cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mentors for elementary school teachers.

In his News of the Week story “A way to heal science education, but is there the political will?” (24 September, p. [1582][1]), J. Mervis quotes from the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) report, stating that “too many American students conclude early in their education that STEM [science, technology, engineering, and math] subjects are boring, too difficult, or unwelcoming, leaving them ill-prepared to meet the challenges that will face their generation, their country, and the world” ([ 1 ][2]). The PCAST report proposes some solutions but overlooks one possibility. The answer lies in elementary school, where children form their first opinions about STEM. How can they develop a passion for STEM when many elementary school teachers themselves hate or fear these subjects? I propose that all elementary school teachers be provided with real-world STEM research experiences from scientist mentors. One case study showed that after a 6-week research experience, elementary school teacher attitudes changed from “my students will not become scientists” to “my students are scientists” ([ 2 ][3]). Quality research experiences for elementary school teachers will help solve the national crisis cited in the PCAST report ([ 1 ][2]). 1. [↵][4] President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, “Prepare and inspire: K-12 education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for America's future” (PCAST, 2010); [www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/pcast-stemed-report.pdf][5]. 2. [↵][6] 1. P. Dixon, 2. R. A. Wilke , J. Elem. Sci. Educ. 19, 25 (2007). [OpenUrl][7] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.329.5999.1582 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #ref-2 [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [5]: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/pcast-stemed-report.pdf [6]: #xref-ref-2-1 "View reference 2 in text" [7]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJ.%2BElem.%2BSci.%2BEduc.%26rft.volume%253D19%26rft.spage%253D25%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx
Gauge invariance of the technifermion condensate in walking technicolor.

In this article we present an analysis of the gauge invariance of the technifermion condensate and critical coupling determined from the gap equation to $O({\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2})$ in the static limit of walking technicolor. This is an extension of a previous work in which the proof of gauge invariance was restricted to $\ensuremath{\xi}=2$ and $\ensuremath{\xi}=\ensuremath{-}3$ gauges. We also briefly discuss how to generalize the proof to $O({\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{3})$ and higher where $\ensuremath{\beta}(\ensuremath{\alpha})$ cannot be set equal to zero for arbitrary values of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$.
On-line optical sensors for industrial material inspection

In the modem computer-integrated material processing plant statistical process control plays an increasingly important role. A corresponding need for rugged and noninvasive on-line sensors capable of reliable and unattended performance is becoming more and more urgent. Optical sensors are often being adopted for such tasks not only because of their noncontact nature implying an easy adaptability to the automated inspection of continuously moving products at any temperature but also in view of their high response speed intrinsic resolution and increasing ruggedness. Properties which may be probed with optical devices include product features such as geometrical size and shape or surface integrity as well as process parameters such as temperature speed or vibration amplitude. This paper reviews a number of optical sensors which were recently developed at our institute for industrial material online inspection. Examples include surface defect detection 3-D lumber board scanning and infrared temperature measurement either in furnace or during spray deposition. The emphasis is on noncontact techniques well suited to automation and specifically adapted to each particular application with minimum perturbation of the industrial process. 1.
Inventory costs and the optimal spacing of retail stores

Abstract This paper examines the socially optimal spacing of stores, assuming an explicit inventory model of costs. In the basic model, there is equality between the capacity costs of stores, the fixed costs of deliveries, and the travel costs of consumers.
Evaluation of a clinical intervention for wanderers on a geriatric nursing unit

In this article, a clinical intervention designed to decrease unsafe wandering and reduce interpersonal tension on a dementia unit of a nursing home is described and evaluated. The intervention, a walking program for physically active persons with severe dementia, was designed to meet residents physical activity and social needs. Based on therapeutic milieu concepts, positive effects in the environment, were expected in addition to the individual benefits for participants. To measure the effect of the intervention on the nursing unit environment, the frequency of resident-to-resident and resident-to-staff aggression in the 24 hour period after the walking group was compared to time periods when the group did not meet. T-test analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of aggression in the 24 hour periods after the walkers group. An average reduction of aggressive events by 30% shown in this small study is important clinically. Further study of modifications in care on geriatric nursing units is warranted.
Synchronous Motors for Ship Propulsion

SINCE the inception and development of the idea of electric ship propulsion, the question of the possibility of using synchronous motors for such service has often been raised. Such a motor could be designed for unity power factor with a resulting saving in cost, weight, and efficiency, of both motor and generator. So far as mechanical design was concerned, the answer was, of course, that the same substantial mechanical features could be obtained with a synchronous motor as with an induction motor. In addition, the synchronous motor would have greater clearance between rotor and stator and repairs could be more easily made since it would not be necessary to remove the rotor to replace either field or armature coils. The question, therefore, was whether or not satisfactory electrical characteristics could be obtained with this type of motor. The affirmative answer to this question is attested to by the fact that the S. S. Cuba, a fast passenger and express boat belonging to the Miami Steamship Company, and the first vessel of any kind to be propelled by a synchronous motor, has been in successful operation since November 1920, and five more equipments are under construction. Four of these are to drive cutters being built for the U. S. S. Coast Guard Service and one for a fruit steamer.
Prospects for in-process diagnosis of metal cutting by monitoring vibration signals

Vibration signals from various metal cutting processes in e frequency range of a few Hz to several MHz have been investigated by many researchers for their possible application to an in-process cutting condition monitoring system and some remarkable laboratory results have been reported. In spite of many very interesting demonstrations of feasibility in laboratories, numerous attempts to apply the technology to manufacturing conditions have not been very successful. The main objectives of this brief review are to summarize the key points of various published reports and to discuss the critical technical issues which are hindering transformation of the laboratory results to more broadly applicable technology. The vibration signals from metal cutting processes contain very useful information and offer excellent possibilities for in-process diagnosis of many critical metal cutting problems including tool wear. But the current state of knowledge still consists mainly of empirical observations, many of which need further clarification. Sonna of these key issues requiring future studies, particularly those issues related to in-process monitoring of tool wear, are discussed in this review.
Estimation of rock mass strength and deformability in 3-D for a 30 m cube at a depth of 485 m at Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory

The rock fracture data provided by Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company were used to develop a 3-D stochastic fracture network model for a 30 m cube of Aspo diorite located at a depth of 485 m at Aspo Hard Rock Laboratory, Sweden. This fracture network model was validated. A new procedure is developed to estimate rock block strength and deformability in three-dimensions allowing for the anisotropy and incorporating the inherently statistical fracture geometry for the selected cube. The mean rock mass strength was found to be 47% of the mean intact rock strength of 297 MPa at 485 m depth. The mean rock mass modulus was found to be 51% of the intact rock Young's modulus of 73 GPa. The rock mass Poisson's ratio was found to be 21% higher than the intact rock Poisson's ratio of 0.28. These percentages indicate the level of weakening of the rock mass due to the presence of fractures. The ratio of mean major principal rock mass strength/mean minor principal rock mass strength turned out to be 1.28. The ratio of mean major principal rock mass modulus/mean minor principal rock mass modulus turned out to be 1.21.
Benzene and Haze Formation in the Polar Atmosphere of Jupiter

Jupiter has a large magnetosphere that episodically precipitates large amounts of energy into the polar atmosphere, giving rise to intense auroras [Clarke et al., 1996; Grodent et al., 2000]. An important consequence of this energy influx is the production of a dark haze [Pryor and Hord, 1991], the formation mechanism of which was hitherto poorly known. Recent observations of benzene on Jupiter [Bezard et al., 2001; Flasar, 2002] provide new clues for a chemical and aerosol model for the formation of heavy hydrocarbon aerosols. The chemistry begins with the destruction of methane by energetic particles, followed by neutral and ion reactions, ultimately leading to the formation of benzene and other complex hydrocarbons, including multi-ring compounds which subsequently condense. High temperatures and effective eddy mixing engendered by the auroras enhance the formation of heavy hydrocarbons and aerosols. This mechanism may be relevant in the atmospheres of Saturn and extrasolar giant planets, and is an example of how a planetary magnetosphere may influence the chemical composition and climate forcing of the upper atmosphere.
The process of cognitive therapy: the first dysfunctional thought changes less than the last one

Abstract An observant cognitive therapy patient reported that the first dysfunctional thought elicited and treated in homework sessions was more resistant to change than later distorted thoughts. To determine whether this was due to the fact that this thought was elicited first, or to the fact that it was treated first, systematic data were collected from 9 patients in 48 sessions of cognitive therapy. In half of these sessions, dysfunctional thoughts were treated in the order they were elicited; in half of the sessions, they were treated in the reverse order. Results showed that the first dysfunctional thought elicited changed least; there was no effect of order of treatment. Several possible explanations of this finding are offered.
Evidence for calcium-reducing and excitoprotective roles for the calcium-binding protein calbindin-1328k in cultured hippocampal neurons

Abstract Neuronal systems for calcium homeostasis are crucial for neuronal development and function and may also contribute to selective neuronal vulnerability in adverse conditions such as exposure to excitatory amino acids or anoxia, and in neurodegenerative diseases. Previous work demonstrated the presence and differential distribution of calcium-binding roteins in the CNS. We now report that a subpopulation of neurons in dissociated cell cultures of embryonic rat hippocampus expresses calbindin-D28k (Mr 28,000 calcium-binding protein) immunoreactivity and that these neurons are relatively resistant to neurotoxicity induced by either glutamate or calcium ionophore. Direct comparisons of dynamic aspects of intracellular calcium levels and calbindin-D 28k immunoreactivity in the same neurons revealed that calbindin-D 28k -positive neurons were better able to reduce free intracellular calcium levels than calbindinD 28k -negative neurons. These findings indicate that the differential expression of calbindin-D28k in hippocampal neurons occurs early in development and may be one determinant of selective neuronal vulnerability to excitotoxic insults.
Formulae for cause‐deleted life tables

The medical and demographic literature contain two popular formulae for the construction of cause-deleted life table lx values, one developed for applications in follow-up studies and the other for cross-sectional studies. It turns out that for both types of applications one of the two formulae is virtually always of better quality than the other. A formula developed by Keyfitz and Frauenthal is usually better than either.
Creep buckling of stacked fuel elements

Abstract Equations are deduced from which bow in a rod forming part of an approximately vertical, pin jointed column may be determined when there is slight tilt and initial bow in the rod and if the creep of the material under an applied load is known. The effect of the distribution of the weight and temperature is included. Using the experimentally determined form of the creep law for uranium being thermally cycled through ± 10°, values are obtained for the time for uranium rods stacked approximately vertically in a channel to press tangentially against the side.
A locus of control scale for noncollege as well as college adults.

Summary In an effort to overcome some of the shortcomings of existent locus of control scales, the authors developed a new adult scale suitable for use on Ss with as little as fifth grade reading ability. Psychometric characteristics were assessed in 12 studies on 766 Ss.
On Leveraging User Access Patterns for Topic Specific Crawling

In recent years, there has been considerable research on constructing crawlers which find resources satisfying specific conditions called predicates. Such a predicate could be a keyword query, a topical query, or some arbitrary contraint on the internal structure of the web page. Several techniques such as focussed crawling and intelligent crawling have recently been proposed for performing the topic specific resource discovery process. All these crawlers are linkage based, since they use the hyperlink behavior in order to perform resource discovery. Recent studies have shown that the topical correlations in hyperlinks are quite noisy and may not always show the consistency necessary for a reliable resource discovery process. In this paper, we will approach the problem of resource discovery from an entirely different perspective; we will mine the significant browsing patterns of world wide web users in order to model the likelihood of web pages belonging to a specified predicate. This user behavior can be mined from the freely available traces of large public domain proxies on the world wide web. For example, proxy caches such as Squid are hierarchical proxies which make their logs publically available. As we shall see in this paper, such traces are a rich source of information which can be mined in order to find the users that are most relevant to the topic of a given crawl. We refer to this technique as collaborative crawling because it mines the collective user experiences in order to find topical resources. Such a strategy turns out to be extremely effective because the topical consistency in world wide web browsing patterns turns out to very high compared to the noisy linkage information. In addition, the user-centered crawling system can be combined with linkage based systems to create an overall system which works more effectively than a system based purely on either user behavior or hyperlinks.
Neuromuscular nicotinic receptors mediate bladder contractions following bladder reinnervation with somatic to autonomic nerve transfer after decentralization by spinal root transection

Purpose: We investigated whether the reinnervated neuronal pathway mediates contraction via the same neurotransmitter and receptor mechanisms as the original pathway.Materials and Methods: After decentralizing the bladder by transecting the sacral roots in dogs we performed peripheral nerve transfer, including bilateral genitofemoral to pelvic nerve transfer and unilateral left femoral nerve to bilateral pelvic nerve transfer. Reinnervation was assessed 7.5 months postoperatively by monitoring bladder pressure during electrical stimulation of the transferred nerves, spinal ventral roots and spinal cord.Results: Of the 17 dogs with genitofemoral to pelvic nerve transfer 14 (82%) demonstrated functional bladder reinnervation as evidenced by increased bladder pressure during stimulation of the transferred genitofemoral nerve, or L3 or L4 spinal ventral roots. Lumbar spinal cord stimulation caused increased bladder pressure in 9 of 10 dogs (90%) with unilateral left femoral nerve to bilateral pelvic nerve tra...
Prevention of fetal movement during invasive procedures with pancuronium bromide

The use of fetal intramuscular pancuronium (0.5 mg) to temporarily arrest fetal movement during antenatal invervention in six instances is reported. Successful arrest of movement without adverse side effects was observed. The use of this technique eliminates the need for the excessive and potentially dangerous maternal sedation currently used to minimize fetal movement.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors in a subset of mitotically active lymphocytes from rat thymus

Lymphocytes from the rat thymus gland were separated on Percoll gradient in two subsets. The first subset was enriched in large mitotically active cells and the second in small mitotically inert cells. The former cell preparation possessed a 3.3 S macromolecule with high affinity for 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (Kd=3.3×10−10M) which bound to DNA cellulose and was eluted from this resin with 0.26 M KCl. In contrast, the small-cell-enriched subset of thymic cells was negative for 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 specific binding. These findings support evidence from studies in human lymphocytes that there exists an association between mitotic activity and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor expression in this class of leukocytes.
Airline deregulation: What's behind the recent losses?

The recent disastrous financial performance of the airline industry is probably thought by many to indicate that deregulation is not workable. But simulations suggest that the current recession and the 1979 fuel price increase are primarily to blame. Deregulation has caused transitional losses for some segments of the industry; but the new freedoms accorded to the airlines probably have helped rather than hurt the profitability of the industry.
Relationship of Temperature to Stomatal Aperture and Potassium Accumulation in Guard Cells of Vicia faba

Epidermal strips of Vicia faba were floated on 10 millimolar KCl at various temperatures and for several time periods. The diameter of the stomatal aperture was determined microscopically and K+ content was estimated and expressed as the per cent of the guard cell stained. Stomatal opening was associated with increased K+ in guard cells, but the quantitative association was modified both by time and temperature. At low temperatures (0-20 C) there was a prolonged Spannungsphase while at higher temperatures (30-45 C) motorphase was exhibited. During the motorphase there was a rapid opening of the stomates which was highly correlated with K+ influx. At treatment periods of 360 minutes and temperatures higher than 25 C there appeared to be a maintenance phase during which K+ concentration of the guard cells decreased without an equivalent decrease in aperture.
An effective field theory for the neutron electric dipole moment

We derive a CP-odd effective field theory involving the field strengths of the gluon and the photon and their duals as a result of integrating out a heavy quark which carries both the chromo-electric dipole moment and electric dipole moment. The coefficients of the induced gluonic, photonic, and mixed gluon-photon operators with dimension ⩽8 are determined. Implications of some of these operators on the neutron electric dipole moment are also discussed.
The risk of injury to the sural nerve during Achilles Tendon Repair using the Achillon Device: A cadaveric study

The conventional open approach to Achilles Tendon Repair (ATR) has been associated with wound breakdown and infection. In an attempt to decrease the risk of iatrogenic wound complications the mini-open/percutaneous method for ATR has been developed. However, ‘blind’ ATR using the percutaneous method risks damage to the sural nerve. Using intact cadaveric specimens, the current investigation attempted to quantify the risk of sural nerve injury using the Achillon Device. Findings demonstrate a 28% violation of the sural nerve by specimen and a 15% sural nerve violation rate per needle pass (n=54 total needle passes). Sural nerve violation was significantly increased during needle passage through outlet #1 vs. outlet #3 of the Achillon device. A substantial risk to sural nerve injury remains when utilizing the Achillon device for Achilles Tendon Repair.
Model to Analyze the Effectiveness of Highway Rest Area Performance

The number of highway travelers in the United States has significantly increased in the past decade. In light of this increase, proper maintenance of highway rest areas is very critical. This research examined the development of a rest area evaluation model that was created for the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) in response to its strategic plan for gauging rest area performance and allocating maintenance funds appropriately. To measure rest area performance, a customer-evaluation card was prepared for dissemination at Maryland's 14 rest areas. The card contained 14 questions, 13 of which had 5 grading options: A through D and N/A. In the 14th question, the rest area visitors were asked to provide written comments. SHA established as a strategic planning goal that a minimum of 80% of responses show a customer-satisfaction rating of B or above on each of the first 13 questions. The evaluated cards were routinely gathered and manually entered into a Microsoft Access database, which was then imported to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program for further evaluation. A number of array formulas were developed in Excel to automate the analyses. The model has been in place since 2000, and the data set has grown from over 1,000 initially in 2000 to over 6,000 as of July 2003. The model has been performing satisfactorily; however, manual entry of the data has been slow and error prone. Installation of touch screen information kiosks and increased sophistication in analyses were suggested as some future enhancement measures.
A Computational Framework for Detecting Malicious Actors in Communities

Despite the significant research achievements on the study of communities, how to maintain a benign social environment for a community, as a problem, has not received much attention. Current existing malicious activity detecting mechanisms are subject to the limitation of the underlying online environment. However, we found that information plays an important role in terms of socialization. Malicious activities, like diffusing unreliable information and providing inappropriate critics, can severely impact the situation of a community's social environment. In this paper, we propose a computational framework for detecting malicious actors in communities from the perspective information diffusion. We use the term, "malicious actors", to represent a group of people who intentionally or unintentionally conduct malicious behaviors to sabotage benign social environments of communities.
Strut Fracture and Disc Embolization in Bjork-Shiley Mitral Valve Prostheses: Diagnosis and Management

Mechanical failure of the Bjork-Shiley tilting disc prosthesis is a rare but catastrophic complication of the valve. Several previously reported cases of major strut fracture with disc embolization led to improvements in the structure of the prosthesis. A case of minor strut fracture in the improved convexoconcave model of the Bjork-Shiley mitral valve prosthesis is described. The literature on mechanical failures in the Bjork-Shiley mitral valve prosthesis is reviewed, and recommendations for recognition and management of this problem are made.
Transposon Tn916 mutagenesis in Bacillus anthracis.

Mutagenesis of Bacillus anthracis by the streptococcal tetracycline resistance transposon Tn916 is described. Tn916 was transferred from Streptococcus faecalis DS16C1 to B. anthracis VNR-1 by conjugation in a standard filter mating procedure. Tetracycline-resistant (Tcr) transconjugants were obtained at a frequency of 1.6 X 10(-8) per donor CFU. When donor and recipient cells were treated with nafcillin before conjugation, the frequency was increased nearly 10-fold. Nafcillin pretreatment of donor and recipient strains was used in all subsequent conjugation experiments. S.faecalis CG110, containing multiple chromosomal insertions of Tn916, transferred the transposon to B. anthracis VNR-1 at a frequency of 9.3 x 10(-5). A Tcr B. anthracis transconjugant, strain VNR-1-tet-1, transferred Tn916 to B. anthracis UM23-1 and Bacillus subtilis BST1 at frequencies of 2.1 x 10(-4) and 5.8 X 10(-6), respectively. The transfer of Tn916 occurred only on membrane filters, since no Tcr transconjugants were obtained when strains VNR-1-tet-1 and UM23-1 were mixed and incubated in broth culture. The presence of the Tn916-associated tetM gene in Tcr B. anthracis and B. subtilis transconjugants was confirmed in hybridization experiments by using a 5-kilobase-pair DNA fragment containing the tetM gene as a probe. Of 3,000 B. anthracis UM23-1 Tcr transconjugants tested, 21 were phenylalanine auxotrophs and 2 were auxotrophic for phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan.
Pastes for electromagnetic interference shielding

A paste has been developed for electromagnetic interference shielding by mixing stainless steel fibers (8-µm diameter) and graphite flakes (5 µm) in a water-based graphite colloid (containing submicron graphite flakes and a binder) in a volume ratio 0.5:20:100. The resulting coating of thickness 0.1–0.2 mm after drying exhibits shielding effectiveness of 34 dB at 1 GHz, primarily due to reflection. The paste is superior to those containing graphite flakes or carbon filaments (0.1-µm diameter), due to the higher shielding effectiveness of the steel fibers. The graphite flakes in the paste serves to help suspend the steel fibers, in addition to contributing to shielding.
Characterization of the mineralogy and microchemistry of fly ash

Abstract The microstructures of coal fly ash particles were studied by transmission electron microscopy. Some particles are glassy and microscopically homogeneous; however, most particles examined contained one or more crystalline phases. Frequently, particles contain crystallites of a spinel compound in a glass matrix. It is believed that these crystallites nucleate homogeneously during cooling. Particles containing a greater fraction of crystalline material often have a dendritic structure. In principle, it should be possible to calculate solidification rates based on crystallite size or dendrite arm spacings. The distribution of trace elements was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and by studying their partitioning between fly ash and bottom ash. Trace element partitioning was then related to the distribution of particle types observed optically. This analysis indicated that only a few elements are present as volatile species. Many important trace elements appear to be associated with a particular particle type, namely, the ferrospheres. These ash particles have been shown to be the oxidized remains of framboidal pyrite in the feed coal.
Pneumatic dilation for the treatment of Achalasia in patients with and without prior Heller myotomy

Pneumatic dilation for the treatment of Achalasia in patients with and without prior Heller myotomy
Two-photon properties of the La and Lb bands of substituted benzenes computed from CNDO/S

Abstract Two-photon tensor invariants proportional to two-photon absorptivities are calculated from CNDO/S CI wavefunctions for a variety of substituted benzenes for transitions to the two lowest singlet states, L b − (B 2u − ) and L 3 + (B 1u + ). Providing hexagonal geometry is used, the results demonstrate considerable effectiveness by this method for predicting the relative sensitivity of these bands to vibronic, inductive and conjugative effects, including the intensity ratios for multiple substitutions by aza, methyl and amino. The method fails for fluorobenzene.
An empirical assessment of post-treatment alcohol consumption

Substance abuse treatment programs have long contended that any post-treatment alcohol use is indicative of relapse. Recent studies, however, suggest more inclusive definitions. Zweben and Cisler (1996, 1999) consider both the drinking quantity and negative drinking consequences. Their proposed cutoffs integrate the 1995 NIAAA guidelines for sensible and high risk drinking levels with the objective assessment of drinking-related consequences into the definition of relapse. Our study applied this model to a group of detoxified alcoholics in a post-treatment followup project. We asked if: (1) Zweben and Cisler's drinking categories could be found in our sample; (2) whether subgroups defined by post-treatment drinking patterns differed with respect to their pre-treatment alcohol consumption levels, years of alcoholic drinking and drinking related problems; and (3) whether post-treatment drinking patterns were associated with differential psychosocial functioning at followup. Thirteen percent of the total sample (N=61) was found to meet Zweben and Cisler's moderate drinking category; 34% were abstinent, 27% heavy drinkers and 13 participants (26%) were unclassifiable. At treatment completion (T1), those who became moderate drinkers reported higher levels of self-confidence, but were otherwise similar to both abstainers and heavy drinkers. At followup (T2), approximately 1 year after initial testing (T1), groups differed on measures of emotional discharge, avoidance and logical coping skills and information seeking, suggesting a possible association between post-treatment drinking patterns and psychosocial functioning.
Carbon dioxide laser absorption spectra of toxic industrial compounds.

CO2 laser absorption cross-section data are reported for acrolein, styrene, ethyl acrylate, trichloroethylene, vinyl bromide, and vinylidene chloride. These data indicate that sub parts per billion level, interference-free detection limits should be possible for these compounds by the CO2 laser photoacoustic technique. Photoacoustic detectabilities below 40 ppb should be possible for these compounds in the presence of ambient air concentrations of water vapor and other anticipated interferences. These compounds are also found not to be important interferences in the detection of toxic hydrazine-based rocket fuels by CO2 laser spectroscopic techniques.
Blue jets produced by quasi-electrostatic pre-discharge thundercloud fields

Pre-discharge quasi-electrostatic (QE) fields immediately above the thundercloud lead to the formation and upward propagation of streamer type ionization channels with features in good agreement with recent video observations of Blue Jets.
Keeping Track of our Treasures: Managing Historical Data with Relational Database Software

This article reports on one system for using relational databases to manage a large historical data collection project. It endorses the use of relational database systems for large linked databases. This system incorporates a number of files some of them containing data and others containing cross-references between files. Data concerning the residents of Gillespie County Texas from the censuses of 1850 1860 1870 1800 1900 and 1910 are linked and used to compile complete life histories of individuals. (EXCERPT)
Ion-Implanted Silicon-Waveguide Avalanche Photodiode with Separate Absorption-Multiplication Region for C-Band Operation

We show that by using a SAM-APD topology, the required bias voltage for a given current can be reduced by 27% through earlier onset of avalanche gain.
Factors Associated With Short-Term Bounce-Back Admissions After Emergency Department Discharge

Study objective Hospitalizations that occur shortly after emergency department (ED) discharge may reveal opportunities to improve ED or follow-up care. There currently is limited, population-level information about such events. We identify hospital- and visit-level predictors of bounce-back admissions, defined as 7-day unscheduled hospital admissions after ED discharge. Methods Using the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development files, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of adult (aged >18 years) ED visits resulting in discharge in 2007. Candidate predictors included index hospital structural characteristics such as ownership, teaching affiliation, trauma status, and index ED size, along with index visit patient characteristics of demographic information, day of service, against medical advice or eloped disposition, insurance, and ED primary discharge diagnosis. We fit a multivariable, hierarchic logistic regression to account for clustering of ED visits by hospitals. Results The study cohort contained a total of 5,035,833 visits to 288 facilities in 2007. Bounce-back admission within 7 days occurred in 130,526 (2.6%) visits and was associated with Medicaid (odds ratio [OR] 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40 to 1.45) or Medicare insurance (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.50 to 1.55) and a disposition of leaving against medical advice or before the evaluation was complete (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.89 to 2.0). The 3 most common age-adjusted index ED discharge diagnoses associated with a bounce-back admission were chronic renal disease, not end stage (OR 3.3; 95% CI 2.8 to 3.8), end-stage renal disease (OR 2.9; 95% CI 2.4 to 3.6), and congestive heart failure (OR 2.5; 95% CI 2.3 to 2.6). Hospital characteristics associated with a higher bounce-back admission rate were for-profit status (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.3) and teaching affiliation (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.3). Conclusion We found 2.6% of discharged patients from California EDs to have a bounce-back admission within 7 days. We identified vulnerable populations, such as the very old and the use of Medicaid insurance, and chronic or end-stage renal disease as being especially at risk. Our findings suggest that quality improvement efforts focus on high-risk individuals and that the disposition plan of patients consider vulnerable populations.
Four Culture-Bound Psychiatric Syndromes in India:

This paper describes four culture-bound psychiatric syndromes seen in India. It highlights their phenomenology and briefly comments upon the socio-cultural correlates of such symptom constellations.
Pb++ as a hole trap in KCl: ESR and optical absorption of Pb+++

Abstract It is shown that the Pb++ ion in KCl can stabilize the hole from a mobile Cl-2 center and form Pb+++(2S 1 2 ). The ESR spectrum of Pb+++ is characterized by g = 2.034 ± 0.001 and A (207 Pb = 33.0 ± 0.1 GHz, and the optical absorption bands are situated at 465 nm, 303 nm, and 216 nm.
Response to “Comment on paper ‘The bulk modulus and Poisson's ratio of “incompressible” materials’”

The incorrectness of the common assumption that rubbery polymers are incompressible does not preclude its yielding accurate determinations of the elastic modulus for nonlinear deformations.
Alternative treatments for asthma: assessing the need.

Alternative treatments such as troleandomycin methotrexate, gold, and intravenous gamma globulin are sometimes considered for severe asthmatics to minimize the need for systemic corticosteroids and reduce adverse effects. These alternative therapies may also be associated with significant toxicity and expense. The ability to reduce corticosteroid use and the need for alternative treatment interventions in 125 pediatric patients at our institution were reviewed. Because corticosteroid requirements were reduced significantly, only 23 of 125 children evaluated were considered for treatment alternatives with only 10 receiving such therapy. This study emphasizes the importance of a thorough and comprehensive review of corticosteroid requirements and usage prior to initiating alternative approaches to treatment in moderate to severe asthmatics as well as in patients thought to be "steroid-dependent."
Synthesis and Characterization of Pt(CN-p-(C2H5)C6H4)2(CN)2, a Crystalline Vapoluminescent Compound That Detects Vapor-Phase Aromatic Hydrocarbons

The vapochromic and vapoluminescent compound Pt(CN-p-(C(2)H(5))C(6)H(4))(2)(CN)(2) (abbreviated PtC(2)) is conveniently synthesized by the thermal rearrangement of [Pt(CN-p-(C(2)H(5))C(6)H(4))(4)][Pt(CN)(4)]. Recrystallization of PtC(2) gives a crystalline orange morph (O-PtC(2)) and an amorphous purple morph (P-PtC(2)) that both contain the cis isomer and differ only in their solid-state packing arrangements. Both compounds were fully characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, NMR, IR, and TGA. O-PtC(2) is vapochromic and vapoluminescent: it reversibly sorbs aromatic hydrocarbons and ethanol from air or nitrogen with resulting color changes and shifts in the emission spectrum. The lambda(max) values (nm) for emission from O-PtC(2) x (guest) are as follows: no guest, 611; toluene, 565; benzene, 586; chlorobenzene, 592; p-xylene, 585; mesitylene, 565; ethanol, 587. In the case of toluene and mesitylene, intermediate emitting phases are observed. Recrystallization of O-PtC(2) from dichloromethane/toluene gave single crystals of PtC(2) x 0.5(toluene). The single-crystal X-ray structure of PtC(2) x 0.5(toluene) contains infinite stacks of cis geometry and planar molecules with chains of platinum atoms parallel to the c axis of the monoclinic unit cell. The average Pt-Pt separation in PtC(2) x 0.5(toluene) is c/4 = 3.288(2) A. There are solvent channels parallel with the c axis that contain the toluene molecule guests. Thin films of O-PtC(2) rapidly sorb toluene from the gas phase to form PtC(2) x 0.25(toluene) and PtC(2) x 0.5(toluene). Long-term exposure gives PtC(2) x 1.0(toluene). Removal of the toluene source causes rapid desorption to PtC(2) x 0.5(toluene) and then to PtC(2) x 0.25(toluene). The remaining 0.25(toluene) lattice guests require heating for rapid removal. X-ray powder diffraction identified the PtC(2),PtC(2) x .25(toluene), and PtC(2) x 0.5(toluene) phases and showed that the sorption of toluene is accompanied by small changes in the unit cell dimensions that include lengthening the Pt-Pt distances in the structure. The sorption process improves the packing in the structure by utilizing some of the free volume for the toluene lattice guests.
Identification and genetic analysis of human and mouse activated Cdc42 interacting protein-4 isoforms.

Abstract By yeast two-hybrid screening with the Src kinase Lyn as bait, we identified a novel gene product with features of a scaffolding protein. Reported as Felic ( F es-related, with homology to E zrin, L yn i nteractor with C dc42), it is related to the CIP4 ( C dc42 I nteracting P rotein-4) gene. Southern blotting for CIP4/Felic of genomic DNA shows a single band, suggesting no gene duplication. Felic differs from CIP4 because of a 29 nucleotide sequence derived from the 3 ′ end of intron 13. Consequently, there is an out-of-frame translation that destroys an SH3 domain. Analysis of various tissues shows that the original CIP4 is the predominant transcript. Therefore, we propose to call that, CIP4a and Felic, CIP4b. During screening of the colorectal CaCo2 cell line, clones corresponding to a third CIP4-related transcript (CIP4c) were identified. CIP4c encodes a premature stop codon, resulting in the loss of the SH3 domain. A fourth, relatively abundant transcript (CIP4h) was isolated from heart, lung, and trachea tissue. CIP4h retains the SH3 domain. CIP4 levels are modified by all- trans -retinoic acid. The presence of alternative splice transcripts, with or without SH3 domains, suggests that CIP4 regulates cytoskeletal organization through structural–functional differences in a tissue-specific manner.
Antibody repertoire development in fetal and newborn piglets, III. Colonization of the gastrointestinal tract selectively diversifies the preimmune repertoire in mucosal lymphoid tissues

Changes in the VH-region repertoire of isolator piglets reared for 6 weeks under germ-free (GF) conditions and those colonized (COL) with a defined exclusion flora on the 1st day of life were compared. Although serum immunoglobulin levels were 20-100-fold higher in COL piglets than GF piglets, an analysis of peripheral blood B cells (PBBs) indicated that: GF and COL piglets used the same four VH genes and two DH segments during the 6-week period; proportional usage of VH genes and DH segments was the same as in fetal animals; and VH and DH usage did not differ between COL and GF animals. This pattern differed from the PBBs from 6-week-old conventional (CONV) piglets. When the sequences of 73 splenic CDR3 segments were analysed, DH usage and mutation frequency were the same in sequences from both 6-week-old GF and COL piglets; mutations were infrequent and occurred with the same frequency as in 110-day fetal spleen. However, the median CDR3 length in COL piglets was shifted upward due to 3' DH N-nucleotide additions. Neither COL nor GF animals made specific serum antibodies to phosphoryl choline given parenterally on a T-cell dependent carrier. In contrast to the near absence of a colonization effect in PBBs and splenic DNA, rearranged variable heavy-chain gene segments (VDJs) recovered from the DNA of mucosal lymphoid tissues of COL piglets showed pronounced differences from those recovered from GF animals in usage of DHA-, DHB-and VHB- and in the frequency of point mutation. The mucosal VDJ transcripts and those from the spleen were similarly affected by colonization. This effect on mucosal lymphoid tissue was consistent with the five-fold selective increase in serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels relative to IgM and IgG. Comparison of IgM and IgA transcripts from mucosal tissues suggested that IgA and IgM clones diversify in parallel. Our findings are the first to show that colonization of the gastrointestinal tract of offspring separated from their mothers, differs from 'conventionalized' GF animals in that colonization preferentially influences diversification and expansion of the preimmune IgM and IgA repertoire in mucosal lymphoid tissues but not in PBBs and seldom/modestly in VDJs from splenic DNA.
MRI of the incisural plane: assessment of normal brain stem position by age and transtentorial brain stem shift in disease

The standardization on MRI of an anatomic plane passing through the tectum of the midbrain based on fixed landmarks allows assessment of the position of the brain stem during development and in normal adulthood, and comparison with its position in disease states. The level of the tectum relative to this incisural plane changes during normal cranial growth as well as in the presence of masses, frank brain stem herniation correlating with altered consciousness.
Systems of Distribution and a Sense of Equity: A Multilevel Analysis of Meritocratic Attitudes in Post-industrial Societies

Meritocratic attitudes are defined as general beliefs that education and its correlates should determine personal economic outcomes. Using the International Social Survey Project (ISSP): Social Inequality Module (1992), we examine both individual-level and country-level determinants of pro-meritocratic attitudes. According to self-interest and rational-action theories, individuals with high educational attainment and high personal income are expected to have strong meritocratic beliefs because meritocracy is in their best interest-they would gain under such a system. At the same time, both modernization and post-industrial theories imply that persons living in countries with a high degree of societal meritocracy hold stronger meritocratic beliefs than persons living in countries with low degree of societal meritocracy. Results of the Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) analysis on a data set including 7,972 persons from 14 countries indicate that the impact of individuals' education and income on meritocratic attitudes occurred as theoretically predicted. We also demonstrate that the relationship between the degree of societal meritocracy and the degree of support for such a system is statistically significant even if national wealth and educational stock (as well as individual-level variables) are controlled. In addition, we discovered that at the beginning of the 1990s a post-communist regime had a negative effect on support for meritocracy.
Temperature and intensity dependence of the refractive index of a compound semiconductor

An investigation of the effect of high-intensity radiation at frequencies below the fundamental absorption edge on the refractive index of a compound semiconductor must include consideration of effects due to generated carriers and effects due to heating. The latter include the change of band-gap energy with temperature and thermal expansion, both of which change the refractive index. A calculation of the refractive index of a semiconductor with the band structure of the Kane theory is given for the case of arbitrary spin–orbit splitting energy. Theoretical results are expressed in terms of the following experimental parameters: band-gap energy, effective electron mass, effective hole masses of the three valence bands, the spin–orbit splitting energy, and the lattice constant. An expression for the thermo-optic coefficient dn/dT is given that makes possible the numerical evaluation of the refractive index as a function of temperature. The nonlinear intensity-dependent refractive index is calculated, assuming that the change in carrier concentration is generated by an applied radiation field of high intensity, and theoretical results are compared with experiment for InAs and InSb.
A Short-Term Retrospective of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis Using a Plate With PocketLock Fixation

Background. Various techniques have been described for arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review the results of fixation for ...
Determination of power deposition patterns for localized hyperthermia: a transient analysis.

Hyperthermia applicator design has concentrated on developing systems that allow control of power deposition patterns. In this paper, a method is detailed which uses the steady-state bioheat transfer equation and the target temperature distributions in normal and tumour tissue to calculate the desired steady-state power deposition patterns. This prospective thermal dosimetry approach is demonstrated analytically for three tumour models: an infinite half-space model; an infinite cylinder model; and a spherical model. A three-dimensional numerical method is demonstrated for two different tumour geometries and further applications of this method are discussed.