cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting learner's project performance with dialogue features in online q&a discussions

Although many college courses adopt online tools such as Q&A online discussions, there is no easy way to evaluate their impact on learning. In this paper, we investigate a predictive relation between characteristics of discussion contributions and student performance. For the modeling dynamics of conversational dialogue, speech acts (Q&A dialog roles that participants play) and emotional features covered by LIWC (Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count) were used. These dialogue information is used for correlation and regression analyses for predicting the performance of learners (173 student groups). Our current results indicate that the number of answers provided to others, the degree of positive emotion expressions, and how early students exchange information before the deadline correlate with project grades. This finding confirms the argument that in assessing student online activities, we need to capture how they interact, not just what they produce.
Network similarity using distribution of distance matrices

Decision makers use partial information of networks to guide their decision, yet when they act, they act in the real network or the ground truth. Therefore, a way of comparing the partial information to ground truth is required. We introduce a statistical measure that analyzes the network obtained from the partially observed information and ground truth, which of course can be applied to the comparison of any networks. As a first step, in the current research, we restrict ourselves to networks of the same size to introduce such a method, which can be generalized to different size networks. We perform mathematical analysis on the random graph, and then apply our methodology to synthetic networks generated using five different generating models. We conclude with a statistical hypothesis test to decide whether two graphs are correlated or not correlated.
Ultrasound-guided injection of the cranial tibial artery for stem cell administration in horses.

BACKGROUND: A technique for intra‐arterial injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has been established for front limbs with the use of the median artery. This approach has been proposed for treatment of soft tissue injuries of the equine distal limb. A technique has not been validated yet for hindlimb injection. OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of injection of the cranial tibial artery in horses, and to evaluate the distribution and persistence of MSC after injection. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo experiment. METHODS: In a first phase, the cranial tibial arteries of both hindlimbs of three research horses were catheterised with ultrasound guidance under general anaesthesia and injected with iodinated contrast. In the second phase, iodinated contrast was injected in three standing sedated horses with ultrasound guidance. In the final phase, ⁹⁹ᵐTechnetium‐HMPAO labelled allogenic bone marrow derived equine MSC were injected under standing sedation with the same technique in three other horses. Scintigraphy was used to assess MSC distribution and persistence for 24 h. Ultrasound was performed 24 h after injection to assess vessel impairment. RESULTS: Arterial injection was achieved in all 18 limbs without any significant complications. Mild partial periarterial injection was observed in four limbs. Scintigraphic images demonstrated diffuse MSC distribution from the tarsal area to the foot. Persistence decreased over time but signal was still present at 24 h. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Limited retention of the radiolabel in the MSC. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound‐guided injection of the cranial tibial artery can be performed both under general anaesthesia and standing sedation in horses. This technique could be used for MSC treatment of equine proximal suspensory desmopathy or other injuries in the distal hindlimb.
A Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Transcription Factor Involved in Sclerotial Development and Virulence on Pea.

ABSTRACT Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a plant-pathogenic ascomycete fungus and infects over 400 host plants, including pea (Pisum sativum L.). The fungus causes white mold on pea, and substantial yield loss is attributed to the disease. To improve white mold management, further understanding of S. sclerotiorum pathogenicity is crucial. In this study, 389 transcription factors (TFs) were mined from the complete genome sequence of S. sclerotiorum and their in planta expression patterns were determined in susceptible and partially resistant pea lines and compared to in vitro expression patterns on culture medium. One of the transcription factors was significantly induced in planta at 24 and 48 h postinfection compared to the expression in vitro. This putative C6 transcription factor of S. sclerotiorum (SsC6TF1) was knocked down using a gene-silencing approach to investigate its functions in vegetative growth and sclerotial development as well as its virulence and pathogenicity in pea. While the SsC6TF1 knockdown mutants had hyphal growth rates identical to those of the wild-type strain and were capable of infection, the knockdown mutants produced no sclerotia or significantly fewer and smaller sclerotia on the culture medium and exhibited reduced virulence on both pea lines. This study profiled genome-wide expression for S. sclerotiorum transcription factors in planta and in vitro and functionally characterized a novel transcription factor, SsC6TF1, which positively regulates sclerotial development and virulence on pea. The finding provides molecular insights into S. sclerotiorum biology and interaction with pea and other economically important crops. IMPORTANCE White mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a destructive disease on important legume species such as soybean, dry bean, and pea. This study investigated expression levels of transcription factors in S. sclerotiorumin planta (pea lines) and in vitro (culture medium). One transcription factor displaying high expression in planta was found to be involved in sclerotial development and virulence on pea. This report provides a new understanding regarding transcription factors of S. sclerotiorum in development and virulence.
Pediatric Stroke Caregiver Well-Being: A Holistic Wellness Perspective:

Evidence-based models are critical for understanding caregiver well-being and treatment interventions from a holistic perspective. This study introduces the Indivisible Self: An Evidence-Based Mode...
Direct cost of hysterectomy: comparison of robotic versus other routes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the direct cost of robotic hysterectomy in comparison with abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic routes past the initial learning curve. We examined a consecutive case series of 348 patients undergoing abdominal (AH), vaginal (VH), laparoscopic (LH), or robotic hysterectomy (RH) for benign conditions between January 2015 and March 2017. The primary outcome was the direct cost of hysterectomy, while the secondary outcome was length of stay. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the cost and length of stay across the four hysterectomy groups after controlling for potential confounding variables. 19 (5.5%) patients underwent AH, 53 (15.2%) LH, and 59 (16.9%) VH, while 217 (62.4%) RH. VH group was the oldest at age 52.1 years (p < 0.01), whereas AH group had the highest BMI at 35.9 kg/m2 (p = 0.03). While colporrhaphy was most frequently performed in VH (81%), mid-urethral sling was most common in RH (30%) (p < 0.01). The average direct cost was $3865 for RH, $4063 for AH, $2791 for VH, and $3818 for LH. Upon multivariate analysis, RH and VH were $650.47 (p < 0.01) and $883.07 (p < 0.01) cheaper, respectively, compared to AH. The average length of stay was the shortest for RH at 10.7 h, followed by LH at 15.5 h, vaginal at 20 h, and abdominal at 51.5 h (p < 0.01). VH has the lowest direct cost, while AH has the highest. Both VH and RH have a significantly lower cost than that of AH. RH has the shortest hospital stay, whereas AH has the longest.
Integrated Experimental-Theoretical Approach To Determine Reliable Molecular Reaction Mechanisms on Transition-Metal Oxide Surfaces

By combining experimental and theoretical approaches, we investigate the quantitative relationship between molecular desorption temperature and binding energy on d and f metal oxide surfaces. We demonstrate how temperature-programmed desorption can be used to quantitatively correlate the theoretical surface chemistry of metal oxides (via on-site Hubbard U correction) to gas surface interactions for catalytic reactions. For this purpose, both CO and NO oxidation mechanisms are studied in a step-by-step reaction process for perovskite and mullite-type oxides, respectively. Additionally, we show solutions for over-binding issues found in COx, NOx, SOx, and other covalently bonded molecules that must be considered during surface reaction modeling. This work shows the high reliability of using TPD and density functional theory in conjunction to create accurate surface chemistry information for a variety of correlated metal oxide materials.
What Is Cancer

This essay focuses on themes in Explaining Cancer: Finding Order in Disorder (2018) by Anya Plutynski, a monograph that has important things to say about both the peculiarities of cancers and our theories about them. Cancer's agents of destruction are human cells that have been recruited and to some extent transformed into pathological organisms or the building blocks of tumors. Cancers both undermine and exploit mechanisms of multicellular organization, and understanding them gives rise to difficult philosophical problems. In addition to sketching Plutynski's discussion of these problems, this essay defends Christopher Boorse's account of disease from Plutynski's criticisms, and it expresses some qualms about her treatment of scientific explanation.
Corona Finite Element Analysis and UV Visual Image Processing of UHV Transmission Line Fittings

330kV, 500kV and 750kV EHV transmission lines in operation in China are taken as the research object, focusing on the key hardware such as grading ring, shielding ring, suspension clamp, shockproof hammer, spacer, etc., the compact linear tower and strain angle tower with serious corona noise are selected, and the hardware with corona is found out through the field observation of UV imager, and the 3D secondary development is applied The finite element simulation software calculates the electric field distribution. By changing the structure type, spatial position and layout of the fittings, the influence of the electric field distribution on the surface of the fittings is studied, and the structural optimization is carried out through the visual control of the electric field. Finally, the optimization design scheme with E-field distribution uniformity and the structural rationalization of the fittings is proposed. After the installation and test of the optimized fittings, it is found that the corona phenomenon of the fittings has been obviously suppressed and good practical application effect has been achieved. Research on the corona characteristics of the UHV transmission line fittings can effectively improve the electromagnetic environment around the transmission line and provide basis for the design and manufacture of UHV transmission line fittings.
Application of complex-step derivative method for k-eigenvalue sensitivity calculation in neutron transport models

Abstract This paper paves the way to numerically solve the k-eigenvalue neutron transport equation with complex variable arguments, and then employs the developed complex variable transport solver to calculate the k-eigenvalue sensitivities with respect to nuclear cross sections using the complex-step derivative method (CDM). CDM utilizes the Taylor series expansion in the complex plane whereby the imaginary component of the complex solution space can be directly used to represent the sensitivity derivative. CDM offers a robust numerical avenue to calculate accurate sensitivities not susceptible to subtractive cancellation errors. Numerical examples with one-dimensional k-eigenvalue neutron transport models in both one-group and multigroup formulations were employed to demonstrate the feasibility of CDM in reactor problems. The CDM sensitivity results received good agreements to the reference solutions from the conventional forward-based and adjoint-based sensitivity methods. These preliminary results confirmed the viability and accuracy of CDM for k-eigenvalue sensitivity calculation in neutron transport models.
Tricuspid and Pulmonic Valves

This chapter will provide an overview of the pathology affecting the tricuspid and pulmonic valve, including acquired and congenital conditions. The chapter will provide detailed techniques for echocardiographic evaluation of these conditions followed by guideline-based management strategies.
Primary prevention of prescription opioid diversion: a systematic review of medication disposal interventions.

Background: In the U.S., 50-75% of nonmedical users of prescription opioids obtain their pills through diversion by friends or relatives. Increasing disposal of unused opioid prescriptions is a fundamental primary prevention strategy in combatting the opioid epidemic.Objectives: To identify interventions for disposal of unused opioid pills and assess the evidence of their effectiveness on disposal-related outcomes.Methods: A search of four electronic databases was conducted (October 2019). We included all empirical studies, systematic literature reviews, and meta-analyses about study medication disposal interventions in the U.S. Studies of disposal interventions that did not include opioids were excluded. We abstracted data for the selected articles to describe the study design, and outcomes. Further, we assessed the quality of each study using the NIH Study Quality Assessment Tools.Results: We identified 25 articles that met our inclusion criteria. None of the 13 studies on drug take-back events or the two studies on donation boxes could draw conclusions about their effectiveness. Although studies on educational interventions found positive effects on knowledge acquisition, they did not find differences in disposal rates. Two randomized controlled trials on drug disposal bags found higher opioid disposal rates in their intervention arms compared to the control arms (57.1% vs 28.6% and 33.3%, p = .01; and 85.7% vs 64.9%, p = .03).Conclusions: Peer-reviewed publications on opioid disposal interventions are limited and either do not address effectiveness or have conflicting findings. Future research should address these limitations and further evaluate implementation and cost-effectiveness.
A Dynamic Reconfiguration-based Approach to Resilient State Estimation

The increasing complexity and connectivity of power systems is making it increasingly likely that they will be subject to malicious attacks that compromise operation. Recent studies have shown that these systems are vulnerable to a wide range of cyber-attacks, including False Data Injection (FDI). Conventional security monitoring and protection tools are based on passive defense strategies. In this paper, we propose an approach for active defense that improves system security and the FDI attack detection rate. The key insight for this approach is that emerging micro-grids can utilize distributed energy resources to dynamically reconfigure the system (e.g. current flow paths), across multiple acceptable configurations. Instead of using information from only a single configuration to detect FDI attacks, our proposed approach uses dynamic reconfiguration to compare measured and estimated states under multiple configurations to accurately detect FDI attacks. We evaluate our approach in the specific scenario of emerging micro-grids. We develop a novel technique for state estimation using multiple configurations and demonstrate that this approach significantly improves FDI detection accuracy.
Disruptive Innovation:A Catalyst for Change in Business and Market Modeling

As the business market environment continues to shift and long-term stability is not easily attainable with the constant market disruptions and emerging regions. In order to compete on this platform, organizations must maintain flexibility within their business models and strategies to effectively capitalize or respond to market disruptions.
A Unified Treatment of Evolving Interfaces Accounting for Small Deformations and Atomic Transport with Emphasis on Grain-Boundaries and Epitaxy

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a unified treatment of several topics at the intersection of continuum mechanics and materials science; the thrust concerns processes involving evolving interfaces, focusing on grain-boundaries, solid–vapor interfaces (with emphasis on epitaxy), and coherent phase transitions. Central to the discussion is the interaction of deformation, atomic transport, and accretion within a dissipative, dynamical framework, but as the interest is crystalline materials, the focus is restricted to small deformations. To avoid geometrical complications associated with surfaces in three-dimensional space, two space-dimensions are used when discussing interfaces, but three space dimensions while discussing the theory in bulk.
Structure-function studies on bacteriorhodopsin. X. Individual substitutions of arginine residues by glutamine affect chromophore formation, photocycle, and proton translocation

We have individually replaced all 7 of the arginine residues in bacteriorhodopsin by glutamine. The mutants with substitutions at positions 7, 164, 175, and 225 showed essentially the wild-type phenotype in regard to chromophore regeneration, chromophore lambda max, and proton pumping, although the mutant Arg-175----Gln showed decreased rate of chromophore regeneration. Glutamine substitutions of Arg-82, -134, and -227 affected proton pumping ability, and caused specific alterations in the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle. Finally, electrostatic interactions are proposed between Arg-82 and -227, and specific carboxylic acid residues in helices C and G, which regulate the purple to blue transition and proton transfers during the photocycle.
Utility, charge, and cost of inpatient and emergency department serum folate testing.

BACKGROUND Serum folate levels are commonly ordered for multiple indications in the inpatient and emergency department settings. Since mandatory folic acid fortification in 1998, there has been a decreasing prevalence of folate deficiency in the United States. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine the indications, rate of deficiency, charge and cost per deficient result, and change in management per deficient result in serum folate testing in inpatients and emergency department patients. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of all inpatient and emergency department serum folate tests. METHODS We analyzed all inpatient and emergency department serum folate tests performed over a 12-month period. We reviewed the charts of 250 patients and all low-normal or deficient serum folate levels to determine indications, comorbidities, and change in management based on result. Charge and cost analyses were performed. SETTING/PATIENTS All inpatient and emergency department patients with a serum folate test performed at a major medical center in Boston, Massachusetts. RESULTS A total of 2093 serum folate tests were performed in 1944 patients with 2 deficient levels. The most common indications were anemia without macrocytosis and anemia with macrocytosis. The amount charged per deficient result was $158,022. The cost to the hospital per deficient result was less than $2093. CONCLUSIONS In folic acid fortified countries, serum folate testing has low utility and poor cost effectiveness for all indications in inpatients and emergency department patients. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:91–95. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Crumbs3-Mediated Polarity Directs Airway Epithelial Cell Fate through the Hippo Pathway Effector Yap

Epithelial cells undergo dynamic polarity changes as organs pattern, but the relationship between epithelial polarity and cell fate is poorly understood. Using the developing lung as a model, we found that distinct alterations in apical-basal polarity dictate airway epithelial differentiation. We demonstrate that Crb3, a Crumbs isoform that determines epithelial apical domain identity, is required for airway differentiation by controlling the localization of the transcriptional regulator Yap. We show that Crb3 promotes the interaction between Yap and the Hippo pathway kinases Lats1/2 at apical cell junctions to induce Yap phosphorylation and cytoplasmic retention, which drive cell differentiation. Loss of Crb3 in developing mouse airways or isolated adult airway progenitors results in unrestricted nuclear Yap activity and consequent cell differentiation defects. Our findings demonstrate that polarity-dependent cues control airway cell differentiation, offering important molecular insights into organ patterning.
Soil organisms and global climate change

Climate changes will influence soil organisms both directly (warming) and indirectly (warming and elevated CO2) via changes in quantity and quality of plant-mediated soil C inputs. Elevated atmospheric CO2 commonly stimulates flow of organic C into the soil system, increases root production and exudation, but decreases litter quality. There is little evidence that atmospheric CO2 enrichment will increase total soil organic matter content because greater C flow into soil stimulates the soil food web, often leading to equivalent increases in soil CO2 efflux. Effects of warming on C allocation belowground, on the other hand, will depend largely on the temperature optima of different plant species. Warming is likely to increase the rate of soil organic matter decomposition by stimulating soil heterotrophic respiration, although some degree of acclimatization to warming is likely. Mycorrhizal and N2-fixing relationships are generally enhanced by CO2 enrichment, but effects of warming are highly variable. Data suggest that energy flow through fungal pathways may be enhanced relative to bacterial pathways by both warming and atmospheric CO2 enrichment. Whether the shift toward fungal domination of soils will increase soilborne fungal disease occurrence in the future is still an open question. Plant heat and drought tolerance, along with resistance to pathogens in warmer and wetter soils, may be achieved, to some unknown extent, by exploitation and management of beneficial soil organisms. Further study is needed to develop a more holistic understanding of the effects of climate change on belowground processes.
A local-global theorem for skew-hermitian forms over quaternion algebras

(1995). A local-global theorem for skew-hermitian forms over quaternion algebras. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 23, No. 5, pp. 1679-1708.
The kinetics of the oxidation of aluminum—copper alloys in oxygen at high temperature

Abstract The oxidation behavior of high purity aluminum—copper alloys has been studied at temperatures from 475 to 575°C in dry oxygen at a pressure of 76 torr. The oxidation product was found to be duplex in nature consisting of both amorphous and crystalline γ-Al 2 O 3 . Roughly cylindrical crystals of γ-Al 2 O 3 of constant thickness, at any given temperature and alloy content, grow into the metal from the amorphous oxide—metal interface by inward diffusion of oxygen through the overlying amorphous film. The amorphous oxide film, growing by outward diffusion of metal ions, forms between the crystals of γ-Al 2 O 3 with accurately parabolic kinetics throughout the temperature and alloy composition ranges. Above the crystalline phase the amorphous oxide forms at a lower rate because of the additional resistance conferred to cation egress afforded by the crystalline oxide. In general, it was found that increasing copper content of the alloy in the range 0·1–4 per cent Cu caused a reduction in the crystal nucleation density and in the depth of intrusion of the crystals into the underlying alloy. Conversely, increasing copper content was also found to increase the rate of formation of amorphous γ-Al 2 O 3 between the crystals of γ-Al 2 O 3 and to increase the rate of radial growth of the crystals. These results are explained in terms of the defect nature of the oxidation products.
Developing a manufacturer— Distributor information partnership

Abstract The growing importance of industrial distribution calls for increased emphasis on cooperative arrangements between manufacturers and distributors. This article focuses on what is perhaps the most crucial and sensitive element in developing such a partnership: sharing and use of market information. A case study details the development effort of such a partnership by a large manufacturer and explains the benefits that both parties can accrue.
The Capsular Polysaccharide of Staphylococcus aureus Is Attached to Peptidoglycan by the LytR-CpsA-Psr (LCP) Family of Enzymes

Envelope biogenesis in bacteria involves synthesis of intermediates that are tethered to the lipid carrier undecaprenol-phosphate. LytR-CpsA-Psr (LCP) enzymes have been proposed to catalyze the transfer of undecaprenol-linked intermediates onto the C6-hydroxyl of MurNAc in peptidoglycan, thereby promoting attachment of wall teichoic acid (WTA) in bacilli and staphylococci and capsular polysaccharides (CPS) in streptococci. S. aureus encodes three lcp enzymes, and a variant lacking all three genes (Δlcp) releases WTA from the bacterial envelope and displays a growth defect. Here, we report that the type 5 capsular polysaccharide (CP5) of Staphylococcus aureus Newman is covalently attached to the glycan strands of peptidoglycan. Cell wall attachment of CP5 is abrogated in the Δlcp variant, a defect that is best complemented via expression of lcpC in trans. CP5 synthesis and peptidoglycan attachment are not impaired in the tagO mutant, suggesting that CP5 synthesis does not involve the GlcNAc-ManNAc linkage unit of WTA and may instead utilize another Wzy-type ligase to assemble undecaprenyl-phosphate intermediates. Thus, LCP enzymes of S. aureus are promiscuous enzymes that attach secondary cell wall polymers with discrete linkage units to peptidoglycan.
Effects of β-adrenoceptor antagonists on alcohol drinking by alcohol-dependent rats

Rationale Alcohol-dependent animals display enhanced stress responsivity, reward thresholds, and alcohol self-administration during alcohol withdrawal, and some of these aspects of alcohol dependence may be mediated by activation of brain norepinephrine (NE) systems.
C-fos mediates cocaine inhibition of NGF-induced PC12 cell differentiation.

Abstract In uterococaine exposure can affect CNS development. Previous studies showed that cocaine inhibits neuronal differentiation in a dose-dependent fashion, in nerve growth factor (NGF)-stimulated PC12 cells, without affecting cell viability. NGF activates intracellular signaling proteins, specific immediate-early genes (IEG) including a transient peak of c-fos expression, and induction of late genes expression, leading to the neuronal phenotype. We hypothesized that cocaine interferes with NGF signaling. Therefore, we examined the pattern of c-fos expression in our cellular model. Time course of c-fos expression up to 72 h was determined in cells treated with NGF 20 ng/ml and cocaine 10 μg/ml (a moderately toxic level) by RT-PCR analysis. Total RNA was isolated from cells, and levels of c-fos mRNA were estimated using gene-specific primers. In both control and experimental conditions, c-fos level was maximal at 0.5 h. In the control cells, c-fos expression declined rapidly to less than 5% of the 0.5-h value, while in the cocaine-treated cells, c-fos level persisted through the 72-h exposure. Adding c-fos antisense to cells treated with NGF and cocaine resulted in significant improvement of neurite outgrowth, from 28% (NGF + cocaine) to 89% (NGF + cocaine + c-fos antisense) of control differentiation after 72 h of exposure (Dunnet'sT
Myofilaments of the pupillary muscles of the iris fixed in situ.

The sphincter muscle of the rat iris was studied by perfusion fixation in the constricted and dilated state. Both thick filaments (220–230 ) and thin filaments (70–80 ) were observed in sphincter muscle from both the constricted and dilated pupil if the tissue was well fixed by perfusion. Failure to achieve good fixation resulted in the observance of only 70–80 filaments. It was determined that good perfusion was more dependent on the extent of prefixation perfusion than on the concentration of the fixative or the type of fixative used. Good fixation and the demonstration of thick filaments were achieved by perfusion with 0.1% OsO4 or with concentrations of glutaraldehyde of 0.5–12.0% if the animal was thoroughly perfused with 150–200 ml of a salt solution prior to the fixation. The quality of the salt solution had little effect on the results since 0.9% NaCl could be successfully substituted for Krebs-Ringer solution.
The Industrial Revolution: An ERIC/ChESS Sample

TI he Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), spon sored by the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest and oldest education information system in the world. The ERIC Clearinghouse for Social Studies/Social Science Education (ERIC/ ChESS) is one of sixteen subject-oriented clearinghouses that com pose the ERIC system. The heart of this system, the ERIC database of education-related literature, contains nearly one million citations with abstracts, drawn from a variety of disciplines. Citations to journal articles, teaching and curriculum guides, bibliographies, research reports, and conference papers are included. The ERIC database is available free in many large public and university libraries and on the Internet. The listings below are drawn from the ERIC database and include both teaching materials and general background information on the topic. The key to obtaining the full text of the materials cited below is the unique ERIC number assigned to each item in the database. Journal articles, denoted by "EJ" numbers (for example, EJ549890), can be copied at most academic libraries, borrowed through interlibrary loan, or purchased from article reprint services such as UnCover, UMI, and ISI. Research reports, conference papers, and other materials besides journal articles are denoted by "ED" numbers (for example, ED398110); paper or microfiche copies of most of these documents can be purchased from the ERIC Document Reproduction Service (EDRS), 7420 Fullerton Road, Suite 110, Springfield, VA 22153-2852; (800) 443-3742; (703) 44
US government policy on international tourism

Abstract US tourism has undergone a number of major changes in the past few years. David Edgell, Director of the Office of Policy and Planning at the US Travel and Tourism Administration, reports on the current state of affairs.
Sedimentation of 1,024 Particles

This paper demonstrates the performance of PHYSALIS, a numerical method for the direct numerical simulation of Navier-Stokes flows with many solid spheres. The particles may be fixed or mobile, and they may have different radii. The basic idea of the method stems from the observation that, due to the no-slip condition, the fluid velocity in the immediate neighborhood of the particle differs little from a rigid-body velocity field so that it is legitimate to neglect the square of this difference. With the aid of a suitable transformation, it is possible to exploit this observation to introduce an auxiliary velocity field that satisfies the Stokes equations in a thin layer of cells adjacent to the particle. The known general solution of the Stokes equations can then be used to bridge the gap between a finite-difference solution on a regular grid and the particle surface. After a brief summary of the method, the paper presents the results of validation studies for the flow past a stationary sphere and the motion of a sphere settling in a container under gravity. The main motivation for the development of the method was however its ability to deal with a large number of particles. To demonstrate this point, some results of the simulation of the gravitational settling of 1,024 spheres are shown. The time evolution of the spatial arrangement of the particles is investigated by means of the two-particle distribution function.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Symmetrical mutant phenotypes of the receptor EphB4 and its specific transmembrane ligand ephrin-B2 in cardiovascular development.

Ephrin-B2 is a transmembrane ligand that is specifically expressed on arteries but not veins and that is essential for cardiovascular development. However, ephrin-B2 is also expressed in nonvascular tissues and interacts with multiple EphB class receptors expressed in both endothelial and nonendothelial cell types. Thus, the identity of the relevant receptor for ephrin-B2 and the site(s) where these molecules interact to control angiogenesis were not clear. Here we show that EphB4, a specific receptor for ephrin-B2, is exclusively expressed by vascular endothelial cells in embryos and is preferentially expressed on veins. A targeted mutation in EphB4 essentially phenocopies the mutation in ephrin-B2. These data indicate that ephrin-B2–EphB4 interactions are intrinsically required in vascular endothelial cells and are consistent with the idea that they mediate bidirectional signaling essential for angiogenesis.
“Good News From a Far Country”: A Note on Divine Providence and the Stamp Act Crisis

November! gloomy Month! approaches fast,When Liberty was doom'd to brethe [sic] her last,All, all her Sons agree to fast that Day,To mourn, lament and sigh, and hope,—and prayThat the Almighty god of all below,Some Pity would to suffering Mortals show1.With these lines an anonymous American poet addressed the first day of November 1765, the date the Stamp Act was to take effect throughout British North America. The hopes of patriots and lovers of liberty, he argued, rested upon the interposition of God on behalf of the American colonies. If the Lord would look with mercy on his afflicted people and come to their aid, their freedoms could yet be preserved. In assigning the continuation of American liberty to the intervention and protection of divine providence, this patriotic poet employed one of the deepest and most popular strands of American thought expressed during the era of the American Revolution.
Lactose Intolerance: Lack of Evidence for Short Stature or Vitamin D Deficiency in Prepubertal Children

Background The health consequences of lactose intolerance (LI) are unclear. Aims To investigate the effects of LI on stature and vitamin D status. Hypotheses LI subjects will have similar heights and vitamin D status as controls. Subjects and Methods Prepubertal children of ages 3-12 years with LI (n=38, age 8.61 ± 3.08y, male/female 19/19) were compared to healthy, age- and gender-matched controls (n=49, age 7.95±2.64, male/female 28/21). Inclusion criteria: prepubertal status (boys: testicular volume <3cc; girls: Tanner 1 breasts), diagnosis of LI by hydrogen breath test, and no history of calcium or vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] <50 nmol/L. Gender-adjusted midparental target height (MPTH) z-score was calculated using NCHS data for 18 year-old adults. Data were expressed as mean ± SD. Results There was no significant difference in 25(OH)D between the LI and non-LI subjects (60.1±21.1, vs. 65.4 ± 26.1 nmol/L, p = 0.29). Upon stratification into normal weight (BMI <85th percentile) vs. overweight/obese (BMI ≥85th percentile), the normal weight controls had significantly higher 25(OH)D level than both the normal weight LI children (78.3 ± 32.6 vs. 62.9 ± 23.2, p = 0.025), and the overweight/obese LI children (78.3±32.6 vs. 55.3±16.5, p = 0.004). Secondly, there was no overall difference in height z-score between the LI children and controls. The normal weight LI patients had similar height as normal controls (-0.46 ± 0.89 vs. -0.71 ± 1.67, p = 0.53), while the overweight/obese LI group was taller than the normal weight controls (0.36 ± 1.41 vs. -0.71 ± 1.67, p = 0.049), and of similar height as the overweight/obese controls (0.36 ± 1.41 vs. 0.87 ± 1.45, p = 0.28). MPTH z-score was similar between the groups. Conclusion Short stature and vitamin D deficiency are not features of LI in prepubertal children.
The Invisibility of Older Men in Gerontology

Abstract This article advocates for a gerontological commitment in research, practice, education, and training to the needs of elderly men, no more, but no less, than to the needs of elderly women. The special needs of aging and aged men have been either ignored or downplayed in gerontological literature, as a result of the fact that they exist in smaller numbers and proportions and are erroneously believed to enjoy a better quality of life. Thus, aging and elderly men in general, and those representing specific subpopulations, often have their social, psychological, and health care needs ignored, misunderstood, or underserved. Additionally, elderly men do not have the advocacy that is found for elderly women in gerontology organizations and associations. Gerontologists should have a personal and professional stake in better addressing the needs of elderly men.
Effect of phenylpropanolamine on diet selection in rats

Four doses of phenylpropanolamine (PPA; i.e., dl-norephedrine: 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) and saline were injected intraperitoneally in female rats maintained on a dietary self-selection paradigm. Intake of all three macronutrients (carbohydrate, fat, and protein) was equally affected by high doses of PPA. Lower doses decreased fat and protein more than carbohydrate.
Climate data abbreviation for the computerised calculation of heating and cooling requirements in buildings

Abstract This paper documents the development of a climate data-abbreviation technique for building thermal analysis. The paper first discusses the need for and requirements of abbreviated data. The technique is then described together with the statistical analyses used to develop it. A series of tests of the representativeness of the abbreviated climate data are documented. Finally, the limitations and potentials of the abbreviation technique are discussed.
Differences in the Performance of Public Organisations in Ghana: Implications for Public-Sector Reform Policy

This article uses survey data from Ghana to examine whether there are significant differences in the characteristics of poor and well performing public organisations, and finds that they differ in two respects: remuneration and hiring criteria. It argues that transforming those that perform poorly is, however, more complex than simply addressing these differences: it requires fundamental changes in the cultures of organisations. Recommendations are made for designing comprehensive public-sector reform strategies that focus on both the enabling environment and achieving cultural change in specific organisations, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.
Suction force below plate anchors in soft clay

The results of a number of laboratory model tests for the short‐term ultimate uplift capacity of a circular plate anchor embedded in saturated soft kaolinite and montmorillonite are presented. The tests were conducted with and without venting the bottom of the plate anchor in order to determine the variation of the suction force with embedment ratio. The variation of the suction force is presented in terms of the undrained shear strength of the clay and also the net ultimate uplift capacity.
IRON CRYSTALS IN THE ATTACHMENT ORGAN OF THE ERYTHROPHAGOUS COPEPOD CARDIODECTES MEDUSAEUS (PENNELLIDAE)

ABSTRACT The structure of the attachment organ of Cardiodectes medusaeus (Wilson) is examined by the use of light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The entire attachment organ resides within the bulbus arteriosus of the host's heart. It is a syncytial mass measuring approximately 2 mm in diameter. The organ is covered by a thin cuticle. Transmission electron microscopy reveals a myriad of delicate microvilli projecting from the underlying cytoplasm to the inner surface of the cuticle. Nuclei, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, free polyribosomes, autophagosomes, and Golgi apparatus are subcellular constituents of the organ. Large crystalline aggregates, dispersed throughout the cytoplasm, are visible with both light and electron microscopy. Prussian blue staining of the crystals indicates a high iron content. Ultrastructurally, the crystals are identical to ferritin, and function to detoxify and store iron obtained from blood meals. The role of the cytoplasmic organelles in digestion of blood and formation of iron crystals is examined. Because digestion of host erythrocytes, and synthesis and storage of ferritin occur within the attachment organ cytoplasm, the organ may be considered as an elaboration of the digestive tract.
Porcine cholesterol esterase, a multiform enzyme

Abstract Cholesterol esterase (sterol-erase acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.13) has been purified from porcine pancreas by two methods, one of which was previously reported by Momsen, W.E. and Brockman H.L. (Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 486 (1977) 102–113). Multiple forms of the enzyme were demonstrated throughout the course of both purification procedures. These forms hydrolyzed both p-nitrophenyl acetate as well as cholesteryl oleate. Isoelectric focusing was used to select one form of cholesterol esterase having a pI of 4.3 for further study. Using high-pressure liquid chromatography on a TSK Spherogel column this apparently homogeneous preparation of cholesterol esterase was separated into two components having molecular weights equal to 90 000 (peak I) and 45 000 (peak II). The number of each amino acid residue in peak I was double that of the corresponding residue in peak II, suggesting a dimer-monomer relationship. The N-terminal analyses showed that the first five amino acid residues were the same in peak I and peak II. The enzyme is a glycoprotein containing glucosamine, glucose, galactose, mannose and rhamnose; it is inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate.
Density histograms in protein electron crystallography-direct phase determination of bacteriorhodopsin at 6A resolution.

Abstract Direct methods for crystallographic phase determination have been used to solve the projected structure of native glucose-embedded bacteriorhodopsin (plane group p 3, a =62.4 A) to 6 A, without accepting any information from electron micrographs. After defining the origin and enantiomorph and adding one algebraic phase term to the basis set, expansions into the complete set of 50 unique reflections via the Sayre equation, testing four possible values of the algebraic term, could be screened with figures of merit based on the protein density histogram, where the auto-correlation function of the ideal histogram is an endpoint for the cross-correlation of experimental histogram with this ideal distribution. Initial phase determination, followed by Fourier refinement and some additional phase permutation, yields a solution with an overall mean phase error of 60.8 or 35.4° for the 18 most intense reflections.
Curricular integration at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine.

In its combined Baccalaureate-M.D. degree program, the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine endeavors to foster interdisciplinary integration by intertwining the humanities, clinical medicine, and basic sciences throughout the curriculum. Analysis over 6 years (1986-1991) of 547 students' scores on comprehensive examinations and ratings of 464 to 478 graduates' clinical abilities suggest that the integrative elements of the curriculum have a counterpart in performance. Such experience would recommend possible steps to encourage interdisciplinary integration at other schools: allow students to acquire disciplinary understandings but offer early clinical exposure for context and relevance, arrange productive repetition of material, pair more with less advanced students for integrated learning, and choose faculty who model integration and expect students to do so.
Behold Adam: A Reading of John 19:5

This essay offers a theological interpretation of Pilate’s famous phrase “Behold the man!” (δο νρωπος, John 19:5) in light of two proposed intertextual echoes: Genesis 3:22 and Vita Adae et Evae 13:3. Both texts feature the phrase “Behold the man/Adam.” In each case, the phrase prima facie highlights Adam’s divinity, but ironically underscores the frailty of his humanity. In John 19:5, however, the phrase “Behold the man” functions in the opposite manner. Although on the surface it highlights Jesus’ ridiculousness and misery, it ironically manifests his divine sovereignty. The essay concludes by suggesting that the Fourth Evangelist echoes the earlier phrase “Behold the man/Adam” to generate a contrast between Adam and Christ.
Cost effective BESS design for building power systems

This paper presents a battery energy storage system (BESS) to support peak load shaving and reactive power compensation in building power systems. In order to maximize the usage of BESS functions, this paper proposes a design procedure of an energy storage and sizing an inverter capacity, and its control algorithm based on actual building power data, and desired level of peak power reduction. One of the important control functions is to harmonize between battery energy and reactive power capacity of BESS. In this paper, total saving cost on shaving peak load and compensating reactive power based on the utility commercial rate was assessed. The proposed BESS design and its control algorithm resulted in improved power factor and a reduced peak load demand. To design proper inverter capacity according to the reactive power demand results in more economic benefits. Simulation based on the actual analyzed load data is used to validate and demonstrate the procedure of the proposed BESS design.
Dual wavelength digital holography phase unwrapping by linear regression

Digital holography records the superposition of the object and reference waves. The subsequent reconstruction of both amplitude and phase of the optical field is done by numerically propagating the optical field along the direction perpendicular to the hologram plane in accordance with the laws of diffraction. Phase changes undergone by a light wave passing through or reflecting from objects can be converted to the optical thickness or height measurements, providing the three dimensional structural information about the object. Our dual wavelength phase imaging method allows three dimensional measurements of a wide variety of biological systems and microstructures.
The influence of cognitive reserve on seizure-induced injury.

Abstract Status epilepticus (SE) is associated with a significant risk of cognitive impairment. While many factors likely determine cognitive outcome following SE, there is evidence that cognitive ability prior to a neurological insult may be an important determinant of outcome. Patients with greater cognitive abilities or so-called cognitive reserve may be less vulnerable to injury than patients with limited cognitive ability. Here we tested the hypothesis that cognitive abilities prior to SE would be predictive of cognitive outcome. Immature rats were tested in the water maze, a test of visual–spatial memory, and divided into fast and slow learners. Animals were then subjected to SE and retested in the water maze 23 days later. Control rats were tested in the same manner but not subjected to SE. SE resulted in marked impairment in water maze performance. However, no statistical difference was noted in performance between slow and fast learners in either the SE or control group. Likewise, no differences were seen in the histopathology of the slow and fast learners. This study demonstrates that SE adversely effects visual–spatial memory equally in both fast and slow learners and does not support the theory that cerebral reserve plays a major role in cognitive function following a cerebral insult.