cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing Critical Social Justice Literacy in an Online Seminar.

The purpose of this article is to report on an effort to cultivate a critical social justice perspective and critical social justice praxis among educators enrolled in an online graduate program. Although the entire program was organized around themes of equity, collaboration, and leadership, this study focused on educators’ perspectives of the purposes, pedagogy, and outcomes of one course, Critical Pedagogy. Fourteen of the 19 students enrolled in the online course participated in one of six online focus groups following the conclusion of the course. Using constructivist grounded theory methods, the researchers identified the different ways in which students responded to the course, what they learned, and how they enacted their learning as well as the features of the course that the students believed contributed to their learning and practice. The study provides insight into features of online pedagogy that appear to facilitate transformative learning. It further provides insight into the kinds of conte...
Function of GATA Transcription Factors in Preadipocyte-Adipocyte Transition

Genes that control the early stages of adipogenesis remain largely unknown. Here, we show that murine GATA-2 and GATA-3 are specifically expressed in white adipocyte precursors and that their down-regulation sets the stage for terminal differentiation. Constitutive GATA-2 and GATA-3 expression suppressed adipocyte differentiation and trapped cells at the preadipocyte stage. This effect is mediated, at least in part, through the direct suppression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. GATA-3-deficient embryonic stem cells exhibit an enhanced capacity to differentiate into adipocytes, and defective GATA-2 and GATA-3 expression is associated with obesity. Thus, GATA-2 and GATA-3 regulate adipocyte differentiation through molecular control of the preadipocyte-adipocyte transition.
A quadratic RF Tomography inverse model for reflection configuration

Radio Frequency (RF) tomography (L. Lo Monte, D. Erricolo, F. Soldovieri, M.C. Wicks, “Radio Frequency Tomography for Tunnel Detection,” IEEE Trans. Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Vol. 48, No. 3, Mar. 2010, pp. 1128–1137) aims at imaging targets in a scene starting from the measurements of the scattered field under the illumination of known incident fields. Therefore, such an imaging method shares the classical issues of inverse scattering problems such as ill-posedness and non-linearity. These mathematical questions, if not properly addressed, have a detrimental effect on the reliability and accuracy of the solution by impairing the outcomes of the overall imaging procedure.
The Effects of Sentence-Level Context, Prior Word Knowledge, and Need for Cognition on Information Processing of Technical Language in Print Ads

An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of sentence-level context, prior word knowledge, and need for cognition on responses to print ads for technical products. Words and phrases that help readers understand technical language in context increased the supportive arguments generated in response to ads, whereas prior word knowledge and need for cognition primarily influenced neutral thoughts. Only explanatory language facilitated the comprehension of product information. Explanatory language led to an increase in attitudes and purchase intent. Need for cognition had a positive influence on attitude formation when the context language was ambiguous, but decreased attitude formation when the context language was explanatory. Results are consistent with predictions guided by a comprehension elaboration model of persuasion.
An Early Commentary on Medical Care

Much is written today about the nature of physicianpatient interaction, patient response to the medical encounter, patient compliance and patient satisfaction. Although these are often viewed as ne...
Investigating the Sustainability of Cruise Tourism: A Case Study of Key West

This qualitative research examines cruise ship tourism through a case study of Key West, Florida, exploring its perceived benefits and drawbacks. It outlines the growth of the industry, the issues raised by that growth, and uses the land-use tourism model developed by Vera Rebollo and Ivars Baidal (2003) to probe those issues. The results illustrate how mature cruise tourism destinations such as Key West fear continued growth and loss of sustainability, but have mixed emotions about future quantitative and qualitative growth.
Early onset probable linezolid-induced encephalopathy.

Linezolid is increasingly being utilized for the treatment of Gram-positive pathogens. While neurological complications with linezolid are rare, long-term exposure can be associated with neurotoxic effects. Patients with pre-existing neurologic sequelae or risk factors, such as alcohol abuse, diabetes, or concomitant administration of chemotherapeutic agents and/or antiretroviral therapy, may be more susceptible to the development of linezolid-induced neurotoxicity. We describe a 41-year-old male who developed early onset encephalopathy after a day and a half of linezolid therapy. Our patient had at least one significant risk factor (alcoholism), making linezolid-induced encephalopathy probable based upon the Naranjo probability scale. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for early onset linezolid-induced neurotoxicity, particularly in patients with concomitant risk factors.
A partially male-sterile mutant line of soybeans, Glycine max (L.) Merr: inheritance.

A partial male sterility system in the soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) germplasm population AP6(SI)CI was found to be controlled monogenically by a recessive allele, msp. Observations of msp msp plants in different environments suggested that environmental conditions significantly affect expressivity of the msp allele with respect to male sterility. We obtained no experimental evidence of cytoplasmic effects on msp expression. Background genotypes, however, seem to affect msp expressivity through their determination of flowering dates and resultant interactions with varying environmental conditions.
Apparent molar volumes and apparent molar heat capacities of aqueous 2-amino-2- hydroxymethyl-propan-1,3-diol (Tris or THAM) and THAM plus equimolal HCl

Abstract We used a vibrating tube densimeter (DMA 512P, Anton Paar, Austria) to investigate the densities and volumetric properties of aqueous 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-propan-1,3-diol (Tris or THAM) and THAM plus equimolal HCl. We made measurements at molalities m from (0.005 to 0.5) mol · kg − 1 and at temperatures from 278.15 K to 393.15 K. We calibrated the densimeter through measurements on pure water and on 1.0 mol · kg − 1 NaCl at the pressure 0.35 MPa. We used a fixed-cell, power-compensation, differential-output, temperature-scanning calorimeter (NanoDSC 6100, Calorimetry Sciences Corporation, Provo, UT, U.S.A.) to measure solution heat capacities at molalities from (0.005 to 0.5) mol · kg − 1 and at temperatures from 278.15 K to 368.15 K. This was accomplished by scanning temperature and comparing the heat capacities of the unknown solutions to the heat capacity of water. We calculated the apparent molar volumes V φ and apparent molar heat capacities C p , φ of the solutions and fitted them to equations that describe the surfaces ( V φ against T against m ) and ( C p , φ against T against m ). Standard state partial molar volumes V 2 o and heat capacities C p ,2 o were estimated by extrapolation to the m = 0 plane of the fitted surfaces. We used previously determined C p , φ for HCl(aq) to obtain Δ r C p , m for the proton dissociation reaction of THAM ·H + (aq). The ( Δ r C p , m against T against m ) surface was created by subtracting C p , φ of THAM(aq) and HCl(aq) from the heat capacity of THAM ·HCl(aq). We created surfaces representing Δ r H m and pQ a by integration of our Δ r C p , m surface over T while using values for Δ r H m and pQ a at T = 298.15 K from the literature as integration constants.
Structural design utilizing updated, approximate sensitivity derivatives

A method to improve the computational efficiency of structural optimization algorithms is investigated. In this method, the calculations of 'exact' sensitivity derivatives of constraint functions are performed only at selected iterations during the optimization process. The sensitivity derivatives utilized within other iterations are approximate derivatives which are calculated using an inexpensive derivative update formula. Optimization results are presented for an analytic optimization problem (i.e., one having simple polynomial expressions for the objective and constraint functions) and for two structural optimization problems. The structural optimization results indicate that up to a factor of three improvement in computation time is possible when using the updated sensitivity derivatives.
Convergence rate of McCormick relaxations

Theory for the convergence order of the convex relaxations by McCormick (Math Program 10(1):147---175, 1976) for factorable functions is developed. Convergence rules are established for the addition, multiplication and composition operations. The convergence order is considered both in terms of pointwise convergence and of convergence in the Hausdorff metric. The convergence order of the composite function depends on the convergence order of the relaxations of the factors. No improvement in the order of convergence compared to that of the underlying bound calculation, e.g., via interval extensions, can be guaranteed unless the relaxations of the factors have pointwise convergence of high order. The McCormick relaxations are compared with the ?BB relaxations by Floudas and coworkers (J Chem Phys, 1992, J Glob Optim, 1995, 1996), which guarantee quadratic convergence. Illustrative and numerical examples are given.
Single-particle electron-tunneling investigation of the phonon spectra and superconductivity of indium-tin alloys

Single-particle electron tunneling through an oxide barrier, between two metal films, Al--oxide--In/sub x/Sn/sub 1-x/, has been investigated in a study of the lattice and superconducting properties, in particular the phonon density of states, of the four distinct single-phase alloys of the In-Sn system. Measurements of the dynamic resistance of the junction, and second-harmonic response to first-harmonic stimulation across the junction, with the metal films in their superconducting state, have been analyzed using the Eliashberg gap equations and the McMillan computer program. The product function ..cap alpha../sup 2/(..omega../sub q/) F (..omega../sub q/), which exhibits the structure of the density of phonon states, F (..omega../sub q/), has been determined for nine intermediate In-Sn compositions. Here F (..omega../sub q/) is the phonon density of states, and ..cap alpha../sup 2/(..omega../sub q/) is an electron-phonon coupling parameter which varies slowly with ..omega../sub q/. In the determination of the phonon spectra, the following normal-state properties of In and Sn, and their alloys have been computed: the Coulomb pseudopotential ..mu..*; the electron-phonon interaction strength lambda; and an average phonon energy . These three normal-state parameters were used to calculate the superconducting transition temperatures using the McMillan T/sub c/ equation. These calculated transition temperatures aremore » compared with our directly measured T/sub c/'s and with previously measured values. (AIP)« less
Forget the APSR: The Politics of Political Science

In “Politics in Motion: A Personal History of Political Science,” Professors Israel Waismel-Manor and Theodore J. Lowi argue that changes within the discipline across time reflect the health and vi...
Children's Attention to Beliefs in Interactive Persuasion Tasks.

Whether and when children can apply their developing understanding of belief to persuasion was examined using interactive puppet tasks. Children selected 1 of 2 arguments to persuade a puppet to do something (e.g., pet a dog) after hearing the puppet's belief (e.g., "I think puppies bite"). Across 2 studies, 132 children (ages 3-7 years) engaged in these persuasion tasks and in false-belief reasoning tasks, presented in puppet and story formats. Belief-relevant argument selection increased with age, as did appropriate reasoning about false beliefs, and occurred more in puppet than story tasks. Results suggest that improvements in belief reasoning in early childhood may be reflected in social interactions such as persuasion.
Presence of dense-core vesicles in pinealocytes of the cat.

Dense-core vesicles, 90–200 nm in diameter, were found in pinealocytes of the cat. They were present both in perikarya and cell processes.
Vibronic Coupling and Microscopic Solvation of 1-Naphthol

Vibronic structure in the S1 ↔ S0 absorption and fluorescence spectra of jet-cooled 1-naphthol is reexamined. Selective excitation of bands 410 or 414 cm-1 above the S1 (1Lb) origin leads to atypical, highly structured fluorescence, indicating that strong vibrational mixing occurs. From the intensity patterns and the appearance of otherwise dark modes, a large normal coordinate (Duschinsky) rotation is inferred. Vibronic coupling with the second electronic excited state (1La) is proposed as the cause of the rotation, as supported by absorption/emission mirror asymmetry, rotationally resolved spectra, and calculations. Coupled molecular dynamics and semiempirical simulations suggest that this vibronic coupling plays a major role in the solvent-controlled excited state proton transfer of naphthol in water by increasing the solvent−solute interaction. With vibronic mixing, La/Lb state inversion is predicted correctly as a result of coupled evolution of the solvent and solute. The excited naphthol charge dist...
Probability of infestation and extent of mortality associated with the Douglas-fir beetle in the Colorado Front Range

Abstract Infested and uninfested areas within Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, stands affected by the Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopk. were sampled in the Colorado Front Range, CO. Classification tree models were built to predict probabilities of infestation. Regression trees and linear regression analysis were used to model amount of tree mortality in terms of basal area killed in infested stands. Classification trees had cross-validation estimates of classification accuracy ranging from 0.55 to 0.63. The data suggests that Douglas-fir beetle-attacked stands contain a high percentage of the basal area represented by Douglas-fir, high tree densities, and poor growth during the last 5 years prior to attack. Trees prone to attack by the Douglas-fir beetle within infested points also exhibited reduced growth rates. Tree and linear regression analysis indicate that initial amount of Douglas-fir basal area can be used as a predictor variable for the amount of basal area affected.
Bingeing on Heimat: Notes from the Berlinale

This article presents a brief review of selected aspects of the 2014 Berlin Film Festival, with a particular focus on the Edgar Reitz's Die andere Heimat. Reading the latter for echoes of the original Heimat series, the article focuses on the shared spatial aesthetics of home and away, Heimat and Ferne.
Careers equations for managers: Management ¿by the numbers¿ has been denigrated, yet the author, with tongue only partially in cheek, raises provocative possibilities

We engineers are inclined to try to reduce all problems to their essentials. This includes, wherever possible, putting our observations in the form of equations, inequalities, differential calculus, and sets. But will this technique work as we don our management hats? I'm inclined to think that, in some important cases, it will, and that, furthermore, it helps us to understand some normally hidden corollaries. So bear with me! You'll find no Fourier analysis, and you may question the rigorousness of my manipulations, but hang in there! We'll probe responsibility, authority, decision-making, and organization.
Off-chip passivated-electrode, insulator-based dielectrophoresis (OπDEP)

In this study, we report the first off-chip passivated-electrode, insulator-based dielectrophoresis microchip (OπDEP). This technique combines the sensitivity of electrode-based dielectrophoresis (eDEP) with the high-throughput and inexpensive device characteristics of insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP). The device is composed of a permanent, reusable set of electrodes and a disposable, polymer microfluidic chip with microposts embedded in the microchannel. The device operates by capacitively coupling the electric fields into the microchannel; thus, no physical connections are made between the electrodes and the microfluidic device. During operation, the polydimethylsiloxan (PDMS) microfluidic chip fits onto the electrode substrate as a disposable cartridge. OπDEP uses insulting structures within the channel as well as parallel electrodes to create DEP forces by the same working principle that iDEP devices use. The resulting devices create DEP forces which are larger by two orders of magnitude for the same applied voltage when compared to off-chip eDEP designs from literature, which rely on parallel electrodes alone to produce the DEP forces. The larger DEP forces allow the OπDEP device to operate at high flow rates exceeding 1 mL/h. In order to demonstrate this technology, Escherichia coli (E. coli), a known waterborne pathogen, was trapped from water samples. Trapping efficiencies of 100 % were obtained at flow rates as high as 400 μL/h and 60 % at flow rates as high as 1200 μL/h. Additionally, bacteria were selectively concentrated from a suspension of polystyrene beads.
Productivity of Vertically Fractured Wells Prior to Stabilized Flow

%vera! ZN.Ithors’ -’ !IWe nrewm!ix! rmmwx on the e-ff.cK ~----~-r --. . . . . .. ---of hydraulic fracturing on well productivity. Most of this work has been concerned with the effects of fracturing on “stabilized” or “semistead~ state” productivity. Prats eI al.’ investigated analytically the effects of vertical fractures of infinite flow capacity on well productivity as a function of time. Their results shQwed a SignifiC~n[variation in mrn~ll~t;u;~~~ nw~r tk~ y.-.. ”-....., “.W, ...” range of dimensionless times (r~) from 0.01 to 0.5. Productivity for one set of reservoir conditions showed a variation of about eightfold over this range of dimensionless time. Morse and HolditchG indicated fractured well productivities varying by factors in excess of 10 over a real-time range of a few weeks or months under some resemoir conditions. The objective of this work was to make a systematic study of both constant rate and constant pressure well productivities for a range of reservoir rock and fluid properties and for vertical fractures of various lengths.
Temperature programmed decomposition of polypropylene: in situ FTIR coupled with mass spectroscopy study

Abstract The temperature-programmed reaction (TPR) technique coupled with the in situ infrared (IR)/mass spectroscopy (MS) analysis has been employed to study the thermal decomposition of polypropylene. These techniques, especially when coupled with a gas chromatograph (GC), are effective for determining thermal stability, product distribution and product evolution as a function of temperature. The polymer decomposes at approximately 475 K yielding hydrocarbons in the C1–C7 range, with propylene, C5 and C6 composing the majority of gaseous products. Decomposition over alumina and 5 wt% Ni/Al2O3 with and without the presence of hydrogen does not affect thermal stability. Also, decomposition over alumina with and without the presence of hydrogen does not affect the depolymerization pathway. The popular β-scission/backbiting mechanism cannot fully explain observations from this study. Possible alternatives are explored.
Reexamination of decoherence in quantum walks on the hypercube

The effect of decoherence on the continuous-time quantum walk on the hypercube is revisited. Previously, an exact solution was found for a decoherence model that preserved the effective tensor-product form of the dynamics. Here a different model is presented, inspired by perfect quantum state transfer in qubit networks. A perturbative solution is found for the dynamics of this model which is not of a tensor-product form. In contrast to previous results, the hitting probability has a lower bound that is independent of the hypercube dimension.
Ocular manifestations of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in Olmsted County, Minnesota: a population-based study

Background Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most common systemic cause of uveitis in Europe and North America. The cumulative incidence of uveitis in JRA has been reported at between 8.5% and 25% in series from referral centers in the USA. There have been no population-based studies of the cumulative incidence of uveitis in JRA in the USA.
Sex differences in behavior associated with sex‐biased mortality in an oviparous snake species

Sex differences in behavior associated with reproduction often result in sex-biased mortality. Male-biased mortality appears to be the prevalent pattern for birds and mammals, but recent work suggests that higher female mortality may be the norm for snakes, at least for viviparous species. Here we used radio-telemetry to examine sex-biased mortality in Texas ratsnakes Elaphe obsoleta, an oviparous species, and test the hypothesis that differences in behavior are associated with higher rates of mortality. Female ratsnakes had lower survival than male ratsnakes. For both sexes decreased survival was associated with higher activity and increased basking. Male ratsnakes were most active and basked most during the spring when mating occurred, which was when almost all male mortality occurred. Although female ratsnakes also moved and basked most during the mating season, they maintained relatively high levels of movement and basking through the summer and fall, and female mortality occurred throughout that period. Thus, contrary to the expectation that the cost of reproduction should be highest prior to egg laying for females of oviparous snakes, the mortality pattern documented here suggests the cost of reproduction is greatest following egg laying, similar to what has been found for females of viviparous species. As capital breeders (whether oviparous or viviparous), female snakes must rebuild energy reserves following a bout of reproduction, and the associated increase in foraging and basking required to do so increases female susceptibility to predation. Further studies are required to determine if female-biased mortality is the norm in snakes and if so, to determine the demographic and life-history consequences.
Human and laboratory animal test systems available for detection of reproductive failure

Abstract The human reproductive system in both males and females is highly sensitive to a variety of occupational and environmental hazards. Damage can occur in many target tissues in the fetus and adult, leading to reproductive failure. A more comprehensive awareness of such potential damage is essential to reduce the relatively high rates of reproductive failure in the human population. In this article, human and laboratory animal test systems available for the study of reproductive failure are discussed. Endpoints measured in these systems include adult infertility, spontaneous abortion, growth retardation, stillbirths, birth defects, and functional disease states in the offspring, such as cancer, mental retardation, and sterility. Validation of laboratory animal test systems with known human teratogens is urged. Routine surveillance of the human population via recording of the incidence of spontaneous abortion along with cytogenetic analysis is recommended, as well as semen analysis of occupationally-exposed males. The need for more extensive study of the association between paternal exposure and reproductive outcome is emphasized. Test schemes for the early detection of reproductive failure in the human population and for the identification of agents capable of causing this effect are proposed.
Bias-Dependent Impedance Model for Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Actuators

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) are a novel class of soft sensing and actuation materials with promising applications in robotic and biomedical systems. In this paper we present a model for nonlinear electrical dynamics of IPMC actuators, by applying perturbation analysis on the dynamics-governing partial differential equation (PDE) around a given bias voltage. By approximating the steady-state electric field under the bias with a piecewise linear function, we derive a linear PDE for the perturbed charge dynamics, which has piecewise constant coefficients and coefficients linear in the spatial variable. Through power series expansion, we solve the PDE to get the charge distribution up to any prescribed order. The perturbed electric field and current are subsequently obtained, which results in a bias-dependent impedance model. This model captures the nonlinear nature of the IPMC electrical dynamics, and degenerates to the linear model when the bias is zero. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the modeling approach.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Perception of Words as a Function of Delays between and Summations of Subliminal Exposures

The threshold is us~~ally considered the limit of effective perception. But Haslerud ( 1959) by a new technique of repeating every 10 sec. tachistoscopic exposures which were only 3/4 of each S's fastest time on preliminary tests demonstrated that transferable knowledge was available even when subliminal. With threshold defined differently (and lower) as "the lowest duration at which S perceived more than just an occasional word," Haber and Hershenson (in press) made an exliaustive study of the population of 7-letter 3-syllable words for durations of flash from 5 to 35 msec. and from 1 to 25 repetitions. At exposures below Haber's special threshold there was no summation, but for all durations at and above it with repecitions went increasingly more accurate perceptions. His intervals between repetitions were never less than 8 sec. A question arises whether the positive accrual from repecitions of subliminal stimuli is diminished by a decay of the impression during the interval between trials. A test was made of combinations of three intervals-5, 10, and 20 sec.and of three exposures-the base threshold, and of 3/4 and 1/2 of it-up to a li~nit
Low-Gravity Slosh Analysis for Cylindrical Tanks with Hemiellipsoidal Top and Bottom

a real-time computation algorithm that can be used to determine each parameter of the mechanical model during operation of a space vehicle according to the changing liquid-filling level and Bond number. A Fourier expansion method is repeatedly applied to allow for the steep variation in the aforementioned mechanical model and the dependence of the mechanical model on the Bond number as well as the liquid-filling level. The accuracy of this algorithm is confirmed by comparing the results obtained by the slosh analysis and the algorithm.
Imaging CXCR4 signaling with firefly luciferase complementation.

Chemokines and their cognate receptors have key functions in cell growth, survival, and tissue-specific homing of cells. While these functions first were identified in normal immune cells, cancer cells may co-opt chemokine receptor signaling to promote primary tumor growth and metastasis. Our knowledge of signaling by chemokines and chemokine receptors in cancer is lacking, particularly as this signaling occurs in vivo. New insights into chemokine receptor signaling in cancer are needed to understand molecular regulation of primary and metastatic disease and develop targeted therapies to improve patient survival. To meet this need, we have developed a molecular imaging reporter to investigate activation of CXCR4, a chemokine receptor that regulates tumor growth and metastasis in a variety of common cancers. The reporter system uses a firefly luciferase-based protein fragment complementation assay to detect interactions between CXCR4 and β-arrestin molecules, a common early step in chemokine receptor signa...
The Behavioral Academic Self-Esteem Scale with preschoolers.

15 teachers completed the Behavioral Academic Self-Esteem Scale (alpha = .93) for 71 preschoolers. Teachers rated self-esteem positively. Three factors were identified, confident approach, adaptability to routines, and dealing with failure/frustration.
Redox properties of the A-domain of the HMGB1 protein

The High Mobility Group B1 (HMGB1) protein plays important roles in both intracellular (reductive) and extracellular (oxidative) environments. We have carried out quantitative investigations of the redox chemistry involving Cys22 and Cys44 of the HMGB1 A-domain, which form an intramolecular disulfide bond. Using NMR spectroscopy, we analyzed the real-time kinetics of the redox reactions for the A-domain in glutathione and thioredoxin systems, and also determined the standard redox potential. Thermodynamic experiments showed that the Cys22-Cys44 disulfide bond stabilizes the folded state of the protein. These data suggest that the oxidized HMGB1 may accumulate even in cells under oxidative stress.
Variations in the glycogen content of fat body, ovary, and embryo during the reproductive cycle of Leucophaea maderae.

Abstract Changes in the fat body glycogen reserves of female Leucophaea maderae during the reproductive cycle follow a biphasic curve during oogenesis and a large single phase of synthesis and degradation during embryogenesis. Glycogen in the ovary and developing embryos increases slowly except for a short-term rapid build-up in the last half of embryogenesis, which is rapidly depleted just prior to and following parturition. These changes are related to several other physiological events in the reproductive cycle and suggest a basis for further studies of the control of carbohydrate metabolism by hormonal or metabolic mechanisms.
Optical and laser properties of (F 2 + )H centers in sulfur-doped NaCl

We report the production and main optical and laser properties of (F2+)H color centers in sulfur-doped NaCl crystals. Using a 1.06-μm Nd:YAG laser as the pump source, we realize continuous-wave and synchronously mode-locked laser operation. The laser is tunable over a remarkably large wavelength range of 1.43–2.0 μm. Output power levels are as much as ~800 mW near 1.6 μm; mode-locked pulse durations are typically 4–7 ps.
Preventing and Reducing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in a Large Teaching Hospital's 148-bed Level 2 and Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Hand hygiene prior to catheter insertion and before any line manipulation Replace positive pressure valve with a neutral displacement valve Utilizing the basic framework of an RCA to review each medical record as soon as a CLABSI is identified Maximum sterile barrier precautions during insertion, use of a standardized dressing change kit, site selection (femoral site is last resort) and daily team rounds for line necessity Scrub the hub before all line accesses with Chlorhexadine15 second scrub/15 second dry time Development of the NICU Vascular Access Team (VAT) for all dressing changes, line care and PICC line insertions Implementation of a closed medication system and a closed blood draw system Use of Chlorhexadine skin prep insertion and site care for infants . 60 days Annual central line care and maintenance education for all RN’s
Electron dose profile shaping by modulation of a scanning elementary beam

The use of multiple high energy electron beams has been limited in the treatment of deep seated tumors. This is principally because of the rapid increase in the physical electron beam penumbra as a result of the rise in large angle scattering with depth in the patient. This decreases the transverse dose gradient between the target volume and sensitive dose limiting structures and diminishes the ability to conform electron isodose lines to the target volume. If the beam is flat in air, then its profile will become progressively more rounded with depth, due to the increase of scatter out of the beam edges. With a scanning elementary electron beam, such as produced by the Microtron MM50, the characteristics of a broad beam profile are determined by the scan pattern. Using an appropriate scan pattern one can create, at any depth within the range of electrons, various dose profiles with the sharpness not exceeding that of the elementary beam. The objective of this work was to study methods that produce the desired electron beam profile at the depth of the target volume, and to derive the surface fluence profile required. Two approaches were explored to modulate the elementary beam distribution: ‘‘amplitude modulation’’ (AM) and ‘‘frequency modulation’’ (FM). We calculated coordinate and intensity distributions of the 25, 40, and 50 MeV elementary beam pulses at the surface that would yield a flat field at various prescribed depths. The results are in good qualitative agreement with iterative deconvolution calculations by Brahme et al. [Acta Radiol. Oncol. 19, 305–319 (1980)]. The scattering penumbra between the 50%–90% isodose lines can be reduced by up to 40% by beam modulation. The modulation should also enable the combination of multiple electron beams so as to achieve the desired conformal isodose profile as is customarily seen with photon beam planning, but with greater normal tissue sparing due to higher electron longitudinal depth—dose gradients. The results can be also used for electron accelerators that do not use a scanning elementary beam.
Rat Electroretinogram: Evidence for Separate Processes Governing b-Wave Latency and Amplitude

Studies of the simultaneous changes in the latency and amplitude of the b-wave of the rat electroretinogram (ERG) under three different conditions of adaptation show that the latency is primarily a function of the absolute stimulus intensity, being only slightly affected by conditions that strongly reduce the amplitude. This implies that the latency and the amplitude are determined by two independent processes, with the latency-process more closely linked to the initial photochemical events. Furthermore, the different adaptation conditions have surprisingly similar effects on the shape and amplitude of the electroretinogram, which suggests that they all produce only one type of variation in the amplitudedetermining process.
Comparison of Traditional and Bayesian Calibration Techniques for Gray-Box Modeling

AbstractBayesian and nonlinear least-squares methods of calibration were evaluated and compared for gray-box modeling of a retail building. Gray-box model calibration is one form of system identification and is examined here with perturbations to the simple yet popular European Committee for Standardization (CEN)-ISO thermal network model. The primary objective was to understand whether the computational expense of probabilistic Bayesian techniques is required to provide robustness to signal noise, specifically with regard to lower dimensional problems (physical or semiphysical), where model calibration is preferred over uncertainty quantification. The Bayesian approach allows parameter interactions and trade-offs to be revealed, one form of sensitivity analysis, but its full power for uncertainty quantification cannot be harnessed with gray-box or other simplified models. Surrogate data from a detailed building energy simulation program were used to ensure command over latent variables, whereas a range o...
Action of porcine-pancreactic amylase on oxidized-reduced amylose of low degree of modification

Abstract Amylose was oxidized with 0.1–0.2 mol of periodate per glucose residue (G), and then reduced with sodium borohydride or borotritide to give an oxidized-reduced amylose of low degree of modification. Mild acid hydrolysis gave erythritol, 2- O -α-d-glucosyl-l-erythritol, higher homologs, and other products. Extensive action of porcine-pancreatic amylase on the polymer gave, besides d-glucose and maltose, oligosaccharides containing one or more oxidized-reduced (modified, M), acyclic residues. The enzymic products containing only one oxidized-reduced residue were identified as a modified tetrasaccharide (MG 3 ) and a modified pentasaccharide (MG 4 ). Structures of MG 3 and MG 4 were identified by a combination of enzymic and chemical approaches. With glucoamylase, MG 4 was converted into MG plus d-glucose, whereas MG 3 was totally resistant. On mild acidic hydrolysis, MG 3 was converted into 2- O -α-d-glucosyl-d-erythritol plus maltose. These results indicate that MG 3 is G-M-G-G and that MG 4 is G-G-M-G-G. In principle, MG 4 could occupy the five d-glucose residue, substrate-binding site of porcine-pancreatic amylase in such a way that M, the acyclic structure replacing a d-glucose residue, is placed just to the “left” of the catalytic site. The modified structure, being very vulnerable to acidic hydrolysis, might then be expected to be very readily attacked by the amylase, but in fact, it is not.
Dynamic Heterogeneous Dielectric Generalized Born (DHDGB): An implicit membrane model with a dynamically varying bilayer thickness.

An extension to the heterogeneous dielectric generalized Born (HDGB) implicit membrane formalism is presented to allow dynamic membrane deformations in response to membrane-inserted biomolecules during molecular dynamic simulations. The flexible membrane is implemented through additional degrees of freedom that represent the membrane deformation at the contact points of a membrane-inserted solute with the membrane. The extra degrees of freedom determine the dielectric and nonpolar solvation free energy profiles that are used to obtain the solvation free energy in the presence of the membrane and are used to calculate membrane deformation free energies according to an elastic membrane model. With the dynamic HDGB (DHDGB) model the membrane is able to deform in response to the insertion of charged molecules, thereby avoiding the overestimation of insertion free energies with static membrane models. The DHDGB model also allows the membrane to respond to the insertion of membrane-spanning solutes with hydroph...
A potential method to incorporate quantity/intensity into routine soil test interpretations

Abstract Exchangeable potassium (K), extracted with 1M ammonium acetate, widely used as the measure for plant available K does not estimate the K supplying capacity of the soil. This research was undertaken to quantity the K supplying capacities of some Missouri soils and evaluate a modified K Quantity‐Intensity (Q/I) approach for adaptation into routine soil analysis. The K supplying capacities as analyzed by the modified Q/I and plant removal were measured on the 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm depths of Broseley loamy fine sand (loamy, mixed, thermic Arenic Hapludalf), Mexico silt loam, (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Udollic Ochraqualf), Waldron clay loam [fine, montmorillonitic (calcareous) mesic Arenic Fluvaquemt] and the 0–20 cm of Sharkey clay (very fine, montmorillonitic, nonacid, thermic Vertic Haplaquet). The dominant clays in the clay fractions were identified by X‐ray diffraction to be composed of montmorillonite and illite. The high linear coefficient of correlation (R2 = 0.92∗∗) between the potassium b...
Sesquiterpene lactones and other constituents of Mikania rimachii and Mikania microptera

Abstract Extraction of the aerial parts of Mikania rimachii afforded a new dihydrooxepine type elemadienolide, a rare triterpene, 3′,4-dihydroxy-3-methoxypropiophenone, and various common plant constituents. The aerial parts of Mikania microptera furnished four new dihydrooxepine type elemadienolides, seven new melampolides, a new nerolidol derivative as well as nerolidol itself, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfuraldehyde and various common plant constituents. Structures of the new substances were investigated by high field NMR techniques and chemical transformations. In the case of one of the melampolides, the structure was confirmed by an X-ray analysis. The stereochemistry of the biological divinyloxirane-dihydrooxepine rearrangement is discussed.
Hydroxyproline-2-epimerase of pseudomonas: Active-site peptides

Hydroxyproline-2-epimerase was treated with 14C-iodoacetate under conditions that produced almost complete inactivation of the enzyme and concomitant incorporation of almost one molar equivalent of iodoacetate. Both processes were prevented by saturating concentrations of substrate. From reaction mixtures in which both incorporation and inactivation were 85 to 90% complete, two radioactive tryptic peptides were isolated by paper chromatography-electrophoresis. The incorporated radioactivity was divided between the peptides in an approximately 2:1 ratio. Analysis of the isolated peptides suggested that they both contained 9 amino acids and had similar composition; one appeared to be a lysine, the second an arginine peptide. Attempts to sequence each peptide failed, apparently because of the conversion of the S-carboxymethylcysteine to S-carboxymethylcysteine sulfone, indicating that the cysteine residue was N-terminal in each peptide.
ATP Synthesis in Oxidative Phosphorylation: A Direct-Union Stereochemical Reaction Mechanism

A fundamental understanding of oxidative phosphorylation will involve chemical reaction mechanisms. Since chemical reaction mechanisms describe in detail the making and/or breaking of chemical bonds, before a meaningful reaction mechanism can be formulated for a given reaction, the actual bonds involved must be known. This applies to all chemical reactions, including the chemical reactions in oxidative phosphorylation.
Synthesis of CMP-sialic acid conjugates: Substrates for the enzymatic synthesis of natural and designed sialyl oligosaccharides

Abstract The syntheses of several congeners of CMP-NeuAc are described. These compounds are substrates for enzymatic glycosylation.
Prisoners' Perceptions of Legal Aid:

Arising out of the National Offender Survey for the AustralianLaw Reform Commission this paper presents the views of a sample of incar cerated Federal offenders towards the institution and personnel of Legal Aid. Such views are placed within the offender's assessment of the criminal justice system as being essentially malleable and illu strates diverse sources of sentencing disparity. Contextualising the views of Federal offenders by reference to the views of 250 state offenders, the paper presents an assessment of Legal Aid as an institution whose purpose is betrayed by deficiency in attitude as distinct from competence of personnel. The criticism of Legal Aid extended by the respondent population is merely an extension of the assessment they extend to the legal profession generally.
Characterization of the GDP-D-mannose biosynthesis pathway in Coxiella burnetii: the initial steps for GDP-β-D-virenose biosynthesis.

Coxiella burnetii, the etiologic agent of human Q fever, is a Gram-negative and naturally obligate intracellular bacterium. The O-specific polysaccharide chain (O-PS) of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of C. burnetii is considered a heteropolymer of the two unusual sugars β-D-virenose and dihydrohydroxystreptose and mannose. We hypothesize that GDP-D-mannose is a metabolic intermediate to GDP-β-D-virenose. GDP-D-mannose is synthesized from fructose-6-phosphate in 3 successive reactions; Isomerization to mannose-6-phosphate catalyzed by a phosphomannose isomerase (PMI), followed by conversion to mannose-1-phosphate mediated by a phosphomannomutase (PMM) and addition of GDP by a GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase (GMP). GDP-D-mannose is then likely converted to GDP-6-deoxy-D-lyxo-hex-4-ulopyranose (GDP-Sug), a virenose intermediate, by a GDP-mannose-4,6-dehydratase (GMD). To test the validity of this pathway in C. burnetii, three open reading frames (CBU0671, CBU0294 and CBU0689) annotated as bifunctional type II PMI, as PMM or GMD were functionally characterized by complementation of corresponding E. coli mutant strains and in enzymatic assays. CBU0671, failed to complement an Escherichia coli manA (PMM) mutant strain. However, complementation of an E. coli manC (GMP) mutant strain restored capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis. CBU0294 complemented a Pseudomonas aeruginosa algC (GMP) mutant strain and showed phosphoglucomutase activity (PGM) in a pgm E. coli mutant strain. Despite the inability to complement a manA mutant, recombinant C. burnetii PMI protein showed PMM enzymatic activity in biochemical assays. CBU0689 showed dehydratase activity and determined kinetic parameters were consistent with previously reported data from other organisms. These results show the biological function of three C. burnetii LPS biosynthesis enzymes required for the formation of GDP-D-mannose and GDP-Sug. A fundamental understanding of C. burnetii genes that encode PMI, PMM and GMP is critical to fully understand the biosynthesic pathway of GDP-β-D-virenose and LPS structure in C. burnetii.
The Dynamics of Staying and Leaving: Implications for Battered Women’s Emotional Well-Being and Experiences of Violence at the End of a Year

Much of the discourse on intimate partner violence assumes that women must end their relationship with their abusive partner to increase their safety and emotional well-being. Few studies, however, exist to support this assumption. Equally problematic, those studies that do exist have failed to distinguish women who leave and stay out from those who leave only to later return. Comparing emotional well-being and experiences of violence for 206 low-income, primarily Black battered women following different relationship trajectories, this longitudinal study found that women both separated from and together with their partner for the entire year of the study fared best at the end of that year compared to women “in” and “out” of the relationship over time. Beyond challenging common assumptions, these findings highlight the importance of considering the larger context within which an individual instance of leaving occurs.
Linking infection control and occupational health: One hospital's experience

ISSUE: Reinforcing the linkages between infection control and occupational health strengthens both programs and enhances patient and employee safety. PROJECT: This is a 160-bed center specializing in the care of patients with musculoskeletal diseases. The hospital employs approximately 2000 professional and ancillary staff. In 2000, the occupational health services (OHS) nurse manager left to assume a different position within the facility. After much discussion, a decision was made to link the infection control and occupational health services under one leader. The person selected had previous experience in both occupational health and infection control. It was agreed by the vice president for nursing that the manager for the newly combined departments would not provide clinical services for occupational health, but would serve in an administrative capacity only. RESULTS: The linking of the two departments has been a remarkable success. Nursing staff in both areas has been cross trained in activities such as surveillance, education, immunizations, reportable communicable diseases, and bloodborne pathogen exposure response. The office staffs have been cross trained for computer support. Employees from both departments welcomed the opportunity for additional education and professional development. Each department has maintained its own distinct personality and responsibility but supports the other, leading to greater productivity for both. Hospital employees are sharing information about occupational health issues such as problems with sharps devices with the IC/OHS team who are visible and approachable within the hospital. These problems can then be observed and acted upon in real time. Important events such as tuberculosis skin testing, influenza vaccination programs, and annual education day have become successful team events. The number of influenza vaccines administered has increased by more than 100% in 4 years; Tuberculosis skin testing has increased by 58%, and annual health assessment compliance has increased by 40%. LESSONS LEARNED: This program can reap tremendous benefits for patients and staff if both departments and the manager are committed to success, and the linkage is fully supported by administration. Resources spent to educate and develop the staff have been repaid by patient and employee satisfaction statements and increased compliance with immunization and competency efforts.