cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On talc translocation from the vagina to the oviducts and beyond

The objective of this study was to investigate whether multiple vaginal depositions of neutron-activated talc in the cynomolgus monkey result in the translocation of this material to the uterus and beyond. Within a 45-day period, six monkeys received 30 applications of 125 mg neutron-activated talc, suspended in 0.3 ml physiological saline solution containing 1% carboxymethyl cellulose as a suspending agent. The suspension was deposited in the posterior vaginal fornix of the sedated monkeys. Two days after the final talc application, the animals were anaesthetized. Abdominal lavage was performed and the lavage fluid collected for gamma-ray analysis. Also collected for gamma-ray analysis were the following tissues/organs: ovaries, oviducts, uterus, and vagina with cervix. Six untreated control monkeys underwent the same procedures. The radioisotopes 46Sc, 60Co, 59Fe and 51Cr in the activated talc served as tracers. Only the samples containing vagina and cervix from the dosed monkeys contained varying quantities of talc. This demonstrates that no measurable quantities of talc, deposited by multiple applications in the vaginal fornix of the cynomolgus monkey, translocated to the uterus or beyond.
Does ultrasound core breast biopsy predict histologic finding on excisional biopsy

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to determine whether ultrasound-guided core breast biopsy accurately predicts the histologic finding of a subsequent excisional procedure. Methods Data were collected prospectively from 1997 to 2001 for 832 ultrasound-guided core breast biopsies (USB) that were followed by excisional breast procedure (EP) within 1 year at our institution. The principal histologic finding obtained at USB and EP was identified for each procedure and the degree of agreement was assessed. Results The USB histology predicted EP histology in 90% (n = 746) of the procedures. The USB histology was more significant than EP histology in 3% (n = 22) of procedures; USB histology underdetermined EP histology in 7% (n = 64) of procedures. Overall, our results indicate moderate agreement between the principal histology identified at USB relative to that identified at EP. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided core breast biopsy is an effective diagnostic method, but sampling limitations do exist.
Water assisted multi-photon ionization of N2 by KrF lasers

Abstract Effects of water vapor on multiphoton ionization of N2 by a narrowband tunable KrF laser were compared to ionization of dry N2. In dry N2, ionization is non-resonant and requires 3 + 1 photon absorptions. In the presence of water, ionization is through a resonant two-photon excitation of H2O, followed by collisional energy exchange with N2 molecules and two single-photon absorption steps. Excited N2+ ions were detected by emission in the B2Σu+(υ′ = 0) → X2Σg+(υ″ = 0) band. Owing to the resonant enhancement of H2O excitation, this emission is bright and may be used to visualize N2H2O mixing flows.
Static and Dynamic Characterization of Cellulose Nanofibril Scaffold-Based Composites

The reinforcement potential of novel nanocellulose-based scaffolding reinforcements composed of microfibrils 5 to 50 nm in diameter and several microns in length was investigated. The cellulose nanofibril reinforcement was used to produce a three-dimensional scaffolding. A hybrid two-step approach using vacuum pressure and hot pressing was used to integrate the nanocellulose reinforcements in a liquid molding process with an epoxy resin to manufacture composites containing fiber volume contents ranging from 0.6% to 7.5%. The mechanical properties were studied using three-point bending. The Shore-D hardness test and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to investigate the curing response and its relation to the mechanical properties. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) with a three-point bend setup was used to investigate the viscoelastic behavior of the nanocellulose composite samples at various temperatures and dynamic loadings. The results using the proposed liquid resin manufacturing method for processing the nanocellulose composites showed an increased modulus and a lower strain-to-failure compared to neat resin. Dynamic testing showed a trend of lower tan delta peaks and a reduction in the glass transition temperature with the addition of nanocellulose reinforcement.
Notes on Capitate Venezuelan Rhynchospora (Cyperaceae)

Two new combinations, Rhynchospora imeriensis (Kukenthal) W. Thomas and R. planifolia (T. Koyama) W. Thomas, and a new name, R. capillifolia W. Thomas, are provided for capitate species of Rhynchospora occurring in Venezuela. A new section of capitate species with white spikelets, sect. Rigidifolia W. Thomas, is described, and its six included species are listed, discussed, and keyed. Lectotypes are designated for R. duckei R. Gross and R. longibracteata Boeckeler. Two species are illustrated.
Effect of normalization of esophageal acid reflux time on recurrence of erosive esophagitis: randomized, placebo-controlled trial of two doses of famotidine

Abstract Two hundred sixty-seven patients with healed erosive or ulcerative esophagitis were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, maintenance trial comparing famotidine 20 and 40 mg BID with placebo. Endoscopies were scheduled at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Unscheduled endoscopy was done if symptoms of moderate or greater severity recurred for 3 consecutive days. Relapse rates at 6 months were 26% for patients treated with famotidine 20 mg BID (n = 110) and 24% for those treated with famotidine 40 mg BID (n = 108), compared with 41% for patients receiving placebo (n = 49). The difference in relapse rates in the famotidine 20 mg BID group and 40 mg BID group was statistically significant compared with the placebo group ( P = 0.012 and P = 0.010 for the famotidine 20-mg BID and 40-mg BID groups, respectively). Patients also provided a global assessment of their symptoms relative to baseline. As measured by the distribution of global assessment responses, patients in the famotidine groups experienced significantly less symptomatic deterioration at 3 and 6 months ( P ⩽ 0.05) than did those in the placebo group. The results indicate that patients treated with famotidine 20 mg or 40 mg BID are less likely than placebo-treated patients to experience a recurrence of endoscopically verified erosive esophagitis and less likely to report worsening symptoms.
JEAB and JABA on the World Wide Web: a report to readers.

The Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JEAB) and the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA) have both established home pages on the World Wide Web. Their addresses are: http://www.envmed.rochester.edu/wwwrap/beh avior/jeab/jeabhome.htm http://www.envmed.rochester.edu/wwwrap/beh avior/jaba/jabahome.htm An important feature of these pages is a powerful program that permits rapid full-text searches of a database consisting of the nearly 5,000 abstracts that have accompanied articles published in JEAB since 1958 and in JABA since 1968. An electronic version of a single article from each issue of each journal is now made available soon after the paper edition of the journal appears.
ESL Elementary Teachers' Use of Children's Picture Books to Initiate Explicit Instruction of Reading Comprehension Strategies.

Reading comprehension instruction has been recognized as a key factor in developing any reading and literacy program. Therefore, many attempts were devoted to improve explicit comprehension strategy instruction at different school levels and fields including EFL and ESL. Despite these efforts, explicit comprehension instruction is still drought and far from satisfactory. Additionally, a great deal of teachers and educators are still struggling to find the appropriate ways to explicitly and effectively teach comprehension strategies. Consequently, the purpose of the present study was to explore the general perceptions and experiences of elementary English language teachers in using children’s picture books to initiate explicit comprehension strategy instruction. In order to obtain naturalistic and in-depth understanding of participating teachers’ perceptions, structured classroom observations were carried out for four weeks. Findings indicated that in about 718 minutes of instruction of both classrooms, 603 minutes were allotted for explicit comprehension strategy instruction. Despite some flaws in time management, the use of only one resource to collect data, and the focus on only comprehension strategy instruction, this study could contribute to the body of research of comprehension strategy instruction in language learning classrooms.
Contrast between Patients' Definitions of Their Problems and Expectancies for Treatment as a Predictor of Failure to Engage in Treatment:

The discrepancy between the numbers of patients seeking help in our outpatient psychiatry department and those subsequently receiving treatment may be a function of the consistency of patients' def...
THE EFFECT OF IONIZING RADIATIONS ON CATALYTIC ACTIVITY. HYDROGENATION AND ISOTOPIC EXCHANGE ON INORGANIC SOLIDS

Irradiation at --78 deg C with doses of Co/sup 60/ gamma rays in the range 10/sup 18/ to 10/sup 20/ ev/g increased, from three to several hundred times, the catalytic activity for hydrogendeuterium exchange of ZnO, ThO/sub 2/, BaTiO/sub 3/, MgO, V/sub 2/O/sub 3/, KAlSi/sub 3/O/sub 8/, and CaSiO/sub 3/. The catalytic activity of TiO/sub 2/ (rutile) was virtually unaffected by gamma rays at this temperature but could be increased by exposure to neutrons. The activity of several hydrides (LiH, NaH, BaH/sub 2/, CaH/sub 2/) was decreased by irradiation in vacuo, but it was increased (for the two investigated, LiH and BaH/ sub 2/) by irradiation in 20 to 30 mm of H/sub 2/. The hydrogen-deuterium exchange activity of promoted zinc oxides was virtually unchanged by irradiation, in contrast to the increase with pure ZnO. Activity for ethylene hydrogenation, however, was decreased for both promoted and unpromoted zinc oxides. (auth)
The fourth intracellular domain of G-protein coupling receptors: helicity, basicity and similarity to opsins.

The minimal size of the fourth intracellular domain of heptahelical G-protein coupling receptors (GPCRs) is close to 15 residues, and a juxtamembrane 15-residue segment is predicted as helical (Helix-8) in most of the receptors. Sequences of opsins, non-visual opsin-like (family A) GPCRs and Taste-2 receptors correspond with bovine rhodopsin at four positions in this tract. This is especially evident in monoamine receptors. In most GPCRs, the conserved juxtamembrane segment also has a large fraction of basic sidechains, and a considerable excess of cationic over anionic residues. The conservation is not dependent on the preferred G-protein α subunit or the overall length of the domain, indicating an additive speciation. In rod opsins and some A-GPCRs this segment has been shown to associate with the bilayer and to interact with G-proteins. The segment could also be involved in precoupling of receptors and transducers. These interactions could be helped by both the structural propensities and the high content of cationic sidechains.
Nestling Diet of Three Sympatrically Nesting Wading Bird Species in the Florida Everglades

Abstract. Wading bird (Ciconiiformes) nesting success is influenced by the availability of aquatic prey, but principle prey may differ among species. During an excellent nesting year (2009) 118 boluses were collected from nestlings of three species, White Ibis (Eudocimus albus), Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) and Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) in a mixed colony in the northern Everglades. Although these species have similar foraging depths and foraging flight distances from nesting colonies, crayfish dominated the ibis boluses while small-bodied fishes dominated egret boluses. Fish prey species composition in Snowy Egret and Tricolored Heron boluses did not differ. Compared to available fish species from nearby wetlands, the Egretta spp. did not exhibit taxonomic selectivity but did feed selectively on larger (2–4 cm standard length) fish. Whether restoration activities in the Everglades, including hydroperiod lengthening, will simultaneously enhance prey for both invertivores like White Ibis and pisciv...
Longitudinal growth of skeletal myotubes in vitro in a new horizontal mechanical cell stimulator

A new computerized mechanical cell stimulator device for tissue cultured cells is described which maintains the cells in a horizontal position during mechanical stretching of up to 400% in substratum length. Mechanical stimulation of myogenic cells in this device initiates several aspects of in vivo skeletal muscle organogenesis not seen in normal static tissue culture environments. Embryonic skeletal muscle cells from avian m. pectoralis are grown in the device attached to the collagen-coated elastic substratum. Dynamic stretching of the substratum in one direction for 3 d at a rate (0.35 mm/h) that simulates in vivo bone elongation during development causes the myoblasts to fuse into parallel arrays of myotubes which are 2 to 4 times longer than myotubes grown under static culture conditions. This longitudinal myotube growth is accompanied by increased rates of cell proliferation and myoblast fusion. Prestretching the collagen-coated substratum before cell plating also results in increased cell proliferation, myotube orientation, and longitudinal myotube growth. The effects of substratum stretching on myogenesis in this model system thus occur by alterations in the cell’s extracellular matrix and not by acting directly on the cells.
Structure of the Melting Layer in Mesoscale Convective System Stratiform Precipitation

Abstract This study examines the aircraft observations and theoretical evolution of particles above, through, and below the melting layer in the stratiform region associated with a mesoscale convective system (MCS). The aircraft data were obtained from an advecting spiral descent where the descent rate approximately corresponded to the typical hydrometeor fall speeds. The microphysical and thermodynamic measurements not only allowed us to characterize the particle evolution, but also enabled us to compare them with the theoretical evolution of the particles in the melting layer and to quantify the associated heating and cooling rates. Even though complete melting requires a fairly deep layer, most of the mass melts, and thus most of the cooling occurs in a thin layer above the location of the radar bright band. Based upon the magnitude of vertical velocity fluctuations, the layers below the melting layer appear to be decoupled from those above. The ice water content above the melting layer is 2–3 times th...
Personality risk and alcohol consumption: a latent variable analysis.

Abstract Several studies report modest correlations between measures of personality and measures of alcohol consumption. These results have led many to conclude that the relation between personality characteristics and drinking is weak, and that studying such a relation may not be fruitful. Nevertheless, the magnitude of the correlations between measures of certain personality characteristics and drinking may be attenuated due to the imperfect reliability of the measures. By viewing specific measures of personality and alcohol consumption as fallible indicators of underlying constructs, and using confirmatory factor analysis to estimate the relation between them, a correlation of .80 was found, implying that the relation between personality and drinking may be stronger than correlational analyses suggest.
A Moment Matrix Approach to Multivariable Cubature

We develop an approach to multivariable cubature based on positivity, extension, and completion properties of moment matrices. We obtain a matrix-based lower bound on the size of a cubature rule of degree 2n + 1; for a planar measure μ, the bound is based on estimating \( \rho (C): = \inf \{ {\text{rank}}(T - C):T{\text{ Toeplitz and }}T \geq C\} , \) where C:=C# [μ ] is a positive matrix naturally associated with the moments of μ. We use this estimate to construct various minimal or near-minimal cubature rules for planar measures. In the case when C = diag(c1,...,cn) (including the case when μ is planar measure on the unit disk), ρ(C) is at least as large as the number of gaps ck >ck+1.
Catecholamines and the cephalic phase of gastric secretion

Methoxamine, an α-adrenergic agent, and isoproterenol, a β-adrenergic agent, significantly augmented indirect vagally stimulated (intravenous 2-deoxy-D-glucose) acid and pepsin secretion from the main stomachs of conscious dogs. Heidenhain pouch secretion in the same dogs was unaffected.
Scalable coding and wireless streaming of lecture videos for mobile learning

Mobile learning demands real-time transmission of lecture videos to mobile users over wireless networks. However, wireless video streaming is challenging due to the dynamic change of network bandwidths and the variety of mobile devices. In this paper, we present a mobile learning system that incorporates semantic-level scalable video coding and wireless video streaming. The lecture videos are encoded into different quality levels with different compression ratios. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our mobile learning system with the lecture videos recorded in real classrooms.
Aspects of the relation between Cyanophora paradoxa (Korschikoff) and its endosymbiotic cyanelles Cyanocyta korschikoffiana (Hall & Claus) - IV. The effects of rifampicin, chloramphenicol and cycloheximide on the synthesis of ribosomal ribonucleic acids and chlorophyll

The effects of the antibiotics rifampicin, cycloheximide, and chloramphenicol on ribosomal RNA synthesis in Cyanophora paradoxa and its endosymbiotic cyanelles, Cyanocyta korschikoffiana , were examined. Rifampicin inhibited synthesis of the cyanelle 23 S and 16 S r-RNA. Chloramphenicol had a similar, though less marked, effect. By contrast, cycloheximide appeared to inhibit synthesis of only the host’s 25 S and 18 S r-RNA. Neither rifampicin nor chloramphenicol had as marked an inhibitory effect on chlorophyll synthesis as did cycloheximide.
Theory selection and evaluation in case series research

Using empirical data to develop theories requires not only evaluating how well a theory accounts for data; it requires using the data to select the best theory from among a set of alternatives. Current case series research is examined in light of these two issues. Theory selection requires that theories make contrasting predictions. In the first section of this commentary, I present novel simulation results showing that existing theories of language production do not make contrasting predictions for the overall distribution of responses over a set of responses categories (e.g., correct response, semantic error, etc.; Dell, Schwartz, Martin, Saffran, & Gagnon, 1997). Given such results, in order to be theoretically productive case series research must focus on those aspects of data that serve to contrast theoretical alternatives. The second section considers evaluation of claims regarding individual differences. Such claims are typically underconstrained. Two approaches to addressing this issue are discuss...
Blood-flow velocities and their relationships in carotid and middle cerebral arteries.

Abstract This study defines normative flow velocity (FV) ranges for the common carotid (CCA), internal carotid (ICA) and middle cerebral arteries (MCA), compares them to subjects with nonfocal vascular disease (mild to moderate hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia or coronary artery disease), and clarifies the association between carotid and MCA FVs. FVs were measured by carotid and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in 278 healthy and 190 vascular-disease subjects. Normative FV ranges for CCA, ICA and MCA were large in healthy subjects, with modest gender and age differences. Vascular-disease subjects had similar FVs to healthy controls. MCA FVs were significantly correlated with carotid FVs ( r ranged 0.26–0.50), but were only weakly or not significantly associated with them (β ranged 0.08–0.18) when controlling for age and gender. These findings suggest that normative FVs are not affected by the presence of nonfocal vascular disease, but carotid FVs do not aid in assessing MCA FVs.
Ionizational and Electron Thermal Nonequilibrium in MHD Boundary Layers

The effects of thermal nonequilibrium (elevated electron temperatures), and ionizational nonequilibrium (finite-rate recombination) are studied in the insulator boundary layer of a potassium-seeded nitrogen MHD accelerator. The nonsimilar, compressible boundary layer is assumed steady, laminar, and two-dimensional. A collisionless sheath is assumed and matched with the continuum boundary-layer equations through a transition region, the physics of which is dominated by ambipolar diffusion. Numerical results are presented for a typical core flow Hall-neutralized Faraday accelerator. Profiles are presented demonstrating the gradual development of severe #-wall shorting with the best available values of energyloss factor and recombination rate coefficient. The relative importance of the various terms in the electron energy equation is assessed, and the need for more accurate energy exchange cross sections is pointed out by the high sensitivity of the solutions to energy-loss factor. An unexpected result is that finite-rate recombination is not particularly important for the class of accelerators under study, although it could well be important for other applications, such as noble gas generators.
'Single suture' for circumflex exposure in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Exposure of coronary vessels in the circumflex territory for surgery off cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a challenge. Ricardo Lima from Brazil described a series of sutures that enable surgeons to expose the marginal circumflex vessels on the beating heart. We have modified this technique and only use a "single suture" placed in the oblique sinus of the posterior pericardium. This allows for successful exposure of all coronary vessels with minimal manipulation of the heart. This simple technique enhances surgery on the beating heart and is especially useful to bypass topographically "difficult" posterior and lateral coronary vessels.
The impact of positivity and transparency on trust in leaders and their perceived effectiveness

Abstract A critical challenge facing today's organizational leaders is gaining their followers' trust and having them view leaders as effective in addressing turmoil and change. Using a downsizing scenario as the context, this field experiment examined how a leader's positivity and transparency impacted followers' perceived trust, defined in terms of willingness to be vulnerable, and effectiveness of their leader. To test the hypotheses, 304 participants were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions of high (low) leader positivity × high (low) leader transparency. Results of our mixed methods study indicated both the leader's level of positivity and transparency impacted followers' perceived trust and evaluations of leader effectiveness. Besides limitations and suggestions for future research, we conclude with the practical implications that positive, transparent leaders may have on building trust and perceived effectiveness among their followers.
PEEPO: papular eruption with elimination of papillary oedema*

Multiple biopsies from a patient with a pruritic papular eruption of endogenous origin demonstrated a sequence of histopathological changes which varied markedly with the age of the lesion. Early lesions showed marked papillary oedema but no evidence of epidermal involvement. The next phase was characterized by the appearance of focal spongiosis and intra-epidermal vesiculation without involvement of the stratum corneum. Late lesions were characterized by residual spongiosis in the epidermis and groups of pyknotic nuclei in a parakeratotic stratum corneum. It would seem that this sequence of events is due to the elimination of papillary oedema through the epidermis. The fact that this process produces changes indistinguishable from those seen in eczema may indicate the eczema itself is a condition characterized by sub-epidermal oedema in which the epidermis is involved only as a secondary event. The title TEEPO (trans-epidermal elimination of papillary oedema) is suggested as a suitable acronym for this phenomenon. The term PEEPO (papular eruption with elimination of papillary oedema) is proposed for the eruption seen in this patient.
Unrectifiable 1-Sets with Moderate Essential Flatness Satisfy Besicovitch's 12-Conjecture

Abstract In this paper we show that for a wide class of totally unrectifiable 1-sets in the plane (or even a Hilbert space) satisfying a mild measure-theoretic flatness condition almost everywhere, at sufficiently small scales, the lower spherical density is bounded above by 1 2 at almost every point, thereby affirming Besicovitch's conjecture, which states that for all totally unrectifiable 1-sets in the plane (or possibly even in R n , or a Hilbert space), the lower spherical density is bounded above by 1 2 at almost every point.
The electric "now indigo blue": synthetic color and video synthesis circa 1969

Circa 1969, a few talented electrical engineers and pioneering video artists built video synthesizers capable of generating luminous and abstract psychedelic colors that many believed to be cosmic and revolutionary, and in many ways they were. Drawing on archival materials from Boston's WGBH archives and New York's Electronics Arts Intermix, this paper analyzes this early history in the work of electronics engineer Eric Siegel and Nam June Paik's and Shuya Abe's Paik/Abe Video Synthesizer, built at WGBH in 1969. The images produced from these devices were, as Siegel puts it, akin to a "psychic healing medium" used to create "mass cosmic consciousness, awakening higher levels of the mind, [and] bringing awareness of the soul." While such radical and cosmic unions have ultimately failed, these unique color technologies nonetheless laid the foundation for colorism in the history of electronic computer art. "[With] television... you're on the way to being a starchild... inner and outer space become one in unknown velocities of a cosmic zoom... the now indigo blue of life merges with the glowing beauty of man at his most human..." -Ron Hays (1971) [1]
Regiointegrity of carbanions derived by selective metalations of dimethylpyridines and -quinolines

Abstract Metalation of 2,4-dimethylpyridine and -quinolines by strong basic reagents in ethyl ether in the absence of HMPA affords 2-lithiomethyl derivatives regardless of the reaction length. The use of THF in such metalations promotes the formation of the 2-lithiomethyl reagents which isomerize to the more thermodynamically stable 4-lithiomethyl derivatives after relatively long reaction periods or in the presence of amines or an excess of the parent heterocycle. The latter derivatives appear to be formed directly from the heterocycles in ammonia or in the presence of HMPA. The results are discussed in terms of “coordination-only” versus “acid-base” limiting mechanisms for metalations as a function of ion pairing. NMR spectra for certain of the carbanions in ethyl ether and THF are described which support the above concepts. Related metalations of 2,4-dimethylquinoline-N-oxide give only the 2-lithiomethyl derivative. Similar reactions of 7-hydroxy-2,4-dimethyl-1,8-naphthyridine lead in synthetically useful yields to derivatization of the 2- and 4-methyl groups via dianions by using n-butyllithium in ethyl ether and sodium amide in liquid ammonia, respectively, followed by the addition of appropriate electrophiles.
Application of an Adaptive Wavelet Method to Natural-Convection Flow in a Differentially Heated Cavity

We describe an adaptive wavelet method based on interpolating wavelets applied to the solution of a natural-convection flow. The adaptive wavelet method, owing to the approximation capabilities and spatial localization of wavelet functions, enables the solution of problems with local grid resolution consistent with the local demand of the physical problem. The adaptive method is applied to simulate the flow in a differentially heated square cavity at large Rayleigh numbers. Numerical results, whenever possible, are compared with those previously published.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Dissection of memory formation: from behavioral pharmacology to molecular genetics

Behavioral pharmacology has suggested an intricate, multiphasic pathway of memory consolidation. An integrated molecular pharmacological approach in Drosophila has lent support to this theory recently by dissecting consolidated memory into two genetically distinct components: a cycloheximide-insensitive, anesthesia-resistant memory and a cycloheximide-sensitive long-term memory. In addition, experiments using inducible dominant-negative transgenes in Drosophila or gene knockouts in mice demonstrate a role for cAMP-responsive transcription factors in formation of long-term memory. These studies support the application of reverse-genetic strategies, including the use of temporally specific agonists and antagonists, to advance the functional dissection of memory formation.
Practice what you teach TQM in the classroom

Abstract An entire industry has grown up to improve quality in the private sector, in government, in non-profit agencies, and in education. To our knowledge, very little has been done to incorporate quality concepts into the delivery of educational services. We report on a project in which a total quality management (TQM) team was formed as part of a graduate elective course in managerial accounting. The team adapted quality concepts to improve the quality of classroom instruction. The project resulted in significant changes in instruction. The students were “empowered” to affect their course, and responded with constructive recommendations. The TQM team gained “hands on” experience in designing and implementing an actual quality improvement project. The particular changes from this experience are unique to this course, but the process of applying continuous improvement efforts to course delivery can be applied across a wide range of curricula.
Mechanical injury of cartilage explants causes specific time-dependent changes in chondrocyte gene expression.

Objective Joint injury in young adults leads to an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) later in life. This study was undertaken to determine if injurious mechanical compression of cartilage explants results in changes at the level of gene transcription that may lead to subsequent degradation of the cartilage. Methods Cartilage was explanted from the femoropatellar groove of newborn calves. Levels of messenger RNA encoding matrix molecules, proteases, their natural inhibitors, transcription factors, and cytokines were assessed in free swelling control cultures as compared with cartilage cultures at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours after application of a single injurious compression. Results Gene-expression levels measured in noninjured, free swelling cartilage varied over 5 orders of magnitude. Matrix molecules were the most highly expressed of the genes tested, while cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), aggrecanases (ADAMTS-5), and transcription factors showed lower expression levels. Matrix molecules showed little change in expression after injurious compression, whereas MMP-3 increased approximately 250-fold, ADAMTS-5 increased approximately 40-fold, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 increased approximately 12-fold above the levels in free swelling cultures. Genes typically used as internal controls, GAPDH and beta-actin, increased expression levels approximately 4-fold after injury, making them unsuitable for use as normalization genes in this study. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1beta, cytokines known to be involved in the progression of OA, did not change in the chondrocytes after injury. Conclusion Changes in the level of gene expression after mechanical injury are gene specific and time dependent. The quantity of specific proteins may be altered as a result of these changes in gene expression, which may eventually lead to degradation at the tissue level and cause a compromise in cartilage structure and function.
Determination of Mental Competency, a Neurological Perspective

This article discusses the evaluation of the capacity of a person to make informed decisions about financial matters, independent living, and informed consent for medical treatment and research. Determination of capacity is a function for which most physicians have little training. The determination of competency for a general medical patient may be assessed by a combination of a bedside mental status examination such as the MMSE and a questionnaire such as the Aid To Capacity Evaluation (ACE 1999). For patients with focal neurological deficits such as aphasia, further evaluation of specific cognitive and language functions is needed; Alexander (Arch Neurol 45:23–6, 1988) suggested 7 specific functions to be assessed. Finally, in dementing illnesses, evaluation by the MMSE and a questionnaire such as the CCTI, or Capacity to Consent to Treatment Instrument (Marson et al. Arch Neurol 52:949–54, 1995) is needed. Dementia includes several separate syndromes of neurodegenerative disease, and in many of these conditions, focal deficits such as aphasia may necessitate a more thorough neuropsychological evaluation.
The Evidence for a Subscore Structure in a Test of English Language Competency for English Language Learners

How to compute and report subscores for a test that was originally designed for reporting scores on a unidimensional scale has been a topic of interest in recent years. In the research reported here, we describe an application of multidimensional item response theory to identify a subscore structure in a test designed for reporting results using a unidimensional scale. This research also dealt with the problem of planned missing data due to low levels of item overlap among multiple test forms. Furthermore, we provided evidence for the generalizability of the multidimensional structure using multiple forms of the same test. We also compared the subscores from multiple groups to show the usefulness of the subscores. The research provides evidence that subscores can be identified and produced to provide useful information about different constructs for multiple examinee groups even though the test data were well fit by a unidimensional model.
Object-oriented and functional software design for distributed real-time systems

Real-time systems in applications like command, control, communications and intelligence require complex distributed systems with many interacting software components, heterogeneous processing systems and sharing resources. These systems should satisfy not only the functional requirements of application software, but also the specified timing constraints on the execution of the software, despite faults and failures. In addition, parallelism needs to be expressed in the design of such systems and exploited on the target distributed computing systems. In this paper, an approach to software design for distributed real-time computing systems, based on the PROOF computation model which integrates object-oriented and functional paradigms, is presented. To support adaptability of the software system to a predictably changing environment, our approach supports multi-versions of a method definition, synchronous communication within objects, asynchronous communication among objects, encapsulation of timing constraints in objects and expressing parallelism in object-level and method-level. Our design approach consists of the high-level object-oriented design and object design phases. Our design approach is illustrated with a hypothetical chemical plant simulation system.
A Multi-dimensional Hierarchal Engineering Competency Model Framework

This paper presents a multi-dimensional hierarchal engineering competency model framework that can be used to create consistent, role-specific engineering competency models. The framework enables a process that organizes the creation of engineering competency models. The resulting competency models can be employed within a human resources (HR) talent management system. The framework can also be used by individuals to characterize their capabilities independent of a specific role. Individuals can use this characterization to compare their capabilities with many roles. Summing competencies of the individuals within an organization and comparing the result to an organizational competency model provides a means of examining the total capabilities of an organization and a means of identifying organizational capability gaps. The model framework was derived using a bottoms-up approach. All of the applicable knowledge, skills, behaviors and abilities are organized in a multi-dimensional and hierarchal manner. The multi-dimensional aspect allows organizations to add or subtract dimensions depending on the breadth of activities performed by the particular organization. The model framework is easy to use and to implement in a Web based computer program.
From ocean-bottom cable seismic to porosity volume: A prestack PP and PS analysis of a turbidite reservoir, deepwater Campos Basin, Brazil

The Campos Basin is the best known and most productive of the Brazilian coastal basins. Turbidites are, by far, the main hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs in the Campos Basin. Using a 4C ocean-bottom cable seismic survey, we set out to improve the reservoir characterization in a deepwater turbidite field in the Campos Basin. To achieve our goal, prestack angle gathers were derived and PP and PS inversion were performed. The inversion was used as an input to predict the petrophysical properties of the reservoir. Converting seismic reflection amplitudes into impedance profiles not only maximizes vertical resolution but also minimizes tuning effects. Mapping the porosity is extremely important in the development of hydrocarbon reservoirs. Combining seismic attributes derived from the PP and PS multicomponent data and porosity logs, we used linear multiregression and neural networking to predict porosity between the seismic attributes and porosity logs at the well locations. After estimating porosity in the well locations, those relationships were applied to the seismic attributes to generate a 3D porosity volume. The porosity volume highlighted the best reservoir facies in the reservoir. The integration of elastic impedance, shear impedance, and porosity improved the reservoir characterization.
Transformation Activity of Cdc42 Requires a Region Unique to Rho-related Proteins*

The Rho subfamily GTP-binding protein Cdc42 mediates actin cytoskeletal rearrangements and cell cycle progression and is essential for Ras transformation. Expression of a Cdc42 mutant (Cdc42(F28L)) that undergoes spontaneous activation (guanine nucleotide exchange) results in transformation of NIH3T3 fibroblasts. In this report, we show that deletion of residues 120–139 from Cdc42(F28L), which comprise an insert region unique to Rho subfamily proteins but is missing in other GTP-binding proteins, yields a Cdc42 molecule that still undergoes spontaneous GTP-GDP exchange and stimulates both actin cytoskeletal changes and the activation of the cellular targets p21-activated kinase and the c-Jun kinase (JNK1). However, this Cdc42 mutant is unable to transform cells. These findings indicate that the Rho subfamily insert region is dispensable for many of the known signaling pathways initiated by activated Cdc42 but is essential for its regulation of cell growth.
negotiating with Yourself and Losing: Making Decisions with Competing Internal Preferences

The field of organizational behavior includes the study of how individuals organize and manage conflict among themselves. Less visible has been the study of conflicts occurring within individuals. We propose that one form of intrapersonal conflict is the result of tension between what people want to do versus what they think they should do. We argue that this want/should distinction helps to explain the “multiple-selves” phenomenon and a recently discovered group of preference reversals noted in behavioral decision and organizational behavior research. We develop a history of knowledge on intrapersonal conflict, discuss how conflicts between what one wants to do and what one should do result in inconsistent behavior, connect this pattern of inconsistency to recent literature on joint versus separate preference reversals, and outline prescriptions for the management of intrapersonal conflict.
Are You Ready for E-readers?

The Penn State University Libraries partnered with Sony Electronics, Inc., to test the Sony Reader in the academic environment. Since 2008, they have tested the Reader extensively in teaching, lending, and disability services. This article discusses the preliminary research project. Although not scientific in nature, the article presents findings from surveys of 239 participants in the classroom setting, 15 library users who borrowed Sony Readers, and a single participant and the director of the disability services portion of the project.
Lost Neighborhoods of the California Coast

ABSTRACT Griggs, G.B., 2015. Lost neighborhoods of the California coast. Each coastal disaster is followed by the inevitable debates about whether rebuilding is the right decision. Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina are good examples, as were the damaging El Nino events along the California coast in 1982–83, 1997–98, and 2009–10. Coastlines globally have been migrating landward since the last Ice Age ended about 18,000 years ago, and all indications are that this trend will continue in the decades and centuries ahead, most likely at an increased pace as the rate of sea-level rise increases. Retreating from the shoreline is not a new approach, and there are many communities and neighborhoods along the coasts of the United States and elsewhere where relocation has occurred and where formerly developed parcels are now underwater. Documenting these lost neighborhoods and those that are in the process of disappearing today is important in providing a longer-term perspective of what we face as a state and as a nation...
Irregular and semi-regular polyhedral models for Rous sarcoma virus cores

Whereas many viruses have capsids of uniquely defined sizes that observe icosahedral symmetry, retrovirus capsids are highly polymorphic. Nevertheless, they may also be described as polyhedral foldings of a fullerene lattice on which the capsid protein (CA) is arrayed. Lacking the high order of symmetry that facilitates the reconstruction of icosahedral capsids from cryo-electron micrographs, the 3D structures of individual retrovirus capsids may be determined by cryo-electron tomography, albeit at lower resolution. Here, we describe computational and graphical methods used to construct polyhedral models that match in size and shape, capsids of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) observed within intact virions. The capsids fall into several shape classes, including tubes, ‘lozenges’ and ‘coffins’. The extent to which a capsid departs from icosahedral symmetry reflects the irregularity of the distribution of pentamers, which are always 12 in number for a closed polyhedral capsid. The number of geometrically distinct polyhedra grows rapidly with increasing quotas of hexamers, and ranks in the millions for particles in the size range of RSV capsids, which typically have 150–300 hexamers. Unlike the CAs of icosahedral viruses that assume a minimal number of quasi-equivalent conformations equal to the triangulation number (T), retroviral CAs exhibit a near-continuum of quasi-equivalent conformations – a property that may be attributed to the flexible hinge linking the N- and C-terminal domains.
“Is it Live, or is it Memorex?”

Our reception and perception, our experience of music, has been profoundly determined by our technological devices and media. Whatever music we happen to like and listen to, we can hardly experience it today apart from its production and reproduction in and through technology. The effects of technology on making and hearing music require critical analysis. Because of the pervasive role of technology, music today is almost entirely mediated and mediate, almost never unmediated and immediate, almost always “Memorex,” almost never “live.” Music has been severely altered, reduced, even hollowed out. In this respect, music loses something of its reality.
Study Abroad Programs: Making Safety A Priority

Increasingly, students are participating in study abroad programs. Such programs provide participants a variety of learning experiences. Developing cross-cultural appreciation, communication skills, maturity and a less ethno-centric mindset are among the impacts study abroad programs offer. However, care must be taken to assure student safety and health while on such trips. One program’s efforts to assure the safety and wellness of participants while abroad are presented.
COMPARISON OF IMMORTALIZATION ASSAY AND POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION DETECTION OF EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS IN PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS AND CONTROL SAMPLES

The polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) has become a standard for the detection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Several studies have shown that solid organ transplant recipients fated to develop post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) have higher mean levels of EB viremia as measured by PCR. We directly compared PCR and immortalization assay (IA) for EBV detection from control cell lines as well as from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and saliva samples from 9 pediatric solid organ transplant recipients. Results were expressed as the lowest amount of DNA and / or number of cells detected. All samples negative for EBV by PCR had amplifiable DNA detected using beta-actin primers. When control cell lines were assayed and positive in both assays, PCR was at least 200 times more sensitive than IA, as expected. When PBMC and saliva were compared, 1 patient, with a mononucleosis-like syndrome, was positive for EBV by IA only. When both IA and PCR were positive however, PCR was able to det...
Purkinje Cells in Posterior Cerebellar Vermis Encode Motion in an Inertial Reference Frame

The ability to orient and navigate through the terrestrial environment represents a computational challenge common to all vertebrates. It arises because motion sensors in the inner ear, the otolith organs, and the semicircular canals transduce self-motion in an egocentric reference frame. As a result, vestibular afferent information reaching the brain is inappropriate for coding our own motion and orientation relative to the outside world. Here we show that cerebellar cortical neuron activity in vermal lobules 9 and 10 reflects the critical computations of transforming head-centered vestibular afferent information into earth-referenced self-motion and spatial orientation signals. Unlike vestibular and deep cerebellar nuclei neurons, where a mixture of responses was observed, Purkinje cells represent a homogeneous population that encodes inertial motion. They carry the earth-horizontal component of a spatially transformed and temporally integrated rotation signal from the semicircular canals, which is critical for computing head attitude, thus isolating inertial linear accelerations during navigation.
Three and four-dimensional parity-check codes for correction and detection of multiple errors

We examine two different schemes of three dimensional parity checking codes that can be obtained by arranging the information and parity bits as a combination of rows and columns or by arranging them as two dimensional planes to obtain a three dimensional cube. Finding the number of errors detected and the numbers of errors corrected has been the main aim of this work. The code rate and the overhead of each scheme has been calculated and compared with that of the standard parity schemes available. Some general equations have been derived to represent these families of codes. A four dimensional scheme that can detect and correct more multiple errors has also been discussed.