cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technology Integration Using Clinical Experiences in the Preparation of Preservice Teachers

AbstractIn order to provide preservice teachers with the opportunity to learn and use technology while working with students, one school of education recently integrated a clinical component into one of its instructional technology classes. In this class, preservice teachers work with local fifth graders to research, design, and create an interactive Hyper-Studio stack. Using a pre and post questionnaire, 60 of the preservice teachers who were enrolled in the class during Fall 2000 were surveyed on their perceptions and concerns relevant to technology and working with elementary students. Results indicate that the preservice teachers (a) gained confidence in their technology skills, (b) increased their awareness of the abilities and characteristics of the fifth graders, and (c) gained insight into teaching with technology.
Mouse Models of Bariatric Surgery

Morbid obesity is linked to increased incidence of glucose intolerance, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, various forms of liver disease, and specific forms of cancer. Treatment of obesity by lifestyle modifications (i.e., changes in diet and exercise) and drug therapy is generally ineffective. Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective means of treating obesity and related disorders. We as well as others have developed surgical procedures for application to genetic mouse models that mimic an array of human bariatric surgical procedures used in the treatment of obesity. The application of bariatric surgery to genetic mouse models will broaden our understanding of the role of the gut in metabolic disease. Models that have been developed include gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with a complete exclusion of the stomach, duodenal-jejunal bypass (DJB), and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). The detailed methods of these procedures are provided. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 2:295-306 © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: bariatric surgery; gastric banding; sleeve gastrectomy; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; duodenal-jejunal bypass; biliopancreatic diversion; mice
Contested Discourses in Multidisciplinary Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs).

This qualitative study explored how law enforcement officers, forensic nurses, and rape crisis advocates who are members of coordinated service delivery models such as Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) describe their process of engaging with one another and managing their differences in professional orientation, statutory obligations, and power. Using semi-structured interviews with 24 SART responders including rape crisis center advocates, law enforcement, and medical personnel, we examined the ways that SART members discursively construct one another’s role in the team and how this process points to unresolved tensions that can manifest in conflict. The findings in this study indicate that interdisciplinary power was negotiated through discursive processes of establishing and questioning the relative authority of team members to dictate the work of the team, expertise in terms of knowledge and experience working in the field of rape response, and the credibility of one another as qualified experts w...
Installation and Use of the Microscope Within a Gastight Glove Box

The adaptation of a high-resolution phase-contrast microscope for glove box use, which allows the stage and focusing knobs in the glovebox, although oculars and camera remain outside, is described.
Seeking Alfred's body: royal tomb as political object in the reign of Edward the Elder

This article addresses a crux in the Fonthill Letter: why Helmstan, an outlawed thief, visited King Alfred's grave. This episode coincided with a succession dispute in which Alfred's son, Edward the Elder, was resisting a challenge for the kingdom. To enhance his legitimacy, Edward celebrated his father's legacy and promoted his grave, building Alfred a monumental mausoleum. Edward removed Helmstan's outlawry after the visit – a reversal that resembles instances in which condemned criminals were spared punishment after seeking sanctuary protection. I propose that as part of his political efforts, Edward offered comparable clemency to offenders who visited Alfred's grave.
Ethical Professional (Trans)Formation: Themes from Interviews About Professionalism with Exemplary Lawyers

This Article reports on an empirical study of professionalism with a diverse group of lawyers considered by their peers as exemplary professionals across a range of law firms and organizations in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We frame this study with the rationale for why a paradigm shift in legal education is necessary in order to focus on each student’s ethical professional identity. We conclude with the implications of this research for legal education. We used in-depth interview methodologies from lifespan developmental psychology. Our sample consisted of six men and six women, ranging in age from mid-40s to early-80s, using a modified random sampling procedure involving oversampling underrepresented groups. Asked to reflect on how the meaning of professionalism had changed over their careers, the lawyers reported that their understanding had gradually shifted from an external definition based on rules and existing norms, to a definition consisting of greater internalization of a moral core related to legal practice. They reported internalizing the habit of ongoing reflection, and discussed how facing significant life or work challenges fostered growth. They discussed the importance of giving independent and honest counsel to clients. The overall developmental profile we found in our study replicates findings of a similar study of senior military professionals at West Point Military Academy. Our finding of later stage identity development profiles contrasts with earlier developmental stage profiles predominant in our initial studies of early career lawyers and law students, lending support for this empirical approach to moral identity development research and curriculum development. Our findings suggest how law schools can foster later stages of moral identity development, self-transformation, or what we term as transformational professionalism.
The Effects of Femoral Intramedullary Reaming on Pulmonary Function in a Sheep Lung Model

Two methods of intramedullary fixation of fractures of the middle of the femoral shaft were evaluated in a sheep model to determine the effect of femoral reaming on pulmonary function. The effect of a modified reamer was also studied. A second experiment with the same model was performed to evaluate the relationship between embolization and pulmonary dysfunction. This experiment involved two groups of sheep--those with normal lungs and those with contused lungs--divided into subgroups--those that had nailing with reaming and those that had nailing without reaming. Intracardiac ultrasound was used to measure the magnitude and duration of transvenous particulate embolization during the operations. Both experiments involved hemodynamic monitoring during and after the nailing. The pulmonary tissue was examined histologically after the animals were killed. The hemodynamic monitoring revealed only a transient increase in pulmonary vascular resistance in the animals that had femoral nailing with reaming in both experiments. The modified reamer had no effect on the pulmonary response. Histological analysis of pulmonary tissue demonstrated a significant increase in the number of fat emboli in both the animals that had nailing with reaming and the animals that had nailing without reaming compared with the control animals. Intravascular ultrasound revealed that the operative maneuver associated with the greatest number of emboli was opening of the intramedullary canal with the awl. The first two passes of the reamer produced more emboli and embolism of longer duration than did the later passes. Pulmonary confusion did not increase the risk of pulmonary dysfunction due to intramedullary nailing in this model.
Using QRRO survey data to assess compliance with quality indicators for breast and prostate cancer.

Purpose Quality Research in Radiation Oncology ™ (QRRO ™ ) has embarked on a new national process survey to provide benchmark data that will allow radiation oncologists to assess the quality of care in their own practices by measuring quality indicators (QIs) and comparing individual with national practice. Methods Investigators at QRRO developed QIs on the basis of nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines such as those of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, as well as additional emerging QIs for processes involving rapidly emerging technology. They specifically defined the QIs as clinical performance measures. Published results of the national survey database for patients treated in 1998 and 1999 were reviewed and additional analyses conducted to assess data adequacy to measure compliance with these clinical performance measures. Results Examples of workup QIs for breast cancer patients showed that 97% underwent diagnostic bilateral mammography, 96% underwent pathology reviews, 83% underwent the determination of estrogen receptor status, 81% underwent the determination of progesterone receptor status, and 31% underwent the determination of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status. Compliance with treatment QIs for field recommendations on the basis of nodal findings can be measured. Of patients with prostate cancer, 90% underwent digital rectal examinations, 99% underwent prostate-specific antigen tests, and 99% had their Gleason scores determined. Compliance with QIs on the basis of prognostic group can also be measured. Conclusions Benchmarking utilization patterns provides a foundation for assessing the appropriateness of cancer care in the future. The QRRO database is a rich data source, and the new survey will provide contemporary benchmark data for these measures.
Energy transfer dynamics of luminescent ions in solids using kinetic and spectroscopic data

Abstract We have studied the dynamics of energy transfer in several laser-type crystals with different combinations of donor and acceptor ions. We have considered kinetic data, consisting of the time dependent responses of both donor and acceptor ions to pulsed excitation, and related spectroscopic data, including absorption, luminescence, and excitation spectra. We have found that using both kinetic and spectroscopic data together may yield reliable values of interaction parameters and validate the consistency of the kinetic and spectroscopic models.
Learning to Neighbor? Service-learning in Context

Service-learning has received a great deal of attention in the management education literature over the past decade, as a method by which students can acquire moral and civic values as well as gain academic knowledge and practice real-world skills. Scholars focus on student and community impact, curricular design, and rationale. However, the educational environment (“context”) in which service-learning occurs has been given less attention, although experienced educators know that the classroom is hardly a vacuum and that students learn a great deal from the non-curricular aspects of their educational experience. Moral values in particular are conveyed by what is not said. Given this, I argue that the contexts in which service-learning takes place are as important as the activity itself. Three perspectives on context will be described and assessed: the “hidden” curriculum, the educational atmosphere, and the university’s orientation towards social responsibility.
Interaction of valinomycin with electrolytes and lipids at the air/water interface

Abstract In accordance with other's data, valinomycin is very surface active. It spreads readily at the air/water interface, where it forms stable films and it penetrates lipid films. Surface potential measurements indicate that valinomycin films interact specifically with K+ in preference to Na+ in the absence of lipid. This interaction is favored by both high film pressure and high electrolyte concentration. Though smaller, definite differences between Na+ and K+ were observed also when valinomycin was spread on a lipid film preformed on dilute electrolyte solutions. In the absence of lipid, with low salt concentrations, up to 0.5 M (NaCl or KCl) in the subphase, no difference was seen between Na+ and K+ in either the force-area or the surface potential-area curves; upon compression of the valinomycin film the surface potential increased from 250 mV at 2 dyn/cm to 550 mV at 30 dyn/cm (collapse pressure), as much as on distilled water. With higher salt concentrations in the subphase, as the film pressure became greater than 20 dyn/cm, the surface potential (ΔV) on KCl rose markedly above that on NaCl, the largest value of ΔV being 1050 mV on 0.7 M KCl and 1200 mV on 0.7 M KBr as compared with 550 mV on 0.7 M NaCl. When the chloride salts were used in the subphase the largest ΔV values (near collapse pressure) were in the order Li+ Rb+ > Cs+ > Ba2+ > Mg2+. At 10 dyn/cm the order was reversed to Rb+ ⪢ K+. With K+ salts, the largest ΔV values (near collapse) were in the order SO42−, F− ⪡ Cl− CNS− > I−; at high film pressure, K+ was the most effective of the cations and Br− was the most effective of the anions. Demonstration of a specific valinomycin-K+ interaction in the absence of lipid is in accordance with the view that valinomycin could function as a carrier molecule for K+ across biological membranes. Since valinomycin does not contain any ionizable fixed charge, the surface potential effects observed with specific cations cannot be those of a Gouy diffused electrical double layer and represent a unique phenomenon in the interaction of ions with uncharged monolayers; this phenomenon has no counterpart in the literature of surface potentials and requires an explanation. A complex is proposed in which KCl or KBr are positioned as ±ion pairs across the II interface as to give the potential of a positive fixed charge; in a type of Stern layer, the K+ is immobilized on the lipid side by the valinomycin binding site, and the anion is retained by the K+ on the hydrophilic side.
All-optical proteretic (reversed-hysteretic) bi-stable device

Abstract In this paper, we report for the first time a design and simulation (via VPIphotonics) of an all-optical proteretic bi-stable device. The proteresis is a reversed hysteresis with an interesting characteristic which increases the oscillation frequency of a feed-back system with a relaxation dynamics by reducing the feed-back delay. The calculation of the bi-stable device parameters, a simulation of the theoretical device, and a simulation of the all-optical device are given. Applications of the proteretic device in ultra-high speed oscillations are also discussed.
Successive interference cancellation: a back-of-the-envelope perspective

Successive interference cancellation (SIC) is a physical layer capability that allows a receiver to decode packets that arrive simultaneously. While the technique is well known in communications literature, emerging software radios are making practical experimentation feasible. This motivates us to study the extent of throughput gains possible with SIC from a MAC layer perspective. Contrary to our initial expectation, we find that the gains from SIC are not easily available in many realistic situations. Moreover, we observe that the scope for SIC gets squeezed by the advances in bitrate adaptation, casting doubt on the future of SIC based protocols.
The Effect of All-mail Elections on Voter Turnout:

Proponents of all-mail elections argue that this type of election facilitates participation such that elevated levels of turnout occur. The research tests this assumption by analyzing 48 statewide ...
Outcome comparison following colorectal cancer surgery in an equal access system

Abstract Background Previous reports suggest outcome differences following surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) based on specialist and volume-related metrics. We sought to compare community and tertiary centers in an equal access system. Materials and methods Patients treated for CRC at Department of Defense medical facilities were stratified by care at tertiary (MEDCEN) versus community (MEDDAC) medical centers. Disease-free and overall survival outcomes were calculated, including Cox multivariate analysis. Results A total of 6438 patients met inclusion criteria. Overall, 3347 operations were performed at MEDCENs and 3091 operations at MEDDACs. By stage, 25.6% were stage 1, 27.1% stage 2, 29.1% stage 3, and 18.2% stage 4. Mean number of lymph nodes harvested were 11.3 ± 10.2, with no difference between facilities. Disease-free survival at 5 y was similar between the two cohorts (mean 88.1%). Overall 5-y survival was 52.7% (MEDDAC) versus 46.8% (MEDCEN), P Conclusion Outcomes following surgery for CRC in an equal access system are improved in stage 2 patients treated at MEDDACs compared to high-volume, specialist-centered MEDCENs. Further evaluation into factors impacting improved overall survival at MEDDACs, including adjuvant therapy utilization, is warranted to optimize outcomes.
Ageing increases growth factor-induced inorganic pyrophosphate elaboration by articular cartilage

Advanced age is the most common risk factor for the development of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal-associated arthritis. However, the link between ageing and CPPD crystal formation in cartilage remains unexplained. In CPPD deposition disease, excess extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate (ePPi), generated by articular chondrocytes, accumulates in affected joints and contributes to CPPD crystallogenesis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) is the first known physiologic stimulant of ePPi elaboration by adult porcine and human cartilage. We hypothesized that sensitivity of articular cartilage to the ePPi-stimulatory effects of TGF beta 1 may increase with ageing. Accordingly, we compared the effects of TGF beta 1 on cartilage ePPi elaboration from juvenile, young adult, and old adult pigs. Cartilage organ cultures from old animals increased ePPi elaboration in response to TGF beta 1 to a greater extent than did cartilage from juvenile and young adult animals. Similar results were seen in chondrocyte monolayers. Concurrent exposure to epidermal growth factor (EGF) augmented, but was not necessary for TGF beta 1-induced ePPi elaboration by adult cartilage. In contrast, in juvenile cartilage, concurrent exposure to EGF was required to permit TGF beta 1-induced ePPi elaboration. Thus, increased cartilage responsiveness to the ePPi-stimulatory effects of TGF beta 1 occurs with ageing, and may explain the link between advanced age and CPPD deposition disease.
Role of quinone groups in solubility and complexing of metals in sediments and soils

Abstract Benzoquinone which is thought to be present in humic acid along with other forms of quinone compounds, solubilized from 8.3 to 118.8 mg of Cu, Zn, Co, Mn and Ni per gram of organic matter as compared with 54.0 to 250.0 mg by humic acid. From 1.5 to 8.5% of the total metal-solubilizing capacity of humic acid appeared to arise from the reaction of quinones. The infrared analyses suggest that the quinone groups are participating in organometal reactions. The intensity of quinone absorption at 1650 cm −1 was reduced and shifted to lower frequency (1635 cm −1 ), when benzoquinone reacted with metals. The metal-solubilizing properties of quinones, together with their unusual stability in the geological column, may play a significant role in the concentration of metals in the substrate enriched with organic compounds containing quinone groups.
The impact of meal consumption on emotion among individuals with eating disorders

This pilot study sought to determine how meal consumption impacts affective states for treatment-seeking individuals with eating disorders (ED). Participants with heterogeneous ED diagnoses completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Profile of Mood States measures before and immediately after meal consumption. Meal consumption was associated with significant decreases in negative affect and total mood disturbance for individuals with binge eating disorder (BED). Decreases in negative affect across meal time for individuals with BED were significantly different from increases in negative affect for participants with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Findings indicate that individuals with BED have significantly different affective responses to eating non-binge meals than individuals with AN or BN. Data suggest changes in negative affect following meal consumption may be specific to certain ED diagnoses. Results provide preliminary evidence consistent with the idea that emotion states may function as maintenance mechanisms for psychopathology among ED diagnoses. Limitations and future directions pertaining to food–mood relationships for individuals with ED are discussed.
On-farm costs of reducing nitrogen pollution through BMP.

Abstract This study presents a methodology to assess on-farm costs of reducing nitrogen leachate through ‘best management practices’ (BMP). A simulation as well as a linear multi-objective programming model was used linking environmental and economic data. The Non-Inferior Set Estimation method is used to generate the extreme efficient pts for the problem considered. The BMP for every level of admissible nitrogen pollution are elicited. Results show that the adoption of the BMP may lead to considerable economic losses for farmers. This implies that the BMP will not be accepted by farmers unless targeted subsidies are allocated to avoid their incurring losses. The methodology used in this paper provides a powerful instrument to link economic to environmental objectives. However, the sensitivity of the results to the type of crops considered as well as to weather and soil conditions should be kept in mind.
Target designs for energetic ions

Target designs using low-energy monoenergetic ion beams with a range of up to several × 10−3 g⋅cm−2 delivering energies of tens of kilojoules to a megajoule have been developed. Minimal pulse shaping produces yield ratios of 10–100. Applications to laser-produced ions show that if the ions are produced from an isothermal expansion, there is a high degree of inefficiency in converting laser energy to useful ion energy in driving an implosion.
Functional analysis of the Drosophila Rad51 gene (spn-A) in repair of DNA damage and meiotic chromosome segregation

Rad51 is a crucial enzyme in DNA repair, mediating the strand invasion and strand exchange steps of homologous recombination (HR). Mutations in the Drosophila Rad51 gene (spn-A) disrupt somatic as well as meiotic double-strand break (DSB) repair, similar to fungal Rad51 genes. However, the sterility of spn-A mutant females prevented a thorough analysis of the role of Rad51 in meiosis. In this study, we generated transgenic animals that express spn-A dsRNA under control of an inducible promoter, and examined the effects of inhibiting expression of spn-A on DNA repair, meiotic recombination and meiotic chromosome pairing and segregation. We found that depletion of spn-A mRNA had no effect on the viability of non-mutagen-treated transgenic animals but greatly reduced the survival of larvae that were exposed to the radiomimetic drug MMS, in agreement with the MMS and X-ray sensitivity of spn-A mutant animals. We also found that increases in dose of spn-A gene enhanced larval resistance to MMS exposure, suggesting that at high damage levels, Rad51 protein levels may be limiting for DNA repair. spn-A RNAi strongly stimulated X-X nondisjunction and decreased recombination along the X in female meiosis, consistent with a requirement of Rad51 in meiotic recombination. However, neither RNAi directed against the spn-A mRNA nor homozygosity for a spn-A null mutation had any effect on male fertility or on X-Y segregation in male meiosis, indicating that Rad51 likely plays no role in male meiotic chromosome pairing. Our results support a central role for Rad51 in HR in both somatic and meiotic DSB repair, but indicate that Rad51 in Drosophila is dispensable for meiotic chromosome pairing. Our results also provide the first demonstration that RNAi can be used to inhibit the functions of meiotic genes in Drosophila.
Selection of DNA-binding compounds via multistage molecular evolution

Abstract Combinatorial libraries incorporating multiple equilibria offer opportunities to study molecular evolution, and are a novel method of identifying ligands for biological receptors. We describe the construction and evaluation of a multi-equilibrium combinatorial library, in which structural diversity and structural mutation are accomplished via reversible imine formation and transition-metal complexation. We demonstrate that oligo d(A·T)-cellulose resin can select subsets of this libray, in accord with measured solution-phase affinities.
A monoclonal antibody-based immunoassay for measuring the potency of 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 vaccines

Background The potency of inactivated influenza vaccines is determined using a single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) assay. This assay is relatively easy to standardize, it is not technically demanding, and it is capable of measuring the potency of several vaccine strain subtypes in a multivalent vaccine. Nevertheless, alternative methods that retain the major advantages of the SRID, but with a greater dynamic range of measurement and with reduced reagent requirements, are needed. Objectives The feasibility of an ELISA-based assay format was explored as an alternative potency assay for inactivated influenza vaccines. Methods Several murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), specific for the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA), were evaluated for their potential to capture and quantify HA antigen. Vaccine samples, obtained from four licensed influenza vaccine manufacturers, included monovalent bulk vaccine, monovalent vaccine, and trivalent vaccine. Traditional SRID potency assays were run in parallel with the mAb–ELISA potency assay using the reference antigen standard appropriate for the vaccine samples being tested. Results The results indicated that the ELISA potency assay can quantify HA over a wide range of concentrations, including vaccine at subpotent doses, and the ELISA and SRID potency values correlated well for most vaccine samples. Importantly, the assay was capable of quantifying A/California HA in a trivalent formulation. Conclusions This study demonstrates the general feasibility of the mAb approach and strongly suggests that such ELISAs have potential for continued development as an alternative method to assay the potency of inactivated influenza vaccines.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Inference Generation Strategy Intervention for Adults With High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Purpose The present intervention study investigated the efficacy of the ACT & Check Strategy intervention to improve inference generation when reading, metacognitive ability, general reading compre...
A Fast Batched Cholesky Factorization on a GPU

Currently, state of the art libraries, like MAGMA, focus on very large linear algebra problems, while solving many small independent problems, which is usually referred to as batched problems, is not given adequate attention. In this paper, we proposed a batched Cholesky factorization on a GPU. Three algorithms -- non-blocked, blocked, and recursive blocked -- were examined. The left-looking version of the Cholesky factorization is used to factorize the panel, and the right-looking Cholesky version is used to update the trailing matrix in the recursive blocked algorithm. Our batched Cholesky achieves up to 1.8× speedup compared to the optimized parallel implementation in the MKL library on two sockets of Intel Sandy Bridge CPUs. Further, we use the new routines to develop a single Cholesky factorization solver which targets large matrix sizes. Our approach differs from MAGMA by having an entirely GPU implementation where both the panel factorization and the trailing matrix updates are on the GPU. Such an implementation does not depend on the speed of the CPU. Compared to the MAGMA library, our full GPU solution achieves 85% of the hybrid MAGMA performance which uses 16 Sandy Bridge cores, in addition to a K40 Nvidia GPU. Moreover, we achieve 80% of the practical dgemm peak of the machine, while MAGMA achieves only 75%, and finally, in terms of energy consumption, we outperform MAGMAby 1.5× in performance-per-watt for large matrices.
Computed tomographic detection of retrocrural air

The normal prevertebral space at the level of the diaphragmatic crura contains the aorta, azygos and hemiazygos veins, lymphatics, and nerves. Three patients had gas demonstrated in the retrocrural space by computed tomography (CT). In each patient this gas was shown to represent parts of normal lung insinuated in the retrocrural space. A subsequent prospective evaluation of 100 consecutive CT examinations showed the presence of retrocrural air in 3% of patients. Retrocrural air should not be confused with free retroperitoneal air or gas caused by retroperitoneal abscesses.
The use of relaxation training and a conditioned stimulus in the elimination of epileptic seizures in a child: A case study

Abstract Following systematic desensitization treatment for anxiety associated with recurrent seizures, a combination of relaxation training and association of a cue word with the calm body state was employed to eliminate seizures in a 12-yr-old boy with epilepsy. Following relaxation, the child was instructed to repeat the cue word several times so as to create a conditioned stimulus. After repeated pairings he was directed to verbalize the cue word to himself whenever he felt the aura of an approaching seizure. This resulted in avoidance of the onset of seizures and complete elimination of both grand mal and petit mal seizures. Long term follow-up showed no recurrence of seizures.
Deuterium exchange of 4‐pyrimidones and 4‐pyrimidthiones

The hydrogen-deuterium exchange of H-2 in 4-pyrimidone, a number of 1- and 3-alkyl-4-pyrimidones and several of their thione analogs in deuterium oxide at moderate temperatures is reported. This reaction is apparently not susceptible to acid or base catalysis. Cations of the 4-pyrimidones were found not to exchange H-2 at all in acid media. Catalytic amounts of bases do not alter the exchange rates whereas more concentrated alkali decompose the pyrimidone. However, 1,4(3,4)-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-4-oxopyrimidinium iodide (and its 6-methyl analog) exchange H-2 quite rapidly in neutral deuterium oxide, almost instantly when triethylamine is added as a catalyst, and very slowly in dilute solutions of deuterium chloride in deuterium oxide. Mechanisms are proposed to account for these phenomena.
Development and Validation of an Instrument to Measure Occupational Stress in Speech-Language Pathologists

The Speech-Language Pathologist Stress Inventory (SLPSI) is a 48-item questionnaire adapted from the Teacher Stress Inventory (Fimian, 1988). Factor analyses of the responses of 626 speech-language...
Neighborhood Schools Again? Race, Educational Interest, and Traditional Values

As court-ordered busing for school desegregation comes to an end, school boards are faced with strong public pressures to return to neighborhood schools. Analysis of public opinion data from Nashville, Tennessee, indicates a division between two broad constituencies. Individuals who favor neighborhood schools are drawn from those with traditional religious values: They support school prayer and creationism but abhor diversity in schools. Those who reject neighborhood schools and prefer better academic programs at schools farther away tend to be those of childbearing age but without children, those with children already in public schools, and those who are better educated. Surprisingly, race and racial attitudes are not significantly related to a preference for neighborhood schools. The authors conclude that the dynamics of educational policy in Nashville have undergone a significant transformation: Previous Black-White struggles have been replaced by shifting coalitions that extend across racial lines.
Inflation Effects on Farm Financial Management

The issue of financial management under inflation is a relatively new topic for agricultural finance research. Research in this area traditionally has focused on inflation issues such as land price increases, capital gains in agriculture, and trends in farm prices and costs with an emphasis on aggregate issues rather than firm management. Firm growth research considered inflation, but it was not the major focus of such research (Brake and Melichar). This limited firm research can be related, in part, to the explicit exclusion of inflation in the net present value concept, which is a major theoretical foundation for financial management. This shortcoming has been overcome recently. Aplin, Casler, and Francis were the first to consider explicitly the impact of inflation on net present value calculations in their agricultural finance text, and subsequent texts have done likewise (Barry, Hopkin, Baker; Penson and Lins). This paper has as its major purpose the review of recent developments in finance theory related to the consideration of inflation in a net present value framework. While an exhaustive presentation of the implications of these theoretical models for agricultural firm management is impossible, major methodological and empirical directions for future research are recognized. Theoretical and/or empirical consideration of particular issues, such as optimal replacement decisions, estate management, firm growth, income tax management, leasing versus purchase, optimum capital structure, and operating leverage, would have been beyond the scope of this paper.
Friction in two-body abrasive wear of a WC-Co composite by SiC

Friction was measured for the abrasion of a WC-Co cemented carbide by 120 μm SiC papers as a function of specimen length in the direction of sliding. The coefficient of friction extrapolates to near 1.0 for zero length and drops rapidly with specimen length to a steady value of 0.33 for long specimens. The effect is attributed to wear of the abrasives during contact with the hard specimen surface. As the contacting abrasives wear, their average indentations into the surface become increasingly shallower, and the deformation pattern goes through a series of changes from plastic to surface plastic to elastic-plastic and perhaps finally to elastic wave. With these changes the friction forces gradually decrease. The length-adjusted friction value for the cemented carbide extends the friction coefficient-hardness plot described earlier for metals, single-phase alloys, and hardened and tempered steels. This indicates that there is a continuum of friction-causing events in the abrasion process which stretches across the hardness spectrum.
Single-Quantum Annihilation of Positrons by Screened K - and L -Shell Electrons

Single-quantum annihilation of positrons in an atomic field is considered. Numerical calculations of the differential and total cross sections and the various polarization correlation functions are presented for the $K$ and $L$ shells of a range of elements from $Z=47$ to $Z=92$. The positron wave function is described by a partial-wave expansion in angular momentum eigenstates, and the interaction of the positron and bound electron with the radiation field is treated in lowest-order perturbation theory. Numerical programs are constructed for the solution of the radial part of the positron wave function and for the partial-wave phase shifts and normalization factors in a\ifmmode \dot{}\else \.{}\fi{}n arbitrary non-Coulomb central potential, and for the evaluation of the differential and total cross sections. The effects of screening are included by using the bound-state wave functions and central potentials predicted by the relativistic Hartree-Fock-Slater atomic model. Screening corrections to the Coulomb $K$-shell total cross sections are found to be sizable for large atomic numbers and low positron energy, and the ratio of $L$- to $K$-shell total cross sections is found to be significant for heavy atoms. The angular distributions for this atomic potential exhibit the sharp forward peak predicted in previous work assuming a purely Coulombic potential.
Finite-size scaling of critical cumulants near the ferromagnetic phase boundary

Abstract We employ the recently proposed scaling theory for first-order transitions to derive a detailed prediction for the large-argument behaviour of the critical-point scaling function of the reduced fourth order cumulant g L ≡ 4 > 2 > 2 −3 correct up to a term exponentially small in L/ξ(T).
A fibrin or collagen gel assay for tissue cell chemotaxis: assessment of fibroblast chemotaxis to GRGDSP.

Fibroblast chemotaxis is implicated in many physiological processes, including wound healing and morphogenesis. We present a novel assay for chemotaxis of fibroblasts (and other slow-moving tissue cells) in a direct-viewing chamber containing a physiologically relevant three-dimensional fibrin or collagen gel in which long-lasting, spatially continuous gradients have been sustained for at least 24 h, long enough for significant fibroblast migration. This combination of features is not available in any alternative assay of comparable setup simplicity. Using a putative fibroblast chemotactic factor, the fibronectin peptide GRGDSP, we measured human foreskin fibroblast alignment in the direction along the gradient, which followed a biphasic dependence on GRGDSP concentration with an optimal concentration of about 10 nM. Time-lapse video microscopy revealed that cell migration was up the soluble GRGDSP gradient, confirming positive chemotaxis to GRGDSP and rejecting the possibility of dominant haptotaxis down the soluble GRGDSP gradient, that is, up a putative gradient of integrin-mediated adhesion induced by the soluble GRGDSP gradient.
The feasibility of using an American National Board examination for the evaluation of Swiss candidates for licensure

Summary A test in Internal Medicine of the American National Board of Medical Examiners was given to Swiss medical students as a graduating examination. This study dealing with the feasibility of such an enterprise describes the technical procedures and investigates the problems of translation and the validity of foreign made items. Comparison of item analyses for the 369 Swiss candidates and for a sample of 370 American candidates reveals that most items are of close comparability in difficulty, discrimination and pattern of response to the distractors. In a cross-national comparison of students’ responses to the items no systematic content characteristics can be found for items favouring one group or the other. Swiss experts, in judging the validity of the items for testing Swiss students, could indeed identify in advance some of the items that proved to be less valid and more difficult for their—but also the American—students. It is concluded that a National Board examination can be as valid and suited to examine Swiss candidates for licensure as it is to examine American candidates.
Claim recall and irritation in television commercials: An advertising effectiveness study

The purpose of this research was to measure the relationship between advertising effectiveness and the levels of irritation possessed by the advertisements. A set of television commercials was first assigned to an empirically-derived irritation continuum. Subjects were exposed to the commercials and claim-recall measures were taken immediately after exposure and 48 hours later. Results indicate that both highly irritating and relatively pleasant advertising messages generated higher claim recall than did advertising which was neutral in this dimension.
SYMMETRIZED APPROXIMATE SCORE RANK TESTS FOR THE TWO-SAMPLE CASE

Rank test statistics for the two-sample problem are based on the sum of the rank scores from either sample. However, a critical difference can occur when approximate scores are used since the sum of the rank scores from sample 1 is not equal to minus the sum of the rank scores from sample 2. By centering and scaling as described in Hajek and Sidak (1967, Theory of Rank Tests, Academic Press, New York) for the uncensored data case the statistics computed from each sample become identical. However such symmetrized approximate scores rank statistics have not been proposed in the censored data case. We propose a statistic that treats the two approximate scores rank statistics in a symmetric manner. Under equal censoring distributions the symmetric rank tests are efficient when the score function corresponds to the underlying model distribution. For unequal censoring distributions we derive a useable expression for the asymptotic variance of our symmetric rank statistics.
Embolization agents: A review

Embolotherapy is an integral part of the practice of interventional radiology. Although many of the embolic agents in common use are well established, advances in microcatheter design, as well as microcatheter-compatible embolic agents, have expanded the role of embolotherapy. This article reviews common embolic agents for use with both standard and microcatheter systems and their roles in embolotherapy.
A finite element method for unstructured grid smoothing

The finite element method is applied to grid smoothing for two-dimensional planar geometry. The coordinates of the grid nodes satisfy two quasi-linear elliptic equations in the form of Laplace equations in a Riemann space. By forming a Dirichlet boundary value problem, the proposed method is applicable to both structured and unstructured grids. The Riemannian metric, acting as a driving force in the grid smoothing, is computed iteratively beginning with the metric of the unsmoothed grid. Smoothing is achieved by computing the metric tensor on the dual mesh elements, which incorporates the influence of neighbor elements. Numerical examples of this smoothing methodology, demonstrating the efficiency of the proposed approach, are presented.
Lobster heart: electrophysiology of single cells including effects of the regulator nerves.

Abstract 1. 1. The electrical event underlying contraction of lobster heart muscle cells is the excitatory junctional potential (ejp) and the beat of the heart follows a series of ejp's. 2. 2. The ejp's are capable of facilitation and summation and the muscle cells are polyneuronally innervated. 3. 3. The cardiac regulator nerves have no demonstrable direct effect on the electrical activity of the muscle cells. 4. 4. Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) has no clear influence on the muscle cells and direct inhibition of these cells may be lacking.
A protocol for use of medetomidine anesthesia in rats for extended studies using task-induced BOLD contrast and resting-state functional connectivity

The alpha-2-adrenoreceptor agonist, medetomidine, which exhibits dose-dependent sedative effects and is gaining acceptance in small-animal functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), has been studied. Rats were examined on the bench using the classic tail-pinch method with three infusion sequences: 100 microg/kg/h, 300 microg/kg/h, or 100 microg/kg/h followed by 300 microg/kg/h. Stepping the infusion rate from 100 to 300 microg/kg/h after 2.5 h resulted in a prolonged period of approximately level sedation that cannot be achieved by a constant infusion of either 100 or 300 microg/kg/h. By stepping the infusion dosage, experiments as long as 6 h are possible. Functional MRI experiments were carried out on rats using a frequency dependent electrical stimulation protocol-namely, forepaw stimulation at 3, 5, 7, and 10 Hz. Each rat was studied for a four-hour period, divided into two equal portions. During the first portion, rats were started at a 100 microg/kg/h constant infusion. During the second portion, four secondary levels of infusion were used: 100, 150, 200, and 300 microg/kg/h. The fMRI response to stimulation frequency was used as an indirect measure of modulation of neuronal activity through pharmacological manipulation. The frequency response to stimulus was attenuated at the lower secondary infusion dosages 100 or 150 microg/kg/h but not at the higher secondary infusion dosages 200 or 300 microg/kg/h. Parallel experiments with the animal at rest were carried out using both electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) methods with consistent results. In the secondary infusion period using 300 microg/kg/h, resting-state functional connectivity is enhanced.
Detection and estimation of spectral emissivity variations in the thermal infrared

When the thermal contrast between a target and the background is large it is usually sufficient to use a single spectral band for detection purposes and consequently spectral emissivity variations are ignored. We consider the problem of detection and estimation of spectral emissivity in the thermal infrared emphasizing the particular detection situation where the target thermal contrast is small. More generally, we show that temperature can be considered as random interference of low rank. This leads to a procedure of optimally estimating both the temperature and spectral emissivity components. of radiance measurements. In addition to temperature and spectral emissivity estimation we outline a phenomenology based optimal detector that is invariant to unknown levels of temperature variation and unknown levels of target thermal contrast.
Energy cost and efficiency of harvard step-test performance

Work oxygen and recovery oxygen consumption was calculated for two female and two male Caucasian subjects engaged in the Harvard step-test. A 50.80 cm bench was used by all subjects. During the six week period, improvement in test scores was noted in all subjects; however, more significant gains were achieved by the female subjects. Female subjects compiled higher net efficiency ratings and lower oxygen debt values. These data suggest that the arbitrary lowering of bench height, from 50.80 cm, for young women may not be justifiable. The unsuccessful completion of the Harvard step-test by either sex, more especially by women, may reflect motivation levels and discomfort tolerance levels rather than cardiovascular-pulmonary response to exercise.
Isotopic composition of carbonaceous-chondrite kerogen: evidence for an interstellar origin of organic matter in meteorites

Stepwise combustion has revealed systematic patterns of isotopic heterogeneity for C, H and N in the insoluble organic fraction (m-kerogen) from the Orgueil and Murray carbonaceous chondrites. Those patterns are essentially identical for both meteorites, indicating a common source of m-kerogen. The data cannot be reconciled with a single mass-fractionation process acting upon a single precursor composition. This indicates either a multi-path history of mass-dependent processing or a significant nucleogenetic contribution, or both. If mass-fractionation were the dominant process, the magnitude of the observed isotopic variability strongly suggests that ion-molecule reactions at very low temperatures, probably in interstellar clouds, were responsible. In any case, an interstellar, rather than solar nebular, origin for at least some of the meteoritic organic matter is indicated. This has interesting implications for the origin of prebiotic molecules, temperatures in the early solar system, and the isotopic compositions of volatiles accreted by the terrestrial planets.