cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Density Functional Theory Study of the Methylperoxy Radical Isomerization

The computational study of the high temperature CH3 + O2 → CH3OO → CH2OOH → CH2O + OH radical reaction was performed. The transition state for the CH3OO → CH2OOH isomerization was generated using hybrid, exchange, Becke's 88, Slater's, and Xα based density functional theory (DFT) methods. A large Gaussian 6-311+G(2d,2p) type basis set was used. The computed activation barriers varied with the correlation level included in the DFT methods, as well as with the nature of the electron density approximation. The best agreement between the computed energies and geometries was obtained with the hybrid, and in some cases with the gradient-corrected, DFT methods.
Chaplain and psychiatrist as ally-rivals.

Chaplain and psychiatrist share professional concern for the improved psychological health of the distressed general hospital patient. Commonality of concern suggests regular consultative co-presence and associated interprofessional collaboration. This study of consultation within one teaching hospital finds that co-presence occurs in less than five percent of potential cases and that collaborative exchange in connection with those cases is rare, a condition supported by psychiatric staff and found regrettable by chaplains. “Case-typing,” guided by outlooks of secularization (chaplain), scientism (psychiatrist), and traditionalism (ward internist), provides an accounting of collaborative underutilization, supplemented by considerations of organizational structure and positional power.
The use of rapid-feedback evaluation methods to improve the retention rates of an HIV/AIDS healthcare intervention

Abstract A rapid-feedback evaluation (RFE) model is presented as an alternative or complement to comprehensive models of evaluation. RFEs are a four-step process, involving (1) collecting existing data on program performance, (2) collecting new data on program performance, (3) performing a preliminary evaluation, and (4) assisting in policy and management decisions. The argument is made that RFEs are preferable to comprehensive models of evaluation when program managers need a rapid and focused assessment of a particular program process. The utility of RFEs is demonstrated by showing how an RFE contributed to improvements in the retention rates of a longitudinal HIV/AIDS care study that targeted a hard-to-retain population. The implementation of changes to retention procedures recommended by the RFE was associated with significant increases in study retention rates. The strengths and limitations of RFEs as an alternative to other evaluation models are discussed.
A Note on the Use of Graduate Teaching Assistants in the Principles Course

Working independently, the authors of the first of these two articles come to conclusions somewhat contrasting to those reached by the authors of the second article. The findings in the former show that at Princeton University graduate teaching assistants are as effective as their more senior professors in teaching sections of the Principles of Economics course. In the latter, the authors show that at the University of Nebraska the graduate teaching assistants are significantly less effective when matched against television or independent study. As the editor's note on page 130 explains, these results demand careful interpretation because the experiments are not parallel.
Evaluation of two color filters used to simulate congenital color deficiency.

The degree to which Corning CPF527 and the 'Italian Blue' Roscolux filter simulate inherited color deficiency was assessed in 30 color normal subjects. The subjects were tested on three color tests. Results show that CPF527 induces Tritan like defect and the 'Italian Blue' Roscolux filter induces mild red-green deficiency.
Master-slave synchronization from the point of view of global dynamics.

We present a mathematical framework for the theory of a synchronization phenomenon for dynamical systems discovered by Pecora and Carroll [Phys. Rev. Lett. 64, 821–824 (1990)]. From this perspective, we can synchronize, using a single coordinate, an open dense set of linear systems. We use our insights to synchronize nonlinear systems which were not previously recognized as being synchronizable.
Comparing the effects of text size and format on the readibility of computer-displayed Times New Roman and Arial text

Times New Roman and Arial typefaces in 10- and 12-point, dot-matrix and anti-aliased format conditions were compared for readability (accuracy, reading speed, and accuracy/ reading speed), as well as perceptions of typeface legibility, sharpness, ease of reading, and general preference. In assessing readability, the 10-point anti-aliased Arial typeface was read slower than the other type conditions. Examining perceptions of typeface legibility, sharpness, and ease of reading detected significant effects for typeface, size, and format. Overall, the 12- point dot-matrix Arial typeface was preferred to the other typefaces. Recommendations for appropriate typeface combinations for computer-displayed text are discussed.
Errata in the paper

1 1 p. 4: In the first line of ((2 2), replace g=~,or by ~=3,o~. p. 5: Two lines above (4.2), replace ~ by ~x. p. 6: In (4.5), replace K~ 1 and K~ 1 by K x and Kr. p. 7: 1) Formula (5.2) should read: fgx(Gx)=Or(Gx#xr). 2) In the line above (5.3), replace 9xr by 9rx. 3) Formula (5.3) should read: gzr ~rx =gzx. 4) In the last line replace ~x by ~r and ~ by Jx. 5) After (5.3), add: valid if these sets are not empty. p. 9: 1) In the fifth line from the bottom, in the second equation replace K(Y) by g(Y). 2) In Formula (6.15), replace ~ (X) by ~ (X)-I. p. 11" 1) In the first line of Proposition 1, read: there exists. 2) In the second line of Proposition 1, replace oa by s and ~" by 3e7. p. 12: In the last line of Proposition 2, replace $ by ~. p. 14: In the first line of Proposition 4, replace #by ~. p. 15: Formula (8.19) should read: [I), 1 ]= I f , b]. p. 16: In the third line from the bottom, replace #" by ~four times.
Illuminating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway

Genetically encodable fluorescent biosensors based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) are being developed for analyzing spatiotemporal dynamics of various signaling events in living cells, as these events are often dynamically regulated and spatially compartmentalized within specific signaling context. In particular, to investigate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway in the cellular context, we have developed a series of such biosensors that enable dynamic visualization of several key signaling events in this pathway, namely InPAkt for lipid second messenger dynamics, BAKR for Akt activity, and ReAktion for the action of Akt during its multi-step activation process. Discussed here are several studies that have been carried out with these novel biosensors. First, we examined nuclear phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) in living cells using nucleus-targeted InPAkt. Second, we analyzed signal propagation from the plasma membrane to the nucleus by using plasma membrane-targeted InPAkt and nucleus-targeted BKAR to simultaneously monitor PIP3 dynamics and Akt activity in the same cell. Of note, results from these co-imaging experiments suggest that active Akt can dissociate from the plasma membrane and translocate into the nucleus in the presence of high levels of PIP3 at the plasma membrane. This finding has led to a further study of the action of Akt during its activation process, particularly focusing on how Akt dissociates from the membrane. In this regard, a live-cell molecular analysis using ReAktion reveals a conformational change in Akt that is critically dependent on the existence of a phosphorylatable T308 in the activation loop. Subsequently this has led to the discovery of new regulatory roles of this critical phosphorylation event of Akt for ensuring its proper activation and function.© (2008) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Determination of metal ion binding sites within the hairpin ribozyme domains by NMR.

Cations play an important role in RNA folding and stabilization. The hairpin ribozyme is a small catalytic RNA consisting of two domains, A and B, which interact in the transition state in an ion-dependent fashion. Here we describe the interaction of mono-, di-, and trivalent cations with the domains of the ribozyme, as studied by homo- and heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. Paramagnetic line broadening, chemical shift mapping, and intermolecular NOEs indicate that the B domain contains four to five metal binding sites, which bind Mn2+, Mg2+, and Co(NH3)63+. There is no significant structural change in the B domain upon the addition of Co(NH3)63+ or Mg2+. No specific monovalent ion binding sites exist on the B domain, as determined by 15NH4+ binding studies. In contrast to the B domain, there are no observable metal ion interactions within the internal loop of the A domain. Model structure calculations of Mn2+ interactions at two sites within the B domain indicate that the binding sites comprise major groove...
Modeling methane emissions from rice agriculture in China during 1961–2007

We assessed decadal changes in CH4 fluxes from rice fields in China during 1961–2007 using an empirical model that was modified to include the effects of changing patterns of fertilizer use and water management. We reviewed studies of the effects of organic amendments and found that an application rate of 6 tons/ha increased emissions by 115 ± 42% based on experimental manipulations from 10 studies. We also reviewed studies of mid-season drainage in rice fields and found that drainage reduced CH4 emissions by 35 ± 12% based on experiments reported from nine studies. Our simulations showed that the CH4 flux was about 8 Tg/year in 1961, gradually increased to a maximum of approximately 17 Tg/year in 1982, and then gradually declined to 7.5 Tg/year in 2007. The reduction in the total rice emissions after 1982 was caused primarily by changing agricultural practices, including mid-season drainage, increases in inorganic fertilizer use, improved crop yields, and decreases in the area used for rice production.
Qualitative Career Assessment: An Overview and Analysis

Qualitative career assessments are theoretically based interventions that are grounded in constructivism. Constructivism is a departure from the traditional logical positive worldview that has influenced the development of many traditional career assessments. A central concept to constructivism is the importance of meaning, which can only be understood in relation to context. Qualitative career assessment is idiographic in nature, and the individual serves as the reference point in both identifying pertinent themes and interpreting the meaning of those events. Furthermore, there is often a focus on social processes and the understanding that one’s view of the world is not static and is concurrently influenced by historical and cultural contexts that are continually changing and developing. Qualitative assessment often is seen as a potentially useful method for attending to issues related to diversity in career assessment. Because the purpose of qualitative assessment often is to co-construct a working nar...
MEMORY FOR FRENCH NEGATION BY STUDENTS OF FRENCH

High school and college students of French recalled French sentences which varied two types of negation. Half the sentences used affirmative syntax and half negative syntax (ne… pas); half used positive verbs (e.g., manger); and half used negative verbs (e.g., oublier). One to two weeks later students performed the same task with English translations. In French, sentences with affirmative syntax and positive verbs were remembered best; either form of negation depressed performance. In English, only verb negation depressed performance. In French, students sometimes inserted ne into affirmative sentences and omitted pas from negative sentences, an error a native speaker would not make. Amount of prior education in French affected how much students remembered but did not differentially affect the influence of syntactic and verb negation. The results suggest that there is an interaction during learning between the foreign language learner's native language and foreign language. Two suggestions about teaching syntactic negation in French are offered.
A novel two-dimensional method to measure surface shrinkage in cementitious materials

A novel experimental technique, Cure Reference Method (CRM), was developed for the measurement of surface shrinkage in cementitious materials. The technique combines the replication of diffraction grating on a specimen during the curing process and the use of high-sensitivity moire interferometry. Once demolded, the specimen was stored in an environmental chamber in order to establish specific curing conditions. Measurements were conducted on a daily basis for the duration of 7 days by recording a set of the consecutive phase shifted fringe patterns using the Portable Engineering Moire interferometer II (PEMI II). An automated fringe analysis system was developed and used to obtain displacement and strain information in two dimenzsions. Surface shrinkage behavior in both cement paste and mortar specimens was investigated by the use of the technique under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. Furthermore, an experimental control was developed in an effort to remove the effects of drying shrinkage on cementitious specimens at early ages. This was done in an effort to explore the relative contribution of autogenous shrinkage to the overall shrinkage in cementitious materials.
Modulation of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) sting response by octopamine

The ability of octopamine (OA) to modulate various parameters of the honey bee sting response was observed using an isolated abdominal preparation. OA reduced the level of rhythmic neuromuscular activity (as measured by electromyogram recordings) during stimulated stinging response trials, but did not alter the activity in pre-stimulation baseline trials or post-stimulation recovery trials. However, OA also potentiated reflexive sting extension responses and this potentiation persisted for at least 3 h. The different effects of OA on this behavior indicate that there are multiple targets for the neuromodulatory activity of OA on the sting response and that these targets may include muscular, motorneural, sensory or integrative elements responsible for generating stinging behavior. In addition, rates of oxygen (O2) consumption by abdominal preparations were found to be unaffected by OA treatment, indicating that respiration in the abdomen is not sensitive to OA modulation.
Localization of a highly specific neuronal protein, serotonin binding protein, in thyroid parafollicular cells

A highly specific serotonin binding protein (SBP) has been found in serotonergic neurons in both brain and gut. This protein has an extremely high affinity for serotonin and may be a storage protein. Serotonin is found in many endocrine cells, including parafollicular cells of the sheep thyroid, as well as in neurons. SBP is also present in sheep thyroid. The present study was done to localize the protein in the gland. Thyroid glands were divided into five segments. Concentrations of serotonin and SBP, as well as parafollicular cell volume were measured in each. Serotonin was assayed by enzymatic conversion to melatonin using tritiated S-adenosylmethionine. SBP was assayed by molecular sieve chromatography on sephadex G-50. The relative volume of parafollicular cells was obtained by stereological analysis of electron micrographs. Experiments were also done to demonstrate these cells by histofluorescence and radioautography following incubation with tritiated 5-hydroxytryptophan. Good correlations were found between serotonin and SBP concentrations, and parafollicular cell volume. These peaked in the rostro-central portion of the gland and were minimal at the poles. We conclude that thyroid SBP is probably localized in parafollicular cells.
WE‐G‐211‐07: Quasi‐Monochromatization of 110 KVp X‐Rays for Bench‐Top X‐Ray Fluorescence Computed Tomography (XFCT) Imaging of Gold Nanoparticle‐Loaded Objects

Purpose: To assess the impact of adopting a quasi‐monochromatic x‐ray source for bench‐top x‐ray fluorescencecomputed tomography (XFCT) imaging of goldnanoparticle‐loaded objects. Methods: A Monte Carlo(MC) model of an experimental XFCT system was created using the MCNP5 code. This model was used to simulate irradiation of a small animal‐sized plastic phantom containing water columns loaded with goldnanoparticles (GNPs) at various concentrations (2% or less by weight) with a Pb‐filtered polychromatic x‐ray source. MC results were verified with measurements to validate the model. Subsequently, MC simulations were repeated with monochromatic x‐ray sources (85, 90, and 95 keV) to determine the most ideal x‐ray energy to discriminate between gold K‐shell fluorescence peaks and the Compton scatter background. As a practical alternative to monochromatic x‐rays, a quasi‐monochromatic x‐ray spectrum was experimentally created from a polychromatic x‐ray spectrum (110 kVp) by using a highly oriented pyrolitic graphite (HOPG) crystal. This spectrum was used for further MC simulations to assess the effect of a quasi‐ monochromatic x‐ray spectrum on the detection of gold K—shell fluorescence x‐rays. Results: Monochromatic x‐ray energy needed to exceed 95 keV in order for the gold K‐shell fluorescence peaks (67 and 69 keV) to be discernible over the Compton scatter background at the detector position (90 degrees with respect to the beam axis). At the same GNP concentration, there was at least a three‐fold increase in the goldfluorescence peak‐to‐scatter background ratio from using the HOPG‐ generated quasi‐monochromatic source spectrum, compared to that from using the Pb‐filtered polychromatic source spectrum. Conclusions: Since a monochromatic synchrotron x‐ray beam, although ideal, is not readily available for a bench‐top XFCT system, quasi‐monochromatization of a polychromatic x‐ray source spectrum to peak at certain energies appears to help dramatically improve the detection efficiency of K‐shell fluorescence x‐rays from GNPs.
Effect of viscous flow on ion damage near solid surfaces.

Molecular dynamics computer simulations of 10 and 20 keV Au bombardment of Au substrates were performed to elucidate the influence of surfaces on defect production. Nearly all of the damage was due to local melting and viscous flow of hot liquid onto the surface. For the 10 keV event, 554 atoms flowed to the surface, and this led to the formation of a dislocation network that extended \ensuremath{\approxeq}6 nm below the surface. Only three interstitial atoms, and no isolated vacancies or small vacancy clusters were produced. Loop punching and the nature of nonlinear sputtering are also discussed.
Otavite-calcite solid-solution formation at the calcite-water interface studied in situ by synchrotron X-ray scattering

Abstract Synchrotron X-ray scattering measurements were performed in situ during the formation of thin (50–600 A) overgrowths of otavite-calcite solid-solutions at the (10 1 4) cleavage surface of single-crystal calcite. These solid-solutions were precipitated from EDTA-bearing aqueous solutions having varied initial saturation states of otavite and calcite. From repetitive X-ray diffraction scans, the Cd/(Ca + Cd) ratios and the effective thicknesses (average domain size perpendicular to the calcite cleavage surface) of the solid-solutions were determined as a function of time. Additional in-plane X-ray diffraction scans were done to further characterize the relationship between the solid-solutions and the calcite cleavage surface. The solid-solution phase grew epitaxially with a (1014) growth plane oriented parallel to the calcite (10 1 4) cleavage surface. The compositions of the solid-solutions evolved with time, while their growth rates (increases in effective thickness) remained fairly constant (10–54 A/hr). In each experiment, the coverage of the initial surface by the. solid-solution (calculated from the difference between the initial and final Cd concentrations in the aqueous solution) was about 20%. Glancing-incidence X-ray reflectivity scans were also monitored as a function of time. From these scans, we determined that the solid-water interface did not become significantly rougher during the nucleation and growth of the solid-solution phase. These observations indicate that the solid-solution grew by layer spreading and that most growth may have occurred preferentially at macrostep faces produced during cleavage.
Positive rolandic sharp waves in the electroencephalograms of premature neonates with intraventricular hemorrhage.

Abstract Seventy-eight electroencephalograms (EEGs) recorded from 44 premature infants with documented intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) were retrospectively reviewed. Positive rolandic sharp waves (PRS) were observed in 13 of 44 (29.5%) patients. Among infants with grades 3 and 4 IVH, the incidence of PRS was 60% (9 of 15). During the period of study, typical PRS appeared in two EEGs of one premature infant who did not suffer an IVH. PRS were usually associated with moderately abnormal EEG backgrounds and with grades 3 and 4 IVH. Beta activity was superimposed on an average of 21.5% of PRS (β-PRS). Infants with grades 3 and 4 IVH had a higher incidence of β-PRS than those with smaller hemorrhages. PRS first appeared in early postnatal life, increased in abundance and then eventually disappered from the records by 3–4 weeks of age. The field of distribution of PRS was centered at the central parasagittal region (C z ) with generous anteroposterior spread into the frontal and parietal vertices (F z and P z ) and symmetric lateral spread into the rolandic areas (C 3 and C 4 ). Asymmetric involvement of PRS at C 3 and C 4 may signify differential hemispheric injury. The majority of infants whose EEGs contained PRS died or suffered serious neurologic sequelae. However, their outcomes were not significantly inferior to those without PRS.
Photosynthetic and quasi-photosynthetic bacteria

The term photosynthesi was coined in 1893 to represent the light-dependent conversion of CO2 and water to organic compounds and molecular oxygen. Despite the discovery in 1907 that bacteriochlorophyll-containing purple bacteria do not produce molecular oxygen and can grow on organic carbon sources using light as the energy source, photosynthesis is still frequently defined as an oxygenic autotrophic process. The meanings of the terms photosynthesis and phototrophy have become increasingly obfuscated, especially by the recent isolation of a number of aerobic bacterial species which produce bacteriochlophyll but appear unable to use light as an energy source for appreciable biosynthesis. This paper focuses on the importance of formulating a more precise definition of photosynthesis, and thereby forcesrecognition of the existence of a class of ‘quasi-photosynthetic’ bacterial species whose bioenergetic patterns require further analysis.
Quantitative comparison of extent of coronary narrowing and size of healed myocardial infarct in 33 necropsy patients with clinically recognized and in 28 with clinically unrecognized (“silent”) previous acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Clinical and necropsy observations are described in 61 patients with a healed transmural myocardial infarction, 33 with and 28 without a clinical history of acute myocardial infarction. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups of patients in mean age, sex, or frequency of angina pectoris, chronic congestive heart failure, systemic hypertension, sudden coronary death, or fatal acute myocardial infarction. Compared with the patients with clinically recognized acute myocardial infarction, the patients with clinically unrecognized (silent) infarction had a significantly (p 2.9 4.0 per patient), insignificant differences in incidence of severe narrowing of the left main coronary artery (18 versus 29%), similar overall percents of 5 mm segments of the 4 major coronary arteries severely narrowed (43 versus 42%), and similar percents of severely narrowed 5 mm segments of the right (46 versus 55%), left anterior descending (39 versus 33%), and left circumflex (41 versus 41%) coronary arteries.
Catechin inhibition of mutagenesis and alteration of DNA binding of 2-acetyl-aminofluorene in rat hepatocytes.

Abstract Bioflavonoids are naturally occurring plant products that have demonstrated inhibitory effects on chemically induced carcinogenesis or mutagenesis. The chemoprotective effects are either direct scavenging of reactive molecules or indirect effects, such as enzyme activity alteration. Exposure of cultures of isolated rat hepatocytes to catechin (0.01–1.0 mM), a plant phenolic flavonoid, and subsequent addition of 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) resulted in an enhanced binding of AAF metabolites to hepatocellular DNA. Incubations of hepatocytes with catechin and S. typhimurium demonstrated no mutagenicity of catechin. At 1.0 and 5.0 mM concentrations of catechin with AAF and 30-min incubation with hepatocytes prior to plating there was inhibition of AAF-induced mutagenicity. However, at 0.5 mM of catechin there was a significant enhancement in mutagenicity. The increase in DNA binding of AAF in the cultures of hepatocytes is due to the alteration of metabolism by exposure to catechin. Catechin increases both N-hydroxylation and deacetylation pathways in the hepatocytes producing increases in N-hydroxy-AAF and aminofluorene. Both of these metabolites are important in AAF intermediates binding with DNA. The short-term incubation of catechin, AAF, hepatocytes, and S. typhimurium in the mutagenesis assay is not sufficient for induction of metabolic pathways. However, previously reported inhibition of detoxification pathways and/or scavening of the proximate carcinogen can occur to alter mutagenesis in a dose-dependent manner.
Accuracy of Imitative Production and Discrimination: Effects of Contingent Feedback:

The effect of contingent vs noncontingent feedback on accuracy of imitative production of 8 Polish words was examined for 7 males and 7 females at a rural day care center. In addition, a second measure, on which discrimination of correct and incorrect forms of the same Polish words was required, was administered before and after production training. Accuracy of production improved over sessions for the group receiving contingent feedback; accuracy of production in the noncontingent feedback group did not improve. Both groups performed at chance level during the initial discrimination test and improved significantly and nondifferentially on the later test. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for language development and imitation.
Representation of Similarity and Dependency for Manufacturing Process-Based Product Modularity

Previously in this forum, we validated a product modularity measure and modular product design method and developed a way to extend these product modularity fundamentals to encompass the impacts of assembly process similarity and dependency. This paper expands the life-cycle process-based modularity representation to the manufacturing process and beyond. Modularity representation, including similarity and dependency, is an important aspect of modular product design and it is imperative for realizing the promised cost savings of modularity. The component-component similarity matrix is used to cluster components with similar manufacturing processes into one module. Similarities are based on component processing codes that represent their manufacturing attributes. Clustering these manufacturing process similarities leads to cost savings through module-wide sharing of process plans, manufacturing tools, and equipment, and the reduction of manufacturing tool and equipment changes during manufacturing. The component-component dependency matrix is based on physical interactions among the components that affect the material, shape, size, surface finish etc. of the components, and therefore affect the component manufacturing processes. If components are independent of other components not in the same module with respect to these physical interactions, the redesign of components in one module will not cause a cascade of design and manufacturing process plan changes for components not in the same module. A fishing reel example is used to illustrate the application of manufacturing process similarity and dependency representations, in association with a product modularity measure and a modular product design method, to form manufacturing process-based component modules. The work in this paper establishes how to represent manufacturing process similarity and dependency for use in product modularity decision making. The use of such modules improves the efficiency of manufacturing process planning, and reduces design and manufacturing process costs.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Learning and information theory.

A general statistical description of learning processes is given, using an extension of classical information theory which is able to characterize a system's subjective uncertainty (subjective entropy) about a set of data and the relevance associated with them. Learning is defined as a process in which the system's subjective entropy or, equivalently, its missing information decreases in time. This definition implies that learning enables the system to optimize its responses upon external stimuli such that its expected profit increases. A physical model is discussed where the system's subjective probabilities, which enter into the definition of its missing information, can be considered as internal physical parameters. It is conjectured that the same might be true in models of brain and memory. Two forms of the associative memory model are briefly discussed.
Diagnostic challenges in a young woman with endometriosis: the value of excision

The aim of this report is to highlight the value of excision when treating and diagnosing endometriosis, as well as present an unusual case of concomitant endometriosis and pelvic malignancy in a young female. In a university hospital referral center, a 24-year-old nulligravid woman with suspected endometriosis had been treated unsuccessfully with empiric therapy for several years. Interventions were preoperative cyclic and continuous combined oral contraceptive pills and a NuvaRing for 2 years. Diagnosis was completed by laparoscopy and histologic evaluation. Surgical debulking by gynecology oncologist was followed by chemotherapy. The main outcome measure was definitive diagnosis via histology. Histologic diagnosis of endometriosis and concomitant pelvic malignancy with successful surgical excision of both. When evaluating a patient with chronic pelvic pain, it is necessary to have a high degree of suspicion for endometriosis. Early surgical and histologic evaluation is imperative for definitive diagnosis. An added benefit of histologic diagnosis is the opportunity to assess for malignancy.
Improving the performance of an active power filter as part of a multifunctional high power electrical vehicle charging station

This paper first analyzes low switching frequency discrete-time control techniques of an active power filter (APF) of a multifunctional high power electrical vehicle charging station. Based on the analysis, two major factors which greatly degrade the performance of the APF under this control technique, are identified. The first one is that there is always a delay caused by performing digital control algorithm. The second one is that the voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC) is changing during one sampling period. Then, techniques to deal with these problems and improve the performance of the cascaded multilevel inverter based APF are given. These techniques use data collected in previous line cycle to generate reference current and voltage for the APF. Finally, simulation results in Matlab/Simulink are provided to validate these techniques.
Evaluating Reverse Speech as a Control Task with Language-Related Gamma Activity on Electrocorticography

Reverse speech has often been used as a control task in brain-mapping studies of language utilizing various non-invasive modalities. The rationale is that reverse speech is comparable to forward speech in terms of auditory characteristics, while omitting the linguistic components. Thus, it may control for non-language auditory functions. This finds some support in fMRI studies indicating that reverse speech resulted in less blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal intensity in perisylvian regions than forward speech. We attempted to externally validate a reverse speech control task using intracranial electrocorticography (ECoG) in eight patients with intractable focal epilepsy. We studied adolescent and adult patients who underwent extraoperative ECoG prior to resective epilepsy surgery. All patients received an auditory language task during ECoG recording. Patients were presented 115 audible question stimuli, including 30 reverse speech trials. Reverse speech trials more strongly engaged bilateral superior temporal sites than did the corresponding forward speech trials. Forward speech trials elicited larger gamma-augmentation at frontal lobe sites not attributable to sensorimotor function. Other temporal and frontal sites of significant augmentation showed no significant difference between reverse and forward speech. Thus, we failed to validate reported evidence of weaker activation of temporal neocortices during reverse compared to forward speech. Superior temporal lobe engagement may indicate increased attention to reverse speech. Reverse speech does not appear to be a suitable task for the control of non-language auditory functions on ECoG.
Variations in the Ascorbic Acid Blood Level of Hens

Abstract VARIATIONS in the level of ascorbic acid in the blood of hens should be of considerable interest because of their possible relationship to genetic differences in the metabolism of that vitamin. Plimmer and Rosedale (1923), Emmett and Peacock (1923), and Hart et al. (1925) early demonstrated that ascorbic acid is not necessary for the growth of chickens. Holmes et al. (1939, 1940) and Ludwig (1940) have shown that it is not necessary for normal laying. Satterfield et al. (1940) found no relationship of the ascorbic-acid content of chicken blood to 14 different pathological conditions. In most of these studies a single breed was used. Apparently no one has investigated the possibility that breeds might differ in metabolism of ascorbic acid. In the fowl such differences might exist quite independently of dietary factors. Nichita and Iftimescu (1934), Nichita et al. (1934), and Lamoreux and Hutt (1939) showed that breed differences do . . .
Retrospective analysis of technological literacy of K-12 students in the USA

Assessing technological literacy in the USA will require a large expenditure of resources. While these important initiatives are taking place, it is useful to analyze existing archival data to get a sense of students’ understanding of technology. Such archival data exists from the entries submitted to the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVisions competition conducted during the past 15 years. Although these data are from a targeted population of K-12 students (those who entered the competition), it does provide some baseline data about students’ views and understanding of technology. The analysis of this data reflects which technologies students chose to study and explore for the competition. In forecasting what these technologies may be like in 20 years, students also revealed what they saw as the positive and negative consequences of their chosen technologies. In addition, in their descriptions of their design process, they revealed what factors drove them to reject certain design choices.
The impact of low- and moderate-wealth homeownership on parental attitudes and behavior: Evidence from the Community Advantage Panel

Considerable research has suggested that homeownership imparts a variety of positive individual, family, neighborhood, and community effects. Yet, much of the research to date has failed to examine such effects by level of income [Dietz, R.D., & Haurin, D.R. (2003). The social and private micro-level consequences of homeownership. Journal of Urban Economics, 54(3), 401-450.]. This study adds to the limited research on the impact of assets on parental attitude and behavior among low- and moderate-income (LMI) families. Data used in this study are from the evaluation of Self-Help's Community Advantage Home Loan Secondary Market Program. Specifically, we focus on the differences in the demographic and financial backgrounds, and parental attitudes and behavior between LMI homeowners and a comparison group of renters (n=815 owners; n=333 renters). Logistic regression analyses are used to model parental attitude and behavior outcomes on tenure, controlling for a variety of household characteristics. Results show that the overall differences between homeowners and renters on parental outcomes are statistically nonsignificant. This finding implies that tenure per se is not associated with parental attitudes and behavior. Explanations for the possible reasons for the lack of a tenure effect are discussed. Policy implications are forwarded.
Containing cost despite the cost.

In this issue of Medical Care, Lu et al show that implementation of a fail-first or step therapy program for antipsychotic and anticonvulsant medications in the Maine Medicaid program resulted in a 32.3% reduction in the expected initiation of medications among patients with bipolar disorder.1 This
The Fraud Investigation Detective Agency

The Fraud Investigation Detective Agency presents the problems faced by Ken and Barbara Wilson as they established their new business and, after achieving an initial success, the issues that the Wilsons faced as they attempted to expand the business. This case deals with the importance of creating competitive advantages as a strategy in starting a new venture. The case continues as the owners recognize the effects of their competitive advantages on the successful launch of the company. Finally, the case deals with strategies to expand market share by utilizing these competitive advantages. Financial data from the actual company are included.
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN APPLES AND CANNED APPLESAUCE

Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to analyze apples and canned applesauce for twelve essential elements. Neutron activation analysis was used to determine three other elements. The element content of raw apples was compared with that of canned applesauce, and that of early season apples was compared with late season apples. Processing caused essentially no change in the element content of apples. There was statistically significant (P 0.01) higher amount of chloride, iron, and sodium in the canned applesauce than in the apples, a higher amount of copper in the canned applesauce than in the apples from the late season, and a higher amount of phosphorus in the late season apples than in the early season apples. Apples and canned applesauce supply a small percentage of the six essential elements included for which RDA's have been established. The content of the other nine elements was lower than that in some other fruits.
Computation of dominant eigenvalues and eigenvectors: A comparative study of algorithms.

We investigate two widely used recursive algorithms for the computation of eigenvectors with extreme eigenvalues of large symmetric matrices---the modified Lancz\"os method and the conjugate-gradient method. The goal is to establish a connection between their underlying principles and to evaluate their performance in applications to Hamiltonian and transfer matrices of selected model systems of interest in condensed matter physics and statistical mechanics. The conjugate-gradient method is found to converge more rapidly for understandable reasons, while storage requirements are the same for both methods.
Chesterton Soil Concretions: Ilmenite and Not Iron-Manganese Cementing Matrix

Dark reddish-brown spherules are common in soils of the Chesterton soil series of a high marine terrace in southern California. The spherules are concretionary in structure and are bound by ilmenite rather than by an iron-manganese complex. The spherules have been mislabeled both with respect to structure and mineralogy.
Emulsification synergism in mixtures of polyelectrolyte brush-grafted nanoparticles and surfactants.

Abstract Hypothesis Silica nanoparticles displaying densely grafted poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) polycationic brushes are highly efficient emulsifiers, stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions at concentrations as low as 0.05 to 0.1 wt%. Adding conventional surfactants is expected to alter emulsification efficiency by interacting with grafted nanoparticles in bulk and/or at the oil/water interface. Experiments Emulsification efficiency was studied in the presence of three different surfactants, namely the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate, the nonionic water-soluble surfactant Triton X-100 and the nonionic, oil-soluble surfactant Span 85. SDS complexation with PDMAEMA-grafted nanoparticles was monitored by electrophoretic mobility and optical density changes. Findings Even though SDS is a poor emulsifier, emulsification was promoted by SDS at low concentrations, where complexation with PDMAEMA-grafted particles produced a synergistic effect on emulsification efficiency. Increasing the SDS concentration did not enhance emulsification, and stable emulsions formed in the absence of SDS were broken by its addition. The enhancement of emulsification efficiency with dilute SDS correlated with low degrees of complexation with PDMAEMA such that the nanoparticle-grafted brush had a lower charge density and more of an amphiphilic nature. The hindrance of emulsification at higher SDS concentrations was attributed to more extensive complexation and the resulting brush charge reversal that would inhibit adsorption at the oil/water interface in the presence of adsorbing SDS. Synergism was also observed in the presence of Triton X-100, while Span 85 had no discernible effect on emulsification efficiency, although it is noted that only a single concentration of the latter surfactant was investigated.
Assessment of intra-SR free [Ca] and buffering in rat heart

To measure the free intrasarcoplasmic reticulum [Ca] ([Ca]SR) in isolated rat cardiac microsomes, ventricular tissue was homogenized in the presence of the low-affinity Ca indicator furaptra. Stepwise increases in cuvette [Ca] ([Ca]c) in the presence of ATP caused progressive increases in steady-state intravesicular fluorescence ratio to a maximum (Rmax). Steady-state [Ca]SR/[Ca]c was approximately 7000. Therefore the resting [Ca]SR may approach 700 microM in the rat cardiac myocyte at [Ca]c = 100 nM. The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca pump requires a free energy of deltaG approximately 44 kJ x mol(-1) to generate this [Ca] gradient (e.g., approximately 74% of deltaG(ATP)). Total SR 45Ca uptake was also measured in digitonin-permeabilized myocytes as a function of [Ca]c in the absence of precipitating ions. The steady-state SR Ca content at 100 nM [Ca]c was approximately 400 micromol/liter cytosolic volume. Used together, these data allowed evaluation of the in situ SR Ca-buffering properties. The SR Ca-binding site concentration was approximately 14 mM, and Kd(Ca) approximately 0.638 mM [Ca]SR.
Rate coefficients, binding probabilities, and related quantities for area reactivity models

We further develop the general theory of the area reactivity model that describes the diffusion-influenced reaction of an isolated receptor-ligand pair in terms of a generalized Feynman-Kac equation and that provides an alternative to the classical contact reactivity model. Analyzing both the irreversible and reversible reaction, we derive the equation of motion of the survival probability as well as several relationships between single pair quantities and the reactive flux at the encounter distance. Building on these relationships, we derive the equation of motion of the many-particle survival probability for irreversible pseudo-first-order reactions. Moreover, we show that the usual definition of the rate coefficient as the reactive flux is deficient in the area reactivity model. Numerical tests for our findings are provided through Brownian Dynamics simulations. We calculate exact and approximate expressions for the irreversible rate coefficient and show that this quantity behaves differently from its classical counterpart. Furthermore, we derive approximate expressions for the binding probability as well as the average lifetime of the bound state and discuss on- and off-rates in this context. Throughout our approach, we point out similarities and differences between the area reactivity model and its classical counterpart, the contact reactivity model. The presented analysis and obtained results provide a theoretical framework that will facilitate the comparison of experiment and model predictions.
Gamma radiation-enhanced thermal diffusion of iron ions into II-VI semiconductor crystals

We investigate the effect of γ-irradiation on the rate of post-growth thermal diffusion of iron into ZnSe and ZnS. Samples had thin films of iron deposited on one facet and were annealed at 950°C for 14 days in the presence of γ-radiation and diffusion lengths were compared to those of traditional post-growth thermal diffusion in the absence of γ-irradiation. Samples of Fe:ZnSe and Fe:ZnS annealed under 44R/s γ-irradiation showed increases in diffusion rate of 14% and 50%, respectively.
A computer analysis to obtain neutron spectra from an organic scintillator

Abstract Neutron spectra are obtained from the conversion of pulse-height data produced by recoil protons in a scintillation detector. The FORTRAN computer code which is presented uses a method of analysis which is based on the properties of the scintillator and the scintillation process. The simplicity of the code demonstrates that this method can be adapted easily for use on a small computer. Results of analysis of data from mono-energetic neutrons are presented along with limitations of the code. The neutron spectrum obtained for neutrons from a PuBe source compares very favorably with other measurements.
PERSONALITY MEASUREMENT: DO THE SCALES HAVE SIMILAR MEANINGS IN ANOTHER CULTURE?

There has been a good deal of discussion in recent years about the transfer of technology from industrialized to developing countries. It may, therefore, be appropriate to consider the degree to which the technology of personality measurement can be transferred from one society to another. Can English-speaking Filipinos, for instance, use a test developed in the United States without having to repeat the steps of scale construction and standardization? Translation, of course, makes the transfer of tests a much more complicated matter. Avoiding the problem of translation by using Filipino students fluent in English, we are asking the question whether scales developed and standardized with Americans are measuring the same traits when they are answered by Filipino students. Does a high score on Achievement or Aggression or Dominance imply the same constellation of behaviour patterns with Filipinos as it does with Americans? More fundamentally, one has to ask the question whether the concepts of achievement, aggression or dominance can be used in a second society without extensive modification. It is not merely a question of transfer of tests, which may not be very important, but the transfer of the very conceptual systems themselves, as applied to human behaviour.
A Review of Broad-Band Electrostatic Waves in the Magnetotail

Recent results showing that ions beams are the cause of generating broad-band electrostatic waves in the magnetotail, as well as theoretical work in good agreement with the spectrum observed, is reviewed. The implications of this for the transport and other dynamics of the magnetotail are discussed.