cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Educational Policy and Practice From the Perspective of Institutional Theory: Crafting a Wider Lens

Institutional analyses of public education have increased in number in recent years. However, studies in education drawing on institutional analyses have not fully incorporated recent contributions from institutional theory, particularly relative to other domains such as law and health policy. The author sketches a framework that integrates recent institutional theorizing to guide scholarship on these and other issues in K–12 public education in the United States. The author argues that although concepts such as “loose coupling” have been widely used, education researchers have not fully tapped institutional theories that have emerged more recently. The author introduces three interrelated constructs and applies them to a case study of district reading and mathematics reform. In the final section, the author considers how current developments in the governance of public schooling increase the utility of institutional perspectives and identify critical issues that need to be addressed in future work.
Effects of Methylprednisolone Infusions on Vital Signs in Children With Headaches

OBJECTIVES Intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) infusions have been associated with adverse cardiovascular effects. Inconsistent monitoring practices in a pediatric hospital led to questions about patient safety and allocation of nursing resources. This study describes vital sign changes in children and monitoring practices related to IVMP. METHODS This retrospective chart review received Institutional Review Board approval. Children aged 5 to 17 years receiving IVMP from January 2006 to January 2009 were included. Seventy-four patients with 94 hospital admissions were evaluated. Data collected included systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate, as well as the time and dosage of IVMP. Frequency of vital sign monitoring as ordered and as performed was described. Interrater reliability was calculated, and descriptive statistics were used in the data analysis. RESULTS At baseline, about half of the patients had vital signs out of normal range for age. After the first dose, vital signs fluctuated, with a majority having greater than 10% changes from baseline as increases, decreases, or both. Time of initial 10% change in vital signs ranged from immediately after the dose to 135.5 hours later. Increased vital sign changes were seen in the older patients and in patients receiving higher doses. Monitoring of vital signs occurred more frequently than was ordered. Only 1 patient had a specific order for monitoring with IVMP. CONCLUSIONS The patients included in this study experienced documented fluctuations in vital signs. A prospective study to evaluate the relationship of IVMP and patient safety will assist in standardizing vital sign monitoring guidelines.
Macrophage glycolipid receptors for human migration inhibitory factor (MIF): Differentiated HL-60 cells exhibit MIF responsiveness and express surface glycolipids which both bind MIF and convert nonresponsive cells to responsiveness

Abstract The human promyelocytic leukemia line HL-60 when treated with a phorbol diester (TPA) differentiates into cells (HL60-TPA) that respond to human migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Unresponsive HL-60 cells became responsive to MIF when preincubated with a glycolipid-enriched preparation extracted from HL60-TPA cells, human monocytes, human macrophage-like (U937) cell line, or with the purified glycolipid receptor for MIF from guinea pig peritoneal macrophages. Human blood monocytes exhibited an increased response to MIF when preincubated with glycolipids from HL60-TPA and U937 cells but not from HL-60 cells, Finally, glycolipids from HL60-TPA cells but not from HL-60 cells were able to reversibly bind MIF when covalently coupled to agarose. These studies suggest that TPA induces the differentiation of HL-60 cells into MIF-responsive cells through the expression of a glycolipid receptor for MIF.
Energy of combustion of triphenylphosphate

Abstract The energy of combustion of crystalline triphenylphosphate was measured in the NBS aneroid adiabatic rotating-bomb calorimeter. The standard molar enthalpy of combustion at 298.15 K and p∘ = 105 Pa for the reaction: C18H15PO4(cr) + 21O2(g) = 18CO2(g) + (H3PO4 + 6H2O)(aq) is ΔcHm∘ = −(9259.31 ± 4.96) kJ · mol−1. The derived standard molar enthalpy of formation for crystalline triphenylphosphate is ΔfHm∘ = −(829.26 ± 5.72) kJ · mol−1. Enthalpies of formation of the liquid and gas phases were calculated using literature values of the enthalpies of fusion and vaporization. Group-contribution values were derived for estimating enthalpies of formation of aromatic phosphates in the gas, liquid, and solid phases.
Adenovirus-mediated p53 tumor suppressor gene therapy of osteosarcoma

The clinical outcome for osteosarcoma (OS) remains discouraging despite efforts to optimize treatment using conventional modalities including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Novel therapeutic approaches based on our expanding understanding of the mechanisms of tumor cell killing have the potential to alter this situation. Tumor suppressor gene therapy aims to restore the function of a tumor suppressor gene lost or functionally inactivated in cancer cells. One such molecule, the p53 tumor suppressor gene plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the genome and preventing tumorigenesis. Introduction of wild-type (wt) p53 into transformed cells has been shown to be lethal for most cancer cells in vitro, but clinical trials of p53 gene replacement have had limited success. Analysis of these clinical trials highlighted the insufficient efficacy of current vectors and low proapoptotic activity of wt p53 as a single agent in vivo. In this review, a contemporary summarization of the current status of adenovirus-mediated p53 gene therapy of OS is presented. Advancement in our understanding of p53 tumor suppressor activity, the molecular biology of chemoresistant OS, and recent advances in tumor targeting with adenoviral vectors are also addressed. Based on these parameters, prospects for future investigations are proposed.
Growth and differentiation of the larval midgut epithelium during molting in the moth, Manduca sexta.

Abstract The number of epithelial cells comprising larval midgut of the tobacco hornworm moth, Manduca sexta increases 200-fold in development from the first to the fifth instar. We have examined larvae periodically before and during molting to follow epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. The midgut epithelium in Manduca sexta consists predominantly of columnar and goblet cells. These are arranged in a characteristic pattern with each goblet cell surrounded by a single layer of 4–6 columnar cells (Hakim et al. , (1988)). While undifferentiated basal stem cells are infrequently seen in intermolt larvae, just prior to the period when external signs of molting are visible, their number increases and mitotic figures become common. Proliferation continues for several hours and then these stem cells differentiate following a pattern similar to that seen during embryogenesis (Hakim et al. , (1988)). Here, however, the newly differentiating cells become intercalated among the mature differentiated cells already present in the epithelium. Since the pattern of individual goblet cells surrounded by a reticulum of columnar cells is maintained after the addition of new cells, the midgut epithelium of molting larvae appears to be a useful model for studying pattern formation in development.
Stochastic dominance and portfolio analysis

Abstract The principle of stochastic dominance is used to characterize the optimal efficient sets when the distributions of the random prospects belong to a family. Most of the well-known distributions are considered. In each case, the optimal efficient sets are characterized by easily verifiable conditions on the parameters of the distributions. These optimal efficient sets are then compared with the corresponding mean-variance (MV) efficient set. It is often found that the optimal efficient sets are proper subsets of the MV efficient set. Thus, the MV criterion is a proper efficiency criterion, but the MV efficient set can be excessively large compared to the optimal efficient set.
Solution Thermodynamics of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids and Water

This work presents the vapor−liquid equilibrium and the liquid−liquid equilibrium phase behavior and associated thermodynamic properties of water with three ionic liquids: 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]), 1-n-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C8mim][PF6]), and 1-n-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C8mim][BF4]). Although water stable, these compounds are hygroscopic, so the uptake of water vapor is an important issue. Due to the negligible volatility of ionic liquids, we were able to measure vapor−liquid equilibrium using a gravimetric microbalance, which was designed to measure adsorption on solids. The Henry's law constants range from 0.033 to 0.45 bar, with infinite dilution activity coefficients ranging from slight positive deviations from Raoult's law to as high as 8.62. The enthalpies and entropies of absorption are similar to those for the absorption of water into alcohols. In addition, we present water/ionic liquid liquid−liquid equilibria,...
Emotional Processing Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is Associated with Treatment Response in Late Life Depression

Introduction: Senior physicians are the most valuable teaching resources in medical field. There is also a risk of medical error due to physical ailment, compassion fatigue, and age-related cognitive decline. For decades, many studies emphasized the positive correlation between cognitive decline and how it affects performance. Methods: In this paper, authors review existed literature on this sensitive issue and give practical recommendations regarding how to help manage this problem. The ultimate goal is to meet physicians’ needs and reassure safe practices. Results: Authors break down the approach to age-related cognitive decline into multiple steps systematically. The steps include screening, assessment, planning, remediation, and follow up. In brief, there should be a population-based screening on physician performance by multidisciplinary team, in order to detect physicians who may need help. Once dyscompetence is suspected, neurocognitive assessment should be routinely incorporated with competency evaluation. Even though evidence that support the cognitive recovery after remediation is still scarce, some physicians do benefit from remediation and able to continue their practice for some period of time with support. Discussion about retirement upfront is highly recommended. Mandatory retirement age is not applicable in this profession comparing with others, such as pilots, firefighters, federal law enforcement officers, etc. We also reiterate the importance of having medical board, and regulatory authorities facilitate physicians’ career paths and support the most appropriate retirement planning for our senior physicians. Conclusions: Multiple steps need to be taken in order to meet physicians’ needs and reassure public safety. Age-related cognitive decline is inevitable, but how we address it in the system-level is what we have to address and study more.
Pre-sampling contamination of filters used in measurements of airborne (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan based on glucan-specific Limulus amebocyte lysate assay

Air sampling for (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan may be a good method for assessing inhalation exposure to airborne fungi. Pre-sampling contamination of filter media used for sampling (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan may lead to substantial exposure measurement errors. Using the Limulus amebocyte lysate assay, we tested for pre-sampling levels of (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan on three types of filters—mixed cellulose ester (MCE)[1 brand], glass fiber (GF)[1 brand], and polycarbonate (PC)[5 brands]. Levels of (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan on MCE filters exceeded 4586.1 pg per filter. Levels on GF filters averaged 135.3 (±28.9) pg per filter (range = 94.8–160.4 pg per filter) and levels on PC filters averaged 152.4 (±236.1) pg per filter (range = non-detectable–1760.7 pg per filter). Efforts to clean MCE and GF filters were unfeasible or unsuccessful. Sonicating PC filters for two hours in ethanol, followed by a wash in pyrogen-free water, effectively eliminated measured levels of (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan on four brands of PC filters, as compared to untreated PC filters. This pretreatment process did not appear to physically damage the PC filters. Air sampling results highlighted the potentially problematic contamination of untreated PC filters. Ensuring that sampling media are free of (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan before sampling is crucial to accurately measure levels of (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan exposure, especially in environments where levels of (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan are low.
Electromagnetic semitransparent δ-function plate: Casimir interaction energy between parallel infinitesimally thin plates

We derive boundary conditions for electromagnetic fields on a $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function plate. The optical properties of such a plate are shown to necessarily be anisotropic in that they only depend on the transverse properties of the plate. We unambiguously obtain the boundary conditions for a perfectly conducting $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function plate in the limit of infinite dielectric response. We show that a material does not ``optically vanish'' in the thin-plate limit. The thin-plate limit of a plasma slab of thickness $d$ with plasma frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{p}^{2}={\ensuremath{\zeta}}_{p}/d$ reduces to a $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function plate for frequencies ($\ensuremath{\omega}=i\ensuremath{\zeta}$) satisfying $\ensuremath{\zeta}d\ensuremath{\ll}\sqrt{{\ensuremath{\zeta}}_{p}d}\ensuremath{\ll}1$. We show that the Casimir interaction energy between two parallel perfectly conducting $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function plates is the same as that for parallel perfectly conducting slabs. Similarly, we show that the interaction energy between an atom and a perfect electrically conducting $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function plate is the usual Casimir-Polder energy, which is verified by considering the thin-plate limit of dielectric slabs. The ``thick'' and ``thin'' boundary conditions considered by Bordag are found to be identical in the sense that they lead to the same electromagnetic fields.
14-3-3ζ Protein regulates anterograde transport of the human κ-opioid receptor (hKOPR).

By proteomic analysis, we found that 14-3-3ζ was one of the proteins co-immunoprecipitated with human κ-opioid receptor (hKOPR) from extracts of solubilized Neuro2A cells stably expressing FLAG-hKOPR (N2A-FLAG-hKOPR cells). 14-3-3 proteins are a family of conserved regulatory molecules in eukaryotic cells, where they participate in signal transduction, metabolism, and membrane protein transport. 14-3-3ζ co-localized with the hKOPR in N2A cells. The hKOPR C-tail interacted with 14-3-3ζ in rat brain extracts and bound directly to purified 14-3-3ζ as demonstrated by pulldown techniques. 14-3-3ζ siRNA decreased expression of the hKOPR in N2A-FLAG-hKOPR cells and cultured primary cortical neurons of E19 rats by ∼25% as determined by immunoblotting, ligand binding, and flow cytometry. The effect of 14-3-3ζ siRNA was reversed by overexpression of 14-3-3ζ. Expression of the 14-3-3 scavenger protein pGpLI-R18 also decreased hKOPR expression. 14-3-3ζ siRNA did not change expressions of the hDOPR and rMOPR in N2A cells. Pulse-chase study showed that 14-3-3ζ siRNA decreased the amount of mature hKOPR but did not change the rate of maturation or stability of hKOPR protein. Mutations of R354A/S358A in the putative 14-3-3 interaction motif 354RQSTS358 in the hKOPR C-tail reduced interaction of the hKOPR with 14-3-3ζ and abolished the effect of 14-3-3ζ knockdown on hKOPR expression. Mutation of the endoplasmic reticulum retention motif 359RVR adjacent to the 14-3-3 interaction motif in the hKOPR C-tail decreased interaction of coatomer protein I (COPI) with the hKOPR and abolished 14-3-3ζ-mediated regulation of hKOPR expression. 14-3-3ζ knockdown increased association of COPI with the hKOPR. These results suggest that 14-3-3ζ promotes expression of the hKOPR by inhibiting COPI and RVR motif-mediated endoplasmic reticulum localization machinery.
Spontaneous Regression of a Massive Sporadic Chiasmal Optic Pathway Glioma

Optic pathway gliomas have highly variable and unpredictable natural histories, including spontaneous regression, making management decisions difficult and controversial. We report a case of substantial spontaneous regression of an optic pathway glioma involving the chiasm in a 15-month-old boy. Our case is particularly striking given the massive size at presentation with chiasmal, bilateral optic tract, and midbrain involvement, along with clinical ophthalmologic signs for which the majority of practitioners may have recommended treatment on presentation.
Spontaneous Electromagnetic Emission from a Strongly Localized Plasma Flow

Laboratory observations of electromagnetic ion-cyclotron waves generated by a localized transverse dc electric field are reported. Experiments indicate that these waves result from a strong $\mathbf{E}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathbf{B}$ flow inhomogeneity in a mildly collisional plasma with subcritical magnetic field-aligned current. The wave amplitude scales with the magnitude of the applied radial dc electric field. The electromagnetic signatures become stronger with increasing plasma $\ensuremath{\beta}$, and the radial extent of the power is larger than that of the electrostatic counterpart. Near-Earth space weather implications of the results are discussed.
A 60-GHz active-integrated antenna oscillator

Summary form only given. An active-integrated antenna (AIA) consists of active circuits and an antenna. Instead of considering the antenna as a 50-Ω load, the passive radiating element can provide different functions such as resonating, filtering, and radiating. AIA oscillators are especially attractive for spatial power combining systems with beam-steering capability such as coupled oscillator arrays (COAs). AIA-based architectures solve some problems in a traditional array architecture including lossy power distribution network, high power sources at high frequencies, etc. Recently, the unlicensed band at 57-66 GHz has attracted interest for short-range multi-Gbps wireless communications. The millimeter wavelength makes it possible to realize phased-array system with on-chip antennas thus improving the system integrity and reliability. With the rapid progress in semiconductor technology, several AIA designs have been demonstrated. However, the low resistivity of silicon substrate, which can seriously affect the radiation efficiency, makes AIA design more challenging at millimeter-wave frequencies. This work presents the design of 60-GHz active-integrated antenna oscillator in 0.13-μm SiGe BiCMOS process using a novel design methodology previously introduced by these authors (R. Moussounda and R. Rojas, paper 2481, IEEE Int. Symp. Ant. and Propag., Spokane, WA, July 3-8, 2011). The AIA oscillator consists of an on-chip meander line antenna, a cross-coupled oscillator, and varactors. Meander line structures are commonly used to implement small antennas in UHF wireless devices. To save silicon real estate while maintaining reliable radiation characteristics, a meander line antenna is adopted in this work. The input impedance of the antenna is controlled by the width and space of the introduced loading bars. The cross-coupled pair is used as the core structure of the oscillator due to its low phase noise performance, high frequency tuning range, and low power consumption. The oscillation frequency is controlled by varactors. The optimization exploits the nonlinear circuit properties and also uses 3D EM co-simulation. Highly accurate simulated results will be presented in this work to evaluate the performance of an AIA oscillator implemented in VLSI technology.
Sensitivity of optimization of mid-infrared InAs/InGaSb laser active regions to temperature and composition variations

We calculate the temperature dependence of the threshold current density Jth in optimized (minimal Jth) and unoptimized InAs/InGaSb superlattices. We find that the threshold current density of the unoptimized superlattice is well described by Jth∝eT/T0, with T0∼32 K from 25 to 275 K. This is the first microscopic calculation for these superlattices which indicates that Jth is well described by an empirical exponential form. In contrast, the threshold current density of the optimized superlattice is not well parametrized by a characteristic temperature T0. This superlattice is only optimized between 250 and 350 K, due to the sharp structure of the intersubband absorption spectrum. We also consider the effect on Jth of uncertainties in layer thicknesses.
Mediterranean Water: An Intense Mesoscale Eddy off the Bahamas

An anticyclonic lens of water in the permanent thermocline off the Bahamas has water mass characteristics representing Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic central waters. This eddy's ability to translate across the Atlantic without losing its identity points to baroclinic eddies as a specific mechanism for large-scale mixing.
Quantitative determination of EGF-R during epidermal wound healing.

Little is known about the intrinsic regulation of growth factors of cytokines during the normal epidermal wound-healing processes in skin. A simplified model of wounding (tape stripping to remove the stratum corneum) was used to study the role of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGF-R) in this process. Although the dynamics of EGF-R in epidermal wound healing have not been determined, the immunoreactive EGF-R that are present presumably play an active role. Prior studies show that 1) EGF-R are present in increased numbers in proliferative skin diseases; 2) a hypertrophic epidermis, closely resembling normal wound healing, is induced in mouse skin by EGF injections; and 3) exogenous topical EGF potentiates wound healing. The number of immunoreactive receptors as measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and histologic methods increased prior to an increase in epidermal thickness, total protein, and DNA content. This early increase in the levels of EGF-R was followed by a sharp decline in EGFR and subsequent decline in epidermal thickness (hypertrophy), total protein, and DNA levels. Alterations in the temporal sequence in these parameters indicate that the EGF-R-mediated signaling systems play an active role in epidermal wound repair.
Macrophage Functions in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall instigated by the excessive accumulation of lipoproteins; monocyte recruitment and their differentiation into macrophages in the subendothelial space. Repeated failure of innate immune responses to clear subintimal low-density lipoprotein (LDL), results in the deposition of lipid-laden macrophages or foam cells. Foam cells secrete proinflammatory mediators that facilitate lipoprotein retention and maintain vascular inflammation.1 Advancement of lesion is characterized by the apoptosis of these macrophages in the lipid core. Macrophage apoptosis plays a dual role in atherosclerosis. In early fatty streaks lesions, efferocytosis removes apoptotic cells and prevents lesion development, whereas in the advanced lesions, efferocytosis is not efficient to clear the apoptotic debri, leading to the formation of necrotic core which further enhances inflammation and atherogenesis.2 Accumulating indirect evidence suggests that the antiatherogenic role of high density lipoprotein (HDL) could at least in part, be due to its ability to stimulate cholesterol efflux from macrophages by ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 and G1 (ABCA1 and ABCG1). Complementing this notion, recent studies by Westerterp et al3 show that macrophage deficiency of ABCA1/G1 enhances lipid accumulation in macrophages, atherosclerosis and lesion inflammation. These authors observed that macrophage foam cells in spleen facilitate monocytosis which is inhibited by ABCA1/G1 and high levels of HDL. Studies by Ramirez et al4 demonstrate that activation of liver X receptor (LXR) augments the transcription of microRNA 144 (miR144) and inhibition of miR144 in macrophages upregulates ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux. In vivo, supplementation of mice with miR144 suppresses ABCA1 expression in the liver and reduces plasma HDL levels. Silencing of miR144 …
Breath Formate Is a Marker of Airway S-Nitrosothiol Depletion in Severe Asthma

BACKGROUND Children with severe asthma have poor symptom control and elevated markers of airway oxidative and nitrosative stress. Paradoxically, they have decreased airway levels of S-nitrosothiols (SNOs), a class of endogenous airway smooth muscle relaxants. This deficiency results from increased activity of an enzyme that both reduces SNOs to ammonia and oxidizes formaldehyde to formic acid, a volatile carboxylic acid that is more easily detected in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) than SNOs. We therefore hypothesize that depletion of airway SNOs is related to asthma pathology, and breath formate concentration may be a proxy measure of SNO catabolism. METHODS AND FINDINGS We collected EBC samples from children and adolescents, including 38 with severe asthma, 46 with mild-to-moderate asthma and 16 healthy adolescent controls, and the concentration of ionic constituents was quantified using ion chromatography. The concentrations of EBC components with volatile conjugates were log-normally distributed. Formate was the principal ion that displayed a significant difference between asthma status classifications. The mean EBC formate concentration was 40% higher in samples collected from all asthmatics than from healthy controls (mean = 5.7 microM, mean+/-standard deviation = 3.1-10.3 microM vs. 4.0, 2.8-5.8 microM, p = 0.05). EBC formate was higher in severe asthmatics than in mild-to-moderate asthmatics (6.8, 3.7-12.3 microM vs. 4.9, 2.8-8.7 microM, p = 0.012). In addition, formate concentration was negatively correlated with methacholine PC(20) (r = -0.39, p = 0.002, asthmatics only), and positively correlated with the NO-derived ion nitrite (r = 0.46, p<0.0001) as well as with total serum IgE (r = 0.28, p = 0.016, asthmatics only). Furthermore, formate was not significantly correlated with other volatile organic acids nor with inhaled corticosteroid dose. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that EBC formate concentration is significantly higher in the breath of children with asthma than in those without asthma. In addition, amongst asthmatics, formate is elevated in the breath of those with severe asthma compared to those with mild-to-moderate asthma. We suggest that this difference is related to asthma pathology and may be a product of increased catabolism of endogenous S-nitrosothiols.
Latitude dependence of Martian pedestal craters: Evidence for a sublimation‐driven formation mechanism

We report on the results of a survey to document and characterize pedestal craters on Mars equatorward of similar to 60 degrees N and 65 degrees S latitude. The identification of 2696 pedestal craters reveals a strong latitude dependence, with the vast majority found poleward of 33 degrees N and 40 degrees S. This latitudinal extent is correlated with many climate indicators consistent with the presence of an ice-rich substrate and with climate model predictions of where ice is deposited during periods of higher obliquity in the Amazonian. We have measured key physical attributes of pedestal craters, including the farthest radial extents of the pedestals, pedestal heights, and the circularity of the pedestal margins. In conjunction with the geographic distribution, our measurements strongly support a sublimation-related formation mechanism. This is in contrast to previous hypotheses, which have relied on eolian deflation to produce the elevated plateaus. The identification of marginal pits on the scarps of some pedestal craters, interpreted to be sublimation pits, provide direct evidence for the presence of ice-rich material underlying the armored surface of pedestal craters. On the basis of our findings, we propose a formation mechanism whereby projectiles impact into a volatile-rich dust/snow/ice substrate tens to hundreds of meters thick overlying a dominantly fragmental silicate regolith. The area surrounding the resulting crater becomes armored. Pedestals extend to a distance of multiple crater radii, farther than typical ejecta deposits, necessitating an armoring mechanism that is capable of indurating the surface to a distance greater than the reach of the ejecta. Return to low obliquity causes sublimation of the volatile-rich layer from the intercrater plains, lowering the elevation of the regional terrain. This yields generally circular pedestal craters elevated above the surrounding plains. As a result, the armored surfaces of pedestal craters have preserved a significant record of Amazonian climate history in the form of ice-rich deposits.
The Elderly Disturbed Prisoner

ABSTRACT Elderly prisoners are a small but significant part of the growing prison population. They are disproportionate users of scarce penal mental health resources. They are difficult patients to treat because they usually have multiple physical and emotional problems. Treatment principles, however, are the same as for any patient.
Predictive Modeling of Storm-Water Runoff Quantity and Quality for a Large Urban Watershed

A predictive model for storm-water runoff was implemented on a GIS platform based on the unit area loading method and Browne’s empirical relation for soil characteristics for the Upper Ballona Creek Watershed in Los Angeles. The heterogeneity of the watershed was quantified by dividing it into many small subareas and applying lumped parameters for each. Characterization of total pollutant load by land-use types to total loads was achieved through zeroth-order regularization and limited memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno bound constrained optimization techniques. Relative form was used in the objective function to compensate for strong contributions of high magnitude variables. Model predictions showed reasonable agreement with pollutant loadings, using Zn as an example, measured at the mass emission site at watershed mouth. The predicted runoff volumes using the developed quantity model were in good agreement with the data and had R2 of 0.86. The RMS error of the quality model was 9 kg , which is low...
Circular permutation graph family with applications

Abstract In a circular permutation diagram , there are two sets of terminals on two concentric circles: C in and C out . Given a permutation Π = [π 1 , π 2 , …, π n ], terminal i on C in and terminal π i on C out are connected by a wire. The intersection graph G c of a circular permutation diagram D c is called a circular permutation graph of a permutation Π corresponding to the diagram D c . The set of all circular permutation graphs of a permutation Π is called the circular permutation graph family of permutation Π. In this paper, we propose the following: (1) an O(∣ V ∣ + ∣ E ∣) time algorithm to check if a labeled graph G = ( V , E ) is a labeled circular permutation graph. (2) An O( n log n + nt ) time algorithm to find a maximum independent set of a family, where n = ∣Π∣ and t is the cardinality of the output. (Number t in the worst case is O( n ). However, if Π is uniformly distributed (and independent from i ), its expected value is O(√ n ).) (3) An O(min(δ∣ V c ∣log log∣ V c ∣,∣ V c ∣log∣ V c ∣) + ∣ E c ∣) time algorithm for finding a maximum independent set of a circular permutation diagram D c , where δ is the minimum degree of vertices in the intersection graph G c = ( V c , E c ) of D c . (4) An O( n log log n ) time algorithm for finding a maximum clique and the chromatic number of a circular permutation diagram, where n is the number of wires in the diagram.
Toroidal varied-line space (TVLS) gratings

It is a particular challenge to develop a stigmatic spectrograph for XUV wavelengths since the very low normal-incidence reflectance of standard materials most often requires that the design be restricted to a single optical element which must simultaneously provide both re-imaging and spectral dispersion. This problem has been solved in the past by the use of toroidal gratings with uniform line-spaced rulings (TULS). A number of solar EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) spectrometers have been based on such designs, including SOHO/CDS, Solar-B/EIS, and the sounding rockets SERTS and EUNIS. More recently, Kita, Harada, and collaborators have developed the theory of spherical gratings with varied line-space rulings (SVLS) operated at unity magnification, which have been flown on several astronomical satellite missions. We now combine these ideas into a spectrometer concept that puts varied-line space rulings onto toroidal gratings. Such TVLS designs are found to provide excellent imaging even at very large spectrograph magnifications and beam-speeds, permitting extremely high-quality performance in remarkably compact instrument packages. Optical characteristics of two solar spectrometers based on this concept are described: SUMI, proposed as a sounding rocket experiment, and NEXUS, proposed for the Solar Dynamics Observatory mission.
Note on the density matrix for an arbitrary number of closed shells in a bare Coulomb field

An explicit relation between the density matrix and its s-state part is analyzed for electron closed shells moving in a bare Coulomb potential. The density matrix has a simple separable form in terms ofr1 +r2 and |r1 −r2|. It is demonstrated that for an arbitrary number of closed shells, the off-diagonal dependence is simply polynomial in the |r1 −r2| coordinate.
Cultured GABA-immunoreactive neurons are resistant to toxicity induced by β-amyloid

Abstract Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a selective loss of particular cell populations. Several recent lines of evidence suggest thatβ -amyloid protein directly contributes to the disease's progression and is likely responsible for the observed pattern of neuronal death. We have previously demonstrated that aggregated β-amyloid peptides are neurotoxic to cultured neurons. We now report that a neuronal population exhibiting GABA-immunoreactivity is resistant to β-amyloid-induced toxicity in vitro , a finding consistent with observations in the Alzheimer brain. Determination of the intrinsic neuronal characteristics responsible for resistance toβ -amyloid may prove beneficial in both understanding the mechanism(s) ofβ -amyloid neurotoxicity and halting the disease's progressive neuronal degeneration.
Determination of the rate limiting step in the oxidation of CO on Pt(111) surfaces

The kinetic behavior of the oxidation of carbon monoxide on Pt(111) was studied at different temperatures by exposing both oxygen-covered surfaces to molecular CO beams and clean surfaces to CO + O2 mixed beams under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions. Results from the first type of experiments show that on oxygen-covered surfaces the rate for CO2 production above 400 K is determined by the impinging rate of the carbon monoxide molecules. On clean surfaces the oxidation rate is equally determined by the CO incoming flux as long as the CO∶O2 ratio in the CO + O2 mixed beams is low. For high CO∶O2 ratios, however, the CO steady-state coverage increases, poisoning the adsorption of oxygen, and slowing down the overall CO2 production. The rate of surface recombination of CO with oxygen also competes with that of CO adsorption at low temperatures, giving rise to a fairly complex overall dynamic behavior.
Surface premelting of Cu(110)

Disordering and melting of the surface of Cu(110) are investigated using molecular-dynamics simulations, in which the embedded-atom theory is used to describe the energetics and interatomic interactions. In addition, the bulk melting temperature and the properties of the crystal-to-melt interface at coexistence are studied. The surface region of the Cu(110) starts to disorder, via the generation of vacancies accompanied by the formation of an adlayer, at a temperature of about 900 K. At a temperature of \ensuremath{\simeq}1200 K (i.e., about 80 K below bulk melting), the development of a quasiliquid region, exhibiting liquidlike energetic, structural, and transport properties, is observed. Analysis of the results, motivated by Landau-Ginzburg (mean-field) theories of surface melting, shows that the thickness of the quasiliquid layer increases logarithmically as the temperature approaches the melting point, with a correlation length of 4.3 \AA{}.
Exchange effects on imperfectly inverted powder patterns

Abstract A formalism for including effects of slow ( k ω Q ) large-angle reorientational jumps on imperfectly inverted deuterium powder patterns has been developed. The consequences of such z -magnetization transfers during the recovery period are investigated experimentally and by computer simulation.
Three-Dimensional Magnetostatic Analysis Using Structured Mesh and Nodal Elements

A structured mesh consisting of uniform, undistorted or regular shaped elements is easy to generate because it does not conform to the geometry. In order to use such a mesh for analysis, the geometry has to be represented independently of the mesh. To apply essential boundary conditions when nodes are not present on the boundary, the implicit boundary method was developed which uses solution structures constructed using approximate step functions. In this paper, this method is extended to solve 3-D magnetostatics and magnetic force computation problems that typically involve an assembly of parts made of several different materials. Traditional nodal elements are used, with specially constructed solution structures, to represent test and trial functions such that both boundary and interface conditions are enforced. Several magnetostatic problems with known solutions are modeled to validate the method.
Interpreting Proportional Reduction in Error Measures as Percentage of Variation Explained

Costner (1965) showed that many of the most commonly used measures of association may be conceptually interpreted as indicating proportional reduction in prediction error. But because it is verball...
Highly polar organic compounds present in wood smoke and in the ambient atmosphere.

Fine particulate matter emitted during wood combustion is known to contribute a significant fraction of the total fine aerosol concentration in the atmosphere of both urban and rural areas. In the present study, additional organic compounds that may act as wood smoke tracers in the atmosphere are sought. Polar organic compounds in wood smoke fine particulate matter are converted to their trimethylsilyl derivatives and analyzed by gas chromatog raphy/mass spectrometry. Silylation enables the detection of n-alkanols, plant sterols, and a number of compounds derived from wood lignin that have not previously been reported in wood smoke samples, as well as levoglucosan and related sugar anhydrides formed during the combustion of cellulose. The concentrations of these compounds measured in source emissions are compared to the concentrations in atmospheric fine particle samples collected at a rural background site and at two urban sites in California's San Joaquin Valley. On the basis of this analysis, the sugar anhydrides galactosan and mannosan can be listed along with levoglucosan as being among the most abundant organic compounds detected in all samples.
A framework for new solution development: an adaptive search perspective

Suppliers or solution providers are persistently under pressure to find a way toward competitive advantage. The literature indicates that for revenue growth and business opportunities, suppliers (e.g. IBM) must initiate a transition from goods or product-oriented business to solution-based business. Despite the need for solution development, there is a lack of practical and readily adoptable methodologies for suppliers. This is particularly acute in the professional service industry or knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS). This study offers a theory-driven, yet practical, framework for understanding and executing solution development. The proposed framework uses a complexity theory view of strategy and presents new solution development as adaptive search toward higher peaks in the rugged business landscape. This study suggests that the search must be ambidextrous (the combination of local and distant searches). The search toward better solutions has three distinct but inter-related dimensions: sup...
Eyeball Parameter Estimation with a Computer

Great promise is shown by combining man and computers via interactive graphics to solve problems neither could solve alone. The behavior of man in this problem-solving combination must be studied just as any computer problem-solving system. The example problem studied is parameter estimation. After collecting observational data, a mathematical model of the data generation process is constructed which generates predicted data which varies according to some parameters of the model. The problem is to find parameters which ``fit'' predicted data to collected data. Three methods are typically used to solve this problem: calculate parameters as a function of the observational data, ``grid search'' the parameter space, and ``hill climb'' in the parameter space. In all these procedures, ``feel'' of the data and model are lost. Systematic differences may be present which suggest data collection errors or a need to reformulate the model. An interactive graphics curve-fitting procedure has been developed which both fits curves and gives the man some feel of the process. Collected data are displayed. The man then iteratively enters trial parameters and immediately observes the predicted data along with the collected data (and other predicted data curves). Collected data for problems with two parameters were generated using linear, sinusoidal, exponential, and logrithmic models to which random error and sometimes systematic error components were added. Collected data for problems with four parameters were generated using a model of short-term memory and random error.
Expression of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and splice variants of GHRH receptors in human experimental prostate cancers

Abstract The expression of mRNA for GHRH and splice variants (SVs) of GHRH receptors in LNCaP, MDA-PCa-2b and PC-3 human prostate cancers grown in nude mice was investigated by RT-PCR. The expression of mRNA for GHRH was detected in LNCaP and PC-3, but not in MDA-PCa-2b prostatic carcinoma. RT-PCR analyses of mRNA isolated from LNCaP, MDA-PCa-2b and PC-3 cancers, revealed the presence of 720 and 566 bp products, corresponding to SV1 and SV2 isoforms of GHRH receptors. In PC-3 tumor membranes a radiolabeled GHRH antagonist [ 125 I ]-JV-1-42 was bound to one class of high-affinity binding sites (Kd=1.81±0.47 nM) and maximum binding capacity of 332.7±27.8 fmol/mg membrane protein. The in vivo uptake of [ 125 I ]-JV-1-42 was observed in all xenografts of human prostate cancer, the tracer accumulation being the highest in PC-3 tumors. These results indicate that GHRH and SVs of its receptors, different from those found in the pituitary, are present in experimental human prostate cancers and may form a local mitogenic loop. The antiproliferative effects of GHRH antagonists on growth of prostate cancer could be exerted in part by an interference with this local GHRH system.
Intraoperative radiation exposure with the use of 18F-FDG–guided thyroid cancer surgery

Radio-guided surgery is an established means for surgeons to identify a target of interest for biopsy or excision. This technique is used for a variety of malignancies as well as minimally invasive parathyroid surgery. The primary radionuclide used for these procedures is technetium-99m (Tc-99m), but others have been used. Use of 18fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) in oncology has proliferated. This has created the opportunity to use 18F-FDG as a potential radio tracer in the operating room. A pilot study of three patients with non-iodine avid thyroid cancers undergoing 18F-FDG–guided revision thyroid cancer surgery is reported. Radiation exposure to operating room personnel was measured. Radiation exposure to the surgeon and staff members of an operating room is well below the limits of the National Regulatory Commission. Therefore, utilization of this radiopharmaceutical intraoperatively should not be limited in the future because of concern regarding exposure of operating room personnel to radiation.
Cell sorting experiments link persistent mitochondrial DNA damage with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptotic cell death

In order to understand the molecular events following oxidative stress, which lead to persistence of lesions in the mtDNA, experiments were performed on normal human fibroblast (NHF) expressing human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). The formation and repair of H(2)O(2)-induced DNA lesions were examined using quantitative PCR. It was found that NHF hTERTs show extensive mtDNA damage ( approximately 4 lesions/10 kb) after exposure to 200 microm H(2)O(2), which is partially repaired during a recovery period of 6 h. At the same time, the nDNA seemed to be completely resistant to damage. Cell sorting experiments revealed persistent mtDNA damage at 24 h only in the fraction of cells with low mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta Psi m). Further analysis also showed increased production of H(2)O(2) by these cells, which subsequently undergo apoptosis. This work supports a hypothesis for a feed-forward cascade of reactive oxygen species generation and mtDNA damage and also suggested a possible mechanism for persistence of lesions in the mtDNA involving a drop in Delta Psi m, compromised protein import, secondary reactive oxygen species generation, and loss of repair capacity.
DOTP-manganese and -nickel complexes: from a tetrahedral network with 12-membered rings to an ionic phosphonate.

DOTP (1,4,7,10-tetrakis(methylenephosphonic acid)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane) was reacted hydrothermally with MnCl2·2H2O and Ni(NO3)2·6H2O resulting in two structurally different compounds. Mn[...
Maternal complications of pregnancy increase beyond 40 weeks of gestation in low-risk women.

Maternal complications of pregnancy increase beyond 40 weeks of gestation in low-risk women
The influence of previous life events and developmental experiences on the resolution of grief as developed in psychotherapy

The author presents an initial brief description of several viewpoints regarding object loss. He develops a case history in the course of describing a psychotherapy that provides a view of the patient experiencing a current loss as having the complicated influences of multiple previous losses for which she has felt guilty and experiences a sense of helplessness. The intensity of the current loss is related to the patient's overdetermined needs for attachment and mastery of past losses. The treatment allows the psychological development to unfold with the patient's associations and dreams. The resolution of grief is dealt with in the context of a short term (three month) psychotherapy which allows some insight into the defense mechanisms (repression) and feelings of guilt associated with loss. The transference manifestations were not emphasized in the treatment because of the defined limited nature of the task.
The agrin gene codes for a family of basal lamina proteins that differ in function and distribution

We isolated two cDNAs that encode isoforms of agrin, the basal lamina protein that mediates the motor neuron-induced aggregation of acetylcholine receptors on muscle fibers at the neuromuscular junction. Both proteins are the result of alternative splicing of the product of the agrin gene, but unlike agrin, they are inactive in standard acetylcholine receptor aggregation assays. They lack one (agrin-related protein 1) or two (agrin-related protein 2) regions in agrin that are required for its activity. Expression studies provide evidence that both proteins are present in the nervous system and muscle and that, in muscle, myofibers and Schwann cells synthesize the agrin-related proteins while the axon terminals of motor neurons are the sole source of agrin.