cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Supplemental Tutoring Configurations for Preschoolers at Risk for Reading Difficulties

Providing preschoolers at-risk for reading difficulties with additional support is of increasing interest in early childhood education. However, the research on programming in preschool for this additional support is limited and yields inconclusive findings. The current studies explore different grouping configurations in a supplemental tutoring program for at-risk preschoolers in order to provide early childhood educators with guidance on grouping strategies for use in their supplemental instruction. Two grouping configurations are examined via two studies. In Study 1, 45 at-risk preschoolers (18 boys, 27 girls) were selected and randomly assigned to a one-on-one tutoring or paired tutoring condition. In Study 2, 54 at-risk children (31 boys, 23 girls) were selected and randomly assigned to one of two pairing conditions: with a highly-skilled peer or with a similarly low-skilled peer. In each study, children received tutoring that supplemented the classroom instruction twice a week over the academic year. In Study 1, children in both conditions made similar gains on the alphabet knowledge and phonological awareness measures and the one-on-one group outperformed the paired group on receptive vocabulary but the effect size was small. In Study 2, the children in the matched-pairing condition evidenced a trend toward greater gains than those paired with high-skilled peer on the phonological awareness measure but not on alphabet knowledge and receptive vocabulary measures. The results of studies hold promise for achieving optimal outcomes by providing supplemental instruction to the maximum number of preschoolers using a dyad model instead of the typical one-on-one model.
The Comparative Dynamics of Party Support in Great Britain: Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats

Political leadership has long been established as a key determinant of party support. Yet the extent to which this may vary across parties in and out of government is less well understood. In fact,...
Racial Attitudes in City, Neighborhood, and Situational Contexts:

Multiple social contexts have been shown to affect racial attitudes both positively and negatively when considered at different levels. In this article, context is simultaneously considered at three different levels: the metropolitan area, the census block group, and the interview situation (as measured by race of interviewer/race of respondent matching). Significant effects can be classified into three categories: the effects of the racial composition of the city, the effects of the racial composition of the neighborhood, and the effects of a “differentrace” interviewer. Neighborhood income and race of interviewer effects are direct; by contrast, racial composition effects are typically cross-level interaction effects. This indicates that the modeling of cross-level interactions is essential for future studies of the effects of racial composition on attitudes.
Transport of electric charge in low dielectric constant fluids

Abstract Electrokinetic phenomena in fluids have usually been described mathematically in terms of the electrical potential distribution within, and at the surfaces of the fluid. In this paper an alternative description of electrokinetic phenomena in terms of the charge distribution within the fluid and at its surfaces, applicable when the dielectric constant of the fluid is low, is given. This takes the form of a linear partial differential equation for the transport of electric charge by diffusion, conduction, and convection in the fluid. The principle of similarity is applied to the equation; types of electrokinetic phenomena to be expected in a given system are characterized in terms of two ratios of characteristic lengths, the Reynolds number, and the Schmidt number. Three examples in which the equation is solved, subject to appropriate boundary conditions, are presented. A comparison with previous work by the author on charge generation and transport in turbulent flow of hydrocarbons through tubes is made. The theory developed may be applied to electrokinetic problems in hydrocarbon systems and should be applicable to problems in atmospheric electricity.
Risk of critical congenital heart defects by nuchal translucency norms

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of first-trimester nuchal translucency (NT) cutoff of ≥3.5 mm with NT percentiles that were calculated for crown-rump length to identify fetuses with critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs). Study Design This was a population-level study of singleton pregnancies in California with NT measurements performed between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation. Eligible cases were those that resulted in live births from 2009-2010 and had information about the presence or absence of CCHDs available in the hospital discharge records through age 1 year (n = 76,089). Logistic binomial regression methods were used to compare the rate of CCHDs by an NT percentile for crown-rump length and millimeter cutpoints. Results Compared with fetuses with an NT measurement of 5 times as likely to have a CCHD (1.3% vs 0.2%; relative risk, 5.66; 95% confidence interval, 3.19–10.04) and fetuses with an NT measurement ≥3.5 mm were >12 times as likely to have a CCHD (2.8% vs 0.2%; relative risk, 12.28; 95% confidence interval, 5.11–29.51). NT ≥99th percentile had a sensitivity of 5.8% and a specificity of 98.9% for the detection of CCHDs compared with 2.6% and 99.8% for NT ≥3.5 mm. Conclusion Results show that NT measurements of ≥99th percentile and ≥3.5 mm are not equivalent and that substantial risk for CCHD extends to the less restrictive ≥99th percentile cutpoint. Data suggest that the use of this cutpoint compared with the current standard could double the number of CCHDs that are identified based on NT risk.
Solid-phase parallel synthesis of trisubstituted dihydroimidazolyl dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones

Abstract An efficient approach for the solid-phase synthesis of dihydroimidazolyl dihydroquinoxalin-2(1 H )-ones is described. Following reduction of a resin-bound amino acid amide, the primary amine of the resulting di-amine was selectively N-acylated with 4-fluoro-3-nitrobenzoic acid. Treatment with POCl 3 led to formation of a dihydroimidazolyl derivative via dehydrative cyclization. Following displacement of the aryl fluoro group with an α-amino acid methyl ester, the dihydroimidazolyl moiety was alkylated with an alkyl halide. Reduction of aromatic nitro group with concomitant intramolecular cyclization using tin(II) chloride dihydrate led to formation of the dihydroimidazolyl dihydroquinoxalin-2(1 H )-one. The compound was characterized by LC–MS, and 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy.
USE OF STATE ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES IN WATER RESOURCE SYSTEM MODELING

. A relatively straightforward illustration of the potential uses of State Estimation techniques in water resources modeling is given. Background theory for Linear and Extended Kalman Filters is given; application of the filter techniques to modeling BOD and oxygen deficit in a stream illustrates the importance of model conceptualization, model completeness, uncertainty in model dynamics and incorporation of measurements and measurement errors. Potential applications of state estimation techniques to measurement system design; model building, assessment and calibration; and data extension are explored.
Impact of multiple cation-π interactions upon calix[4]arene substrate binding and specificity

The cation−π interaction influence on the conformation and binding of calix[4]arenes to alkali-metal cations has been studied using a dehydroxylated model. The model allows for the separation of cooperative cation−π and electrostatic forces commonly found in the binding motifs found in calixarene complexes. Starting from the four well-known calix[4]arene conformations, six conformers for this dehydroxylated model (cone, partial cone, flattened cone, chair, 1,2-alternate, and 1,3-alternate) have been characterized by geometry optimization and frequency analysis using the Becke three-parameter exchange functional with the nonlocal correlation functional of Lee, Yang, and Parr and the 6-31G(d) basis set. Without the stabilization provided by the hydroxyl hydrogen bonds in calix[4]arene, neither the cone nor the 1,2-alternate conformation is computed to be a ground-state structure. The partial cone, flattened cone, chair, and 1,3-alternate conformers have been identified as ground-state structures in a vacuum...
The PduM protein is a structural component of the microcompartments involved in coenzyme B(12)-dependent 1,2-propanediol degradation by Salmonella enterica.

Diverse bacteria use proteinaceous microcompartments (MCPs) to optimize metabolic pathways that have toxic or volatile intermediates. MCPs consist of metabolic enzymes encased within a protein shell that provides a defined environment. In Salmonella enterica, a MCP is involved in B12-dependent 1,2-propanediol utilization (Pdu MCP). In this report, we show that the protein PduM is required for the assembly and function of the Pdu MCP. The results of tandem mass spectrometry and Western blot analyses show that PduM is a component of the Pdu MCP. Electron microscopy shows that a pduM deletion mutant forms MCPs with abnormal morphology. Growth tests and metabolite measurements establish that a pduM deletion mutant is unable to form functional MCPs. PduM is unrelated in sequence to proteins of known function and hence may represent a new class of MCP structural proteins. We also report a modified protocol for the purification of Pdu MCP from Salmonella which allows isolation of milligram amounts of MCPs in about 4 h. We believe that this protocol can be extended or modified for the purification of MCPs from diverse bacteria.
Anti-inflammatory biologic therapies and immune surveillance of melanoma

Throughout the past 20 years, elucidation of the immunopathogenesis underlying chronic inflammatory diseases, such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), juvenile idiopat...
Parameter sensitivity of a model of viral epidemics simulated with Monte Carlo techniques. II. Durations and peaks

This is the second of a series of papers concerning sensitivity analyses of stochastic micropopulation models. A model of epidemic spread of viral infection is used in the series to illustrate the principles and performance of the sensitivity analysis system. For these studies the analysis system now known as SENSEN was redesigned; it can be used with any specialization of the SUMMERS simulation shell. Previous applications of SENSEN and its predecessors studied the sensitivity simultaneously to at most six input parameters. The applicability of SENSEN when twelve input parameters are selected is illustrated by sensitivity analyses of epidemic durations. A time-related output, day of the epidemic at which the peak number of cases are present, is also studied.
Spectral Luminosity Factors

As a result of extensive measurements by the flicker and equality-of-brightness methods, mostly in America, a certain set of average luminosity data was adopted by the International Commission on Illumination in 1924. These I.C.I. luminosity factors were incorporated in the 1931 I.C.I. standard observer and coordinate system for colorimetry and were accepted by the International Committee on Weights and Measures in 1933. In the period from 1935 to 1938, however, the validity of these factors was challenged by several German investigators, who believed as a result of their measurements that a new set of standard values should be adopted based on results by the flicker photometer with pure cone vision (1.2° field and daylight adaptation). The German measurements, however, were not wholly consistent and were in conflict with similar recent measurements in England and America. At the 1939 meetings of the I.C.I., the Germans withdrew their opposition to the 1924 I.C.I. luminosity factors and the Commission formally reaffirmed their validity in the photometry of lights of different colors.
Asymmetric effects at 3D Ising-like critical points

Abstract The Standard Model of electroweak interactions has a line of first order phase transition in the plane (higgs mass, temperature) that ends in a critical point belonging to the 3D Ising model universality class [K. Rummukainenet al, hep-lat/9805013. Similar critical points are found in finite-temperature QCD [M. Stephanovet al, hep-ph/9806219; F. Karschet al, hep-lat/0107020. When these critical points are studied by Monte Carlo simulations on the lattice, one observes certain residual deviations fromZ2 symmetry (which is exact for the Ising model). Here we study whether such deviations can be attributed to asymmetric corrections to scaling, which are relatively poorly studied. We compute the critical exponents in the local potential approximation (LPA), that is, in the framework of the Wegner-Houghton equation. We find that the exponent for the leading antisymmetric correction to scaling is approximately 1.691 in the LPA. This high value implies that such corrections cannot explain observed asymmetries.
Modeling, analysis, and optimal routing of flow-controlled communication networks

Closed queueing networks have been advocated by several authors to be a more desirable model than open queueing networks (Kleinrock's model) for network design. We compare open and closed network models and demonstrate the accuracy of a particular closed network model with experimental results. The proportional approximation method (PAM) is presented for evaluating performance measures of closed queueing networks. PAM algorithms have computational time and space requirements of O(KM), where M denotes the number of queues and K denotes the number of virtual channels in the network. Thus, PAM is the first (and only) method that can be used for solving industrial-strength network design problems using a closed network model.We formulate the following optimal routing problem: Find a route for a new virtual channel to be added to a network with existing flow-controlled virtual channels. A fast heuristic algorithm is presented. The algorithm uses PAM and exploits the following empirical observation: The route that maximizes the individual throughput of a virtual channel coincides in most cases with the route that maximizes the total network throughput (this is not true in general). We present statistical results from studies of 100 randomly generated networks to demonstrate the accuracy of PAM algorithms and the effectiveness of the optimal routing algorithm. (Exact solutions obtained by the tree convolution algorithm were used as benchmarks in our statistical studies.)
Supernatural Support Groups: Who Are the UFO Abductees and Ritual‐Abuse Survivors?

In the 1980s two different groups emerged that exhibited a strikingly similar combination of the quasi-religious and psychotherapeutic-UFO abductees and ritual-abuse survivors. Both movements focused on healing members from victimization they had experienced at the hands of beings of often supernatural power. Further, both movements attempt to use techniques developed in psychotherapeutic circles, such as hypnosis, art therapy, and role playing, to recover "repressed" memories at the hands of these abusers. This article presents the results of surveys of 55 UFO abductees and 51 ritual-abuse survivors. Both UFO abductees and ritual-abuse survivors are compared to the general population in terms of their gender, age, race, marital status, education, and occupation. It is determined that the demographics of these two fledgling movements closely mirror those of other NRMs.
Olfactory dysfunction in down's syndrome

Down's Syndrome subjects over 40 years old show neuropathology similar to that of Alzheimer's disease. The olfactory system is particularly vulnerable in Alzheimer's disease, both anatomically and functionally. Several measures of sensory and cognitive functioning were studied in the older Down's Syndrome patient, with the hypothesis of significant olfactory dysfunction. Participants were 23 Down's subjects, and 23 controls. The Dementia Rating Scale showed mean scores of 103 for Down's subjects and 141 for controls. Down's subjects showed significant deficits in odor detection threshold, odor identification, and odor recognition memory. Normal performance in a taste threshold task, similar to the olfactory threshold task in subject demands, suggested that the Down's syndrome subjects' poor performance was not due to task demands. Deficits in olfaction may provide a sensitive and early indicator of the deterioration and progression of the brain in older subjects with Down's Syndrome.
Characterization of shock-hardened Al-8090 alloy

The structure and mechanical properties of Al-Li8090 alloy, that was dynamically deformed and then age hardened, were studied as a function of the changes in the nature and amount of precipitates produced. A comparison was made between two groups of samples, one group that was solution heat treated (SHT) and quenched from 530°C before the dynamic deformation and the other group that was dynamically deformed in the as-received (AR) condition. The higher values for microhardness and ultimate tensile strength observed (138 and 140 VHN, and 405 and 458 MPa, respectively), subsequent to shock treatment (ST), have been attributed to the increase in dislocation density and grain-boundary precipitation produced due to shock deformation. Dislocations and grain boundaries were assumed to act as precipitation sites and an increase in dislocation density, due to ST, was expected to increase precipitation density of δ′(Al3Li), S(Al2CuMg), and T1(Al2CuLi) phases which, in turn, are expected to increase strength properties of the alloy. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that, for the species that precipitate below 180°C, δ′(Al3Li) and GP zones, an increase in the amount of deformation increased the precipitation temperatures. However, for the species that precipitate at 197°C, S(Al2CuMg), an increase in the amount of deformation produced a decrease in its precipitation temperature. These results have been partially confirmed by the activation energy calculations for temperatures below 197 °C, which show a decrease of precipitation energies with an increase in the amount of deformation. Activation energies calculated from ageing curves showed that when ageing at low temperature (165–180 °C range), activation energies for the precipitation process are decreased upon increase in cold work. Shock treatment of SHT samples exhibited decreased activation energy values of precipitation, from 36.14 kcal mol−1 for the SHT sample to 24.18, 24.08, and 21.00 kcal mol−1 for SHT + ST samples 1, 2, and 3, respectively (corresponding to 1, 2, and 3 sheets of explosive). Activation energies of precipitation for AR + ST samples showed even lower values; 9.45, 9.95, and 8.21 kcal mol−1 for samples 4, 5, and 6, respectively. These activation energies strongly corroborate the role of defect substructure on the age-hardening kinetics of this alloy.
Structure of a Cannabinoid Receptor Subtype 2 Homodimer Determined by Cysteine and Homobifunctional Crosslinking Experiments Combined with Computational Studies

The cannabinoid CB2 receptor is a Class A GPCR that is highly expressed in the immune system (Galiegue et al., 1995) and couples via Gi proteins (Glass and Northup, 1999). In a project to determine the stoichiometry of the CB2/ Gi protein complex, we first performed crosslinking experiments using a homobifunctional Lys-Lys linker, disuccinimidyl suberate combined with MS/MS analysis. We identified the following crosslinks: (1) Gi: K349 / CB2: K6.35(245) and (2) Gi: K317 / CB2: K5.64 (215). Using HgCl2 (and verified via MS/MS analysis), we also found disulfide bridge formation between Gi: C351 / CB2: C3.53(134). A computer model of the CB2/G-protein complex was constructed using our CB2 inactive (R) and active (R∗) state models (Hurst et al., 2010), along with the crystal structure of Gαi1β1γ2 (Wall et al., 1995). Our modelling revealed that achieving all three crosslinks at the same time would require CB2 to be in a homodimeric form, with one monomer in the inactive state, while the second monomer is in the activated state, coupled to G protein. This arrangement is consistent with the homodimeric signalling unit proposed by Javitch and Weinstein (Han et al., 2009). Further, to satisfy all of the experimental restraints, the interface of the CB2 homodimer had to be at TMH5-TMH6. This interface is similar to that found for the chemokine CXCR4 receptor (Wu et al., 2010). Monomer crosslinking studies were then undertaken to identify the homodimer interface in CB2. Substituted cysteine experiments revealed that in the presence of HgCl2, CB2 can dimerize at H6.57(267)C and at A6.60(270)C. These results are in agreement with the dimer interface chosen above to satisfy all of the CB2/G-protein crosslinks. [Support: RO1 DA003934 and KO5 DA021358 (PHR)].
Surface topography of amorphous Zr65.0Al7.5Cu27.5 alloy films around the glass transition—an in-situ UHV-STM study

Abstract The ternary metallic glass Zr 65.0 Al 7.5 Cu 27.5 shows a wide supercooled liquid region above the glass transition temperature T g , which enables extended structural investigations of the undercooled liquid. Thin films of this alloy have been prepared by electron beam deposition in ultra high vacuum onto thermally oxidized silicon substrates at room temperature. For the first time the surface morphology of these films has been investigated in situ with scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). We have recorded STM topographs after different annealing stages, representing the evolution of the surface at elevated temperatures. The change in surface structure is discussed with respect to structural relaxation behaviour and viscous flow properties of the films.
How recruitment, intraspecific interactions, and predation control species borders in a tidal estuary

We examined the relative contribution of recruitment, intraspecific species interactions, and predation in controlling the upper intertidal border of the northern acorn barnacle, Semibalanusbalanoides, in a tidal estuary in Maine. We hypothesized that the contracted border at sites that experienced low tidal currents was due to flow-mediated recruitment that resulted in reduced survival due to the absence of neighbor buffering of thermal stress (i.e., positive intraspecific interactions). We tested this hypothesis by manipulating the density of recently settled barnacles and their thermal environment in a field experiment. Counter to our original hypothesis, barnacles with neighbors suffered severe mortality at low-flow sites. When density-dependent predation by the green crab (Carcinusmaenus) was experimentally eliminated, however, we did detect evidence for positive interactions at the low-flow sites but not at the high-flow sites. In spite of the close proximity of the sites, maximum daily rock temperatures at the low-flow sites were slightly, but consistently, greater than those at high-flow sites. Our findings suggest that the upper intertidal border of S. balanoides in the Damariscotta River is limited at low-flow sites by a combination of reduced recruitment, elevated mortality from thermal stress and enhanced predation by green crabs. More generally, our findings highlight how physical stress and predation interact to alter the nature of density-dependent species interactions in natural assemblages.
Parental perceptions, feeding practices, feeding styles, and level of acculturation of Chinese Americans in relation to their school-age child's weight status.

Parents influence their child's eating behavior and attitudes directly as food providers and indirectly through their parental feeding styles and feeding concerns and practices. Chinese American parents’ practices are likely influenced by culture. The objective of this study was to explore the relationships between parental perceptions, feeding practices, feeding styles, level of parental acculturation (LPA), and child weight status via a self-administered questionnaire. This survey study involved a convenience sample of 712 individuals who were parents of 5- to 10-year old children attending Chinese language after-school programs. The prevalence of overweight was 11.5% and obesity was 11.1%. LPA was not directly predictive of child overweight in multiple regression but from categorical data, Chinese American parents tended to use indulgent (33.2%) and authoritarian (27.9%) feeding styles, with the former increasing with acculturation and the latter decreasing. Indulgent parents had more than expected overweight and obese children, and authoritarian and authoritative parents, fewer. LPA was negatively predictive of pressure to eat healthy foods (p < .01), which was negatively correlated with child weight status (p < .01). LPA was also independently positively correlated to responsiveness to child needs (p < .01), monitoring of child intake (p < .01), and perceived responsibility for child feeding. Parental perceptions and concerns about child weight were predictors of child weight. Consequently, parental concerns and responsiveness to child needs without also encouragement (demandingness) to eat healthy foods (indulgent feeding style) may promote overweight. The authoritative parental feeding style may contribute to children having healthy weights and therefore healthy lives.
Damage and fatigue in composites – A personal account

Abstract This paper reviews the interrelated fields of damage and fatigue in composite materials through a personal lens. The account presented is based on the author’s own engagement in these fields over a period of 25 years during which time a steady evolution of concepts, analyses and methodologies have shaped the fields. The contributions to these developments have no doubt come from a large number of researchers, but the account presented here traces the progress from the author’s perspective. The exposition to follow describes the developments in three periods: the 80s, the 90s, and since 2001.
Synthesis of potential antineoplastic agents. XXVII. (Reissert compound studies. XLIV.). The ellipticine reissert compound as an intermediate in the syntheses of ellipticine analogs

Ellipticine and a number of ellipticine analogs were converted to Reissert compounds. Alkylation of the 6-benzylellipticine Reissert compound gave a series of 1-substituted-6-benzylellipticines. 1-Cyanoellipticine, obtained through the Reissert compound, was hydrolyzed to ellipticine-1-carboxamide hydrochloride which was active against P388 lymphocytic leukemia. Other aspects of the chemistry of the ellipticine Reissert compound are presented.
Printing via Photolithography on Micropartitioned Fluid Lipid Membranes

[9] Debonding of OTS molecules may be expected to lead to higher fric-tion in affected monolayer regions, as the enhanced “liquid-like” char-acter of debonded tails would give rise to an enhanced viscous dragopposing the motion of the tip.[10] Attempts to remove from the surface monolayer molecules (followinginscription of patterns in the non-destructive patterning regime) bysolvent treatments with sonication and Scotch-tape peeling failed,while exposure to solutions of OTS or NTS invariably resulted in therapid self-assembly of a stable overlayer in the tip-inscribed areas.Whether the siloxane bonds are or are not affected under such condi-tions cannot thus be conclusively decided at this stage, the patternedmonolayer displaying remarkable stability in all subsequent self-as-sembly and chemical modification operations.[11] a) R. Maoz, H. Cohen, J. Sagiv, Langmuir 1998, 14, 5988. b) C. A.Jones, M. C. Petty, G. G. Roberts, G. Davies, J. Yarwood, N. M. Rat-cliffe, J. W. Barton, Thin Solid Films 1987, 155, 187.[12] For clarity, the ocatadecylamine contributions to the -CH
CALCULATING THE (ALMOST) EXACT CONTROL LIMITS FOR A C-CHART

[This abstract is based on the author's abstract.]With the addition of a small constant, a power transformation using an exponent of 2/3 for Poisson-distributed data can achieve symmetry for improved statistical process control applications. Two equatio..
A Newly Discovered Image of Walt Whitman Restored by the Walt Whitman Association and the Mickel Street Review

Reprints a newly restored image of Whitman apparently related to the series of photographs taken of the poet by Frederick Gutekunst of Philadelphia in 1889.
Right ventricular lead adjustment in cardiac resynchronization therapy and acute hemodynamic response: a pilot study

Optimal left ventricular (LV) lead position has emerged as an important determinant of response after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Comparatively, strategy for right ventricular (RV) lead optimization remains uncertain. Three variations of RV lead position (apex, mid-septal, and high septal) were tested in seven consecutive patients. At each location, intra-procedural measurement of LV lead electrical delay (LVLED) was obtained during intrinsic rhythm and RV pacing (RV-LVLED). Simultaneous cardiac output assessment was performed using the LiDCO™ (lithium chloride indicator dilution) system. Final RV lead location was selected based on best-measured cardiac output. Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Adjustment of RV lead position after securing a LV lead site led to an incremental change of 30 ± 18 % (range, 7–52 %) in the cardiac index (CI). There was substantial variation in acute hemodynamic response (∆CI, 14 ± 13 %; range, 3–41 %) seen with pacing from each patient’s worst to best RV lead position; no single RV lead position emerged as optimal across all patients. Paced RV-LVLED was not correlated with percent change in CI (r = 0.18; p = NS). LV ejection fraction (LVEF) increased significantly (28 ± 4 to 40 ± 8 %, p = 0.006) at 6 months. LVLED measured during intrinsic rhythm, but not during RV pacing, correlated with percent change in LVEF (r = 0.88, p = 0.02). RV lead position adjustment can be used to enhance acute hemodynamic response during CRT. Measurement of paced RV-LVLED, however, does not reliably predict change in cardiac output.
Components of normal serum block the focal segmental glomerulosclerosis factor activity in vitro.

Components of normal serum block the focal segmental glomerulosclerosis factor activity in vitro. Background Sera from some patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) increase glomerular albumin permeability (P alb ) in vitro. The hypothesis that a component of normal serum can protect the glomerular permeability barrier was tested using sera from FSGS patients, normal individuals, and several mammalian and avian species. Methods In most experiments, isolated rat glomeruli were incubated in medium containing FSGS serum known to increase P alb in vitro, normal serum, or both active FSGS and normal serum. In other experiments, fractions of normal serum and serum from other vertebrate species were incubated with active FSGS serum. P alb was calculated from glomerular capillary expansion in response to an oncotic gradient. To enrich the blocking activity, normal pooled human plasma was subjected to various biochemical manipulations. Results Normal human serum prevented the increase in P alb (active FSGS sera, 0.77 ± 0.12; active FSGS sera:normal serum, 1:1 mix, 0.06 ± 0.30, P alb . Preincubation with normal serum was protective during subsequent incubation with FSGS serum, but normal serum was not protective after preincubation with FSGS serum. Conclusions We conclude that a factor or factors in normal serum block the permeability effect of active FSGS sera. This phenomenon may account for variability in proteinuria among patients with FSGS and may explain inconsistent proteinuria following injection of FSGS sera into experimental animals. Characterization of the protective substance(s) and the mechanism by which the increase in permeability is blocked may provide insight into the pathogenesis of FSGS.
Photoreceptors of the larval tiger salamander retina.

Six morphological types of photoreceptor were identified with electron microscopy in radial sections of the retina of the larval tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum . In order of predominance these six types are: red rods, large single cones, double cones composed of principal and accessory members, small single cones, and green rods. The different types of photoreceptor can be distinguished by a number of morphological and cytological characteristics. The identification of the small single cone type now provides evidence for more than one type of single cone in an amphibian retina. The interconnections of the different types of photoreceptor by gap junctions were studied in tangential sections. Rod—rod and rod-cone gap junctions occurred in all possible combinations, but no cone—cone junctions were found even between members of double cones.
Toward the definition of childhood migraine.

Purpose of review The intent of this review is to provide an update on the current understanding of the diagnostic criteria, classification, pathophysiology, evaluation, and management of pediatric migraine. Recent findings The International Headache Society has recently revised its diagnostic criteria and classification system in the 2004 International Criteria for Headache Disorders. These new criteria have incorporated many developmentally sensitive changes that will allow broader application in children and adolescents. Appreciation of the new classification system requires understanding of current views of the pathophysiology of migraine. Migraine is now viewed as an inherited disorder with a primary neuronal initiation of a cascade of neurochemical processes culminating in a spreading wave of cortical neuronal depolarization and regional oligemia. The evaluation of a child with headache begins with a thorough medical history and complete physical and neurologic examination. One of the key questions for the bedside clinician is when to perform further diagnostic studies. Extensive review concludes that the role of further ancillary diagnostic studies, specifically EEG and neuroimaging, is limited. The management of pediatric migraine requires a balance of biobehavioral measures coupled with agents for acute treatment and, if needed, daily preventive medicines. The pharmacologic management of pediatric migraine has been subjected to thorough review, and controlled data unfortunately are limited. The most rigorously studied agents for the acute treatment of migraine are ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and sumatriptan nasal spray, all of which have shown safety and efficacy in controlled trials. For preventive or prophylactic treatment in the population of children and adolescents with frequent, disabling migraine, flunarizine (not available in the United States) is the most efficacious agent, but encouraging data are emerging regarding the use of several antiepileptic agents such as topiramate, disodium valproate, levetiracetam, the antihistamine cyproheptadine, and the antidepressant amitriptyline. Summary Recent literature has reshaped the definition, evaluation, and management of pediatric migraine.
Internet survey of Foley catheter practices and knowledge among Minnesota nurses.

Background Although nurses insert and care for many Foley catheters, little is known about nurses' attitudes and knowledge regarding indications for catheter use or methods to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). Methods An Internet-based survey was sent to a random sample of registered nurses (RNs) in Minnesota. The survey contained demographic questions and 5-point Likert-scale questions regarding indications for Foley catheter placement and effectiveness of various interventions for preventing CAUTI. Results Nurses perceived early catheter removal as the most effective intervention to prevent CAUTI (mean score, 4.5; range 1-5). Compared with other RNs, those reporting additional catheter education were more likely to rate interventions to prevent CAUTI as effective, regardless of whether the interventions actually reduce the incidence of symptomatic CAUTI or asymptomatic bacteriuria/funguria. Intensive care unit RNs were significantly more likely than other RNs to endorse that a Foley catheter was indicated for any given clinical scenario and to endorse antimicrobial-coated catheters as effective in preventing CAUTI. Most respondents reported no institutional guidance regarding catheterization. Conclusion Although the surveyed Minnesota RNs demonstrated high-level awareness of the utility of early Foley catheter removal for preventing CAUTI, other aspects of their catheter-related knowledge were concerning. Improving these deficits may help improve catheter-related practice.
Pathogenicity of the hyphae of Filobasidiella neoformans

The pathogenicity of the purified hyphae of Filobasidiella neoformans was determined. The hyphal particles were inoculated into white Swiss female mice via the intracranial and intravenous route. Upon autopsy, infection was seen with as few as 25 hyphal elements. The brain, liver, and spleen were examined culturally and the brain examined histologically to prove the pathogenicity of the purified hyphae.
Crystalline Todorokite Associated with Biogenic Debris in Manganese Nodules

Platy intergrowths of crystalline todorokite are associated with biogenic debris in the cores of manganese nodules from a site in the Pacific Ocean. Analyses by electron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy demonstrate that this material is composed of tunnels of chains of linked MnO 6 octahedra. The chemical composition, morphology, and stability of the todorokite differ from those of nickel-and copper-rich manganese oxides in nodules that have been identified as todorokite or buserite in earlier investigations.
Unusual presentation of Paget's disease of the maxilla

Paget's disease is a disorder of bone metabolism that is relatively common in the elderly population. The jaw bones are affected in 17% of cases. A case of maxillary involvement with unusual clinical and radiographic findings is presented.
The effects of perceived organizational support and perceived supervisor support on employee turnover.

This study examines mediated effects of perceived supervisor support (PSS) and perceived organizational support (POS) on turnover cognitions, and their interactive effects on turnover behavior in a sample of 225 social services workers. In this study, we address a seeming contradiction in current findings regarding support and attachments to managers versus attachments to the organization itself. The POS literature suggests fully mediated causal paths to turnover from POS and PSS, through affective commitment. Whereas, the commitment, LMX, and turnover literatures suggest alternative causal paths that imply broader effects for POS and PSS on turnover. Contrary to earlier POS literature, findings showed that PSS had independent effects on turnover cognitions not mediated through POS. Model tests also indicated that POS had significant effects on turnover mediated through normative commitment, as well as affective organizational commitment. Moreover, a new significant interactive relationship was discovered such that low PSS strengthened the negative relationship between POS and turnover, while high PSS weakened it. Implications for research and practice are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corneal Epithelial Iron Deposition

Different patterns of iron deposition in the epithelium in 96 of 120 corneal buttons that had superficial irregularities of different causes, as examined after staining grossly with Prussian blue by Gomori's method were detected. These observations were confirmed by light microscopy in 86 cases. The deposition was either diffuse or it formed a linear pattern within the epithelium adjacent to elevated areas of corneal scarring. The authors believe that the tear film is the source of iron in these cases, and that relative pooling of tears on an irregular surface is the mechanism by which iron lines are formed.
A Model for Fluorescence and Phosphorescence

If you are indoors and reading this document on paper, then the page may be lit by a fluorescent light bulb. The gases inside the bulb absorb high-energy electrons, and then fluoresce, or re-radiate that absorbed energy at a different frequency. The particular gases in common fluorescent bulbs are chosen to be efficient at re-radiating this energy in the visible wavelengths. If you are reading this document on-line, then you’re probably reading it on a cathode-ray tube (CRT). The face of the CRT is lined with phosphors, which absorb the high-energy electrons directed at them, and gradually release that energy over time in the visible band. The two phenomena of fluorescence and phosphorescence are not as common as simple reflection and transmission, but do have an important part to play in the complete description of macroscopic physical behavior that should be modeled by image synthesis programs. This paper presents a mathematical model for global energy balancing which includes these phenomena.
Near-Ultraviolet Absorption Spectrum of 5,10-Dihydrophenazine

In the course of other work it became necessary to synthesize and determine the near-uv absorption spectrum of 5,10 dihydrophenazine. Since, to our knowledge the spectrum of this compound has not been reported previously, we wish to present our findings here.
On the functional equivalence of literal and metaphorical interpretations in discourse.

Abstract Are functionally equivalent operations required for understanding literal and metaphorical meanings? Context stories were constructed in which sentences such as “He is a baby” had both literal and metaphorical “truth” values. In Experiment 1, sentence verification was most difficult when literal and metaphorical meanings conflicted, indicating that both meanings were generated. In Experiment 2, people were asked to comprehend the text rather than to verify truth. Comprehension was easiest when both literal and metaphorical meanings were plausible in context. These results suggest that nonliteral meanings are generated automatically and are integrated with context whenever a coherent interpretation can be formed.
Quantity and quality of embryos collected from mice passively immunized against estradiol.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of passive immunization against estradiol on the occurrence and timing of estrus, ovulation and fertilization rates and on early embryonic development in mice. Swiss Webster fermale mice were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups to be injected with 0.1 ml saline (control; n=15), 0.1 ml anti-estradiol antisera (high dose: n=17) or 0.1 ml antiestradiol antisera diluted 1:10 with saline (low dose; n=17) at seven weeks of age. Immediately after injection mice were placed with males and observed daily for the presence of vaginal plugs for 10 d. Three days after vaginal plugs were observed, mice were terminated and the uteri were removed and flushed to determine the number and quality of unfertilized ova and embryos. No differences were observed in the timing of vaginal plug formation, the proportion of mice with vaginal plugs, or the mean number of unfertilized ova or embryos collected from each treatment group. However, the proportion of excellent or good quality embryos was reduced in the high dosage treatment. It was concluded from this study that passive immunization of mice against estradiol did not increase the number of embryos obtained from mice and that a high dosage of antisera against estradiol reduced embryo quality. These results provide evidence that alterations in levels of estradiol may adversely affect embryonic development.
Cleavage of 5′ splice site and lariat formation are independent of 3′ splice site in yeast mRNA splicing

Analysis of messenger RNA splicing in yeast and in metazoa has led to the identification of an RNA molecule in a lariat conformation. This structure has been found as an mRNA splicing intermediate in vitro1,2 and identical molecules have been identified in vivo3–5. Lariat formation involves cleavage of the precursor at the 5′ splice site (5′ SS) and the formation of a 2′–5′ phosphodiester bond between the guanosine residue at the 5′ end of the intron and an adenosine within the intron1,2. The yeast branchpoint is located within the absolutely conserved TACTAAC box (that is, the last A of the TACTAAC box is the site of formation of the 2′–5′ phosphodiester bond with the 5′ end of the intron)3,4. Moreover, efficient 5′ SS cleavage and lariat formation require proper sequences at the 5′ splice junction and within the TACTAAC box6–12. Here we demonstrate that 5′ SS cleavage and lariat formation take place in vitro in the absence of the 3′ SS and much of the 3′ junction. These results are discussed in light of possible differences between yeast and metazoan mRNA splicing.
Concentration dependence of the underpotential deposition of silver on Pt(111): Electrochemical and UHV studies

Abstract We report on a study of the underpotential deposition of silver on well-defined Pt(111) electrodes with emphasis on its concentration dependence. Electrochemical as well as ultrahigh vacuum surface techniques have been employed. The voltammetry for deposition of silver on Pt(111) depends on the silver ion concentration but it does not follow the Nernstian behaviour of 60 mV shift per decade change in concentration. We also find that when the silver ion concentration is 1.00 mM the electrodeposition is via adsorption in a well-defined manner, whereas at a concentration of 0.005 mM the mechanism involves three-dimensional nucleation and island formation. In addition, two monolayers of silver are deposited at underpotentials but the stability of the second layer is a strong function of the silver ion concentration in solution. When the silver ion concentration is 1.00 mM, rinsing the electrode at controlled potential (with supporting electrolyte containing no silver in solution) results in essentially complete removal of the second layer of silver. However, when the deposition is from a solution containing silver at a concentration of 0.10 mM, the layer is stable to the same rinsing procedure.
Adiabatic fixed-bed gasification of coal, dairy biomass, and feedlot biomass using an air-steam mixture as an oxidizing agent.

Concentrated animal feeding operations, such as cattle feedlots and dairies, produce a large amount of manure, cattle biomass (CB), which can be included as renewable feedstock for locally based gasification for syngas (CO and H2) production and subsequent use in power generation. Experimental results on effects of bed temperature and gas composition on the higher heating value (HHV) and energy recovery are presented for dairy biomass (DB) gasification using air and air–steam as oxidizers. Some experimental data are compared with adiabatic gasification modeling which includes atom balance conservation for assumed product species and chemical equilibrium analysis. Wyoming sub-bituminous coal (WYC) and Texas Lignite coal (TXL) are used as standard fuels for comparison purposes in modeling studies. Two main parameters are investigated in this study. One is the modified equivalence ratio (ERM) defined as the ratio of stochiometric oxygen to total oxygen supplied in the oxidizing mixture of air and steam. The second is a measure of how much steam is in the oxidizer and is called the air steam ratio (ASTR), which is defined as the ratio of oxygen supplied in the air to the total oxygen supplied in the oxidizer. The results suggested that gasification of CB and coals under higher ERM yield elevated concentrations of CO and CH4, and low percentages of H2 and CO2, while higher ASTRs (less steam) produced mixtures poor in H2, CO2, and CH4 and rich in CO with lower HHV. It was also found that FB and DB produced higher amounts of H2 than WYC and TXL under the same ERM and ASTR.