cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular conditions, hearing difficulty, and occupational noise exposure within US industries and occupations.

Background The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of occupational noise exposure, hearing difficulty and cardiovascular conditions within US industries and occupations, and to examine any associations of these outcomes with occupational noise exposure. Methods National Health Interview Survey data from 2014 were examined. Weighted prevalence and adjusted prevalence ratios of self-reported hearing difficulty, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and coronary heart disease or stroke were estimated by level of occupational noise exposure, industry, and occupation. Results Twenty-five percent of current workers had a history of occupational noise exposure (14% exposed in the last year), 12% had hearing difficulty, 24% had hypertension, 28% had elevated cholesterol; 58%, 14%, and 9% of these cases can be attributed to occupational noise exposure, respectively. Conclusions Hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and hearing difficulty are more prevalent among noise-exposed workers. Reducing workplace noise levels is critical. Workplace-based health and wellness programs should also be considered.
Book Review: An Introduction to Music Therapy Research

An Introduction to Music Therapy Research, edited by Barbara Wheeler and Kathleen Murphy, is a 20-chapter that provides overview of how research has been conceived and implemented in music therapy. The text is geared to those beginning their studies in music therapy and as such address all stages of research, beginning with foundational aspects like selection of a topic before moving to a more detailed presentation of specific research components like data analysis and interpretation of results. Objectivist (qualitative) and interpretivist (quantitative research) theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and methods are included in the book, as well as information on mixed methods research and important historical, ethical, and multicultural considerations.
Die Beziehung zwischen regionaler myokardialer Durchblutung und Funktion bei Ischämie

Das wesentliche Ziel dieser Ubersicht besteht darin, neuere Befunde uber die funktionellen Konsequenzen einer akuten regionalen Ischamie zusammenfassend darzustellen. Zusatzlich zur Prasentation der Fakten, die uber die regionale Funktion wahrend Ischamie bekannt sind, besteht ein zweites Anliegen in der Betonung der noch ungelosten Fragen. Es sollen potentielle Ziele fur weitere Untersuchungen vorgeschlagen werden, die es sich zu verfolgen lohnt.
Nonadiabatic Alignment by Intense Pulses. Concepts, Theory, and Directions

We review the theory of intense laser alignment of molecules and present a survey of the many recent developments in this rapidly evolving field. Starting with a qualitative discussion that emphasizes the physical mechanism responsible for laser alignment, we proceed with a detailed exposition of the underlying theory, focusing on aspects that have not been presented in the past. Application of the theory in several pedagogical illustrations is then followed by a review of the recent experimental and theoretical advances in the field. We conclude with a discussion of new directions, future opportunities, and areas where we expect intense laser alignment to play a role in the future. Throughout we emphasize the recent evolution of the method of nonadiabatic alignment from isolated diatomic molecules to complex media.
From Pink to White with Various Shades of Embezzlement: Women Who Commit White-Collar Crimes

In 2001, Martha Stewart’s image was scorched by allegations of an insider-trading scandal that suggested she had cooked up a scheme to sell 3,928 shares of ImClone stock based on privileged information that the company would fail to receive FDA approval of a lucrative cancer drug. Overall, the core aspects of the case and seriousness of the crime were relatively insignificant during a time of major corporate wrongdoing, including the collapse of Enron and WorldCom. Stewart’s powerful home-making image, corporate status, and gender, however, stood out as unique attributes compared to previous and contemporary white-collar offenders. Much of the controversy surrounding her indictment, trial, and sentence was brought about by the intense media maelstrom it created, and gender-related characteristics clearly emerged as variables that contributed to the hoopla. The Stewart case, along with those of other prominent female offenders such as Leona Helmsley, Diane Brooks, and Lea Fastow, offer insight into the historical and current debates surrounding gendered varieties of white-collar crimes.
Alterations of p63 and p73 in Human Cancers

p53 and its related genes, p63 and p73 constitute the p53 gene family. While p53 is the most frequently mutated gene in human tumors, p63 and p73 are rarely mutated or deleted in cancers. Many studies have reported p63/p73 overexpression in human cancers while others showed that a loss of p63/p73 is associated with tumor progression and metastasis. Thus, whether p63 or p73 is a tumor suppressor gene or an oncogene has been a matter of debate. This controversy has been attributed to the existence of multiple splicing isoforms with distinct functions; the full-length TA isoform of p63 has structural and functional similarity to wild-type p53, whereas the ΔNp63 acts primarily in dominant-negative fashion against all family members of p53. Differential activities of TA and ΔN isoforms have been shown in vivo by creating isform-specific gene knockout mice. All p53, p63, p73 proteins bind to and activate target genes with p53-response elements; p63 also binds to distinct p63-response elements and regulate expression of specific target genes involved in skin, limb, and craniofacial development. Interestingly, several studies have shown that both p63 and p73 are involved in cellular response to cancer therapy and others have indicated that both of these molecules are required for p53-induced apoptosis, suggesting functional interplay among p53 family proteins. Consistent with these findings, aberrant splicing that result in ΔNp63 or ΔNp73 overexpression are frequently found in human cancers, and is associated with poor clinical outcomes of patients in the latter. Thus immunohistochemical staining of tumor specimen with ΔNp73-specific antibody might have diagnostic values in cancer clinics.
The release of iron from horse spleen ferritin by reduced flavins

Ferritin-Fe(III) was rapidly and quantitatively reduced and liberated as Fe(II) by FMNH(2), FADH(2) and reduced riboflavin. Dithionite also released Fe(II) from ferritin but at less than 1% of the rate with FMNH(2). Cysteine, glutathione and ascorbate gave a similar slower rate and yielded less than 20% of the total iron from ferritin within a few hours. The reduction of ferritin-Fe(III) by the three riboflavin compounds gave complex second-order kinetics with overlapping fast and slow reactions. The fast reaction appeared to be non-specific and may be due to a reduction of Fe(III) of a lower degree of polymerization, equilibrated with ferritin iron. The amount of this Fe(3+) ion initially reduced was small, less than 0.3% of the total iron. Addition of FMN to the ferritin-dithionite system enhanced the reduction; this is due to the reduction of FMN by dithionite to form FMNH(2) which then reduces ferritin-Fe(III). A comparison of the thermodynamic parameters of FMNH(2)-ferritin and dithionite-ferritin complex formation showed that FMNH(2) required a lower activation energy and a negative entropy change, whereas dithionite required 50% more activation energy and showed a positive entropy change in ferritin reduction. The effectiveness of FMNH(2) in ferritin-Fe(III) reduction may be due to a specific binding of the riboflavin moiety to the protein portion of the ferritin molecule.
Identifying the Prevalence of Dysphagia among Patients Diagnosed with Unilateral Vocal Fold Immobility

ObjectiveTo identify dysphagia prevalence and characteristics among patients with unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI) through a systematic review of current literature.Data SourcesEmbase, PubMe...
Diversity consciousness in the classroom: A case for opening new spaces and generating ‘new’ knowledge for critical literacy using imaginative practices

The purpose of this research paper is to offer/propose a framework/model of specific imaginative practices, classroom engagement ideas, and implementation pathways that can be adapted across various grade levels within the K-12 (preferably language and literacy) classrooms to utilize the inherent diversity (of lived experiences) amongst the learners as a resources for fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the classroom while simultaneously generating ‘new’ knowledge for learning and sense-making. Essentially, the framework proposed will afford expressive outlets into the curriculum via imaginative practices that are designed to allow opportunities for critical literacy learning by bringing common experiences and issues to the fore (utilizing dialogic comprehension-as-sensemaking pedagogy) and thus perpetuating diversity consciousness. The paper also includes a mock-up (i.e. present an example for each step in the framework when possible) of the proposed model in the hope that it will provide an impetus to teacher scholars and educators interested in adapting/including the framework into their classroom.
Thurgood Marshall and (and Versus) John W. Davis

In late 1963, West Publishing Company sent a form letter to federal judges, announcing the company’s annual distribution of snazzy appointment books – just a little courtesy to foster good relations between the law publisher and the producers of some of the most valuable publishable law. But it probably meant a bit more to one recipient, Judge Thurgood Marshall of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He must have smiled – perhaps nostalgically, perhaps grimly, perhaps both – when he read it. Here’s why.
Revealing hidden density-dependent phenotypic plasticity in sedentary grasshoppers in the genus Schistocerca Stål (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Cyrtacanthacridinae).

Comparative quantification of reaction norms across closely related species in a clade is rare, but such a study can reveal valuable insights into understanding how reaction norms evolve along phylogeny. The grasshopper genus Schistocerca Stal (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Cyrtacanthacridinae) is an ideal group to study the evolution of density-dependent phenotypic plasticity because it includes both swarming locusts and non-swarming sedentary grasshoppers, which show varying degrees of plastic reaction norms in many traits. The swarming locusts exhibit locust phase polyphenism in which cryptically colored and solitary individuals can transform into conspicuously colored and highly gregarious individuals in response to increases in population density. The sedentary grasshoppers do not swarm in nature, and thus it has been assumed that they have little or no expression of plastic reaction norms in many traits, except for color, which has been shown to be a phylogenetically conserved trait. In this study, we have quantified density-dependent reaction norms in behavior, color, body size, and morphometric ratio in the nymphs of four sedentary species within Schistocerca by conducting explicit rearing experiments to induce potential phenotypic changes in response to isolation and crowding. In contrast to our previous assumption, we find that all four species show a certain level of density-dependent plastic reaction norms, which implies that these sedentary species have hidden reaction norms that can only be induced experimentally, some components of which must be phylogenetically conserved. Furthermore, we demonstrate that rearing density differentially affects the expression of reaction norms in different species, suggesting that different reaction norms must have followed independent evolutionary trajectories.
A systematic review of behavioral health interventions for suicidal and self-harming individuals in prisons and jails.

Abstract This article reviews evaluation studies of interventions aimed at preventing and reducing incidents of suicide and self-harm among incarcerated individuals. Study design, sample characteristics, intervention procedures, study measures, and relevant results of each study are reviewed. The outcomes of interest include severity and frequency of self-harm episodes and suicidal ideation, scores on adaptive coping methods, scoring on the Beck Hopelessness scale and risk scores. The six evaluated studies are peer-reviewed, published between 1990 and 2015, and took place in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan. Treatment modalities widely vary across studies and include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, peer programming, staff intervention training, and uniquely-designed courses that incorporate various aspects from other treatment modalities. Due to the nature of the studies, only one multi-randomized controlled trial was identified. All identified studies had a pre- and post-treatment design either lacking a comparison group or containing 1–2 comparison groups and conduct follow-up of varying times. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions and uniquely-tailored intervention programs suggest promising results, the general absence of comparison groups, the shortage of relevant evaluation studies and the inconsistency of behavioral outcome measurements compromise the capacity of this review. Further, definitional variances, particularly for self-injury (self-harm, non-suicidal self-injury [NSSI], deliberate self-harm, suicidal behavior, etc.) affect the ability to synthesize study results. This article aims to synthesize the literature results to identify the most effective interventions that would benefit from additional research.
Drosophila as a Model for Tumor-Induced Organ Wasting

In humans, cancer-associated cachexia is a complex syndrome that reduces the overall quality of life and survival of cancer patients, particularly for those undergoing chemotherapy. The most easily observable sign of cachexia is organ wasting, the dramatic loss of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue mass. Estimates suggest that 80% of patients in advanced stages of cancer show signs of the syndrome and about 20% of cancer patients die directly of cachexia. Because there is no treatment or drug available to ameliorate organ wasting induced by cancer, cachexia is a relevant clinical problem. However, it is unclear how cachexia is mediated, what factors drive interactions between tumors and host tissues, and which markers of cachexia might be used to allow early detection before the observable signs of organ wasting. In this chapter, we review the current mammalian models of cachexia and the need to use new models of study. We also explain recent developments in Drosophila as a model for studying organ wasting induced by tumors and how fly studies can help unravel important mechanisms that drive cachexia. In particular, we discuss what lessons have been learned from tumor models recently reported to induce systemic organ wasting in Drosophila.
Global content strategy: content analysis and observational study of university websites

With the internationalization of higher education, websites of academic institutions have become more important in providing information about the institutions and creating global visibility. The educational institutions have multiple audiences, with students from different countries accessing the same information. To meet the needs of a diverse audience, an effective content strategy is required.This research examines content strategies used by websites of top Pakistani and US universities, followed by observational studies with participants from different countries. The reactions and experiences of participants while navigating the websites, combined with cultural theories and content analysis, highlighted the importance of cultural factors, academic environment, and the target audience in online communication. These results can be used to create an effective content strategy, overcoming key issues faced by the participants.
Our conditional love for the underdog: The effect of brand positioning and the lay theory of achievement on WOM

Abstract In this research, the authors examine the effect of underdog versus top dog brand positioning on different stages of WOM generation, from mental representation (i.e., WOM intention) to action implementation (i.e., WOM behavior) and the underlying mechanism. Across five experiments, the authors find that an underdog (versus top dog) positioning leads to higher WOM intention, whereas its effect on actual WOM behavior demonstrates a reverse pattern. Additionally, the results show that consumer self-concepts (i.e., idealistic self vs. pragmatic self) mediate the relationship between brand positioning and WOM (i.e., intention vs. behavior). Moreover, the authors find that the consumer lay theory of achievement moderates the effect of brand positioning on WOM behavior, in that consumers who hold an incremental (vs. entity) theory are more likely to generate WOM for a brand with an underdog (vs. top dog) positioning. These findings provide contributions to WOM and branding literatures and offer important implications to managers.
The New Batman

Batman is a popular icon constantly revamped and reintroduced to audiences (in a true comic book fashion), whilst keeping intact, in its core, modern gothic elements that help him to maintain the character’s immensely popularity. He is a monstrous, anthropomorphic urban legend navigating the faceless technology-ridden metropoles, a fallen hero who descends into darkness only to rise and become the marginal figure that embodies, but also battles the fragmented realities and indeterminate dreads of the post-modern world. In this essay I discuss Batman’s post-1980s media appearances and transmedia influence as echoing, through uncanny narratives, existential anxieties about the self and providing unsettling political and social commentary.
What's Luck Got to Do with It? Examining the Attribution of Entrepreneurial Success to Luck

Founders of a new venture can lead to successful business creation due to a combination of entrepreneurial alertness, skill, effort, experience, perseverance and timing. Yet as is also the case in ...
Quantifying the Effect of Topical Nitroglycerin on Random Pattern Flap Perfusion in a Rodent Model: An Application of the ViOptix Intra.Ox for Dynamic Flap Perfusion Assessment and Salvage

BACKGROUND Near-infrared spectroscopy can detect changes in tissue oxygenation postoperatively that predict flap necrosis. The authors hypothesized that this technology can be applied along with topical nitroglycerin to measure an improvement in tissue oxygenation that correlates with tissue salvage. METHODS Dorsal, random pattern flaps measuring 10 × 3 cm were raised using Sprague-Dawley rats. Tissue oxygenation was measured after flap elevation in 10 locations using the ViOptix Intra.Ox. Animals were divided into three groups that received 30 mg of topical nitroglycerin daily, twice-daily, or not at all. Oxygenation measurements were repeated on postoperative day 1 and animals were euthanized on day 7 and evaluated for tissue necrosis. RESULTS Tissue necrosis was greatest in controls (51.3 mm) compared to daily (28.8 mm) and twice-daily nitroglycerin (18.8 mm; p = 0.035). Three flap perfusion zones were identified: healthy (proximal, 50 mm), necrotic (distal, 20 mm), and watershed. Immediate postoperative tissue oxygenation was highest in healthy tissue (57.2 percent) and decreased to 33.0 and 19.3 percent in the watershed and necrotic zones, respectively (p < 0.001). One day after treatment with nitroglycerin, oxygenation in the healthy zone did not increase significantly (mean difference, -1.5 percent). The watershed (17.8 percent; p < 0.001) and necrotic zones (16.3 percent; p <0.001) did exhibit significant improvements that were greater than those measured in control tissues (7.9 percent; both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Serial perfusion assessment using the ViOptix Intra.Ox measured a significant improvement in flap oxygenation after treatment with topical nitroglycerin. Within the watershed area of the flap, this increase in tissue oxygenation was associated with the salvage of ischemic tissue.
Clinical features and complications of acromegaly at diagnosis are not all the same: data from two large referral centers.

Purpose The number of international acromegaly related registries is increasing; however, heterogeneity of acromegaly symptoms and signs across countries is not well described. We compared clinical disease manifestations at diagnosis between two large University referral centers from two continents. Methods Retrospective, comparative epidemiological study of acromegaly patients at two centers: (i) C. I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, Romania (Parhon), and (ii) Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States (OHSU) from approved data repositories was undertaken. Data were extracted from medical charts and questionnaires. Binary logistic regression analysis was undertaken for the most frequently noted symptoms and clinical signs. Results The study included 216 patients (87 Parhon, 129 OHSU). Age, sex, and median delay in diagnosis were similar between centers. IGF-1 index was higher in patients at Parhon (3.3 vs 2.1, P 20 percentage points between centers. Center was a predictor of many signs and symptoms, independent of acromegaly biochemical severity or disease duration. Conclusion We show in the first comparative study that differences in medical practice, documentation, and likely cultural differences can influence patients' symptom(s) reporting and screening patterns in geographically different populations. Pooling data into large multicenter international registry databases may lead to loss of regional characteristics and thus a mixed overall picture of combined cohorts.
Reactive binder and aggregate interfacial zones in the mortar of Tomb of Caecilia Metella concrete, 1C BCE, Rome

Author(s): Seymour, LM; Tamura, N; Jackson, MD; Masic, A | Abstract: Integrated spectroscopic analyses and synchrotron X-ray microdiffraction investigations provide insights into the long-term reactivity of volcanic aggregate components and calcium-aluminum-silicate-hydrate (C-A-S-H) binder in mortar samples from the robust concrete of the sepulchral corridor of the Tomb of Caecilia Metella, 1st C BCE, Rome. The results of innovative micrometer-scale analytical maps indicate that Pozzolane Rosse tephra components–scoria groundmass, clinopyroxene, and leucite crystals–contributed to pozzolanic production of C-A-S-H binder and then remained reactive long after hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2) was fully consumed. The C-A-S-H binding phase is reorganized into wispy halos and tendril-like strands, some with nanocrystalline preferred orientation or, alternatively, split into elongate features with short silicate chain lengths. These microstructures apparently record chemical and structural destabilization of C-A-S-H during excessive incorporation of Al3+ and K+ released through leucite dissolution. Resistance to failure may result from the intermittent toughening of interfacial zones of scoriae and clinopyroxene crystals with post-pozzolanic stratlingite and Al-tobermorite mineral cements and from long-term remodeling of the pozzolanic C-A-S-H binding phase. Roman builders’ selection of a leucite-rich facies of Pozzolane Rosse tephra as aggregate and construction of the tomb in an environment with high surface and ground water exposure apparently increased beneficial hydrologic activity and reactivity in the concrete.
Tort Law and Social Morality: Product Liability: Social Cohesion and Agency Relationships

The other-regarding behavior of product sellers has been the object of intense scrutiny for over half a century, developing product liability law into a seemingly distinct branch of tort law. Yet the product liability “revolution” has come into focus over the last couple of decades, and it appears now to be different than it initially appeared. When we reexamine developments in product liability law through justificational lenses, we understand them in a new way. THE JUSTIFICATIONAL ERRORS My account of product liability law emphasizes its close relationship to the negligence concept. My account is therefore a major departure from most contemporary stories of product liability. It is generally thought, for example, that “products liability law” is a unique legal regime, self-contained and separated from the negligence regime applicable to other activities. A small industry has grown up advancing this position, producing product liability casebooks, treatises, and restatements, carefully justifying the regime's individual identity and content. Often the regime is thought of as “strict products liability,” although I demonstrate below that the term strict liability is largely a misnomer when applied to product liability law.
What Affects Graduation Rates of Illinois Public High Schools

This paper attempts to determine: What affects the graduation rates of Illinois public high schools? This question will be answered based on explanatory variables deemed important by previous research. The relationship between Illinois public high school graduation rates and the percentage of low income students in the high school, the percentage of parental involvement within the school, instructional expenditures per pupil, and the number of students enrolled in the school will be examined. The data was gathered from various sources including the Interactive Illinois Report Card and the Illinois State Board of Education. The results of the study show that schools with a higher percentage of students from low income families have lower high school graduation rates. The district’s instructional expenditures per pupil have positive correlation with graduation rates, holding all else constant. Parental contact proved statistically insignificant in determining high school graduation rates in the state of Illinois. The regression model suggests that schools with student enrollment of 0-500 have higher graduation rates than large schools with over 1,000 students, but schools with student enrollment of 501-1,000 have lower graduation rates than schools with over 1,000 students. This article is available in Undergraduate Economic Review: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/uer/vol4/iss1/9 What Affects Graduation Rates of Illinois Public High Schools? By
SOUTH FLORIDA: THE REALITY OF CHANGE AND THE PROSPECTS FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract Restoration of the Everglades is a multi-objective, multi-scale, multi-agency program that requires numerous computer models to test alternatives, understand ecosystem processes, and evaluate restoration performance. Landscape models used for Everglades restoration include hydrologic models, transition probability models, gradient models, distributional mosaic models, and individual-based models. As tools for restoration feasibility and as the backbone of the policies that will drive Everglades restoration for the next 20 years, it is critical that a wide audience evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of six landscape models. Simulations of historic hydropatterns and current hydropatterns, based mostly upon sheet-flow equations and canal-flow equations, respectively, have been the realm of the Natural Systems Model (NSM) and the South Florida Water Management Model (SFWMM). Despite a lack of biology in these two models, a comparison of their spatial output became the basis for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) approved by the US Congress in October, 2000. SAWCAT, a transitional probability model, was based upon an analysis of the patchiness of cattail (Typha) and sawgrass (Cladium) cells in association with levees, water depth, and phosphorus. This statistical approach was used to predict the amount of sawgrass that would be converted to less desirable cattail, if phosphorus runoff patterns to the Everglades remained constant. The Everglades Water Quality Model (EWQM), a mass-balance gradient approach used to track phosphorus according to a simple net phosphorus removal coefficient, was used to design Storm Water Treatment Areas (STA) and to evaluate where and when phosphorus ‘thresholds’ would be exceeded under various hydrologic restoration plans. The Everglades landscape Model (ELM), a complex distributional mosaic model, used site-specific biogeochemical mechanisms and mass-balance to control energy and material flows, and to predict changes in carbon and phosphorus structure of the soil, water, and plant communities as a result of modified water deliveries to the Everglades. The Across Trophic Level Spatial Simulation (ATLSS), also a distributional mosaic modeling approach, used individual-based rules of behavior to predict animal movement and abundance in relation to hydrologic restoration plans. When these landscape models are combined, they effectively contribute to water management and policy for Everglades restoration. To insure their effectiveness, an applied science strategy provides the framework for their integration into the restoration process.
Dostoevsky and the Russian people

Introduction: the people in Dostoevsky's art and thought 1. The face of the people 1821-65 2. The world of the people in Crime and Punishment 3. The Idiot: where have all the people gone? 4. Fumbling toward Holy Russia in The Devils 5. Back in Russia: the face of the people 1871-7 6. The Brothers Karamazov: Christ walks the Russian Land Conclusion: Dostoevsky and the people Notes Bibliography Index.
Near‐ and Mid‐Tail Current Flow During Substorms: Small‐ and Large‐Scale Aspects of Current Disruption

We investigate kinetic processes of relevance to the re-arrangement of magnetotail current systems during the substorm growth and expansion phases. The studies address microphysical processes occurring in the magnetotail current layer with clear macroscopic consequences. They are based on fully self-consistent, electromagnetic, particle-in-cell simulations. The first focus of the analyses is on the pre-onset formation of a thin current sheet. The additional current, brought about by the lobe magnetic field increase associated with solar wind-like driving electric fields, appears to be carried by the electrons, in a thin current sheet of substantially enhanced current density. Thin current sheet formation leads to a reduction in the normal magnetic field, which is shown to be sufficient for magnetic reconnection to initiate. This onset is analyzed in detail. Last, an investigation of the kinetic kink instability, which can lead to strong current sheet warping, and potentially to turbulence, is presented. The results here support earlier analytical results indicating that kinetic kinking growth rates are strongly reduced if realistic ion-electron mass ratios are considered.
SINGLE- AND DOUBLE-ELECTRON CAPTURE BY 7.2- TO 181-keV $sup 3$He$sup ++$ IONS IN He.

The cross sections ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{21}$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{20}$ for single- and double-electron capture of $^{3}\mathrm{He}^{++}$ ions with energies between 7.2 and 181 keV have been measured in thin targets of He. Our results join quite smoothly to other measurements at higher and lower energies. There is good agreement with the calculations by Ferguson and Moiseiwitsch and those by Fulton and Mittleman for double-electron capture.
A Review of: “Bruce D. Jones, Peacemaking in Rwanda: The Dynamics of Failure.”

Casual observers blame the Rwandan genocide on too little western attention to Africa. In this important book, Bruce Jones argues the opposite: the tragedy resulted in part from too much misguided ...
Search for general relativistic effects in table-top displacement metrology

As displacement metrology accuracy improves, general relativistic effects will become noticeable. Metrology gauges developed for the space interferometry mission, were used to search for locally anisotropic space-time, with a null result at the 10/sup -10/ level.
Interaction of diagnostic ultrasound with synthetic oligonucleotide- labeled perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin microbubbles

The purpose of this study was to determine, first, whether the albumin on perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin microbubbles has retained its known ability to bind antisense oligonucleotides (DNA utilized to inhibit viral replication and intimal hyperplasia). The binding kinetics of synthetic antisense oligonucleotides to perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin microbubbles as well as to room air-containing sonicated dextrose albumin microbubbles were compared. Second, the effect of diagnostic ultrasound on this binding is unknown. The ability of diagnostic ultrasound to release synthetic antisense oligonucleotides from perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin microbubbles also was tested in vitro and in vivo in three dogs. Synthetic antisense oligonucleotides exhibited binding to perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin microbubbles much like that of native albumin but did not bind uniformly with room air-containing sonicated dextrose albumin microbubbles. Diagnostic ultrasound resulted in significant partitioning of synthetic antisense oligonucleotides into non-bubble containing regions after insonation in vitro as well as deposition of greater amounts of synthetic antisense oligonucleotides in the insonated kidney after intravenous injections of synthetic anti-sense oligonucleotide-labeled perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin microbubbles. We conclude that perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin microbubbles, unlike room air-containing sonicated dextrose albumin microbubbles, have bioactive albumin on their surface that can bind synthetic antisense oligonucleotides and then release them in the presence of diagnostic ultrasound.
Fingerprinting Soybean Germplasm and Its Utility in Genomic Research

The United States Department of Agriculture, Soybean Germplasm Collection includes 18,480 domesticated soybean and 1168 wild soybean accessions introduced from 84 countries or developed in the United States. This collection was genotyped with the SoySNP50K BeadChip containing greater than 50K single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Redundant accessions were identified in the collection, and distinct genetic backgrounds of soybean from different geographic origins were observed that could be a unique resource for soybean genetic improvement. We detected a dramatic reduction of genetic diversity based on linkage disequilibrium and haplotype structure analyses of the wild, landrace, and North American cultivar populations and identified candidate regions associated with domestication and selection imposed by North American breeding. We constructed the first soybean haplotype block maps in the wild, landrace, and North American cultivar populations and observed that most recombination events occurred in the regions between haplotype blocks. These haplotype maps are crucial for association mapping aimed at the identification of genes controlling traits of economic importance. A case-control association test delimited potential genomic regions along seven chromosomes that most likely contain genes controlling seed weight in domesticated soybean. The resulting dataset will facilitate germplasm utilization, identification of genes controlling important traits, and will accelerate the creation of soybean varieties with improved seed yield and quality.
Thyroid function in human pregnancy

Abstract Thirty euthyroid women between the inclusive ages of 18 through 34 years exhibited during the first trimester serum BEI's increased above nonpregnant concentrations and maintained at plateau elevations until delivery. Elevations were similar to those for a different population in New Haven, Connecticut. For both euthyroid series serum BEI's, except for sporadic determinations with a few BEI's as high as 10.4, were between 5.5 and 9.5 μg per 100 ml. Fourteen women, with 11 in the same age range as the 30 controls, failed to follow a plateau elevated pattern of serum BEI's during pregnancy. Eleven of these 14 women with serum BEI's below or above the normal range before the third trimester had normal BEI's for pregnancy near delivery. These data demonstrate that thyroid function during pregnancy can not be evaluated by a single thyroid function test during the last trimester. In spite of the usual plateau elevation of serum PBI or BEI several thyroid function tests, at different stages of pregnancy, are requisite for diagnosis of maternal thyroid function throughout gestation.
Micromethod for measuring pentoses by use of an aniline reagent.

Aniline, in an acetic acid solution containing borate and thiourea, reacts with pentose sugars to yield a highly colored chromogen that absorbs maximally at 480 nm. The reagent may be used to measure pentoses in dilute protein solutions and serum without first removing protein. Bilirubin and hemoglobin do not interfere extensively with the method, but this interference is substantially decreased if a protein-free filtrate is used. An optimal procedure is presented for the measurement of pentoses in the presence of glucose, involving use of glucose oxidase and the aniline reagent. The method is easy to perform, sensitive, and reproducible.
Parent Consultation: Evaluation of a Self-help Manual for Children's Homework Problems

We tested the effectiveness of a self-help manual-based homework intervention program for parents on children's homework problems as implemented through behavioral consultation. Parents were select...
A new method for fabrication of stable and reproducible yttria-based thermistors

Abstract Yttria has been considered as a potential candidate for a high-temperature thermistor. Two of the main challenges with regard to commercialization of high-temperature thermistors are (i) aging of these thermistors at high temperatures and (ii) lack of suitable lead wire attachment techniques. Densification of thermistors near theoretical density seems to eliminate the aging problem. A new technique has been developed that improves the attachment of lead wire with the sensor material (yttria) leading to a significantly reduced time of manufacturing of thermistors. This technique is compared with two other techniques, namely the conventional method and in-situ lead wire attachment method (ISAM), used earlier for fabrication of high temperature thermistors. The new technique also helps achieve good density leading to the elimination of the aging problem. Aging tests had been conducted at 1000°C in different environments (O2, N2, air) to see the effect of environment on aging behavior. Experimental results show no evidence of aging of the thermistors manufactured by the new method. Thermistors developed via this new technique also show good reproducibility. Analysis of the thermistor/Pt lead wire interface shows no evidence of any new phase or compound formation at the interface. The SEM micrograph of the interface shows good contact between Pt lead wire and yttria.
Misting of printing inks

The initial objective of NAPIM's misting project at Lehigh University is to develop a viable standard test method for evaluating the misting tendencies of printing inks. An ensuing objective will be to identify the ink characteristics responsible for misting. Development of such information is expected to uncover approaches for minimizing misting problems.
The conserved core of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Nef is essential for association with Lck and for enhanced viral replication in T-lymphocytes.

The Nef protein of the primate lentiviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), is a myristylated protein associated with increased viral replication and enhanced pathogenicity. Both the potentiation of T-lymphocyte activation and the enhanced serine-phosphorylation of HIV-1 capsid by Nef correlate with increased viral replication. We report the functional interactions of the Nef proteins with Src kinases. The Nef proteins from HIV-1 and SIV bind to Lck as well as Hck, Lyn, and Fyn. The SH3 and SH2 domains of Lck are sufficient for coprecipitation with non-tyrosine-phosphorylated Nef proteins. The conserved core region of HIV-1 Nef is essential for the interaction with Lck and is also important for enhanced HIV-1 replication in T-lymphocytes. In addition, we show that SIV and HIV-1 Nef proteins are differentially tyrosine-phosphorylated. The kinase-active Lck tyrosine-phosphorylates SIVmac239 Nef but does not phosphorylate HIV-1 Nef. These data suggest that the association of Nef and Lck is central to the enhanced viral replication of HIV-1 and SIV in T-lymphocytes.
Image Intensifier-Based CT Volume Imager For Angiography: System Evaluation

A prototype volume CT system for use in angiography has been modified and tested using three different phantoms. This system consists of a fixed x-ray tube, a conventional image intensifier coupled to a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, a computer-controlled turntable on which phantoms were placed. In order to explore the imaging performance of the system for reconstructing a three dimension (3D) vascular structure, two sets of projection images of a vascular phantom, acquired over 250 projection angles with two different sizes of image intensifier were digitized and used for a direct 3D cone beam reconstruction. The spatial resolution limits of the system were measured from the 3D reconstructed images of a specially-designed resolution phantom. The direct 3D reconstructions of a Humanoid chest phantom were obtained using this system to show the perspective of the system for a general medical application with 3D imaging. The quality of the reconstructed images indicates that the system can be used for achieving a direct 3D reconstruction of a vascular structure as well as a general 3D object. The measured spatial resolution of the system is nearly half of the nominal resolution of the image intensifier and is reduced around the edge of the image intensifier, primarily because of the pincushion distortion.
Visible absorption of iodine-doped polysilane withp-N,N-dialkylaminophenyl substituents

The doping effects on optical and electrical properties of polysilanes were investigated by in-situ measurement. When polysilanes bearing a p-N,N-dialkylaminophenyl substituent were doped with iodine vapor, drastic spectral changes were observed. The evolved visible absorption up to 700 nm was found to be strong and stable compared to that of iodine-doped polysilanes such as poly(methylphenylsilane). On the basis of the studies concerning iodine doping of the related p-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl-substituted silane and disilane, and also theoretical calculations, this new absorption can be best interpreted by the result of charge transfer consisting of the strong interaction between iodine and dialkylamino substituents in the polysilanes.
Cyclic AMP inhibition of cytotoxin ("lymphotoxin") elaboration by stimulated lymphocytes.

Abstract Theophylline, caffeine, and dibutyryl cAMP, agents that elevate intracellular levels of cyclic AMP, were found to inhibit cytotoxin elaboration by PHA-stimulated human lymphocytes. Cytotoxins in diluted supernatants from 3-day lymphocyte cultures were assayed by 51Cr release from L cells. Addition of the agents to the lymphocyte cultures inhibited cytotoxin elaboration 70–90% at 10−3M and 20–50% at 10−5M. In addition, it was found that the inhibition is reversible and occurs at a step other than the initial mitogen triggering. The inhibition of cytotoxin elaboration by these agents correlates strikingly with their inhibition of lymphocyte-mediated target cell lysis. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that cytotoxin is the mediator of target cell killing by lymphocytes.
Is the Outcry for More Pilot Schools Warranted? Democracy, Collective Bargaining, Deregulation, and the Politics of School Reform in Boston:

Using a theoretical lens of democratic education, this study critically analyzes pilot schools in the Boston Public School system, a school model gaining influence and imitation around the United States. Building on theories regarding the role of democracy in schools, and especially workplace democracy, this article juxtaposes these conceptions of democracy with competing economic theories of marketization, privatization, antiunionism, and individualism, here referred to as neoliberalism, and analyzes the political terrain onto which pilot schools emerged, are debated, and understood.The Boston Teachers Union first conceptualized, and bargained for, pilot schools in the early 1990s. However, the union has since come under criticism from influential individuals and groups for resisting or slowing the expansion of this reform. This study examines the proposition that more pilot schools should be created and argues that insufficient evidence exists to warrant the current outcry for pilot school expansion.
Optical and magnetic properties of /spl gamma/-iron oxide made by reactive pulsed laser deposition

Iron-oxide films were grown by reactive pulsed laser deposition (PLD) from a metallic Fe target in a controlled oxygen environment. Films of /spl gamma/-Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ grew epitaxially on MgO with an iron-deficient stoichiometry. The saturation magnetization was 400/spl plusmn/19 kA/m. The Faraday rotation was 1.9 deg//spl mu/m at 645 nm, and the absorption coefficient varied between 4 and 30 /spl mu/m/sup -1/ in the wavelength range of 300-2000 nm. The properties are compared to those of /spl gamma/-Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ grown by PLD from an oxide target.
Identifying and Assessing Creativity as a Component of Giftedness

Most theories of giftedness include creativity as a central component. Creativity assessment has a key role, therefore, in measuring giftedness. This article reviews the state of the creativity assessment, from divergent thinking tests (including the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking) to the consensual assessment technique to rating scales and self assessments. Despite the many flaws present in every type of creativity measurement, there are compelling reasons for including creativity as part of a gifted assessment battery.
Orientation of phenylphosphonic acid self-assembled monolayers on a transparent conductive oxide: a combined NEXAFS, PM-IRRAS, and DFT study.

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of dipolar phosphonic acids can tailor the interface between organic semiconductors and transparent conductive oxides. When used in optoelectronic devices such as organic light emitting diodes and solar cells, these SAMs can increase current density and photovoltaic performance. The molecular ordering and conformation adopted by the SAMs determine properties such as work function and wettability at these critical interfaces. We combine angle-dependent near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy and polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) to determine the molecular orientations of a model phenylphosphonic acid on indium zinc oxide, and correlate the resulting values with density functional theory (DFT). We find that the SAMs are surprisingly well-oriented, with the phenyl ring adopting a well-defined tilt angle of 12–16° from the surface normal. We find quantitative agreement between the two experimental techniques ...
Discrimination-reversal skills of primates: The reversal/acquisition ratio as a function of phyletic standing

The ratio of reversal performance to acquisition performance in discrimination reversal learning differentiated primate groups and varied with acquisition proficiency.