cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with HIV Sexual Risk Behavior in Male Couples of Mixed HIV Status

Abstract There are concerns that rates of unprotected anal intercourse and new HIV infections among some gay men have remained at or returned to dangerous levels, similar to those seen in the first decade of the epidemic. Most research on sexual risk behavior of gay men has focused on individuals even though several studies have indicated that unprotected anal intercourse (the most risky of sexual behaviors) is most likely to occur between two men who are regular partners. This study was conducted with 75 HIV serodiscordant (“mixed HIV status”) male couples. The goals were to assess the types and prevalence of sexual risk behaviors within these dyads, to identify reasons given for engaging in risk behavior with their partner of opposite HIV status, and to examine the association, if any, between risk behaviors and potential individual and partner related factors and context. Both members of the couple were included in all assessments. There was a tendency for unprotected anal sex to occur more often among...
Nucleopathic changes in parvorirus-infected, cultured cells

Abstract Parvovirus replication is dependent upon progression of host cells through S phase of the cell cycle. Tritiated thymidine pulse-labeling was used to monitor host cellular DNA synthesis in order to study the development of nuclear alterations in bovine fetal spleen (BFS) cells infected with bovine parvovirus (BPV). Cultures of uninfected BFS cells synthesized DNA parasynchronously between 18 and 48 hr after planting. Cells were infected between 12 and 18 hr after planting to take advantage of the maximum number of S phase cells. Development of intranuclear inclusions in parasynchronous cells infected with four strains of BPV was studied by light and electron microscopy. Nucleopathic changes consisting of nucleolar stranding, increased creased basophilia and degranulation of the nucleoplasm were detected 12 hr post-infection (PI). A second early alteration was replacement of the nucleoplasm with a fine-grained homogeneous material by 18 hr PI. Cowdry type A and novel multifocal inclusions developed in cells with early changes beginning at 18 to 24 hr PI. Electron microscopic studies revealed discrete foci of empty virus capsids and virions in the nuclei which appeared to correspond with the foci in multifocal inclusions. These foci infer subnuclear compartmentalization of parvovirus replication. The uniqueness and striking morphology of multifocal inclusions have diagnostic significance.
The willingness to pay to remove billboards and improve scenic amenities

We use the contingent valuation method to measure the amount citizens are willing to pay to improve scenic mountain-view amenities through the removal of billboards. Our approach addresses both the perceived property rights as well as the perceptions of the status quo in the southern Appalachian Mountains. We find that individuals who retire to the mountains have different preferences for land use and mountain views than individuals who have ancestors who lived in Watauga County. In the aggregate, we find that citizens are willing to pay almost one-half million dollars to remove billboards from Watauga County roadsides. This study provides insights to the debate surrounding land use along public roads.
Effects of substance P analogues on spinal dorsal horn neurons

The effects of iontophoretically applied (D-Pro2, D-Phe7, D-Trp9)-SP and (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)-SP on the spontaneous and evoked activity of functionally identified cat spinal dorsal horn neurons have been investigated in vivo by means of extracellular single unit recording technique. In addition, the rat spinal cord slice preparation has been used to study the actions of (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)-SP and (D-Arg1, D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9, Leu11)-SP on the resting membrane potential of dorsal horn neurons and also on their responses to dorsal root stimulation and exogenous SP application. We have observed that both (D-Pro2, D-Phe7, D-Trp9)-SP and (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)-SP produced an excitation of about 15% of all neurons tested and had a weak antagonistic effect against SP in the cat spinal cord. (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)-SP suppressed the SP-induced excitation in 63% of examined cells. In addition, depression of the glutamate-induced excitation and spontaneous activity was evident in 10% and 19% of the cat dorsal horn neurons tested, respectively. In the spinal cord slice preparation (D-Arg1, D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9, Leu11)-SP proved to be a more potent antagonist of the SP-induced depolarization and the dorsal root-elicited slow depolarization, if compared with (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)-SP.
Management of cyclosporine-induced gingival hyperplasia by use of an argon laser

This is a report of a case study with interesting laser applications. A 7 year old female was referred to us for treatment of hyperplastic tissue. At age two the patient had successfully undergone a liver transplant. She had undergone two periodontal surgeries under general anesthetic for the same soft tissue problem. Other possible complications were chronic sinusitis and frequent headaches. She has allergies to penicillin and sulfa. Her daily medications are Predisone and Cyclosporin. We consulted with her transplant team and they had no contraindication for the proposed dental surgery. The doctor placed her on prophylactic erythromycin for the procedure, as a preventive measure. The patient desired not to have any more general anesthetics administered. Clinical examination revealed electric pulp tests were normal for all teeth tested. No visible carious lesions were observed and there was no need for radiographs at this time. Soft tissue revealed red inflamed fibrous tissue consistent with gingival hyperplasia. Probing demonstrated 4 - 6 mm pockets around the anterior teeth.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Aluminum nitride as a novel aluminum-26 ion source material for accelerator mass spectrometry

Abstract A high intensity cesium sputter source was used to measure the current of secondary Al − ions from aluminum nitride (AlN), aluminum diboride (AlB 2 ), aluminum carbide (Al 4 C 3 ), aluminum powder and aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ). It was found that AlN produced a substantially higher beam current than Al 2 O 3 . Aluminum diboride produced about the same amount of Al − current as the oxide while Al 4 C 3 and the aluminum powder did not perform as well as the oxide. The performance of AlN as a target material for Al − ions depended heavily upon the exposure of AlN to air before being placed in the ion source. For samples with no exposure to air, the AlN produced much less current than Al 2 O 3 . For samples with a very short exposure to air, AlN yielded a fivefold improvement in the Al − current compared to the oxide. Thus aluminum nitride shows the promise of increasing the sensitivity and precision of low-level 26 Al-accelerator mass spectrometry.
Progress in high-power high-efficiency VCSEL arrays

We present recent results on high-power, high-efficiency two-dimensional vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays emitting around 808nm. Selectively oxidized, top-emitting single VCSEL emitters with 49% power conversion efficiency were developed as the basic building block of these arrays. Because of the strong GaAs absorption at the 808nm wavelength, the traditional bottom-emitting, substrate-emission configuration is not possible for large arrays that require efficient heat dissipation. The processing and packaging challenges are discussed. We demonstrate 3mm x 3mm arrays and 5mm x 5mm arrays with the GaAs substrate completely removed and mounted on diamond submounts. These arrays emit more than 50W and 120W, respectively, and exhibit a maximum powerconversion efficiency of 42%.
Spatial and Temporal Entry Patterns of Fish Larvae into North Carolina Estuaries: Comparisons Among One Pelagic and Two Demersal Species

Abstract A sampling programme targeting larvae of winter spawning fishes immigrating from the oceanic domain into the Pamlico-Albemarle Sounds system (NC, U.S.A.) was performed at the four major inlets of the lagoon system. Sampling yielded abundant catches of three species, a Clupeid (Atlantic menhaden,Brevoortia tyrannus) and two Sciaenids (Atlantic croaker,Micropogonias undulatusand spot,Leiostomus xanthurus). In this article, the author documents the differences in the mechanisms developed for estuarine recruitment among the three species. Abundance at the tidal inlets was dependent upon numerous factors, such as sampling month, inlet, luminosity, tide flow direction and depth. The spatial and temporal positioning of the larvae differed among the species and affected their capabilities to be transported through the inlets. More specifically, spot and croaker migrated vertically within the water column in accordance with the direction of the water flow. Sciaenids minimized the outwelling effects of ebb tides by migrating into the slowest ebbing currents, near the bottom. Menhaden did not rely on vertical migrations for estuarine transport and retention. For this species, landward transport is provided either when dusk and flood onset are coincident or through non-tidal flows developing under meteorological forcing. The Sciaenids were less, or not, dependent upon these conditions. In one inlet, the retention was dependent upon the strength of the flooding and ebbing flows. In this case, the retention of the pelagic species was lower than the retention of demersal species.
Pokeweed mitogen-, concanavalin A-, and phytohemagglutinin-induced development of cytotoxic effector lymphocytes. An evaluation of the mechanisms of T cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Cultures of chicken lymphoid tissues were tested for their capacity to lyse 51Cr-labeled chicken, burro (BRC), and human red blood cells (HRC) in the presence of phytomitogens. PHA-stimulated cultures lysed all three types of targets, while PWM and Con A showed a "target cell specificity" for HRC and BRC, respectively. In mixtures of target cells only the appropriate targets were lysed by lymphocytes activated by either Con A or PWM indicating that soluble lymphotoxins do not play a major role in these reactions. Preincubation experiments suggested that there may be a population of pre-existing aggressor cells which only require linking to the targets by the mitogens for activation of their cytotoxic potential. Strong cytotoxic reactions were found with spleen cells, peripheral blood leucocytes, and bone marrow cells. Thymocytes were less active but could be stimulated for significant cytotoxicity, while bursal cells were generally unreactive. Spleen cells from agammaglobulinemic chickens totally lacking serum immunoglobulins and B cells with surface-bound immunoglobulins were as active as cells from normal chickens. The activity of spleen cells, from which phagocytic cells were removed was also unimpaired. These results indicate that the development of cytotoxic effector lymphocytes in mitogen-treated leucocyte cultures is a property of T lymphocytes. Although bone marrow cells fail to proliferate in response to these phytomitogens, they do have strong cytotoxic reactivity suggesting that different subsets of thymic-derived lymphocytes are responsible for mitogen-induced transformation and mitogen-induced cytotoxicity.
The posterior probability of linkage allowing for linkage disequilibrium and a new estimate of disequilibrium between a trait and a marker.

The posterior probability of linkage (PPL) statistic has been developed as a method for the rigorous accumulation of evidence for or against linkage allowing for both intra- and inter-sample heterogen
LONG-TERM EFFECTS IN CHILDREN TREATED WITH RADIOTHERAPY FOR HEAD AND NECK RHABDOMYOSARCOMA

Abstract Purpose: To examine the long-term effects of treatment in children receiving radiotherapy for head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma. Methods: From 1967 to 1994, a total of 30 children with head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma received megavoltage radiotherapy at one institution. Seventeen patients (57%) have survived and have at least a 5-year follow-up. There were 11 males and 6 females, with a median age of 5.7 years (range 2.2–11.6) at the time of radiotherapy. Tumor location was orbit in 6 patients, infratemporal fossa in 4, paranasal sinuses in 2, and supraglottic larynx in 2; the nasopharynx, pterygopalatine fossa, and parotid gland were sites for the remaining children. All but 2 patients had tumors of embryonal histology. The Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) Group was I in 2, II in 3, and III in 11 children; 1 patient had a recurrent tumor after surgery alone. Radiotherapy volume was the primary tumor or tumor bed in 13, tumor and whole brain in 3, and tumor and craniospinal axis in 1. Median radiotherapy dose to the primary site was 5,040 cGy (range 4,140–6,500) and to the whole brain was 3,000 cGy. All but 1 were treated with 150–200-cGy fractions; 1 patient received 250-cGy fractions for a tumor in the larynx. Chemotherapy was vincristine (V), actinomycin-D (A), and cyclophosphamide (C) in 10 patients, VAC + adriamycin in 2, VA in 1, VA + ifosfamide in 1, VC + adriamycin in 1, and none in 2. One patient had salvage chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and etoposide. Median follow-up time was 20 years (range 7.5–33). Results: Late effects of treatment were seen in all patients and included facial growth retardation in 11, neuroendocrine dysfunction in 9, visual/orbital problems in 9, dental abnormalities in 7, hearing loss in 6, and hypothyroidism in 3. Intellectual and academic delays were documented in 3 patients who had received whole brain radiotherapy. While neuroendocrine, thyroid, dental, and cognitive sequelae were primarily attributed to radiotherapy, hearing loss was thought to be a direct result of tumor destruction and, in 1 case, cisplatin chemotherapy. Late effects at or beyond 10 years from radiotherapy were few, but severe, and included chondronecrosis, esophageal stenosis, second malignancy, and brain hemorrhage. Conclusion: Late effects of treatment in children receiving radiotherapy for head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma are frequent. Although radiotherapy is a significant contributor of neuroendocrine, dental, thyroid, and cognitive toxicity, it is not usually implicated with hearing loss. Late toxicity of treatment beyond 10 years is not as frequent as those occurring within 10 years of therapy.
Redesigning Channel-Forming Peptides: Amino Acid Substitutions that Enhance Rates of Supramolecular Self-Assembly and Raise Ion Transport Activity

Abstract Three series of 22-residue peptides derived from the transmembrane M2 segment of the glycine receptor α 1-subunit (M2GlyR) have been designed, synthesized, and tested to determine the plasticity of a channel-forming sequence and to define whether channel pores with enhanced conductive properties could be created. Sixteen sequences were examined for aqueous solubility, solution-association tendency, secondary structure, and half-maximal concentration for supramolecular assembly, channel activity, and ion transport properties across epithelial monolayers. All peptides interact strongly with membranes: associating with, inserting across, and assembling to form homooligomeric bundles when in micromolar concentrations. Single and double amino acid replacements involving arginine and/or aromatic amino acids within the final five C-terminal residues of the peptide cause dramatic effects on the concentration dependence, yielding a range of K 1/2 values from 36±5 to 390±220 μ M for transport activity. New water/lipid interfacial boundaries were established for the transmembrane segment using charged or aromatic amino acids, thus limiting the peptides' ability to move perpendicularly to the plane of the bilayer. Formation of discrete water/lipid interfacial boundaries appears to be necessary for efficient supramolecular assembly and high anion transport activity. A peptide sequence is identified that may show efficacy in channel replacement therapy for channelopathies such as cystic fibrosis.
Filtration capture and immunoelectrochemical detection for rapid assay of Escherichia coli O157:H7

Abstract A new approach for rapid assay of bacteria in liquid samples is described. Cells were labeled by incubation with an enzyme–antibody conjugate and captured by filtration of the sample/conjugate mixture through a 0.2 μm filter. The enzyme-labeled cells were detected by placing the filter on the surface of an electrode, incubating with enzyme substrate, and measuring the current produced by oxidation of the electroactive enzyme product. Assay time was 25 min and a detection limit of ~5000 cells/ml was obtained for E. coli O157:H7. Background current due to non-specific binding of conjugate to the filter was the primary factor controlling the detection limit, and fewer than 50 cells could be detected when very small sample volumes (10 μl) were used to minimize background current.
Scattering of \(Yb\) and \(Yb^+\)

We calculate the cross sections for scattering of a neutral ytterbium atom with its positive ion at energies up to 30 eV. We identify peaks in the forward direction as arising from elastic collisions and those in the backward direction as from charge transfer. We show that the total cross section follows a semiclassical expression over a large range of energies and that the resonant charge transfer may be characterized by four energy regimes: an $s$-wave regime at ultralow energies, a modified Langevin regime at low energy, a Langevin regime at medium energy, and an ``exchange'' regime at high energy. We find large variations between the different isotopes for the two lowest-energy regimes and very little variation for the two highest-energy regimes. Our results are consistent with recent measurements.
Erratum to “Balanced and unbalanced growth” [Journal of Development Economics 53(1997) 41–66]

Abstract A model is developed that shows how two sectors or regions interact out of steady state through product, labor, and capital markets, and how if the former interaction dominates the growth of one sector “pulls along” the growth of the other, while if the latter interactions dominate one sector or region booms while the other declines. It is then shown why liberalization of foreign trade should lead to a transition from a lower to a higher steady state growth rate and why, during the course of this transition, growth might initially be even slower than before liberalization.
Superconductive transition in cadmium

Mutual inductance measurements of the superconductive transitions occurring in single-crystal and polycrystalline cadmium samples in magnetic fields of 0–10 −4 T (0–1G) are presented. The temperature at which the zero-field superconductive transition midpoints occur appears to be constant within ±0.2 mK for transitions narrower than 2 mK, butT c increases for broader transitions. The transitions exhibited both narrowing and hysteresis, the latter perhaps due to supercooling, in fields of a few tenths of a gauss.T c has been measured as 0.515±0.002 5 K on theT 62 temperature scale.
THE HYDROLYSIS AND OXIDATION BEHAVIOR OF LITHIUM BOROHYDRIDE AND MAGNESIUM HYDRIDE DETERMINED BY CALORIMETRY

Lithium borohydride, magnesium hydride and the 2:1 'destabilized' ball milled mixtures (2LiBH{sub 4}:MgH{sub 2}) underwent liquid phase hydrolysis, gas phase hydrolysis and air oxidation reactions monitored by isothermal calorimetry. The experimentally determined heats of reaction and resulting products were compared with those theoretically predicted using thermodynamic databases. Results showed a discrepancy between the predicted and observed hydrolysis and oxidation products due to both kinetic limitations and to the significant amorphous character of observed reaction products. Gas phase and liquid phase hydrolysis were the dominant reactions in 2LiBH{sub 4}:MgH{sub 2} with approximately the same total energy release and reaction products; liquid phase hydrolysis displayed the maximum heat flow for likely environmental exposure with a peak energy release of 6 (mW/mg).
Prognostic significance of cardiac cinefluoroscopy for coronary calcific deposits in asymptomatic high risk subjects

Objectives. This research investigated the prognostic significance of radtographically detectable coronary calcific deposits. Background. Coronary calcific deposits are almost always associated with coronary atherosclerosis. We investigated the association between fluoroscopically determined coronary calcium and coronary heart disease end points at 1 year of follow-up. Methods. This prospective population-based cohort study was conducted in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Fourteen hundred sixty-one asymptomatic adults with an estimated ≥10% risk of having a coronary heart disease event within 8 years underwent cardiac dnefluoroscopy for assessment of coronary calcium at initiation of the study. Clinical status including angina, documented myocardial infarction, myocardial revascularization and death from coronary heart disease were determined after 1 year. Results. The prevalence of calcific deposits was high (47%). A follow-up examination at 1 year was successfully completed in 99.9% of subjects. Six subjects (0.4%) had died from coronary heart disease and 9 (0.6%) had had a nonfatal myocardial infarction. Thirty-seven subjects (2.5%) reported angina pectoris, and 13 (0.9%) had undergone myocardial revascularization. Fifty-three subjects had at least one event during the 1-year period. Radiographically detectable calcium was associated with the presence of at least one of these end points, with a risk ratio of 2.7 (confidence limits 1.4, 4.6). The presence of coronary calcium was an independent predictor of at least one end point when controlling for age, gender and risk factors. However, three deaths due to coronary heart disease and two nonfatal myocardial infarctions occurred in subjects without detectable coronary calcium. Conclusions. The presence of coronary calcific deposits incurs an increased risk of coronary heart disease events in asymptomatic high risk subjects at 1 year. This increased risk is independent of that incurred by standard risk factors.
Preparation of trehalose and sorbitol fatty acid polyesters by interesterification

Trehalose octaoleate and sorbitol hexaoleate were prepared by a one-stage solvent-free interesterification of methyl oleate with trehalose octaacetate (TOAC) and sorbitol hexaacetate (SOHA), respectively, in the presence of 1–2.5% sodium metal as catalyst. The greatest yield of trehalose octaoleate, 97.5%, and sorbitol hexaoleate, 96.0%, were obtained at a mole ratio of methyl oleate: SOHA of 6:1 and methyl oleate:TOAC of 8:1 at a synthesis time of 2.5 hr, and temperatures of 105–115°C. The structure of both trehalose octaoleate and sorbitol hexaoleate was confirmed by infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (C-13 NMR) spectroscopy. Physical properties such as viscosity, HLB, solubility, color, refractive index, specific gravity and density approximated the physical properties of sucrose polyesters (SPE) and vegetable oils. Trehalose octaoleate and sorbitol hexaoleate, as well as sucrose octaoleate, were not susceptible toin vitro lipolysis, suggesting potential application as low calorie oils.
MECHANISMS LINKING REALISTIC JOB PREVIEWS WITH TURNOVER: A META‐ANALYTIC PATH ANALYSIS

A meta-analytic path analysis with k = 52 studies and sample size of roughly 17,000 showed that enhanced perceptions of organizational honesty is the primary mechanism by which realistic job previews (RJPs) influence voluntary turnover. This suggests revisions to RJP theory to incorporate social exchange and the way RJPs lead individuals to feel about the organization. Results assessing several new potential moderators of relationships between RJPs and turnover found that the most effective RJP design may be an oral or written RJP delivered posthire and designed to signal organizational honesty. We discuss several key theoretical and practical implications of the results based on a novel signaling theory perspective on RJPs.
Paradoxic Phenomenon of Premature Beats with Narrow QRS in the Presence of Bundle-Branch Block

In contrast to the functional bundle-branch block (BBB) which is frequently rate-related and disappears when heart rate slows, we have encountered seven cases of a paradoxic disappearance of an existing, ischemia-induced BBB in premature beats. Supernormal conduction within the blocked bundle branch was not present in any of the cases. His bundle electrography in three of the cases demonstrated His spikes before each of the narrow-QRS premature beats. The His-Q intervals of the premature beats were considerably shorter than those of the control sinus beats. This finding clearly indicated an ectopic origin midway between the ventricular myocardium and the His bundle, i.e., within the ischemic fascicles of the left bundle, or the ischemic right bundle. From their points of origin such fascicular impulses propagate antegradely toward the respective area of the ventricular myocardium, and retrogradely toward the main His bundle, and at the same time down the remaining two fascicles. The antegrade conduction t...
A Tale of Two Sitings: Contentious Politics in Liquefied Natural Gas Facility Siting in California

The siting of large industrial facilities represents a difficult planning problem. Despite decades of experience and research on siting, many of the same patterns of conflict persist. We focus on four factors drawn largely from the study of social movements—threat, political opportunity, resources and appropriation, and loss of trust—to explain the mobilization efforts of project opponents in two cases of attempts to site liquefied natural gas terminals in California. Findings from these cases indicate that either a significant endowment of resources or a combination of threat and political opportunity is important for mobilization.
The concept and implementation of skeletal plans

A new method for automated planning, refinement of skeletal plans, has been developed for the problem of experiment design in the domain of molecular biology. The method resulted from a study of the problem-solving behavior of scientists which showed that design usually consisted of look-up of abstracted plans followed by hierarchical plan-step refinement. The skeletal plan method has been implemented through two generations of problem-solving systems, the second generation involving a synthesis with the metaplanning approach of Stefik.
Ex vivo canine vocal fold lamina propria rehydration after varying dehydration levels.

NIH from the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders [1-R01DC05522]
Bcc and Fcc transition metals and alloys: a central role for the Jahn-Teller effect in explaining their ideal and distorted structures

Transition metal elements, alloys, and intermetallic compounds often adopt the body centered cubic (bcc) and face centered cubic (fcc) structures. By comparing quantitative density functional with qualitative tight-binding calculations, we analyze the electronic factors which make the bcc and fcc structures energetically favorable. To do so, we develop a tight-binding function, DeltaE(star), a function that measures the energetic effects of transferring electrons within wave vector stars. This function allows one to connect distortions in solids to the Jahn-Teller effect in molecules and to provide an orbital perspective on structure determining deformations in alloys. We illustrate its use by considering first a two-dimensional square net. We then turn to three-dimensional fcc and bcc structures, and distortions of these. Using DeltaE(star), we rationalize the differences in energy of these structures. We are able to deduce which orbitals are responsible for instabilities in seven to nine valence electron per atom (e(-)/a) bcc systems and five and six e(-)/a fcc structures. Finally we demonstrate that these results account for the bcc and fcc type structures found in both the elements and binary intermetallic compounds of group 4 through 9 transition metal atoms. The outline of a theory of metal structure deformations based on loss of point group operation rather than translational symmetry is presented.
Turnaround Insights from the Organizational Sciences: A Review of the Empirical Evidence and the Development of a Staged Model of Recovery with Potential Implications for the PK-12 Education Sector

In this article, we review research from the organizational sciences to develop lessons for educators and policy makers. The approach is an integrative review of the literature. We employ a comprehensive process to unpack and make sense of the turnaround literature from the organizational sciences. We rely on strategies appropriate for document analysis, and borrow analytic strategies (e.g., memoing, coding) employed with interview data. We capture insights from the five major research pathways for studying organizational turnaround. We blend research findings into seven dimensions within the two-stage model of retrenchment and recovery. We then outline more explicitly four macro-level conclusions for educators and policymakers. We posit that the literature on turning around failing organizations in sectors outside of education provides blueprints for recovery activity in failing schools. The implications for turnaround leadership are particularly strong. This is the first systematic effort to mine resear...
Biofuel from Waste Agricultural Product and Lignocellulosic Biomass

Abstract The conversion of biomass to ethanol is an attractive source of alternative green fuels. Current studies look at the thermochemical conversion of biomass to ethanol, but little focus is placed on the biochemical conversion pathway available for this transformation. We present two case studies depicting the potential of a biochemical production of ethanol for fuel purposes. The industrial scale plant design of corn stover conversion is addressed with the purpose of deriving a simple yet complete model for use in economic optimization of large scale supply chains. A lab scale kinetics study for the conversion of waste sweet potato to ethanol is also presented. These two case studies show the potential for research in the area of biochemical conversion of biomass to green fuels.
Sequence-Specific RNAP-DNA Interactions in Transcription Initiation and Elongation: Core Recognition Element (CRE)

The crystal structure of RNA polymerase open complex (RPo) indicates that RNAP core interacts with the transcription-bubble nontemplate strand segment corresponding to positions −4 to +2 in which we designated it as core recognition element, CRE. In this study, we sought to investigate the sequence determinants, the recognition mechanism and the functional roles of CRE.To determine whether RNAP-CRE interactions are sequence-specific, we constructed all possible nucleotide substitutions at each CRE position, and assessed effects on RNAP-DNA interaction in equilibrium binding experiments and high-salt-induced-dissociation off-rate experiments. We conclude that RNAP CRE interactions are specific and that the consensus CRE is t/g-n-n-n-T-G.To identify individual RNAP amino acids that mediate specificity at CRE positions +2 and +1, we constructed single Ala substitutions of RNAP residues that contact CRE positions +2 and +1, and assessed effects on RNAP DNA interactions with promoter derivatives containing all possible nucleotide substitutions at CRE positions +2 and +1. We conclude that bR151, bD446, or bR451 mediate specificity at CRE position +2, and βW183 mediates specificity at CRE position +1.To define the structural basis of specificity at CRE positions +1 and +2, we determined crystal structures of RPo derivatives containing all possible nucleotide substitutions at CRE positions +2 and +1. We conclude that specificity at CRE positions +2 and +1 manifests itself not only in quantitative differences in binding thermodynamics and kinetics, but also in qualitative differences in structure.Our results establish that RNAP-CRE interactions are sequence specific. We propose that RNAP-CRE interactions contribute to the sequence specificity of promoter binding, promoter unwinding, promoter scrunching, and promoter escape during transcription initiation and also contribute to the sequence specificity of pausing during transcription elongation.
An investigation of racial differences on vocational variables among college women

Abstract This study used a sample of black and white college women matched on Duncan's (1961) socioeconomic indicator ratings to explore possible racial differences on vocationally relevant variables. There were no differences between the groups on age or educational level. The distribution of the parents' occupations by Holland type and the distribution of the subjects by their VPI type appeared to be quite similar. There were no significant differences based on: the relationship of the parents' occupational types to the subjects' VPIs: the relationship between the subjects' VPI types and their occupational choice or college major; the estimated likelihood of reaching the career goal; satisfaction with career choice or college major; and scores on two recent scales designed to measure vocational indecision. While no differences were found on the number of possible factors listed that might impede career goals, the distribution of the most important of these factors indicated there were differences between the two groups. These findings are discussed relative to their implications for interpreting previous research and carrying out future studies.
RAIVE: runtime assessment of floating-point instability by vectorization

Floating point representation has limited precision and inputs to floating point programs may also have errors. Consequently, during execution, errors are introduced, propagated, and accumulated, leading to unreliable outputs. We call this the instability problem. We propose RAIVE, a technique that identifies output variations of a floating point execution in the presence of instability. RAIVE transforms every floating point value to a vector of multiple values – the values added to create the vector are obtained by introducing artifi- cial errors that are upper bounds of actual errors. The propagation of artificial errors models the propagation of actual errors. When values in vectors result in discrete execution differences (e.g., following different paths), the execution is forked to capture the resulting output variations. Our evaluation shows that RAIVE can precisely capture output variations. Its overhead (340%) is 2.43 times lower than the state of the art
Metamorphosis and early larval development of the flatfishes (Pleuronectiformes): an osmoregulatory perspective

Flatfish (Pleuronectiformes) distribution in the environment is influenced by salinity, and varies among species and with developmental stage. Osmoregulatory ability likely plays an important role in defining species and developmental stage-specific distribution. Although the mechanisms of osmoregulation in adult and juvenile teleosts have been widely addressed, far less is known about their larval osmoregulatory physiology. Much of our current understanding of larval fish ion-regulation stems from studies using flatfishes, and this article reviews advances in this field, primarily from the point of view of the developing flatfishes. Addressed here are the ontogeny of salinity tolerance, the development of several important osmoregulatory tissues (the skin, gut, and gill), and the influence of the endocrine system on osmoregulation during early larval development and metamorphosis.
Computer-Aided CT coronary artery stenosis detection: comparison with human reading and quantitative coronary angiography

To evaluate computer-aided stenosis detection for computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) in comparison with human reading and conventional coronary angiography (CCA) as the reference standard. 50 patients underwent CTA and CCA and out of these 44 were evaluable for computer-aided stenosis detection. The diagnostic performance of the software and of human reading were compared and quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) served as the reference standard for the detection of significant stenosis (>50 %). Overall, three readers with high (reader 1), intermediate (reader 2) and low (reader 3) experience in cardiac CT imaging performed the manual CTA evaluation on a commercially available workstation, whereas the automated software processed the datasets without any human interaction. The prevalence of coronary artery disease was 41 % (18/44) and QCA indicated significant stenosis (>50 %) in 33 coronary vessels. The automated software accurately diagnosed 18 individuals with significant coronary artery disease (CAD), and correctly ruled out CAD in 10 patients. In summary the sensitivity of computer-aided detection was 100 %/94 % (per-patient/per-vessel) and the specificity was 38 %/70 %, the positive predictive value (PPV) was 53 %/42 % and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100 %/98 %. In comparison, reader 1-3 showed per-patient sensitivities of 100/94/89 %, specificities of 73/69/50 %, PPVs of 72/68/55 % and NPVs of 100/95/87 %. Computer-aided detection yields a high NPV that is comparable to more experienced human readers. However, PPV is rather low and in the range of an unexperienced reader.
In situ measurement of degranulation as a biosensor based on RBL-2H3 mast cells

Abstract A direct degranulation assay has been developed to enable the use of RBL mast cells as a biosensor for screening chemical libraries for drug discovery and environmental toxicity evaluation. Release of β-hexosaminidase into the extracellular milleu is widely used to characterize cellular components and mechanisms involved in stimulated exocytosis, including those initiated by crosslinking of IgE receptors on mast cells. To adapt this versatile assay for high throughput screening, we developed a direct, in situ method in which β-hexosaminidase detection is carried out in a single step, convenient for multi-sample processing and thus for biosensor applications. This direct assay is efficient for measuring exocytosis in antigen-stimulated RBL mast cells, detecting antigen concentrations as low as 1 pM. We also demonstrate its utility in detecting inhibition of degranulation by a known pharmacologic inhibitor that blocks Syk tyrosine kinase activity critical for cell activation.
Multiple eccrine spiradenoma: case report and review

Benign eccrine spiradenoma is an adnexal tumor that occurs as either a solitary lesion or as multiple nodules. A case of multiple eccrine spiradenoma occurring on the scalp and mimicking multiple cylindroma is described and discussed. In addition, 9 previously reported cases of multiple eccrine spiradenoma are reviewed.
The NHMFL long-pulse magnet system − 60–100 T

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) is now completing a long-pulse magnet that will sustain a constant field of 60 T for 100 ms in a 34 mm cold bore plus a wide range of other pulse shapes. The magnet consists of nine mechanically independent, nested coils, which are reinforced with outer steel shells. Three SCR rectifier and control units power sub-groups of coils. A field of 100 T could be reached non-destructively for millisecond periods by combining outer coils of this type with a capacitor-driven insert magnet.
Some properties of the dirichlet-multinomial distribution and its use in prior elicitation

Two results on the unimodality of the Dirichlet-multinomial distribution are proved, and a further result is alos proved on the identifiability of mixtures of multinomial distributions. These properties are used in developing a method for eliciting a Dirchlet prior distribution. The elicitation method is based on the mode, and region around the mode, of the Dirichlet-multinomial predictive distribution.
Detecting the dormant: a review of recent advances in molecular techniques for assessing the viability of bacterial endospores

Due to their contribution to gastrointestinal and pulmonary disease, their ability to produce various deadly exotoxins, and their resistance to extreme temperature, pressure, radiation, and common chemical disinfecting agents, bacterial endospores of the Firmicutes phylum are a major concern for public and environmental health. In addition, the hardy and dormant nature of endospores renders them a particularly significant threat to the integrity of robotic extraterrestrial life-detection investigations. To prevent the contamination of critical surfaces with seemingly ubiquitous bacterial endospores, clean rooms maintained at exceedingly stringent cleanliness levels (i.e., fewer than 100,000 airborne particles per ft(3)) are used for surgical procedures, pharmaceutical processing and packaging, and fabrication and assembly of medical devices and spacecraft components. However, numerous spore-forming bacterial species have been reported to withstand typical clean room bioreduction strategies (e.g., UV lights, maintained humidity, paucity of available nutrients), which highlights the need for rapid and reliable molecular methods for detecting, enumerating, and monitoring the incidence of viable endospores. Robust means of evaluating and tracking spore burden not only provide much needed information pertaining to endospore ecophysiology in different environmental niches but also empower decontamination and bioreduction strategies aimed at sustaining the reliability and integrity of clean room environments. An overview of recent molecular advances in detecting and enumerating viable endospores, as well as the expanding phylogenetic diversity of pathogenic and clean room-associated spore-forming bacteria, ensues.
Comparing Reports of Health-Seeking Behavior From the Integrated Illness History and a Standard Child Morbidity Survey:

The Integrated Illness History (IIH) is a concurrent mixed methods adaptation of event history narratives to study illnesses in social context. Qualitative and quantitative techniques are integrated in the instrument design, interview, and data analysis. This method permits the simultaneous collection of qualitative and quantitative data about perceptions of an illness, the sequence of illness-related events, and the context of seeking care. A standard pattern of open- and closed-ended questions and a systematic method of recall guide the interview. Responses are recorded in a time-by-event matrix using codes and text. Spontaneous, open-ended probes about observed behavioral patterns complete the interview. Comparing care-takers' responses to episodes of diarrhea among their children obtained using the IIH and a standard child morbidity questionnaire in Minya, Egypt, demonstrates that the IIH gathers novel and more complete information about care seeking for sick children in this setting.
A Program for Pregnant Women Electing Inpatient Opioid Detoxification

Childbearing Poster Presentation Purpose for the Program To minimize fetal exposure to opioids to optimize brain development and to prevent neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of an innovative program that allows pregnant women to voluntarily undergo in-patient opioid detoxification followed by outpatient therapy and support in lieu of opioid replacement therapy. Proposed Change To offer opioid-dependent pregnant women the opportunity for a sober delivery and a sober infant. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation A private substance abuse treatment facility provides insured and private pay opioid-dependent pregnant women elective inpatient detoxification with tapered doses of buprenorphine and short courses of anxiolytics and other pharmacotherapies as needed. The average length of inpatient stay is 2 weeks with intensive outpatient counseling and support. Anecdotal reports indicate positive perinatal outcomes and clients reported satisfaction with care. Many of the women were able to achieve sobriety at the time of delivery and harbored less guilt about the potential for NAS. Implications for Nursing Practice Ethical issues surrounding potential risk of fetal loss and altered fetal development with opioid detoxification warrant consideration. There are no standardized protocols for detoxification in pregnancy and the treatment is not endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) or the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Nurses will be at the forefront in the assessment and management of women undergoing inpatient detoxification. As a result of the current epidemic of opioid abuse in the Unites States there has been an increase in maternal opioid dependence and treatment with synthetic opioids, namely methadone or buprenorphine. Over one-half of the neonates with in utero exposure to regular maternal opioid use experience neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Presently, it is estimated that one newborn is born with NAS every hour and these neonates stay in the hospital for an average of 16.4 days compared with 3.3 days for those without NAS. The increased length of stay and complications that infants with NAS experience, such as increased rates of prematurity, low birth weight, respiratory problems, and seizures, elevate health care expenditures. The need for an inexpensive and effective treatment for NAS is crucial but more importantly, a strategy to prevent NAS is preferable. Detoxification among a select group of opioid-dependent pregnant women to prevent NAS warrants consideration and further exploration.
Prospective comparison of right and left ventricular stimulation for induction of sustained ventricular tachycardia

Abstract Thirty-eight patients who had sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) or sudden cardiac death underwent programmed ventricular stimulation. To assess the relative efficacy of right and left ventricular (RV and LV) stimulation, a tandem protocol with 1 to 4 extrastimuli and burst pacing was used. Each step of the protocol was performed in a rotating sequence at the RV apex, basal RV septum and LV apex. Sustained VT was induced from the RV apex in 26 patients, right ventricle (either site) in 27, and LV apex in 24, and spontaneous VT was reproduced from those sites in 11, 14 and 12 patients, respectively. In the 23 patients who had sustained VT induced from both ventricles, RV stimulation always required fewer or the same number of extrastimuli for induction. At every stage of the protocol, the cumulative yield of sustained VT was consistently greater from the right ventricle than from the left ventricle. After delivering 4 extrastimuli and burst pacing, LV stimulation only increased the yield of sustained VT by 1 patient, and spontaneous VT by 3 patients. Inducibility or noninducibility in the right ventricle generally predicted the same outcome in the left ventricle. Previously undocumented VT or ventricular fibrillation was induced from the right ventricle in 19 patients and from the left ventricle in 13. Thus, LV stimulation was less efficacious than RV stimulation: LV stimulation increased the yield over RV stimulation only minimally and did not reduce the number of extrastimuli required to induce sustained VT.
Composition Control of a Bleach Saturator

A common item of equipment in the textile industry, the saturator has been overlooked in the implementation of quality-control programs throughout textile manufacturing. Although these unit operations appear to be simple in nature, interactions between process variables, changes in cloth density and flow rate, process deadtimes, and non-linearities (such as pH) frequently cause transients which adversely affect cloth consistency. A properly designed control system will reduce process variation by addressing these phenomena and thus dramatically improve the consistency of the final product. A simple saturator model is developed, and a control system is designed by using classical feedforward and Smith Predictor elements. The control system has minimal complexity but maintains saturator compositions within reasonable control limits.
‘COME BACK LOUIS ALL IS FORGIVEN’: Marx, Science and Critique in Antipodean Philosophy of Education

(1985). ‘COME BACK LOUIS ALL IS FORGIVEN’: Marx, Science and Critique in Antipodean Philosophy of Education. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 67-82.