cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stimulated Raman scattering with a tightly focused pump beam

We predict and experimentally measure the transverse spatial shapes, threshold, and ratio of Stokes to anti-Stokes radiation generated by stimulated Raman scattering of a focused Gaussian pump beam. The eigenmodes and the threshold of the scattered radiation are found to depend critically on the confocal parameter of the pump beam and the background dispersion.
School-Based Skills Training to Prevent Aggressive Behavior and Peer Rejection in Childhood: Evaluating the Making Choices Program

This paper reports findings from an evaluation of a school-based prevention program, called Making Choices, which was designed to decrease childhood aggression and peer rejection by teaching children social problem solving and relationship enhancement skills. Using a pre- to post-test control group design, 51 third graders received the intervention program and 50 received the no-intervention control condition. Controlling for pretest scores, children who received the Making Choices intervention had significantly higher scores on social contact, cognitive concentration, and displayed significantly lower overt aggression. Important moderation effects surfaced, indicating that the intervention differentially benefitted high-risk children.
Energy windowing with Hamamatsu microchannel plate photomultipliers

To obtain high quality decay data using time-correlated single photon counting, it is essential to eliminate multiplephoton events. Events should be counted only when one photon is detected for a given excitation flash. An easy way to eliminate multiple photon events is to gate data collection, permitting an event to be registered only if the energy of the pulse is within limits appropriate for the detection of a single photon. This method, called energy windowing, was first described by Schuyler and Isenberg [R. Schuyler and I. Isenberg, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 42, 813-817 (1971)]. In this paper we present a formalism for describing the statistics of multiple photon events. This formalism gives us a means of characterizing the pulse height distribution and estimating the fraction of multiple events which leak through our energy window. It also describes how multiple photon events distort a decay function and behave as contaminant decays. We then present a method for using energy windowing with Hamamatsu microchannel photomultipliers, and examine the ability two tubes of different design to differentiate between single and multiple events.
Illicit use of prescription pain medication among college students

This study identifies the prevalence, correlates, and sources associated with the illicit use of prescription pain medication among undergraduate college students. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was self-administered by a large random sample of 9,161 undergraduate students attending a large Midwestern university in the United States. Although undergraduate women were more likely to be prescribed pain medication, men were more likely to be approached to divert their prescription pain medication and report illicit use of prescription pain medication. Multivariate analyses indicated past year illicit use of prescription pain medication was higher among undergraduate students who were: previously prescribed pain medication, living in a house or apartment, and earning lower grade point averages. The majority of students obtained prescription pain medication for illicit use from peers and the second leading source was family members. There were several gender differences in the risk factors and sources of illicit use of prescription pain medication. Based on qualitative data, illicit use included recreational use for the purposes of intoxication and self-medication for pain episodes. Illicit users, who obtained prescription pain medication from peers, reported significantly higher rates of other substance use while those who obtained prescription medications from family members did not. These findings suggest that the illicit use of prescription pain medications may represent a problem among undergraduate students and effective prevention efforts are needed that account for gender differences.
Production ready noval texture etching process for fabrication of single crystalline silicon solar cells

We have very successfully developed a novel, IPA free chemical etching process for texturing single crystalline silicon substrates by employing polymer additives with aqueous KOH. In this paper we describe the successful implementation of this IPA free novel texturization process in our baseline single crystalline solar cell flow. The results have been validated with a number of repeated extended run production data. Solar cells fabricated with multiple wafer lots consistently exhibit cell efficiencies greater than 17.5%. It is found that surface texturing capability of this chemistry is slightly better than that of the established KOH/IPA process
038 What determines the temperature of ice crystallization

Predicting the temperature and extent of ice freezing in aqueous solutions is crucial for areas as diverse as cryobiology, the prediction of climate and materials design. It has long been recognized that the thermodynamics of liquid water controls temperature and kinetics of ice crystallization. Parameterizations of the freezing temperatures in terms of the water activity of the solution have been successfully established, but the fundamental origin of the thermodynamic control of the non-equilibrium crystallization of ice has remained elusive. In this talk I will present a microscopic foundation, based on large scale molecular simulations and theoretical arguments, for the relationship between thermodynamics of the liquid and ice crystallization temperature in pure water and solutions, discuss the structure of the ice that forms (whether it is actually cubic ice), the structure of the water glass, and the evolution of the formation of ice on cooling of the liquid and rewarming of the glass. Some of the results to be discussed can be read in the following articles: 1. Moore, E. B. & Molinero, V. Structural transformation in supercooled water controls the crystallization rate of ice. Nature 479, 506–508 (2011). 2. Moore, E. B. & Molinero, V. Ice crystallization in water’s ‘no-man’s land’. J Chem Phys 132, 244504 (2010). 3. Moore, E. B. & Molinero, V. Is it cubic? Ice crystallization from deeply supercooled water. Phys Chem Chem Phys 13, 20008–20016 (2011). 4. Bullock, G. & Molinero, V. Low-density liquid water is the mother of ice: on the relation between mesostructure, thermodynamics and ice crystallization in solutions. Faraday Discussions, 2013, DOI: 10.1039/C3FD00085K http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2013/FD/C3FD00085K . Source of funding: None declared. Conflict of interest: None declared. valeria.molinero@utah.edu
Renal cyclic GMP and cholinergic mechanisms in erythropoietin production.

Abstract Cobalt treatment in rats produced sequential elevations in both renal cyclic GMP concentration and lysosomal enzyme activity in plasma. These effects of cobalt were significantly inhibited by atropine pretreatment, as was cobalt-mediated erythropoietin (ESF) production. Physostigmine, an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, potentiated the erythropoietic effect of cobalt. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the erythropoietic effect of cobalt is associated with a cholinergic mechanism involving cyclic GMP-mediated lysosomal enzyme release. These cholinergic events may precede a previously described cyclic AMP activation of a renal erythropoietic factor.
Electrical signaling in the olfactory bulb

The olfactory bulb employs lateral and feedback inhibitory pathways to distribute odor information across parallel assemblies of mitral and granule cells. The pathways involve dendritic action potentials that can interact with a variety of voltage-dependent conductances and synaptic transmission to produce complex and dynamic patterns of activity. Electrical coupling also helps to ensure proper coordination and synchronization of these patterns. These mechanisms provide numerous options for dynamic modulation and control of signaling in the olfactory bulb.
Audience Involvement and Entertainment—Education

The present article explores the role that audience involvement plays in the effectiveness of entertainment—education programs. Utilizing data from a popular 104—episode entertainment—education radio soap opera from India, Tinka Tinka Sukh, it argues that the concept of audience involvement is multidimensional, and serves as a mediator for promoting behavior change. Audience involvement is characterized as being composed of two dimensions: (a) affective—referential involvement, and (b) cognitive—critical involvement. Involvement appears to be a precursor for increasing self—efficacy and collective efficacy, and in promoting interpersonal communication among individuals in the audience.
Multifidus morphology in persons scheduled for single-level lumbar microdiscectomy: qualitative and quantitative assessment with anatomical correlates.

ABSTRACTKulig K, Scheid AR, Beauregard R, Popovich JM, Jr., Beneck GJ, Colletti PM: Multifidus morphology in persons scheduled for single-level lumbar microdiscectomy: qualitative and quantitative assessment with anatomical correlates. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2009;88:355–361.Objective:The purpose of t
RESPONSE IN RAT INCISOR DENTIN TO INJECTED STRONTIUM, FLUORIDE, AND PARATHYROID EXTRACT.

S>Rat incisor dentin was examined by microradiography after subcutaneous injection of 1 to 8 mg NaF/100 g body thyroid extract (PTE)/100 g. With NaF, some alteration in mineralizition was domonstrable in every incisor examined; even at a dose of 1 mg/100 g, a distinct hypermineralized layer of dentin was present. At 2 mg/100 g, the hypermineralized layer was wider, and a slightly hypomineralized layer could be detected. The lowest dose of SrCl/sub 2/ (2 mg/ 100 g) produced no response, but at 5 mg/100 g a hypomineralized layer was detectable and a 20 mg/100 g and higher the hypomineralized component produced by NaF areas examined. Its thickness was frequently greater than that of the hypomineralized component produced by NaF, and the Sr-hypomineralized layer was usually more radiolucent. No distinct hypermineralized component was found. In animals injected wth PTE, no response was found with doses of 100 units/100 g and lower but at higher doses a hypomineralized layer was clearly defined, continuous, and wider than the hypomineralized component producerd by F. As in the Sr series, no hypermineralized component was found. These findings are contrary to the conclusions reached from examination of hematoxylin-stained sections, where the responses in dentin produced bymore » NaF, SrCl/sub 2/, and PTE appeared identical. When examined in microradiographs, the Sr and PTE responses contained a hypomineralized component but no hyperjmineralized component, while the F response included both. The hypomineralized components in the Sr and PTE responses were wider than that of the F response. These differences suggest that the etiology of the response is different for each of these causative agents. (BBB)« less
Amorphization in Zr 3 Ai irradiated with 1-mev e - and Kr +

In situ electron microscopy is used to study irradiation-induced amorphization in Zr3Al from 10 to 295 K by 1-MeV electrons and at 295 K with 1-MeV Kr+. The onset of amorphization is observed when the long-range order parameter decreases substantially with both electron and Kr+. Diffuse streaks are observed in the diffraction pattern prior to amorphization. This is attributed to a softening of the shear elastic constant,C′ = (C 11 −C 12)/2, due to static displacement of atoms. This observation is consistent with a large softening of shear modulus reported in Zr3Al irradiated with 1-MeV Kr+, for which a shear elastic instability has been identified prior to the onset of amorphization. In order to complete amorphization with electrons, a large dose, ≳26 dpa, is required at 10 K, while with Kr+, amorphization is completed by a dose of only 0.8 dpa. After the same dose of 26 dpa with electrons at 57 and 295 K, only partial amorphization and rhombohedral distortion are observed. Defect aggregation is also observed during irradiation at all three temperatures. The anomalously large dose required for complete amorphization with electrons is ascribed to point defect migration, as evidenced by the formation of defect aggregates. The partial amorphization at higher temperatures is explained by two factors, faster defect migration and rhombohedral distortion, which both provide alternative paths to amorphization for reducing the accumulated strain.
Uniform optimal plane charge order in superconducting cuprates

Abstract For simple overoxidized cuprates it was found that Tc scale universally with stoichiometric O− holes (h) per total O [cluster size or hole density]. Moreover, their Tc often optimize at a doping limit of formal plane Cu oxidation of 2.5+, corresponding formally to a uniform alternate hole charge order, denoted P2. In cases of complex selfdopings the stoichiometric holes are not known a priori. However, assuming that optimal Tc will generally correspond to a uniform charge order, their values should be predictable on the O− hole cluster model. Here we successfully apply this formalism to optimized complex cuprates that are based on M=Hg, Tl, Bi. In a rule of perplexing simplicity, satisfactory agreement with experiment is again obtained on the assumption of a uniform selfdoping to P2. The respective doping levels are reached through a combination of overoxidation and selfdoping [reductions of M]. This selfdoping is driven by lattice tension adjustment. The rare exceptional cases, where observed Tc are unusually high, can help in devising strategies for how to further increase Tc. These remarkable empirical rules point to an understanding that superconductivity reflects a charge order related phenomenon and can be manipulated by lattice pressure.
Exploring the Effects of the Design Prompt on Students’ Design Cognition

Engineering design educators often provide their students a task (or “prompt”) to guide their design projects. Similarly, engineering design educational researchers also provide research participants with a design task to guide their activity during experimental sessions. In both contexts, there is a fundamental underlying assumption that the design task has no significant effect on the students’/participants’ design cognition. Specifically, the authors test the hypothesis that a design task does affect a student’s design experience. Failing to disprove this hypothesis could significantly impact both design education practice and design education experimental research.To determine the effect of a design task on students’ design cognition, experimental sessions were conducted wherein student design teams worked together to solve a speculative design task. The student teams were presented with two nearly identical design tasks; however, one featured an additional design requirement. A task-independent protocol analysis method grounded in the Function-Behavior-Structure design ontology is performed on audio and video recordings of the design sessions to provide a common basis for comparing the two groups. Differences in design cognition are identified by analyzing and comparing the percent occurrences of the design issues and design processes and the Problem-Solution indices.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Crystal Structure of P58(IPK) TPR Fragment Reveals the Mechanism for its Molecular Chaperone Activity in UPR

P58(IPK) might function as an endoplasmic reticulum molecular chaperone to maintain protein folding homeostasis during unfolded protein responses. P58(IPK) contains nine tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) motifs and a C-terminal J-domain within its primary sequence. To investigate the mechanism by which P58(IPK) functions to promote protein folding within the endoplasmic reticulum, we have determined the crystal structure of P58(IPK) TPR fragment to 2.5 A resolution by the SAD method. The crystal structure of P58(IPK) revealed three domains (I-III) with similar folds and each domain contains three TPR motifs. An ELISA assay indicated that P58(IPK) acts as a molecular chaperone by interacting with misfolded proteins such as luciferase and rhodanese. The P58(IPK) structure reveals a conserved hydrophobic patch located in domain I that might be involved in binding the misfolded polypeptides. Structure-based mutagenesis for the conserved hydrophobic residues located in domain I significantly reduced the molecular chaperone activity of P58(IPK).
Generalized Attractor Points in Gauged Supergravity

The attractor mechanism governs the near-horizon geometry of extremal black holes in ungauged 4D N=2 supergravity theories and in Calabi-Yau compactifications of string theory. In this paper, we study a natural generalization of this mechanism to solutions of arbitrary 4D N=2 gauged supergravities. We define generalized attractor points as solutions of an ansatz which reduces the Einstein, gauge field, and scalar equations of motion to algebraic equations. The simplest generalized attractor geometries are characterized by non-vanishing constant anholonomy coefficients in an orthonormal frame. Basic examples include Lifshitz and Schroedinger solutions, as well as AdS and dS vacua. There is a generalized attractor potential whose critical points are the attractor points, and its extremization explains the algebraic nature of the equations governing both supersymmetric and non-supersymmetric attractors.
Dual-band Marchand baluns

The design of dual-band Marchand baluns is presented. The technique utilizes a classical synthesis procedure to derive dual-band network prototypes whose performances are identical to the balun structures. A balun is fabricated on an FR-4 board with measured performance illustrating dual-band characteristics. The passbands are centered at 1 GHz and 3.6 GHz respectively.
Attributions for Job Acquisition: Job Skills, Dress, and Luck of Female Job Applicants:

Businessmen (N = 160) rated causal attributionsfor the importance ofjob skills, dress, and luck in acquisition of a middle management position in marketing, a traditionally male-linked occupation. Independent variables were the attire, resume, model, and success in job acquisition for female applicants. Overall, businessmen's ratings for the importance of dress were lower than ratings for job skills but higher than ratings for the importance of luck. Applicants' attire, which was at least minimally appropriate, did not affect the ratings for the importance ofjob skills. Luck was important when success in job acquisition was not logically matched with the applicant's level of resume or attire.
Penguins and Polar Bears Integrates Science and Literacy

Science is often not included in elementary school curriculum despite the recognized importance of early development of science concepts and skills ( 1 – 3 ). In addition, there are few science resources available online that are focused on elementary school students. This combined state of affairs inspired the creation of an online magazine for elementary school teachers and their students: Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears.
Two-Dimensional Vibrational Spectroscopy II: Correlation of the Absorptions of Lignins in the Mid- and Near-Infrared

Two-dimensional (2D) statistical correlation of mid- and near-infrared spectra was used as a means to assist with qualitative spectral interpretation of the lignin carbohydrate fractions from plant materials. Cross-correlation by least-squares is used to assess changes in both regions that result from changes in the set of sample spectra. The technique has been applied to a set of specially prepared
Management of a Large Schneiderian Membrane Perforation and Repair of the Missing Maxillary Lateral Wall Using a Collagen Barrier Alone in a Patient With Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Introduction: Sinus floor augmentation (SFA) to aid in implant placement has been shown to be very predictable. A history of membrane perforation or intraoperative Schneiderian membrane perforation (SMP) is one of the most frequent complications of SFA. In this case report, the management of a large preexisting SMP with the aid of a collagen barrier in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is described.Case Presentation: A 51-year-old male presented for retreatment of an endodontically treated maxillary molar (tooth #14). The endodontic consultation recommended extraction, which was performed by the patient’s primary dentist. Two months later, a clinical and radiographic examination revealed significant vertical and bucco-lingual bone loss in that area. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) indicated insufficient bone volume for implant placement and the absence of cortical bone with a homogeneous fibrous mass in the edentulous region. A lack of Schneiderian membran...
(S)‐(2,2‐Dimethyl‐5‐oxo‐1,3‐dioxolan‐4‐yl)acetic acid

The title compound, C7H10O5, was obtained from the reaction of (S)-malic acid and 2,2-dimethoxy­propane using p-TsOH as acid catalyst. The mol­ecule is enanti­omerically pure, as determined from optical rotation. The dioxolanone ring is a slightly distorted plane with the methyl­enecarb­oxy group equatorial. The carb­oxy group is syn to the face of the ring and anti to the ring H atom. Mol­ecules are linked by O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the hydr­oxy group of the carboxyl group and the dioxolane carbonyl O atom, generating helices parallel to b. Only the S enantio­mer is present in the crystal structure, which is consistent with the starting material and its synthetic sequence.
Surface In Situ Observations within the Outflow of Forward-Flank Downdrafts of Supercell Thunderstorms

Abstract In the long-standing conceptual model of a supercell thunderstorm, the forward-flank downdraft (FFD) and its associated negative buoyancy originate from precipitation loading and the latent chilling of air due to the melting and evaporation of precipitation. The horizontal buoyancy gradient within the outflow of the FFD has been identified as an important source of low-level, streamwise vorticity in three-dimensional numerical simulations of supercells. These simulations have demonstrated that the formation of low-level mesocyclones is critically dependent on the baroclinic generation of horizontal vorticity within the FFD outflow. Despite the implied dynamical importance of the FFD outflow in the evolution of supercell thunderstorms, only a very limited number of thermodynamic observations have been obtained within FFD outflow. The range of thermodynamic conditions within FFD outflow is not well known, nor is it known whether any systematic relationship exists between the thermodynamic character...
Hydrodynamic approach to electron-hole droplet nucleation and stability

A hydrodynamic model for the nonequilibrium thermodynamics of electron-hole droplets in semiconductors is presented. It predicts droplet properties at densities and temperatures where the assumptions of nucleation kinetics fail. It is an extension to finite lifetimes of the Cahn-Hilliard theories of critical droplets and spinodal decomposition. As in finite-lifetime nucleation kinetics both critical and stable droplets are found to exist above a minimum supersaturation which must become large at low temperatures. However, stable droplets differ both quantitatively and qualitatively from the capillarity approximation commonly assumed in nucleation kinetics. For example, they may be characterized by a velocity profile which peaks in the surface region. Among other novel predictions are that: (i) a maximum supersaturation before phase separation is given by the spinodal line; (ii) stable droplets continue to exist at temperatures approaching ${T}_{c}$ but their properties are strongly affected by impurity and phonon scattering; and (iii) at very low temperatures critical droplets are too small for hysteresis, but stable droplet properties are calculated. Quantitative predictions are made by the principle of corresponding states.
Social support and self-efficacy for the consumption of fruit and vegetables by adolescents : Gimme 5: A fresh nutrition concept for students

Two psychosocial variables associated with initiation and maintenance of healthy diets are social support and self‐efficacy. Questionnaires for assessing social support and self‐efficacy for fruit/vegetable consumption were designed for Gimme 5, a controlled 5‐A‐Day study with a high school cohort. Both questionnaires had good internal consistency and factor solutions consistent with theoretical intent. Females had significantly higher family support and self‐efficacy than males (p < 0.0001). Positive family support and self‐efficacy were related to self‐reported daily fruit/vegetable intake (N= 1,786;p < 0.0001). Analysis revealed that negative family support and negative or positive peer support were not relevant with this population for fruit/vegetable consumption. The Gimme 5 program was designed to use the positive effects of social support and self‐efficacy for improving diet.
Possible Connection Between Gravitation and Fundamental Length

An analysis of the effect of gravitation on hypothetical experiments indicates that it is impossible to measure the position of a particle with error less than $\ensuremath{\Delta}x\ensuremath{\gtrsim}\ensuremath{\surd}G=1.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}33}$ cm, where $G$ is the gravitational constant in natural units. A similar limitation applies to the precise synchronization of clocks. It is possible that this result may aid in the solution of the divergence problems of field theory. An equivalence is established between the postulate of a fundamental length and a postulate about gravitational field fluctuations, and it is suggested that the formulation of a fundamental length theory which does not involve gravitational effects in an important way may be impossible.
Comparing grades in online and face-to-face writing courses: Interpersonal accountability and institutional commitment

Abstract In spite of benefits surrounding distance education programs, many online writing courses suffer from low student completion rates. Student retention has been identified as a concern in a number of studies of online education. We extend this discussion by examining the relationship of assessment of student work to retention, and comparing the grades students receive in online and face-to-face undergraduate writing courses. Our data point to what we call the “thrive or dive” phenomenon for student performance in online writing courses, which describes the disproportionately high percentage of students who fail or do not complete online courses compared to conventional, face-to-face courses. We extend this discussion on challenges related to student retention and propose instructional approaches for online learning that include the interpersonal accountability between teachers and students, as well as the institutional commitment necessary to ensure that students can succeed in online writing courses and programs.
A CO-FISH assay to assess sister chromatid segregation patterns in mitosis of mouse embryonic stem cells

Sister chromatids contain identical DNA sequence but are chiral with respect to both their helical handedness and their replication history. Emerging evidence from various model organisms suggests that certain stem cells segregate sister chromatids nonrandomly to either maintain genome integrity or to bias cellular differentiation in asymmetric cell divisions. Conventional methods for tracing of old vs. newly synthesized DNA strands generally lack resolution for individual chromosomes and employ halogenated thymidine analogs with profound cytotoxic effects on rapidly dividing cells. Here, we present a modified chromosome orientation fluorescence in situ hybridization (CO-FISH) assay, where identification of individual chromosomes and their replication history is achieved in subsequent hybridization steps with chromosome-specific DNA probes and PNA telomere probes. Importantly, we tackle the issue of BrdU cytotoxicity and show that our method is compatible with normal mouse ES cell biology, unlike a recently published related protocol. Results from our CO-FISH assay show that mitotic segregation of mouse chromosome 7 is random in ES cells, which contrasts previously published results from our laboratory and settles a controversy. Our straightforward protocol represents a useful resource for future studies on chromatid segregation patterns of in vitro-cultured cells from distinct model organisms.
Comparative studies on amino acid absorption by cestodes.

Abstract A comparison of the absorption of l -methionine and l -cystine by the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, and the chicken tapeworm, Raillietina cesticillus, suggests that both helminths actively absorb these amino acids. The absorption rate for the latter worm is 400–600% higher than for the former. Competition effects between certain neutral amino acids and methionine at physiological temperatures must be considered indications that these amino acids are also actively absorbed. Glutamic acid and aspartic acid did not compete with methionine absorption.
Radically contested assertions in ecosystem management.

Summary Ecosystem management is a magnet for controversy, in part because some of its formulations rest on questionable assertions that are radically contested. These assertions are important to understanding much of the conflict surrounding ecosystem management and, therefore, deserve thoughtful discussion and vigorous debate. Unfortunately, the assertions usually receive little scrutiny because critics, supporters, and the public are, understandably, absorbed in the personal and societal consequences of implementing controversial public policy choices under the rubric of ecosystem management. Professional natural resource managers, typically operating from within government bureaucracies and professional organizations, tend to blunt debate over the critical assertions by depicting ecosystem management as an evolution of past management approaches. Others, usually from outside the traditional natural resource management professions, contend that ecosystem management is revolutionary, not evolutionary. In...
Characterization of the Intramolecular Interactions in the Circularly Permuted GTPase Nucleostemin

Nucleostemin is a unique protein that plays a role in cell cycle regulation, cellular stress sensing, telomere maintenance, and tumor suppression. Similar to other nucleolar proteins, compartmentalization plays a large role in regulating the activity of NS. The mechanism behind this redistribution is poorly defined but it is linked to the GTPase properties of the protein and an uncharacterized inhibitory region that directs complex formation between NS and various cellular partners. We have been studying the structural and biochemical properties of drosophilia NS1 to better understand the molecular basis of this dynamic localization process. The canonical GTPase core contains a six-stranded β sheet surrounded by 5 α helices. The nucleotide-binding site of the protein is defined by four conserved amino acid sequence motifs, the G-1 through G-4 boxes. cpGTPases are characterized by a reordering of the characteristic G boxes specifically to a G4-G1-G3 pattern, thus a circular permutation of the classic GTPase arrangement. There is little known about how altering the positioning of the G-boxes affects the nucleotide binding and regulatory properties of the protein. Work from our group and other laboratories demonstrated that cpGTPases have broad substrate specificity and can hydrolyze GTP and ATP. We have also identified several structural domains in dNS1 using limited proteolysis. Truncation constructs have been made to elucidate the role of each domain and how the physical interactions between these domains contribute to the biological properties of the protein. Taken together, these data point to a mechanism of action that differs from the larger GTPase family.
Educating the Reflective Practitioner: Toward a New Design for Teaching and Learning in the Professions

My Personal Review: The problems that face professionals (physicians, lawyers, architects) are rarely straightforward and clear. They are complex and lack "right answers." Skillful professional practice often depends less on factual knowledge than on the ability to reflect before taking action. Yet most professional schools only teach theory and how to apply it to straightforward problems. Frankly, future professionals are being poorly equipped for the real world.
Salvage periaortic pericardial baffle equalizes mortality in bleeding patients undergoing aortic surgery.

Objective Bleeding is a potentially serious complication of aortic surgery. We report our experience with the use of a periaortic bovine pericardial baffle to control intractable intraoperative bleeding. Methods All patients who underwent aortic root, ascending, or arch replacements between January 2002 and April 2013 were reviewed. A bovine pericardial periaortic baffle was created to shunt shed blood into the right atrium. The transverse sinus was sutured closed in patients undergoing primary sternotomy. Baffle recipients were compared with the remaining patients undergoing aortic surgery. The Fisher exact test was used to determine statistical significance for categoric variables. Continuous variables were compared using the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test. All factors with a P value less than .2 were considered for multivariate logistic regression to determine independent associations with baffle use. Results A total of 413 patients were identified, of whom 23 received a baffle. Operative mortality for patients receiving a baffle was 4% (1/23) compared with 6% (25/390) ( P = 1) for the remaining patients. Prolonged ventilation was more common in the baffle recipients ( P P P P = .04; odds ratio, 4.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-19.3) to be predictive of baffle placement. Conclusions Patients requiring salvage periaortic pericardial baffle for intractable intraoperative hemorrhage experienced an operative mortality similar to that in the remaining patients undergoing aortic surgery. Infectious endocarditis requiring root replacement or reoperative aortic surgery should alert the surgeon to the potential need for baffle placement, including prophylactic transverse sinus closure.
Trimethyltin-Induced c-fos Expression: Adolescent vs Neonatal Rat Hippocampus

Abstract In the adult animal, the immediate early genes such as c-fos and c-jun. and other activity-dependent genes such as ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) are induced within minutes to hours in response to perturbations to the cellular environment. We have examined the induction of these genes following acute exposure to trimethyltin (TMT) using Northern blot analysis. The induction of these genes within the hippocampus and the cerebellum was examined half an hour following acute exposure to TMT (4 mg/kg, sc). In the neonatal (PND 4) rat hippocampus, the basal expression of c-fos, c-jun. and ODC appeared to be unaltered following TMT exposure. However, in the adolescent (PND 35) rat, TMT exposure produced a dramatic induction of c-fos mRNA in the hippocampus within half an hour, while β-actin expression remained constant. No TMT-induced changes in the expression of c-fos were seen in the cerebellum of adolescent animals. Furthermore, expression of c-jun mRNA was not altered in either the mature hippocampus or the cerebellum half an hour following TMT exposure. These results suggest that c-fos may be involved in the response of the brain to TMT in an age-dependent and region-specific manner
Materials technology for SIRTF

A number of studies on materials technologies for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) intended to enhance SIRTF mission performance are reviewed. Particular attention is given to dewar support straps, dewar structural materials, infrared black coatings, optical mirror materials, cryogenic properties data base, contamination control, and thermal control materials/coatings. It is noted that the alternative to baseline materials offer potential for substantial improvements in reliability, weight, and lifetime.
Self-Efficacy as a Mediator of the Relationship Between the Perceived Food Environment and Healthy Eating in a Low Income Population in Los Angeles County

While previous studies have described psychosocial and environmental factors that contribute to healthy eating, much remains unknown about the interactions between them. We assessed the relationship between the perceived food environment, self-efficacy and fruit and vegetable consumption, using data from a sample of racially diverse, low-income adult clientele of five public health centers in Los Angeles County (n = 1503). We constructed a negative binomial regression model to examine the association between perceived food environment and the number of fruits and vegetables consumed. For every one point increase on the perceived food environment scale, individuals ate about 5% more fruits and vegetables (95% CI 1.007, 1.089), controlling for other covariates. Self-efficacy was shown to be a significant mediator (mediated effect = 0.010; 95% CI 0.002, 0.020), accounting for 22.9% of the effect. Efforts to increase access to healthy options may not only improve eating behaviors, but also influence individuals' beliefs that they can eat healthfully.
Atomic Many-Body Problem. III. The Calculation of Hylleraas-Type Correlated Wave Functions for the Beryllium Atom

By applying the theory of correlated wave functions, Hylleraas-type functions are computed for the beryllium atom. The theory is applied in a form in which only two-electron correlations are considered. Several different correlation factors as well as several different combinations of orbital functions are considered. It is shown that the Hylleraas method gives better results for the energy than the superposition of configurations in the $1s$ shell as well as in the $2s$ shell. The problem of the additivity of the correlation energy in pairs is analyzed and it is shown that the sum of pair-correlation energies is different from the correlation energy computed taking into account correlation in both shells simultaneously. The difference can be positive or negative depending on the wave functions, and it is not negligible if accurate values are required for the correlation energy. Comparing the computed values for the correlation energy resulting from two-electron correlations with the experimental value of the correlation energy, the size of the many-electron (more than two-electron) correlation effects is estimated. It is shown that these effects can not be neglected if accurate values are required for the correlation energy.
Assessment of clinical skills in medical practice

AbstractThe introduction of a clinical skills examination (CSE) to Step 2 of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) has focused attention on the design and delivery of large-scale standardized tests of clinical skills and raised the question of the appropriateness of evaluation of these comp
Synthesis and properties of lignin peroxidase from Streptomyces viridosporus T7A.

The production of lignin peroxidase byStreptomyces viridosporus T7A was studied in shake flasks and under aerobic conditions in a 7.5-L batch fermentor. Lignin peroxidase synthesis was found to be strongly affected by catabolite repression. Lignin peroxidase was a non-growth-associated, secondary metabolite. The maximum lignin peroxidase activity was 0.064 U/mL at 36 h. In order to maximize lignin peroxidase activity, optimal conditions were determined. The optimal incubation temperature, pH, and substrate (2,4-dichlorophenol) concentration for the enzyme assays were 45°C, 6, and 3 mM, respectively. Stability of lignin peroxidase was determined at 37, 45, and 60°C, and over the pH range 4–9.
A cautionary note regarding the investigation of supramolecular complexes involving secondary ammonium salts in acetone

Abstract Accompanying pseudorotaxane formation between dibenzo[24]-crown-8 and dibenzylammonium salts in acetone-d6, iminium salts result from the well-known condensation reaction between ketones and amines, calling into question formation constants estimated by direct spectroscopic means in acetone.
Determining the dimensions of mixing mill rollers

In developing designs of refractory-producing mills, one must try to achieve the smallest roller diameter and roller weight corresponding to the specified pressure and width of the roller on the mixture. An equation is given for determining the optimum diameter and weight of the rollers.
Risk Factors for Poor Attendance in a Family-based Pediatric Obesity Intervention Program for Young Children

Objective—This study examined the role of demographic characteristics, psychological factors, and family functioning on attendance in a randomized controlled trial of a family-based pediatric obesity program. Method—Participants included 155 children between the ages of 4 and 7 years (M age = 5.77, 57.4% female, 73.6% African-American, M BMI = 25.5) and their primary caregivers who were randomized to the treatment group. Three groups of participants were created based on their patterns of attendance during the program: 1) noncompleters, 2) partial completers, and 3) completers. Results—Results indicated no differences among the attendance groups in child gender, child BMI, or child psychological functioning. Significant group differences were found with respect to race/ethnicity, parent marital status, and family income, such that noncompleters were more likely to be racial/ethnic minorities, to living in single parent households, and to have lower incomes than partial completers and completers. After controlling for the effects these socio-demographic risk factors, noncompleters and partial completers reported more family dysfunction characterized by high levels of disengagement than completers. Conclusion—Adapting existing weight management programs to include a focus on family engagement in the early stages of treatment may help to improve participation in family-based obesity interventions targeting high risk, socio-economically disadvantaged youth.
Computer-Aided Analysis of Transient and Steady State Temperature Distribution in Human Brain During Selective Cooling of Head Surface and Rewarming for Head Injury Patients

In recent years, mild or moderate hypothermia during which brain temperature is reduced to 30–35°C has been proposed for clinical use as an adjunct for achieving protection from cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injury. There are two approaches for achieving a reduction in brain temperature. One is via systemic hypothermia where the whole body is cooled. This approach may produce deleterious systemic complications and require intensive monitoring. Another approach is called selective brain cooling (SBC) in which the brain is selectively cooled while the rest of the body is kept at normal temperature. Clinically feasible SBC protocols include head hood or helmet with water or chemical cooling, head immersion in iced water, nasophyaryngeal cooling after tracheal intubation, and intro-carotid flushing. Simply packing ice or wearing cooling helmet is easy to implement. Previous theoretical study [Zhu and Diao, 2001] suggests that it is feasible to achieve mild hypothermia via head surface cooling. However, most physicians believe that it takes a much longer time to reduce the brain temperature using head surface cooling. In this study, a three-dimensional theoretical model is developed to study the transient and steady state temperature distribution in the brain during SBC. The effect of regionally varying local blood perfusion rate in the brain tissue on the temporal and spatial temperature gradient is examined. Other factors including the brain size and the thermal contact resistance between the cooling medium and the head scalp are evaluated in the simulation.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Remodeling JPEG arithmetic coder for improved end-of-block marker coding

In JPEG image compression algorithms, an entropy coder encodes an end-of-block (EOB) marker for each discrete cosine transform (DCT) block. The well-known Huffman coder encodes one such marker for each block. However, the binary arithmetic coder, which provides greater compression but is not as well known, encodes several EOB tests, one after each nonzero ac coefficient of the block. We present a modification to the JPEG arithmetic coding algorithm to reduce the number of EOB tests. Our algorithm encodes two extra zero ac coefficients for a small percentage of blocks, but it encodes fewer EOB tests. As a result, we reduce the total image code size by about 1.4% on average. In this process, we also study the effectiveness of the DCT and statistical models of this coder.
Complex abdominal wall reconstruction: An outcomes review

Background Complex abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) remains challenging. Techniques for repair are numerous and include primary fascial approximation, separation of components (SOC), and use of various biologic and synthetic meshes. Given the vast expanse of available techniques and lack of consistent algorithms, an analysis of outcomes in AWR is presented. Methods A retrospective review was performed of complex AWRs performed by 2 surgeons at a single institution from July 2008 to October of 2011. Outcome differences for hernia repairs specifically addressing SOC with an acellular dermis inlay (retrorectus), underlay, or overlay mesh, as well as interposition biologic mesh placement were included. Results A total of 66 patients were identified. The average body mass index in this population was 35.5 kg/m. The average age was 53.7 years, with 62% females and 38% males. The overall rate of tobacco use history was 48%. Twenty-eight percent were diabetic. The overall hernia recurrence rate was 16%. Patients having SOC with inlay (retrorectus) mesh had a hernia recurrence rate of 9%. Hernia recurrence in those with SOC and biologic mesh reinforcement as an underlay or onlay was 12%; in those without mesh reinforcement, 22%; and for those with a biologic mesh interposition, 40%. Conclusions The results of this review show that hernia recurrence rates are decreased with primary fascial repair. Further reduction occurs when biologic mesh reinforcement is used. The lowest recurrence rates were seen in the group with SOC and a porcine biologic mesh inlay. Abdominal wall reconstruction is challenging and with continued outcomes review a refined algorithm can be achieved. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic: III.
Flow of a non-homogeneous fluid in a porous medium

If the viscosity and specific weight of a fluid are variable, the equations governing its flow in a porous medium are non-linear and in general very difficult to solve. It has been found, however, that steady flows of a fluid of variable viscosity but constant specific weight can be reduced to those of a homogeneous fluid by a remarkably simple transformation, which indicates that the flow patterns of the fluid are the same as those of a homogeneous fluid with the same boundary conditions, and that only the speed need be modified. The speed of the actual flow is obtained by dividing the speed of the homogeneous-fluid flow by a factor proportional to the actual viscosity. The transformation is also used to derive the equations governing steady two-dimensional flows and steady axisymmetric flows of a fluid of variable viscosity and specific weight. In a good many cases of practical importance these equations are exactly linear, in spite of the fact that the governing equations obtained without the use of the above-mentioned transformation are non-linear. An exact solution for a steady two-dimensional flow with prescribed boundary conditions is given. Two inverse methods for generating exact solutions for two-dimensional flows are presented, together with two illustrative examples. The theory also applies to Hele-Shaw flows, so that it can be easily verified in the laboratory.