cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Work in progress — Putting the “E” in STEM teacher preparation: A new Bachelor of Science degree with an engineering education major

The National Academies report “Engineering in K-12 Education: Understanding the Status and Improving the Prospects” gives recommendations describing the importance of a necessary, systematic change in the incorporation of engineering within the K-12 education system. Existing efforts to introduce engineering into K-12 typically consist of in-service activities for teachers and summer camp experiences and/or single day events in classrooms. The effectiveness of reaching out to teachers and students as individuals is debatable, but these methods are certainly not sustainable. Systematic change will require a new paradigm — teachers who have a fundamental understanding of engineering will provide the most effective, sustainable solution for the implementation of K-12 engineering education. Ohio Northern University (ONU) has developed and introduced a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Engineering Education. This degree provides the graduate with a foundation in engineering, mathematics and education, qualifying the graduate for licensure as a secondary math teacher in the state of Ohio. The degree is similar to a General Engineering degree offered by some other Universities, expanding potential career opportunities to general engineering (sales, training, etc.) and unique opportunities in venues such as Science and Technology museums. This paper describes the fundamental structure of the degree program and the vision for those graduating with this major.
Serotonin selectively inhibits growth cone motility and synaptogenesis of specific identified neurons

The motile activity of growth cones of specific identified neurons is inhibited by the neurotransmitter serotonin, although other identified neurons are unaffected. As a consequence, affected neurons are unable to form electrical synapses, whereas other neurons whose growth is unaffected can still interconnect. This result demonstrates that neurotransmitters can play a prominent role in regulating neuronal architecture and connectivity in addition to their classical role in neurotransmission.
A man with saphenous vein graft aneurysms after bypass surgery

Saphenous vein graft (SVG) aneurysms are a rare complication of coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Patients in whom these aneurysms form a fistula with either a cardiac chamber or mediastinal vessel are even more uncommon and present a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present a patient with SVG aneurysms and a fistula to the left atrium.
Some block Toeplitz composition operators

Abstract The composition operators on H 2 ( D ) with minimal polynomial z n − 1 are shown to be block Toeplitz with Toeplitz symbol equal to an n × n matrix-valued polynomial of degree 1. This result is used to prove that the numerical range of a composition operator on H 2 ( D ) with minimal polynomial z 3 − 1 cannot be a circular disk.
Custom-designed proteins as novel therapeutic tools? The case of arrestins

Multiple genetic disorders can be associated with excessive signalling by mutant G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are either constitutively active or have lost sites where phosphorylation by GPCR kinases is necessary for desensitisation by cognate arrestins. Phosphorylation-independent arrestin1 can compensate for defects in phosphorylation of the GPCR rhodopsin in retinal rod cells, facilitating recovery, improving light responsiveness, and promoting photoreceptor survival. These proof-of-principle experiments show that, based on mechanistic understanding of the inner workings of a protein, one can modify its functional characteristics to generate custom-designed mutants that improve the balance of signalling in congenital and acquired disorders. Manipulations of arrestin elements responsible for scaffolding mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades and binding other signalling proteins involved in life-or-death decisions in the cell are likely to yield mutants that affect cell survival and proliferation in the desired direction. Although this approach is still in its infancy, targeted redesign of individual functions of many proteins offers a promise of a completely new therapeutic toolbox with huge potential.
Polysaccharide encapsulated bacterial infection in sickle cell anemia: a thirty year epidemiologic experience.

Annual age-specific incidence rates of Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae bacterial septicemia in sickle cell anemia (SS) were determined for the years of 1957 through 1989. Forty-nine patients had 64 episodes of septicemia among a population of 786 SS patients observed for 8,138 person-years. Peak frequency of infection occurred between 1968-1971 and 1975-1981 with a conspicuous absence of episodes in 1972, 1973, 1982-1984, and 1986-1987, thus demonstrating cycles of high and low attack rates. The annual age-specific incidence rate of septicemia varied from 64.5 (1965) to 421.1 (1980) per 1,000 person-years for those under 2 years of age and never exceeded 10.2 per 1,000 in those over 4 years of age. Following the introduction of pneumococcal polyvalent vaccine in 1978, incidence of infection decreased in SS children greater than 2 years of age. No modification of the risk of infection was observed in immunized children less than 2 years of age. During these three decades, there has been a ten-fold increase in the number of SS adults over 20 years of age. The relative risk of chronic sickle complications comparing the survivors of septicemia to the non-infected patients was: subsequent death 1.76, retinopathy 4.06, avascular necrosis 1.95, symptomatic cholelithiasis 1.33, stroke 1.30, and priapsim 1.26. These data suggest that prognosis for lifetime severe SS is initially manifested as an increased risk of septicemia during childhood.
Disruption of Lateral Olivocochlear Neurons With a Dopaminergic Neurotoxin Depresses Spontaneous Auditory Nerve Activity

Neurons of the lateral olivocochlear (LOC) system project from the auditory brainstem to the cochlea, where they synapse on radial dendrites of auditory nerve fibers. Selective LOC disruption depresses sound-evoked auditory nerve activity in the guinea pig, but enhances it in the mouse. Here, LOC disruption depressed spontaneous auditory nerve activity in the guinea pig. Recordings from single auditory nerve fibers revealed a significantly reduced proportion of fibers with the highest spontaneous firing rates (SRs) and an increased proportion of neurons with lower SRs. Ensemble activity, estimated using round window noise, also decreased after LOC disruption. Decreased spontaneous activity after LOC disruption may be a consequence of reduced tonic release of excitatory transmitters from the LOC terminals in guinea pigs.
Evidence for shakeup satellites due to surface contamination in arsenic metal and its compounds

Abstract Satellites accompanying the main peaks have been observed in the X-ray photo-electron spectra of arsenic metal and its compounds. These satellites are examined in terms of various mechanisms such as multi-electron excitation energy losses. In addition to plasm on satellites, a satellite doublet associated with the 3d peak is attributed to charge-transfer shakeup from the 2pσ level of carbon (present as a surface contamination) to the Fermi level of arsenic. Such charge-transfer shake-up satellites may be caused by a difference in the relaxation energy of surface arsenic atoms as compared to bulk arsenic atoms resulting from the presence of weakly bonded carbon.
Chapter 5 The properties of multilayer 3HE — 4HE mixture films

Summary In this review we have attempted to bring forward a number of the important experiments and theoretical ideas which have led to our present understanding of the physics of 3He–4 mixture films. There has been a lot of progress in this understanding, particularly in recent years. This recent progress has focused on the energetics and the properties of the 3He atoms as an impurity. The advent of systematics measurements of the heat capacity and the magnetic susceptibility and the NMR relaxation times have provided a wealth of information, most of which is now relatively well understood. The data awaits a detailed theory for the case of relatively large amounts of 3He. In the case of third sound and other measurements, the mixture picture presented by the experiments is more com- plicated with some apparent disparity among the experiments. There is as yet no complete theoretical understanding of the dynamincs of these films as revealed by experiment. It may be the case that substrate effects are present and respon- sible for some of the disparity which exists.
Transformation-Induced Plasticity in Sn-In Solder Joints

The research reported here concerns the contribution of transformation- induced plasticity (TRIP) to the shear deformation of Sn-x wt.%In solders with Cu or Ni metallization, where the In content (x) ranges from 9 wt.% to 15 wt.%. In this concentration range the high-temperature γ-phase (hexagonal structure) transforms to the low-temperature β-phase (β-Sn structure) on cooling, and the transformation can be martensitic. The results show that Sn-9In and Sn-11In solder joints do exhibit TRIP that significantly enhances their ductility when tested at temperatures between the deformation-induced martensite temperature (Md) and the stress-induced martensite temperature (My). For Sn-9In, Md ≈ 105°C, and the TRIP effect is optimal near My ≈ 80°C, where the total elongation reaches ~100% when the substrate metallization is Cu. The TRIP elongation is less spectacular with Ni metallization because of weakness at the solder–substrate interface. Sn-11 wt.%In joints also show extensive TRIP effect, with an Md temperature near 60°C, and an My of 35°C or less. The total elongation of 11 wt.% In joints on Cu reaches 350% at 35°C. Sn-15 wt.%In joints with Cu metallization also have excellent ductility at low temperature, with total elongation of ~50% at 35°C. In this case, however, the excellent ductility is due to the fine-grained, two-phase microstructure of the solder rather than any TRIP effect.
PTH release stimulated by high extracellular potassium is associated with a decrease in cytosolic calcium in bovine parathyroid cells

We employed the calcium (Ca++)-sensitive, intracellular dye QUIN-2 to examine the role of cytosolic Ca++ in the stimulation of PTH release by high extracellular potassium (K+) concentrations. Addition of 55 mM KCl to cells incubated with 115 mM NaCl and 5 mM KCl lowered cytosolic Ca++ at either low (0.5 mM) extracellular Ca++ (from 194±14 to 159±9 nM, p<.01, N=6) or high (1.5 mM) extracellular calcium (from 465±38 to 293±20 nM, p<.01, N=10). This reduction in cytosolic Ca++ was due to high K+perse and not to changes in tonicity since addition of 55 mM NaCl was without effect while a similar decrease in cytosolic Ca++ occurred when cells were resuspended in 60 mM NaCl and 60 mM KCl. PTH release was significantly (p<.01) greater at 0.5 and 1.5 mM Ca++ in QUIN-2-loaded cells incubated with 60 mM NaCl and 60 mM KCl than in those exposed to 115 mM NaCl and 5 mM KCl. In contrast to most secretory cells, therefore, stimulation of PTH release by high K+ is associated with a decrease rather than an increase in cytosolic Ca++.
The relationship between parental diagnosis, offspring temperament and offspring psychopathology: a longitudinal analysis

Abstract Background : The study examines the relationship between child temperament and a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression as an adult and what influence parent psychopathology may have on the temperament-diagnosis relationship. Methods : The sample consists of 151 offspring who were initially selected as being at high or low risk for major depression on the basis of the presence or absence of a lifetime history of MDD in their parents. The parents and offspring were independently interviewed with a modified version of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Lifetime ( Mannuzza et al., 1986 ) and completed a battery of instruments which included the Dimensions of Temperament Survey ( Lerner et al., 1982 ). They were interviewed three times during the course of the study: Time 1, Time 2, and Time 10. Results : There is a similar distribution of offspring disorders in the same parental diagnostic groups. There is a significant temperamental difference between the offspring of parents with a single disorder in comparison to offspring of parents with comorbid disorder. The former is characterized by significantly greater levels of adaptability/approachability. Low attention span at Time 1 is significantly predictive of an offspring lifetime diagnosis of major depression controlling for ADHD in comparison to offspring with neither disorder. Greater irritability, higher activity level and lower adaptability at Time 1 were significantly predictive of offspring lifetime diagnosis of comorbid disorder in comparison to the MDD only group. Limitations : This is a retrospective cohort study using a temperament measure from Time 1 versus lifetime diagnoses and consisting of a relatively small sample size for several of the diagnostic categories. Conclusions : There appears to be a link between parental psychopathology and offspring temperament. The data also provide further support for the notion that comorbid anxiety and depression disorder is a distinct entity in comparison to MDD only and new evidence that it may be predicted by a specific underlying temperament profile.
Spatially resolved magnetic hysteresis in a YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − y crystal measured by a Hall-probe array

We report local-magnetic-field measurements near a ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{y}}$ crystal by a linear array of Hall probes. Two distinct features are observed in the local-field hysteresis ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathit{l}}$ vs H, which are not present in the integrated magnetization measured by a SQUID: (1) a peak in ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathit{l}}$ right after the field reversal that we attribute to the field generated by the current flow in a platelike superconductor, and (2) a position-dependent suppression of ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathit{l}}$ near zero external field which may be linked to ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathit{c}1}$. These local measurements suggest a relevant scale for the critical current variation of between 10 and 200 \ensuremath{\mu}m.
Influences on the Educational Degree Attainment of Two-Year College Students

With increasing numbers of students enrolling at two-year colleges, it is clear that additional research is needed to understand and predict the persistence behavior of this group of students. The central purpose of this study was to examine the effects of students' backgrounds, academic and social integration, external influences, and institutional satisfaction on the educational degree attainment of students who began their college experience at two-year colleges. The findings of this study are consistent with previous research and confirm the relationship of college academic activities and college grade point average with student persistence. Students' willingness to re-enroll in their freshman college was also found to positively influence educational degree attainment.
Israeli-born emigrants: Size, destinations and selectivity:

This article addresses two issues regarding Israeli emigrants. First, it focuses on their number and distribution in various destination countries; second, it deals with patterns of self-selection among emigrants, namely, the skill level of Israelis who select themselves to leave Israel for various destination countries. The findings suggest that Israeli emigration has increased in the past two decades, but that most of the increase was in the 1990s, and was due to the emigration of foreign-born Israelis, rather than the emigration of native-born Israelis. Based on the DIOC (Database on immigrants in OECD countries) about 164,000 Israeli-born emigrants, aged 15 years and over, resided in 25 OECD countries in 2000, suggesting that relative to other countries, the share of Israeli-born residing outside Israel is not high. Two-thirds of Israeli-born emigrants were in the US, and 85 percent in the Anglo-Saxon countries. The selectivity of Israeli emigrants, measured by education and occupation, is most positi...
Effect of Coconut Cream Addition to Soymilk on the Composition, Texture, and Sensory Properties of Tofu

Coconut cream was added to soymilk at 0, 4.7, 9.0, 16.6, 33.3, and 50% levels prior to coagulation with calcium sulfate. The protein and moisture content of the tofu decreased while fat increased with increasing levels of added coconut cream. The percent yield of tofu did not increase up to 4.7% added coconut cream but increased significantly when 9.0% or more coconut cream was added to soymilk. Hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and gumminess were increased by low levels of added coconut cream and decreased with high levels of coconut cream. This simple technology of coconut cream enrichment increased the caloric density of the tofu without affecting its acceptability.
The chromatic index of nearly bipartite multigraphs

Abstract We determine the chromatic index of any multigraph which contains a vertex whose detetion results in a bipartite multigraph.
From transition to work lives: time to integrate student support systems

Abstract This paper is a discussion of the difficulties individuals who have disabilities face when they leave US federally funded public school programs. Exemplary programs from several sources outside public education are described as models for collaboration. Suggestions are provided for ways in which special education programs in the public schools can promote adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act for their students in the transition from school to post‐secondary school and work. Other programs are highlighted that provide supportive practices that are viewed as necessary to meet the needs of students in schools and in preparation for post‐school life.
Forest Floor Carbon and Nitrogen Losses Due to Prescription Fire

Fire is the dominant factor affecting C and N losses from the semiarid forests of the eastern Sierra Nevada. As prescription fire becomes a best management practice, it is critical to develop an estimate of these fluxes. The objectives of this study were (i) to test and refine methods to estimate the volatilized C and N losses from the forest floor following fire, (ii) to investigate the interactions between O-horizon temperature and nutrient loss, and (iii) to assess measured N losses in the context of atmospheric N deposition, leaching, and N fixation. The quantities of C and N volatilized from the forest floor by prescription fire in the Sierra Nevada were measured using two different field-based methods: weight loss estimation and Calelement ratio determination. Three sites were included in the study: Marlene, Sawtooth and Spooner. The weight method indicated C losses of 6.12, 7.39, and 17.8 Mg C ha -1 at the Sawtooth, Marlene, and Spooner sites, respectively. The ratio method indicated comparable C losses from the Sawtooth (6 Mg C ha -1 ) site, but greater losses at Marlene (16 Mg C ha -1 ) and Spooner (24 Mg C ha -1 ) sites. The weight method indicated N losses of 56.2, 60.8, and 362 kg N ha -1 , at the Sawtooth, Marlene, and Spooner sites, respectively. The ratio method indicated comparable N losses of 59.9 kg N ha -1 at the Sawtooth site, but considerably greater losses at Marlene (243 kg N ha -1 ), and Spooner (524 kg N ha -1 ) sites. The Ca-element method was preferred because of minimal needs for preburn sampling. Regardless of method, the estimated losses were significant, particularly for N, compared with deposition and leaching rates. Volatilization will represent the major mechanism for N loss from forest ecosystems of this region subjected to prescribed fire.
Effect of lipid physical characteristics on the quality of baked products

Abstract A low saturated shortening (IES) was treated with high intensity ultrasound (US) to generate small lipid crystals and harder materials. IES samples were crystallized at 32 °C and tempered for 48 h at 5 and 25 °C. US-treated and non US-treated IES were used to produce baked products such as cakes, cookies, and pie crust. US-treated IES decreased (p
Scale and temperature dependent creep modeling and experiments in materials

Creep is non-recoverable high temperature plastic deformation occurring at low load regimes, constant stress values, and small strain rates. While mechanistic information regarding macroscale (centimeters and higher) creep deformation has been of significant attention in the past few decades, the nanoscale (few nanometers to a few hundred nanometers) and microscale (few hundred nanometers to a few hundred micrometers) creep deformation has recently emerged as an important area of research. A particular interest lies in trying to control nanoscale and microscale creep properties with a view to design materials for extreme environments and materials in small scale devices. This article presents an overview of the recent developments in modeling and experiments focused on analyzing nanoscale and microscale temperature dependent creep in materials.
The effects of peer ridicule on depression and selfimage among adolescent females with Turner syndrome

Purpose: This study attempted to examine the effects of body image, height dissatisfaction, and peer ridicule on depression and self-image among adolescent females with Turner syndrome. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional survey examined 59 subjects' responses to standardized measures of depression, self-image, body image, height perception, and teasing. Results: Descriptive statistics found the mean age of subjects to be 14.8 years (range: 13–19). Approximately 30% reported cardiac defects and 17% indicated kidney anomalies. Only five experienced spontaneous menses and 61% indicated they were receiving estrogen replacement therapy. Linear regression analyses examined the effects of body image, height perceptions, and peer ridicule on depression and self-image scores. The first regression analysis found a five-step model to account for 39% of the variance, with peer ridicule of general appearance being the most important variable. The second linear regression ( R 2 = .3248, P Conclusion: These data suggest that peer ridicule is a domain that requires ongoing assessment by health care providers, as it appears to be an important contributor to mental health problems. Social skill interventions that emphasize strategies to manage teasing, assertively respond to negative statements, and teach effective coping skills are key variables to minimize the emotional discomfort these young women may experience.
Significance of Perioperative Blood Transfusions in Patients Undergoing Resection of Stage I and II Non-small-cell Lung Cancers

Perioperative blood transfusions (BT) have been reported to reduce survival in patients undergoing curative resection of lung cancers. It is postulated that a state of BT-mediated immunosuppression favors the proliferation of tumor cells not resected during surgery. To evaluate this hypothesis and to detemine factors influencing the administration of BT, we retrospectively studied the charts of 127 patients who underwent surgery for stage I and II non-small-cell carcinoma. Thirty (23.6 percent) patients received BT and 97 (76.4 percent) did not. Sex, age, race, smoking history, size and stage of the tumor, histology, extent of resection and preoperative hemoglobin values were analyzed. Only age (p = 0.01) and preoperative hemoglobin values (p (Chest 1992; 102:84–88)
Menstrual irregularities, nutritional pattern and mineral intake and excretion of female athletes

Abstract Seventeen female athletes were divided into two groups. The experimental group consisted of 7 female athletes experiencing irregular menstrual cycles. The control group consisted of 10 female athletes with regular menstrual cycles. A 3-day dietary record was collected from each subject to determine calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and dietary fiber intakes. Twenty four-hour urine samples were collected on the same three days the dietary records were kept. Fasting blood samples were collected to determine plasma estradiol, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and alkaline phosphatase levels. There was no significant difference between the groups in either the serum estradiol, alkaline phosphatase or phosphorus levels. In addition there were no differences in urinary calcium excretions, dietary phosphorus and calcium intakes. However, the eumenorrheic group excreted significantly higher urinary phosphorus than the amenorrheic group. The amenorrheic group had significantly higher serum calcium and magnesium levels and lower percent body fat. Results from this study may support the role of body composition-related factors in the etiology of exercise induced amenorrhea.
Systematic separation of a multicomponent mixture of solids based on selective crystallization and dissolution

Abstract A cascade process for the separation of a multicomponent mixture of solid particles based only on solubility is disclosed. It consists of two subprocesses: One is made up of a dissolver-filter-crystallizer-filter train, and the other is made up of the same plus an evaporator. While the former is a well-established technology, the latter is not a commercial one. Discussion of how and why the subprocesses work for two-component systems is first given. Then, a step-by-step procedure for the design of a cascade process for a multicomponent system is presented. In addition, other issues of relevance to the conceptual design of processes—choice of solvent, choice of operating temperatures, selection of the separation sequence, operability issues—are considered.
Internal curing of high-performance concrete with pre-soaked fine lightweight aggregate for prevention of autogenous shrinkage cracking

Abstract The effectiveness of internal curing (IC) to reduce autogenous shrinkage cracking in high-performance concrete (HPC) was investigated using different levels of internal curing on four pairs of large-size prismatic HPC specimens tested simultaneously under free and restrained shrinkage. Internal curing was supplied by pre-soaked fine lightweight aggregate (LWA) as a partial replacement to regular sand. It was found that the use of 178 kg/m3 of saturated LWA in HPC, providing 27 kg/m3 of IC water, eliminated the tensile stress due to restrained autogenous shrinkage without compromising the early-age strength and elastic modulus of HPC. It was shown that the risk of concrete cracking could be conservatively estimated from the extent of free shrinkage strain occurring after the peak expansion strain that may develop at very early ages. Autogenous expansion, observed during the first day for high levels of internal curing, can significantly reduce the risk of cracking in concrete structures, as both the elastic and creep strains develop initially in compression, enabling the tensile strength to increase further before tensile stresses start to initiate later.
Stimulated Radiative Association of He and H

The enhancement of the rate coefficient for the radiative association of He and H+ to form HeH+ arising from stimulated emission due to a blackbody radiation field is calculated. The effects on the fractional abundance of HeH+ in the early universe, in supernova ejecta, and in planetary nebulae are small. There may occur some enhancement in the abundance of HeH+ in quasar broad-line clouds.
Achalasia and lower esophageal sphincter anatomy and physiology: Implications for peroral esophageal myotomy technique

Abstract The anatomical lower esophageal sphincter (LES) consists of 2 sphincters—the intrinsic sphincter involving the semicircular clasp muscles and the oblique sling muscle and the external sphincter, the crural diaphragm. Innervation is through the preganglionic vagus nerve fibers that release acetylcholine as the neurotransmitter affecting 2 types of postganglionic neurons in the myenteric plexus. The postganglionic excitatory neurons release acetylcholine and substance P. The major inhibitory neurotransmitter is nitric oxide, which promotes LES relaxation. Achalasia results from a loss of postganglionic inhibitory innervation resulting in aperistalsis and poor LES relaxation. The key to the surgical treatment of achalasia is adequate disruption of both the semicircular clasp muscles and oblique sling muscle with a myotomy extending at least 2cm-3cm onto the stomach. This nearly eliminates basal LES tone; therefore, a fundoplication is added to prevent reflux disease. The new POEM operation needs to include an adequate myotomy on the gastric side, but would the cost be severe acid reflux as no fundoplication is currently performed? Time will tell.
The presence of a polyadenylic acid-dependent DNA polymerase in calf lens.

Abstract A polyadenylic acid-dependent DNA polymerase has been isolated from calf lenses and purified 70-fold. The enzyme copies poly(rA) but shows little activity with poly(rC) or poly(rU). Only questionable activity was observed with alpha-crystallin and globin mRNA or with E. coli ribosomal RNA. A requirement for an oligo(dT) primer was demonstrated. The enzyme was found to be distributed throughout the lens with the specific activity in the cortex and epithelial zones being two to three times that found in the nucleus. Most of the activity resides in the cortical region. Such evidence suggests that the enzyme is of cellular origin. The enzyme appears to be able to form a covalent linkage between poly(dT) and the poly(rA) template on the basis of buoyant density centrifugation after formaldehyde treatment. After removal of the poly(rA) by alkaline hydrolysis, the poly(dT) end product has a sedimentation constant of approximately 4 S.
Characterization of scatter in cone-beam CT breast imaging: Comparison of experimental measurements and Monte Carlo simulation

It is commonly understood that scattered radiation in x-ray computed tomography (CT) degrades the reconstructed image. As a precursor to developing scatter compensation methods, it is important to characterize this scatter using both empirical measurements and Monte Carlo simulations. Previous studies characterizing scatter using both experimental measurements and Monte Carlo simulations have been reported in diagnostic radiology and conventional mammography. The emerging technology of cone-beam CT breast imaging (CTBI) differs significantly from conventional mammography in the breast shape and imaging geometry, aspects that are important factors impacting the measured scatter. This study used a bench-top cone-beam CTBI system with an indirect flat-panel detector. A cylindrical phantom with equivalent composition of 50% fibroglandular and 50% adipose tissues was used, and scatter distributions were measured by beam stop and aperture methods. The GEANT4-based simulation package GATE was used to model x-ray photon interactions in the phantom and detector. Scatter to primary ratio (SPR) measurements using both the beam stop and aperture methods were consistent within 5% after subtraction of nonbreast scatter contributions and agree with the low energy electromagnetic model simulation in GATE. The validated simulation model was used to characterize the SPR in different CTBI conditions. In addition, a realistic, digital breast phantom was simulated to determine the characteristics of various scatter components that cannot be separated in measurements. The simulation showed that the scatter distribution from multiple Compton and Rayleigh scatterings, as well as from the single Compton scattering, has predominantly low-frequency characteristics. The single Rayleigh scatter was observed to be the primary contribution to the spatially variant scatter component.
O-Ethyl S-2-(ethylthio)-ethyl alkylphosphonothioates as systemic insecticides.

The contact and systemic insecticidal activities of 10 alkylphosphonate esters containing the 2-(ethylthio)-ethyl group were determined. Some of these compounds were highly toxic by contact and were especially effective systemic insecticides when applied topically or by seed treatment to cotton plants. The relations of structure to activity were in accord with those to be expected from previous work on related series of compounds and as predicted from theoretical grounds.
Macrocyclic paracyclophane synthesis

Abstract Macrocyclic stilbene derivatives are prepared using strong base to couple the terminal carbons of 1,12- bis -[4-chloromethylphenyl]-dodecane and its homologs.
Further Outcomes and Tentative Predictor Variables from an Evolving Comprehensive Program for the Behavioral Control of Smoking.

This paper reports further outcome data from an evolving comprehensive program for the behavioral control of smoking. At a six-month follow up evaluation, 50 per cent of the participants were fully abstinant from all forms of tobacco. Clinical and physiological correlates of success are noted and discussed.
Convection and magnetic fields in an atmosphere with constant temperature gradient. I - Hydrodynamic flows

In order to deduce the fluid and field conditions deep in the supergranules from the fluid motions and magnetic fields observed in the solar photosphere, it is necessary to have some idea of the depth to which the supergranules extend and the form of their internal fluid velocities. Toward this end a number of analytic solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations are given for circumstances possessing various facets of the supergranule environment in the sun. These solutions, together with the earlier work by others, shows that the granules extend to depths in excess of their mean diameters, that the convective velocities probably do not diminish much, if any, with depth, and that across the tops of the supergranules at the photosphere the horizontal velocity is more or less independent of depth.
Erratum to “Effect of CYP1A inhibition on the biotransformation of benzo[a]pyrene in two populations of Fundulus heteroclitus with different exposure histories” [Aquat. Toxicol. 92 (2009) 195–201]

Fig. 1. FL dose–response of CYP1 enzymatic activity as measured by in ovo EROD assay and cardiac deformities (120hpf). Killifish embryos were simultaneously exposed 24–120hpf to waterborne concentrations of 21g/L ethoxyresorufin and either DMSO (vehicle control, 0.03% v/v), FL (50–500g/L), and/or 100g/L BaP. (A) The increasing deformity score represents increasing severity of cardiac deformities (CD) (0 =normal; 1 =mild deformities; 2 = severe deformities (see Fig. 3). Data are represented as the average deformity score± SEM from three replicate experiments; n=25. In the KC population, there was a significant interaction effect of BaP, FL and population (p<0.01; non-parametric ANOVA). In ovo EROD data are represented as the average percentage of KC control induction± SEM from three replicate experiments; n=25. In the KC population, there was a significant interaction effect of FL, BaP, and population (p<0.01; non-parametric ANOVA). (B) No significant increases in deformities were observed in the ER embryos for any of the treatments examined. Relative to the KC controls, exposure to FL had no significant effect on EROD induction in the ER embryos, either in the presence or absence of BaP. No significant increases in deformities were observed in the ER embryos for any of the treatments examined.
Rhombic Tilings of Polygons and Classes of Reduced Words in Coxeter Groups

In the standard Coxeter presentation, the symmetric groupSnis generated by the adjacent transpositions (1, 2), (2, 3), ?, (n?1, n). For any given permutation, we consider all minimal-length factorizations thereof as a product of the generators. Any two transpositions (i, i+1) and (j, j+1) commute if the numbersiandjare not consecutive; thus, in any factorization, their order can be switched to obtain another factorization of the same permutation. Extending this to an equivalence relation, we establish a bijection between the resulting equivalence classes and rhombic tilings of a certain 2n-gon determined by the permutation. We also study the graph structure induced on the set of tilings by the other Coxeter relations. For a special case, we use lattice-path diagrams to prove an enumerative conjecture by Kuperberg and Propp, as well as aq-analogue thereof. Finally, we give similar constructions for two other families of finite Coxeter groups, namely those of typesBandD.
Polymorphism of L-Glutamic Acid Crystals and Inhibitory Substance for β-Transition in Beet Molasses

Polymorphism exists in L-glutamic acid crystals where the α-form is a coarse pyramidal crystal, while the β-crystal usually has shapes like needles or leaflets with a high moisture content. A method to obtain good α-crystals stably was established. More than 95% pure α -crystal, which was prepared from a solution of less than 5% monosodium glutamate, was effective as seeds in the crystallization process with the standard neutralization curve. Separation of the inhibitory material for β-transition of α-crystals was pursued using two kinds of testing methods in fractions of beet molasses broth treated with ion exchange resins. The neutral part of the beet molasses broth contained an active agent which was identified as saponin.
Distal coronary power injection during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

A modification of the standard percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) procedure is described using a power injector instead of a hand-held syringe for distal coronary contrast injections. This system was used in 215 dilatations without complications related to the power injector. We found this system to simplify the PTCA procedure and allowed for improved distal visualization even with the steerable PTCA catheters containing an intraluminal guide wire.
Computer modeling and comparison of hydrogen-fueled and methane-fueled hypersonic vehicles

Abstract As a result of the successful operations of the supersonic passenger plane, Concorde, attention is being focused on hypersonic passenger airplanes in order to reduce long distance flight times, such as the flights across the Atlantic and the Pacific. Possible fuels for such transportation are liquid methane and liquid hydrogen. The paper compares these two cryogenic fuels for hypersonic passenger transportation. The results show that the hydrogen-fueled hypersonic vehicle is superior to the methane-fueled hypersonic vehicle for a non-stop flight range of 6000 nautical miles. Additionally, studies on safety also show that hydrogen is the safer fuel.
Development and use of the ARCS model of instructional design

The ARCS Model of motivation was developed in response to a desire to find more effective ways of understanding the major influences on the motivation to learn, and for systematic ways of identifying and solving problems with learning motivation. The resulting model contains a four category synthesis of variables that encompasses most of the areas of research on human motivation, and a motivational design process that is compatible with typical instructional design models. Following its development, the ARCS Model was field tested in two inservice teacher education programs. Based on the results of these field tests, the ARCS Model appears to provide useful assistance to designers and teachers, and warrants more controlled studies of its critical attributes and areas of effectiveness.
Docosahexaenoic and Arachidonic Acid Levels in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants with Prolonged Exposure to Intravenous Lipids

Objective To report changes in red blood cell long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids levels in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants relative to duration of intravenous lipid emulsion. Study design Serial blood samples were collected from 26 ELBW infants during the first 2 months of life in the neonatal intensive care unit using a prospective cohort study design. The primary outcome was the change in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids levels over the study period relative to a duration of intravenous lipid emulsion of either ≤28 days or >28 days. Secondary outcomes included parenteral and enteral nutritional exposures as well as prematurity-associated morbidities. Longitudinal regression estimated changes in fatty acid levels between the 2 exposure groups. Results Infants with >28 days intravenous lipid emulsion had 36 more days of intravenous lipid emulsion than did those with ≤28 days ( P 28 days ( P = .03). Arachidonic acid significantly decreased over the study period but the decrease was not related to intravenous lipid emulsion duration. Linoleic and α-linolenic acids had significantly larger increases over time in those with longer exposure to intravenous lipid emulsion ( P Conclusion Docosahexaenoic acid status of ELBW infants declined significantly in the first 2 months of life and the decline was significantly greater in those exposed to intravenous lipid emulsion >28 days compared with those exposed ≤28 days.
Interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) in progressive rod-cone degeneration (prcd) : biochemical, immunocytochemical and immunologic studies

Abstract Interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) is synthesized and secreted by photoreceptor cells and is thought to facilitate the transport of retinoids during the visual cycle as well as fatty acids essential to the maintenance of normal outer segment membranes. Proteins such as IRBP, which are unique to the photoreceptor cells in the retina, are prime candidates in the consideration of biochemical defects which could contribute to photoreceptor cell degeneration in man and animals. In this study, the association between IRBP and retinal degeneration was examined using the progressive rod-cone degeneration ( prcd ) mutant retina in dogs as an animal model. This study shows that loss of IRBP is not an early occurrence in prcd . IRBP is present in relatively normal amounts and distribution even at 1·7 years of age, a time when there is extensive visual cell disease and degeneration. By 2·7–3·0 years of age, IRBP loss correlates with the severity of the disease and concomitant loss of photoreceptor cells. IRBP immunoreactivity was present in the interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) as long as inner segments were present to a significant degree. The late loss of IRBP immunoreactivity seems to be, therefore, the result of advanced degeneration and end-stage atrophy of the retina. In addition, immunological studies were carried out in order to examine the possible role of an autoimmune response against IRBP in the disease cascade. Normal, heterozygote and prcd -affected dogs had measurable antibody titers to IRBP, but there was no correlation between disease state and antibody levels.
Response to Elliot W. Eisner’s “The Promise and Perils of Alternative Forms of Data Representation”:

I n the August-September 1997 issue of Educational Researcher, there appeared an article by Elliot W. Eisner titled "The Promise and Perils of Alternative Forms of Data Representation." That article was based on an address that he had given the previous year, and he chose to "retain the spoken quality" (p. 4) in the article by using the first person throughout. I too would like to retain that same quality in my response. Elliot and I are former colleagues, and I offer the following in the spirit of friendly criticism. There are several arguments in his article with which I .. heartily agree, especially his advocacy of a broadened base / for what sorts of things should "count" as data, but there are a few others to which I take exception. In this response, I will concentrate on the latter. The first point of contention concerns Elliot's claim that Lee Cronbach "raised fundamental questions about timehonored assumptions in doing research" (Eisner, 1997, p. 4) in his 1975 article "Beyond the Two Disciplines of Scientific Psychology." The implication is that Cronbach endorsed more qualitative approaches to the advancement of knowledge. My reading of that article is different. Although he (Cronbach) may have "raised fundamental questions," he did so in the context of interactions versus main effects, an issue that lies well within the realm of mainline quantitative research. The second place where I disagree with Elliot is in his claim that "until quite recently discussions of qualitative research methods almost always were reduced to doing ethnography" (Eisner, 1997, p. 5). I am one of "those who were around then" (Elliot's euphemistic term for all of us old-timers!) In reviewing my set of 25 years' worth of Educational Researcher, 1972-1997, I found that although there were discussions of ethnographic research by Lutz and Ramsey (1974), Overholt and Stallings (1976), Rist (1980), and Fetterman (1982) in the 1970s and early 1980s, there were also discussions of phenomenology, critical social theory, and other qualitative approaches. For examples, see Slavin's (1978) critique of Kerlinger's (1977) article regarding the influence of educational research on educational practice, Tanner and Tanner's (1979) concerns about William Pinar 's reconceptualist approach, Schubert's (1980) elaboration of Joseph Schwab's work, the general articles by Strike (1979), Shulman (1981), Smith (1983), Miles and Huberman (1984), and Soltis (1984) and Elliot's own excellent articles (1981,1983). A third disagreement concerns his juxtaposed sentences:
Coupled-Wave Analysis of Reflection Gratings,

Diffraction of electromagnetic waves by longitudinally periodic media (reflection gratings) is rigorously analyzed using an exact coupled-wave approach. The analysis is formulated in a simple matrix form easily implemented on a digital computer. The intensities of the two waves, the diffracted (reflected) and transmitted waves, are calculated for a wide range of parameters. These exact results are then compared to results obtained with approximate two-wave modal, and with multiwave and two-wave coupled-wave analyses. The applicability of these approximate theories is discussed. The case of other than first-order Bragg incidence is also included.