cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
El papel de la comunidad cientifica en la enseñanza escolar de la ciencia

Cuando los cientificos profesionales colaboran con las escuelas, todos se benefician. Este articulo familiariza a la comunidad cientifica con la literatura asociada a la didactica de las ciencias, en particular aquella que resume las razones por las que la comunidad cientifica debe ayudar a los maestros y estudiantes de escuela. Ademas, se presentan sugerencias concretas para fomentar la colaboracion cientifico-maestro y cientifico-estudiante. El articulo tambien discute sugerencias para aumentar la calidad de las charlas que los cientificos suelen ofrecer a los estudiantes de escuela.
Widespread uplift and ‘trapdoor’ faulting on Galápagos volcanoes observed with radar interferometry

Volcanic uplift, caused by the accumulation of magma in subsurface reservoirs, is a common precursor to eruptions1,2. But, for some volcanoes, uplift of metres or more has not yet led to an eruption3. Here we present displacement maps of volcanoes in the Galapagos Islands, constructed using satellite radar interferometry, that might help explain this dichotomy. We show that all but one of the seven volcanoes on the islands of Isabela and Fernandina deformed during 1992–99. Cerro Azul and Fernandina erupted4,5,6 during the observation period and show evidence of inflation, co-eruptive deflation and shallow dyke intrusion. In contrast, the largest volcano, Sierra Negra, has not erupted, yet exhibits spatially and temporally variable deformation, with a maximum uplift of 2.7 m between 1992 and 1999, which can be modelled by a shallow inflating sill. Inflation during 1997–98, however, was accompanied by ‘trapdoor’ faulting on a steeply dipping fracture system within the caldera. Repeated trapdoor faulting over geological time has formed an arcuate intra-caldera ridge within Sierra Negra and may have acted to relax stresses above the magma chamber, inhibiting summit eruptions. Similar processes may help explain large uplift unaccompanied by eruptive activity at other volcanoes.
Installation Concept and Future Applications

With annual growth rates exceeding 30%, photovoltaic (PV) energy is now firmly established as a decentralized source for generating power. Due in particular to German legislation promoting renewable energies (Renewable Energy Sources Act/EEG), PV has in recent years made triumphant advances.
Analysis of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells bearing Fc receptors for the three major immunoglobulin isotypes.

Abstract Fluorochrome-labeled, human immunoglobulins (Igs) were used to characterize peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) subsets that had Fc receptors (FcRs) for the three major isotype classes, IgG, IgA and IgM. Relatively high concentrations of these Igs were needed to saturate FcRs. However, by a number of criteria, competition assays in particular, isotype-specific FcR binding was shown. In vivo bound Ig was directly measured by anti-Fc class-specific F(ab) 2 antibodies. With the exception of monocytes, where a mean of 19% had in vivo bound IgG, only small percentages of other PBMC subsets had any type of in vivo bound Ig. Studies done on a large group of normal individuals revealed that approximately 27% of all PBMCs had γ, 24% α, and 23% μFcRs. Dual fluorescence assays were performed to determine the γ, α, and μFcR status on T, B, NK cells and on monocytes. The majority of staining for γ, α, and μFcRs was accounted for by the numerically largest subfraction, the T cells. However, when FcR status was determined for each subset virtually all had either γ, α, or μFcRs-94% of CD2 + , 98% of CD4 + , 73% of CD8 + , 100% of CD19 + , 100% of CDw19 + , 92% of Leu 7 + , and 61% of Leu 11 + cells. All three FcRs were expressed within each subset. Of interest, a small percentage of unfractionated and monocyte-depleted PBMCs coexpressed one of three pairs of FcRs, either α and γ, α and μ, or μ and γ.
Insertion shuttle with carboxyl terminated self-assembled monolayer coatings for implanting flexible polymer neural probes in the brain

Abstract Penetrating microscale microelectrodes made from flexible polymers tend to bend or deflect and may fail to reach their target location. The development of flexible neural probes requires methods for reliable and controlled insertion into the brain. Previous approaches for implanting flexible probes into the cortex required modifications that negate the flexibility, limit the functionality, or restrict the design of the probe. This study investigated the use of an electronegative self-assembled monolayer (SAM) as a coating on a stiff insertion shuttle to carry a polymer probe into the cerebral cortex, and then the detachment of the shuttle from the probe by altering the shuttle's hydrophobicity. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyimide probes were inserted into an agarose in vitro brain model using silicon insertion shuttles. The silicon shuttles were coated with a carboxyl terminal SAM. The precision of insertion using the shuttle was measured by the percentage displacement of the probe upon shuttle removal after the probe was fully inserted. The average relative displacement of polyimide probes inserted with SAM-coated shuttles was (1.0 ± 0.66)% of the total insertion depth compared to (26.5 ± 3.7)% for uncoated silicon shuttles. The average relative displacement of PDMS probes was (2.1 ± 1.1)% of the insertion depth compared to 100% (complete removal) for uncoated silicon shuttles. SAM-coated shuttles were further validated through their use to reliably insert PDMS probes in the cerebral cortex of rodents. This study found that SAM-coated silicon shuttles are a viable method for accurately and precisely inserting flexible neural probes in the brain.
Different paths: gender, immigration and political participation.

Building on arguments made by Grasmuck and Pessar (1991) Hardy-Fanta (1993) and Hondagneu-Sotelo (1994) among others this article makes the case for a gendered understanding of immigrant political socialization. Looking at recent Latin American immigrants to New York City the article argues that immigrant Latino men are more likely to favor continuity in patterns of socialization and organization and immigrant Latinas are more likely to favor change. This finding helps bridge theoretical and empirical literatures in immigration studies applying the logic of gender-differentiated decisionmaking to the area of immigrant political socialization and behavior. (EXCERPT)
An evidence-based recommendation for the inclusion of specific local intrinsic factors in the study of knee osteoarthritis

Abstract Objective Adequate characterization of the mechanical environment of the knee with osteoarthritis (OA) is important. These local intrinsic factors are difficult to measure and there is little evidence to guide their selection. This study makes an evidence-based recommendation for the inclusion of specific factors in the future study of knee OA. Method Forty-six subjects with knee OA were examined. Observed function was measured by the Timed Chair Rise (TCR). Self-reported function was measured by the WOMAC Function Scale and pain was measured by the WOMAC Pain Scale. Local intrinsic factors measured included varus/valgus alignment, anterior/posterior (A/P) laxity, proprioception, isometric knee extension (KE) strength, isometric knee flexion (KF) strength, and knee range of motion (ROM). Results Factors were recommended for inclusion in future research if they were significantly correlated with at least one measure of function or pain and if the factor made a significant unique contribution to a regression model when more than one local intrinsic factor was correlated with the same measure of function or pain. Alignment was correlated with pain (r=0.48, p =0.001) and WOMAC function (r=0.38, p =0.009). A/P laxity was correlated with pain (r=0.30, p =0.04) and WOMAC function (r=0.37, p =0.01). Knee ROM was correlated to WOMAC function (r=−0.35, p =0.02). KE strength was correlated with TCR (r=0.32, p =0.03). Alignment made a significant contribution to prediction of pain (p=0.003). A/P laxity (p=0.004) and ROM ( p =0.008) made a significant contribution to WOMAC function. Conclusion We recommend future knee OA studies include the variables varus/valgus alignment, A/P laxity, ROM, and KE strength. Level of Evidence III (correlational study).
Evaluation of simple model descriptions of the diffusional association rate for enzyme-ligand systems

Modelisation des proprietes dielectriques, de la forme enzymatique et de la distribution des charges, afin de determiner les shemas qualitatifs et quantitatifs de l'association diffusionnelle dans la fixation du ligand a l'enzyme. Observation du systeme superoxide dismutase/hyperoxyde
Holographic Moving Map Display

A high brightness display is achieved using tungsten sources to read out phase image plane holograms. Full color is provided by using three superimposed component holograms derived from three primary color separation object transparencies of the original subject. The holograms are contained on transparent plastic tape which is surface modulated by embossing from electro-plated masters. Any frame on the tape can be retrieved rapidly by means of the superimposed frame address Fraunhofer binary holograms which use a gallium arsenide laser to reconstruct the image on a silicon diode array. The system lends itself to post-embossing annotation. Reference Fresnel holograms recorded on each frame enable the frame to be positioned in X and Y so as to allow the map image to be driven in response to navigational tracking requirements. Because incident readout light is modulated by diffraction rather than absorption, the holograms do not rise in temperature as a result of the conversion of light to heat. This feature enables condiderably more light flux to be gated by the holograms than could be gated by any other medium of the same area. The resulting image brightness is adequate for viewing in the high ambient light environments. Since the production of color involves diffraction rather than absorption by dyed emulsion, bleaching with consequent color degradation cannot occur.© (1974) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The HMDS Coating Flaw Removal Tool

In many high energy laser systems, optics with HMDS sol gel antireflective coatings are placed in close proximity to each other making them particularly susceptible to certain types of strong optical interactions. During the coating process, halo shaped coating flaws develop around surface digs and particles. Depending on the shape and size of the flaw, the extent of laser light intensity modulation and consequent probability of damaging downstream optics may increase significantly. To prevent these defects from causing damage, a coating flaw removal tool was developed that deploys a spot of decane with a syringe and dissolves away the coating flaw. The residual liquid is evacuated leaving an uncoated circular spot approximately 1mm in diameter. The resulting uncoated region causes little light intensity modulation and thus has a low probability of causing damage in optics downstream from the mitigated flaw site.
The molecular basis of sensitivity and specificity in olfaction

The signaling pathways for converting odorant stimuli from the environment into a signal that is interpreted by the brain has largely been elucidated. The current and formidable challenges lie in understanding the interactions among the second messenger pathways, determining the specificity of olfactory receptors in recognizing chemically similar odorants, and elucidating the regulatory pathways that confine receptor expression to a small subset of the olfactory neurons. It is the sum total of these contributions that result in the ability of the olfactory system to detect odorant with high sensitivity and specificity.
On an Early Result on Stability and Complexity

In a recent paper, Solow and Beet (1998) showed that the links in observed community food webs are not randomly distributed. Instead, these webs appear to be lumpy in the sense of being composed of relatively tightly connected compartments, with relatively loose connections between compartments. In light of this finding, the question naturally arises as to why food webs have this structure. One possibility is that lumpiness contributes to the stability of the underlying dynamic predator-prey system. The relationship between the size and structure of an ecosystem and its stability and other dynamical properties has been a central issue in ecology for 120 yr (May 1974; Pimm 1982; Logofet 1993). In an early, widely cited, and much imitated contribution, Gardner and Ashby (1970) performed a simulation experiment of the way in which species number and connectance affects the probability of stability under a random food-web model. Referring to the results of this study, which are described in more detail later, and to related work by McMurtrie (1975), May (1972) pointed out that strictly compartmentalized food webs in which the links are confined to unconnected blocks of species are more stable than those in which the links are more uniformly distributed throughout the web. This could explain the structural features of observed food webs found by Solow and Beet (1998). However, in a
Influence of gender on long-term mortality in patients presenting with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Although an invasive strategy has predominately been studied in men with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACSs), its role in low-risk women is unclear. We sought to examine gender differences in a real-world registry of patients with NSTE-ACS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients with NSTE-ACS undergoing PCI at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio from 2003 through 2007 (n = 1,874) were included. In-hospital and long-term mortalities were assessed. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to study the influence of gender on mortality. Interactions with age and biomarker status were examined. Women were older and had a higher incidence of co-morbid conditions compared to men. They had a smaller reference vessel diameter compared to men. Despite these characteristics there was no overall difference in in-hospital (1.4% vs 1.6%) or long-term (14.6% vs 15.8%) mortality between men and women. However, there was evidence of a significant effect modification by age (p = 0.012) and troponin status (p = 0.0073) for long-term mortality such that women
Channel identification using a combination of blind and nonblind methods

Identification of pulse (dibit) and step (transition) responses for magnetic storage channels is important for the design of detection circuitry and for comparison of various media, heads, and other channel components. One of the standard techniques for channel identification is measuring the read-head response to any known data sequence written on the medium and then applying least squares procedure to identify the dibit and transition responses. The other techniques involve either measuring the average response of the system to an isolated transition or performing a discrete Fourier transform on the read-head response to a pseudorandom data pattern. We propose a technique that improves on the least squares estimate by taking advantage of the statistical information available from the over sampled channel output. Reliable estimates can be obtained even when the training sequence is not long enough to estimate the channel response using only conventional least squares. Since the resulting adaptive identifier uses both a short training sequence (nonblind technique) and properties of the transmitted signal (blind technique) to estimate the channel response, it is called a semiblind or a partially blind technique. This can also be looked at from the adaptive system identification point of view where both the direct (training signal) and indirect (data statistics) knowledge about the system are used for better system identification.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Bimodal Nanocrystallization of NiTi Shape Memory Alloy by Laser Shock Peening and Post-deformation Annealing

Abstract In this paper, surface nanocrystallization of NiTi intermetallic alloy by a novel method is reported. The NiTi alloy is processed by laser shock peening (LSP) and controlled annealing. The microstructure of the NiTi alloy after processing is characterized by transmission electron microscopy. At the top surface of the material, a nanostructure with bimodal grains is obtained. The mechanism of the formation of the bimodal microstructure is discussed. At the material subsurface, deformation twins are generated by LSP and retained after controlled annealing. Tensile test results showed that both strength and ductility are significantly improved through LSP and controlled annealing.
γ-Radiation Influences Browning, Antioxidant Activity, and Malondialdehyde Level of Apple Juice

Apple juice was γ-irradiated at 5 °C at doses ranging from 0 to 8.9 kGy and then stored at 5 °C for 15 days. Ionizing radiation reduced the browning of apple juice and increased antioxidant activity measured by the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The magnitude of changes increased with radiation dose. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) measured using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substrates assay increased at radiation doses above 2.67 kGy. The browning of irradiated juices increased during storage at 5 °C, but the irradiated juices were still lighter than controls at the end of storage. Differences in FRAP values disappeared during early periods of storage while higher MDA levels were observed in irradiated samples during most of the storage period. Elimination of suspended matter from apple juice did not alter irradiation-induced changes in browning, FRAP, or MDA formation. As compared to irradiation conducted at 5 and 20 °C, treatment at −15 °C was less effective in reducing browning...
glmS Riboswitch binding to the glucosamine-6-phosphate α-anomer shifts the pKa toward neutrality.

The glmS riboswitch regulates gene expression through a self-cleavage activity. The reaction is catalyzed with the assistance of the metabolite cofactor glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN6P), whose amino group is proposed to serve as the general acid during the reaction. This reaction is pH-dependent with a pKa that is lower than the observed pKa for the amine of GlcN6P in solution. GlcN6P, like other pyranose sugars, undergoes spontaneous and rapid interconversion between the α and β anomers at the C1 position. Here we demonstrate by NMR that the Bacillus anthracis glmS riboswitch selectively binds the α-anomer of GlcN6P with a maximum binding affinity of 0.36 mM and that binding is pH-dependent. We also report that the anomeric ratio between α and β is pH-dependent and the pKas of the two amines differ by 0.5 pH units, α being the higher of the two (pKa = 8.3). The pH dependence of binding reveals a pKa of 6.7, suggesting that the glmS RNA reduces the pKa of the GlcN6P amine by 1.6 units in the ground state....
Uranium deposition and Th-234 alpha-recoil. An explanation for extreme U-234/U-238 fractionation within the trinity aquifer

234Th alpha-recoil appears to be a valid mechanism for explaining the generation of extreme 234U/238U disequilibria found in the waters of the Trinity aquifer.
Resonance electronic Raman effect in DyAlG

Abstract The dispersion of the electronic Raman cross section in DyAlG has been measured between 6471 A and 4579 A. Resonance effect was observed near the absorption peak ∼4730 A. For the T2g phonons (237 and 292 cm−1) no resonance effect was observed. The scattering efficiencies for the electrons and phonons in DyAlG and YbAlG are presented.
Study to Establish Data Sheets for CMOS Devices in Space and Nuclear Applications

Threshold voltage shifts from RCA Series 4000 CMOS hex inverters, irradiated to dose levels up to 3 megarads (SiO2) were measured during and after irradiation. The asymptotic values were found to be the same whether the exposure was carried out in small increments or all at once. Three different phenomena (hole trapping, negative interface state formation, and electron injection) occurring with different time constants, appear to be responsible for the time-dependent response of the N-channel threshold voltage. Hole trapping seems to be the dominant effect in the P-channel. For hardness assurance testing, space applications require only the asymptotic measurements; nuclear applications also require measuring the minimum value, as a function of time, of the threshold voltage.
Red tide toxin produces in vitro depolarization of human airway smooth muscle.

Background. Brevetoxin (PbTx), taken from the earlier species name Ptychodiscus brevis, is a red algae toxin. It has been associated with clinically observed bronchoconstriction in nonasthmatics. I...
The Leaven of the Pharisees and This Generation : Israel's Rejection of Jesus According to Luke

Luc montre le peuple ( " laos ") favorable a Jesus jusqu'a son arrestation : mais devant Pilate, le " laos " reclame la mort de Jesus. Cette contradiction est expliquee par " le levain des pharisiens ", qui a finalement retourne le peuple. Luc, toutefois, evite de mettre en cause nommement les pharisiens dans le proces de Jesus
Effect of captivity in semi-natural enclosures on the reproductive endocrinology of female lizards.

Long-term captivity can result in abnormal behavior and physiology in many vertebrates. Here, we examine whether semi-natural, outdoor captive environments can offer a compromise, allowing much of the experimental control afforded by captivity, while providing the environmental conditions essential for normal behavior and physiology. We first determined plasma concentration of the sex steroid hormones progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol of free-ranging female striped plateau lizards (Sceloporus virgatus) throughout the reproductive season, and second, compared the results to those from conspecific females maintained in semi-natural outdoor enclosures. Among free-ranging females, levels of progesterone and estradiol were elevated during vitellogenesis, with an apparent surge in progesterone and testosterone occurring in association with ovulation. Following ovulation, estradiol fell to non-reproductive levels while progesterone remained elevated during the month-long period of gravidity. Long-term captivity in outdoor enclosures did not significantly affect progesterone or estradiol levels at any stage of the reproductive cycle, and did not affect testosterone levels during normal ovarian development and gravidity. However, (1) females with delayed oviposition in captivity had lower testosterone levels than free-ranging females with normal oviposition, and (2) when all females sampled were post-reproductive, captive females continued to have lower testosterone levels than free-ranging females. Thus, the endocrine response to captivity may be greater among post-reproductive females than among reproductive females. Our results are in marked contrast to many studies that show captivity can dramatically impair reproduction of female vertebrates.
Managing chorea in Huntington’s disease

SUMMARY Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive motor dysfunction, abnormal involuntary movements, emotional disturbances and cognitive decline. There is currently no treatment to modify the progression of HD. Until disease modifying agents are established, symptomatic treatment remains the cornerstone of management. Treating chorea and other motor symptoms may improve the quality of life of sufferers. Multiple interventions have been studied for the treatment of chorea, but tetrabenazine is the only US FDA-approved drug indicated for the treatment of chorea associated with HD. In this article, medications available for the treatment of chorea will be summarized and investigational interventions for the management of chorea will also be briefly reviewed. Although chorea only constitutes part of HD, the movements can be disabling, injurious or bothersome.
Changes in rat cerebral blood volume due to modulation of the 5-HT1A receptor measured with susceptibility enhanced contrast MRI

Abstract Brain blood volume changes in the rat in response to 5-HT1A agonist and antagonist administration were measured using susceptibility contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Administration of the 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT resulted in decreases in fractional brain blood volumes. Administration of the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY-100635 following a dose of 8-OH-DPAT resulted in increases in fractional blood volumes greatest in hippocampus and cortex and smallest in thalamus and caudate-putamen. The magnitude of the regional increases in blood volumes paralleled the distribution of 5-HT1A receptors in the rat brain. Administration of WAY-100635 alone resulted in decreases in cortical blood volume and increases in cerebellar blood volume.
Mössbauer and magnetic characterization of subdomain Feo clusters on surface modified carbons

Highly dispersed Fe-species supported on high surface area carbons treated with NaOH and HNO3 were investigated by Mossbauer spectroscopy and magnetization measurements. The superparamagnetic Feo clusters formed on the NaOH-treated carbons showed an average particle radius of 2.0 nm, a blocking temperature lower than 88 K and significant metal-support interaction. On exposure to syngas (H2+CO) the Mossbauer spectrum revealed the presence of Hagg Carbide (Fe5C2), believed to be the active component of Fischer-Tropsch reaction.
Distribution of Lettuce Big-Vein Incidence Under Three Irrigation Systems

Abstract Spatial patterns of lettuce big-vein (LBV) incidence under furrow, sprinkler, and subsurface drip irrigation systems were determined. Because LBV pathogen is a virus and is vectored by the soilborne chytrid Olpidium brassicae, different irrigation systems likely affect the movement of the vector and were hypothesized to result in different distribution patterns and levels of the disease. Lettuce plants were mapped by recording the location of each LBV-infected or healthy plant in arbitrarily selected plots of sizes 16 by 30, 20 by 30, and 18 by 50 m in Salinas, Gonzales, and Santa Maria in California. Data were arrayed into different quadrat sizes by rearrangement, and disease incidence was calculated for each quadrat. Frequency distribution analysis and spatial autocorrelation analyses were performed on this data. LBV incidence was aggregated in all furrow-irrigated fields, four of five subsurface drip-irrigated fields, and two of three sprinkler-irrigated fields. The remaining fields had a rand...
Phorbol ester- and light-induced endogenous phosphorylation of rat rod outer-segment proteins.

We have previously described the presence of a C-kinase in bovine retinal rod outer segments (ROS) ( Kapoor and Chader, 1984 ). In this study, we have labeled rat retinas with freshly neutralized radiolabeled sodium phosphate (32P or 33P) by intravitreal injection and compared the phosphorylation patterns of ROS proteins induced by light and specific activators of the C-kinase phosphorylation system. Except for light treatment, all procedures were carried out in complete darkness using an infrared image converter. Incubation of 33P-labeled retinas in light for 5 min resulted in the phosphorylation of rhodopsin, 80-, 65-, 47-, 44-, and 15000 MW proteins of crude ROS. Incubation of 33P-labeled retinas with 0·5 μM 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) resulted in the phosphorylation of several proteins including those at 80-, 65-, 47-, 44- and 15000 MW in crude ROS. ROS prepared in complete darkness did not exhibit any phosphorylation of proteins whereas ROS prepared in red light exhibited variable low phosphorylation of 80-, 47-, 44- and 15000 MW proteins. 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG) at 500 μg ml−1 caused the phosphorylation of the same proteins as observed with TPA. TPA (0·5–500 μM) AND OAG (150–500 μg ml−1) did not induce rhodopsin phosphorylation. When purified ROS were prepared from 33P-pre-labeled retinas, the complete darkness control did not exhibit phosphorylation of any proteins. TPA, however, induced the phosphorylation of 80- and 65000 MW proteins and light induced the phosphorylation of 80-, 65000 MW proteins as well as opsin monomer and dimer. Affinity chromatography of phosphorylated ROS proteins on con A-Sepharose revealed that TPA does not induce rhodopsin phosphorylation whereas light does. Since light and TPA induced the phosphorylation of 80- and 65000 MW proteins in ROS, it is possible to suggest at least a partial linkage of light- and C-kinase-mediated effects in situ.
Effect of Propazone on Respiration of Rat Tissue in vitro.

ConclusionsPropazone sodium inhibits the oxygen consumption of rat kidney cortex, liver and cerebral cortex slices in vitro. For a given concentration of propazone, this inhibition is much more marked in media containing glucose than in those containing succinate or p-phenylenediamine. In kidney cortex the inhibition is about 70% reversible.
A preliminary Bayesian analysis of incomplete longitudinal data from a small sample: methodological advances in an international comparative study of educational inequality

The capacity of Bayesian methods in estimating complex statistical models is undeniable. Bayesian data analysis is seen as having a range of advantages, such as an intuitive probabilistic interpretation of the parameters of interest, the efficient incorporation of prior information to empirical data analysis, model averaging and model selection. As a simplified demonstration, we illustrate (1) how Bayesians test and compare two non‐nested growth curve models using Bayesian estimation with non‐informative prior; (2) how Bayesians model and handle missing outcomes in the context of missing values; and (3) how Bayesians incorporate data‐based evidence from a previous data set, construct informative priors and treat them as extra information while conducting an up‐to‐date analogy analysis.
Increased levels of bioactive IL-16 correlate with disease activity during relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Abstract Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a CD4+ T-cell mediated disease, which resembles immunopathology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Interleukin (IL)-16 is a CD4+ cell-specific chemoattractant cytokine. In CD4+ T cells, production of bioactive IL-16 from constitutive pro-IL-16 requires cleavage by active caspase-3. We reported reversal of established relapsing disease by IL-16 neutralization. To better understand role(s) of IL-16 in regulation of relapsing EAE, we comparatively analyzed levels of IL-16, active caspase-3 and CD4 in mice with severe relapsing-remitting [(B6 × SJL) F1], and low-relapsing (B6), disease. Elevated levels of IL-16 along with an increase in active-caspase-3 and CD4 levels correlated with stages of clinically active disease in both strains. CNS levels of bioactive IL-16 were notably higher in F1 compared to B6 mice at all stages, being most prominent during relapse. Similar patterns of regulation for IL-16 and active caspase-3 were observed in peripheral lymphoid organs, and in T cells isolated from lymph nodes following T-cell activation in vitro. IL-16 was co-immunoprecipitated with CD4 from CNS of relapsing mice. Our data suggest that caspase-3 mediated production of IL-16 by infiltrating CD4+ T cells, contributes to ongoing neuroinflammation by chemoattraction of additional waves of CD4+ T cells.
An agroclimatic procedure to determine growing seasons for vegetables

Abstract Phenological and temperature normals from principal U.S. producing areas were used to develop agroclimatic parameters to estimate earliest and latest planting and harvest dates for fifteen vegetable species. Indices to estimate freeze probabilities at seedling emergence were also developed. A computer program using monthly means of maximum and minimum temperature as input provided estimates of daily temperatures, growing-degree-days and germination-rate-indices needed for growing-season estimates.
Quantum effects in one-photon and two-photon interference

Although interference is intrinsically a classical wave phenomenon, the superposition principle which underlies all interference is also at the heart of quantum mechanics. Feynman has referred to interference as really “the only mystery” of quantum mechanics. Furthermore, in some interference experiments we encounter the idea of quantum entanglement, which has also been described as really the only quantum mystery. Clearly interference confronts us with some quite basic questions of interpretation. Despite its long history, going back to Thomas Young at the beginning of the 19th century, optical interference still challenges our understanding, and the last word on the subject probably has not yet been written. With the development of experimental techniques for fast and sensitive measurements of light, it has become possible to carry out many of the Gedanken experiments whose interpretation was widely debated in the 1920s and 1930s in the course of the development of quantum mechanics. Although this article focuses entirely on experiments with light, interference has also been observed with many kinds of material particles like electrons, neutrons, and atoms. We particularly draw the reader’s attention to the beautiful experiments with neutron beams by Rauch and co-workers and others (see, for example, Badurek et al.,1988). Quantum optical interference effects are key topics of a recent book (Greenstein and Zajonc, 1997), an extended rather thorough review (Buzek and Knight, 1995) and an article in Physics Today(Greenberger et al.,1993).
Interpreting Drop-Weight Impact Results in Terms of Deformation Dependent Initiation Criteria

The impact sensitivity of energetic materials is frequently measured in small-scale drop-weight tests. Plastic deformation of the sample leads to heating, the onset of chemical reaction, and eventual ignition. An analytic model provides deformation dependent estimates of the energy delivered to the sample, its stress state, and its temperature distribution. Results for hydoxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB/AP) propellants are interpreted in terms of two initiation criteria: critical decomposition temperature and critical thickness for shear banding. The influence of friction, impact velocity, and sample size on initiation give possible explanations of experimental results. Sample material properties variations are studied for both initiation criteria. The model includes energy localization by varying the thickness of shear layers at the sample/machine interface.
Subjective contours can facilitate performance in a reaction-time task.

Subjective contours were compared with objective contours in their ability to facilitate performance in speeded tasks that required judging the position of a dot or the slope of a line segment relative to the contour. Subjective contours were found to reduce both reaction times and error rates for dot localization but not for the more difficult slope discrimination task. These results add to the growing body of evidence suggesting that subjective contours have functional properties similar to those of objective contours.
Observation of optically stimulated reorientation of dipolar defects in Pr 3+ -doped strontium fluoride

We have performed optical and dielectric measurements on the reorientation of C4v (F) dipolar defects found in SrF2 doped with Pr . By monitoring the polarization of fluorescence from optically excited Pr ions in these defect sites, we have observed the movement of the adjacent interstitial F. We have also observed the motion of these F ions by measuring the thermally stimulated depolarization current. These two procedures yield significantly different results. We propose an optically driven mechanism for interstitial F motion that may explain this disparity.
Patterns of Central Nervous System Involvement in Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Abstract Background Invasion of CNS in MM is an extremely rare occurrence that is associated with advanced disease with poor prognosis. Patients and Methods Our MM database identified 35 CNS MM cases presenting between January 1996 and March 2012. Descriptive analyses were performed on available data on patient characteristics, disease course, and outcomes. Results The mean age at diagnosis was 55.4 years; 23.5% (n = 8) patients had elevated levels of beta-2-microglobulin > 5.5 mg/L; 68.6% (n = 24) of patients had elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (≥ 2 times upper limit of normal); and 14% (n = 5) of patients had secondary plasma cell leukemia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which was performed in 34 patients, showed diffuse or localized leptomeningeal disease in 20 patients (58.8%). Monoclonal malignant plasma cells were found by CSF analysis in all 35 patients. In total, 31 patients received chemotherapy, including intrathecal chemotherapy as a part of their treatment, with a median survival of 4 months after CNS MM diagnosis. Discussion In our experience, CNS MM is an aggressive terminal disease feature associated with high beta-2-microglobulin level, high LDH level, and secondary plasma cell leukemia. This study highlights an unmet need in this subset of patients with high-risk, relapsed or refractory MM. Conclusion Achieving adequate CSF penetration while limiting the off-target effects needs to be considered in MM-specific novel drug development.
Teaching with ALN Technology: Benefits and Costs*

The implementation of Asynchronous Learning Network (ALN) technology in a large on-campus course over several years is reviewed, and recent data concerning both educational and cost effectiveness are presented. Even with higher course standards for success, student performance on examinations has improved, a larger fraction of students achieve the goals of the class, and the proportion of students who excel has increased. Female students benefit even more than their male counterparts. The level of communication and interaction among students has also increased dramatically, with mostly positive (but some negative) effects. Data concerning cost effectiveness indicate that the technology can reduce costs, but perhaps more importantly, it can increase the quality of education without increasing costs.
Focal mechanisms underlying ventricular tachycardia during prolonged ischemic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUNDThe present study was performed to define the mechanisms underlying spontaneously occurring ventricular arrhythmias in the failing heart.METHODS AND RESULTSThree-dimensional cardiac mapping from as many as 232 intramural sites was performed in five dogs with ischemic cardiomyopathy induced by multiple intracoronary embolizations. After 5 to 10 weekly embolizations with 90-microns latex microspheres into the left anterior and circumflex coronary arteries, left ventricular ejection fraction decreased from 63 +/- 3% to 22 +/- 3%. Subsequent weekly Holter monitoring of dogs in the conscious state demonstrated frequent multiform premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) (< or = 2000/d), couplets, and runs of ventricular tachycardia (VT) (< or = 70 beats in duration and < or = 560 beats per minute) in all dogs. Three-dimensional mapping of spontaneous rhythm for 60 minutes was performed an average of 6.4 weeks after the last embolization, during which time each dog demonstrated multiform PVCs, couplets, ...
The effect of maternal obesity on the accuracy of fetal weight estimation

Objective To determine if maternal obesity affects the accuracy of either clinical or sonographic fetal weight estimations. Methods In a year-long study, 998 singleton pregnancies of 26–43 weeks' gestation underwent both clinical (Leopold) and sonographic (Shepard and Hadlock) fetal weight estimation within 5 days of delivery (mean 1.1, 95% confidence interval 1.0–1.3). Patients were stratified into four different groups based on increasing maternal body mass index (BMI): underweight (less than 19.8), normal weight (19.8–26.0), overweight (26.1–29.0), and obese (more than 29.0). The various estimations of fetal weight were compared with actual birth weight, and the mean absolute percent error was calculated for each specific method and analyzed among the four BMI groups. Results For each method of weight estimation, there was no difference (specifically, no increase) in the magnitude of the absolute percent error with increasing maternal obesity. Regardless of maternal size, almost half of the weight predictions were within 5% of the actual birth weight. Conclusion Increasing maternal obesity does not alter or decrease the accuracy of either clinical or sonographic fetal weight estimations. Therefore, fetal weight predictions provide equally accurate and valid guidelines for determining management decisions in women, regardless of body size.
Introduction: Controversial Issues in Religion, Spirituality, and Social Work

Religion and the sometimes associated phenomenon of spirituality have waxed and waned in importance in public life in America. There are many reasons for this, but an early and central one stems fr...
Use of a multiprocessor for control of a robotic system

In the case of complex industrial operations, the use of a multiprocessor for the control of a robotic system has a number of potential advantages over an employment of a single-processor design. In addition to the increased speed of parallel computation, multiprocessors can provide greater reliability. However, the control of a system with a multiprocessor is much more complicated, and requires resolution of a number of design criteria. The degree of coupling, the processor interconnection configuration, and the method of fault detection and correction are factors in the design of a multiprocessor which need to be considered for each particular application. In connection with the present investigation, a five-unit multiprocessor was built to experiment with the multiprocessor control of a robotic system. While the primary application of the multiprocessor involves the control of the Ohio State University (OSU) Hexapod, an 18-degree-of-freedom, motor-driven walking machine, the multiprocessor was designed to be versatile enough for a numbr of other uses.
Directed Mutational Analysis of Bacteriochlorophyll a Biosynthesis in Rhodobacter capsulatus

Previous studies have established that most if not all of the genes required for synthesis of the Rhodobacter capsulatus essential photosystem are clustered on a 46 kb region of the chromosome known as the photosynthesis gene cluster. This region has recently been sequenced in its entirety by Hearst and co-workers, revealing the existence of 23 open reading frames, many of which are thought to be involved in the synthesis of bacteriochlorophyll. In this study we have undertaken a systematic directed mutational analysis of 12 open reading frames in the photosynthesis gene cluster to evaluate whether individual open reading frames have a role in photopigment biosynthesis. The results of this analysis demonstrate that mutations constructed in seven open reading frames resulted in a loss of bacteriochlorophyll biosynthesis, concomitant with the accumulation of specific intermediates in the Mg-tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway. One mutation was observed to result in partial disruption of bacteriochlorophyll biosynthesis, leading to the accumulation of bacteriochlorophyll as well as an intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway. We also observed that disruptions constructed in four open reading frames had no discernible effect on the synthesis of photopigments. The results of this analysis are discussed with regard to our current understanding of the role of each of these open reading frames in the synthesis of the R. capsulatus photosystem.
An in-home respite program for Alzheimer families

Family caregivers of those with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias desire affordable, in-home respite care both to relieve their perceived burden and to reinforce satisfactions associated with caring for a close relative. Caregivers also want paid helpers who are specially trained and effective in dealing with the wide range of symptoms manifested by those who have irreversible dementia. These needs have been addressed on a local level by the Chicago Area Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association in the form of the Alzheimer's Respite Training and Registry program. This paper describes the program's rationale, philosophy, training of aides, linkage with caregivers, administration, and future directions.
A note on the presence of novel DNA species in the spoilage yeasts Zygosaecharomyces bailii and Pichia membranaefaciens

Painting, K.A. & Kirsop, Barbara, 1984. A note on the presence of novel DNA species in the spoilage yeasts Zygosaecharomyces bailii and Pichia membranaefaciens. Journal of Applied Bacteriology56, 331–336. Two novel covalently closed circular DNA species of 5.4 and 6.0 kilobases were detected in strains of Zygosaecharomyces bailii with a rapid small scale isolation procedure. The 5.4 kb species was found in four strains and both species were found in three strains. A novel, covalently-closed circular DNA species of 6.9 kb was detected in four of 12 strains of Pichia membranaefaciens. Plasmid DNA (2 μm) (that is CCC DNA of approximately 6 kb in Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was detected in 38 of 40 strains of Sacch. cerevisiae confirming reports of the widespread distribution of this plasmid.
The Roles of the EBPP Model and of Bio-Medical Approaches in Psychodynamic Therapy

Goodheart (2005) and Miller (2005) provide important additional dimensions to psychodynamic case studies like mine (Skean, 2005a). Goodheart argues persuasively for making such case studies more publicly accountable by more clearly connecting them to the principles of APAAƒÂ¢A‚â‚¬A‚â„¢s recently finalized Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology (EBPP) model. This includes the use of more formalized and standardized measures of therapy process and outcome, including the DSM categories of the American Psychiatric Association, and the use of explicit strategies for minimizing the distortions of cognitive biases and improving judgment. Miller, on the other hand, critiques the use of the DSM and other bio-medical approaches, such as psychopharmacology. I respond to both sets of important ideas, delineating areas of agreement and disagreement with the aim of encouraging other psychodynamic practitioners to address them openly and constructively.
Selectivity in incorporation, utilization and retention of oleic and linoleic acids by human skin fibroblasts

Fetal human fibroblasts were grown in culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum supplemented with [1-14C] linoleate or [1-14C] oleate. At all concentrations of exogenous fatty acids, the incorporation of oleate was greater than that of linoleate. With increased medium fatty acid concentrations, linoleate in triacylglycerol (TAG) could be increased from 13 to 75% of the total incorporated; at each concentration, relatively more linoleate than oleate was in TAG. When the cells were exposed to exogenous oleate/linoleate mixtures, the composition of the mixture determined the extent of incorporation of both fatty acids. When the mixture was primarily linoleate, scarce oleate was used preferentially for phospholipids (PL); no such specificity for scarce linoleate was observed. Addition of exogenous fatty acids resulted in a shift of previously incorporated14C fatty acids from phospholipid into TAG; retention of oleate in PL was greater than that of linoleate. Incorporation of oleate into phospholipids was also higher than that of linoleate from exogenous fatty acid mixtures which were 80% saturated. It is suggested that normal human fibroblasts have adapted to the low levels of exogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids in culture media by increased use of oleate in phospholipid. Even when the cells aresupplemented with linoleate, the preferential use of oleate in phospholipid groups is retained.