cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exempting Schoolchildren From Immunizations: States With Few Barriers Had Highest Rates Of Nonmedical Exemptions

Rates of nonmedical exemptions from school immunizations are increasing and have been associated with resurfacing clusters of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles. Historically, state-level school immunization policies successfully suppressed such diseases. We examined state immunization exemption regulations across the United States. We assessed procedures for exempting schoolchildren and whether exemption rates were associated with the complexity of the procedures. We also analyzed legal definitions of religious objections and state legislatures' recent modifications to exemption policies. We found that states with simpler immunization exemption procedures had nonmedical exemption rates that were more than twice as high as those in states with more-complex procedures. We also found that the stringency of legal definitions of religious exemptions was not associated with exemption procedure complexity. Finally, we found that although there were more attempts by state legislatures to broaden exemptions than to tighten them in 2011-13, only bills tightening exemptions passed. Policy makers seeking to control exemption rates to achieve public health goals should consider tightening nonmedical exemption procedures and should add vaccine education components to the procedures by either mandating or encouraging yearly educational sessions in schools for parents reluctant to have their children vaccinated.
Depletion of trace elements in mated male heliothis virescens and drosophila melanogaster

Abstract 1. 1. Newly emerged, mated and unmated Heliothis virescens (Fabricus) and Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen) males were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for total Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Cu and Zn content. 2. 2. Only mated H. virescens males underwent any significant depletion of trace elements. 3. 3. Loss of trace elements in mated H. virescens males may be attributed to their transfer to the female, or to some other metabolic activity related to mating. Trace element availability and utilization may be important limiting factors in reproduction in this species.
Pattern formation in the Schlögl model of nonlinear kinetics

Abstract To study the effect of a local, spatial inhomogeneity on the progress of a chemical reaction which may exhibit a nonequilibrium phase transition, we have studied a (slightly) generalized version of a model proposed originally by Schlogl. Focusing on that regime of parameter space where the reaction sequence A + 2X[lrarr2]3X and B + X[lrarr2]C allows a first-order transition, we consider the consequences of introducing a spatially-varying diffusion coefficient characterized by a correlation length which calibrates the region over which the spatial inhomogeneity persists. We find that if the inhomogeneity is localized, only small quantitative differences are found between the exact solution reported earlier by Schlogl and the solutions generated here. However, as the correlation length becomes larger, abruptly at a certain critical value, a qualitative change in the nature of the solutions is found, with apparent oscillations produced in the concentration variable of the problem. We interpret this behavior as indicating the onset of pattern formation, and suggest that this behavior may be of importance in those radiation-induced phenomena where high-energy intermediates are produced.
On sense and senses: Intelligence and auditory information processing

Brighter people process information faster than the less bright on a variety of cognitive tasks, but interpretation of this observation is ambiguous. The first two experiments here emphasize discrimination ability while downplaying speed-of-processing, yet indicate significant aptitude-related differences. Both experiments involve frequency discrimination of two 20-msec tones in the absence of any masking using a two-interval forced choice procedure. Correlations of frequency discrimination thresholds with Cattell's Culture Fair Intelligence Test IQ in college students range between -0.42 and -0.54. Placing more emphasis on resolution than speed, the results suggest that higher intelligence may be associated with greater resolution capacity, which in turn may increase speed of performance. The third experiment tested the hypothesis that brighter people perform better on any novel ‘nonentrenched’ task. Brief tone bursts were embedded in broadband noise, in notched noise (distracting, but containing no frequencies near the fundamental of the target tone), or in quiet. No aptitude-related differences in signal detection thresholds were observed, suggesting that aptitude-related effects of novelty per se are an unlikely explanation for the superior frequency discrimination performance of brighter college students. Detection tasks, in contrast to recognition tasks, do not tap the ‘higher’ cognitive functions associated with psychometric intelligence.
Reply to "Perturbative forces in the proposed satellite energy exchange experiment"

We present our reasons for believing that the accuracy of the proposed satellite energy exchange experiment for gravitational measurements will not be degraded by the possible sources of error discussed in the foregoing comment by Keyser.
Seperation of proteins using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide discontinuous gel electrophoresis

The gel electrophoresis system presented here allows the separation of proteins with the concomitant retention of detectable native activities. The system, referred to as CAT gel electrophoresis. uses the detergent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in combination with a discontinuous gel matrix to resolve protein mixtures into discrete bands. Many proteins retain detectable levels of native activity after CAT electrophoresis, and gel bands can be easily identified using assays based on specific enzymatic activities or binding characteristics. The ability to identify protein bands based on BothMnr and activity in a single gel makes the CAT system a powerful adjunct to existing biochemical techniques.
Identification of a cytoskeletal network adherent to the mitochondria of mammalian spermatozoa

In this study we identify a reticular network of electron-dense material in the spermatozoan midpiece which is immediately peripheral to the outer dense fiber-axoneme complex and is adherent to the overlying mitochondria. This network, termed the submitochondrial lattice, extends throughout the midpiece and terminates at the midpiece-principal piece junction where it fuses to the annulus. In cross sections this material appears as an approximately 10-14-nm-thick, discontinuous layer adherent to the outer mitochondrial membrane; longitudinal sections reveal that the network is arranged as longitudinally oriented electron-dense bands which branch and anastomose laterally to form a cylinder-shaped reticulum. The potential role of this complex in organizing the mitochondrial helix and in maintaining mitochondrial distribution is discussed.
Induction of group-specific interspecies antibody in a cat by immunization with disrupted feline leukaemia virus.

“ALL mice, cats and virtually all chickens seem to be completely refractory to developing antibody to the group-specific, gs, antigens characteristic of the RNA tumour viruses of their own species.”1 This is explained on the basis of an immune tolerance induced in early embryonic life by the expression of these antigens before the development of immune competence. Avian group-specific (gs) antibody has been demonstrated in the sera of immunized chickens by the immunodiffusion (Ouchterlony)2 and complement fixation inhibition3 tests. This report is to record the production of gs antibody in a cat which had been immunized with gs antigen from disrupted feline leukaemia virus (FeLV).
Spatially-Localized Band-Filling Effects and Band-Gap Renormalization in Growth-Interrupted Quantum Wells

We have observed a large excitonic linewidth broadening at low temperatures in growth-interrupted asymmetric-coupled quantum wells as irradiance increases. We attribute this broadening to the decrease of the exciton binding energy due to spatially-localized band-gap renormalization. We have also observed the stepwise saturation of the photoluminescence emission peaks as irradiance increases in growth-interrupted asymmetric-coupled quantum wells with various structures and doping profiles. We attribute this saturation to the result of spatially-localized band-filling effects. Based on the time-resolved photoluminescence measurements, we have determined the nature of the recombination processes and the exciton densities. In both undoped and modulation-doped samples, the small interface island area as a result of growth-interruption allows us to generate large carrier density in the islands; both band-gap renormalization and band-filling effects become stronger even at low irradiances. In compensation-doped asymmetric-coupled quantum wells, we observed anomalously large blue shift of donor-acceptor pair transition energy as the laser intensity increases.
Simultaneous recording of His bundle electrogram, electrocardiogram, and systolic tension from intact modified Langendorff rat heart preparations. II. Dose-response relationship of cadmium.

A dose-response study was undertaken to evaluate further the suspected specificity shown by cadmium for the atrioventricular (A-V) nodal region of the myocardial conduction system. Using the previously developed method for recording electromechanical events of isolated hearts, the effects of 3 × 10−2, 3 × 10−3, and 3 × 10−5 mm Cd2+ were studied. His bundle electrogram (HBE), ECG, and systolic tension analyses demonstrated a direct doseresponse relationship with increasing cadmium concentrations. Significant PR and A-H interval prolongations were evident at all concentrations of cadmium studied. Although depressed by greater cadmium concentrations, neither the H-V interval, the spontaneous heart rate, nor the systolic tensions were significantly affected by 3 × 10−5 mm Cd2+ perfusion. These observations indicate that cadmium is a specific depressant of conduction in the region of the A-V node. Since cadmium is known to interfere with calcium-activated processes, it is proposed that cadmium may act by displacing membrane calcium and/or by altering cellular uptake of calcium. If cadmium does act to displace calcium in heart tissue, these results may also infer that cells of the A-V nodal region are selectively sensitive to cadmium because of a greater dependence on external calcium for the maintenance of cell excitability. The preferential selectivity shown by cadmium for specific cells in the cardiac conduction system is a unique finding which suggests that conduction tissue excitability may be partially dependent on external calcium uptake and distribution and/or the interactions of various trace and heavy metal ions.
college students and the work world

Students attending a midwestern university (N = 520) were surveyed about their attitudes toward the work world, their futures, and adulthood. Differences between underclassmen and upperclassmen in plans following graduation and perceived level of preparation may reflect each group's closeness to graduation. Differences were found between male and female students regarding their connections to and reliance on their parents. Options to better transition students into the work world are discussed.
International Faculty in U.S. Community Colleges.

This chapter profiles international faculty in U.S. community colleges, compares them to noninternational faculty, and calls for greater emphasis on this often-overlooked group in future policies and research.
A note introducing syntax through semantic routines

Historically, semantic routines have been treated within the confines of code generation rather than as an issue in grammar construction. The point of this paper is to illustrate when and how semantic routine placement within a grammar changes from a semantic construction to a syntactical construction.
Stochastic sequencing of surgeries for a single surgeon operating in parallel operating rooms

We develop algorithms for a stochastic two-machine single-server sequencing problem with waiting time, idle time and overtime costs. Scheduling surgeries for a single surgeon operating in two parallel operating rooms (ORs) motivates the work. The basic idea is that staff perform cleanup and setup in one OR while the surgeon is operating in the other. The benefit is less waiting time for the surgeon between surgeries, but may also result in added idle time for staff if cleanup and set-up are completed prior to completion of surgery in the other OR. When surgeries are long relative to cleanup and setup times, parallel OR scheduling is not attractive as significant OR and staff idle time will result. The problem we address consists of assigning surgeries to ORs and sequencing them, and is formulated as an integer stochastic program using sample average approximation. A decomposition based solution approach is developed. Computational testing based on real data shows that the proposed methods solve the proble...
The oral microbial consortium's interaction with the periodontal innate defense system

The oral microbial consortium is the most characterized polymicrobial microbial community associated with the human host. Extensive sampling of both microbial and tissue samples has demonstrated that there is a strong association between the type of microbial community found in the gingival crevice and the status of innate host mediator expression. The strong clinical association between the microbial community and the innate host response in both clinically healthy and diseased tissue suggests that the oral consortium has a direct effect on periodontal tissue expression of innate defense mediators. A preliminary study in germ-free mice has demonstrated that the oral commensal consortium has direct effect on IL-1β expression, indicating that this microbial community may contribute to the strong protective status of healthy gingival tissue. Likewise, the lipopolysaccharide composition and invasion characteristics of Porphyromonas gingivalis, an oral bacterium strongly associated with periodontitis, suggest...
'I would if I could': how oncologists and oncology nurses address spiritual distress in cancer patients.

Medical providers are called upon to address a wide range of psychosocial issues, under increasing time constraints. Spiritual/existential distress was one of 18 issues covered in a survey of oncologists’ (n=94) and oncology nurses’ (n=267) attitudes and practices regarding psychosocial issues. The survey included patient vignettes at good, moderate and poor prognosis levels, and questions regarding attitudes toward patient care, typical and ideal services, and expectation for impact. A substantial proportion of both oncologists (37.5%) and nurses (47.5%) identified themselves as primarily responsible for addressing spiritual distress in their setting. However, over 85% of both MDs and RNs felt that ideally a chaplain should address such issues. Working in an inpatient setting predicted that nurses, but not doctors, would confer with chaplains. When ranking spiritual distress as important to address in comparison to 17 other issues, only 11.8% of MDs and 8.5% of RNs ranked it in the top three for the poor prognosis vignette, with yet lower values with better prognoses. For the poor prognosis, younger MDs were more likely to address spirituality (r=−0.26) and were also more likely to address anxiety or depression (r=0.25) and family distress (r=0.20). For RNs, no such relationships appeared. Perceived impact was also a predictor of whether spirituality issues were addressed. These results suggest that spiritual distress experienced by cancer patients may be under-addressed due to time constraints, lack of confidence in effectiveness, and role uncertainty. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second-order languages and mathematical practice

There are well-known theorems in mathematical logic that indicate rather profound differences between the logic of first-order languages and the logic of second-order languages. In the first-order case, for example, there is Godel's completeness theorem: every consistent set of sentences (vis-a-vis a standard axiomatization) has a model. As a corollary, first-order logic is compact: if a set of formulas is not satisfiable, then it has a finite subset which also is not satisfiable. The downward Lowenheim-Skolem theorem is that every set of satisfiable first-order sentences has a model whose cardinality is at most countable (or the cardinality of the set of sentences, whichever is greater), and the upward Lowenheim-Skolem theorem is that if a set of first-order sentences has, for each natural number n, a model whose cardinality is at least n, then it has, for each infinite cardinal κ (greater than or equal to the cardinality of the set of sentences), a model of cardinality κ. It follows, of course, that no set of first-order sentences that has an infinite model can be categorical. Second-order logic, on the other hand, is inherently incomplete in the sense that no recursive, sound axiomatization of it is complete. It is not compact, and there are many well-known categorical sets of second-order sentences (with infinite models). Thus, there are no straightforward analogues to the Lowenheim-Skolem theorems for second-order languages and logic.There has been some controversy in recent years as to whether “second-order logic” should be considered a part of logic, but this boundary issue does not concern me directly, at least not here.
Economic implications of thrombolysis or operation as the initial treatment modality in acute peripheral arterial occlusion

Background. Thrombolytic agents have been used to treat arterial occlusion for almost 40 years.1,2 Recently, an investigation of the costs associated with two treatment options for acute peripheral arterial occlusions, thrombolysis and surgical intervention, was completed. The availability of hospital cost data for patients enrolled in the thrombolytic and operative treatment groups provided a basis with which to accurately assess the financial impact of the different treatment strategies, both from a purely financial standpoint and in relation to outcome. Methods. The patient base was composed of 114 patients with acute limb ischemia of less than 7 days' duration. The patients were randomly assigned to receive urokinase (n=57) or to undergo an operation (n=57) as the initial therapeutic intervention. Patients in the thrombolytic group underwent standard intraarterial diagnostic arteriography, and patients with embolic events, in whom complete lysis of all embolic and propagated thrombotic material was achieved, were subsequently treated with heparin and long-term warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. The economic analysis was undertaken after the completion of the trial. Statistical comparisons between groups were made with the Student t test for continuous, normally distributed data. Mortality and limb salvage rates were calculated from Kaplan-Meier curves, appropriate for the censored nature of the data. Results. The total treatment costs did not differ significantly between the two treatment groups ($22,171±$4,959 in the thrombolytic group and $19,775±$5,253 in the operative group). The total hospital charges were similar between the two groups. Overall, the total charges were remarkably similar between the two treatment groups, averaging $40,823±$8,764 in the thrombolytic group and $41,930±$10,398 in the operative group. Conclusions. An economic analysis of the data confirmed that the total economic impact of thrombolysis approximated that of initial operative therapy. The improved clinical outcome in patients treated with thrombolysis suggests that this modality may be appropriate as the initial therapeutic intervention in the select group of patients seen within the first few hours of an acute peripheral arterial occlusive event.
Formal analysis of MPI-based parallel programs

The goal is reliable parallel simulations, helping scientists understand nature, from how foams compress to how ribosomes construct proteins.
Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography-Guided Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Limited-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose Omitting elective nodal irradiation from planning target volumes does not compromise outcomes in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer, but whether the same is true for those with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) is unknown. Therefore, in the present study, we sought to determine the clinical outcomes and the frequency of elective nodal failure in patients with LS-SCLC staged using positron emission tomography/computed tomography and treated with involved-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Methods and Materials Between 2005 and 2008, 60 patients with LS-SCLC at our institution underwent disease staging using positron emission tomography/computed tomography before treatment using an intensity-modulated radiotherapy plan in which elective nodal irradiation was intentionally omitted from the planning target volume (mode and median dose, 45 Gy in 30 fractions; range, 40.5 Gy in 27 fractions to 63.8 Gy in 35 fractions). In most cases, concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy was administered. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes to determine the overall survival, relapse-free survival, and failure patterns. Elective nodal failure was defined as recurrence in initially uninvolved hilar, mediastinal, or supraclavicular nodes. Survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results The median age of the study patients at diagnosis was 63 years (range, 39–86). The median follow-up duration was 21 months (range, 4–58) in all patients and 26 months (range, 4–58) in the survivors. The 2-year actuarial overall survival and relapse-free survival rate were 58% and 43%, respectively. Of the 30 patients with recurrence, 23 had metastatic disease and 7 had locoregional failure. We observed only one isolated elective nodal failure. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the outcomes in patients with LS-SCLC staged with positron emission tomography/computed tomography and treated with definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy. In these patients, elective nodal irradiation can be safely omitted from the planning target volume for the purposes of dose escalation and toxicity reduction.
Temperature and oxygen in Missouri reservoirs

Abstract Vertical profiles of water temperature (n = 7193) and dissolved oxygen (n = 6516) were collected from 235 Missouri reservoirs during 1989–2007; most data were collected during May–August and provide a regional summary of summer conditions. Collectively, surface water temperature ranged from a mean of ∼22 C in May to ∼28 C in July, and individual summer maxima typically were 28–32 C. Most (∼95%) reservoirs stably stratify by mid-May, but few are deep enough to have hypolimnia with near-uniform temperatures. Among stratified reservoirs, maximum effective length and maximum depth accounted for 75% of the variation in mixed depth and thermocline depth. Ephemeral, near-surface thermoclines occurred in ∼39% of summer profiles and were most frequent in small, turbid reservoirs. Isotherms below the mixed layer deepen during stratification, and the water column is >20 C by August in all but the deepest reservoirs. Most reservoirs showed incipient dissolved oxygen (DO) depletion by mid-May, and by August, ...
Antihypertensive therapy with diltiazem and comparison with hydrochlorothiazide

Fourteen hypertensive patients with a mean sitting systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) of 153 ± 16100 ± 4 mm Hg were treated successively with hydrochlorothiazide and diltiazem for 8 weeks each. The BP response and changes in heart rate, left ventricular size and function, and plasma catecholamine concentrations and renin activity were monitored. The 2 drugs had comparable antihypertensive effects, with mean decreases of 14,9 and 11 mm Hg for the sitting, standing and supine diastolic BP, respectively, during hydrochlorothiazide treatment and mean decreases of 16, 18 and 12 mm Hg during diltiazem treatment. Heart rate was unchanged, although plasma norepinephrine concentrations increased significantly during diltiazem treatment. Plasma renin activity increased slightly, from 0.6 to 0.9 ng/ml/hour during diltiazem treatment, but the change was not significant (p < 0.10). Left ventricular ejection fraction and end-diastolic volume were not affected by either agent. In conclusion, diltiazem is an effective antihypertensive agent, which because of its benign side effect profile, may be useful as a step 1 agent.
Effects of breeder age and dietary fat on subsequent broiler performance. 1. Growth, mortality, and feed conversion

The effects of breeder age (35, 51, and 63 wk) and added dietary fat on subsequent broiler growth, mortality, and feed conversion through 42 d were evaluated. Beginning at 22 wk of age, diets included 0, 1.5, or 3.0% added poultry fat (PF), 1.5 or 3.0% added corn oil (CO), or 3.0% added lard (LA). Broilers from hens 35 wk of age performed better between 0 and 21 d than those from 51- and 63-wk-old hens. Conversely, between 22 and 42 d, broilers from hens 51 wk of age performed better than those at 35 and 63 wk. In relation to PF, CO added to breeder diets increased 0 to 21 d BW gain in broilers; whereas, feed conversion between 22 and 42 d was reduced in broilers from hens fed PF compared to those fed CO. In conclusion, breeder age influenced broiler performance differently throughout the growout period. Fat added at the 1.5% level to breeder hen diets was an effective energy source. However, less saturated fat improved growout performance.
Baseline sulphur and fluoride concentrations in indigenous plants common in the Northern great Plains

Abstract Pre-industrial baseline concentrations of fluoride and sulphur content of 17 plant species indigenous to the Northern Great Plains coal fields are described. Values for both fluoride and sulphur approximate a log-normal distribution. Baseline sulphur values for eastern North America and fluoride baselines are higher than those observed in this study and should not be considered representative of vegetation from the Northern Great Plains. Concentrations of fluoride and sulphur in plant tissues from a moderately polluted Great Plains site provide upper limit values describing the potential increase under PSD Class II increments. Juniperus scopulorum Sarg. could serve as a long-term regional biomonitor for sulphur and fluoride pollution.
Influence of fiber coating thickness on fracture behavior of continuous woven Nicalon® fabric-reinforced silicon-carbide matrix ceramic composites

Nicalon® plain-weave fiber fabric-reinforced silicon carbide (SiC) matrix composites with various pyrolytic carbon fiber/matrix interface coating thicknesses have been successfully fabricated by forced chemical vapor infiltration (FCVI) methods. The influence of the carbon interface coating thickness on the fracture behavior of these fiber fabric-reinforced SiC composites has been investigated. Experimental results indicate that fiber coating thickness significantly alters the fracture behavior of SiC composites. The fracture strength exhibits a maximum as the coating thickness increases. A theoretical model has been developed to simulate the fracture behavior in the SiC composites with varied carbon interface coatings. The model assumes that microcracking, which is due to low matrix toughness, initiates and arrests continuously. The model-predicted fracture behavior compares well with the experimental results.
Proadrenomedullin NH2-terminal peptide (PAMP)(12-20) has vasodepressor activity in the rat and cat

Abstract Decreases in systemic arterial pressure in response to human proadrenomedullin NH 2 -terminal 20 peptide (hPAMP), a truncated analog, hPAMP(12–20), and human adrenomedullin (hADM) were compared in the rat and cat. The order of potency was hADM > hPAMP > hPAMP(12–20). hPAMP(12–20) was approximately 3-fold less potent than the full sequence peptide, hPAMP, and 10-fold less potent than the related peptide, hADM. The duration of the vasodepressor responses to hPAMP(1220) and hPAMP were similar, and responses to both peptides were significantly shorter in duration than hADM. Vasodepressor responses to hPAMP(12–20), hPAMP, and hADM were greater in the rat when compared to responses to the peptides in the cat.
Bending and cutting forks and flaps.

Recent advances in the structural biology and biochemistry of two archaeal DNA repair nucleases (Newman et al., 2005; Nishino et al., 2005a, in this issue of Structure ) have shed new light on how these systems achieve extraordinary specificity for branched DNA substrates.
Developing team skills using a program-embedded team assessment process

Although industry and academia alike place high value on teamwork, how do we actually develop and assess those skills in our students and ourselves? How do we evaluate whether our efforts have had a measurable impact on the students so that we can adjust our approach for maximum benefit? In October 2004, the authors presented initial work on a program-embedded process designed to help students (1) learn critical teambuilding skills, (2) identify their strengths and weaknesses when working in teams, and (3) improve their team skills. The process involves data collection, exit interviews, and student feedback in five program-specific courses taken over three semesters and with two different faculty. Data has been collected on 100 students to provide evidence of student development in the three areas indicated. Although data analysis did not always indicate student development, the exit interviews conducted at the end of the three semester sequence of courses consistently revealed improved skill. This paper summarizes the program-embedded process and provides results based on data collected from Spring 2003 through Spring 2007.
Gender and Sex Role Differences in Group Decision‐Making Social Interactions: A Behavioral Analysis1

Sex role formulations assume relationships between role orientation and adjustive social behavior. However, few studies have examined behavioral differences with respect to both gender and sex role orientation in realistically complex social interactions. In the current study, groups composed of four male and four female “representatives” from each sex role category (masculine-typed, feminine-typed, androgynous, and undifferentiated) were presented with two group decision-making tasks. Group interactions were videotaped and subjects' behavior was rated on social skill variables. Analyses of variance revealed gender differences with males performing more actively than females, especially when the content of the decision-making task involved more historically male-oriented topics. However, when subjects' group behavior was examined in relation to their sex role orientation, androgynous and masculine-typed persons of both sexes performed in a more active, instrumental manner than feminine-typed or undifferentiated persons. Further, correlational analyses indicated that females' masculinity scores were substantially associated with ratings of effectiveness in the decision-making groups. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Ultrastructure and lysis of mucin-containing granules in epidermal secretions of the terrestrial slug Ariolimax columbianus (Mollusca: Gastropoda:Pulmonata)

The giant mucous cells in the skin of the terrestrial banana slug Ariolimax columbianus secret intact granules containing mucins. Electron microscopy, after ultrarapid freezing and freeze-substitution in osmium, shows that the secreted granules are bounded by two distinct membranes, presumably derived from the Golgi apparatus and the plasmalemma. Relatively stable, intact granules can be obtained in great quantity in our in vitro system. Rapid lysis of the granules was induced by adenosine triphosphate. At much higher concentrations, adenosine diphosphate and 5′-adenylimido-diphosphate also caused lysis. Other nucleotides and related compounds, as well as 1,4,5-inositol triphosphate and molluscan neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, had no effect on the granules. The stability of secreted granules varied with the ionic composition of the isosmotic medium in which they were suspended. When the predominant cation in the medium was potassium, and calcium was also present, granules lysed if exposed to shear stress (stirring of the suspension). This did not occur if sodium was the major cation present. None of the other ions in the suspension media had detectable effects on the stability of the granules.
Word formation is syntactic: adjectival passives in English

Since Wasow (1977), the differences between adjectival and verbal passives in English have been taken to motivate a division between lexical and syntactic word-formation processes. This paper shows with data from corpora that many accepted facts about adjectival passives are incorrect: adjectival passives can be formed from ECM/raising verbs, and they can also involve a subset of indirect or applied objects. On the other hand, adjectival passives do differ from verbal passives in special meanings and missing inputs. This means that the phenomena that are supposed to characterize syntactic versus lexical processes do not all pattern together: ECM/raising points to a syntactic derivation of adjectival passives, but special interpretations and missing inputs point to a lexical derivation. This paper instead proposes a purely syntactic account of adjectival passives that explains all of the facts, both the similarities and the differences between adjectival and verbal passives. This syntactic analysis also permits a simple account of the alleged class of non-intersective adjectives, and the predictions it makes provides support for the theory of applied arguments advanced by Bruening (2010).
A density functional theory investigation of metal ion binding sites in monosaccharides

Abstract The density functional theory method is used to study metal ion binding to simple carbohydrates such as cis -inositol and β- d -glucose. The complexes formed between Be 2+ , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and Li + and cis -inositol and the complexes formed between Ca 2+ and β- d -glucose are optimized and metal binding sites are identified. There are two metal binding sites in cis -inositol and five in β- d -glucose. Our calculations demonstrate that smaller ions such as Be 2+ prefer to bind in the ax-ax-ax site of cis -inositol, while larger ions such Mg 2+ and Li + favor the ax-eq-ax site of cis -inositol. The preferred metal binding site in Ca 2+ - cis -inositol is defined by four hydroxyl groups instead of three (one equatorial and three axial OH). Among the five metal binding sites in β- d -glucose, the one defined by the ring oxygen atom, C1-OH and C6-OH is the most preferred site where Ca 2+ binds to three oxygen atoms. This tendency of metal ions to maximize interactions with carbohydrate ligands in the gas phase is in agreement with previous experimental and theoretical studies. The relevance of these metal-carbohydrate interactions in cell surface carbohydrate-binding proteins is also discussed. This study has demonstrated that the density functional theory method is a good method for identifying metal ion binding sites in carbohydrates.
Students, Teachers and Alternative Assessment in Secondary School: Relational Models Theory (RMT) in the Field of Education.

The quality and types of relationships formed between students and teachers has been shown to play an essential part in the personal and academic success of students (Davis, 2003; Pianta, 1999). Little, however, has been done to determine the role that assessment plays in teacher-student relationships. Drawing upon the work of cultural anthropologist Alan Fiske (1991), I explore the ways in which certain basic forms of relationships (known asRelational Models) are initiated and maintained in secondary school through the use of alternative assessment methods — narrative evaluations, portfolios, rubrics, and end-of-year presentations — in place of traditional letter grades. In his Relational Models Theory, Fiske posits that human relationships and social systems are culturally-specific implementations of four elementary Relationship Models: “Authority Ranking”, “Communal Sharing”, “Equality Matching”, and “Market Pricing”. Here, I discuss how the non-traditional assessment methods used at a progressive secondary school in California allow relationships between students and teachers to shift away from an exclusively authority-based system (the Relational Model of Authority Ranking), towards a more nuanced model of negotiation (Market Pricing) and communal input (Communal Sharing) — ultimately leading to more empowered and involved students.
Distribution and Mechanism of α-Amanitin Tolerance in Mycophagous Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Many mycophagous species of Drosophila can tolerate the mushroom poison α-amanitin in wild mushrooms and in artificial diet. We conducted feeding assays with sixteen Drosophila species and α-amanitin in artificial diet to better determine the phylogenetic distribution of this tolerance. For eight tolerant and one related susceptible species, we sequenced the gene encoding the large subunit of RNA Polymerase II, which is the target site of α-amanitin. We found no differences in the gene that could account for differences in susceptibility to the toxin. We also conducted feeding assays in which α-amanitin was combined with chemical inhibitors of cytochrome P450s or glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) in artificial diet to determine if either of these enzyme families is involved in tolerance to α-amanitin. We found that an inhibitor of GSTs did not reduce tolerance to α-amanitin, but that an inhibitor of cytochrome P450s reduced tolerance in several species. It is possible that the same cytochrome P450 activity that produces tolerance of α-amanitin might produce tolerance of other mushroom toxins as well. If so, a general detoxification mechanism based on cytochrome P450s might answer the question of how tolerance to α-amanitin arose in mycophagous Drosophila when this toxin is found in relatively few mushrooms.
Abate and Switch: miR-145 in Stem Cell Differentiation

MicroRNAs have been implicated as regulators of embryonic stem (ES) cell self-renewal and pluripotency. In this issue, Xu et al. (2009) demonstrate that miR-145 facilitates ES cell differentiation by repressing the core pluripotency factors OCT4, SOX2, and KLF4, thereby silencing the self-renewal program.
Teaching filter design using Matlab

The author presents an approach to teaching discrete time filter design using specially designed exercises to be done on modern workstations. The interactive programming, high speed calculations, and versatile graphics of the software system Matlab have proven particularly effective. Example exercises and a program are given and discussed. >
Linearity study of DDS-based W-band FMCW sensor

The linearity of a W-band frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) sensor is characterized and its impact on the range resolution of the sensor is evaluated in this paper. The millimeter-wave (mm-wave) FMCW waveform is designed and generated with a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) at base band and transferred to millimeter-wave by a combination of upconversion and multiplication. Both homodyne and heterodyne receiver architectures are studied in this investigation. The sensor linearity is characterized with mm-wave optical-delay line technique under a controlled environment to obtain accurate results.
Retraining computing faculty: a perspective

The author has been actively involved in the retraining of college faculty to teach computing science for six years. He is presently recruiting a fifth class for a two-summer masters degree program which addresses this goal, and is preparing for a seventh offering of a week-long, non-credit summer institute. This paper reflects upon the experience of having worked first-hand with nearly 200 faculty members from a great variety of disciplines. It also incorporates interchanges with directors of other formal retraining efforts around the country, and the comments made by some of the nearly 500 faculty who have participated in formal summer retraining programs. From these sources the author tries to clarify the phenomena of retraining and suggests some areas which merit further study.
On “A survey of therapeutic ultrasound…” Wong et al. Phys Ther. 2007;87:986–994.

Wong and colleagues1 make the case that clinical expertise is useful for guiding decision making in the absence of higher levels of evidence. Although this is certainly true, it doesn’t readily apply in the case of therapeutic ultrasound as traditionally used by …
Decreased accumbens dopamine release after cocaine challenge in behaviorally sensitized female rats.

Abstract The effects of the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist CPP on the initiation of behavioral sensitization to acute cocaine and basal and acute cocaine-induced dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) were assessed in female Sprague–Dawley rats. Cocaine pretreated rats (30 mg/kg IP, once daily for 7 days) challenged with cocaine (10 mg/kg) on day 8 displayed increased motor activity relative to controls challenged with cocaine on day 8. This effect was blocked in rats receiving CPP (2 mg/kg) 15 min prior to all cocaine pretreatments. Basal DA levels in the NAC of both cocaine-pretreated and CPP plus cocaine-pretreated rats were higher on day 8 compared to controls. Acute cocaine challenge on day 8 resulted in increased extracellular DA concentrations in the NAC in control rats, no increase in rats pretreated with CPP plus cocaine, and a decrease in rats pretreated with cocaine only. These data demonstrate that development of behavioral sensitization to cocaine in female Sprague–Dawley rats can be completely blocked by a peripherally administered competitive NMDA receptor antagonist and that an increase in DA release in the NAC after a cocaine challenge is not an absolute requirement for expression of motor sensitization to cocaine in female rats.
Laser Doppler optical air-data system: feasibility demonstration and systems specifications.

A compact laser Doppler velocimeter with diode-pumped solid-state laser technology at 1.06 μ and a novel solid-block beam-splitting interferometer was demonstrated. This system allows for accurate Doppler velocity measurements even in a vibration environment. A comparison of the backscatter measurements with a backscatter sonde from the University of Wyoming showed excellent agreement. Based on demonstrated performance and technology projection, the system specifications of an optical air-data system at 2.015 μm are determined, and a detailed design concept is presented. In addition, the potential for a multifunctional sensor that can determine air data and detect wind shear and wake vortices is addressed.
Application of radial basis functions to shape description in a dual-element off-axis magnifier

We previously demonstrated that radial basis functions may be preferred as a descriptor of free-form shape for a single mirror magnifier when compared to other conventional descriptions such as polynomials [Opt. Express 16, 1583 (2008)]. A key contribution is the application of radial basis functions to describe and optimize the shape of a free-form mirror in a dual-element magnifier with the specific goal of optimizing the pupil size given a 20° field of view. We demonstrate a 12 mm exit pupil, 20° diagonal full field of view, 15.5 mm eye clearance, 1.5 arcmin resolution catadioptric dual-element magnifier design operating across the photopic visual regime. A second contribution is the explanation of why it is possible to approximate any optical mirror shape using radial basis functions.
Context-Dependent Functions of the PII and GlnK Signal Transduction Proteins in Escherichia coli

Two closely related signal transduction proteins, PII and GlnK, have distinct physiological roles in the regulation of nitrogen assimilation. Here, we examined the physiological roles of PII and GlnK when these proteins were expressed from various regulated or constitutive promoters. The results indicate that the distinct functions of PII and GlnK were correlated with the timing of expression and levels of accumulation of the two proteins. GlnK was functionally converted into PII when its expression was rendered constitutive and at the appropriate level, while PII was functionally converted into GlnK by engineering its expression from the nitrogen-regulated glnK promoter. Also, the physiological roles of both proteins were altered by engineering their expression from the nitrogen-regulated glnA promoter. We hypothesize that the use of two functionally identical PII-like proteins, which have distinct patterns of expression, may allow fine control of Ntr genes over a wide range of environmental conditions. In addition, we describe results suggesting that an additional, unknown mechanism may control the cellular level of GlnK.
Presence of Putative Repeat-in-Toxin Gene tosA in Escherichia coli Predicts Successful Colonization of the Urinary Tract

ABSTRACT Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains, which cause the majority of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), carry a unique assortment of virulence or fitness genes. However, no single defining set of virulence or fitness genes has been found in all strains of UPEC, making the differentiation between UPEC and fecal commensal strains of E. coli difficult without the use of animal models of infection or phylogenetic grouping. In the present study, we consider three broad categories of virulence factors simultaneously to better define a combination of virulence factors that predicts success in the urinary tract. A total of 314 strains of E. coli, representing isolates from fecal samples, asymptomatic bacteriuria, complicated UTIs, and uncomplicated bladder and kidney infections, were assessed by multiplex PCR for the presence of 15 virulence or fitness genes encoding adhesins, toxins, and iron acquisition systems. The results confirm previous reports of gene prevalence among isolates from different clinical settings and identify several new patterns of gene associations. One gene, tosA , a putative repeat-in-toxin (RTX) homolog, is present in 11% of fecal strains but 25% of urinary isolates. Whereas tosA -positive strains carry an unusually high number (11.2) of the 15 virulence or fitness genes, tosA -negative strains have an average of only 5.4 virulence or fitness genes. The presence of tosA was predictive of successful colonization of a murine model of infection, even among fecal isolates, and can be used as a marker of pathogenic strains of UPEC within a distinct subset of the B2 lineage. IMPORTANCE Escherichia coli is the primary cause of urinary tract infections, the most common bacterial infection of humans. Virulence of a uropathogenic strain is typically defined by the clinical source of the isolate, the ability to colonize the bladder and kidneys in a murine model, the phylogenetic group of the bacterium, and virulence gene content. Here we describe a novel single gene, the repeat-in-toxin gene tosA , the presence of which predicts virulence of E. coli isolates regardless of source. Rapid identification of uropathogenic strains of E. coli may aid in the development of therapeutic and preventive therapies.
Evidence for bound phytochrome in oat seedlings.

Phytochrome is consistently observed in pellets centrifuged from homogenates of etiolated, 5-day-old oat seedlings. The majority of pigment associated with the pellet cannot be removed by buffer washes, nor can appreciable quantities of additional phytochrome be adsorbed onto the sedimented material. Over 70% of phytochrome in the pellet is released by 1% Triton X-100.Storage at 0 degrees , irradiation by white light, and Triton treatment all cause much greater loss of photoreversibility in pelleted phytochrome than in supernatant phytochrome. We conclude that the phytochrome in the 1500 to 40,000g (30 min) pellet is distinct from the soluble phytochrome in the supernatant.