cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EPR studies on the high spin FeIII tetraphenylporphine with rhombic character, determination of zero-field splitting parameters from the middle kramers transition

Abstract Electron paramagnetic resonance transitions (EPR) in the middle Kramers doublet is observed for the first time in the 6A1 ground state of Fe(III) complex of tetraphenylporphine (TPP) diluted in the polycrystalline free base tetraphenylporphine (THHP2). The system shows the EPR spectra and resulting from several distinct species of high spin (Fe(III) TPP with various degress of rhombicity. The middle Kramers as absorptions are in general of much weaker intensity than the corresponding lowest Kramers absorptions, and their g values show marked systematic deviations from the calculated first order prediction. The deviation can be explained by carrying the Zeeman perturbation to the third order. The analysis also rendered it possible to determine the zero-field parameters D and E separately. The results indicate the similarity in the crystal field of the present system with that of cyctochrome P450.
Thermal conversion of glucose to aromatic hydrocarbons via pressurized secondary pyrolysis.

Abstract In this study, glucose, a primary building-block of biomass was subjected to secondary pyrolysis in a reactor that was retrofitted subsequent to a primary micro-pyrolysis reactor. It was observed that incorporation of a secondary reactor resulted in producing significant amounts of gasoline range hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbon yields improved further as a result of increasing pyrolysis reactor pressure and temperatures. The temperature of the secondary reactor was varied between 400 and 800 °C and pressure between 0 and 150 psi. This study indicates that secondary cracking of primary pyrolysis products of biomass oxygenates undergo gas-phase homogenous molecular restructuring. The result of this process is production of substantial amounts of thermodynamically stable gasoline-range hydrocarbons even in the absence of a catalyst.
U.S. Department of Defense deems climate change a national security threat

Climate change is a “threat multiplier,” according to a new report by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The report, entitled 2014 Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap and released on 13 October, lays out ways in which DOD will work with other nations to combat the challenges associated with, adapt to, and mitigate climate change.
Self-reported attitudes and behaviors of general surgery residents about ethical academic practices in test taking

Background A correlation exists between people who engage in academic dishonesty as students and unethical behaviors later as professionals. Academic dishonesty has been assessed among medical students, but not among general surgery residents. We sought to describe the attitudes of general surgery residents with regard to ethical practices in test taking. Methods A survey with 4 scenarios describing activities related to examination taking that may or may not be considered unethical was administered. Participants were asked about participation in the activities—either personally or any knowledge of others—and whether the activities were unethical. Results Fifty-seven of 62 residents (92%) participated. For each scenario, >70% indicated that neither they nor anyone else they knew had participated in the activities. Behaviors deemed unethical included memorizing or using memorized questions to prepare for future tests (52%), selling questions for financial gain (90%), and purchasing previously used questions (57%). No difference in attitudes was seen among incoming interns, junior-level (postgraduate year [PGY]1–3), or senior-level (PGY4–6) residents. Conclusion Overall, general surgery residents indicated that they had not participated in activities they felt to be unethical. Defining what is unethical was less clear. This represents an area for further education.
Phase II study of ifosfamide as a single drug for relapsed paediatric patients.

A total of 22 patients with different solid tumours refractory to previous chemotherapy were treated between May 1985 and December 1986 (osteosarcoma, 7; Wilms' tumour, 6; rhabdomyosarcoma, 2; Ewing's sarcoma, 2; non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 2; retinoblastoma, 1; cavum lymphoepithelioma, 1; dyktioma, 1). Patients were aged between 3 and 20 years (mean, 10.6 years). There was a 3.4:1 male-to-female ratio. The treatment consisted of ifosfamide given i.v. as a single agent at a dose of 3,000 mg/m2 over 1 h on days 1 and 2. Mesna was given as a uroprotector at 600 mg/m2 every 4 h, up to a total of 13 doses. The courses were repeated every 3 weeks. Every patient except those with osteosarcoma had previously received cyclophosphamide. There were 3 (13.6%) complete responses (CRs) in 2 osteosarcomas and 1 abdominal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lasting 12, 8 and 2 months, respectively; 4 (18.2%) partial responses (PRs) in 2 Wilms' tumours, 1 Ewing's sarcoma and 1 abdominal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; 4 absences of remission (ARs); and 11 (50%) cases of progressive disease (PD). In all, 81 courses were given, and the toxicities found were leukopenia (less than 2,000 leukocytes) in 15 courses, thrombocytopenia in 3, microhaematuria in 7, neurotoxicity in 8, fever in 8 and hypertension in 2. The overall response rate (31.8%) was encouraging and the toxicity, acceptable and reversible. These results demonstrate that ifosfamide should be considered for introduction into phase III protocols for the treatment of solid malignancies in children.
WE‐D‐I‐609‐02: Characterization of a Novel Dual‐Panel PET Scanner for Use in Small Animal Imaging

Purpose: Characterization of a novel dual‐panel PETscanner for use in small animal imaging.Method and Materials: A prototype PETsystem comprised of two non‐rotating HRRT panel detectors — each possessing a single‐layer 72 × 104 array of 2.1mm × 2.1mm × 7.5mm LSO crystals — was evaluated for its suitability in small animal imaging. Resolution measurements were made by translating a 190mm long, 3mm diameter 21.5MBq 〈sup〉68〈/sup〉Ge line‐source across various planes parallel to the detector's face, while sensitivity measurements were made in a similar fashion but using a 0.5mm diameter 65KBq 〈sup〉68〈/sup〉Ge point‐source. To emulate small animal imaging, a mouse phantom was constructed from an 11.25mm length of 25.4mm diameter polycarbonate rod that contained a 3.5mm diameter hole — radially offset by 6.7mm and parallel to the rod's central axis — to accommodate either the 〈sup〉68〈/sup〉Ge line‐source or 〈sup〉18〈/sup〉FDG samples. Results: Activity‐independent scattered fractions were estimated by inserting the 〈sup〉68〈/sup〉Ge line‐source into the mouse phantom, averaging counts in each crystal column parallel to the line‐source, and second‐order polynomial fitting the resulting projection data after excluding its central peak. Noise Equivalent Count Rates (NECRs) were then derived for various energy windows and 〈sup〉18〈/sup〉FDG activities in the mouse phantom, to quantify scanner performance. Preliminary image reconstructions, performed using a 50‐iteration Expectation Maximization algorithm, demonstrated reconstruction resolutions of ∼1.6mm. Sensitivity measurements exhibited significant dependence upon energy window selection; with the 250–750keV energy window resulting in both the highest absolute sensitivity (6.8%) and the highest NECR (142kcps at 1.25MBq/cc). Conclusion: Although the measured sensitivity's energy dependence suggests additional energy calibrations are needed, preliminary data show both device sensitivity and resolution to be comparable to or better than that of current commercial systems. Moreover the dual‐panel scanner's simple fixed geometry and large field‐of‐view are especially well suited for whole‐body imaging and concurrent imaging of multiple animals.
Dysregulated Cytokine Metabolism, Altered Hepatic Methionine Metabolism and Proteasome Dysfunction in Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) remains an important complication and cause of morbidity and mortality from alcohol abuse. Major developments in our understanding of the mechanisms of ALD over the past decade are now being translated into new forms of therapy for this disease process which currently has no FDA approved treatment. Cytokines are low molecular weight mediators of cellular communication, and the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been shown to play a pivotal role in the development of experimental ALD. Similarly, TNF levels are elevated in the serum of alcoholic hepatitis patients. Abnormal methionine metabolism is well documented in patients with ALD, with patients having elevated serum methionine levels, but low S-adenosylmethionine levels in the liver. On the other hand, S-adenosylhomocysteine and homocysteine levels are elevated in ALD. Recent studies have documented potential interactions between homocysteine and S-adenosylhomocysteine with TNF in the development of ALD. Altered proteasome function also is now well documented in ALD, and decreased proteasome function can cause hepatocyte apoptosis. Recently it has been shown that decreased proteasome function can also act synergistically to enhance TNF hepatotoxicity. Hepatocytes dying of proteasome dysfunction release pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-8 to cause sustained inflammation. This article reviews the interactions of cytokines, altered methionine metabolism, and proteasome dysfunction in the development of ALD.
Cloning of factors related to HIV-inducible LBP proteins that regulate steroidogenic factor-1-independent human placental transcription of the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, P450scc.

The cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, cytochrome P450scc, initiates the biosynthesis of all steroid hormones. Adrenal and gonadal strategies for P450scc gene transcription are essentially identical and depend on the orphan nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor-1, but the placental strategy for transcription of P450scc employs cis-acting elements different from those used in the adrenal strategy and is independent of steroidogenic factor-1. Because placental expression of P450scc is required for human pregnancy, we sought factors that bind to the -155/-131 region of the human P450scc promoter, which participates in its placental but not adrenal or gonadal transcription. A yeast one-hybrid screen of 2.4 x 10(6) cDNA clones from human placental JEG-3 cells yielded two unique clones; one is the previously described transcription factor LBP-1b, which is induced by HIV, type I infection of lymphocytes, and the other is a new factor, termed LBP-9, that shares 83% amino acid sequence identity with LBP-1b. When expressed in transfected yeast, both factors bound specifically to the -155/-131 DNA; antisera to LBP proteins supershifted the LBP-9.DNA complex and inhibited formation of the LBP-1b.DNA complex. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction detected LBP-1b in human placental JEG-3, adrenal NCI-H295A, liver HepG2, cervical HeLa, and monkey kidney COS-1 cells, but LBP-9 was detected only in JEG-3 cells. When the -155/-131 fragment was linked to a minimal promoter, co-expression of LBP-1b increased transcription 21-fold in a dose-dependent fashion, but addition of LBP-9 suppressed the stimulatory effect of LBP-1b. The roles of LBP transcription factors in normal human physiology have been unclear. Their modulation of placental but not adrenal P450scc transcription underscores the distinctiveness of placental strategies for steroidogenic enzyme gene transcription.
Efficacy of peer support interventions for depression: a meta-analysis

Abstract Objective To assess the efficacy of peer support for reducing symptoms of depression. Methods Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and CENTRAL databases were searched for clinical trials published as of April 2010 using Medical Subject Headings and free text terms related to depression and peer support. Two independent reviewers selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared a peer support intervention for depression to usual care or a psychotherapy control condition. Meta-analyses were conducted to generate pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) in the change in depressive symptoms between study conditions. Results Seven RCTs of peer support vs. usual care for depression involving 869 participants were identified. Peer support interventions were superior to usual care in reducing depressive symptoms, with a pooled SMD of −0.59 (95% CI, −0.98 to −0.21; P =.002). Seven RCTs with 301 total participants compared peer support to group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). There was no statistically significant difference between group CBT and peer interventions, with a pooled SMD of 0.10 (95% CI, −0.20 to 0.39, P =.53). Conclusion Based on the available evidence, peer support interventions help reduce symptoms of depression. Additional studies are needed to determine effectiveness in primary care and other settings with limited mental health resources.
Use of the Amplatzer Vascular Plug as a Coil Constrainer During Endovascular Occlusion of a Dialysis Shunt

Limb ischemia or ischemic steal syndrome is an uncommon complication, occurring in 1% to 10% of patients following construction of arteriovenous dialysis grafts and fistulas [1, 2]. In this Technical Note we describe the percutaneous closure of an 8-mm dialysis graft causing symptoms of ischemic steal syndrome. Our technique involves the use of an Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AGA Medical Corp.,, Golden Valley, MN) as a coil constainer to avoid unintended distal coil migration during occlusion of a high flow vascular system.
Nutritional Value of Opaque-2 Corn for the Chick

Abstract THE opaque-2 mutant gene of corn has been shown to change the amino acid composition of corn protein. Mertz (1963) reported that a strain homozygous for the recessive mutant gene had a lysine content in the endosperm twice that of a typical hybrid corn. On analysis of endosperms from the same ear of corn, Mertz et al. (1964) observed a 69% increase in the lysine content of the protein of opaque-2 endosperm, as compared with the protein of normal endosperm. Opaque-2 endosperm contained less glutamic acid, alanine, methionine, leucine, tyrosine, and more histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, glycine, and cystine as compared with normal endosperm. Mertz et al. (1965) reported that whole defatted kernels of opaque-2 corn had twice the lysine content of whole defatted kernels of a standard hybrid corn. Both corns contained approximately 10.6% crude protein. These differences were attributed to the reduction in the ratio of zein to …
Rhizosphere priming effect: Its functional relationships with microbial turnover, evapotranspiration, and C–N budgets

Understanding soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition and its interaction with rhizosphere processes is a crucial topic in soil biology and ecology. Using a natural 13C tracer method to separately measure SOM-derived CO2 from root-derived CO2, this study aims to connect the level of rhizosphere-dependent SOM decomposition with the C and N balance of the whole plant–soil system, and to mechanistically link the rhizosphere priming effect to soil microbial turnover and evapotranspiration. Results indicated that the magnitude of the rhizosphere priming effect on SOM decomposition varied widely, from zero to more than 380% of the unplanted control, and was largely influenced by plant species and phenology. Balancing the extra soil C loss from the strong rhizosphere priming effect in the planted treatments with C inputs from rhizodeposits and root biomass, the whole plant–soil system remained with a net carbon gain at the end of the experiment. The increased soil microbial biomass turnover rate and the enhanced evapotranspiration rate in the planted treatments had clear positive relationships with the level of the rhizosphere priming effect. The rhizosphere enhancement of soil carbon mineralization in the planted treatments did not result in a proportional increase in net N mineralization, suggesting a possible de-coupling of C cycling with N cycling in the rhizosphere.
Impact of Violence on Problem Behavior Among Adolescents Risk Factors Among an Urban Sample

This article measures the effects of exposure to violence on problem behavior (adjustment outcomes) among 306 African American middle and high school students in the state of Virginia. Relying on recent research examining the relationship between violent events and problem behavior, the study uses structural equation modeling to examine internalizing and externalizing behavioral characteristics (i.e., delinquency, depression, negative self-esteem, and avoidance) among African American youth exposed to violence through direct victimization, witnessing violence, and association with delinquent peers. The results show a strong association between victimization experience and adjustment outcomes including internalizing (i.e., self-rejection, depression) and externalizing (i.e., offenses) problem behavior. The results also suggest a linkage between victimization and avoidance as a coping strategy. With regard to gender differences, the findings indicate a greater influence of victimization on offenses, self-re...
The infrared identification of a humo‐polysaccharide ester in soil humic acid1/

Abstract Studies involving methylation, dissolution, infrared spectroscopy and gas‐liquid chromatography were conducted with humic compounds extracted from a Greenville loam and a Cecil sandy loam. The results indicated that methylated humic acid and non‐methylated hymatomelanic acid have similar infrared characteristics, with intense C‐H absorption at 2980 ‐ 2920 cm‐1, and strong C=0 stretching but with very weak C00‐ stretching at 1720 and 1650 cm‐1 respectively. Gas‐liquid chromatography yielded chromatograms, having the same number of components, appearing at similar retention times. Dissolution separated hymatomelanic acid into fraction A, with humic acid characteristics; and fraction B, a polysaccharide. This separation released the infrared carboxyl peak at 1650 cm‐1 in fraction A. It was concluded that hymatomelanic acid was a naturally occurring ester compound, composed of humic material in ester linkages with polysaccharide.
Neuropsychological deficits associated with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure are not exacerbated by ADHD.

Objective: Neuropsychological functioning of individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or heavy prenatal alcohol exposure has been well documented independently. This study examined the interaction between both factors on cognitive performance in children.
The impact of microbial technology on wine quality and style

Microbiology and biochemistry have evolved in the 20th century through three periods: description, physiology and manipulation. This paper discusses the potential application of genetic and physiological technologies to improve the quality, consistency and diversity of wine types and styles. The goal of winemaking is to establish a synergistic wine microbial ecology.
A critique of Darwinian anthropology.

Abstract Darwinian anthropology holds that human behavior is adaptive in the sense of being designed to maximize reproductive success and that measurement of reproductive differentials typically illuminates adaptation. I argue to the contrary, that adaptive design is usually manifested at the psychological rather than at the behavioral level, that measuring reproductive differentials is at best an inefficient and ambiguous way to illuminate adaptation, and that Darwin's theory of natural selection sheds light on human affairs only insofar as it promotes understanding of the psychology that underpins these affairs.
Condensed-matter physics: really cool molecules.

Ultracold molecules have been made by applying a changing magnetic field to a quantum gas of 'fermionic' atoms. This raises the prospect of creating novel superfluids and molecular Bose–Einstein condensates.
Some comments on the indications for the coronary artery bypass graft operation

Although the indications for coronary artery bypass grafting are clear in some subsets of patients (left main coronary artery, 3-vessel disease with impaired left ventricular function), in others considerable uncertainty persists and is related to lack of sufficient information for making patient specific comparisons of outcomes after competing forms of treatment. These comparisons need to be time related, and to emphasize not only the treatment providing the most favorable outcome, but also the magnitude of the difference in outcome as well as the degree of certainty that the difference is not related to chance alone. With appropriate data, analyses can be performed to provide highly useful patient specific comparisons of outcomes after competing forms of treatment. Such predictions and comparisons suggest the possibility that coronary artery bypass grafting would ideally be indicated while left ventricular function remains good but extensive 3-vessel disease exists. In the future, emergency coronary artery bypass grafting operations, and other special modes for myocardial management, may play a more frequent role in preserving left ventricular function in patients with acute myocardial infarctions.
Post Partum Discharge Against Medical Advice: Who Leaves and Does it Matter?

Objective: To examine risk factors and sequela for post partum discharge against medical advice. Methods: We conducted cross-sectional analyses of hospital discharge data linked to American Hospital Association data for women discharged following a live birth for California, Florida, and New York in the years 1998–2000. We examined rates, risk factors, hospital readmission rate and mortality (California only), associated with discharge against medical advice after controlling for patient and hospital characteristics. Results: Post partum discharge against medical advice averaged 0.10%. Rates were lowest among women following uncomplicated cesarean and vaginal births (0.07%), intermediate following complicated vaginal birth (0.21%) and highest following complicated cesarean birth (0.29%). African American race, lower income, public health insurance, no health insurance, or greater comorbidity, particularly drug abuse or psychotic illness, discharge from a hospital in California or New York (compared to Florida), and location in medium or large metropolitan areas, were associated with significantly higher rates of discharge against advice. Asian or Hispanic race or ethnicity and delivery at an obstetrical specialized hospital were associated with lower risk. Patients discharged against medical advice in California were significantly more likely to be re-admitted within 30 days (adjusted odds ratio 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8–3.9), though none died during the period. Conclusions: Discharge against medical advice among post partum patients is uncommon, but occurs primarily among vulnerable women with psychosocial and medical risk factors. Thus, discharge against medical advice may help identify women who may benefit from additional maternal and/or child services.
A Novel Particulate-Fluid Lubrication for Environmentally Benign Forming Processes

Forming sheet metal parts in the absence of lubricants is not practical in production operations. In practice, large amounts of liquid and grease lubricants are utilized in sheet forming to ensure that there is sufficient lubrication to reduce asperity interaction and increase formability. In the present investigation, an alternative environmentally friendly lubricant is introduced for sheet metal forming processes. This lubricant is based on a combination of boric acid and canola oil, both of which are natural, environmentally friendly, and have independently demonstrated good lubrication potential. Utilizing a specialized sheet metal stretching apparatus, an optimized boric acid and canola oil formulation was evaluated for use in metal forming operations. Based on the experimental results, the optimized lubricant shows substantial potential for providing the manufacturing community with a commercially viable and environmentally friendly lubricant that will eliminate expensive disposal costs.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Cognitive processing of persuasive communications

Abstract This study uses theories of cognitive processing to analyze the failure of employer and union campaigning to change employee predispositions to vote for or against union representation. Consistency theory does not wholly account for the results because there was no general pattern of selective exposure. The pattern of exposure was also not that hypothesized by complexity or satiation theories. It is argued that insulation from the effect of persuasive communications is a complex cognitive process that can control either exposure to or assimilation of the communications.
High-Performance Damascene-Gate Thin Film Transistors

We report a novel TFT structure where the gate metal is embedded into a SiNx passivation layer. This allows the subsequent gate dielectric layer to be much thinner than in conventional bottom-gate structures. thereby reducing the threshold voltage and the sub-threshold slope. TFTs employing these damascene-gate structures were fabricated with SiNX gate dielectrics as thin as 50 nm. Such devices exhibit threshold voltages of 0.9 V, sub-threshold slopes of 0.1 V/dec, ION/IOFF current ratios of 106 and linear region field-effect mobilities of 0.6 cm2/Vs.
Developing 3D high-resolution imaging of pancreatic islet β cells in genetically obese-diabetic (ob/ob) mice

We characterize Fp, NADH and Pyro-2DG distributions of pancreatic islet β-cells and liver cells in ob/ob mice with a cryo-imager and reconstruct high-resolution 3D-images. This helps evaluate the validity of optical studies of pancreatic tissue.
Effects of mesalamine on the hsp72 stress response in rat IEC-18 intestinal epithelial cells

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Mesalamine has many effects and is commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. Because sodium salicylate, a related compound, modulates the heat shock protein (hsp72) response in nonepithelial cells, the possibility that mesalamine confers cell protection by increasing intestinal epithelial hsp72 expression was examined. METHODS: Rat intestinal IEC-18 cells were treated with 0.3-3 mmol/L mesalamine and thermally stressed (39 degrees C-42 degrees C) for 23 minutes. The effects of mesalamine on basal expression and the threshold and time course of hsp72 thermal induction were determined. RESULTS: Although mesalamine had no effects on the basal hsp72 expression or its thermal activation threshold in IEC-18 cells, it accelerated and augmented thermal induction of hsp72 within the first 2 hours of exposure. This was associated with a transient increase in heat shock factor-heat shock element binding and enhanced cellular protection against oxidant-induced injury. In contrast, both mesalamine and sodium salicylate have been shown to lower the thermal induction threshold but not to enhance the hsp72 response in HeLa cells. CONCLUSIONS: Mesalamine augments thermal induction of the intestinal epithelial hsp72 expression in a manner that differs from that in nonintestinal epithelial cells. This effect is accompanied by increased cellular protection against oxidant injury. (Gastroenterology 1997 Nov;113(5):1474-9)
The electrochemical and chemical reduction of some phenyl substituted cyclooctatetraenes

Summary The reduction of phenylcyclooctatetraene, 1,3,5,7-tetraphenylcyclooctatetraene and 1,2,4,7-tetraphenylcyclooctatetraene has been studied in several nonaqueous solvents using d.c. polarography and cyclic voltammetry. E.p.r. data are also presented for the first two compounds. All the data suggest the flattening of the eight-membered ring upon reduction. In the case of 1,2,5,7-tetraphenylcyclo-octatetraene an electrochemically and chemically reversible two electron reduction was observed at slow scan rates.
A visual analytics system for financial time-series data

Analyzing financial time series data is challenging due to the volatility of stock market. We advocate using visual approaches to market data analysis. We present a visual analytics system that enables individual investors to analyze stock market by giving them a holistic view on the market data. This paper discusses the drawbacks of current visual charts and describes the core visual techniques used in our system.
Medical ethics--when to stop treatment.

Several misunderstandings regarding the question of when to stop treatment are examined by considering two frameworks for sorting out the different dimensions of the question. One framework addresses what is meant, and what is not meant, by 'stopping treatment'. The other plots various strategies of stopping treatment on a continuum of increasing degrees of invasiveness. While significant disagreements remain at important points, there is evidence of an emerging consensus in Western medicine : (1) that palliative care and counselling through the dying process should be increased whenever curative or life-sustaining treatment is curtailed : (ii) that any treatment that is not curative, but merely life-sustaining, should be stopped whenever a patient makes an authentic request to have it stopped ; (iii) that genuinely futile treatment should not be offered even if requested ; (iv) that much more thought and discussion is required to achieve a workable agreement about the definitions of'futile' and 'inappropriate' treatment ; and (v) that assistance in dying, although profoundly problematic, is no longer unthinkable.
Hire Today, Gone Tomorrow: New Teacher Classroom Assignments and Teacher Mobility

Abstract This article explores whether new teachers are assigned to tough classrooms and whether such classroom assignment is associated with higher teacher mobility. It utilizes the statewide administrative data set on public school teachers in Florida during the period 1997–2003 in conjunction with the 1999–2000 Schools and Staffing Survey and its Teacher Follow-Up Survey (SASS-TFS) data set. The SASS-TFS illustrates the possible misclassification of teachers in certain state administrative databases. Results suggest that new teachers in Florida and elsewhere usually teach in more challenging schools and have more disadvantaged children in their classrooms than teachers with more years of experience. Within-school classroom assignments play an important role in teacher mobility decisions. Specifically, school-specific policies on reducing disciplinary problems and possible strategic deployment of teachers in different classrooms may be effective in increasing school-level teacher retention rates.
Evaluating American rainwater harvesting policy: a case study of three U.S. cities.

In spite of increasing support for rainwater harvesting by public agencies, environmental organizations and well-defined industry guidelines, the researchers found a strikingly limited number of municipalities with formal rainwater harvesting policies and programs. With literature on rainwater harvesting limited to mostly instructional material, the researchers were compelled to examine the feasibility of rainwater harvesting guidelines and practices. International and domestic rainwater harvesting guidelines were considered. The researchers surveyed municipalities which have implemented rainwater harvesting policies and ordinances to determine the extent to which industry prescribed guidelines are feasible. The subject jurisdictions commonly regulated rainwater harvesting through ancillary city codes or programs though one enacted a stand-alone rainwater harvesting ordinance. The respondents evaluated system performance primarily through water conservation. The jurisdictions studied also concurred that identification of acceptable end-uses of rainwater and public education were the most feasible industry guidelines. System costs were identified as the main barrier to implementing rainwater harvesting. Economic subsidies and comprehensive planning policies were associated with program success.
Parallel changes in mate-attracting calls and female preferences in autotriploid tree frogs

For polyploid species to persist, they must be reproductively isolated from their diploid parental species, which coexist at the same time and place at least initially. In a complex of biparentally reproducing tetraploid and diploid tree frogs in North America, selective phonotaxis—mediated by differences in the pulse-repetition (pulse rate) of their mate-attracting vocalizations—ensures assortative mating. We show that artificially produced autotriploid females of the diploid species ( Hyla chrysoscelis ) show a shift in pulse-rate preference in the direction of the pulse rate produced by males of the tetraploid species ( Hyla versicolor ). The estimated preference function is centred near the mean pulse rate of the calls of artificially produced male autotriploids. Such a parallel shift, which is caused by polyploidy per se and whose magnitude is expected to be greater in autotetraploids, may have facilitated sympatric speciation by promoting reproductive isolation of the initially formed polyploids from their diploid parental forms. This process also helps to explain why tetraploid lineages with different origins have similar advertisement calls and freely interbreed.
Sonchus Yellow Net Rhabdovirus Nuclear Viroplasms Contain Polymerase-Associated Proteins

We have initiated a study of the cytopathology of nucleorhabdoviruses by analyzing the subcellular localization of sonchus yellow net virus (SYNV) genomic and antigenomic RNAs and the encoded polymerase proteins. In situ hybridizations demonstrated that the minus-strand genomic RNA sequences are restricted to the nuclei of infected cells, while the complementary plus-strand antigenomic RNA sequences are present in both the nuclei and the cytoplasm. Immunofluorescence and immunogold labeling experiments also revealed that the nucleocapsid (N) protein and phosphoprotein (M2) are primarily localized to discrete regions within the nuclei and in virus particles that accumulate in perinuclear spaces. The N protein antiserum specifically labeled the nuclear viroplasms, whereas the M2 antiserum was more generally distributed throughout the nuclei. Antibody detection also indicated that the polymerase (L) protein is present in small amounts in the viroplasm. When the N and M2 proteins were expressed individually from the heterologous potato virus X (PVX) vector, both proteins preferentially accumulated in the nuclei. In addition, viroplasm-like inclusions formed in the nuclei of cells infected with the PVX vector containing the N gene. Fusions of the carboxy terminus of beta-glucuronidase to N and M2 resulted in staining of the nuclei of infected cells following expression from the PVX vector. Deletion analyses suggested that multiple regions of the N protein contain signals that are important for nuclear localization.
Superior training of artificial neural networks using weight-space partitioning

Linear least squares simplex (LLSSIM) is a new algorithm for batch training of three-layer feedforward artificial neural networks (ANN), based on a partitioning of the weight space. The input-hidden weights are trained using a "multi-start downhill simplex" global search algorithm, and the hidden-output weights are estimated using "conditional linear least squares". Monte-Carlo testing shows that LLSSIM provides globally superior weight estimates with significantly fewer function evaluations than the conventional backpropagation, adaptive backpropagation, and conjugate gradient strategies.
Trade and commerce in improved crops and food: an essay on food security

Agricultural trade between nations is a significant proportion of total international trade. Agricultural trade in transgenic crops faces extra complications due to the existence of domestic and international regimes that focus specifically on agricultural biotechnology. These specialized regimes create legal and commercial challenges for trade in transgenic crops that have significant implications for the food security of the nations of the world. By food security, one should understand not just the available supply of food, but also the quality of the food and the environmental impact of agricultural production systems. These specialized regimes for transgenic crops can either encourage or hinder the adoption of agricultural biotechnology as a sustainable intensive agriculture. Sustainable intensive agriculture offers hope for agronomic improvements for agricultural production, socio-economic betterment for farmers and environmental benefits for societies. Sustainable intensive agriculture offers particular hope for the poorest farmers of the world because agricultural biotechnology is a technology in the seed.
Growth of Particle‐Bearing and Particle‐Free Paramecium aurelia in Axenic Culture

SYNOPSIS. Several strains of particle-bearing and particle-free Paramecium aurelia have been cultivated in an axenic medium composed of proteose peptone, trypticase, yeast nucleic acid, MgSO4.7H2O, TEM-4T (diacetyl tartaric acid esters of tallow monoglycerides), stigmasterol and a mixture of vitamins. The “yeast fraction,” an indispensable component of previous media used for the cultivation of these ciliates has been replaced by a mixture of trypticase, yeast nucleic acid and TEM-4T. Particle-bearing animals of stock 299 lambda, 138 mu, and 139 pi maintain their particles when cultivated in the medium, whereas particle-bearing animals of stock 51 kappa, 225 kappa and 114 signia do not. With the exception of stock 92 (syngen 3) the medium appears to be selective in its ability to support the growth of animals of the even- but not odd-numbered syngens of P. aurelia. Maintenance of the particles was dependent only to a small degree upon environmental conditions brought about by changes in pH and temperature. Division of the particles was found to be comparable with the division of the protozoan. Methods for the growth, maintenance and mass cultivation of particle-bearing P. aurelia are given in detail.
Kalman filtering of tunable diode laser spectrometer absorbance measurements.

A recursive Kalman time-series filter was applied to absorbance measurements obtained with a tunable diode laser spectrometer. The spectrometer uses frequency modulation spectroscopy and a near-infrared diode laser operating at 1.604 μm to monitor the CO2-vapor concentration in a 30-cm absorption cell. The Kalman filter enhanced the signal-to-noise ratio of the spectrometer by an order of magnitude when an absorbance of 6 × 10−5 was monitored.
Full configuration interaction benchmarks for the X̃ 3B1, ã 1A1, b̃ 1B1 and c̃ 1A1 states of methylene

Abstract Previous experimental and theoretical work on the four lowest lying electronic states of methylene is summarized and new benchmark energies, geometries, dipole moments and harmonic vibrational frequencies are obtained by solving the electronic Schrodinger equation exactly, given a double-ζ plus polarization (DZP) basis set and restricting the core orbital to remain doubly occupied. These full configuration interaction (CI) results are used to evaluate several approximate treatments of electron correlation. The predictions of a CI procedure including all single, double, triple and quadruple excitations (CISDTQ) are virtually identical to the full CI results for all but the c 1 A 1 state, which is the second state of its symmetry and as such is difficult to describe using standard single-reference methods.
Calcium Signaling by STIM and Orai: Intimate Coupling Details Revealed

STIM (stromal interaction molecule) and Orai, two recently identified protein families, mediate cellular Ca 2+ signals through a remarkably dynamic interaction. STIM proteins are sensors of Ca 2+ stored within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Orai proteins are highly selective plasma membrane (PM) channels that allow only Ca 2+ ions to flow into cells. Although present in separate membranes, the two proteins undergo profound reorganization culminating in an exquisite pas de deux within small junctional regions between the ER and PM. Before these proteins can embrace, STIM undergoes an activation process triggered by depletion of Ca 2+ stores. During its union with Orai, STIM induces the channel pore within Orai to open, allowing Ca 2+ ions to flow through the PM and provide crucial intracellular signals. Recent studies on the activation of STIM and its coupling to Orai provide valuable new insights into the nature of the liaison between these two proteins and the intricate mechanism through which activation of Ca 2+ signals occurs.
A wave propagation algorithm for viscoelastic fluids with spatially and temporally varying properties

An algorithm is presented for simulating the fluid and stress equations that arise in a continuum model of platelet aggregation [A.L. Fogelson, R.D. Guy, Platelet–wall interactions in continuum models of platelet thrombosis: formulation and numerical solution, Math. Med. Biol. 21 (2004) 293–334]. The model is equivalent to models of viscoelastic fluids with spatially and temporally varying material parameters. A subsystem containing the elastic terms is handled using a wave propagation algorithm. Two different methods for propagating waves are compared in computational tests. One method linearizes the equations about cell edges, and the other is based on the propagation of waves in a heterogeneous elastic medium. When the viscoelastic fluid is in contact with a Newtonian fluid, the method based on linearization about the edges gives more accurate results. No high Weissenberg number instabilities were observed. As long as the time step is chosen to obey a CFL condition, the algorithm is stable and no unphysical oscillations appear in the solution. 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Cardiac Responses to Transthoracic Capacitor Discharges in the Dog

Many previous investigators have presented data suggesting that the processes involved in excitation and recovery in heart muscle limit the "vulnerable period" to a relatively small part of the heart cycle in late systole. Evidence presented in this report indicates that there are exceptions to this rule, at least in the intact animal, since under some conditions multiple extrasystoles and ventricular fibrillation can be elicited by single stimuli of short duration and high voltage applied at almost any time in systole or diastole.
Avalanche breakdown in complementary diodes

A criterion for determining the relative breakdown conditions for a semiconductor junction and its complement, is given which appears simpler to interpret than the inequalities due to Urgell. The Green's functions for electron and hole currents are given in a formulation which distinguishes explicitly between complementary diodes.
The consultant family physician.

Family physicians frequently consult and refer to other specialists, both generalist and subspe­ cialist. Less commonly has the family physician been used as a consultant. A randomized questionnaire survey of family physicians in five midwestern states was used to consider the frequency and reasons for other specialists collaborating with the family physi­ cian as a consultant. Fifty percent of the respondents consult and refer to as well as receive consultationsl referrals from other family physicians. Thirty-five per- For a number of years, the need for more collab­ orative relations among physicians has been noted. L2 Numerous studies have looked at family physician consultatiOn/referrals to other special­ ists, both generalist and subspecialist.3-13 How­ ever, the literature is sparse in considering who consults/refers to family physicians, and why these consultations/referrals are made. 14 • 15 In the current environment of controlled fiscal resources (Medicare, DRGs), and with an awareness that quality care can be provided and is available in an ambulatory setting, another look at how other physicians use family physician resources seems appropriate. This study considers these issues.
The learning of difficult visual discriminations by the moderately and severely retarded.

A procedure to effectively and efficiently train moderately and severely retarded individuals to make fine visual discriminations is described. Results suggest that expectancies for such individuals are in need of examination. Implications for sheltered workshops, work activity centers and classrooms are discussed.
HPLC-ELECTROCHEMICAL DETERMINATION OF CIS-PLATINUM ANTI-CANCER DRUGS

Liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (LCEC) has been applied to the trace determination of drugs [chemical names below] termed cis-Pt, CBDCA and CHIP. cis-Pt, the parent compound, can be determined by either oxidative or reductive LCEC, with different detection limits. Both CBDCA and CHIP can be determined by direct LCEC, but the detection limits for CBDCA are too high for clinical or stability studies. With a new derivatization method for CBDCA and related Pt compounds CBDCA is quantitatively convertible to cis-Pt, determination of which by reductive LCEC allows CDDP assay in plasma at the 0.1 μ/ml level (100 ppb.)
Epidemiology, disease progression, and economic burden of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: Every 3.5 minutes, someone is diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC); every 9 minutes, someone dies from CRC; and every 5 seconds, someone who should be screened for CRC is not. The 5-year mortality for people diagnosed with CRC is approximately 40%; however, survival improves substantially if the cancer is diagnosed while still localized. OBJECTIVE: To track and review the rapid progress researchers have made in CRC. SUMMARY: among patients who have CRC, approximately 50% will eventually develop liver metastases. The oncology field's significant advances in the last few years, especially in CRC, challenge clinicians and patients. Multiple facets of care intersect in CRC: medical management, pharmacy management, symptom management, case management, and patient advocacy. CRC develops over many years as environmental and genetic factors interact. The American Cancer Society recommends screening all men and women older than 50 years and those at high risk at an earlier age. In the past, patients ...
The effect of neomycin sulfate on pancreatic lipase activity.

SummaryIn separating the various effects of neomycin sulfate which may be exerted in systems designed to measure the activity of lipase, it is apparent that the antibiotic enhances the activity of both porcine and human lipase on an insoluble substrate. Additionally, it has the propensity to unstabilize emulsions. These effects are antagonistic and may account for divergent results previously recorded regarding neomycin-lipase interrelationships. Both the enzyme enchancing and emulsion unstabilizing properties of the antibiotic seem to reside in the presence of its free amino groups.
Bathrooms, baseball, and bra shopping: Lesbian and gay parents talk about engendering their children.

Drawing on an integrated theoretical lens of vocabularies of motive, gender interactionism, and queer theory, the authors explore how eighteen lesbian mothers and twenty-two gay fathers negotiate t...
Details That Matter: The Spatial Distribution of Individual Trees Maintains Forest Ecosystem Function

This paper shows that the processes controlling tree-scale spatial heterogeneity in forests have large effects on system-level properties such as standing crop, and on community-level properties such as successional species turnover. A "mean field" version of the forest simulation model SORTIE is developed in which horizontal spatial heterogeneity is eliminated while vertical structure is retained. The mean-field model maintains only approximately one half the standing crop and looses successional diversity approximately twice as fast as the full spatial model. Data from natural stands support the spatial model. A partial differential equation limit of the mean-field simulator is also derived. The results are set in the context of ongoing efforts to develop models intended to predict the biosphere's response to global change. The importance of processes governing fine-scale spatial heterogeneity implies that biospheric models will agree with nature only if they are phenomenological (e.g. fitted to data) at large scale, or if spatial scaling rules are discovered that allow one to derive system-level properties from individual-level processes.