional connectivity than nonsmoking controls between the anterior cingulate cortex and the precuneus, caudate, putamen, and frontal cortex (P < 0.05). Among smokers, compared to the satiated state, nicotine withdrawal was associated with increased connectivity between the anterior cingulate cortex and the precuneus, insula, orbital frontal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex, superior temporal, and inferior temporal lobe (P < 0.02). The intensity of withdrawal-induced craving correlated with the strength of connectivity between the anterior cingulate cortex and the precuneus, insula, caudate, putamen, middle cingulate gyrus, and precentral gyrus (r = 0.60–0.76; P < 0.05). Conclusions In concordance with our previous report that structural neural connectivity between the anterior cingulate area and the precuneus increased in proportion to the progression of physical dependence, resting-state functional connectivity in this pathway increases during nicotine withdrawal in correlation with the intensity of withdrawal-induced craving. These findings suggest that smoking triggers structural and functional neural adaptations in the brain that support withdrawal-induced craving.
Effects of vitamin A and related retinoids on the biochemical processes linked to carcinogenesis

The ultimate goal of this research program is to learn the biochemical changes that are essential for the transformation of a normal cell to a tumor cell using the initiationpromotion (two-step) model system for the production of skin tumors in mice. Toward this goal we will show herein that those retinoids which effectively inhibit skin carcinogenesis also inhibit the induction of ornithine decarboxylase by the promoting component of the carcinogenic process, a correlation which strengthens the probability that increased ornithine decarboxylase activity is essential to carcinogenesis.
Multiplicative latent factor models for description and prediction of social networks

We discuss a statistical model of social network data derived from matrix representations and symmetry considerations. The model can include known predictor information in the form of a regression term, and can represent additional structure via sender-specific and receiver-specific latent factors. This approach allows for the graphical description of a social network via the latent factors of the nodes, and provides a framework for the prediction of missing links in network data.
Analysis of evaporation in the presence of composition-induced natural convection

Abstract Evaporation from an open-topped vertical tube which is partially filled with a liquid has been investigated analytically and numerically. The space above the liquid surface is occupied by a binary mixture consisting of the evaporating vapor and a gas. Spatial variations of the concentrations of the vapor and the gas give rise to density variations which induce natural convection motions. The numerical solutions were carried out for water as the evaporating vapor and air as the gas. It was found that the presence of natural convection can lead to significant increases in the rate of evaporation—up to a factor of five for the investigated parameter ranges. The enhancement is favored by a relatively high concentration of vapor at the liquid surface, a dry ambient, and a relatively large tube diameter. The flow pattern consists of a U-shaped loop, with fluid drawn downward into the tube from the ambient through an annular region adjacent to the tube wall. The upstreaming flow in the core of the tube forms the other leg of the loop.
Differential responding for brain stimulation reward and sucrose in high-alcohol-drinking (HAD) and low-alcohol-drinking (LAD) rats.

Background: This study examined the associations among selective breeding for alcohol preference, intake of sweet solutions, and responding for brain stimulation reward (BSR), a nonoral reinforcer, in alcohol-preferring high–alcohol-drinking (HAD)-1 and nonpreferring low–alcohol-drinking (LAD)-1 rats. Methods: Adult male HAD-1 and LAD-1 rats were trained to lever press for medial forebrain bundle stimulation. Current intensity was varied in separate sessions to generate a rate/intensity function. To further examine BSR responding, the animals responded for stimulation at 100 Hz and at a fixed current intensity on an FR1 schedule. In subsequent sessions, the schedule was increased to FR6 and then to FR12. To examine responding for the sucrose solution, we trained a separate group of HAD-1/LAD-1 rats to bar press for sucrose on an FR1 schedule. Similar to the BSR experiment, in following sessions, the schedule was increased to an FR6 and then to an FR12 schedule. Results: No significant differences were observed between the two rat lines across a range of current intensities. As the reinforcement schedule increased, HAD-1 rats exhibited a dramatic decrease in BSR responding, whereas the LAD-1 rats displayed a more protracted reduction. In contrast to BSR, marked elevations in responding were observed for sucrose as the schedule increased. However, in HAD-1 rats, response rates were similar on the FR6 and FR12 schedules, whereas LAD-1 rats showed a reduction in response rates from the FR6 to FR12 schedule. Furthermore, HAD-1 rats exhibited significantly more responses compared with LAD-1 rats across the three reinforcement schedules. An analysis of the response profile for the three reinforcement schedules suggested that few if any postreinforcement pauses were exhibited when the reinforcer was BSR compared with sucrose in both lines. Conclusion: Medial forebrain bundle BSR is a powerful reinforcer in both HAD-1 and LAD-1 lines. However, BSR responding was not associated with selective breeding for alcohol preference. In contrast, selective breeding for alcohol preference was associated with sucrose consumption, especially as the amount of work increased. The lack of correspondence between BSR and sweet taste rewards in HAD-1 and LAD-1 lines may suggest important differences yet an overlapping brain reward mechanism in the control of motivated behaviors in these selected lines.
Developmental differences in the analgesia produced by the central cholinergic system.

In order to study the ontogenesis of cholinergically mediated analgesia in the central nervous system (CNS), 10-day-, 28-day-, and 3-month-old rats were injected with .025, .05, and .10 mg/kg of oxotremorine, a muscarinic receptor agonist. To restrict the effect of oxotremorine to the CNS, methylscopolamine, a peripheral muscarinic antagonist, was injected simultaneously (.19 mg/kg, a dose equimolar to .10 mg/kg of oxotremorine). Following drug injections the tail-flick procedure was used to assess analgesia. Results revealed that oxotremorine was completely ineffective in producing analgesia in the 10-day- and 28-day-old age groups. By 3 months of age oxotremorine produced a dose-dependent analgesia. Since most neurochemical markers of cholinergic receptor function are at mature or near mature levels by 28 days of age, neurochemical indexes of receptor function overestimate the analgesic function of the central cholinergic system.
Upholding Environmental Justice in the Colonias: A New Mexico Approach

As low-income communities (largely) of color, colonias are not only characterized by inadequate physical infrastructure, but also by a disproportionate concentration of potentially hazardous land uses. This article examines how the state regulations governing solid waste facilities permitted by the NM Environment Department operate in colonias. After a brief reference to the differences in environmental policy between the US and Mexico, in the mid-border region, and the jurisdictional differentiation in planning between New Mexico and Chihuahua, the article examines how adoption of environmental regulations governing permitted facilities affects colonias in New Mexico. The case of the Camino Real solid waste facility in Sunland Park is used to illustrate the planning processes at work. Special attention is paid to the kinds of citizen participation called for in the review process.
Child vocational development: A review and reconsideration

Abstract Childhood marks the dawn of human development. To organize, integrate, and advance knowledge about vocational development during this age period from a life-span perspective, we conducted a comprehensive review of the empirical vocational development literature that addresses early-to-late childhood. The review considers career exploration, career awareness, vocational expectations and aspirations, vocational interests, and career maturity/adaptability. By conducting the review, we sought to consolidate knowledge and identify avenues for further research concerned with vocational development in childhood and across the life span. Linking knowledge of child vocational development with what is known about adolescent and adult vocational development and conducting research that embeds vocational development within the fabric of a life-span developmental framework could move the field of vocational psychology from a disjointed perspective on career as studied in isolated age groups and toward an integrated life-span conceptualization.
Newer psychotropic medication use in nursing home residents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of newer psychotropic agents in nursing home residents in the era of new Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) guidelines. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of referrals to an on-site geriatric psychiatry service in seven Eastern Massachusetts facilities during 1995–1996. SUBJECTS: The 298 patients examined included 226 women and 72 men with a mean (SD) age of 81.9 (9.4) years. MEASUREMENTS: Patient demographics, psychiatric history and medical diagnoses, prescribed medication information, and mental status examination results were recorded systematically. Descriptive statistics of demographics, medication use, and dosing were generated, and comparative analyses were performed by chi-square, ANOVA, and Tukey's tests. RESULTS: Overall, 69% of subjects were taking at least one psychotropic medication. Although benzodiazepines (32%) and antipsychotics (42%) were used by a large portion of subjects, antidepressants (61%) were the most commonly prescribed psychotropic, with 53% taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The atypical antipsychotic, risperidone, accounted for more than 30% of antipsychotic prescriptions. Low rates of anticholinergic use and low doses and rates of tricyclic antidepressant use were found in Alzheimer's disease patients. Mean dosing of the psychotropic agents fell within HCFA guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Newer-generation psychotropics have had a significant impact on the prescribing practices of primary physicians in treating nursing home residents. Of clinical importance is the high rate of antidepressant use in a population that has traditionally received inadequate pharmacotherapy for depression. More studies are needed to examine a shift to the use of other psychotropic drugs in this population in the post-HCFA area.
Gender and Black Presidential Politics: From Chisholm to Moseley Braun

SUMMARY Carol Moseley Braun's entrance into the 2003 Democratic presidential primaries brought Representative Shirley Chisholm's 1972 presidential run back into the spotlight. Numerous questions of interest immediately come to mind. Has the political environment for Black females interested in the presidency changed? Is a Black female candidate running nationally today in a better position than thirty years ago? Did Black Americans see a Black female as a serious contender in 2003 where they did not in 1972? Were Blacks more inclined to support a Black male in the race, Al Sharpton, regardless of the qualifications of Moseley Braun? While data are limited, this article attempts to address these questions and to draw some conclusions, albeit cautiously, about the current political environment for Black female candidates.
Effects of sewage sludge application method on corn production

Abstract A study was conducted to determine the effects of land application of municipal sewage sludge to agricultural land in Upper Cumberland Region of the Tennessee valley. Treatments included single and annual applications of sewage sludge both surface applied and injected into the soil. The primary objective of the study was to determine the effects of different land application methods of sewage sludge on corn grain yields. Other objectives were to determine the plant availability and migration of sludge Cu and Zn, and to determine organic N mineralization rates based on corn yield and leaf N content. Application of sewage sludge positively affected corn grain yields due to increased availability of N, and in drought years soil moisture. Yield and leaf N content data suggest that organic N mineralization rates near 50% in the year of application and 30% in the second year. Application of sewage sludge resulted in a greater increase in availability of Cu at the soil surface as compared to Zn, however...
Responses of benthic-pelagic coupling to climate change in a temperate estuary

This article reports the first demonstration of the impact of climate change on benthic–pelagic coupling and the biogeochemical cycles of a coastal marine system. Over the last 30 years Narragansett Bay, a 328-km2 temperate estuary on the east coast of the United States, has undergone a variety of ecological changes. Building on a robust data set that spans three decades, we present a link between warming (+1.7°C in annual mean water temperature) in the bay and a marked decrease in sediment oxygen consumption, in the fluxes of ammonium and phosphate from sediments to the overlying water, and in sediment denitrification. We attribute this reduction in biogeochemical exchange to a dramatic drop in the standing crop of water-column chlorophyll as the system has shifted from one characterized by a dominant winter–spring bloom to one supported by more ephemeral and less intense summer–autumn blooms. The recent climate-induced oligotrophication of the bay will be further exacerbated by forthcoming nitrogen reductions due to tertiary sewage treatment.
Numerical simulations of low-velocity impact on an aircraft sandwich panel

Abstract The potential hazards resulting from a low-velocity impact (bird-strike, tool drop, runway debris, etc.) on aircraft structures, such as engine nacelle or a leading edge, has been a long-term concern to the aircraft industry. Certification authorities require that exposed aircraft components must be tested to prove their capability to withstand low-velocity impact without suffering critical damage. This paper describes the results from experimental and numerical simulation studies on the impact and penetration damage of a sandwich panel by a solid, round-shaped impactor. The main aim was to prove that a correct mathematical model can yield significant information for the designer to understand the mechanism involved in the low-velocity impact event, prior to conducting tests, and therefore to design an impact-resistant aircraft structure. Part of this work presented is focused on the recent progress on the materials modelling and numerical simulation of low-velocity impact response onto a composite aircraft sandwich panel. It is based on the application of explicit finite element (FE) analysis codes to study aircraft sandwich structures behaviour under low-velocity impact conditions. Good agreement was obtained between numerical and experimental results, in particular, the numerical simulation was able to predict impact damage and impact energy absorbed by the structure.
Opto-electronic analyses of masticatory mandibular movements and velocities in the rat.

Abstract High-speed, high-resolution data (frontal plane) were collected from 6 Sprague-Dawley rats by opto-electronic mandibular tracking (OMT), followed by microcomputer analysis of individual chew cycles. Mastication comprised rapidly alternating, unilateral cycles with variable degrees of lateral translation. There was no evidence of bilateral mastication (simultaneous chewing on both left and right sides). Analysis revealed significant (p ⩽ 0.01) differences between whole-cycle, slow-open (SO) phase, fast-open (FO) phase, fast-close (FC) phase, and slow-close (SC) phase duration, height, width, and velocity during mastication of standardized foods (pellets and slurry). Regression analysis between millimetres of vertical/horizontal movement (Y) and vertical/horizontal velocity (X) revealed differences during these mastications. Whole-cycle and SO-phase regression equations had the greatest disparity between pellet and slurry chewing for both vertical and horizontal movements. Correlation coefficient analysis between movement and velocity data indicated that (1) vertical correlations were smaller than horizontal ones, (2) slurry correlations were greater than pellet ones except for whole cycles, (3) FO phase had the largest movement/velocity correlation during both pellet and slurry mastication, and, that (4) SC phase had the smallest movement/velocity correlation. Vertical and horizontal movements during pellet FC phase were significantly (p ⩽ 0.01) greater than slurry ones; both vertical and horizontal movements during pellet SC phase were significantly (p ⩽ 0.01) less than slurry ones. This phase-isostasy was also detected during vertical movements in SO and FO phases. These findings, when combined with information concerning muscle-spindle activity, suggest that vertical masticatory movements of the mandible are under less neuromuscular control than horizontal ones.
A fast and robust feature-based 3D algorithm using compressed image correlation

Two objectives of 3D computer vision are high processing speed and precise recovery of object boundaries. This paper addresses these issues by presenting an algorithm that combines feature-based 3D matching with Compressed Image Correlation. The algorithm uses an image compression scheme that retains pixel values in high intensity gradient areas while eliminating pixels with little correlation information in smooth surface regions. The remaining pixels are stored in sparse format along with their relative locations encoded into 32-bit words. The result is a highly reduced image data set containing distinct features at object boundaries. Consequently, far fewer memory calls and data entry comparisons are required to accurately determine edge movement. In addition, by utilizing an error correlation function, pixel comparisons are made through single integer calculations eliminating time consuming multiplication and floating point arithmetic. Thus, this algorithm typically results in much higher correlation speeds than spectral correlation and SSD algorithms. Unlike the traditional fixed window sorting scheme, adaptive correlation window positioning is implemented by dynamically placing object boundaries at the center of each correlation window. Processing speed is further improved by compressing and correlating the images in only the direction of disparity motion between frames. Test results on both simulated disparities and real motion image pair are presented.
Grain growth in (Ca1−x,Mgx)Zr4(PO4)6 ceramics

Grain growth in (Ca1−x,Mgx)Zr4(PO4)6 (CMZP) ceramics in the final stage of sintering has been investigated. The grain growth in CMZP ceramics obeys the isothermal grain-growth kinetics with time exponent,n, lying between 1.8 and 2.4 which depends on magnesium content, indicative of a change in grain-growth rate. The time exponent for the grain growth of CMZP can be taken as 2.0 which implies that a normal grain growth develops in the CMZP ceramics. The apparent activation energy for grain growth demonstrates a maximum atx = 0.0 and a minimum atx = 0.1, with 103.2 and 39.4 kcal mol−1, respectively, indicating that a small amount of magnesium promotes grain-boundary migration. The critical grain size for initiating microcracks in the CMZP increases with increasing magnesium and reaches 9–12 Μm whenx = 0.4.
Inflammation and lithium: clues to mechanisms contributing to suicide-linked traits

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, yet it remains difficult to understand the mechanistic provocations and to intervene therapeutically. Stress is recognized as a frequent precursor to suicide. Psychological stress is well established to cause activation of the inflammatory response, including causing neuroinflammation, an increase of inflammatory molecules in the central nervous system (CNS). Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as affecting many aspects of CNS functions and behaviors. In particular, much evidence demonstrates that inflammatory markers are elevated in traits that have been linked to suicidal behavior, including aggression, impulsivity and depression. Lithium is recognized as significantly reducing suicidal behavior, is anti-inflammatory and diminishes aggression, impulsivity and depression traits, each of which is associated with elevated inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of lithium result from its inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3). GSK3 has been demonstrated to strongly promote inflammation, aggressive behavior in rodents and depression-like behaviors in rodents, whereas regulation of impulsivity by GSK3 has not yet been investigated. Altogether, evidence is building supporting the hypothesis that stress activates GSK3, which in turn promotes inflammation, and that inflammation is linked to behaviors associated with suicide, including particularly aggression, impulsivity and depression. Further investigation of these links may provide a clearer understanding of the causes of suicidal behavior and provide leads for the development of effective preventative interventions, which may include inhibitors of GSK3.
Properties and assay of spherulins from Coccidioides immitis in delayed sensitivity responses of animals.

The properties of spherule phase coccidioidin (spherulin) in dermal sensitivity reactions were studied with regard to strain source, assay variables, potency and stability during storage. Preparations derived from Coccidioides immitis spherules, lysed for 40 days, were optimally reactive and spherulins from 6 strains of diverse origins were, with one exception, comparably reactive in animals sensitized by homologous or heterologous strains. The exceptional spherulin showed low activity and had lower protein, polysaccharide and nitrogen contents than the other reagents. However, the reactivity of different preparations could not be correlated with their ratios of protein to polysaccharide. Activity was consistent for different lots of spherulin from the same strain and was not diminished after storage of undiluted spherulin for 489 days at 0° – 8°C. Repeated doses of spherulin did not induce dermal sensitivity. A variation in assay results, attributable to waning sensitivity responses in guinea pigs, is de...
Arbitrary order maps, remainder terms, and long-term stability in particle accelerators

It is reviewed how transfer maps of arbitrary order can be calculated in a convenient way using differential algebraic (DA) techniques. Such high-order maps are of use for high- precision optical systems, as well as for the case of repetitive particle accelerators, where nonlinear effects often have a tendency to build up over many turns. It is shown how the methods can be extended to also allow a rigorous treatment of the Lagrange remainder term of the Taylor expansion. The methods can be applied for the estimation of the effects going beyond the aberration order; it is also for the study of the repetitive motion where, leaning on ideas of Lyapunov, Nekhoroshev and others, it for the first time allows a rigorous determination of guaranteed particle survival times.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Molecular simulation of drug-binding kinetics

Early drug discovery often focuses on improving drug–receptor binding thermodynamics without considering drug-binding kinetics. This article first reviews some experiments and pathway simulations t...
Quasi-static crack advance under a range of constraints—Steady-state fields based on a characteristic length

Abstract A numerical investigation of a crack growing under steady-state, quasi-static conditions has been performed within the framework of a boundary layer formulation whereby the remote loading is fully specified by the first two terms in Williams' expansion, characterized by k 1 and T . Mode I, plane strain crack tip fields have been obtained for strain-hardening and non-hardening materials over a wide range of K 1 and T combinations. A length scale for the boundary layer problem is ( K 1 /σ 0 ) 2 , where σ 0 is the material's yield stress in tension. Rescaling physical coordinates by ( K 1 /σ 0 ) 2 results in a family of self-similar solutions parameterized by T /σ 0 . Moreover, these fields can be arranged into a one-parameter near-tip field based on a characteristic length L g , which scales with the smallest dimension of the plastic zone. Specifically, the numerically determined fields collapse into a single near-tip distribution when physical coordinates are rescaled by L g . Thus loading and crack geometry enter into the description of the near-tip field only through L g , which therefore scales the intensity of the near-tip fields. Consequently, a one-parameter crack growth criterion is rigorously valid for steady crack growth under well-contained yielding, when the oneparameter field dominates over microstructurally significant size scales, i.e. any postulated local fracture criterion can be expressed as the requirement that L g attains a critical value L gc . The latter provides a single, unified criterion to assess quantitatively loading and crack geometry effects on fracture toughness.
Long-term results of radiosurgery for refractory cluster headache.

Objective Medically refractory cluster headache (CH) is a debilitating condition for which few surgical modalities have proven effective. Previous reports involving short-term follow-up of CH patients have reported modest degrees of pain relief after radiosurgery of the trigeminal nerve ipsilateral to symptom onset. With the recent success of deep brain stimulation as a surgical modality for these patients, it becomes imperative for the long-term risks and benefits of radiosurgery to be more extensively delineated. To address this issue, we present our findings from the largest retrospective series of patients undergoing radiosurgery for CH with extended follow-up periods. Methods Between 1997 and 2001, 10 patients with CH underwent gamma knife radiosurgery at our institution. All patients fulfilled clinical criteria for treatment, including complete resistance to pharmacotherapy (usually methysergide, verapamil, and lithium), pain primarily localized to the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, and psychological stability. The mean age at radiosurgery was 40.3 years (range, 26-62 yr), and the average CH duration was 11.3 years (range, 2-21 yr). Patients received 75 Gy to the 100% isodose line delivered to the most proximal part of the trigeminal nerve where the 50% isodose line was outside the brainstem (4-mm collimator), with a mean follow-up period of 39.7 months (range, 5-88 mo). Pain relief was defined as excellent (free of CH with minimal or no medications), good (50% reduction of CH severity and frequency with medications), fair (25% reduction of CH severity and frequency with medications), or poor (less than 25% reduction of CH severity and frequency with medications). Results After radiosurgery, pain relief was poor in nine patients and fair in one patient. Six patients with poor to fair relief initially experienced excellent to good relief (range, 2 wk-2 yr after treatment) before regressing. Five patients (50%) experienced trigeminal nerve dysfunction, manifesting predominantly as facial numbness after treatment. Conclusion Although some patients may experience short-term pain relief, none had relief sustainable for longer than 2 years. The results from this series indicate that radiosurgery of the trigeminal nerve does not provide long-term pain relief for medically refractory CH.
Synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon 2′-deoxyadenosine analogs

Abstract The chemical synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) modified 2′-deoxyadenosine analogs has been achieved. Two model adducts, incorporating a naphthalene (Np) and a benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) unit have been prepared.
IgE anti Hepatitis B virus surface antigen antibodies detected in serum from inner city asthmatic and non asthmatic children

Viral Hepatitis type B (HBV) is a public health concern, but has not been linked to asthma. Immunoglobulin (Ig) G is involved in HBV immune responses; less is known about IgE antibodies (Abs) against HBV in asthma. Given the importance of HBV, we sought to determine whether HBV vaccine contributes to asthma in children, by stimulating specific IgE production. Total IgE, IgE- or IgG-anti-HBVs Abs were studied in vaccinated pediatric asthmatics and non asthmatics. We found: (1) total IgE was higher in asthmatics; (2) total IgE did not correlate with IgE anti-HBVs; (3) IgE anti-HBVs did correlate with IgG-anti-HBVs in all subjects; (4)IgE- and IgG-HBVs Abs were similar in both groups; (5) IgE- or IgG anti-HBVs Abs did not correlate with age. Our findings indicate that HBV vaccination induces IgE responses in asthmatics and non asthmatics.
The Role of Technical Expertise in Engineering and Writing Teachers’ Evaluations of Students’ Writing

This study examines the extent to which a teacher’s level of expertise in the subject of a technical paper affects the teacher’s reading and evaluation of it. Four engineering teachers and four writing teachers were asked to read aloud the same three student papers and to say aloud their thoughts as they read. The engineering teachers read papers on familiar and unfamiliar subjects. This method allowed direct comparison of the responses of (a) engineering teachers with relevant expertise in a paper’s subject, (b) engineering teachers without such expertise, and (c) writing teachers. The comparison indicates that technical expertise helps teachers evaluate validity and engage with the text but has a more ambiguous effect on evaluations of rhetorical appropriateness. The article also examines the teachers’ differing attitudes toward the importance of having technical expertise when evaluating and recommends approaches for teacher-training programs (in engineering and composition) based on the results.
Methodology for assessing respiration and cellular incorporation of radiolabeled substrates by soil microbial communities.

A method is described for determining biodegradation kinetics of both naturally occurring and xenobiotic compounds in surface and sub-surface soil samples. The method measures both respiration and uptake into cellular biomass of14C-labeled substrates. The estimation of biomass incorporation entailed removal of cells from soil particles by washing the soil with a polyvinyl-pyrrolidone/pyrophosphate solution and H2O2. After separation of the cells and the soil particles by centrifugation, the cells were trapped on membrane filters for liquid scintillation counting. Mass balances were easily obtained. The technique was used to measure metabolic activity in soil profiles, including unsaturated and saturated zones. First order rate constants (K1) were in the range of 10−3−10−2 hour−1 for amino acid metabolism and 10−5−10−4 hour−1 for m-cresol metabolism. Saturation kinetics were observed for amino acids and m-cresol. m-Cresol K1 values for uptake often exceeded those for respiration by greater than a factor of ten. Vmax values were low (amino acids, 101−102 ng g−1 hour−1; m-cresol, 10−1 ng g−1 hour−1), whereas Km values were quite high (amino acids, 103−104 ng g−1; m-cresol 103−105 ng g−1). Saturation was not observed in many horizons even at 105 ng g−1 dry soil. Frequently, respiration obeyed saturation kinetics whereas uptake was first order. It is concluded that measuring only kinetics of respiration may lead to severe underestimations of biodegradation rates.
Primary hepatocellular carcinoma following nonspecific non-B hepatitis with tumor DNA negative for HBV DNA.

An association between non-A, non-B hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma has been made on the basis of negative serological markers for hepatitis B virus (HBV); however, hepatocellular carcinomas have been found to contain hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV DNA) in individuals who lack serological markers of HBV infection. Therefore, reports which ascribed a hepatocellular carcinoma to non-A, non-B hepatitis but did not examine the tumor for HBV DNA are open to question. We describe a case of chronic active hepatitis with primary hepatocellular carcinoma that lacked HBV DNA in the tumor, the nontumorous liver tissue, and serum. The individual lacked all serological markers for HBV infection. This report more fairly supports the association between hepatocellular carcinoma, and chronic hepatitis not due to hepatitis B. Whether this is related specifically to a non-A, non-B hepatitis agent requires identification of the viral agents that cause non-A, non-B hepatitis.
What is causing the corneal ulcer? Management strategies for unresponsive corneal ulceration

Infectious keratitis represents a significant cause of ocular morbidity in the United States. The work-up and treatment of presumed infectious keratitis (PIK) has changed in the past two decades. The development of newer topical antibiotics has enabled broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage with good tissue penetration. The majority of PIK cases respond well to this strategy. The small numbers of cases that do not respond to the treatment are the cases that offer a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This review will describe different algorithms that can be followed for the successful management of patients with difficult or progressive PIK. These algorithms are based on scientific work and on our empirical clinical experience. The review will also present three different clinical cases of PIK that were managed according to the algorithms presented in this review.
The effects of mindfulness and self-consciousness on persistence

Abstract Although theory and research suggest that self-awareness is necessary to regulate one’s behaviors, it is unclear what effect mindfulness, a form of present-centered, non-judgmental, and non-reactive awareness, would have on behavioral self-regulation. The present study found that trait mindfulness, particularly its nonjudging and non-reacting facets, predicted increased persistence on a difficult lab task (N = 142). Although self-critical facets of self-consciousness were negatively related to mindfulness, self-consciousness did not predict persistence as expected. Mindfulness, particularly nonjudging and non-reactive aspects, may improve self-regulation.
KC's World

The Duke lacrosse incident in spring 2006 was touched off by a party held by the men's lacrosse team that featured exotic dancers. One of the dancers claimed that she was raped by three of the players, and charges were filed by the local district attorney. The national media rushed to condemn the players and told the story of the event and of campus culture more broadly as one about gender and race privilege (the players were White and the dancers Black) and about a fraught relationship between the town and the university (characterized as a site of elitism and drunken debauchery). A cottage industry of blogs developed in the aftermath of the event itself, commenting not only on the legal case and the party but also on Duke faculty who were signatories to an ad that drew attention to the racialized atmosphere on campus at the time—a time of backlash against African American students. Many of these bloggers accused faculty of enabling the district attorney's, the university's, and the nation's “rush to judgment” about the players. After the state's attorney general took over the case, he dropped all of the charges against the players, and the district attorney resigned and was disbarred. This essay focuses on one such blog, KC Johnson's Durham-in-Wonderland, examining the way in which he used the event to demonize faculty and further ideological agendas that are part of a broad-scale rightwing attack on progressive faculty across the nation.
The Relation between Conceptus Number and the Luteotrophic Effect of Estrogen in Rats after Hypophysectomy and Hysterectomy on Day 12 of Pregnancy

In pregnant rats on day 7, 10, or 11 (day 1= insemination), the conceptuses in each rat's uterus were adjusted to a desired number,i.e. zero, one, two, three, four, five, or full complement, by aspirating the undesired conceptuses; aspiration between adjacent conceptuses served as a control procedure. On day 12, each rat was hypophysectomized and hysterectomized, then injected daily with either 100 μg of 17β-estradiol (E100) sc in sesame oil or sesame oil alone from days 12–16. Serial peripheral blood samples (days 7–17) were collected and assayed for their serum progesterone content, and the corpora lutea were weighed at autopsy on day 17. Among the rats in which the conceptus number was adjusted on day 7, progesterone levels up to day 12 were unrelated to conceptus number, except that the values in the zero-conceptus group fell precipitously after day 10 and in the full complement group were very slightly higher on day 12 than in the other pregnant rats. In the oil-treated groups, the progesterone level...
Estimation of birth weight by use of ultrasonographic formulas targeted to large-, appropriate-, and small-for-gestational-age fetuses

This report sought to determine whether estimates of fetal weight are enhanced by using ultrasonographic formulas targeted to the large-, appropriate-, and small-for-gestational-age fetus in both preterm and term pregnancies. Ultrasonographic fetal measurements from 575 singleton pregnancies were obtained within 7 days of delivery. The first 194 fetuses were classified into three groups on the basis of the growth percentile rank of the abdominal circumference (≥90%a, >5% and t test, p > 0.05). Cumulatively, there was a statistically significant reduction of random error in the birth weight estimates by use of the three study formulas versus the best single formulas of Hadlock et al. (2 SD reduced from 21.6% to 19.8% and absolute 2 SD reduced from 15.6% to 12.2%). Additionally, the three study formulas resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the absolute 2 SD error compared with the best formula by Weiner et al. in fetuses ≤34 weeks' gestation (2 SD reduced from 19.1% to 13.6%).
Analysis of mean momentum flux in subgrid models of turbulence

Using a recently proposed model spectrum for weakly sheared turbulence [ M. Ishihara, K. Yoshida, and Y. Kaneda, Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 154501 (2002) ], the mean momentum fluxes caused by subgrid scales are evaluated analytically. Using the result to calibrate the Smagorinsky coefficient, the value obtained is remarkably close to the traditional result obtained from balancing kinetic energy dissipation. For the Gaussian filter, the same conclusion is obtained when the Smagorinsky model is supplemented with the nonlinear model. It is concluded that when in practice the Smagorinsky model does not correctly predict the mean subgrid scale (SGS) stresses in large eddy simulation (LES), it must be due to either nonuniversal effects at large scales, or due to strong shear that violates the model spectrum assumed in the present analysis. Analysis of a two-parameter mixed model shows that the nonlinear term must be weighted more strongly in high shear conditions than in weak shear.
Stability of self-interstitial atoms in hcp-Zr

Abstract This paper reports the relative stability of various configurations of self-interstitial atoms (SIAs) in hcp-Zr, based on density-functional-theory calculations. In contrast to literature reports of confusing and sometimes contradicting results based on smaller calculation cells, the results here are from calculation cells that contain more than 180 atoms, and provide the most accurate and reliable prediction of the relative stability of SIAs in hcp-Zr. At the most stable configuration of basal octahedral, the formation energy of SIA is 2.73 eV, which does not change with further increase of calculation cell size. The accurate determination of the stability sequence of different SIA configurations provides key material property knowledge in understanding the microstructure evolution of the zirconium-based cladding material in nuclear reactor systems, especially for the anisotropic diffusion of the radiation-induced point defects.
Male or Female Athletic Director? Exploring Perceptions of Leader Effectiveness and a (Potential) Female Leadership Advantage with Intercollegiate Athletic Directors

We investigated whether transformational leadership was associated with more positive perceptions of outcomes among intercollegiate athletic directors in the U.S. Also, we examined whether leader gender influenced perceptions of participants, and if there was an interaction between leadership style and leader gender in predicting organizational outcomes. Division I and II male participants (n = 99) evaluated either a male or female transactional or transformational leader on extra effort, satisfaction, and effectiveness. MANOVA and post hoc analyses were used in our evaluation. Findings indicated transformational leadership was related to more positive organizational outcomes, that there was no difference between male and female leaders on attaining these outcomes, and that there was no interaction between leadership style and leader gender.
Spatial analysis of an urban flash flood survey results

The geographical distribution of a flash flood's occurrence could be an important consideration in assessing its severity and social impacts. In this study, the spatial distribution of survey responses is analysed with respect to features such as the stream network (natural water path), the drainage network, buildings, and catchments. This provides information on both flash flood distribution causes in an urban setting and residents' perceptions of the hazard that would otherwise not be revealed. The study demonstrated the possibility of taking into account people's experience in detecting the location of potential flash flood hazards. It also illustrates the usefulness of GIS-supported spatial analysis of survey results in identifying factors that increase the occurrence of urban flash floods.
Laser induced photodissociation of Hn3 at 266 nm. II. Reactions of NH(1Δ) with HN3 HCl and hydrocarbon species

Abstract In the preceding paper it was shown that the 266 nm photodissociation of HN3 gives rise to NH fragments exclusively in the vibrationless a(1Δ) state with about 900 cm−1 of rotational energy. These fragments collisionally react with HN3 to produce NH2(2A1) in a chemiluminescent reaction. The time resolved chemiluminescence emission is used to determine the reaction rate for NH(1Δ) + HN3 → NH2(2A1) + N3(2Πg). The reaction rates of NH(1Δ) with several other species, HCl, CH4, C2H4, C3H6 and C6H12 are reported. Possible mechanisms for these reactions are considered. Condensed phase experiments are reported describing the addition reaction of NH(1Δ) with cyclohexane.
Multiple oil-in-water-in-oil emulsions of extremely fine droplet size

Abstract These results show the preparation of multiple aqueous acrylamide- o -xylene o/w/o emulsions of very fine droplet size using a single surfactant; the internal droplet size and number was dependent upon the agitation rate used to prepare the emulsion. These emulsions, after polymerization to form inverse polyacrylamide latexes, show morphologies similar to the original multiple emulsions. These results also show the effectiveness of this freeze-drying electron microscopic technique in depicting the morphology of submicrometer emulsion droplets.
Reliability-based covariance control design

An extension to classical covariance control methods, introduced by Skelton et al. (1985, 1989, 1995), is proposed specifically for application to the control of civil engineering structures subjected to random dynamic excitations. The covariance structure of the system is developed directly from specification of its reliability via the assumption of independent (Poisson) outcrossings of its stationary response process from a polyhedral safe region. This leads to a set of state covariance controllers, each of which guarantees that the closed-loop system will possess the specified level of reliability. An example civil engineering structure is considered.
Abstraction of complex concepts with a refined partial-area taxonomy of SNOMED

An algorithmically-derived abstraction network, called the partial-area taxonomy, for a SNOMED hierarchy has led to the identification of concepts considered complex. The designation ''complex'' is arrived at automatically on the basis of structural analyses of overlap among the constituent concept groups of the partial-area taxonomy. Such complex concepts, called overlapping concepts, constitute a tangled portion of a hierarchy and can be obstacles to users trying to gain an understanding of the hierarchy's content. A new methodology for partitioning the entire collection of overlapping concepts into singly-rooted groups, that are more manageable to work with and comprehend, is presented. Different kinds of overlapping concepts with varying degrees of complexity are identified. This leads to an abstract model of the overlapping concepts called the disjoint partial-area taxonomy, which serves as a vehicle for enhanced, high-level display. The methodology is demonstrated with an application to SNOMED's Specimen hierarchy. Overall, the resulting disjoint partial-area taxonomy offers a refined view of the hierarchy's structural organization and conceptual content that can aid users, such as maintenance personnel, working with SNOMED. The utility of the disjoint partial-area taxonomy as the basis for a SNOMED auditing regimen is presented in a companion paper.