cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the bout durations of sleep and wakefulness.

Study objectives: (a) Develop a new statistical approach to describe the microarchitecture of wakefulness and sleep in mice; (b) evaluate differences among inbred strains in this microarchitecture; (c) compare results when data are scored in 4-s versus 10-s epochs. Design: Studies in male mice of four inbred strains: AJ, C57BL/6, DBA and PWD. EEG/EMG were recorded for 24 h and scored independently in 4-s and 10-s epochs. Measurements and results: Distribution of bout durations of wakefulness, NREM and REM sleep in mice has two distinct components, i.e., short and longer bouts. This is described as a spike (short bouts) and slab (longer bouts) distribution, a particular type of mixture model. The distribution in any state depends on the state the mouse is transitioning from and can be characterized by three parameters: the number of such bouts conditional on the previous state, the size of the spike, and the average length of the slab. While conventional statistics such as time spent in state, average bout duration, and number of bouts show some differences between inbred strains, this new statistical approach reveals more major differences. The major difference between strains is their ability to sustain long bouts of NREM sleep or wakefulness. Scoring mouse sleep/wake in 4-s epochs offered little new information when using conventional metrics but did when evaluating the microarchitecture based on this new approach. Conclusions: Standard statistical approaches do not adequately characterize the microarchitecture of mouse behavioral state. Approaches based on a spike-and-slab provide a quantitative description.
SPATIAL FREQUENCY SELECTIVITY OF CELLS IN MACAQUE VISUAL CORTEX

We measured the spatial frequency contrast sensitivity of cells in the primate striate cortex at two different eccentricities to provide quantitative statistics from a large population of cells. Distributions of the peak frequencies and bandwidths are presented and examined in relationship to (a) each other, (b) absolute contrast sensitivity, (c) orientation tuning, (d)retinal eccentricity, and (e) cell type. Simple and complex cells are examined in relationship to linear/nonlinear (that is, X/Y) properties; a procedure is described which provides a simple, reliable and quantitative method for classifying and describing striate cells. Among other things, it is shown that (a) many stirate cells have quite narrow spatial bandwidths and (b) at a given retinal eccentricity, the distribution of peak frequency covers a wide range of frequencies; these findings support the basic multiple channel notion. The orientation tuning and spatial frequency tuning which occurs at the level of striate cortex (in a positively correlated fashion) suggests that the cells might best be considered as two-dimensional spatial filters.
Strong ground motion prediction using virtual earthquakes

Sedimentary basins increase the damaging effects of earthquakes by trapping and amplifying seismic waves. Simulations of seismic wave propagation in sedimentary basins capture this effect; however, there exists no method to validate these results for earthquakes that have not yet occurred. We present a new approach for ground motion prediction that uses the ambient seismic field. We apply our method to a suite of magnitude 7 scenario earthquakes on the southern San Andreas fault and compare our ground motion predictions with simulations. Both methods find strong amplification and coupling of source and structure effects, but they predict substantially different shaking patterns across the Los Angeles Basin. The virtual earthquake approach provides a new approach for predicting long-period strong ground motion.
Garbage in, garbage out? An empirical look at oracle mistakes by end-user programmers

End-user programmers, because they are human, make mistakes. However, past research has not considered how visual end-user debugging devices could be designed to ameliorate the effects of mistakes. This paper empirically examines oracle mistakes - mistakes users make about which values are right and which are wrong - to reveal differences in how different types of oracle mistakes impact the quality of visual feedback about bugs. We then consider the implications of these empirical results for designers of end-user software engineering environments.
Speech Intelligibility Advantages using an Acoustic Beamformer Display

A speech intelligibility test conforming to the Modified Rhyme Test of ANSI S3.2 "Method for Measuring the Intelligibility of Speech Over Communication Systems" was conducted using a prototype 12-channel acoustic beamformer system. The target speech material (signal) was identified against speech babble (noise), with calculated signal-noise ratios of 0, 5 and 10 dB. The signal was delivered at a fixed beam orientation of 135 deg (re 90 deg as the frontal direction of the array) and the noise at 135 deg (co-located) and 0 deg (separated). A significant improvement in intelligibility from 57% to 73% was found for spatial separation for the same signal-noise ratio (0 dB). Significant effects for improved intelligibility due to spatial separation were also found for higher signal-noise ratios (5 and 10 dB).
Antigenicity of polypeptides (poly α amino acids): Specificity of the immune response of rabbits against poly (γ-2-N-morpholinylethyl-l-glutamide) (PAMEG)☆

Abstract Antibody raised in rabbits against the homopolymer Poly(γ-2-n-Morpholinylethyl- l -Glutamide) (PAMEG) using either complete Freund's adjuvant or PAMEG coated pneumococcal bacterial cells is directed against the morpholinylethyl side chains. The backbone polypeptide carrier, polyglutamic acid, neither precipitates with not inhibits PAMEG antibody. A conjugate of morpholinyl-propylamine and acetylated bovine serum albumin is capable of removing 90 per cent of the PAMEG precipitable antibody. Compounds such as N-ethylmorphine containing the basic features of the morpholine ring (similar ring conformation) are potent inhibitors of the PAMEG precipitin system. The data presented demonstrate a unique hapten specific system.
Effects on DNA synthesis and translocation caused by mutations in the RNase H domain of Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase

To determine the various roles of RNase H in reverse transcription, we generated a panel of mutations in the RNase H domain of Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase based on sequence alignments and the crystal structures of Escherichia coli and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNases H (S. W. Blain and S. P. Goff, J. Biol. Chem. 268:23585-23592, 1993). These mutations were introduced into a full-length provirus, and the resulting genomes were tested for infectivity by transient transfection assays or after generation of stable producer lines. Several of the mutant viruses replicated normally, some showed significant delays in infectivity, and others were noninfectious. Virions were collected, and the products of the endogenous reverse transcription reaction were examined to determine which steps might be affected by these mutations. Some mutants left their minus-strand strong-stop DNA in RNA-DNA hybrid form, in a manner similar to that of RNase H null mutants. Some mutants showed increased polymerase pausing. Others were impaired in first-strand translocation, independently of their wild-type ability to degrade genomic RNA, suggesting a new role for RNase H in strand transfer. DNA products synthesized in vivo by the wild-type and mutant viruses were also examined. Whereas wild-type virus did not accumulate detectable levels of minus-strand strong-stop DNA, several mutants were blocked in translocation and did accumulate this intermediate. These results suggest that in vivo wild-type virus normally translocates minus-strand strong-stop DNA efficiently.
Nocturnal Blood Pressure Dipping in the Hypertension of Autonomic Failure

Blood pressure normally decreases during the night. Absence of this phenomenon (non-dipping) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Altered autonomic and endocrine circadian rhythms are suspected to play a role. Patients with peripheral autonomic failure offer a unique opportunity to study this phenomenon because approximately 50% develop supine hypertension despite very low autonomic function. The purpose of this study was to define the prevalence of dipping in these patients, and to determine if dipping is associated with less severe autonomic impairment, or exaggerated nocturnal sodium excretion. We collected blood pressure and urine from 8PM-8AM in 41 peripheral autonomic failure patients with supine hypertension. Dipping (systolic BP fall ≥ 10% during 12AM-6AM from baseline [8PM–10PM]) occurred in 34% of patients, with an average decrease of −44±4mm Hg at 4 AM. Systolic BP, averaged from 12AM-6AM, decreased to normotensive levels in 50% (n=7) of dippers and 15% (n=4) of non-dippers. There were no significant differences in severity of autonomic failure, nocturnal diuresis or natriuresis (0.18±0.01 in dippers vs. 0.18±0.01mEq/mg creatinine in non-dippers; p=0.522) between groups. At 8AM, orthostatic hypotension was similar between groups (−84/−35±9/4 in dippers vs. −93/−39±6/3 in non-dippers, p=0.356 for SBP). In conclusion, dipping was observed in a third of patients with peripheral autonomic failure, so that a significant percentage of patients would not require treatment for supine hypertension. Dipping was not associated with increased nocturnal urinary sodium or volume excretion, or less severe autonomic failure. Thus, mechanisms independent of autonomic pathways contribute to BP dipping in these patients.
Megafloral change in the early and middle Paleocene in the Williston Basin, North Dakota, USA

Abstract This paper presents a quantitative analysis of megafloral changes in composition and diversity using collections of early and middle Paleocene floras (65.51 to ~ 58 Ma) in the Williston Basin of North Dakota, USA. Based on the floral composition and stratigraphic ranges of taxa, the Williston Basin floral record can be subdivided into three megafloral zones (WBI, WBII, and WBIII), each representing ≥ 1 myr. The floral record of the basin implies that local and regional paleoenvironmental and climatic changes contributed to transitions in the early and middle Paleocene plant communities. The Williston Basin floral record documents a decrease in species richness that mirrors a decrease in mean annual temperatures from the latest Cretaceous to middle Paleocene. These results, combined with previous work from the Hanna and Bighorn Basins, suggest that climate may have played an important role in patterns of floral diversity and plant community composition. Further, these data indicate that it took Paleocene plant communities in the Northern Great Plains millions of years to reach diversity levels common in the Cretaceous.
Quality of Mobile Air Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure Observations from the 2010 Development Test Environment Experiment

The 2010 Development Test Environment Experiment (DTE10) took place from 28 January to 29 March 2010 in the Detroit, Michigan, metropolitan area for the purposes of collecting and evaluating mobile data from vehicles. To examine the quality of these data, over 239 000 air temperature and atmospheric pressure observations were obtained from nine vehicles and were compared with a weather station set up at the testing site.TheobservationsfromthevehicleswerefirstrunthroughtheNCARVehicleDataTranslator (VDT). As part of the VDT, quality-checking (QCh) tests were applied; pass rates from these tests were examined and were stratified by meteorological and nonmeteorological factors. Statistics were then calculated for air temperature and atmospheric pressure in comparison with the weather station, and the effects of different meteorological and nonmeteorological factors on the statistics were examined. Overall, temperature measurements showed consistent agreement with the weather station, and there was little impact from the QCh process or stratifications—a result that demonstrated the feasibility of collecting mobile temperature observations from vehicles. Atmospheric pressure observations were less well matched with surface validation, the degree of which varied with the make and model of vehicle. Therefore, more work must be done to improve the quality of these observations if atmospheric pressure from vehicles is to be useful.
Placing Resistance: A Critique of Critical Regionalism

Abstract Critical regionalism emerged as an architectural concept during the early 1980s. For leading theorists such as Kenneth Frampton, critical regionalism was an “architecture of resistance” seeking “to mediate the impact of universal civilization” and “to reflect and serve the limited constituencies” in which it was grounded. This paper examines critical regionalist rhetoric, particularly its emphasis on resistance, as a theoretical construct that inadvertently marginalized and conflated the diverse architectural tendencies it championed. The reception of Mexican architect Luis Barragan as a critical regionalist is highlighted to analyze some of critical regionalism's most problematic assumptions, implications, and effects.
Cross-species hybridization: Characterization of gene expression in woodchuck liver using human membrane arrays

Total RNA from normal adult woodchucks was analyzed using membrane arrays containing human cDNA clones, and the gene expression patterns were compared to human liver. Various hybridization and wash conditions were examined. In both the woodchuck and human livers, 352 genes were identified as highly expressed (Z-scores > or =1.96). These genes represented numerous liver functions: transcription, RNA processing, signal transduction, protein synthesis and degradation, as well as enzymes. Several genes were selected and expression was verified by Northern blots for woodchuck liver. There were no false positives but 29 genes were identified as false negatives, expressed only in human liver. Possible reasons for these false negatives were the length and percentage of homology between the two species, differences in the distribution and types of mismatches, and the sequence region spotted on the array. These were assessed by examining expression of the transferrin gene in both species. A 200-fold range of RNA concentration (0.1-20 microg total RNA) was also examined and the optimal RNA concentration was determined to be 5 microg. Membranes were capable of being hybridized and reprobed at least five times. The study demonstrates that cross-species hybridization is a valid method for identifying gene expression in woodchuck liver.
Vagal nerve stimulation releases vasoactive intestinal peptide which significantly increases coronary artery blood flow

Objective : To determine the effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), released endogenously from cardiac vagal nerves, on coronary artery blood flow (CBF). Methods: We determined the effects of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) at frequencies of 10, 15, 20, and 30 Hz on left circumflex coronary artery (LCx) blood flow. The increases in CBF during VNS were compared with the increases in CBF produced by exogenous VIP and also nitroglycerin (NTG). In 18 anesthetized open chest mongrel dogs, we blocked the muscarinic and β -adrenergic receptors with atropine and propranolol. We controlled heart rate and aortic pressure by right atrial pacing and an arterial reservoir. CBF was measured in the LCx with a Doppler flow probe. A 25 gauge catheter was placed in the proximal LCx to inject the VIP receptor antagonist [4Cl-d-Phe6Leu17]VIP, VIP, NTG, or vehicle. CBF, aortic and ventricular pressures, ventricular contractility (+d p /d t max) and relaxation (−d p /d t min) and the EKG were measured. Results: VNS (0.5 ms, 20 V, 5 min.) at 20 Hz maximally increased CBF by 62±14% at 5 min from 71±10 to 115±19 ml/min ( p <0.01). VNS at 10, 15, and 30 Hz increased CBF by 6±1%, 24±5%, and 24±7%, respectively (all p <0.05 vs control). Following 20 Hz VNS, CBF returned toward the baseline over 30 min. Aortic and left ventricular (LV) pressures, LV +d p /d t max and LV −d p /d t min did not significantly change. After the direct administration of [4Cl-d-Phe6Leu17]VIP into the LCx, VNS increased CBF by only 10±4% ( p =NS). Exogenous VIP, in doses of 9.0×10−11 to 2.1×10−9 mol, increased CBF by 106±17% to 169±17% (all p <0.01 vs control). NTG, in doses of 2.2×10−8 to 1.7×10−7 mol, increased CBF by 101±15% to 169±20% (all p <0.01 vs control). These increases in CBF persisted during the 1 to 2 min injection period and returned to the baseline within 5 min. Neither VIP nor NTG significantly changed the heart rate, aortic or LV pressures, LV +d p /d t max or LV −d p /d t min. VNS at 20 Hz, exogenous VIP, 9.0×10−11 mol, and exogenous NTG, 2.2×10−8 to 4.4×10−8 mol, produced equivalent increases in CBF by analysis of variance determination. Conclusion: The present experiments suggest that VNS releases VIP which directly dilates coronary arteries and significantly increases coronary artery blood flow.
Interpersonal conflict strategies and their impact on positive symptom remission in persons aged 55 and older with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Background: Although interpersonal interactions are thought to affect psychopathology in schizophrenia, there is a paucity of data about how older adults with schizophrenia manage interpersonal conflicts. This paper examines interpersonal conflict strategies and their impact on positive symptom remission in older adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Methods: The schizophrenia group consisted of 198 persons aged 55 years and over living in the community who developed schizophrenia before age 45. A community comparison group ( n = 113) was recruited using randomly selected block-groups. Straus’ Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) was used to assess the ways that respondents handled interpersonal conflicts. Results: Seven conflict management subscales were created based on a principal component analysis with equamax rotation of items from the CTS. The order of the frequency of the tactics that was used was similar for both the schizophrenia and community groups. Calm and Pray tactics were the most commonly used, and the Violent and Aggressive tactics were rarely utilized. In two separate logistic regression analysis, after controlling for confounding variables, positive symptom remission was found to be associated significantly with both the Calm and Pray subscales. Conclusions: The findings suggest that older persons with schizophrenia approximate normal distribution patterns of conflict management strategies and the most commonly used strategies are associated with positive symptom remission.
Photonics for HPEC: A low-powered solution for high bandwidth applications

Photonics offer high bandwidth for minimal power. While critical for the future of HPC, this has an immediate impact in HPEC, where power is critical. Here, a 4–10x improvement in performance/watt can be demonstrated.
Heterodyne reception of millimeterwave-modulated optical signals with an InP-based transistor

High-frequency transistors are known for their ability to efficiently perform signal processing functions that reach beyond mere amplification. Among such functions are oscillation, signal mixing, frequency multiplication, and optical signal detection. The current investigation focuses specifically on these four functions as they pertain to retrieving signal information impressed on optical carriers of 1.3-/spl mu/m wavelength. The main demonstration object is a 40-GHz hybrid-integrated heterodyne receiver circuit that employs an InP-based HEMT in a four-function role to simultaneously provide carrier demodulation, self-generation of a local oscillation signal, internal frequency doubling thereof, and signal downconversion to a lower intermediate frequency band. >
Parallelization of Context-Based Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coders

This paper presents novel approaches to parallelize context-based adaptive binary arithmetic coders (CABACs). Two new parallelized CABACs (or PCABACs) are presented and the methods described. These coders are designed by modifying commonly used binary multiplication-free arithmetic coders. One utilizes linear approximation and simplifies the hardware by assuming that the less probable symbol probability is almost the same while performing the en/decoding (referred to as QL-coder). Another codec applies table lookup technique and achieves parallelism with a parallelized probability model (referred to as QT-coder). QL-coder is improved from the IBM Q-coder, and the QT-coder is improved from the CABAC used in H.264 video compression standard. Throughput, in both coders, is significantly increased after parallelization. A fast interval search method is also proposed
Comparison of Interleukin-1β Expression by In Situ Hybridization in Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance and Multiple Myeloma

We investigated whether interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is differentially expressed in plasma cells from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM) patients because IL-1β appears to play a major role in the development of lytic bone lesions, the major clinical feature distinguishing MGUS from myeloma. In situ hybridization (ISH) for IL-1β was performed using bone marrow aspirates from 51 MM, 7 smoldering MM, 21 MGUS, and 5 normal control samples. Using the ISH technique IL-1β mRNA was detectable in the plasma cells from 49 of 51 patients with active myeloma and 7 of 7 patients with smoldering myeloma. In contrast, 5 of 21 patients with MGUS and 0 of 5 normal controls had detectable IL-1β message. Bone lesions were present in 40 of the 51 MM patients analyzed, and all 40 patients had IL-1β mRNA by ISH. These results show that greater than 95% of MM patients but less than 25% of MGUS patients are positive for IL-1β production. In the future, continued follow-up of IL-1β positive and negative MGUS patients should determine whether aberrant expression of plasma cell IL-1β is predictive of those MGUS patients that will eventually progress to active myeloma.
Temporal Coherence: A Model for Non-stationarity in Natural and Simulated Wind Records

We present a novel methodology for characterizing and simulating non-stationary stochastic wind records. In this new method, non-stationarity is characterized and modelled via temporal coherence, which is quantified in the discrete frequency domain by probability distributions of the differences in phase between adjacent Fourier components. Temporal coherence can also be used to quantify non-stationary characteristics in wind data. Three case studies are presented that analyze the non-stationarity of turbulent wind data obtained at the National Wind Technology Center near Boulder, Colorado, USA. The first study compares the temporal and spectral characteristics of a stationary wind record and a non-stationary wind record in order to highlight their differences in temporal coherence. The second study examines the distribution of one of the proposed temporal coherence parameters and uses it to quantify the prevalence of nonstationarity in the dataset. The third study examines how temporal coherence varies with a range of atmospheric parameters to determine what conditions produce more non-stationarity.
The Persistence of Boundaries: A Reply to Rosen-Zvi and Fisher

Professors Issachar Rosen-Zvi and Talia Fisher, by finally advancing a plausible way to dispense with the criminal-civil procedural bifurcation, make a valuable contribution to the discussion around the blurry distinction between the civil law and the criminal law. They propose making procedural protections contingent solely upon the severity of the sanction and upon the symmetry (or lack thereof) between the adversarial parties in the proceeding. This approach eliminates the need to draw false distinctions between nearly identical sanctions, to divine a legislature’s motivation, or to apply procedural safeguards that are either excessively high or dangerously low. But the authors’ attempt to erase boundaries ends up erecting new ones, which are perhaps equally arbitrary and dysfunctional. Professors Rosen-Zvi and Fisher acknowledge that their proposed procedural model is not a finished product, so in this brief reply, I hope to direct their attention and others’ to a few areas that warrant closer examination.
Abstract 283: Role of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase α1 in Atherosclerosis

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of cellular energy and has cardiovascular protective effects. The catalytic subunit of AMPK consists of α1 and α2 isoforms and AMPKα1 is highly expressed in vascular cells and macrophages. To investigate the potential role of AMPKα1 in atherosclerotic processes, we crossed AMPKα1 deficient (AMPKα1-/-) mice with atherogenic ApoE deficient (ApoE-/-) mice. ApoE-/-/AMPKα1-/- mice and control ApoE-/- mice were fed a Western diet for 10 weeks. Deficiency of AMPKα1caused a lessened lesion area and decreased monocyte/macrophage infiltration of the lesions without significant lipid profile changes. Further, hematopoietic deficiency of AMPKα1 by bone marrow transplantation resulted in less atherosclerotic lesions, suggesting that AMPKα1 in bone marrow-derived cells, possibly macrophages, plays an important role in atherosclerosis development. Indeed, AMPKα1 deletion dramatically increased monocyte/macrophage apoptosis and cell death. Monocyte to macrophage differentiation was also impaired in AMPKα1-/- mice. The impaired monocyte differentiation and increased macrophage death were associated with the inhibition of autophagy induced by AMPKα1 deficiency. Taken together, our results reveal a novel role of AMPKα1 in controlling differentiation and survival of monocytic cells, and progression of atherosclerosis.
PL.81 Caesarean Section at the QEHKL: 10 Years on from “Sentinel”, Where are We?

Objective At the time of the National Sentinel Caesarean Section Audit the caesarean section rate (CSR) was rising by 1% per year. This audit aims to compare our current practise with that described in the Sentinel audit. Design Retrospective Study. Setting The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn. Population Caesarean sections from three months of 2011–12. Methods Case note review. Main outcomes The primary outcomes were the caesarean section rate (CSR), the indications, appropriateness of the indication, and whether fetal blood sampling, external cephalic version (ECV), vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) were offered Results The CSR was unchanged at 22% (18% “Sentinel”), forceps 7% (2.9–5.7%) and Ventouse 5% (5.7–9.7%) with 1:1 midwifery care in 92% of deliveries. The primary CSR was 66%. The electives were 34% (37%) and emergencies 66% (63%). Only 4.2% of indications were debatable and in Grade 2 (G2) and 3 (G3) caesareans. The G2 caesareans indications were 30.7% for abnormal cardiotocograph and 53.5% for failure to progress (FTP). Only 6.7% had fetal blood sampling (FBS). Elective caesarean indications included, declined vaginal birth after one caesarean (32.1%), vaginal birth after two caesareans not offered (18.9%) and declined external cephalic version (13.2%). Conclusions The CRS has remained static over the last decade despite occasional peaks. The majority of caesareans during these peaks were justified. The CSR could be improved by reducing the primary indications by increasing the use of FBS and better management of failure to progress, and secondary indications by improved counselling for VBAC and ECV.
Biting the hand that feeds you? Teachers engage with an ethnography of neoliberalism in education:

Scholars who document neoliberal trends in education argue that privatization and corporatization in schools is dehumanizing and discourages democratic participation. These scholars assert that neo...
COMPETENCY-BASED LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION IN SPEAKING CLASSES: ITS THEORY AND IMPLEMENTATION IN INDONESIAN CONTEXTS

The competency-based curriculum as endorsed by the Department of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia has recently been implemented nationwide from elementary to high schools in the country. It is claimed that by improving syllabi, materials, and activities or by putting a more emphasis on learners’ autonomy, more effective language learning will take place. However, such an approach may also be counter-productive as it emphasizes the outputs more than the inputs. Another problem may arise as learners’ language performance may also entail teaching preparations in that teachers are obliged not only to be knowledgeable of the topics discussed, but also to be skillful and creative in preparing the materials. The implementation of this approach then becomes more complicated, especially when related to the learners’ culture. The features of this language instruction seem to be contradictory to Indonesians’ cultural values and beliefs which are reflected in the forms of total obedience, the unquestioning mind, the concept of the old know all, and the teachers can do no wrong. Due to the above barriers, this study intends to explore and evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of this instruction in speaking classes in Indonesian contexts. It will specifically attempt to assess the extent to which closed and open tasks can affectively be accomplished and with what degree of success the students acquire natural language use. Keywords : Competency-based curriculum, output, input
Citrate for regional anticoagulation. Effects on blood Po2, ammonia, and aluminum

Infusion of citrate into the arterial line, followed by infusion of calcium into the venous line, has been used for regional anticoagulation during hemodialysis of patients with bleeding diatheses or heparin-induced antiplatelet antibodies. These patients are often hospitalized in intensive care units where the use of a sorbent regeneration dialysis system is convenient. In this study, the use of regional citrate anticoagulation during dialysis with a cuprophan dialyzer on a REDY dialysis machine was investigated in eight patients. The white blood cell count, arterial PO2, arterial and venous ammonia, and arterial, venous and dialysate aluminum were measured. Similar studies were carried out on four other patients undergoing dialysis with standard systemic heparin anticoagulation and cellulose acetate dialyzers. The white blood cell count was observed to decline moderately, reaching a nadir of 83.2% of control at 15 minutes. The PO2 was unchanged or increased. However, blood ammonia rose in four of five patients, with the venous value always exceeding the arterial value. In two patients, aluminum levels in blood increased as well, and in one patient, a marked increase was observed in dialysate, and venous and arterial blood, with the concentrations being highest in the dialysate. No such changes were observed in the patients anticoagulated with heparin. It was concluded that although citrate is a useful agent for regional anticoagulation, it should not be used in sorbent regeneration systems.
Molecular dynamics study of rhodamine 6G diffusion at n-decane-water interfaces.

Two-dimensional diffusion of a rhodamine 6G fluorescent tracer molecule at the $n$-decane--water interface was studied with all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. In agreement with experimental data, we find increased mobility of the tracer at the $n$-decane--water interfaces in comparison to its mobility in bulk water. Orientational ordering of water and $n$-decane molecules near the interface is observed, and may change the interfacial viscosity as suggested to explain the experimental data. However, the restricted rotational motion of the rhodamine molecule at the interface suggests that the Saffman-Delbr\"uck model may be a more appropriate approximation of rhodamine diffusion at $n$-decane--water interfaces, and, without any decrease in interfacial viscosity, suggests faster diffusion consistent with both experimental and simulation values.
Partially adaptive quantile estimators

ABSTRACTThis paper contrasts two approaches to estimating quantile regression models: traditional semi-parametric methods and partially adaptive estimators using flexible probability density functions (pdfs). While more general pdfs could have been used, the skewed Laplace was selected for pedagogical purposes. Monte Carlo simulations are used to compare the behavior of the semi-parametric and partially adaptive quantile estimators in the presence of possibly skewed and heteroskedastic data. Both approaches accommodate skewness and heteroskedasticity which are consistent with linear quantiles; however, the partially adaptive estimator considered allows for non linear quantiles and also provides simple tests for symmetry and heteroskedasticity. The methods are applied to the problem of estimating conditional quantile functions for wages corresponding to different levels of education.
Role of Positron Emission Tomography in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

For initial staging and at end of treatment to document remission status, PET is the standard imaging modality. Interim scanning remains investigational. Surveillance PET is not beneficial in the majority of patients. PET has also been used to predict outcome in the pre-autologous transplant setting. PET in the pre-allogeneic setting has a less established benefit. There is limited data on its use after transplant.
Genetic Characterization and Influence on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Expression in a Diverse Hispanic South Florida Cohort

Genetic Characterization and Influence on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Expression in a Diverse Hispanic South Florida Cohort
Electron temperature maps of the low solar corona: ISCORE results from the total solar eclipse of 1 August 2008 in China

We conducted an experiment in conjunction with the total solar eclipse of 1 August 2008 in China to determine the thermal electron temperature in the low solar corona close to the solar limb. The instrument, Imaging Spectrograph of Coronal Electrons (ISCORE), consisted of an 8 inch f/10 Schmidt Cassegrain telescope with a thermoelectrically cooled CCD camera at the focal plane. Results are electron temperatures of 1 MK at 1.08 R(solar system) and 1.13 R(solar system) from the Sun center in the polar and equatorial regions, respectively. This experiment confirms the results of an earlier experiment conducted in conjunction with the total eclipse of 29 March 2006 in Libya, and results are that at a given coronal height the electron temperature in the polar region is larger than at the equatorial region. In this paper we show the importance of using the correct photospheric spectrum pertinent to the solar activity phase at the time of the experiment, which is a required parameter for modeling the underlying theoretical concept for temperature interpretation of the measured intensity ratios using color filters.
p-i-p-i-n Separate Absorption and Multiplication Ultraviolet Avalanche Photodiodes

Front-illuminated GaN-based separate absorption and multiplication (SAM) ultraviolet (UV) avalanche photodiodes (APDs) with various photon detection areas are demonstrated grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on bulk GaN native substrates with low dislocation density. By adopting a front-illuminated UV-APD structure with a thin AlGaN window layer, no additional etching of the substrate for the reduction of strong UV absorption is required. The epitaxial layer structure of the p-i-p-i-n SAM UV-APDs consists of a Mg-doped ${p}$ -Al0.05Ga0.95N window layer to minimize UV absorption at the top surface region and a Mg-graded ${p}$ -GaN charge layer to serve as a field-termination layer. The onset point of the breakdown voltage ( $V_{\text {BR}}$ ) is around 73 V for all SAM-APDs with different mesa areas ranging from 1963 to 10 $000~\mu \text{m}^{2}$ , which is a lower $V_{\text {BR}}$ than the typical p-i-n UV-APDs with the similar thickness of undoped layer, where the photon absorption and multiplication processes take place simultaneously. Under UV-light illumination at $\lambda =340$ nm, the SAM-APDs exhibit high avalanche gains greater than $8.0\times 10^{5}$ at a reverse bias of $V_{R}> 72.5$ V
Abstract 235: Integration of Patient-specific Computational Hemodynamics and Vessel Wall Shear Stress Into MRI Diagnosis of Vascular Diseases

The research objective is to expand the capability of current MRI imaging technique in assessing the overall risk and predicted outcomes of atherosclerotic diseases through the quantification of in...
I Could Have Been a Bushman: A Brief Reflection on Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory on Child Development

Adopting a contextual worldview of children as dynamic processors of environmental input, Bronfenbrenner adopted elements from mechanistic models viewing change as continual and as resulting primarily from outside influences. Integrating this model with the organismic model’s perspective of the developmental process as active under the influence of internal forces, Bronfenbrenner’s scheme is a contextual view of child development.
SPG7 is an Essential and Conserved Component of the Mitochondrial Permeability transition Pore

Mitochondrial permeability transition is a phenomenon in which the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) abruptly opens, resulting in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) dissipation, loss of ATP production, and cell death. Several genetic candidates have been proposed to form the PTP complex, however, the core component is unknown. We identified a necessary and conserved role for spastic paraplegia 7 (SPG7) in Ca2+- and ROS-induced PTP opening using RNAi-based screening. Loss of SPG7 resulted in higher mitochondrial Ca2+ retention, similar to cyclophilin D (CypD, PPIF) knockdown with sustained ΔΨm during both Ca2+ and ROS stress. Biochemical analyses revealed that the PTP is a heterooligomeric complex composed of VDAC, SPG7, and CypD. Silencing or disruption of SPG7-CypD binding prevented Ca2+- and ROS-induced ΔΨm depolarization and cell death. This study identifies an ubiquitously expressed IMM integral protein, SPG7, as a core component of the PTP at the OMM and IMM contact site.
Radiation Detector Deadtime and Pile up: A Review of the Status of Science

Abstract Since the early forties, researchers from around the world have been studying the phenomenon of deadtime in radiation detectors. Many have attempted to develop models to represent this phenomenon. Two highly idealized models; paralyzable and non-paralyzable are commonly used by most individuals involved in radiation measurements. Most put little thought about the operating conditions and applicability of these ideal models for their experimental conditions. So far, there is no general agreement on the applicability of any given model for a specific detector under specific operating conditions, let alone a universal model for all detectors and all operating conditions. Further the related problem of pile-up is often confused with the deadtime phenomenon. Much work, is needed to devise a generalized and practical solution to these related problems. Many methods have been developed to measure and compensate for the detector deadtime count loss, and many researchers have addressed deadtime and pulse pile-up. The goal of this article is to summarize the state of science of deadtime; measurement and compensation techniques as proposed by some of the most significant work on these topics and to review the deadtime correction models applicable to present day radiation detection systems.
Modeling, Assessing, and Supporting Key Competencies Within Game Environments

The first challenge of accomplishing the goals of any successful instructional system depends on accurately identifying characteristics of a particular learner or group of learners – such as the type and level of specific knowledge, skills, and other attributes. The second challenge is then leveraging the information to improve learning. This chapter is intended to extend current thinking about (a) educationally valuable skills and (b) instructional system design by describing an approach for analyzing key competencies and developing valid assessments embedded within an immersive game. Specifically, we will describe theoretically based research relating to stealth assessment, diagnosis, and instructional decisions, operational within an immersive game environment. Stealth assessment and diagnosis occur during the learning (playing) process, and instructional decisions are based on inferences of learners’ current and projected competency states. Inferences – both diagnostic and predictive – will be handled by Bayesian networks and used directly in student models to handle uncertainty via probabilistic inference to update and improve belief values on learner competencies. Resulting probabilities inform decision making, as needed in, for instance, the selection of instructional support based on the learner’s current state.
RESPONSIBILITY AND HEALTH CARE TEAMS: A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL'S PERSPECTIVE

In his essay, “Logical Confusions and Moral Dilemmas in Health Care Teams and Team Talk”, Ed Erde helped set the direction for this commentary by noting that “team talk comes out of team experience.” The comments expressed here are rooted in experience — the experience of team talk and team work from the perspective of a seasoned health professional.1 In this commentary health professionals includes allied health professionals, social workers, and nurses, since these health care providers, and not the physician, will serve as the focal point for discussion. When the term team is used, however, physicians and administrators are included.
Assessing Learning Games for School Content: The TPACK-PCaRD Framework and Methodology

Game-based learning is varied and so are the assessments and methods used to determine what is learned with games. The author used two studies conducted in different settings to illustrate the role of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) and play, curricular activity, reflection, and discussion (PCaRD) in game-based learning. In the first project in an after-school study in a computer lab, 26 middle school students played a game for 7 weeks. Assessments were created using a game analysis based on TPACK to examine learning and motivation TPACK allowed for the creation of assessments that focused on the content in a game and highlight the genre effect on pedagogy in gameplay. In the second study conducted with 21 high school learners, TPACK played the same role; however, PCaRD was used to integrate the game into a classroom. The integration process included the previously developed assessments for learning and motivation. Whereas TPACK provides a lens to analyze digital games for pedagogy and content, PCaRD provides a pedagogical model for integrating games into learning settings. This has implications for designers of games, teachers using games, and researchers studying games for learning.
Virtual Models (vM)

Virtual models (vMs) are computer representations of biological processes (at various levels of organization) used to resolve complex system behaviors and emergent properties that cannot be understood solely from studying the individual parts. Computational power is now available to develop vMs capable of supporting predictive toxicology, and of reducing the dependence on in vivo animal studies for basic research and risk assessment purposes. The ultimate goal is to simulate in vivo adaptive responses to environmental change, and to predict the affects of various perturbations on system behaviors. Examples of vMs are presented from research in the fields of physiology, pharmacology, toxicology, and risk assessment.
Preparation and Application of Immobilized β-Galactosidase of Saccharomyces Lactis

A variety of dairy products has been prepared in which the lactose has been partially or completely hydrolyzed by soluble s-galactosidases added to milk or whey (Kosikowski and Wierzbicki, 1971; Wendorff et al., 1971; Woychik and Wondolowski, 1973). These products were generally of good quality and acceptability and established the feasibility of using enzymes to hydrolyze lactose. Due to the high cost of soluble s-galactosidase it would appear that use of the enzyme in an immobilized form could offer significant economic advantages in the production of low-lactose dairy products.
Interpolation of H1 and H

The interpolation spaces for H and H∞ are characterized as the Hardy spaces of the interpolation spaces for L1 and L∞. This description is provided by recent work of Peter Jones on constructive solutions of ∂ problems and of Brudnyǐ — Krugljak in the general theory of interpolation.
Innovative Models of Technology Generation and Transfer: Lessons Learned from the South

Historical and current experience worldwide has shown that conventional models of technology generation and transfer have frequently been ineffective to ensure implementation of sustainable methods and processes for agricultural and rural development, particularly in the South (i.e., developing countries). Effective alternatives have been developed in recent years, offering useful lessons for both present and future applications, in both the South and North; yet, relatively few groups have adopted such approaches. Nevertheless, in areas where producers are using such alternatives, much progress has been achieved towards achieving sustainable food security, increasing productivity, preventing resource degradation, and spreading benefits equitably in society (SANE 1998; Thrupp 1996; Altieri 1987; UNDP 1995; Pretty 1995; Gliessman 1997).
XM + Sirius = Good Deal (for the Companies and Consumers)

Satellite radio competitors XM and Sirius recently announced their intention to merge their companies in a $13 billion deal. Recent financial statements show this merger is necessary. Although both stocks grew steadily through October of 2004, they hit a plateau after that and then began a steady decline. The cost of signing big name talent and big sports leagues has added significant debt. Merging the two companies could help bring those costs down over time by making those programs available to a broader subscriber base. At a minimum, the relevant market in this merger review should include all the potential sources of audible information / entertainment that are competing for our ears. Indirect competitors that threaten its long-term survival, including: broadcast TV, cable TV, satellite TV, DVDs, video-on-demand, online newspapers, the endless array of magazines, Internet websites, search engines, computer software, video games, and so on. Because of the entertainment and media competition, it is questionable whether the satellite radio sector could sustain two healthy competitors. Once transition issues are settled, subscription prices would not elevate dramatically in light of competition from other entertainment media.
Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Over the last three decades, remarkable medical developments have changed the outcome of most cardiac diseases. In the 1960’s, the advent of Coronary Care Units afforded patients the kind of monitoring and intervention that helped assure survival after a myocardial infarction. In 1966 the first coronary artery bypass grafting was performed. The 1970’s and 1980’s saw the development of an arsenal of drugs that revolutionized the care of patients with both coronary artery disease and cardiac failure. Clinical application of cardiac transplantation became more feasible and a number of centers were created. During these years the intra-aortic balloon was used, cardiac pacers became more sophisticated and cardioverter-defibrillators were implanted in patients with life-threatening arrhythmias. Coronary angioplasty became widely accepted and fibrinolysis was shown to be an important treatment option for patient’s having a myocardial infarction.