cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring a Contract's Breadth: A Text Analysis

We use a computational linguistic algorithm to measure the topics covered in the text of school teacher contracts in Ohio. We use the topic modeling metrics in a calculation of the concentration of topics covered. This allows us to assess how expansive each contract is. As a proof of concept, we evaluate the relationship between our topic diversity measurement and the prevalence of support staff. This test is done on a subsample of the contracts in the state. If more specialized services are provided, then contracts must presumably be broader as they cover more employment relationships. We confirm a strong, statistically significant relationship between our measurement and the prevalence of these support staff. Thus, we have a valid measurement of contract breadth.
Monocular Vision-Based Retinal Membrane Peeling With a Handheld Robot.

Retinal membrane peeling requires delicate manipulation. The presence of the surgeon's physiological tremor, the high variability and often low quality of the ophthalmic image, and excessive forces make the tasks more challenging. Preventing unintended movement caused by tremor and unintentional forces can reduce membrane injury. With the use of an actively stabilized handheld robot, we employ a monocular camera-based surface reconstruction method to estimate the retinal plane and we propose the use of a virtual fixture with application of hard and soft stops and motion scaling to improve control of the tool tip during delaminating in a laboratory simulation of retinal membrane peeling. A hard stop just below the membrane surface helps to limit downward force exerted on the surface. Motion scaling also improves the user's control of contact force when delaminating. We demonstrate a reduction of maximum force and maximum surface-penetration distance from the estimated retinal plane using the proposed technique.
Economic impact and control of parasitism in dairy cattle

After consideration of the species and groups of parasites (gastrointestinal nematodes, Dictyocaulus viviparus, Fasciola hepatica, coccidia) affecting dairy cattle, a detailed critical review is given of work on subclinical parasitism in lactating cows, in particular the effect on milk production and the economic benefits that can accrue from anthelmintic treatment. Special reference is made to work done in the USA. Finally, brief comments are made on diagnosis and control.
Validation Study of a Novel Chest Tube Placement Device: Comparison of Procedure Time and Lung Injury Risk Between the JD Hook ® Device and Conventional Chest Tube Placement Devices

Background: We tested the operational characteristics of JD Hook ® prototype device and compared it to currently available direct chest tube insertion (non-Seldinger) devices in terms of procedure time, safety and risk of lung injury. Methods: Two commercially chest tube devices including a 28 Fr chest tube with trocars, a 24 Fr chest tube with a Kelly forceps clamp and JD Hook ® prototype pleural access device were tested on standard thoracic manikin, for comparative procedure time and risk of lung injury. Results: JD Hook ® pleural access device showed the shortest procedure time with least risk of lung injury compared to conventional access devices. Both results were statistically significant. Conclusions: JD Hook ® device is a safer and faster access device compared to conventional chest tube access devices. Additional studies in animal and cadavers models are needed to validate these results for clinical applications. J Curr Surg. 2021;11(3):51-56 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcs447
Selective quantification of nanoplastics in environmental matrices by asymmetric flow field – flow fractionation with total organic carbon detection

Nanoplastics are of rapidly emerging concern as ubiquitous environmental pollutants. However, fate and transport assessments are currently hindered by a need for new analytical methods that can selectively quantify nanoplastics in environmental matrices. This study presents the first proof of principle to hyphenate asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) with total organic carbon (TOC) detection for nanoplastics analysis, as evaluated on mixtures of multimodal polystyrene nanoplastics in the presence of dissolved organic matter and clay colloids. The AF4-TOC method enables more robust, size-resolved quantification of nanoplastics over other AF4 detection modes, including UV-vis, refractive index, and fluorescence tagging. This method development can fill a critical gap in analytical methodology for environmental nanoplastics research.
Re-Visioning Sexuality Education: A Challenge for the Future

Abstract In view of the present state of affairs in the field, it is time for reassessment and professional debate about what sexuality education can and should be. There have been significant cultural shifts brought about by recent technological development, global awareness of sexual issues, and the characteristics of the current younger generation. Sexuality educators must adapt to these changes in order to remain relevant, and several key issues are listed for consideration. National debate must proceed concerning the place of scientific facts, political beliefs, religious faith, and the plurality of values regarding sexual orientations, behaviors, and interests in sexuality education contexts. Presently there is no set of agreed-upon standards or philosophies to guide our decisions that all sexuality educators seem able to embrace. We must decide if we can find common ground for differing perspectives on sexuality education, or if we should instead clarify different types of approaches, the goals of ...
Laboratory Evaluation of Selected Spray Adjuvants as Ultraviolet Light Protectants for the Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus of the Celery Looper (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Four spray adjuvants were tested in the laboratory as ultraviolet light (UV) protectants for the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of the celery looper, Anagraphs falcifera (Kirby) (AfMNPV), against the b...
WE-F-304-04: Radiosurgery for Vestibular Schwannomas: Tumor Control Probability Analyses and Recommended Reporting Standards

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) was introduced clinically more than twenty years ago, and many subsequent publications have reported safety and efficacy data. The AAPM Working Group on Biological Effects of Hypofractionated Radiotherapy/SBRT (WGSBRT) extracted published treatment outcomes data from extensive literature searches to summarize and construct tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models for six anatomical regions: Cranial, Head and Neck, Thoracic, Abdominal, Pelvic, and Spinal. In this session, we present the WGSBRT’s work for cranial sites, and recurrent head and neck cancer. From literature-based data and associated models, guidelines to aid with safe and effective hypofractionated radiotherapy treatment are being determined. Further, the ability of existing and proposed radiobiological models to fit these data is considered as to the ability to distinguish between the linear-quadratic and alternative radiobiological models such as secondary cell death from vascular damage, immunogenic, or bystander effects. Where appropriate, specific model parameters are estimated. As described in “The lessons of QUANTEC,” (1), lack of adequate reporting standards continues to limit the amount of useful quantitative information that can be extracted from peer-reviewed publications. Recommendations regarding reporting standards are considered, to enable such reviews to achieve more complete characterization of clinical outcomes. 1 Jackson A, Marks LB, Bentzen SM, Eisbruch A, Yorke ED, Ten Haken RK, Constine LS, Deasy JO. The lessons of QUANTEC: recommendations for reporting and gathering data on dose-volume dependencies of treatment outcome. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2010 Mar 1;76(3 Suppl):S155–60. Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the techniques, types of cancer and dose schedules used in treating recurrent H&N cancers with SBRT 2. List the radiobiological models that compete with the linear-quadratic model in explaining the results of hypofractionated RT 3. Describe the dose/volume metrics that are considered safe in SBRT treatment of tumors near the optic structures. 4. Discuss the efficacy of hypofractionation and dosing schedules used in treating vestibular schwannomas 5. Identify some difficulties in modeling TCP and NTCP for cranial tumors treated with hypofractionation. One moderator, Dr. Grimm, designed and holds intellectual property rights to the DVH Evaluator software tool which is an FDA-cleared product in commercial use, and can analyze some of this data. No others have relevant conflicts of interest.
Polycentrism, Self-Governance, and the Case of Married Women's Rights Reform

Self-enforcing constitutional constraints provide the means for individuals to discipline government actors. This paper utilizes the theory of polycentric orders as developed by Vincent and Elinor Ostrom to analyze jurisdictional competition as one such self-enforcing constraint. The historical case study of married women’s rights reform in the 19th century is suggested as an appropriate test case for evaluating the feasibility of this mechanism as a means of preserving the self-governing nature of a society. This paper was prepared for the Miller Upton Forum on the Wealth and Well-Being of Nations at Beloit College.
Structural change and competitiveness

Abstract The considerable attention given to restoring the U.S. semiconductor industry to a competitive position in global markets has focused on such strategies as increasing productivity, quality, product design flexibility, and the use of external sources of technology such as research consortia. In the long run, however, these behavior-oriented strategies, while collectively important, will likely be inadequate. The reason is that the structures of product portfolios in U.S. merchant firms, in particular the degrees of vertical integration, are insufficient to achieve high and stable cash flows that, in turn, are needed to finance R&D at the required breadth and depth over time. Industry data show that compared to Japanese firms, U.S. merchant firms are excessively dependent on component sales and are therefore at a decided disadvantage in attaining economies of scope from production of multiple components and end products. This situation brings into question the potential long-term benefits to be realized by this and similarly structured industries from research consortia such as Sematech.
Dendritic arbors of large-field ganglion cells show scaled growth during expansion of the goldfish retina: a study of morphometric and electrotonic properties

The retina of the goldfish grows by a balloon-like expansion and by the addition of new neurons at the margin. It has been proposed that as a consequence of this expansion the dendritic arbors of ganglion cells in central retina grow in a uniform manner without the addition of new branches. In the present study, we have examined this proposal by comparing the geometries of individual dendritic arbors of large-field ganglion cells from the retinas of small/young and large/old fish. These comparisons were based on measurements of several parameters of dendritic morphology, including number of segments and branches, branch angles, changes in diameter at branch points, and proximal versus distal distribution of arbor length. In addition, we used passive, steady-state cable modeling as an independent method of estimating the functional architectures of small and large dendritic arbors. Our morphometric data indicate that, though they are very different in absolute size, dendritic arbors of small and large ganglion cells have remarkably similar architectures. Analysis with steady-state cable equations indicates that the arbors from small and large cells have equivalent electrotonic lengths and show comparable propagation of synaptic currents. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that dendritic arbors of small and large ganglion cells are scaled versions of one another. We conclude that the growth of these cells during the expansion of the retina is the result of the addition of dendritic mass to an arbor whose basic geometry remains unchanged.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone increases the expression and activity of Sirt1 and -3 genes in HepG2 cells☆

Sirtuin (Sirt) 1 and Sirt 3 are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ((+))-dependent protein deacetylases that are important to a number of mitochondrial-related functions; thus, identification of sirtuin activators is important. Herein, we hypothesize that pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) can act as a Sirt1/Sirt3 activator. In HepG2 cell cultures, PQQ increased the expression of Sirt1 and Sirt3 gene, protein, and activity levels (P < .05). We also observed a significant increase in nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase gene expression (as early as 18 hours) and increased NAD(+) activity at 24 hours. In addition, targets of Sirt1 and Sirt3 (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1 and 2, and mitochondrial transcription factor A) were increased at 48 hours. This is the first report that demonstrates PQQ as an activator of Sirt1 and Sirt3 expression and activity, making it an attractive therapeutic agent for the treatment of metabolic diseases and for healthy aging. Based on our study and the available data in vivo, PQQ has the potential to serve as a therapeutic nutraceutical, when enhancing mitochondrial function.
3D Collaborative Virtual Environment to Support Collaborative Design

Constructivist learning emphasizes students’ involvement in the learning process, how they become self-directed learners and actively engaged in the learning environment. This chapter describes Collaborative Virtual Environment (CVE) and its relevance to collaborative learning and constructivism. The authors developed the Collaborative World Design Tool (CWDT) software to evaluate the benefits of CVE for architectural design students. The CWDT was developed based on the Torque 3D Game Engine, thus the appearance and functionalities of the CWDT within the CVE are similar to computer game playing environment. In the experiment, subjects designed within the CVE, were either experts or novices, worked either individually or in pairs, and constructed a virtual building in a three-dimensional outdoor environment. Results show that working collaboratively within a CVE has great potential to increase performance where teamwork is faster than individual work, and overall provide a constructive learning environment.
Job Designs: Multitasking in the Workplace

Multitasking has become a ubiquitous term for modern job design and behaviors in current workplace systems throughout the global marketplace. Multitasking is often defined as the ability to process multiple tasks or functions simultaneously. These simultaneous actions also suggest the necessary interruption of work as a worker transitions from one task to another. Current research suggests that multitasking, as an integral component of job design, may inhibit productivity for individual contributors. Technology can aid in overcoming individual contributor setbacks and can enhance multitasking-designed job systems to increase total organizational productivity. Current research cautions against over-reliance on multitasking job designs in leadership roles. Communication and thought processes interrupted by multitasking job designs present some risks to the organization. Multitasking can be utilized successfully to increase productivity metrics, however, there is an increased risk of communication and leadership obstacles associated with the same design in managerial or executive job functions.
Development of Optical Trace Gas Monitoring Technology for NASA Human Space Flight

Investigators from three institutions have partnered in a Rapid Technology Development Team whose goal will be the deployment of laser-based sensors for air-constituent measurements on board spacecrafts. The sensors will eventually be based on Type II Interband Cascade (IC) lasers being developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. These lasers will be used in implementations of both photo acoustic spectroscopy based on the use of quartz tuning fork oscillators as a resonant acoustic sensor (QE-PAS) and cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS). In the first year of the program, work at Rice and George Washington Universities has focused on the development of both QEPAS and CRDS sensors for ammonia using near infrared lasers. Simultaneously, the JPL portion of the team has fabricated both Fabry Perot and distributed feedback lasers in the mid infrared that can be used for formaldehyde detection. Features of both sensing technologies as well as the benefits of measurements at longer wavelengths will be presented.
The history of neurosurgery at the University of Rochester

The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Rochester has a long legacy of excellent patient care and innovation in the neurosciences. The department's founder, Dr. William Van Wagenen, was a direct pupil of Harvey Cushing and the first president of the Harvey Cushing Society. His successor, Dr. Frank P. Smith, was also a leader in organized neurosurgery and helped to permanently memorialize his mentor with an endowed fellowship that today is one of the most prestigious training awards in neurosurgery. The first 2 chiefs are honored every year by the department with memorial invited lectureships in their names. The department is home to a thriving multidisciplinary research program that fulfills the lifelong vision of its founder, Dr. Van Wagenen.
The inhibitor of DNA replication encoded by the Drosophila gene plutonium is a small, ankyrin repeat protein.

Abstract The plutonium (plu) gene product controls DNA replication early in Drosophila development. plu mutant females lay unfertilized eggs that have undergone extensive DNA synthesis. In fertilized embryos from plu mutant mothers, S-phase is uncoupled from mitosis. The gene is expressed only in ovaries and embryos, null alleles are strict maternal effect mutations, and the phenotype of inappropriate DNA replication is the consequence of loss-of-gene function. plu therefore negatively regulates S-phase at a time in early development when commitment to S-phase does not depend on cyclic transcription. plu encodes a protein with two ankyrin-like repeats, a domain for protein-protein interaction. plu is immediately adjacent to, but distinct from, the PCNA gene.
Left ventricular geometry immediately following defibrillation-strength shocks

A previous 2D ultrasound study (R.A. Malkin et al., 2001) suggested that there is relaxation of the myocardium after defibrillation. However, that 2D study could not measure activity occurring within the first 33 ms following the shock. Thus, the objective of our study is to determine the left ventricular (LV) geometry during this period. Biphasic defibrillation shocks were delivered to seven dogs. 1D short-axis ultrasound images of the LV cavity were acquired, the boundary of the anterior and posterior endocardial walls was extracted and the distance between them computed from 32 ms before to 32 ms after the shock. The normalized mean pre- and post-shock slopes were 0.2 /spl plusmn/ 2.2 and 3.3 /spl plusmn/ 7.9 %/10 ms, respectively. The post-shock LV diameter slope is positive in the first 32 ms following both successful and unsuccessful defibrillation shocks (p<0.05). Therefore, our results confirm that the bulk of the myocardium is relaxing immediately after a defibrillation shock.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Responses to a Sexist Problem:

The AIDS crisis has diverted the professionals' and the public's attention from other sexually transmitted diseases. These diseases are biologically sexist in that they have the greatest impact on women and, if the women are pregnant, on their babies. This article discusses the incidence and conse quences of five of the most common sexually transmitted diseases—syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and pelvic inflammatory disease—and presents specific recommendations for social work intervention related to both prevention and treatment.
Damage-resistant DNA synthesis in Fanconi anemia cells treated with a DNA cross-linking agent.

Abstract Fanconi anemia (FA) is a recessive disorder associated with diverse congenital anomalies, progressive bone marrow failure, and a marked predisposition to develop cancer. At the cellular level, FA is characterized by a prolonged G2 phase in proliferating cells and a marked hypersensitivity to both the cytotoxic and the clastogenic effects of agents which produce DNA interstrand cross-links. Treatment with these agents leads to even further prolongation of the G2 phase in FA cells. We now show that FA cells, from four different complementation groups, fail to decrease their rates of replicative DNA synthesis, as do normal cells, following treatment with a DNA cross-linking agent. This may be responsible for the prolongation of the G2 phase seen in these cells, and suggests that the fundamental defect in response of FA cells to DNA cross-linking agents may be in the S phase, rather than the G2 phase, of the cell cycle.
BDNF Has Opposite Effects on the Quantal Amplitude of Pyramidal Neuron and Interneuron Excitatory Synapses

Recently, we have identified a novel form of synaptic plasticity that acts to stabilize neocortical firing rates by scaling the quantal amplitude of AMPA-mediated synaptic inputs up or down as a function of neuronal activity. Here, we show that the effects of activity blockade on quantal amplitude are mediated through the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Exogenous BDNF prevented, and a TrkB-IgG fusion protein reproduced, the effects of activity blockade on pyramidal quantal amplitude. BDNF had opposite effects on pyramidal neuron and interneuron quantal amplitudes and modified the ratio of pyramidal neuron to interneuron firing rates. These data demonstrate a novel role for BDNF in the homeostatic regulation of excitatory synaptic strengths and in the maintenance of the balance of cortical excitation and inhibition.
Probing hadronization with strangeness

A novel state of matter has been hypothesized to exist during the early stage of relativistic heavy-ion collisions, with normal hadrons not appearing until several fm c-1 after the start of the reaction. Radial flow of multi-strange baryons is shown to be a sensitive probe of the expansion of the deconfined phase prior to hadronization. Using a hybrid macroscopic/microscopic transport model we show that if at hadronization the system has been significantly out of chemical equilibrium, hadronic rescattering cannot drive the system towards full chemical equilibration. Furthermore, we suggest a novel model-independent observable, balance functions, to evaluate correlations between charges and their associated anticharges It is shown that balance functions are extremely sensitive to the time-scale of hadronization: late-stage hadronization is characterized by tightly correlated charge/anticharge pairs when measured as a function of relative rapidity.
Eligibility for the surgical trial in intracerebral hemorrhage II study in a population-based cohort.

Introduction No proven treatments exist for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Carefully selected patients may benefit from surgery, and an international multicenter trial is ongoing. We sought to determine how many patients in a population-based ICH cohort would have been eligible for surgery using the Surgical Trial in Intracerebral Hemorrhage II (STICH II) criteria.
Nucleation of voids in irradiated metals

Abstract Conventional nucleation theory cannot properly be applied to the process of co-precipitation of vacancies and interstitials into voids. A proper formalism is developed herein and utilized to derive an expression for the void nucleation rate under these conditions. Although such a system is of a higher degree of irreversibility than those considered by Volmer and by Becker, the resulting rate equations are superficially similar. In the present case, however, the activation barrier is a function of the defect mobilities, hence is not the customary free energy of activation.
Purchasing and the Learning Curve: A Case Study of a Specialty Chemicals Business Unit

SUMMARY This article presents a case study of the learning curve in a specialty chemicals business unit. Even though the learning curve literature has largely ignored the effects of purchasing, over 80 percent of the total cost reduction in this study was the result of raw material cost savings. The purpose of this article is to highlight the important role played by purchasing in the study of the learning curve. This study was conducted when the author was a business manager in the subject company which allowed for complete access to data, personnel, and company documents. This “insider's position” was a critical factor in uncovering the sources of cost reduction in this business unit. Cost data for 221 products produced by this business unit were evaluated using the learning curve. Cross-sectional differences in learning rates were analyzed to determine the sources of cost reduction. Cost reduction efforts had the most success when the business unit was able to identify and prioritize the cost reduction opportunities and then apply the proper type and level of resources.
Maternal effort and joey growth in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)

The extent to which sex-biased maternal investment characterizes mammals is controversial, with less information available for evaluating patterns of maternal effort in marsupials than in placentals. Koalas Phascolarctos cinereus are size-dimorphic animals with a lengthy period of dependency and they reside in mating systems that might favour sex-biased maternal investment. We examined 18 years of data recorded from koalas living at the San Diego Zoo in order to examine how joey development and maternal condition might be connected. Koalas are pregnant for only 1 month, but joey emergence from the pouch does not occur until 32 weeks of age. Neither maternal condition nor age affected sex ratio at joey emergence, and both sexes had the same survivorship prospects. Koala dams transport and nurse joeys for close to 1 year, at which time the two sexes are size dimorphic. Given the poor-quality diet of koalas, combined with maternal transport of infants who are at least 25% of maternal mass, we suggest that infant rearing poses high energetic costs on koala females. We suggest that ecological and energetic constraints have moulded koala maternal strategies such that females maximize allocation of resources to offspring, regardless of sex, in order to increase prospects for joey survivorship.
Histologic findings after surgical excision of optic nerve head drusen.

Purpose:To report the histopathologic findings of a case of bilateral massive optic nerve head (ONH) drusen.Methods:A 59-year-old man presented with bilateral massive ONH drusen and secondary compromise of the retinal vasculature leading to vision of counting fingers at 1 ft in the left eye and 20/3
Long-Term Effectiveness of Isolation Techniques for Contaminated Soils

Seven different isolation methods, designed to prevent the migration of pollutants away from contaminated disposal sites, are compared. A 17-step integrated risk methodology is developed to compare these isolation methods. A disposal site containing heavy metals and toxic organics is used as a case study. Model calculations based on actual data predict that the Maximum Tolerable Concentration (MTC) for drinking water is never exceeded, while the MTC-lead is exceeded for the reuse of contaminated land for housing by all isolation methods after 100 years. Isolation methods are generally effective for the first 10 years, then have a retarding effect after 25 years, but are generally similar to a "non-intervention" reference situation after 100 years. Thus, it is argued that the current types of isolation techniques in use represent a potential "time bomb".
A Prospect Theory Model of Resource Allocation

Many papers in organization theory and strategy use prospect theory, but few derive their hypotheses from prospect theory's formal model. This paper develops a prospect theory model of resource allocation under risk where projects have both positive and negative adjusted payoffs. The model assumes consistent value (rather than profit) maximizing behavior and demonstrates how resources, risk propensity, and reference levels interact to determine allocations to risky projects. The analysis shows that prospect theory's parameters interact in complex ways to influence risk taking, which makes simple predictions difficult. Overall, loss aversion and the reference point dominate the results, with curvature of the value function playing a secondary role and the maximum risk aversion occurring for firms near their reference points, not for firms above their reference points.
Transformation of aragonite-dominated lime muds to microcrystalline limestones

Scanning electron microscopy of textures in several well-lithified Pleistocene “micrites” (mixed micrite and microspar) from south Florida and the Bahamas shows significant diagenetic alteration of the lime-mud precursors. The dominance of aragonite in those precursor muds is supported by the surprising presence of abundant aragonite relics in the neomorphic calcite crystals (confirmed by Feigl stain, X-ray and electron diffraction). Polished, very lightly etched surfaces of neomorphic calcite crystals, even in the microspar, show aragonite relics and pits, both absent in coexisting void-fill cements. Similarities between micrite and microspar crystals indicate their common origin through a one-step neomorphic process of calcitization. That is, the mud did not first calcitize to micrite and then alter to microspar by aggrading neomorphism. This conclusion has more general implications for the interpretation of the origins of other, older microsparitic carbonates. Both early calcitization and concurrent early meteoric cementation were significant in producing the Florida-Bahamas “micrites” studied, which have low porosities similar to those found in most ancient fine-grained limestones. These low porosities, despite the absence of significant overburden, indicate that major porosity reduction without compaction can occur in calcitized aragonite-dominated muds.
Deposition of Vanadium(V) Oxide Thin Films on Nitrogen-Containing Self-Assembled Monolayers†

Vanadium oxide films have been deposited from aqueous solutions at low temperature on different self-assembled monolayer (SAM) modified silicon surfaces. Amine and ammonium salt SAMs were made via in situ transformations of bromide SAMs. The crystal structure and chemical composition of the vanadium oxide films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The films on alkylammonium salt SAMs were 3−4 times thicker than on amine SAMs under identical deposition conditions. In all cases, V2O5·1.6H2O formed first (in the first 24 h), followed by V2O5·H2O. The film growth rate showed two separate growth periods corresponding to the formation of these two phases. Mixed-valence and mixed-phase vanadium oxide films could be achieved by controlling the deposition conditions, whose effect on the kinetics of film growth has also been studied. Films up to 80 μm thick on alkylammonium salt SAM and 16 μm thick on amine SAM were grown in 72 h.
Kalman Duality Principle for a Class of Ill-Posed Minimax Control Problems with Linear Differential-Algebraic Constraints

In this paper we present Kalman duality principle for a class of linear Differential-Algebraic Equations (DAE) with arbitrary index and time-varying coefficients. We apply it to an ill-posed minimax control problem with DAE constraint and derive a corresponding dual control problem. It turns out that the dual problem is ill-posed as well and so classical optimality conditions are not applicable in the general case. We construct a minimizing sequence $\hat{u}_{\varepsilon}$ for the dual problem applying Tikhonov method. Finally we represent $\hat{u}_{\varepsilon}$ in the feedback form using Riccati equation on a subspace which corresponds to the differential part of the DAE.
Mode shift strategies in intercity transportation and their effect on energy consumption

Policies are examined which, if implemented, could lead to significant energy savings in intercity travel in the northeast corridor arena, without restricting the traveler's freedom of mode choice. The effects on arena energy consumption of introducing new, more energy-efficient aircraft are investigated; and several strategies unrelated to the implementation of new aircraft are introduced to yield reductions in overall intercity energy use. In both parts of this analysis, resulting changes in patronage (modal share) and energy use are demonstrated, leading to new insights into the effectiveness of different potential policies for achieving energy conservation. Some observations on induced demand trends that could be associated with certain strategies and the resultant potential effect on energy conservation are provided.
Divergent developmental patterns for infants' perception of two nonnative consonant contrasts

Abstract Young infants discriminate nonnative and native consonant contrast, yet 10–12-month-olds discriminate most nonnative contrasts poorly, like adults. However, English-speaking adults and 6–14 month-old infants discriminate Zulu clicks, consistent with a model predicting that listeners who have a native phonology assimilate nonnative consonants to native categories when possible but hear non-assimilable (NA) consonants as nonspeech sounds (Best, McRoberts, & Sithole, 1988). Non-assimilable contrasts, thus, avoid language-specific effects and are discriminated, whereas consonants assimilated equally into a single category (SC) are discriminated poorly by listeners showing language-specific influences; other possible assimilation patterns show poor to excellent discrimination. This study directly compared discrimination of NA clicks and SC ejectives by 6–8- and 10–12-month-olds with a conditioned fixation habituation procedure. Consistent with predictions, the younger group discriminated both nonnative contrats and a control English contrast, whereas the older group discriminated only the NA and English contrasts.
Methods and Results of an Accreditation-Driven Writing Assessment in a Business College

This article describes a pilot effort for an accreditation-driven writing assessment in a business college, detailing the pilot's logistics and methods. Supported by rubric software and a philosophy of “real readers, real documents,” the assessment was piloted in summer 2006 with five evaluators who were English instructors and four who worked or taught in business environments. The nine evaluators were each given 10 reports that were drawn from a sample of 50 reports completed in a writing-intensive course. They created 88 individual assessments using a 10-category rubric. While the overarching purpose of the pilot was to determine the effectiveness of the methods used, the results may also be of interest to those involved with the assessment of writing.
Concept and tools for interactive graphics-A-IDAS

Abstract This paper describes a graphics system, which has been and is being developed at IBM Japan's Tokyo Scientific Center as a research prototype, and introduces a geographical data processing system as its application example. The graphics system, called Advanced Integrated Designer's Activity Support (A-IDAS) System, provides not only graphic hardwares and softwares, but also a database package with a relational form and a software managing a conversational environment. Since these softwares are general purpose aids, they are effective for establishing various kinds of application systems easily and rapidly. A geographical data processing system is introduced as an example of utilization of the aids.
Src family kinase function during early Xenopus development.

The Src family kinase Laloo functions downstream of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor, as a component of a signaling pathway required for mesoderm formation. In this study, we first show that Laloo expression can mimic FGF function in a distinct context, suggesting that the Src-related kinases are general transducers of FGF signaling during development. We then characterize the role of the SH-PTP2 phosphatase, and of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-pathway signaling, in mesoderm induction by Laloo. Finally, we demonstrate that the mesoderm-inducing activity of the Src family kinases is not limited to Laloo, indicating a degree of functional overlap between members of this gene family during early vertebrate development. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The selective delta opioid agonist SNC80 enhances amphetamine-mediated efflux of dopamine from rat striatum

The highly selective delta opioid agonist, SNC80, elicits dopamine-related behaviors including locomotor stimulation and conditioned place-preference. In contrast, it has been reported that SNC80 fails to promote dopamine efflux from the striatum of freely moving rats. However, SNC80 does enhance behavioral responses to the stimulants, amphetamine and cocaine, suggesting an interaction between delta opioids and psychostimulants. Since the increase in locomotor activity elicited by amphetamine and related stimulants acting at the dopamine transporter is associated with increases in extracellular concentrations of dopamine within the striatum, we hypothesized that SNC80 enhances this activity by potentiating the overflow of dopamine through the transporter. To test this hypothesis, striatal preparations from Sprague Dawley rats were assayed for dopamine efflux in response to amphetamine challenge. SNC80 was given either in vivo or in vitro directly to rat striatal tissue, prior to in vitro amphetamine challenge. Both in vivo and in vitro administration of SNC80 enhanced amphetamine-mediated dopamine efflux in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. However, SNC80 in either treatment paradigm produced no stimulation of dopamine efflux in the absence of amphetamine. The effect of SNC80 on amphetamine-mediated dopamine overflow, but not the effect of amphetamine alone, was blocked by the delta selective antagonist, naltrindole and was also observed with other delta agonists. The results of this study demonstrate that even though SNC80 does not stimulate dopamine efflux alone, it is able to augment amphetamine-mediated dopamine efflux through a delta opioid receptor mediated action locally in the striatum.
Binding, Sensory and Storage Properties of Algin/Calcium Structured Beef Steaks

Structured beef steaks formed with the algin/calcium binder and with or without glucono-delta-lactone were compared with 100% beef controls and with structured steaks formed with salt and phosphate. Algin/calcium-treated products exhibited better binding and color in the raw state, but had lower palatability scores in the cooked state than salt/phosphate controls. Shelf-life of both algin/calcium products under aerobic conditions was similar to the all-beef control. In vacuum packages, however, the algin/calcium products showed more rapid gas production and microbial growth than all-beef and salt/phosphate controls. The algin/calcium treatment will allow increased marketing alternatives for meat products.
Learners' noticing of recasts of morpho-syntactic errors: Recast types and delayed recognition

Abstract Recasts are the most commonly studied type of corrective feedback in interaction research and lately the investigation has extended to what makes recasts beneficial or unbeneficial. Expanding the investigation to the effect of different types of recasts (i.e., declarative or interrogative) on learners' noticing, the present study reports the findings of an empirical study that examined whether learners' noticing of morpho-syntactic recasts is influenced by recast type, and whether learners subsequently recognize their morpho-syntactic errors and the target-like reformulations they received during task-based interaction. Results show that learners noticed 10% of morpho-syntactic recasts and there was no significant difference by recast type. In subsequent recognition tasks, learners tended to recognize recasted forms (i.e., target-like forms) more than their errors (i.e., non-target forms).
Barney L. Lipscomb-Recipient of the 2010 Peter Raven Award

5 The 2010 American Society of Plant Taxonomy’s Peter Raven award for exceptional outreach efforts to nonscientists by a plant systematist was presented this year to Barney L. Lipscomb, curator extraordinaire, and Dorothea L. Leonhardt Chair of Texas Botany at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. While the title “Chair of Texas Botany” might imply regionalism, Barney is well known across the U. S. A. and Europe as the tireless and helpful editor of Sida (now the Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas ) and Sida, Botanical Miscellany a position he has held since 1982. Two monumental books of which he is coauthor, Shinners and Mahler’s Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas and the Illustrated Flora of East Texas vol. 1 have received widespread acclaim for their thoroughness, clarity, and illustrations. In addition, Barney annually brings Delzie Demaree alive as he presents the Delzie Demaree travel award to students attending the Missouri Botanical Garden Symposium. Barney began his academic career at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, where he received his undergraduate degree in biology. He went on to obtain an M. S. in Botany from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. From 1975 until 1987 he served as the Herbarium Botanist and Curator at the Southern Methodist University Herbarium. Barney has an interest in Cyperaceae but has published papers involving many other taxonomic groups and on regional floristics. He has also served as a consultant to at least a dozen governmental, corporate and environmental entities. Barney also serves the botanical community through his involvement with the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries (CBHL), and through his current activities as treasurer for the Flora of North America project. Supporters of Barney’s nomination point out his contributions to the field of forensic botany, a fledgling science until 1935 when the use of wood anatomy by Kochler helped solve the infamous Lindbergh kidnapping case. In 1998 Barney coauthored with G. M. Diggs, Jr. an important paper in the field of forensic botany entitled “The use of animal-dispersed seeds and fruits in forensic botany.” He has not only helped in solving crimes, but he has also used these applied botanical solutions to interest lay people in plants, their distributions, and species-specific characters. Barney is well known for his engrossing lectures, most famously his presentation entitled “Murderous Plants: Poisonous Herbs,” a multimedia show involving smoking dry ice, spears, and other unusual props. One of the nomination letters for this award noted that the venue for this talk in Lufkin, Texas in 2007 had to be moved to the main auditorium at the Angelina College campus because of the size Barney L. Lipscomb–Recipient of the 2010 Peter Raven Award
Balloon Catheter Fracture During Percutaneous Balloon Pericardial Window Formation—Retrieval of a Dislodged Balloon: A Case Report

During a balloon pericardial window formation we experienced a fracture of the balloon catheter causing dislodgment of the balloon. The balloon remained in the pericardial space. We describe a case report of this uncommon complication and a method for retrieval of the balloon.
Risk of Pneumonitis After Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Patients With Previous Anatomic Lung Resection.

Abstract Background Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has emerged as a standard treatment of early-stage, medically inoperable lung cancer. Limited data have evaluated the radiation pneumonitis (RP) risk with SBRT after previous anatomic lung resection (ALR). We assessed the incidence of RP and all pulmonary toxicity (PT) in patients who underwent lung SBRT after ALR and compared them with those of patients without previous ALR. Materials and Methods We reviewed the medical records of 84 consecutively treated patients with stage T1-T2b non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with 88 courses of SBRT for 94 lung tumors from January 2007 to December 2014, including 17 patients with previous ALR. The rates of RP and all PT were compared between the patients with and without previous ALR. Results At a median follow-up duration of 18.3 months (range, 1.8-85.6 months), the crude grade 2+ RP rate was 5.9% and 2.8% for patients with and without previous ALR, respectively ( P = .51). The corresponding 2-year estimates of freedom from RP were 89% and 97% ( P = .51). The crude rate of all grade 2+ PT was 11.8% and 2.8% for those with and without previous ALR ( P = .11), with 2-year estimates of freedom from PT of 97% and 84% ( P = .11), respectively. The 2 cohorts were well matched by the mean lung dose, percentage of lung volume receiving 20 Gy ( P = .86), and prescribed dose ( P = .75). The 2-year estimates of local control, cause-specific survival, and overall survival were similar between the 2 cohorts. Conclusion The observed rates of PT were low among all patients, with a trend toward increased grade 2 and 3 lung toxicity among patients with previous ALR. Previous ALR did not increase the risk of grade 4 and 5 RP, and SBRT appears safe and effective in this population.