cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Saturation of transpolar potential for large Y component interplanetary magnetic field

[1] This study examines the response of the transpolar potential to a large Y component interplanetary magnetic field (IMF By). The transpolar potential responds nonlinearly and saturates for large IMF By in the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry (LFM) global MHD simulation, just as it does for large southward IMF (−Bz). Data from Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites and Assimilative Mapping of Ionospheric Electrodynamics (AMIE) results confirm the saturation of the transpolar potential during large IMF By. The magnitude of the saturated transpolar potential is significantly smaller for large IMF By than for large negative IMF Bz. This indicates that transpolar potential saturation does not depend on the strength of the Region 1 current. However, the magnitude of the IMF at which the transpolar potential becomes nonlinear and begins to exhibit saturation behavior is the same for large By as it is for large Bz. Furthermore, when the IMF (By or Bz) reaches the value that produces saturation, the magnetosheath becomes magnetically dominated, with β < 1. This suggests that the saturation of the transpolar potential is related to a change in the force balance in the magnetosheath from a plasma-pressure-dominated magnetosheath to a magnetically-dominated magnetosheath.
Effect of Norepinephrine and Sodium Fluoride on Heart Adenyl Cyclase in Newborn and Adult Rats

The action of norepinephrine and sodium fluoride on heart adenyl cyclase activity in newborn and adult rats was studied. In addi- tion, the effect of triiodothyronine (T3; 1 mg/ kg/day for 3 days) on the basal activity of adenyl cyclase and the response of the enzyme to nor- epinephrine were investigated in mature and neo- natal animals. At a concentration of 5 X 10~°M, norepinephrine produced a significant increase in heart adenyl cyclase in adult rats; a significant rise in enzyme activity in hearts from newborn animals occurred at 5 X 10~ 5 M norepinephrine. Pretreatment of neonatal rats with T3 did not increase the low level of adenyl cyclase activity, nor did T3 enhance the response of the enzyme to norepinephrine or sodium fluoride in either adult or newborn rats. (Endocrinology 93: 982, 1973) A DENYL cyclase has been shown to be pres- •^"- ent in brains from newborn rats, but in amounts considerably less than those found in brains from adult animals (1,2). This enzyme is also found in hearts from adult rats and cats. When adult animals are pretreated with thyroid hormone, neither the basal activity nor the re- sponse of cardiac adenyl cyclase to catechol- amines is altered by thyroxine (3,4). Because thyroid hormone has been shown to stimulate the development of glucose-6-phos- phatase and reduced NADP dehydrogenase in livers of fetal rats (5), we were interested in
Functional Specialization of Seven Mouse Visual Cortical Areas

To establish the mouse as a genetically tractable model for high-order visual processing, we characterized fine-scale retinotopic organization of visual cortex and determined functional specialization of layer 2/3 neuronal populations in seven retinotopically identified areas. Each area contains a distinct visuotopic representation and encodes a unique combination of spatiotemporal features. Areas LM, AL, RL, and AM prefer up to three times faster temporal frequencies and significantly lower spatial frequencies than V1, while V1 and PM prefer high spatial and low temporal frequencies. LI prefers both high spatial and temporal frequencies. All extrastriate areas except LI increase orientation selectivity compared to V1, and three areas are significantly more direction selective (AL, RL, and AM). Specific combinations of spatiotemporal representations further distinguish areas. These results reveal that mouse higher visual areas are functionally distinct, and separate groups of areas may be specialized for motion-related versus pattern-related computations, perhaps forming pathways analogous to dorsal and ventral streams in other species.
A facile synthesis of primary amines from carboxylic acids by the Curtius rearrangement

Abstract 2-Trimethylsilylethanol was used to trap isocyanates produced by the Curtius rearrangement of acyl azides and the resulting trimethylsilylethyl carbamates were readily cleaved with tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride to liberate the primary amines.
Mediatory role of calcium and guanosine 3', 5'-monophosphate in adrenocorticotropin-induced steroidogenesis by adrenal cells

When incubated in a calcium-free medium, isolated rat fasciculata cells showed neither an increase in the concentration of guanocine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) nor an increase in corticosterone production in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). In response to submaximum and maximum steroidogenic concentrations of ACTH, corticosterone formation was directly proportional to increases in calcium concentration ranging from 0 to 2.5 mM. Higher concentration of calcium, however, inhibited maximal ACTH-induced steroidogenesis. In the absence of ACTH, calcium did not stimulate cyclic GMP accumulation and corticosterone formation. ACTH-induced corticosterone synthesis, preceded by an increase in cyclic GMP, was restored when ACTH and calcium were both present in the medium. Cyclic GMP or dibutryl cyclic GMP-induced steroidogenesis was substantially reduced in the absence of calcium, but in contrast to the ACTH effect a significant amount of corticosterone formation occurred without calcium. It is proposed that at the physiological concentrations of the hormone, calcium regulates the transduction of information between hormone receptors and guanylate cyclase.
Cyclosporine—lessons from the first 20 years

The introduction of cyclosporine in clinical practice led to a dramatic increase in long-term graft survival. At the Transplantation Center of the University of Rome La Sapienza, the survival rate at 5, 10, and 20 years was 35%, 22%, and 20% in the precyclosporine era and 75%, 60%, and 45%, respectively, after the use of cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive therapy. However, because of the nephrotoxicity of this, drug efforts are being made to reduce or avoid the use of calcineurin inhibitors. We advocate tailoring of immunosuppression to a minimal level on the basis of immunologic tests that permit a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of regulatory and effector cells.
Eigenprojections and the equality of latent roots of a correlation matrix

Abstract In this paper, we consider the inference problem regarding the equality of the q smallest latent roots of a correlation matrix. A statistic, which is a function of the eigenprojection associated with the q smallest latent roots of the sample correlation matrix, is shown to have an asymptotic normal distribution. The expected value of this statistic is the zero vector if, and only if, the q smallest latent roots of the population correlation matrix are equal. This permits the construction of a chi-squared test statistic for the test of the equality of the q smallest latent roots of a population correlation matrix. Simulation results indicate that this test is superior to others currently in use in terms of achieving the nominal significance level for small sample sizes.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pain in Small-fiber Neuropathy

Small-fiber neuropathy manifests in a variety of different diseases and often results in symptoms of burning pain, shooting pain, allodynia, and hyperesthesia. Diagnosis of small-fiber neuropathy is determined primarily by the history and physical exam, but functional neurophysiologic testing and skin biopsy evaluation of intraepidermal nerve-fiber density can provide diagnostic confirmation. Management of small-fiber neuropathy depends on the underlying etiology with concurrent treatment of associated neuropathic pain. A variety of recent guidelines proposes the use of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioids, topical therapies, and nonpharmacologic treatments as part of the overall management of neuropathic pain. Unfortunately, little data about the treatment of pain specifically in small-fiber neuropathy exist because most studies combine mixed neuropathic pain syndromes in the analysis. Additional studies targeting the treatment of pain in small-fiber neuropathy are needed to guide decision making.
Impact of the 1986 Tax Reform Act on investments in wood biomass energy systems

Abstract The Tax Reform Act of 1986 drastically altered the business tax structure of the United States. This paper examines the magnitude and scope of these tax changes and their impact on three basic types of investment in biomass energy systems: (1) a replacement facility, (2) a retrofit, and (3) the addition of a cogeneration turbine. The paper examines the economic feasibility of these three biomass projects (adapted from real case studies) before and after implementation of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 using the effects on net present value and internal rate of return criteria. Individual changes in the tax code applicable to biomass energy systems are reviewed and the impact of each on the net present value and internal rate of return of the three projects is quantified. The results indicate that the Tax Reform Act was not as devastating to biomass projects as originally perceived and that some projects capable of generating large annual savings may actually benefit from the tax law changes.
Effect of composition and thermal treatment on the yield stress and resistivity of Pb(Au) alloys

Abstract Resistivity measurements show that the earlier reported clustering of Au. presumably to Au 4 , in Pb can be largely suppressed by quenching from the homogenization temperature, T h , into cold acetone at 178 K. The extent of suppression is greater the lower is T h . Apparently the clustering goes to completion when the specimens, containing 200 at. ppm Au. are reheated in the temperature range 300–330 K. We also report measurements of the dependence of the critical resolved yield stress. τ cr of singly oriented Pb(Au) crystals stretched at 77 K. on Au concentration. C Au , (0–500 at. ppm) and thermal treatment. τ cr of pure Pb crystals varied by a factor of 5 with the degree of quench hardening, attributed to dislocation loops formed by vacancy condensation. The amount of such hardening was markedly reduced by the presence of Au in solution at T h : the reduction increased with T h . At higher C Au τ cr of specimens, as-quenched or reheated in the range 213–293 K. increases markedly with C Au . This hardening is attributed to the presence of intermediate clusters, presumed to be doublets. Au 2 . formed during quenching and upon reheating to 210–215 K. τ cr decreases substantially in the transition, at 300–330 K., of the Au from its state of intermediate to full association. However, when quench hardening is minimal and Au is in its fully associated state. τ cr increases as ( C Au ) 1.2 . The results support models in which some vacancies are annihilated in the transitions of dissolved Au from its high temperature to its low temperature, unprecipitated. states.
Transition temperatures and critical fields of Nb/Cu superlattices

We present experimental results on the superconducting properties of Nb/Cu superlattices. The transition temperature of the superlattice implies a decrease in the transition temperature of single Nb films as a function of layer thickness. This is interpreted as due to the mean free path-induced decrease in the density of states at the Fermi surface, in agreement with experimentally measured magnetic susceptibilities. The temperature dependence of anisotropic critical fields is in qualitative agreement with predictions based on effective mass theories. However, the behavior of the angular dependence is considerably more complicated. In addition to the anisotropy due to the layering, there is an anisotropy due to surface superconductivity. These results are discussed in light of theories of anisotropic critical fields.
A microfluidic device for temporally controlled gene expression and long-term fluorescent imaging in unperturbed dividing yeast cells.

Background Imaging single cells with fluorescent markers over multiple cell cycles is a powerful tool for unraveling the mechanism and dynamics of the cell cycle. Over the past ten years, microfluidic techniques in cell biology have emerged that allow for good control of growth environment. Yet the control and quantification of transient gene expression in unperturbed dividing cells has received less attention. Methodology/principal findings Here, we describe a microfluidic flow cell to grow Saccharomyces Cerevisiae for more than 8 generations (approximately 12 hrs) starting with single cells, with controlled flow of the growth medium. This setup provides two important features: first, cells are tightly confined and grow in a remarkably planar array. The pedigree can thus be determined and single-cell fluorescence measured with 3 minutes resolution for all cells, as a founder cell grows to a micro-colony of more than 200 cells. Second, we can trigger and calibrate rapid and transient gene expression using reversible administration of inducers that control the GAL1 or MET3 promoters. We then show that periodic 10-20 minutes gene induction pulses can drive many cell division cycles with complete coherence across the cell cluster, with either a G1/S trigger (cln1 cln2 cln3 MET3-CLN2) or a mitotic trigger (cdc20 GALL-CDC20). Conclusions/significance In addition to evident cell cycle applications, this device can be used to directly measure the amount and duration of any fluorescently scorable signal-transduction or gene-induction response over a long time period. The system allows direct correlation of cell history (e.g., hysteresis or epigenetics) or cell cycle position with the measured response.
Vagal Nerve Stimulator Implantation: An Otolaryngologist’s Perspective

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare an otolaryngologist's experience with a cohort of epilepsy patients implanted with a vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) to previously published data.METHODS: Demographics, preoperative seizure frequency, medications, and complications were retrospectively collected from patients implanted by the senior author. Postoperative medications and seizure frequency were obtained from referring neurologists.RESULTS: Seventeen patients were implanted over a 24-month period. Average age was 28.3 years. Patients presented with petit mal (n = 3), tonic-clonic (n = 6), complex partial (n = 5), and grand mal (n = 8) seizures. Mean follow-up postimplantation was 13.5 months. Most patients had at least a 50% reduction of seizure frequency, with 3 patients being seizure free. There were no postoperative infections. One patient had left vocal cord immobility. The most common side effect was voice disturbance during device activation.CONCLUSION: Otolaryngologists are well equipped to ...
Cutting More than Metal: Breaking the Development Cycle

New technology is changing the way we do business at NASA. The ability to use these new tools is made possible by a learning culture able to embrace innovation, flexibility, and prudent risk tolerance, while retaining the hard-won lessons learned of other successes and failures. Technologies such as 3-D manufacturing and structured light scanning are re-shaping the entire product life cycle, from design and analysis, through production, verification, logistics and operations. New fabrication techniques, verification techniques, integrated analysis, and models that follow the hardware from initial concept through operation are reducing the cost and time of building space hardware. Using these technologies to be more efficient, reliable and affordable requires we bring them to a level safe for NASA systems, maintain appropriate rigor in testing and acceptance, and transition new technology. Maximizing these technologies also requires cultural acceptance and understanding and balancing rules with creativity. Evolved systems engineering processes at NASA are increasingly more flexible than they have been in the past, enabling the implementation of new techniques and approaches. This paper provides an overview of NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's new approach to development, as well as examples of how that approach has been incorporated into NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) Program, which counts among its key tenants - safety, affordability, and sustainability. One of the 3D technologies that will be discussed in this paper is the design and testing of various rocket engine components.
THEORY OF GRAPHITIC BORON NITRIDE NANOTUBES

Based upon the similarities in properties between carbon- and BN-based (BN=boron nitride) materials, we propose that BN-based nanotubes can be stable and study their electronic structure. A simple Slater-Koster tight-binding scheme has been applied. All the BN nanotubes are found to be semiconducting materials. The band gaps are larger than 2 eV for most tubes. Depending on the helicity, the calculated band gap can be direct at [Gamma] or indirect. In general, the larger the diameter of the nanotube the larger the band gap, with a saturation value corresponding to the calculated local-density-approximation band gap of hexagonal BN. The higher ionicity of BN is important in explaining the electronic differences between these tubes and similar carbon nanotubes.
Divergence Paralysis Following Head Trauma

A nine-year-old white boy struck his occiput while going down a slide during school recess January 14, 1971. He did not remember any episode of uncon­ sciousness associated with the injury, but his neck hurt. He remained in school until dismissal time. In the evening he vomited once and complained of headache. He did not return to school the next day because he felt lethargic. Four days after the acci­ dent he developed a severe headache with restless­ ness in the morning, and the following day he was hospitalized for treatment with a cervical collar Two days later (January 21, 1971) he developed a homonymous diplopia for distance vision only. The following day he was discharged from the hospital.
Attitudes toward sexuality in a group of 1500 middle class teen-agers.

The purpose of the study was to determine the attitudes toward sexuality in a group of randomly selected middle class teen-agers. The sample included boys and girls, young (13–14) and older (16–18) teen-agers, in a variety of geographic locations from 1962 to 1970. Results demonstrated significant differences between the sexes and between younger and older teen-agers. It did not show differences between teen-agers' attitudes toward sexuality from 1962 to 1970 and neither were there any differences in the attitudes of adolescents in the American cities and in Hobart, Australia. The main finding is that there is no evidence to suggest that the adolescent population is in the midst of a “sexual revolution.”
Effect of site of synchronous unipolar ventricular stimulation and volume loading on cardiac function

Multilead atrioventricular synchronous unipolar pacemakers were implanted in dogs with complete heart block. After recovery from pentobarbital anesthesia, ventricular stimulation site was varied by magnetically opening and closing lead switches through the intact skin of the resting dog. Electrocardiogram, cardiac output, and central arterial and venous pressures were monitored for 16–72 hr. Each stimulation site gave a characteristic ECG but pulse rate was not affected. When compared with the other sites studied, left ventricular apical stimulation increased cardiac output (P < 0.001) and systemic pressure (P = 0.01) and decreased central venous pressure (P < 0.05). While less effective than the left ventricle apex, stimulation of either the base or the apex of the right ventricle gave better cardiac output than stimulation of the base of the left ventricle (P < 0.01 and < 0.05). After volume loading cardiac output increased. Left ventricular apical stimulation remained optimal and the significance of the pressure changes increased (P < 0.001). For maximum cardiac performance after complete heart block, pacemaker electrodes should be implanted at the left ventricular apex. Lead implantation at the left ventricular base is practiced to decrease lead stress but should be avoided as this site consistently limits cardiac function.
Efficient computation of blue noise point sets through importance sampling

Dart-throwing can generate ideal Poisson-disk distributions with excellent blue noise properties, but is very computationally expensive if a maximal point set is desired. In this paper, we observe that the Poisson-disk sampling problem can be posed in terms of importance sampling by representing the available space to be sampled as a probability density function (pdf). This allows us to develop an efficient algorithm for the generation of maximal Poisson-disk distributions with quality similar to naive dart-throwing but without rejection of samples. In our algorithm, we first position samples in one dimension based on its marginal cumulative distribution function (cdf). We then throw samples in the other dimension only in the regions which are available for sampling. After each 2D sample is placed, we update the cdf and data structures to keep track of the available regions. In addition to uniform sampling, our method is able to perform variable-density sampling with small modifications. Finally, we also propose a new min-conflict metric for variable-density sampling which results in better adaptation of samples to the underlying importance field.
Multicountry Studies of Latin American Legislatures: A Review Article

Electoral Laws and the Survival of Presidential Democracies. By Mark P. Jones. (South Bend, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 1995. Pp. 246). Legislative Politics in Latin America. Edited by Scott Morgenstern and Benito Nacif. (New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2002. Pp. 503). Partidos Politicos de America Latina: Centroamerica, Mexico, y Republica Dominicana. By Manuel Alcantara Saez and Flavia Friedenberg. (Salamanca, Spain: Biblioteca de America, 2001. Pp. 776). Partidos Politicos de America Latina: Cono Sur. By Manuel Alcantara Saez and Flavia Friedenberg. (Salamanca, Spain: Biblioteca de America, 2001. Pp. 628). Partidos Politicos de America Latina: Paises Andinos. By Manuel Alcantara Saez and Flavia Friedenberg. (Salamanca, Spain: Biblioteca de America, 2001. Pp. 680). Patterns of Legislative Politics: Roll Call Voting in Latin America and the U.S. By Scott Morgenstern. (New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2004. Pp. 224).1 Politicians and Economic Reform in New Democracies. By Kent Eaton. (University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University Press, 2002. Pp. 351).1 Presidentialism and Democracy in Latin America. Edited by Scott Mainwaring and Matthew Soberg Shugart. (New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 1997. Pp. 493). Term Limits and Legislative Representation. By John M. Carey. (New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 1996. Pp. 216).
Crystallographic determination of symmetry of aspartate transcarbamylase.

Studies of trigonal and tetragonal crystalline forms of aspartate transcarbamylase show that the molecule has a three-fold and a two-fold symmetry axis.
SEM-based System For Calibration Of Linewidth SRMs For The IC industry

The National Bureau of Standards is currently developing a new scanning electron microscope-based linewidth measurement system for future calibration of standard reference materials for the IC industry. This system incorporates a piezo/interferometric stage for precise translational motion and the monitoring of distance, improved vibration-isolation, microprocessor stage control system, and computer data analysis. The specifications incorporated into the system are designed for the measurement of linewidth dimensions from 0.1 to 2 μm with a precision of 0.002 μm. The design philosophy of the system is discussed along with the current limitations of accurate edge detection in SEM-based systems.
Transient Forward Bias Response of Amorphous Silicon P-I-N Diodes

When a forward bias is applied to an amorphous silicon p-i-n diode, there is a delay in the onset of the current. We present experimental data and numerical calculations, showing that the effect is due to trapped space charge which inhibits the onset of a double injection current. The dependence of the delay time on defect density, bias, illumination and the location of the defects is examined.
Micellar catalysis by perfluorooctanoic acid

Rates of acidic hydrolysis of hexano-, octano-, and decanohydroxamic acids and of 4-bromophenylaceto- and phenylacetohydroxamic acids have been determined in aqueous perfluorooctanoic acid—a reactive counterion surfactant system. Typical micellar catalysis was observed for the hydrolyses of the n-alkyl hydroxamic acids but not for the arylacetohydroxamic acids. The Arrhenius activation energy for hydrolysis of octano-hydroxamic acid is smaller above the cmc of the surfactant than it is below the cmc.
Echocardiographic Assessment of the Cardiac Anatomy in Patients With Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia: A Comparison With Atrial Fibrillation

Although multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) has been recognized since 1968, few data exist on its associated anatomic correlates. Using echocardiography, the authors describe the cardiac anatomy observed in hospitalized patients with MAT. Because MAT closely resembles atrial fibrillation (AF), these echocardiographic data are compared with those from an age- and sex-matched population with AF. There were 25 patients in each of the MAT and AF groups. Biatrial enlargement was present in both groups. However, the atrial enlargement was mild and significantly less in the MAT group. The MAT group had normal ventricular and aortic dimensions. Right ventricular dysfunction was rare in both groups. Moderate to severe global left ventricular dysfunction was present in 7 of 25 in the MAT group and in 9 of 25 in the AF group. Systolic wall-motion abnormalities were significantly less in the MAT group. Severe Doppler and structural abnormalities were not common in the MAT group. Based on these parameters, physiologic and not anatomic factors are probably more important in the genesis of MAT as compared with AF.
Enrichment of rat tissue lipids with fatty acids that are prostaglandin precursors.

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of supplementation of a complete diet with ethyl arachidonate and with ethyl dihomo-γ-linolenate (20 : 3ω6) on the fatty acid composition of plasma and tissue lipid classes were studied in normal rats. 2. 2. These prostaglandin precursors were incorporated in varying degrees into all lipid classes of the tissues that were investigated. The largest elevations were seen in plasma and tissue triacylglycerols. Significant increases were also observed in phospholipids, cholesteryl esters and the free fatty acid fraction. 3. 3. Following the feeding of the ester of 20 : 3ω6, arachidonate levels also rose in the lipids of some tissues. In others, such as the renal medulla and platelets, an increase in 20 : 3ω6 content occurred without a rise in 20 : 4. 4. 4. Platelet aggregation is known to be stimulated by 20 : 4 (via active metabolites), but not by 20 : 3ω6. The ability to modify 20 : 3ω6 levels selectively in certain tissues is of interest in light of such pharmacologic differences from 20 : 4.
Future randomized trials for non small-cell lung cancer.

Abstract Combination chemotherapy is the standard of care for management of previously untreated, good performance status patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer. Most of the regimens in use worldwide are platinum-based doublets. Recent data from the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group suggest that multiple different platinum-based regimens produce similar response rates and overall survival when used as first-line treatment. In upcoming randomized trials designed to explore possible improvements in therapy, three different strategies are being evaluated. One involves head-to-head comparisons of new, often nonplatinum- based doublet combinations with standard platinum-based, two-drug regimens. A second emphasizes the possible benefits of combinations using three cytotoxic agents compared to a two-drug standard. The third is focused on adding a new molecular targeting agent, such as an anti–growth factor, growth factor receptor antibody, or an intracellular signal transduction inhibitor, to a standard combination of two cytotoxic drugs. This paper reviews some of the randomized phase III trials exemplifying each of these approaches to therapy for patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer.
Age and visual sensitivity in the rat

The ability to detect low levels of light was studied in two age groups. It was found that the sensitivity of the younger rats (157 days old) was greater than the sensitivity of the older rats (420 days old). However, altering the olfactory environment produced an increase in sensitivity to light in both groups.
HYPERON PRODUCTION BY NEUTRINOS IN AN SU$sub 3$ MODEL

An $S{U}_{3}$ model of weak interactions is used to discuss amplitudes and cross sections for hyperon production by neutrinos. Numerical results for the cross sections are given. The notion of first- and second-class currents is extended to currents transforming like multiplets under $S{U}_{3}$.
Barriers to rotation for the ammonium ion in ammonium chloride and bromide

Abstract The barriers to rotation for the ammonium ion in the ordered and disordered phases of ammonium chloride and ammonium bromide are calculated from their torsional frequencies. The results are compared to the activation energies determined from NMR results.
An inverse problem for Maxwell's equation

Abstract It is proved that the 3D inhomogeneity in the magnetic permeability can be uniquely determined from the surface measurements of the electromagnetic field at low frequencies.
STATISTICAL REPORT OF 2011 CBAL™ MULTISTATE ADMINISTRATION OF READING AND WRITING TESTS

In the Cognitively Based Assessment of, for, and as Learning (CBAL™) research initiative, innovative K-12 prototype tests based on cognitive competency models are developed. This report presents the statistical results of the 2 CBAL Grade 8 writing tests and 2 Grade 7 reading tests administered to students in 20 states in spring 2011. Specifically, classical item statistics including rater reliabilities for human-scored items, item p+ values, item-total correlations, item response times, item omit and not-reached rates, system error rates, differential item functioning, interscore correlations, and reliabilities of subscores and total scores are reported. In addition, t-tests, multiple comparisons, correlations, and mixed models are used to examine the factors influencing test scores, including test form, test order, and various background variables at the student, teacher, and school levels. The results show that these 4 tests performed reasonably well.
Moving Beyond the Great Game: The Geoeconomics of Russia’s Influence in the Caspian Energy Bonanza

Emboldened by the recovery of the domestic oil industry and determined to exploit comparative advantages in world markets, President Putin put Russia once again on the move to secure control over Caspian energy spoils. The revitalization of Moscow's posture renewed debate over the contours of geopolitical competition in the region, and the effectiveness of non-military instruments of statecraft more generally. Yet, much of the controversy is misplaced due to empirical and theoretical oversights. The first is due to a misreading of the record of Moscow's Caspian energy posture, and an under-appreciation for the mixed success of Russia's energy leverage across the oil and gas sectors. The second comes from the failure to understand the conditions under which institutionally weak states can manipulate markets and regulatory mechanisms in global energy relations for purposes of national security. The article offers a first cut at substantiating these claims by examining the geoeconomic dimensions to Russia's ...
Development in tunable solid state lasers with high spectral purity, high efficiency and long lifetime for differential absorption lidar

The paper presents a review of tunable vibronic solid state lasers for DIAL measurements and provides new experimental results for tunable Ti:sapphire lasers, materials development, and spectral bandwidth narrowing through injection control. Pulsed injection control of a Ti:sapphire laser with a 2.5-pm narrow band pulsed dye laser and with another Ti:sapphire laser is demonstrated with nearly complete energy extraction, indicating homogeneous line broadening. The status of tunable solid state lasers in the 1.6-2.3 micron range for DIAL measurements of trace gases, and development trends for lasers with reduced cryogenic cooling needs, are included. The effects of laser gain on optical damage, energy extraction, and amplified spontaneous emission are indicated for several tunable lasers.
Photophysical characterization of 2,3-difunctionalized thieno[3,4-b]pyrazines

In order to better understand the optical properties of polythieno[3,4-b]pyrazine materials, the photophysical characteristics of a series of monomeric 2,3-difunctionalized thieno[3,4-b]pyrazines (where R=H, CH3, C6H13, C8H17, C10H21, C12H25, and Ph) have been studied. Characterization of the room temperature UV–vis and fluorescence spectra, including solvent and pH dependence, are presented and compared to the related species isothianaphthene and quinoxaline.
Deformation of the lamina cribrosa and anterior scleral canal wall in early experimental glaucoma.

Purpose To test the hypothesis that pathophysiologic deformation of the lamina cribrosa and anterior scleral canal wall underlies the onset of confocal scanning laser tomography (CSLT)-detected optic nerve head (ONH) surface change in early experimental glaucoma. Methods Both eyes of four normal (two normal eyes) monkeys and four with early glaucoma (one eye with laser-induced IOP elevation, observed until the onset of CSLT-detected ONH surface change) were enucleated immediately after death and immersion fixed at IOP 0 mm Hg. In an additional four normal monkeys and five with early glaucoma, both eyes were cannulated, and IOP set to 10 mm Hg in one normal eye and either 30 or 45 mm Hg in the other (normal or early-glaucoma) eye. After 15 to 80 minutes of acute IOP elevation, these nine monkeys were perfusion-fixed. Within images of serial sagittal sections of the ONH tissues in all 17 monkeys, anterior lamina cribrosa position, laminar thickness, and scleral canal diameter were measured. For each parameter, differences between the two eyes of each monkey and between treatment groups were assessed by ANOVA. Results Within the eyes of the eight monkeys with IOP 0 mm Hg, the lamina cribrosa was posteriorly displaced and thicker and the scleral canal was enlarged at Bruch's membrane and at the anterior laminar insertion in the early-glaucoma eyes compared with the contralateral normal eyes (plastic deformation). Within the high-IOP normal eyes, the lamina cribrosa was posteriorly displaced compared with that in the low-IOP normal eyes, but there were no significant differences in laminar thickness or scleral canal diameter (normal compliance). Within the high-IOP early-glaucoma eyes, the lamina cribrosa was posteriorly displaced and thicker and the scleral canal enlarged, compared with both low-IOP normal eyes and high-IOP normal eyes (hypercompliant deformation). Differences in laminar position between the high-IOP early-glaucoma eyes and the contralateral low-IOP normal eyes (hypercompliant plus plastic deformation) were more than eight times greater than the differences between the high-IOP normal eyes and the contralateral low-IOP normal eyes (normal compliance). Conclusions Both plastic (permanent) and hypercompliant deformation of the lamina cribrosa and anterior scleral canal wall are present in young adult monkey eyes with early experimental glaucoma. These findings suggest that damage to the ONH connective tissues occurs early in the monkey model of experimental glaucoma.
The evolution of standards for accrediting computer science teacher preparation programs

In 1992, the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) adopted guidelines for computer science education teacher preparation programs. The endorsement signaled the emergence of computer science education as a distinct discipline and computer science as a formal secondary subject area. The guidelines were developed through an intense program of research and review by the International Society for Technology and Education (ISTE). Since the passage of the standards, numerous computer science and education professionals have been involved in the process of preparing program folios for review and developing the actual review process. This real experience with the standards helped to identify issues and problems that are common to most programs and that need examination in the current five year review. In this paper, an overview of the guidelines is presented, the review process is described, issues and problems are discussed, and future initiatives are identified.
The role of virtual boundaries in knowledge sharing and organization

The concept of boundary is essential to investigations of knowledge organization and information sharing in the virtual world. With information and communication technologies playing an increasingly significant role in today's networked society, the idea of a boundary can no longer be tied to notions of geographical locale or intellectual domain. After reviewing traditional approaches to space and place, two concepts closely related to boundaries, we propose that it is the notion of place that both generates boundaries and provides for recognition of and distinctions between knowledge domains. In the online world, however, traditional concepts of space and place, and thus traditional understandings of boundary, are inadequate for explaining virtual boundaries because of the lack of physical embodiment in the digital environment. Rather, it is the individual's personal sense of belonging that creates an awareness of domains and facilitates the sharing of knowledge. The lack of embodiment in cyberspace shifts responsibility for the creation and recognition of boundaries to the individual, indicating that the idea of place in cyberspace -- "cyberplace" -- would best be characterized by a sense of "place-like" that is at once stable yet fluid, consistent yet dynamic.
Binding of carboxylated starburst dendrimers to poly(diallydimethylammonium chloride)

The interaction between poly(diallydimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and carboxylated starburst dendrimers (generations 0.5, 3.5, 5.5 and 7.5) was investigated over a range of ionic strength from 0.01 to 0.50 M NaCI using pH titration, turbidimetry and quasi-elastic light scattering methods. Complex formation occurs most readily with generation 7.5, which may be attributed to its high charge density relative to the smaller dendrimers. The effects of ionic strength confirmed the electrostatic nature of the interaction, while pH titrations revealed that complex formation is stoichiometric. Analysis of pH titrations via the effect of binding on the pK a of the dendrimer carboxylic acid groups lead to estimates of the free energy of complex formation.
Cognitive style and elaboration of logical abilities in hearing-impaired children

Ninety-seven hearing-impaired children ages 8–12 were given the Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) and a Piagetian battery under one of six conditions of testing: (a1) standard, (a2) simple feedback, (a3) “verbalization” after problem solution (a4) “verbalization” during and after solution, (a5) differential feedback, and (a6) conditions a4 and a5 combined. Kagan's Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT) and the Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Control scale were also administered. Performance under conditions a5 and a6 was greater than performance under conditions a3 and a4, which in turn exceeded performance in conditions a1 or a2. MFFT errors, MFFT latency, and locus of control score were differentially related to performance in the different testing conditions. A significant prediction equation was found for both the CPM and Piagetian battery under a2, a3, and a6 and for the CPM under a4. All analyses indicated consistency of findings across both criterion measures. The findings of this investigation may be used as an aid in the development of diagnostic instruments and procedures which take individual differences along dimensions of personality and cognitive style into account.
Comparative effects of intrahippocampal injection of dynorphin A(1-8), dynorphin A(1-13), dynorphin A(1-17), U-50,488H, and dynorphin B on blood pressure and heart rate in spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats.

Abstract We previously demonstrated centrally mediated hypotensive and bradycardic effects of dynorphin A(1–8) (DA1–8) on microinjection into various areas of the hippocampal formation (HF) of both anesthetized and conscious male normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether other dynorphin fragments also had this activity. We microinjected DA1–8, dynorphin A(1–13), dynorphin A(1–17), dynorphin B (DB), and the nonpeptide kappa-opioid agonist U-50,488H into HF areas previously found to react to DA1–8, at doses ranging from 0.05 to 50 nmol. The subjects were male SHR and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats in which arterial pressure and heart rate were monitored. Dose-related centrally mediated hypotension and bradycardia were found in both strains with all agents used, except for DB, which had no effects. Similarly injected drug vehicle was also without effect. In general, the responses were greater in SHR than in WKY rats. Preinjection of the active HF areas with 2 nmol of nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), a selective kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, which itself had no blood pressure or heart rate effects, abolished both the decrease in blood pressure and heart rate of all dynorphins and U-50,488H. The results demonstrated the equivalent abilities of all the dynorphin fragments studied, except DB, to cause HF-mediated hypotension and bradycardia. The results with U-50,488H and nor-BNI strongly implicate kappa-opiate receptor activation of the HF in these effects.
Restructuring the Patient’s History: Enhancing the Consultant’s Role as a Teacher

Medical consultants provide important assistance to patients and referring physicians. Although their major role is that of a clinician, they are often simultaneously serving in the role of the physicianteacher. The consultants’ expertise, often both broad and deep regarding their area of specialty, provides a special resource to referring physicians and patients.Theirabilitiesandexpertisecannotonlyguidecurrent care, but also can influence the future care provided by the referring physician, emphasizing the important role of the consultant as teacher. Many variables can influence a consultant’s teaching effectiveness, including the context, the referring physician or trainee as learners, and the content to be taught. The context of medical care surrounding the patient–physician interaction affects the behavior of consultants and primary care physicians alike. This is especially true in today’s world of electronic medical records, rapid patient turnover driven by relative value units, billing based on patient records and codes, and institutional emphasis on the business of medicine. These forces can diminish the available time for a consultant’s teaching of other colleagues or the teaching of trainees, including fellows, residents, and students. The relationship between consultants and referring physicians also can affect the teaching process, either facilitating or impeding the exchange of information. Although referring physicians may be oriented to see the consultant as a resource “teacher,” they are also faced with time constraints such that they may see the consultant mainly as task deliverer, addressing problems efficiently so as to facilitate the referring physician’s time allocation. Recognition and respect for the time constraints and responsibilities of both parties can influence the teaching process. Lastly, the structure of the topic or content being taught can also influence the effectiveness of the consultant’s teaching. Key aspects of the content relate to the clarity of the information presented, the interpretation of that information, and the understanding of the recommendations. One important source of information for analysis is the patient’s history, including the history of present illness (HPI). Although the patient’s history has a central role in providing the key to diagnosis and treatment, the structure used and the emphasis placed on the patient’s history can vary across the 3 persons integral to the patient’s care—the patient, the referring physician, and the consultant. Some literature indicates that physicians vary on the perceived importance of the patient history, with some 19th- and early 20th-century educators even recommending minimal emphasis on the history owing to the unreliability of the patient’s story. 1 Other literature suggests that consultants and referring physicians may place different importance on the referring physician’s history. 2 Finally, consultants
Knowledge and opinions regarding Medicare reimbursement for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background Medicare, via its fee schedule, determines amount of payment to physicians for services for its beneficiaries. Because many private insurance companies base their payment schedule on Medicare rates, it is important for physicians to know the rates of commonly performed procedures. In addition, it seems that public perception is that physicians receive substantial payments for procedures. This investigation explores patient, student, resident, and surgeon knowledge and opinion of Medicare reimbursements for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Economics, Lobbying, and U.S. Congressional Support for Taiwan: Buying American Support, 2002––2006

As Taiwan-U.S. trade has increased, I hypothesize that there is a relationship between increased Taiwanese importation of U.S. exports and greater American congressional support for Taiwan. This analysis, however, finds no such empirical correlation. Instead, support for Taiwan seems to be based more on shared norms of democracy and human rights.
Astronomy: Hubble's legacy

Twenty-five years after launch, the wild success of the space telescope argues for a new era of bold exploration in the face of tight budgets, says Mario Livio.