cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends in Opioid Prescribing Among Hemodialysis Patients, 2007-2014.

Background Hemodialysis (HD) patients frequently experience pain. Previous studies of HD patients suggest increased opioid prescribing through 2010. It remains unclear if this trend continued after 2010 or declined with national trends. Methods Longitudinal cohort study of 484,745 HD patients in the United States Renal Data System/Medicare data. We used Poisson/negative binomial regression to estimate annual incidence rates of opioid prescribing between 2007 and 2014. We compared prescribing rates with the general US population using IQVIA's National Prescription Audit data. Outcomes included the following: percent of HD patients receiving an opioid prescription, rate of opioid prescriptions, quantity, days supply, morphine milligram equivalents (MME) dispensed per 100 person-days, and prescriptions per person. Results In 2007, 62.4% of HD patients received an opioid prescription. This increased to 63.2% in 2010 then declined to 53.7% by 2014. Opioid quantity peaked in 2011 at 73.5 pills per 100 person-days and declined to 62.6 pills per 100 person-days in 2014. MME peaked between 2010 and 2012 then declined through 2014. In 2014, MME rates were 1.8-fold higher among non-Hispanic patients and 1.6-fold higher among low-income patients. HD patients received 3.2-fold more opioid prescriptions per person compared to the general US population and were primarily prescribed oxycodone and hydrocodone. Between 2012 and 2014, HD patients experienced greater declines in opioid prescriptions per person (18.2%) compared to the general US population (7.1%). Conclusion Opioid prescribing among HD patients declined between 2012 and 2014. However, HD patients continue receiving substantially more opioids than the general US population.
The Metanarrative of rural environmentalism: Rhetorical activism in Bold Nebraska’s Harvest the Hope:

The ongoing, decade-long fight against the Keystone XL Pipeline in the state of Nebraska has incorporated traditional levers of public relations such as media relations and lobbying but has also bo...
Film interface for drug testing for delivery to cells in culture and in the brain

Brain access remains a major challenge in drug testing. The nearly 'impermeable' blood-brain-barrier (BBB) prevents most drugs from gaining access to brain cells via systematic intravenous (IV) injection. In this study, silk fibroin films were used as drug carrier as well as cell culture substrate to simulate the in vivo interface between drug reservoir and brain cells for testing drug delivery in the brain. In in vitro studies, film-released arabinofuranosyl cytidine (AraC), a mitotic inhibitor, selectively killed glial cells in film-supported mixed neural cell cultures; with widened dosage windows for drug efficacy and tolerance compared to drugs in solution. In the brain, the presence of silk films was well tolerated with no signs of acute neuroinflammation, cell death, or altered brain function. Topical application of silk films on the cortical surface delivered Evans blue, a BBB-impenetrable fluorescent marker, through the intact dura matter into the parenchyma of the ipsilateral hemisphere as deep as the hippocampal region, but not the contralateral hemisphere. In a mouse traumatic brain injury (TBI) model, necrosis markers by film delivery accessed more cells in the lesion core than by con-current IV delivery; whereas the total coverage including the peri-lesional area appeared to be comparable between the two routes. The complementary distribution patterns of co-delivered markers provided direct evidence of the partial confinement of either route's access to brain cells by a restrictive zone near the lesion border. Finally, film-delivered necrostatin-1 reduced overall cell necrosis by approximately 40% in the TBI model. These findings from representative small molecules of delivery route-dependent drug access are broadly applicable for evaluating drug actions both in vitro and in vivo. Combined with its demonstrated role of supporting neuron-electrode interfaces, the film system can be further developed for testing a range of neuromodulation approaches (i.e., drug delivery, electrical stimulation, cell graft) in the brain. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrated that silk fibroin films can be used to evaluate drug actions both in vitro and in vivo, partially overcoming the significant delivery barriers of the brain. This system can be adapted for efficient drug access to specific brain regions and/or cell types. The film system can be further developed for testing a range of interventions with drugs, electrical signals or cell graft for analysis of treatment outcomes including cell responses and brain function.
Can socialism move beyond political liberalism without accommodating pluralism

In the first part of my essay I argue that the real issue behind Axel Honneth’s interpretation of socialism is the relationship between Marx and Hegel with the fundamental claim that Marx misunders...
High-voltage e-cigarette aerosol exposure linked to decreased cellular viability

The increased prevalence of high-voltage vaping options, where e-liquids are aerosolized at higher battery voltages, has raised concerns regarding the potential health consequences of e-cigarette usage. In this study, rat alveolar type II cells were exposed to vapor generated from unflavored propylene glycol (with and without 24 mg/mL nicotine) and vegetable glycerin e-liquids. Over 30 minutes, L2 cells were exposed to 1800 mL vapor generated at 4.7 V. Cytotoxicity was determined through changes in endocytosis (NRU) and metabolic activity (MTT assay). Level of inflammatory response was determined by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secreted into the basolateral cell media post exposure. All values were normalized against control replicates mock-exposed and processed in parallel with experimental replicates. Only cells exposed to propylene glycol without nicotine exhibited significant decreases in cell viability, as measured by NRU.
A clash of fundamental assumptions: Can/should we measure physical literacy?

The special issue of the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education (JTPE)1 on physical literacy (PL) has provided much needed information about measuring and assessing student learning in terms of the well-defined and yet abstract concept. Multiple authors have elaborated from diverse educational and psychometric perspectives on the development of the construct, the measurement model, and the assessment of the construct. In this attempt, many issues associated with the conception of PL were clarified and insightful information and arguments were brought forward. In this regard, the special issue has moved our understanding of the concept one step further. More importantly, it points to a possibility to actualize the teaching of the concept in physical education (PE).
Jupiter's Interior as Revealed by Juno

Jupiter is in the class of planets that we call gas giants, not because they consist of gas but because they were primarily made from hydrogen-helium gas, which upon gravitational compression becom...
ADVERSE PREGNANCY OUTCOMES AND MID-LIFE CARDIAC MECHANICS: THE CORONARY ARTERY RISK DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG ADULTS STUDY

Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) are associated with increased maternal risk of heart failure (HF). We investigated whether adverse cardiac mechanics, which precede HF, are present after an APO. We included women from the CARDIA study who had ≥1 live birth and completed an echocardiogram at year
Adversary effects and the tactics of violent offenders

We examine the implication of adversary effects for target choice, lethal intent, and the use of weapons and allies in violent incidents. Adversary effects refer to the tendency of offenders to make tactical decisions based on the coercive power of victims and potential victims. Using the victim's gender as a proxy for coercive power, we analyzed violent incidents from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (2005-2014). The sample included over six million assaults, robberies, and homicides. Consistent with adversary effects, offenders who attack males (vs. females) are more likely to (a) kill victims; (b) use guns, knives, blunt objects, poison, and automobiles; (c) use male (but not female) allies; and (d) use multiple allies. The evidence for target choice is mixed: unarmed female offenders, but not unarmed male offenders, are more likely to target females than males. The evidence shows how a simple theoretical principle can parsimoniously account for basic patterns of violence in society related to gender, weapons, and group violence.
P(III)/P(V)-Catalyzed Methylamination of Arylboronic Acids and Esters: Reductive C-N Coupling with Nitromethane as a Methylamine Surrogate.

The direct reductive N-arylation of nitromethane by organophosphorus-catalyzed reductive C–N coupling with arylboronic acid derivatives is reported. This method operates by the action of a small ri...
Oxidation of Phenolic Aldehydes by Ozone and Hydroxyl Radicals at the Air–Water Interface

Biomass burning releases highly reactive methoxyphenols into the atmosphere, which can undergo heterogeneous oxidation and act as precursors for secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. Understan...
Effects of growth orientations and epitaxial strains on phase stability of HfO 2 thin films

The discovery of ferroelectricity in both pure and doped ${\mathrm{HfO}}_{2}$-based thin films have revitalized interest in using ferroelectrics for nanoscale device applications. To take advantage of this silicon-compatible ferroelectric, fundamental questions such as the origin of ferroelectricity and better approach to controlled realization of ferroelectricity at the nanoscale need to be addressed. The emergence of robust polarization in ${\mathrm{HfO}}_{2}$-based thin films is considered as the cumulative effect of various extrinsic factors such as finite-size effects and surface/interface effects of small grains, compressive stress, dopants, oxygen vacancies, and electric fields. The kinetic effects of phase transitions and their potential impacts on the emergence of ferroelectricity in ${\mathrm{HfO}}_{2}$ at the nanoscale are not well understood. In this paper, we construct the transition paths between different polymorphs of hafnia with density-functional-theory calculations and variable-cell nudged elastic band technique. We find that the transition barriers depend strongly on the mechanical boundary conditions and the transition from the tetragonal phase to the polar orthorhombic phase is a fast process kinetically under clamping. The effects of growth orientations and epitaxial strains on the relative stability of different phases of ${\mathrm{HfO}}_{2}$ are investigated. The two orthorhombic phases, polar $Pca{2}_{1}$ and nonpolar $Pbca$, become thermodynamically stable in (111)-oriented thin films over a wide range of epitaxial strain conditions. This paper suggests a potential avenue to better stabilize the ferroelectric phase in ${\mathrm{HfO}}_{2}$ thin films through substrate orientation engineering.
Increased glutamate transmission onto dorsal striatum spiny projection neurons in Pink1 knockout rats

Abstract Loss-of-function PTEN Induced Kinase 1 (PINK1) mutations cause early-onset familial Parkinson's disease (PD) with similar clinical and neuropathological characteristics as idiopathic PD. While Pink1 knockout (KO) rats have mitochondrial dysfunction, locomotor deficits, and α-synuclein aggregates in several brain regions such as cerebral cortex, dorsal striatum, and substantia nigra, the functional ramifications on synaptic circuits are unknown. Using whole cell patch clamp recordings, we found a significant increase in the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) onto striatal spiny projection neurons (SPNs) in Pink1 KO rats at ages 4 and 6 months compared to wild-type (WT) littermates, suggesting increased excitability of presynaptic neurons. While sEPSC amplitudes were also increased at 2 and 4 months, no changes were observed in AMPAR/NMDAR ratio or receptor expression. Further analysis revealed increased glutamate release probability and decreased recovery of the synaptic vesicle pool following a train of stimulation in Pink1 KO rats. Ultrastructural analysis revealed increased excitatory and inhibitory synapse number and increased levels of presynaptic α-synuclein, while the number and structure of striatal mitochondria appeared normal. Lastly, we found that Pink1 KO rats have altered striatal dopamine tone, which together with the abnormal α- synuclein distribution and dysfunctional mitochondria, could contribute to the increase in excitatory transmission. Together, these studies show that PINK1 is necessary for normal glutamatergic transmission onto striatal SPNs and reveal possible mechanisms underlying striatal circuit dysfunction in PD.
Nationwide practices in the use of central venous catheters for therapeutic plasma exchange in the inpatient setting.

INTRODUCTION Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is often impacted by difficulties in obtaining an adequate and safe vascular access. This study evaluated the rates, predictive factors, and clinical outcomes associated with central venous catheter (CVC) use during the inpatient TPE procedures. METHODS The Nationwide Readmissions Database, 2016 to 2017 was used to identify hospitalizations with TPE with and without CVC insertion. RESULTS During the study period, there were 35 429 hospitalizations with TPE (pediatric 6.1%, mean ± standard deviation (SD) age 50.9 ± 20.0 years, female 52.7%). CVC insertion was documented in 24 414 (73.4%) adult and 1596 (73.5%) pediatric hospitalizations. In pediatric patients, age >15 years, higher disease severity, and private insurance were associated with higher odds of CVC insertion. In adults, female sex, obesity, concurrent hemodialysis, and higher disease severity were associated with CVC insertion. Adults with private insurance and both adult and pediatric hospitalizations at the teaching hospitals had lower odds of CVC placement. All patients with CVC insertion had longer length of hospital stay, and adults with CVC insertion also had higher hospital charges, higher in-hospital mortality, and lower likelihood of being discharged to home. CONCLUSION CVC insertion is performed for the majority of inpatient TPE procedures and CVC use appears to correlate with worse clinical outcomes.
Model simulations of global change in the ionosphere

[1] Observations of secular trends in the E and F1 regions of the ionosphere indicate that electron densities have increased, and that the height of the E-region peak has decreased, during the past several decades. Detection of trends in the upper ionosphere through analysis of F2-layer parameters has been more complex and controversial. In order to facilitate observational detection of long-term trends in the ionosphere, simulations were performed using a single-column upper atmosphere model. CO2 concentrations for the year 2000 and projected for the year 2100 were used to investigate changes of electron densities and the altitudes of ionospheric layers. Results show that increased CO2 concentration increases electron density in the lower regions of the ionosphere, but decreases electron density in the upper ionosphere. The transition altitude occurs slightly below the F2 peak altitude (hmF2). The proximity of hmF2 to the transition altitude may explain why different analyses of long-term trends in F2 peak density have shown both positive and negative trends. The altitudes of the E, F1 and F2 regions all decrease with increased CO2 concentration.
Ada Bindings for C Interfaces: Lessons Learned from the Florist Implementation

There is an acknowledged need for wider availability of Ada application program interfaces to commercial off-the-shelf software components. One instance of work that is being done to address this need is Florist, the most recent in a series of implementations of the standard POSIX Ada bindings. Experiences with Florist and its predecessors illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of some of the available techniques for implementing an Ada binding based on an existing C-language API.
[1] Glutathione distribution in natural products: absorption and tissue distribution

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the absorption and tissue distribution of Glutathione (GSH) distribution in natural products. GSH is present in most plant and animal tissues from which the human diet is derived. Much of this GSH is bioavailable because cells of the gastrointestinal tract have Na+-dependent and Na+-independent uptake mechanisms, and net absorption of GSH from the lumen into the vascular circulation occurs in the small intestine. In addition, GSH can function as an antioxidant in the ingesta, can maintain ascorbate in a reduced and functional form, can directly react with and inactivate toxic electrophiles in the diet, and can be broken down to yield cysteine. Studies have shown that dietary GSH enhances metabolic clearance of dietary peroxidized lipids and decreases their net absorption and that consumption of foods high in GSH content is associated with about a 50% reduction in risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer. Glutathione is readily oxidized by food processing and preparation, and many foods contain reactive electrophilic compounds that can remove GSH even after food is ingested. Although knowledge of GSH contents of foods remains incomplete, studies have provided insight into the range of values and provide some useful generalizations.
Bulk vs. thin film PLZT ferroelectrics

Lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) ferroelectrics were produced in bulk ceramic and thin-film form in order to compare their electrical and physical properties. Both bulk and thin film samples of selected compositions were produced from the same acetate precursor solutions. Properties examined were permittivity, dissipation factor, remanent polarization, coercive field, Curie temperature, and crystallinity. Bulk ceramics were hot-pressed from chemically coprecipitated powders, and chemically derived thin films were fabricated by spin coating. Typical conditions for hot pressing were 1200 degrees C for 4 h at 14 MPa (2000 psi), whereas the thin film were sintered at 700 degrees C for 4 min per layer. The similarities and differences between the materials are described. >
Drug information services.

Publisher Summary The essential aim of drug information is to encourage the appropriate use and to discourage the inappropriate use of drugs. In operation since 1971, MEDLINE (MEDLARS on-line) is the sophisticated outgrowth of the MEDLARS (Medical literature Analysis and Retrieval System) searching system that operated in a batch mode so effectively from 1966 to 1971. MEDLINE, a data base that was built and is maintained by the National Library of Medicine, contains references to more than 2.6 million citations from approximately 3000 worldwide biomedical journals. The data base begins in 1966 and is made up of a series of 3-year segments, each separately searchable. Access to MEDLINE is afforded by a variety of typewriter-like terminals connected to computers either in Bethesda, Maryland, or in Albany, New York, using ordinary telephone lines and the nationwide TYMNET or TeleNet communications networks. The MEDLINE service is available at more than 500 medical libraries, medical schools, government agencies, and companies in the United States, as well as at locations in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Iran, the World Health Organization in Geneva, South Africa, and Sweden.
The role of water in zeolite pores: the structure/property relationship for ion exchange

Abstract The role of occluded water in the ion exchange selectivity of molecular sieves is studied in detail with Sandia Octahedral Molecular Sieves (SOMS). SOMS exhibit a high selectivity for divalent cations only when the framework Nb(V) are substituted by M(IV) atoms. Vibrational dynamics of the water molecules of the SOMS with varying charge balancing cations and M atoms are studied by inelastic neutron scattering (INS) measurements. The experimental INS spectra were compared with those of ice Ih to characterize the structural changes induced by confinement on the H2O hydrogen-bonding network. Data indicate that with increasing M(IV) content, a tendency of water molecules to restore the bulk-like arrangements and increased solvation effects on the channel cations [ 1 ]. Data are complimented with further characterization by MAS NMR.
Magnetic cluster phases of Mn-interstitial-free (Ga,Mn)As

We report an investigation of magnetic cluster phases of (Ga,Mn)As of varying dosages formed by Mn ion implantation followed by pulsed‐laser melting (II‐PLM). A systematic study of zero‐field‐cooled and field‐cooled magnetization along several high‐symmetry crystallographic directions reveals the presence of magnetic cluster‐like phases, and manifests an unambiguous in‐plane uniaxial anisotropy in all samples. Since such anisotropy has been previously seen in (Ga,Mn)As grown by molecular beam epitaxy, its observation in (Ga,Mn)As prepared by II‐PLM suggests that it is an intrinsic property of (Ga,Mn)As rather than a consequence of a specific growth method. Our results also indicate a unique uniaxial component along [110] for the magnetic cluster phase at intermediate Mn dosage indicating that composition as well as processing may determine the details of the magnetic anisotropy in (Ga,Mn)As.
Imaging of Trabecular Bone

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 Direct Detection of Bone Mineral by 31P NMR 3 Implications of Bone Diamagnetism on NMR Line Broadening 4 Relationship Between Trabecular Architecture, Line Broadening, and Mechanical Competence 5 In Vivo Quantitative NMR of Trabecular Bone 6 High-Resolution Imaging of Trabecular Bone Structure 7 Biographical Sketch Related Articles
Glucose restriction, ketone supplementation, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy inhibit proliferation and viability and increase reactive oxygen species production in VM-M3 glioma cells (644.18)

The Warburg Effect and tumor hypoxia underlie a unique cancer metabolism characterized by glucose dependency and mitochondrial dysfunction. Previous research indicates this phenotype can be exploited therapeutically with glucose restriction, ketone supplements, or hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT). We have previously shown that these conditions decrease tumor growth and metastatic spread and increase survival time in mice with VM-M3 metastatic cancer. To further characterize the effects of these therapies, we measured proliferation, viability, and ROS production in VM-M3 cells exposed to these conditions: high glucose (control; 25mM), low glucose (LG; 3mM), ketone supplementation (βHB; 5mM), hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT; 90 min, 2.5 ATA), or combination therapy (LG+BHB+HBOT). Proliferation of VM-M3 cells was measured with trypan blue hemocytometry and was significantly decreased from controls at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours (p<05). Viability of VM-M3 cells was measured by fluorescence microscopy with calcein and EthD-1 and...
The role of PACS in redesigning the radiologic practice

More and more people see the use of PACS as a means to cut operating cost and increase productivity in radiology service. But the number of successful PACS implementations is still limited. This paper discusses the possible future direction of PACS development and what it might mean in reengineering radiology service. Topics covered include: the conventional and possible new approaches to PACS; the new environment; real-time radiology; the digital free market; health care and information; the ubiquitous network-the Internet; centralized and decentralized radiology; and the changing nature of the radiology sub-specialist.
Egg Production, Shell Thickness, and Other Physiological Parameters of Laying Hens Affected by T-2 Toxin

T-2 toxin has been reported to cause severe oral lesions and neural disturbances in young broiler chickens. T-2 toxin, when added at a level of 20 μg per g of feed, caused oral lesions but no abnormal neural disturbances in young broiler chickens. T-2 toxin, when added at a level of 20 μg per g of feed, caused oral lesions but no abnormal neural symptoms in laying hens. T-2 toxin had no effect on either hemoglobin, hematocrit values, erythrocyte count, plasma glucose, prothrombin times, or the sizes of the liver, spleen, pancreas, and heart. Lipid content of the liver was not altered. Feed consumption, however, was reduced, as were the total plasma protein and lipid concentrations and the total leukocyte count. Most important economically was the lowered egg production and a thinner egg shell. The timing and severity of the symptoms suggest that T-2 toxin causes primary oral lesions that reduce feed consumption with a consequent reduction in serum proteins and lipids, which culminate in decreased egg production. The leucopenia and thinner egg shell may be independent systemic effects of T-2 toxin in laying hens.
Antiretroviral medication: an emerging category of prescription drug misuse.

Background and Objectives Prescription drug abuse has been a focus of public health concern over the past two decades with many studies addressing patterns of narcotic analgesic abuse and diversion. Most research in this domain has centered on controlled substances with known abuse liability. However, the scientific literature has been virtually silent regarding other prescribed medications with previously undocumented addictive potential, such as antiretroviral medications (ARV) for treatment of HIV.
The cartographic ambiguities of HarassMap: Crowdmapping security and sexual violence in Egypt:

In December 2010, HarassMap was launched as a Cairo-based interactive online mapping interface for reporting and mapping incidents of sexual harassment anonymously and in real time, in Egypt. The p...
Gas-Phase Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Absorption toward Protostellar Sources?

One of the major criticisms of identifying the infrared emission bands with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules has been the lack of a match between laboratory spectra of individual PAHs and the emission features. Part of the difficulty arises from the complexity of modeling the emission mechanism with an a priori unknown mixture of ionized and neutral PAHs. A direct comparison between laboratory spectra of PAHs and astronomical sources is possible for absorption spectra. However, because of poor atmospheric transmission, ground-based spectra of the PAH absorption band in the C-H stretch region are too noisy to make a detailed comparison with laboratory spectra. In this paper we show that ISO Short Wavelength Spectrometer spectra of a few protostars that show a 3.25 μm absorption band can be well matched by laboratory absorption spectra of a mixture of isolated PAHs.
The reliability, minimal detectable change and concurrent validity of a gravity-based bubble inclinometer and iphone application for measuring standing lumbar lordosis.

AbstractPurpose: To investigate the reliability, minimal detectable change (MDC90) and concurrent validity of a gravity-based bubble inclinometer (inclinometer) and iPhone® application for measuring standing lumbar lordosis. Methods: Two investigators used both an inclinometer and an iPhone® with an inclinometer application to measure lumbar lordosis of 30 asymptomatic participants. Results: ICC models 3,k and 2,k were used for the intrarater and interrater analysis, respectively. Good interrater and intrarater reliability was present for the inclinometer with Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) of 0.90 and 0.85, respectively and the iPhone® application with ICC values of 0.96 and 0.81. The minimal detectable change (MDC90) indicates that a change greater than or equal to 7° and 6° is needed to exceed the threshold of error using the iPhone® and inclinometer, respectively. The concurrent validity between the two instruments was good with a Pearson product-moment coefficient of correlation (r) of 0.8...
Application of operant conditioning procedures to the behavior problems of an autistic child: a follow-up and extension.

Abstract The modification of an autistic boy's behavior in a nursery school setting is described. The procedures used to deal with his problem behavior such as tantrums, pinching and toilet training are discussed.
Paramagnetic response of NS proximity cylinders

Abstract Since the discovery of unusual paramagnetic reentrance behavior at ultra-low temperatures in Nb-Ag, Nb-Au, and Nb-Cu cylinders this phenomenon has remained a puzzle. For the diamagnetic response down to temperatures of the order 15 mK, the standard theory (quasi-classical approximation) for superconductors appears to work very well, assuming that Ag, Au, and Cu remain in the normal state except for the proximity-induced superconductivity. Here we propose that these noble metals may become p-wave superconductors with a transition temperature of order 10 mK. Hence, below T c p-wave triplet superconductivity emerges around the periphery of the cylinder. The diamagnetic current flowing in the periphery is therefore compensated by a quantized paramagnetic current in the opposite direction, thus providing a simple explanation for the observed increase in the susceptibility at ultra-low temperatures.
Being and Becoming a Teacher: How African American and White Preservice Teachers Envision Their Future Roles as Teacher Advocates

This article captures the life histories and professional futures of preservice teachers at three institutions of higher education. In this article, we focus on the experiences and expectations of 4 preservice teachers. We find that, although African American and White preservice teachers both see themselves as advocates for their students, they envision different approaches to advocacy and their agency along racial lines. African American preservice teachers envision advocacy as serving as role models for their future students, while White preservice teachers advocate for their students through their instructional actions in the classroom. This study complicates ideas of race, agency, and teacher advocacy.
Comparative Morphology of the Glossopodia of Three North American Isoetes Ligules

Abstract One of the most distinctive features of the heterosporous lycopsids is the presence of a ligule. This structure, currently found only in Isoetes and Selaginella, is comprised of a basally embedded glossopodium and a free distal tongue. Previous studies on Indian species have demonstrated small variations in glossopodia suggesting the possibility that this structure could have taxanomic use. Serial cross, paradermal, and sagittal sections of glossopodia from three different North American species, representing three ploidy levels, were made. Three-dimensional digital rendering of the glossopodia provided comparative data for the three North America species and allowed comparisons with previously published descriptions. In general, the shape of the glossopodium is similar in all three North American species. There are several structural differences among them, such as the shape of the cornua, the length of the medimoles, and the angle of the glossopodium relative to the leaf axis.
Serotonin: What role has it in the making of a “Rotten apple”

It has been suggested that social feedback causes increases and decreases in serotonin levels. This constant variation determines and individual’s current level of self-esteem. Increases in serotonin have been associated with a rise in an individual’s expectations and drive to achieve success. On the other hand, a lowered level of serotonin may cause an individual to act out inappropriately and to have a lowered expectation of themselves. When the serotonin level functions as it should, it allows individuals to cope in difficult situations and excel in positive endeavors. Some with low serotonin levels seek out alcohol or other drugs to temporarily raise serotonin levels to achieve the felling of euphoria and well-being but this is only temporary. This could explain how some people become psychologically addicted when they fell they need assistance to maintain the felling that all is well.
Graphological signs for extraversion

Graphological signs of extraversion were rated from handwriting samples of undergraduates (ns = 35 males, 31 females; 23 males, 20 females) and correlated with extraversion scores from an objective psychological test. No evidence was found for the validity of the graphological signs.
The sudanophilic lipid of normal and regenerating limb tissues of the adult newt, Diemictylus viridescens

The most intense and widely distributed sudanophilic responses of cryostat-sectioned newt limb tissues were obtained with a simultaneous fix and stain procedure of 1:1 10% formal-calcium and sudan black B. Droplets and globules of lipid mixtures and rodlets (mitochondria) were typical responses distributed within the epidermis, subcutaneous glands, dermis and other connective tissues, striated muscle (also with positive fibrils), tunics of blood vessels, and blood cells. A prominent droplet response was located subjacent to the adepidermal basement membrane. The myelin of brachial nerve stained intensely. In regenerating limbs, the wound epithelium response was comparable to that of epidermis. Post-amputational lipophanerosis of injured muscle and brachial nerves was observed. The retrograde degeneration of nerve myelin was extensive, and continued into the early differentiative phase of regeneration. Lipid-engorged macrophages were prominent among the injured tissues, distal to these, and within the wound epithelium. The regeneration blastema revealed a large quantity of sudanophilic lipid. Prominent droplet and rodlet responses were typical of the myelinating regenerating nerves. The response of regenerating muscle equaled that of the mature stump fibers. The cells of the regenerating chondroskeleton contained sudanophilic lipid. Organic solvents such as acetone, ether, chloroform and chloroform:methanol reduced or prevented the sudanophilic responses. Sudan red 7B revealed less lipid than did sudan black B. A fixation effect was demonstrated with post-chromated formalcalcium, and chromic-formalin fixed sections. In the latter preparations, swollen-bodies, identified as mitochondria, stained intensely.
Thickness of facial tissues in American blacks.

The production of a three-dimensional plastic face on a human skull has been practiced sporadically since the latter part of the last century. In recent years, the technique has been revived and applied to forensic science cases. Contemporary facial reproductions are based on a small sample collected before the turn of the century. In this paper, we present data on a heretofore unstudied segment of Homo sapiens, the American black. Facial tissue thicknesses for this group vary greatly from those previously reported in European whites and in Japanese. Use of these data should make possible more accurate facial reproductions on the skulls of American blacks.
Thresholding random geometric graph properties motivated by ad hoc sensor networks

We study the emerging phenomenon of ad hoc, sensor-based communication networks. The communication is modeled by the random geometric graph model G(n,r,@?) where n points randomly placed within [0,@?]^d form the nodes, and any two nodes that correspond to points at most distance r away from each other are connected. We study fundamental properties of G(n,r,@?) of interest: connectivity, coverage, and routing-stretch. We use a technique that we call bin-covering that we apply uniformly to get (asymptotically) tight thresholds for each of these properties. Typically, in the past, random geometric graph analyses involved sophisticated methods from continuum percolation theory; on contrast, our bin-covering approach is discrete and very simple, yet it gives us tight threshold bounds. The technique also yields algorithmic benefits as illustrated by a simple local routing algorithm for finding paths with low stretch. Our specific results should also prove interesting to the sensor networking community that has seen a recent increase in the study of random geometric graphs motivated by engineering ad hoc networks.
Accumulation of Selected Trace Elements in Hydroponically Grown Soybeans and Distribution of the Elements in Processed Soybean Fractions

Soybeans grown hydroponically labeled with 59Fe or two levels of a 51Cr-65Zn mixture were analyzed for the distribution of these radionuclides in mature edible and nonedible parts. The concentration of 59Fe was significantly higher in the hulls than in other plant parts unlike for 51Cr and 65Zn. The seeds produced were then processed into a defatted soybean meal in order to investigate the effects of processing on the content of iron, zinc, and chromium. No detectable change in total Zn content and no significant change in 51Cr content were evident during processing. However, an overall 9% gain of total Fe content was observed as a result of processing probably due to Fe contamination by processing equipment.
Effect of Water on Viscosity and Shear-Thickening Behavior of Telechelic Ionomers in Nonpolar Solvents

Quantitative effects of water on the viscosity and rheology of magnesium- and sodium-neutralized dicarboxy-terminated polybutadiene in toluene are reported. A change in the water concentration from 50 to 500 ppm led to a viscosity decrease of 2 orders of magnitude for solutions near the gel concentration. Because of the hygroscopic nature of ionomer solutions, rheological experiments were conducted in a humidity-free environment. The dynamic measurements show that the viscosity reduction is related to a reduction in both the plateau modulus and the terminal relaxation time. The magnitude of shear-thickening decreases and the onset of shear-thickening shifts to higher shear rates with increasing water content.
Intraoperative electron radiotherapy for extremity sarcomas does not increase acute or late morbidity.

Intraoperative electron radiotherapy is used to treat surgical sites that potentially harbor occult tumor immediately after limb-sparing surgical resection of extremity soft tissue sarcomas. It is unknown whether single-fraction, high-dose intraoperative electron radiotherapy at the time of surgery
Brief Review: Sleep Health and Safety for Transportation Workers

Accidents related to sleepiness related fatigue are an important concern in transportation related industries. This brief review outlines the public safety concerns with sleepiness related fatigue in the railroad, aviation and motor vehicle transportation fields. In addition, the common causes of sleepiness related fatigue, and impact on operators and their families are highlighted. It is suggested that in addition to greater recognition and changes in duty hour regulations, there should be a greater emphasis on the education of operators on the importance of sleep and circadian factors in causing fatigue, as well as strategies to mitigate their impact. Reports from the Field
Tectonic Correlations, Klamath Mountains and Western Sierra Nevada, California

The Klamath Mountains province of northwestern California has long been regarded by geologists as a probable northern continuation of the Sierra Nevada province. Attempts at stratigraphic correlations between the two provinces date back to the turn of the century, but attempts at correlation of tectonic elements have been hindered by a lack of data. Clark (I960) proposed a general correlation of north-striking faults in the Klamath Mountains and in the western Sierra Nevada. High-angle faults of the latter area constitute the Foothills fault system, which Clark believed to be of probable strike-slip origin. Recent studies in the southeastern Klamath Mountains demonstrate that the major faults of that region are thrust faults along which thrust plates have moved relatively westward. The contrast in geometry between subhorizontal to moderately dipping Klamath faults and steeply dipping faults of the Foothills system does not refute correlation of the two but can be explained by an eastward steepening of the Klamath thrusts into faults continuous with those of the western Sierra Nevada. Geologic relationships indicate that the Melones fault of the Foothills fault system extends northward into the eastern Klamath region as the Trinity thrust fault. Correlation of the two faults appears probable on the basis of (1) stratigraphic and structural similarities in their hanging wall blocks, (2) the presence of thick bodies of serpentinized peridotites below the Trinity thrust plate and below the hanging wall of the Melones fault in the northwestern Sierra Nevada, (3) permissive evidence for a Late Jurassic age of the two faults, and (4) a postulated curvilinear trace for the Trinity-Melones fault which is parallel to observed curvilinear structural trends farther west. It is believed that steep minor structures within fault zones of the Foothills system, cited by others as evidence for strike-slip faulting, are not incompatible with an origin for the system by thrust faulting. Three of the four fault-bounded Klamath subprovinces are interpreted as having stratigraphic and structural counterparts in the northwestern Sierra Nevada. The Klamath central metamorphic subprovince is regarded as a thrust slice of Devonian(?) metamorphic rocks, which thins northward and southward and is not present in the Sierran region. Eastward steepening of the proposed Klamath-Sierran thrust faults is related to their increasing proximity to the Sierran synclinorium and to their rooting into its western flank. Formation of the thrusts occurred in the Jurassic during a lengthy interval of profound crustal downbuckling and shortening. Rooting of the thrusts into a crustal zone undergoing contemporaneous subsidence and shortening rules out an origin for them by gravitational tectonics from an orogenic high or by extrusion tectonics from a dilating zone. The geometry of Mesozoic orogenesis in the Klamath-Sierran region, including thrust faulting, can best be explained by the convergence of subcrustal convection cells along the axial zone of the Sierran synclinorium.
A Fluorescence-Based Assay for High-Throughput Screening of Coupling Reactions. Application to Heck Chemistry

A new fluorescence-based assay for high-throughput screening of reactions that couple two organic molecules is described. The assay involves reaction of one substrate containing a tethered fluorophore with a second molecule that is attached to a solid support. A successful coupling process is signaled by fluorescence of the solid support, which can be isolated by either simple centrifugation or filtration. To evaluate this assay in the context of a catalytic process under intense current study, we searched for improved, readily available phosphines for Heck chemistry. An acrylate containing a tethered coumarin was reacted with an aryl halide supported on a cross-linked polystyrene resin. Comparison of the results from our fluorescence-based assay with results from serial GC analysis showed that the fluorescence-based assay accurately selected the most active ligands for the Heck coupling of aryl bromides and chlorides. Two ligands chosen by the assay, tri(tert-butyl)phosphine and di(tert-butylphosphino)fe...
On the boundedness properties of a perturbed nonlinear system

It is shown that certain asymptotic equivalence hypotheses on the equationsu′(t) = F(t, u(t))+G(t, u(t)) andv′(t) = F(t, v(t)) imply that uniform boundedness in the second equation induces eventual uniform boundedness in the first. Also, under these hypotheses, a characterization is given of the unbounded solutions of the first equation.
SU‐E‐T‐654: Direct Aperture Optimization Using An Inverse Form of Back Projection

Purpose: Intensity modulated radiotherapy plans using direct aperture optimization (DAO) promise high dosimetric quality and fast treatment delivery. We present a new and fast DAO approach where IMRT and arc therapy optimization are treated as inverse forms of CT reconstruction using multiplicative algebraic reconstruction technique (MART). Methods: We developed a modified MART for DAO, and the multiplicand is termed as ‘index’, indicating how much the current dose should be changed. Index is assigned to each voxel, each beamlet and each segment to optimize fluence map, MLC segment shape, and segment weight, respectively. In addition, a column generation method is developed to add new segments to improve dose conformity. Results: DAO using index‐dose can be completed within a few minutes. Without sacrificing plan quality, the implementation of the DAO in our in‐house treatment planning system reduced average IMRT treatment time from 13 min to 8 min for the prostate, and from 15 min to 9 min for the head and neck. The DAO approach is also applied for arc therapy in a head and neck case using rotational IMRT with burst mode. Conclusion: We have demonstrated a new direct aperture optimization technique using an inverse form of back projection approach. The method effectively reduces the number of segments needed for IMRT plans, and thus reduces treatment time. Our approach also provides a feasible solution for the rotation IMRT with burst mode.
The potential benefits of photonics in the computing platform

The increase in computational requirements for real-time image processing, complex computational fluid dynamics, very large scale data mining in the health industry/Internet, and predictive models for financial markets are driving computer architects to consider new paradigms that rely upon very high speed interconnects within and between computing elements. Further challenges result from reduced power requirements, reduced transmission latency, and greater interconnect density. Optical interconnects may solve many of these problems with the added benefit extended reach. In addition, photonic interconnects provide relative EMI immunity which is becoming an increasing issue with a greater dependence on wireless connectivity. However, to be truly functional, the optical interconnect mesh should be able to support arbitration, addressing, etc. completely in the optical domain with a BER that is more stringent than "traditional" communication requirements. Outlined are challenges in the advanced computing environment, some possible optical architectures and relevant platform technologies, as well roughly sizing these opportunities which are quite large relative to the more "traditional" optical markets.
Laser-enhanced ionization spectroscopy of mercury Rydberg states

The spectral characteristics of mercury Rydberg states (n = 10–42) were observed and studied. Each principal quantum number was observed as a triplet, and after observing a quartet of lines for n = 10, 11, and 12, these lines were assigned, from red to blue, as belonging to upper levels 1P10, 3P20, 3P10, and 3P00. These levels were studied as a function of variable applied high voltage (between the electrodes) and variable buffer gas pressure. In this way, the broadening and splitting caused by the influence of Stark effects and of increasing buffer gas pressure were observed for different n values. These observations will allow one to choose the optimal level for excitation, as well as the optimal operating conditions in terms of pressure and applied high voltage, for obtaining the best sensitivity and limit of detection by analytical laser-enhanced ionization spectroscopy.