cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of in vivo and in vitro effects of chloroquine on hepatic lysosomes

Abstract The acute effects of chloroquine on rat hepatic lysosomes were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro with the isolated perfused rat liver, liver slices, homogenates and large granule fractions. Lysosomal alterations were measured by analyses of the free and total hydrolytic activities of acid β-glycerophosphatase and β-glucuronidase in either liver homogenates or large granule fractions. Chloroquine administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to 300 ± 20 g rats at doses of 1, 5, 10, 15 and 25 mg elicited moderate to marked lysosomal hydrolase alterations as manifest by increased free enzyme activities. A study of the time course of the hepatic lysosomal response to 10 mg chloroquine i.p. revealed labilization at 30, 60, 120 and 240 min, but a return to control values was observed at 24 hr post-injection. Chloroquine also induced lysosomal labilization in the perfused rat liver and liver slices. However, no hydrolase alterations were observed in liver homogenates or large granule fractions exposed to chloroquine. In accord with other studies employing intact cellular preparations, it is suggested that chloroquine is also a potent labilizer of cellular hepatic lysosomes.
Gauss-Newton methods for the complementarity problem

Mangasarian has shown that the solution of the complementarity problem is equivalent to the solution of a system of nonlinear equations. In this paper, we propose a damped Gauss-Newton algorithm to solve this system, prove that under appropriate hypotheses one gets rapid local convergence, and present computational experience.
Effect of dosing vehicles on the pharmacokinetics of orally administered carbon tetrachloride in rats

The primary objectives of this investigation were to determine whether oil and aqueous dosage vehicles alter the pharmacokinetics of orally administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats, and to relate vehicle effects on CCl4 absorption and bioavailability to alterations of the acute hepatotoxicity of CCl4 seen in a companion study (H.J. Kim, S. Odend'hal, and J. V. Bruckner, 1990, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 102, 34-49). Fasted 200- to 230-g male Sprague-Dawley rats with indwelling arterial cannulas received 25 mg CCl4/kg body wt by gavage: in corn oil; as an Emulphor aqueous emulsion; in water; and as pure undiluted chemical. The 25 mg/kg dose was also given iv in PEG 400 through an indwelling jugular cannula. Serial blood samples were taken from the iv and gavage animals and analyzed for CCl4 content to obtain blood concentration-versus-time profiles. CCl4 was absorbed very rapidly from the GI tract, as peak concentrations of CCl4 in the blood were reached within 3-6 min of dosing in the aqueous emulsion and water groups. These peak levels were higher than those in the undiluted CCl4 group and substantially higher than those in the corn oil group. Corn oil markedly delayed the absorption of CCl4 from the GI tract and produced secondary peaks in the blood concentration-versus-time profiles. Elimination of CCl4 from the bloodstream of the iv group followed a triexponential pattern. CCl4 was eliminated from the blood at approximately the same rate in the iv and po groups, as reflected by similar elimination rate constant and half-life values. There was a high degree of correlation of both Cmax and AUC0(120) with hepatotoxicity. CCl4 was apparently less acutely hepatotoxic in corn oil due to delay and prolongation of CCl4 absorption, resulting in a marked decrease in the concentration of the chemical in the arterial blood. These findings suggest that corn oil has sufficient effect on the pharmacokinetics of orally administered CCl4 to require an appraisal of its use in studies of the acute oral toxicity of CCl4 and other volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). The use of aqueous Emulphor emulsions appears appropriate in studies of VOC contaminants of drinking water, in that the emulsion did not substantially alter the pharmacokinetics or hepatotoxicity of CCl4 from that ingested in water.
Viscosity Measurements for the Nematic Liquid Crystal PAA

An oscillating plate viscometer was used to measure the viscosities of PAA with the molecular axis oriented by an electromagnet. The experimental apparatus allowed measurement when the magnet was o...
TSV density impact on 3D power delivery with high aspect ratio TSVs

This paper reports on modeling of the power delivery in TSV-based 3D systems, i.e., vertically integrated ICs with uniformly-distributed high-aspect-ratio through-silicon vias (TSVs). The voltage drop and di/dt noise are modeled to evaluate the impact of TSV density and TSV aspect ratio (AR). The frequency dependency of TSV parasitics is modeled with fullwave EM simulator, and the performance of the power delivery network (PDN) is analyzed in the frequency domain. PDNs with low-AR and high-AR TSVs are compared for trade-off analysis in terms of power delivery performance and TSV area occupation, which is critical for the design of TSV-based 3D power delivery.
Pharmacological and behavioral management of enuresis.

Abstract Sixty‐four enuretic children with a mean age of 8.4 years were assessed over an 8‐week study to observe their response to a number of commonly used methods of treatment for enuresis. This was a double‐blind study with patients being assigned to one of eight possible treatment conditions. Imipramine, an alarm device, random awakening, and placebo were compared. These treatments were also studied in combination. The most practical and efficacious treatment was the individual use of either alarm or imipramine. Random awakening and random awakening plus placebo were indistinguishable from placebo and were not at all effective.
Quadrature solution for the general relativistic motion of a satellite or a planet.

The Schwarzschild field of a central massM is used to derive the general relativistic motion of a particle in a bounded orbit aroundM. A quadrature gives the central angle ϕ as a quasi-periodic function ϕ (f) of an effective true anomalyf. The linear term is an infinite series, whose second term yields the usual rate of advance of pericenter. For an artificial satellite this may be as large as 17″ of arc per year. The periodic part is a sine series, with coefficients containing the small parameter β≡2GM/c2p, wherep is closely approximated by the classical semi-latus rectum. The radius vectorr is a Kepler-like function off.
Mass Difference T— He 3 and the Mass of the Neutrino

The rest mass of the neutrino has been estimated to be between zero and 1 kev from analysis of the shape of the tritium beta spectrum near its end point. These estimates are made on a theory of the nature of the beta-decay process. A purely empirical determination of this rest mass may be obtained from the difference between the mass difference T- He/sup 3/ and beta end-point energy. (A.C.)
Alfalfa and Orchardgrass Silages Treated with Formaldehyde and Formic Acid or Anhydrous Ammonia for Heifers

Abstract Alfalfa and orchardgrass were harvested in October 1980, ensiled either untreated or treated with either formaldehyde-formic acid or with anhydrous ammonia, and offered to four Holstein heifers to measure intake, digestibility, and nitrogen balance. Alfalfa had lower cell wall and hemicellulose and higher total nitrogen and insoluble nitrogen than orchardgrass. These differences in composition increased apparent digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, and nitrogen for alfalfa compared with orchardgrass at similar dry matter intakes. Digested dry matter contained less cell wall and hemicellulose for alfalfa than orchardgrass. Formaldehyde-formic acid and ammonia treatments increased insoluble nitrogen in alfalfa. Ammonia treatment increased ammonia nitrogen in alfalfa and orchardgrass. Treatments increased dry matter intake but reduced dry matter, cell solubles, and hemicellulose digestibilities. Ammonia treatment of orchardgrass increased nutrient digestibilities compared with formaldehyde-formic acid, but formaldehyde-formic acid treatment of alfalfa increased digestibilities compared with ammonia. Nevertheless, ammonia treatment increased retained nitrogen by heifers fed alfalfa, indicating improved nitrogen status. Effect of ammonia treatment of high quality forage on nitrogen and carbohydrate economy in the gut of dairy cattle needs further attention.
Context-Aware Framework for Highway Bridge Inspections

AbstractBridge inspections are tedious, time consuming, and complex tasks in the field that require highly specific information pertinent to the decisions at hand. The use of a centralized inspection database and bridge inspection reporting software has been explored by several state DOTs in recent years. During an inspection routine, the inspector visually assesses the condition of a particular bridge component. Based on a priori knowledge of the bridge components’ taxonomic hierarchy and ontology, the inspector navigates to the form corresponding to the component. The inspector then reports the component’s condition to the database. Context-aware computing offers the possibility to make inspections more efficient by reducing the time required to navigate the software and the effort spent by inspectors to learn, remember, and recall the taxonomic hierarchy and ontology of bridge components. Context-aware computing leverages environmental variables, which define the inspector’s context, and delivers strea...
Using a 2D Laser Range Finder for Environment Monitoring by an Autonomous Mobile Robot

In this paper, a novel approach to automated inspection is presented, which uses a mobile robot equipped with a 2D laser rangefinder. The main idea underlying the proposed method is that of comparing current laser readings with local range data of the environment stored in a database, to look for new or removed objects. First, the robot is guided to reach goals, fixed in critical areas where inspection is required. Range data of the region surrounding each goal are automatically acquired and stored in a database. Afterwards, the robot can begin its surveillance task. Each time it reaches a goal, comparison between the current readings and the stored local data is performed using an Iterative Closest Point (ICP)-based scan-matching algorithm. Then, a fuzzy logic inference system establishes whether a significant variation of the scene has occurred and an alarm signal must be produced. Experimental results show that the proposed approach is reliable in detecting either new or missing objects and can be effectively used in automated surveillance systems in dynamic environments.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
American Burkitt's lymphoma: A 10-year review and case study

Burkitt's lymphoma is a malignancy of B-lymphocyte origin that was initially described in African children with jaw tumors. These tumors often spread to involve abdominal viscera and other sites, have rapid growth kinetics, and are principally responsive to chemotherapy. Prolonged survival is predicted by site and extent of tumor, with bone marrow and central nervous system involvement being indicators of a poor prognosis. The dental practitioner plays an important role in diagnosis of jaw lesions and treatment throughout the course of the disease. An examination of 17 cases of Burkitt's lymphoma diagnosed at The North Carolina Memorial Hospital, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, over a 10-year period is undertaken and an illustrative case study is presented to demonstrate the challenge of caring for the patient with Burkitt's lymphoma.
A reinvestigation of early Pennsylvanian species of Mariopteris from the Appalachian region. I. Karinopteris, mariopteris and the “Pottsvillea complex”

Abstract Recently collected specimens from northeast Alabama traditionally assigned to Mariopteris pottsvillea White have caused a reconsideration of this genus in North America. Examination of the type material of Mariopteris species erected by White has allowed for the separation of this material into a number of recognized form genera, including Mariopteris Zeiller emend. Boersma, Karinopteris Boersma, Eusphenopteris (Weiss) Kidston, and Sphenopteris Brongniart. A group of specimens, though, centered around Mariopteris pottsvillea requires detailed consideration. The present paper deals with those specimens assignable to Mariopteris, Karinopteris , and the “pottsvillea complex”. Two species of Karinopteris and one species of Mariopteris have been recognized within the specimens figured as M. tennesseeana White. The species of Karinopteris recognized include K. soubeiranii (Zeiller) Boersma and K. acuta (Brongniart) Boersma. The species of Mariopteris recognized is M. muricata (Sternberg) Zeiller. The frond composition of the specimens assignable to Karinopteris soubeiranii and Mariopteris muricata are reconstructed from the frond fragments and each is interpreted. The “pottsvillea complex” consists of specimens assignable to White's taxa M. inflata, M. inflata var. sewaneensis, M. pottsvillea, M. pottsvillea var. dilatata, M. pottsvillea var. ovalis and M. eremopteroides (pro parte). Reconstructions of fronds within the “pottsvillea complex” are attempted based upon the Alabama material and White's figured specimens. A bipartite frond of moderate size appears to be the result. This frond composition differs from the recognized genera Mariopteris and Karinopteris . Comparison has been made with Eusphenopteris . Due to the different pinnule morphology, the “pottsvillea complex” is reassigned to the catch-all form genus Sphenopteris until more specimens showing, among other data, the basal portion of the frond can be collected.
Trimethylsilyl and halodimethylsilylmethyl derivatives of some diamines

Abstract The reaction of chloro-and bromomethyldimethylchlorosilane with a variety of N,N,N' -trialkyldiamines resulted in solids which, on the basis of proton, 29 Si, and 37 Cl chemical shift and molecular weight data, are assumed to have a dimeric or trimeric structure (in solution) that contains a 4-coordinate silicon:
HMGN4, a newly discovered nucleosome-binding protein encoded by an intronless gene.

We describe a newly discovered nuclear protein, HMGN4, that is closely related to the canonical HMGN2 nucleosome-binding protein. The protein is encoded by an intronless gene, which, in humans, is located in the hereditary hemachromatosis region at position 6p21.3. A single ~2-kb HMGN4 mRNA was found to be expressed, in variable amounts, in all human tissues tested; however, the HMGN4 transcript was significantly less abundant than that of HMGN2. The HMGN4 protein could be detected in HeLa cells by Western analysis with an antibody elicited against a unique region of the protein. Transfection of HeLa cells with a plasmid expressing HMGN4-GFP indicated that the protein localizes to the nucleus. Our results expand the multiplicity of the HMGN protein family and increase the known cellular repertoire of nucleosome-binding proteins.
New access models for healthcare

Currently, there is a convergence of three key factors in the global landscape that creates an opportunity for the research community to make fundamental contributions to improving the quality of life of every single citizen. Conversely, failure to recognize and act on this phenomenon may have disastrous effects on multiple levels. The first factor is the unprecedented focus and willingness to invest in the healthcare industry. The second factor is the fact that the prime directive of the healthcare sector, i.e. nothing interferes with the delivery of care, has ramifications on every aspect of information technology used in this domain. The final factor is the recognition that patient empowerment and buy-in will be critical for the advance of health information technology. These factors highlight the fact that there are inherent assumptions in the existing access models that render them ineffective and not applicable for long term use in the healthcare field.This talk will highlight all these issues and challenge the research community to delve more the industry-specific constraints that require further innovation in the space; possibly necessitating a re-examination of the core assumptions in the field.
Characterization of the argA Gene Required for Arginine Biosynthesis and Syringomycin Production by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae

Two types of necrosis-inducing lipodepsipeptide toxins, called syringomycin and syringopeptin, are major virulence factors of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae strain B301D. A previous study showed that a locus, called syrA, was required for both syringomycin production and plant pathogenicity, and the syrA locus was speculated to encode a regulator of toxin production. In this study, sequence analysis of the 8-kb genomic DNA fragment that complements the syrA phenotype revealed high conservation among a broad spectrum of fluorescent pseudomonads. The putative protein encoded by open reading frame 4 (ORF4) (1,299 bp) in the syrA locus region exhibited 85% identity to ArgA, which is involved in arginine biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Growth of strain W4S2545, the syrA mutant, required supplementation of N minimal medium with arginine. Similarly, syringomycin production of syrA mutant W4S2545 was restored by the addition of arginine to culture media. Furthermore, the insertion of Tn5 in the genome of the syrA mutant W4S2545 was localized between nucleotides 146 and 147 in ORF4, and syringomycin production was complemented in trans with the wild-type DNA fragment containing intact ORF4. These results demonstrate that the syrA locus is the argA gene of P. syringae pv. syringae and that argA is directly involved in arginine biosynthesis and therefore indirectly affects syringomycin production because of arginine deficiency.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis in children: A long-term follow-up study

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is increasingly diagnosed in children and adolescents, but its long-term prognosis remains uncertain. The aim of this longitudinal, cohort study was to determine the long-term outcome of children with PSC. Fifty-two children with cholangiography-proven PSC (34 boys and 18 girls; mean age 13.8 +/- 4.2 years; range, 1.5-19.6 years) who were seen at our institution over a 20-year period were followed-up for up to 16.7 years. Two thirds presented with symptoms and/or signs of PSC and 81% had concomitant inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Twenty-five percent had total alkaline phosphatase activity within the normal range for the age group, but all of them had elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels. Autoimmune hepatitis overlapping with PSC was present in 35% of children. A positive but transient clinical and/or biochemical response occurred under therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid, alone or in combination with immunosuppressive medications. During follow-up, 11 children underwent liver transplantation for end-stage PSC and 1 child died. The median (50%) survival free of liver transplantation was 12.7 years. Compared with an age- and gender-matched U.S. population, survival was significantly shorter in children with PSC (P <.001). In a Cox regression model, lower platelet count, splenomegaly, and older age were associated with shorter survival. Presence of autoimmune hepatitis overlapping with PSC (P =.2) or medical therapy (P =.2) did not affect survival. In conclusion, PSC significantly decreases survival in this child population. Although pharmacologic therapy may improve symptoms and liver test results initially, it does not seem to impact the long-term outcome.
Structural and Biophysical Studies of the Human IL-7/IL-7Rα Complex

IL-7 and IL-7Ralpha bind the gamma(c) receptor, forming a complex crucial to several signaling cascades leading to the development and homeostasis of T and B cells. We report that the IL-7Ralpha ectodomain uses glycosylation to modulate its binding constants to IL-7, unlike the other receptors in the gamma(c) family. IL-7 binds glycosylated IL-7Ralpha 300-fold more tightly than unglycosylated IL-7Ralpha, and the enhanced affinity is attributed primarily to an accelerated on rate. Structural comparison of IL-7 in complex to both forms of IL-7Ralpha reveals that glycosylation does not participate directly in the binding interface. The SCID mutations of IL-7Ralpha locate outside the binding interface with IL-7, suggesting that the expressed mutations cause protein folding defects in IL-7Ralpha. The IL-7/IL-7Ralpha structures provide a window into the molecular recognition events of the IL-7 signaling cascade and provide sites to target for designing new therapeutics to treat IL-7-related diseases.
Vector wave analysis of an electromagnetic high-order Bessel vortex beam of fractional type α

The scalar wave theory of nondiffracting electromagnetic (EM) high-order Bessel vortex beams of fractional type α has been recently explored, and their novel features and promising applications have been revealed. However, complete characterization of the properties for this new type of beam requires a vector analysis to determine the fields' components in space because scalar wave theory is inadequate to describe such beams, especially when the central spot is comparable to the wavelength (k(r)/k≈1, where k(r) is the radial component of the wavenumber k). Stemming from Maxwell's vector equations and the Lorenz gauge condition, a full vector wave analysis for the electric and magnetic fields is presented. The results are of particular importance in the study of EM wave scattering of a high-order Bessel vortex beam of fractional type α by particles.
Building number sense with Number Worlds: a mathematics program for young children

Abstract Number sense is easy to recognize but difficult to define and hence, to teach. In this article, number sense is defined in terms of the knowledge known to underlie it, as identified in cognitive developmental theory and research. A preK-2 mathematics program, called Number Worlds, that was specifically developed to teach this knowledge is described and five instructional principles that lie at the heart of the program, and that are grounded in recent theories of learning and cognitive development, are used to illustrate several of its features. Evidence of the program’s effectiveness in teaching number sense and in enhancing the mathematics learning and achievement of at-risk children is briefly presented.
Fracture of the winter sea ice cover on the Arctic ocean

Abstract We account for the brittle behavior of the winter sea ice cover in terms of the competition between creep relaxation and crack extension at stress concentrators; identify as Coulombic shear faults sliding lineaments that lace through the cover; and numerically model fault development in terms of scale-independent effective friction. To cite this article: E.M. Schulson, W.D. Hibler III, C. R. Physique 5 (2004).
Intracellular Calcium Alters IKs Amplitude and Kinetics in Rabbit Myocytes

The slowly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (IKs) contributes to repolarization of the cardiac action potential (AP). Intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) can modulate IKs, but details of this potentially important regulation are largely unknown. Here, we aimed at assessing [Ca2+]i regulation of IKs and how it governs myocyte AP duration. IKs was recorded from freshly isolated rabbit ventricular myocytes using the patch clamp technique with intracellular pipette solutions that buffered [Ca2+]i to 0, 100, 300, and 500 nM. From a holding potential of −50 mV, IKs was recorded by implementing step-like pulses from −40 to 50 mV in 10 mV increments for 3 s, followed by a tail-pulse to −50 mV for 3 s. When the [Ca2+]i was increased to 300 nM, the maximally activated tail IKs (IMAX) was more than 2-fold greater compared to 0 nM [Ca2+]i (IMAX ∼0.8 pA/pF vs. 0.3 pA/pF). Importantly, when the pipette solution contained 500 nM [Ca2+]i (IMAX ∼1.0 pA/pF), IMAX was 3-fold greater than 0 nM and more than 2-fold greater than 100 nM [Ca2+]i (IMAX ∼0.4 pA/pF). The potential of half-maximal activation (V½) was not different for any situations (∼15 mV). However, deactivation kinetics of tail IKs were slower for cells recorded with 300 and 500 nM [Ca2+]i compared to 0 and 100 nM [Ca2+]i (τdeact ∼1200 ms vs. 800 ms). These results indicate that a rise in [Ca2+]i increases IKs amplitude in rabbits, without altering the voltage dependence of activation, and slows IKs deactivation. Computational modeling suggests these [Ca2+]i-dependent changes might contribute to ventricular AP duration alterations, especially in the presence of adrenergic activation.
Fall Risks Assessment and Fall Prediction among Community Dwelling Elderly Using Wearable Wireless Sensors

This study examines the predictive ability of fall risks among community dwelling elderly using wearable wireless sensors. Forty-eight community-dwelling elderly (17 non-fallers and 31 fallers) par...
Properties of spike train spectra in two parietal reach areas.

In the lateral intraparietal area (LIP), a saccade-related region of the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), spiking activity recorded during the memory period of an instructed-delay task exhibits temporal structure that is spatially tuned. These results provide evidence for the existence of 'dynamic memory fields' which can be read-out by other brain areas, along with information contained in the mean firing rate, to give the direction of a planned movement. We looked for evidence of dynamic memory fields in spiking activity in two parietal reach areas, the parietal reach region (PRR) and area 5. Monkeys made center-out reaches to eight target locations in an instructed-delay task with a memory component. Neurons in both areas exhibited sustained activity during the delay period that was spatially tuned. Many single cell PRR spectra exhibited spatially tuned temporal structure, as evidenced by a significant and spatially tuned peak in the 20–50 Hz band. The PRR population spectrum of spike trains was also tuned, with the peak power centered on approximately 25 Hz. In contrast, area 5 spiking activity did not exhibit any significant temporal structure. These results suggest that different mechanisms underlie sustained delay period activity in these two areas and that dynamic memory fields, as revealed by our techniques, are more prominent in PRR than in area 5. Temporal structure in the spike train and local field potential (LFP) are related in at least one other brain area (LIP). The present results suggest then that LFP activity obtained from PRR may be better suited than area 5 LFP activity for use in neural prosthetic systems that incorporate analysis of temporal structure as part of a decode mechanism for extracting intended movement goals.
Avoiding airway obstruction after pediatric adenotonsillectomy.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a protocol designed to prevent post-adenotonsillectomy airway obstruction in small children with obstructive sleep apnea. Design Computerized retrospective review of single surgeon case series. Setting Tertiary children's medical center. Methods Children with sleep study proven obstructive sleep apnea or children under the age of 3 years with clinically suspected obstructive sleep apnea were treated according to a protocol that included: (1) rapid bloodless tonsillectomy; (2) repeated release of the tonsillar retractor; (3) avoidance of uvular edema; (4) routine intra-operative intranasal oxymetazoline, and placement of nasal airway; (5) extended recovery room observation. Primary outcome measures were (1) avoidance of unexpected intensive care unit admission; (2) post-extubation pulmonary edema; (3) aspiration pneumonia. Results During the period March 2004–August 2007, 864 children underwent adenotonsillectomy by a single surgeon—604 for the indication of obstructive sleep apnea or adenotonsillar hypertrophy with obstruction. Two hundred and ten were under the age of 3 years or had sleep study proven obstructive sleep apnea. There were two unexpected admissions to the pediatric intensive care unit for persistent upper airway obstruction—none required intubation. No child developed post-obstructive pulmonary edema. Three children were treated for infiltrates consistent with aspiration pneumonitis. Conclusion Most cases of post-extubation pulmonary edema and pneumonia can be avoided in young children and those with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea following a protocol that anticipates and avoids precipitating causes of upper airway obstruction.
School-Wide Educator Evaluation for Improving School Capacity and Student Achievement in High-Poverty Schools: Year 1 of the School System Improvement Project.

The United States is in an era of high-stakes evaluation of educators (i.e., teachers and principals), the results of which are used to inform human capital decision making (i.e., recruitment, hiring, retention, and dismissal), which in turn impacts school capacity and student learning. The present article describes the School System Improvement (SSI) Project, a school-wide educator evaluation initiative that includes 22 high-poverty schools. The primary goal is to present the Year 1 planning for implementation of educator evaluation, highlighting the use of system consultation for planning. The SSI Project team includes researchers in school psychology and special education, school administrators, and teachers. The project aims to implement a multimethod educator evaluation system that generates scores for informing targeted, evidence-based professional development. Project goals are to increase educator competencies that lead to improved student achievement. Finally, directions for training and recommen...
A cook's tale

The design and synthesis of novel materials is the rubric of both haute cuisine and materials physics — and in both there is great pleasure in creating and sharing the results of a new recipe.
Wealth, race/ethnicity, and children's educational outcomes

Abstract We examine the extent to which disparities in wealth by race/ethnicity are related to gaps in children's educational outcomes, and find that family socio-demographics and parental resources account for a substantial proportion of black/white and Hispanic/white disparities in children's participation in gifted programs, extracurricular activities and grade retention. Black children, however, continue to face high risk of expulsion or suspension from school relative to white children even in models that control for a rich set of socio-demographic and economic characteristics. The adjusted risk of expulsion and suspension faced by Hispanic children is found to be lower than that for white children. Indicators of wealth, after controlling for all other factors, had statistically significant associations with all outcomes except a child's suspension or expulsion from school. Having a checking or savings account was independently associated with participation in gifted programs and extracurricular activities.
Quadrupole and hexadecapole deformations in the actinide nuclei

Model-dependent deformation parameters, ..beta../sub 20/ and ..beta../sub 40/, are extracted from measured E2 and E4 transition moments for a distribution of nuclear charge represented by a three-parameter deformed Fermi distribution with a parabolic center depression. For the thorium and uranium nuclei this shape of the charge distribution reduces the extracted values of ..beta../sub 20/ by 5--10 % and ..beta../sub 40/ by 10--15 % from the values obtained with a two-parameter deformed Fermi distribution.
Attachment behavior at home and in the laboratory: Q-sort observations and strange situation classifications of one-year-olds.

This article reports Attachment Q-set data and Strange Situation classifications of 58 1-year-old middle-class infants. Security, dependency, and sociability were scored from Q-sort reports of home observations. The primary analyses involve comparisons between securely attached infants (Group B) and anxiously attached infants (Groups A and C combined). Additional analyses compare anxious-resistant with anxious-avoidant infants. Secure classification in the Strange Situation was associated with quality of secure-base behavior at home (i.e., higher Q-sort security scores) and with sociability, but not with dependency scores. Descriptive analyses of individual Q-set items support the secure-base interpretation of Strange Situation security classifications. Relations between home security scores and interactive behavior scores from the Strange Situation were also examined by multiple regression analysis.
Does the evidence support the joint commission on accreditation of healthcare organizations's requirement for spiritual assessment?

Study objectives: Our hospital was recently cited for not obtaining adequate spiritual assessments on patients presenting to the emergency department (ED), and obtaining spiritual assessments is required for accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. We assess whether patients presenting to the ED by ambulance have religious or spiritual needs or want such interactions with clinicians. Methods: Fifty consecutive ambulance patients on each of 4 shifts—weekday day, weekday night, weekend day, and weekend night—were asked to complete and return questionnaires. Results: Eighty-six patients consented to participate. Ninety-four women (51%) and 92 men (49%) participated, with a median age range of 46 to 55 years. Fifty-five percent thought that their religious or spiritual beliefs affected their health care choices and decisions, whereas 43% had religious or spiritual needs at presentation to the ED. Eighty-four percent thought providers should address the spiritual concerns of patients in the ED, but only 56% actually wanted their providers to ask about such needs during their current presentation, whereas 52% wanted someone to pray or meditate with them while in the ED. However, 81% of patients reported never having a provider ask about their beliefs or needs in the ED. Conclusion: Most of the ambulance patients in our sample thought that providers should address the spiritual beliefs and concerns of patients in the ED, whereas a large portion presented to the ED with concomitant religious or spiritual needs.
Development of an FTS-based Spectral Responsivity Comparator

We have developed a method of measuring the absolute spectral responsivity of infrared detectors using a Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) coupled to a liquid-helium-cooled Electrically-Substituted Bolometer (ESB) as a reference detector. This is part of an overall program to develop a spectral-comparator system for high accuracy, high dynamic range, high spectral resolution and fast measurement in the infrared region (2 μm to 25 μm). NIST currently operates a monochromator-based spectral responsivity comparator facility where a pyroelectric radiometer is used as the reference detector. However, the multiplex advantage of the FTS as well as the factor of 1000 lower noise afforded by the ESB make this an attractive combination for an improved facility. Conventionally, such as when working with laser or monochromator-based sources, the ESB measures chopped radiation with a 50% duty cycle, where a simple square wave signal is fed back to the bolometer element during the chopper closed phase to keep the bolometer element temperature stable. In contrast, use of the ESB with a continuous-scan FTS requires that the ESB feedback signal compensate for an arbitrary interferogram radiation signal from the FTS. We achieved this using high speed sigma-delta A/D and D/A converters to generate the required compensating electrical substitution signals for the ESB. The resulting FTS-ESB system currently operates over the range 1.5 μm to 12 μm and has a noise floor on the order of 10 pW/Hz½ for one minute measurements. In this presentation, we describe our technique for operating the ESB in closed-loop mode with electrical compensation for the optical interferogram from the FTS. This allows the use of FTS for absolute calibration of detectors using highly accurate electrical substitution radiometry, an advance over extant FTS-based spectral response measurement systems, which achieve only relative calibrations at best. A direct comparison between an InSb standard radiometer calibrated at NIST and the FTS-ESB system has been performed, and the results show the potential that this technique can achieve in the future.
On the Use of Surrogate Species in Conservation Biology

Conservation biologists have used surrogate species as a shortcut to monitor or solve conservation problems. Indicator species have been used to assess the magnitude of anthropogenic disturbance, to monitor population trends in other species, and to locate areas of high regional biodiversity. Umbrella species have been used to delineate the type of habitat or size of area for protection, and flagship species have been em- ployed to attract public attention. Unfortunately, there has been considerable confusion over these terms, and several have been applied loosely and interchangeably. We attempt to provide some clarification and guide- lines for the application of these different terms. For each type of surrogate, we briefly describe the way it has been used in conservation biology and then examine the criteria that managers and researchers use in select- ing appropriate surrogate species. By juxtaposing these concepts, it becomes clear that both the goals and se- lection criteria of different surrogate classes differ substantially, indicating that they should not be conflated. This can be facilitated by first outlining the goals of a conservation study, explicitly stating the criteria in- volved in selecting a surrogate species, identifying a species according to these criteria, and then performing a pilot study to check whether the choice of species was appropriate before addressing the conservation prob- lem itself. Surrogate species need to be used with greater care if they are to remain useful in conservation biology.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray study of the edema factor exotoxin adenylyl cyclase domain from Bacillus anthracis in the presence of its activator, calmodulin

Edema factor from Bacillus anthracis is a 92 kDa secreted adenylyl cyclase exotoxin and is activated by the host-resident protein calmodulin. Calmodulin is a ubiquitous intracellular calcium sensor in eukaryotes and activates edema factor nearly 1000-fold upon binding. While calmodulin has many known effectors, including kinases, phosphodiesterases, motor proteins, channels and type 1 adenylyl cyclases, no structures of calmodulin in complex with a functional enzyme have been solved. The crystallization and initial experimental phasing of crystals containing a complex of edema factor adenylyl cyclase domain and calmodulin are reported here. The edema factor–calmodulin complex crystallizes in three different space groups. A native data set in the I222 space group has been collected to 2.7 A and the self-rotation function solution suggests three edema factor–calmodulin complexes in each asymmetric unit. Initial 4 A phases were obtained by selenomethionyl MAD in combination with two heavy-atom derivatives. These phases were successfully extended to 2.7 A using NCS averaging.
Crystalline salts of oxytocin: X-ray crystallographic data

Abstract We have prepared and characterized three crystal forms of oxytocin 4'-hydroxy-4-azobenzene sulfonate: a monoclinic form (space group P21) and two orthorhombic forms (both space group C2221). We have also crystallized two forms of oxytocin 3'-bromo-4'-hydroxy-azobenzene sulfonate and one form of the 3'-chloro analog.
Oxygen isotope evidence of Little Ice Age aridity on the Caribbean slope of the Cordillera Central, Dominican Republic

Climate change during the so-called Little Ice Age (LIA) of the 15th to 19th centuries was once thought to be limited to the high northern latitudes, but increasing evidence reflects significant climate change in the tropics. One of the hypothesized features of LIA climate in the low latitudes is a more southerly mean annual position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which produced more arid conditions through much of the northern tropics. High-resolution stable oxygen isotope data and other sedimentary evidence from Laguna de Felipe, located on the Caribbean slope of the Cordillera Central of the Dominican Republic, support the hypothesis that the mean annual position of the ITCZ was displaced significantly southward during much of the LIA. Placed within the context of regional paleoclimate and paleoceanographic records, and reconstructions of global LIA climate, this shift in mean annual ITCZ position appears to have been induced by lower solar insolation and internal dynamical responses of the global climate system. Our results from Hispaniola further emphasize the global nature of LIA climate change and the sensitivity of circum-Caribbean climate conditions to what are hypothesized to be relatively small variations in global energy budgets.
SERTOLI CELL FUNCTION DURING INITIATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SPERMATOGENESIS

Testicular tubular function has traditionally been judged by morphological criteria. Very recently, we have demonstrated a biochemical marker of Sertoli cell function; the testicular androgen binding protein (ABP). ABP is synthesized in Sertoli cells as a response to FSH stimulation. It disappears completely following hypophysectomy, but reappears after FSH administration. Ho other pituitary hormones are active in stimulating ABP synthesis. ABP is transported with the testicular fluid into the caput epididymis, where it is partly taken up by the lining epithelial cells. We have proposed that ABP serves as an important store of androgenic hormones (mainly testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) that are necessary for initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis. ABP was found to be present at low concentrations in testes of prepubertal rats, but increased rapidly during sexual maturation. Experimental cryptorchidism dramatically decreased the testicular and epididymal content of ABP demonstrating an impaired Sertoli cell function under these experimental conditions. The finding indicates that Sertoli cell damage may be an important factor in the overall impairment of spermatogenesis found in this condition.
Enhanced dielectric properties of modified Ta2O5 thin films

Tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) is a promising high dielectric constant material for the DRAM applications because of its ease of integration compared to other complex oxide dielectrics. The dielectric constant and thermal stability characteristics of bulk Ta2O5 samples were reported to enhance significantly through small substitutions of Al2O3. However, this improvement in the dielectric constant of (1-x)Ta2O5-xAl2O3 is not clearly understood. The present research attempts to explain the higher dielectric constant of (1-x)Ta2O5-xAl2O3 by fabricating thin films with enhanced dielectric properties. A higher dielectric constant of 42.8 was obtained for 0.9Ta2O5–0.1Al2O3 thin films compared to that reported for pure Ta2O5 (25–30). This increase was shown to be closely related to a-axis orientation. Pure Ta2O5 thin films with similar a-axis orientation also exhibited a high dielectric constant of 51.7, thus confirming the orientation effect. The leakage current properties and the reliability characteristics were also found to be improved with Al2O3 addition.
Microminiature radio frequency transmitter for communication and tracking applications

A micro-miniature radio frequency (rf) transmitter has been developed and demonstrated by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The objective of the rf transmitter development was to maximize the transmission distance while drastically shrinking the overall transmitter size, including antenna. Based on analysis and testing, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with a 16-GHz gallium arsenide (GaAs) oscillator and integrated on-chip antenna was designed and fabricated using microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) technology. Details of the development and the results of various field tests are discussed. The rf transmitter is applicable to covert surveillance and tracking scenarios due to its small size of 2.2 multiplied by 2.2 mm, including the antenna. Additionally, the 16-GHz frequency is well above the operational range of consumer-grade radio scanners, providing a degree of protection from unauthorized interception. Variations of the transmitter design have been demonstrated for tracking and tagging beacons, transmission of digital data, and transmission of real-time analog video from a surveillance camera. Preliminary laboratory measurements indicate adaptability to direct-sequence spread-spectrum transmission, providing a low probability of intercept and/or detection. Concepts related to law enforcement applications are presented.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Multimedia: from topic to course

After several years of using videodisc systems as a topic in a Current Directions course for seniors, a sophomore-level Multimedia course (D250) was added in the fall of 1995. The course includes hands-on experience with multimedia development and multimedia presentation software. In its first five years (fourteen sections averaging twenty students), D250 has been successful on two fronts. First, it has proven feasible, albeit challenging, to offer this somewhat technology-intensive course on a shoestring budget. Second, in addition to the Information System majors who are required to take D250, a diverse group of non-majors are taking the course as an elective. Guided in part by the advice presented, a similar course could be implemented by other schools.
Veal waste management systems in the northeastern U.S.

There is very little data on veal manure characteristics in the literature. Total solids production values from three references ranged from 1.6 to 5.2 kg/1000 kg live weight per day. Kjeldahl nitrogen values ranged from 0.20 to 0.27 kg/1000 kg live weight per day. Good sanitation is important for veal health, so large volumes of wastewater are produced in cleaning the stalls. Wastewater volumes will average 120 to 130 L/calf/wk. Earthen basins and storage tanks are the most common manure systems used in the northeast. Irrigation is a more economical disposal method than a slurry spreader.
Mathematical models for decision-making in population and family planning.

This letter was written in criticism of the Correa-Beasly article entitled "Mathematical Models for Decision-Making in Population and Family Planning" published in the January 1971 issue of the Journal. The author believes that while that article claimed to have used linear and quadratic programming in connection with the acceptance of various contraceptives they did not specify an objective function which is the first principle of linear programming. They did not mathematically formulate their stated objective of minimizing the number of pregnancies through the use of direct contraceptive techniques. Another shortcoming of the paper is that its authors failed to recognize the possibility of substitution of one contraceptive for another. The author also finds fault with some mathematical formulations and their application. Finally he claims that he has recent articles in the same area which more clearly approach the problem although in a different way.
Individual, Interpersonal, and Institutional Level Factors Associated With the Mental Health of College Students

Abstract Objective: This study investigates the individual, interpersonal, and institutional level factors that are associated with overall mental health among college students. Participants: Data are from an online cross-sectional survey of 2,203 students currently enrolled at a large public university. Methods: Mental health was ascertained using a subcomponent of the RAND Medical Outcomes Study functioning and well-being measures developed by the RAND corporation. Stepwise regression was used to determine if self-reported measures of individual (ie, coping abilities), interpersonal (ie, intergroup awareness), and institutional (ie, campus climate/tension) level factors were associated with overall mental health, after controlling for demographic characteristics. Results: The combined effects of both individual and institutional level measures were associated with student mental health. In particular, limited coping abilities and a perceived racially tense campus climate contributed to the psychological...