cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global peak alignment for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry using point matching algorithms

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GC-MS) has been used to analyze multiple samples in a metabolomics study. However, due to some uncontrollable experimental conditions, such as the differences in temperature or pressure, matrix effects on samples and stationary phase degradation, there is always a shift of retention times in the two GC columns between samples. In order to correct the retention time shifts in GC[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GC-MS, the peak alignment is a crucial data analysis step to recognize the peaks generated by the same metabolite in different samples. Two approaches have been developed for GC[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GC-MS data alignment: profile alignment and peak matching alignment. However, these existing alignment methods are all based on a local alignment, resulting that a peak may not be correctly aligned in a dense chromatographic region where many peaks are present in a small region. False alignment will result in false discovery in the downstream statistical analysis. We, therefore, develop a global comparison-based peak alignment method using point matching algorithm (PMA-PA) for both homogeneous and heterogeneous data. The developed algorithm PMA-PA first extracts feature points (peaks) in the chromatography and then searches globally the matching peaks in the consecutive chromatography by adopting the projection of rigid and nonrigid transformation. PMA-PA is further applied to two real experimental data sets, showing that PMA-PA is a promising peak alignment algorithm for both homogenous and heterogeneous data in terms of [Formula: see text]1 score, although it uses only peak location information.
The Postal Corporation

The United States Postal Service employs more than 725,000 people to provide a universally available service that is delivered at a fixed price. The delivery of this service has historically been tied to the politics of economic growth as governed by the U.S. Congress and the Post Office Department (POD). A combination of entrenched subsidies for particular postal customers, frustrated demands of postal workers for wage increases and expanded collective bargaining, and historic checks on the arbitrary power of Congress and the POD all slowed the modernization of mail processing in the 1960s. These impediments to modernization were formally addressed in 1970 with passage of the Postal Reorganization Act.
'An Honest Pair of Oars': Players, Watermen, and A Chaste Maid in Cheapside

This essay offers insight into two playing companies’ ties to a key industry in early modern London and the ways such interconnections shaped the neighbourhoods adjacent to the Thames. It examines Touchwood Senior’s speech in Thomas Middleton’s A Chaste Maid in Cheapside in relation to the Swan, the Blackfriars, and watermen’s trade to argue that this moment highlights sympathies for the watermen’s plight from the Lady Elizabeth’s Men and exposes underlying tensions between the watermen and the King’s Men in 1613 and 1614.
Epidemiology of malignant melanoma: pigmentary traits, ultraviolet radiation, and the identification of high-risk populations.

We report on a case-control study begun in 1979 to identify factors responsible for the observed high incidence of malignant melanoma among Caucasians. Interview data were collected on a comprehensive set of risk factors, including pigmentary characteristics, ultraviolet light exposure, family history, reproductive factors, drug use, ethnicity, smoking and dietary history, and chemical exposures. Quantification of risk factors was emphasized, whereas previous case-control studies had relied on qualitative assessments of exposure. A profile of high-risk individuals was to be developed for the purpose of identifying a subpopulation at whom future monitoring for malignant melanoma could be directed. In this report we present results for a subset of the available risk factor data, including pigmentary traits, sun exposure, and family history variables. Because of current interest in the relationship between fluorescent light exposure and melanoma risk (Beral et al. 1982; Maxwell and Elwood 1983; Pasternack et al. 1983) we include these data as well. The remaining risk factors will be analyzed in detail in subsequent reports.
Mitigation of Foodborne Illnesses by Probiotics

Foodborne illness is a serious global health concern. There are over 200 known microbial, chemical, and physical agents that have the potential to cause foodborne illness. There have been several advances in foodborne pathogen control and prevention, which include antibiotics, antimicrobial molecules, ionizing particles, ultraviolet radiation, and heat; however, foodborne illness remains a critical problem to the world’s food supply. Probiotics have been used for over 200 years to promote, not only general, but also gastrointestinal health. These probiotics offer a unique strategy for control and prevention of foodborne illness, while conferring the same additional health benefits that probiotics have been known to confer for years. This chapter will highlight both wild-type and bioengineered probiotic strains in order to control foodborne illness. Further, proposed modes of action will also be expanded upon. While probiotics hold promise as strategies for foodborne pathogen control and treatment, challenges remain in the realm of characterization, administration and dosing, as well as disparities in host-strain specificities.
Consumer Involvement in the Training of Social Work Students

An exploratory project suggests the importance of including the perspective of the social service consumer in the training of students. A group of parents of mentally retarded children volunteered ...
Degraded soil increases the performance of a dominant grass, Andropogon gerardii (Big bluestem)

Dominant grasses can suppress subordinate species in grassland restorations. Examining factors that influence performance of a dominant grass when interacting with subordinate forbs may provide insights for maintaining plant community diversity. The objective of our study was to determine how soils of different restoration ages and functionally different forbs influence the performance (using biomass and tillering rate as proxies) of a dominant grass: Andropogon gerardii. Sites included a cultivated field and two restored prairies (4 or 16 years after restoration) at Konza Prairie (NE Kansas). We hypothesized A. gerardii performance would be greater in more degraded soils and when interacting with legumes. Soil structure, nutrient status, and microbial biomass were measured in soil that was used to conduct the plant interaction study. Andropogon gerardii performance was measured during an 18-week greenhouse experiment using the relative yield index calculated from net absolute tillering rate and final biomass measurements in three soil restoration age treatments combined with four interacting forb treatments. Restoration improved soil structure, reduced plant-available nutrients, and increased microbial biomass. Relative yield index values of A. gerardii were greater with non-legumes than legumes. Andropogon gerardii performed best in degraded soils, which may explain the difficulty in restoring tallgrass prairie diversity in long-term cultivated soil. Results from this study suggest practices that promote soil aggregation and fungal biomass, coupled with including a high abundance of legumes in seed mixes could reduce dominance of A. gerardii and likely increase plant diversity in tallgrass prairie restorations.
Leveraging Full-Field Measurement from 3D Digital Image Correlation for Structural Identification

Within the domain of structural health monitoring (SHM) measurement techniques have primarily relied on discrete sensing strategies using sensors physically attached to the structural system of interest. These sensors have proven effective in describing both global and local phenomena, but are limited to providing discrete response measurements of these systems. With the introduction of novel imaging tools and image analysis techniques, such as digital image correlation (DIC), the ability to measure the full-field response of these systems provides a novel approach to refining structural identification (St-ID) approaches used in SHM. This paper explores this proposed concept through a case study on a series of structural test specimens analyzed using 3D digital image correlation (3D-DIC) for St-ID. Finite element model updating (FEMU) was used as the technique for the structural identification. For the identification process, ABAQUS was interfaced with MATLAB to converge on the optimal unknown/uncertain system parameters of the experimental setup. 3D-DIC results provided a rich full-field dataset for the identification process, which was compared against measurements derived from traditional physical in-place sensors typically used in SHM. In this work a Hybrid Genetic Algorithm (HGA), which combines the genetic algorithm as a global optimization and a gradient-based method as a local optimization, was used for the FEMU based on 3D-DIC results of structural specimen subjected to variable loading. To minimize the error between the full field 3D-DIC measurements and FEA model updating results, an objective function was introduced that included the full-field contributions of strains and deformation response. The evolution of this objective function illustrated satisfactory convergence of the identified parameters and the excellent agreement of the experimental and numerical strain and displacement responses after the model updating process confirmed the success of the proposed approach. The results of this study highlight the advantage of this hybrid approach and provide the foundation for effective deployment of the proposed strategy for large-scale structural systems.
Live Cell Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques

The use of fluorescent tags for in vivo tracking of proteins has provided an array of new data on cell function. Correspondingly, a variety of new methods utilizing these fluorescent tags have been developed. These methods must take into account all of the concerns of keeping live samples in conditions as close to physiological norms as possible, including temperature, CO(2) levels, media composition, and reduction of phototoxic effects. The microscope itself should also be designed to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks inherent in these methods. We provide an overview of these concerns.
Graphical Stability of Data Analysing Software

Using computer orientated methods for data analysis it gets necessary to think of the question whether the used software is reliable. This is especially interesting for graphics, where it is sometimes very difficult to check the results arithmetically. Therefore it must be guaranteed, that the user may rely on the representation. According to this the expression of “graphical stability” can be explained as a possibility to summarize some of the fundamental qualities of reliable graphics.
Paternal race/ethnicity and risk of adverse birth outcomes in the United States, 1989-2013.

Objectives: Investigate adverse birth outcomes in the United States (US) from 1989–2013 in relation to paternal and maternal race/ethnicity. Design: We used US natality data for singleton births to women 15–44 with information on birthweight, gestational age, and covariates (n = 90,771,339). We calculated unadjusted and adjusted probabilities of preterm birth (PTB, < 37 weeks gestation) and small for gestational age (SGA, < 10th percentile) among all combinations of maternal and paternal race/ethnicity: non-Hispanic black (NHB), non-Hispanic white (NHW), Hispanic, and Asian, and where paternal race/ethnicity was missing. Results: Missing, followed by NHB, paternal race/ethnicity had the two highest risks of PTB within each maternal racial/ethnic group. Asian, followed by NHW, paternal race/ethnicity had the two lowest risks of PTB. For SGA, however, Asian, followed by missing, paternal race/ethnicity had the two highest risks, and NHW race/ethnicity had the lowest risk. Our findings also demonstrate effect modification on the additive scale, with missing and NHB paternal race/ethnicity conferring a larger increase in risk of PTB for NHB women compared to women of other race/ethnicity groups. Conclusions: These data confirm US disparities in adverse birth outcomes by maternal and paternal race/ethnicity and argue for increased resources and interventions in response.
Understanding Open Access Data Using Visuals: Integrating Prospective Studies of Children's Responses to Natural Disasters.

Background As access to open data is increasing, researchers gain the opportunity to build integrated datasets and to conduct more powerful statistical analyses. However, using open access data presents challenges for researchers in understanding the data. Visuals allow researchers to address these challenges by facilitating a greater understanding of the information available.
Civil Practice: Comparative Negligence Update

Recent decisional law by the Court of Appeals has placed new limits on the applicability of article 14-A to some assumption of risk cases, to matters involving some labor law violations, and to violations of legal prohibitions. These limitations are important to the practitioner representing clients who seek to benefit from New York's comparative negligence statute.
Illiquidity and Price Informativeness

This paper shows that liquidity conditions are important determinants of the predictability of earnings. Liquid stock prices are more informative about future firm earnings growth than illiquid sto...
Tax Avoidance, Uncertainty, and Firm Risk

We examine the relation between tax avoidance and firm risk using latent class mixture models, identifying subsamples of firms with differing relations between variables of interest. We provide evidence that 19 percent of our sample exhibits a positive association between tax avoidance and firm risk, 42 percent exhibits a negative association, and 39 percent does not exhibit a significant relation. Our analyses reveal striking differences in firm characteristics across latent classes, including the use of common tax shields and cross-border tax planning. Using the results from the latent class mixture model, we develop a parsimonious model to predict whether a firm-year observation is likely to exhibit a positive (negative) relation between tax avoidance and firm risk. Firms predicted to exhibit a positive relation between tax avoidance and firm risk experience negative tax outcomes over the following three years, including larger payouts to tax authorities and more negative tax news coverage. Overall, our results suggest the relation between corporate tax practices and firm risk varies substantially across large groups of firms.
Objetivos para el tratamiento de la distonía causada por varias etiologías. Metaanálisis

Introduction: To use a meta-analysis on all reported cases of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for dystonia to reevaluate the good effect using the GPi as a target, which factors significant influence outcome related to the target. The Burke-Fahn-Marsden (BFM) movement scale, the most reported measure, was chosen as the primary outcome measure for this analysis. Material and Methods: Computerized MEDLINE searches on English literature search identified 137 patients who underwent BBS for dystonia in 24 studies that had individual BFM scores. The study was done with statistical analysis by intention to treat. Statistical analysis was made with a significant p- value of 0.05. For the comparison of pre- and postoperative scores, a test Wilcoxon signed was used. Results: The mean BFM percentage change (improvement in postoperative score from baseline) was 46.3%(range - 34% to 100%). At last follow-up, disease severity and the degree of disability and pain on the BFM were significantly improved by 70.4%, and 67.8%, respectively (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). significantly better outcomeswere achieved with stimulation of the globus pallidus internus (GPI) than with stimulation of the posterior portion of the ventral lateral (VLp) nucleus of the thalamus (p < 0.05). The etiology of the dystonia also had a significant effect on outcomes. Statistically significant improvements in outcomes were seen for all etiologic categories, except encephalitis. Dystonia due to birth injury and encephalitis had significantly worse outcomes of patients who were DYT1, or had pantothenate-kinase-associatedneurodegeneration (PKAN), tardive dyskinesia, and idiopathic and posttraumatic dystonias. Longer duration of dystonia symptonscorrelated negatively with surgical outcome. Conclusion: Deep Brain stimulation of the GPi provides improvement in BFM scores in a variety of dystonic conditions.
Technoeconomic Analysis of Photovoltaics Module Manufacturing with Thin Silicon Wafers

Reducing silicon usage by adopting thinner wafers can significantly reduce capital expenditure (capex) and cost, and thus accelerate the growth of manufacturing capacity and deployment. In this work, we evaluated potential benefits of thin Si wafers for current and future PV modules. We apply a technoeconomic framework that couples bottom-up cost model, and a cash-flow growth model to analyze PV modules with thin wafers. First, we show that, comparing the current PERC with 160 µm thick wafers to the high-efficiency concept with 50 µm thin wafers, the capex is reduced from 0.39 to 0.2 $/(W/year) while the cost is from 0.32 to 0.2 $/W. Second, the potential of accelerated deployment is analyzed for the high-efficiency thin wafer concept. We found the significant advantages of higher growth rate (~20% relative) and higher deployment plateau (~3 times) than the current PERC modules.
A Scalable Smartwatch-Based Medication Intake Detection System Using Distributed Machine Learning

Poor Medication adherence causes significant economic impact resulting in hospital readmission, hospital visits and other healthcare costs. The authors developed a smartwatch application and a cloud based data pipeline for developing a user-friendly medication intake monitoring system that can contribute to improving medication adherence. The developed Android smartwatch application collects activity sensor data using accelerometer and gyroscope. The cloud-based data pipeline includes distributed data storage, distributed database management system and distributed computing frameworks in order to build a machine learning model which identifies activity types using sensor data. With the proposed sensor data extraction, preprocessing and machine learning algorithms, this study successfully achieved a high F1 score of 0.977 with 13.313 seconds of training time and 0.139 seconds for testing.
Hepatitis E should be a global public health priority: recommendations for improving surveillance and prevention

Introduction Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important cause of enterically transmitted viral hepatitis and a significant contributor to maternal mortality in endemic regions around the world, yet the global response has been limited. HEV is a disease of poverty, and the populations experiencing the greatest burden of HEV-associated illness are not benefitting from existing interventions, including WASH strategies and immunization. Areas covered Though a vaccine exists (HEV 239, Hecolin®, Xiamen Innovax Biotech, China), it is only licensed and available in the private market in China and has yet to be prequalified by the WHO for use in endemic settings and outbreaks. This review of the current state of HEV disease and subsequent recommendations for a coordinated public health response are intended to guide the global health community towards breaking the current 'vicious cycle,' in which a lack of data prevents actions that would improve health outcomes. Expert opinion Vaccine implementation in future outbreaks, targeted studies assessing vaccine effectiveness and immunogenicity in endemic regions and populations, improved understanding of the global burden, and improvements in diagnostic and epidemiologic tools are urgently needed. Strategies for implementing routine vaccination programs, improving water, sanitation, and hygiene in endemic regions.
Oncologic significance of unexpected osseous foci on FDG-PET without correlative CT abnormalities

Our purpose was to explore the clinical significance of unexpected osseous foci on 18F-FDG-PET without correlative CT abnormalities (FWCT) in patients referred for oncologic evaluation. The significance of FDG-avid foci without correlative CT abnormalities has been previously explored in tissues such as breast, lung, liver, and prostate; however, osseous foci without correlative CT abnormalities continue to present challenges in diagnostic interpretations. This study is a retrospective review of 120 osseous FWCT, reported in 91 patients, and their corresponding clinical follow-up. We included only patients with at least 6 months of clinical follow-up leading to a final diagnosis, reviewing bone biopsy results, follow-up imaging, and clinical notes. We excluded those patients on active chemotherapy at the time of the scan. For reports describing > 3 foci, we only analyzed the one with highest maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax). As a measure of uptake intensity, we obtained focus-to-liver ratios (F/L) utilizing their SUVmax and corresponding hepatic 3D SUVmean. Of 91 patients, 74 (81%) had biopsy-confirmed primary malignancies and 17 (19%) had suspicious findings on diagnostic imaging, but no proven primary malignancy. 50 of 120 (42%) osseous foci were malignant and 70 (58%) were benign. 49 of 120 (41%) foci were solitary and 71 (59%) were 0 with other foci (non-solitary). Malignancy resulted from 15/49 (31%) solitary foci and 35/71 (49%) non-solitary foci. Malignant lesions had a mean F/L 2.37 ± 0.397 and benign lesions a mean F/L 1.49 ± 0.169. Osseous malignancy correlated with a higher uptake intensity (Spearman = 0.408; P 2.0) uptake intensity. Interpreting physicians encountering these variables can recommend interval follow-up with 18F-FDG-PET/CT or correlation with contrast-enhanced MRI or tissue biopsy. In patients with an altered biodistribution of 18F-FDG in the bone marrow (e.g., recent chemotherapy cycle), follow-up FDG-PET can be obtained at an appropriate time interval following oncologic treatment.
A multi-method approach to process map provider- variation in implementing a community-based multi-stage screening protocol for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Purpose: Challenges in moving scientific evidence into practice and policy are well documented in the identification and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially among underserved communities. To expedite and “improve clinical utility” of the traditional research program, health services researchers are increasingly employing effectiveness-implementation hybrid designs that take a dual focus a priori on effectiveness and implementation. We demonstrate the value of a multi-method qualitative study that used process maps to investigate implementation variation and the rationale underlying adaptation in a three-stage screening protocol, ultimately providing opportunities to optimize …
Cranial and endocranial anatomy of a three-dimensionally preserved teleosauroid thalattosuchian skull

Thalattosuchians represent one of the several independent transitions into the marine realm among crocodylomorphs. The extent of their aquatic adaptations ranges from the semiaquatic teleosauroids, superficially resembling extant gharials, to the almost cetacean-like pelagic metriorhynchids. Understanding the suite of osteological, physiological, and sensory changes that accompanied this major transition has received increased attention, but is somewhat hindered by a dearth of complete three-dimensionally preserved crania. Here, we describe the cranial and endocranial anatomy of a well-preserved three-dimensional specimen of Macrospondylus bollensis from the Toarcian of Yorkshire, UK. The trigeminal fossa contains two similar-sized openings separated by a thin lamina of prootic, a configuration that appears unique to a subset of teleosauroids. Macrospondylus bollensis resembles other thalattosuchians in having pyramidal semicircular canals with elongate cochlear ducts, enlarged carotid canals leading to an enlarged pituitary fossa, enlarged orbital arteries, enlarged endocranial venous sinuses, reduced pharyngotympanic sinuses, and a relatively straight brain with a hemispherical cerebral expansion. We describe for the first time the olfactory region and paranasal sinuses of a teleosauroid. A relatively large olfactory region suggests greater capacity for airborne olfaction in teleosauroids than in the more aquatically adapted metriorhynchoids. Additionally, slight swellings in the olfactory region suggest the presence of small salt glands of lower secretory capacity than those of metriorhynchoids. The presence of osteological correlates for salt glands in a teleosauroid corroborates previous hypotheses that these glands originated in the common ancestor of Thalattosuchia, facilitating their rapid radiation into the marine realm.
The Choreography and Production of "Jacob Five: A Journey into the Olive Vineyard"

the purpose of choreographing oreograph jacob five A journey into the olive vineyard was to artistically express a religious allegory in order to praise god as well as to bring the audience dancers and choreographer to a new understanding of the passage from which it was derived the 39 minute dance was presented april 1
Animal Models and Hallucinogenic Drugs

The neuropsychological effects of naturally occurring psychoactive ­substances have been recognized for millennia. Hallucinogens, which include naturally occurring chemicals, such as mescaline and psilocybin, as well as synthetic compounds, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), induce profound alterations of human consciousness, emotion, and cognition. The discovery of the hallucinogenic effects of LSD, and the observations that LSD and the endogenous neurotransmitter serotonin share chemical and pharmacological profiles, led to the suggestion that biogenic amines like serotonin were involved in the psychosis of mental disorders such as schizophrenia. Understanding the mechanism by which hallucinogens elicit unique neurobehavioral effects may open up new avenues in drug abuse research, as well as contributing to the understanding of the endogenous psychosis of psychiatric diseases. Here we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanism of action of hallucinogenic drugs, as well as findings obtained in animal models.
Neural transplantation of horseradish peroxidase-labeled hippocampal cell suspensions in an experimental model of cerebral ischemia.

Publisher Summary One of the major obstacles in assessing the use of neuronal transplants to replace cells that are lost because of ischemia is the inability to identify and distinguish homotypically-transplanted cells from similar cells in the host brain. This chapter discusses the use of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to label cell suspensions of fetal rodent hippocampus that were injected into the hippocampi of post-ischemic rats to determine whether homotypically transplanted cells could be distinguished from those of the host. When homotypic cells are to be transplanted and are labeled with HRP, a label is required, which might help in distinguishing cells of transplant origin from those of the host. One factor influencing the transplant survival appears to be the placement of the cells within the hippocampus. Whether the minor differences in histocompatibility between the donor tissue and host in combination with the cytotoxicity factors influence cellular survival is an issue that remains to be resolved. The chapter suggests that neural transplantation may be feasible for treatment for focal lesions produced during ischemia. Sufficient cell growth and development that occurred in the four vessel occlusion (VO) animals, justify further transplantation experiments in this model.
Bringing ritual to mind : psychological foundations of cultural forms

1. Cognitive constraints on religious ritual form: a theory of participants' competence with religious ritual systems 2. Ritual and memory: frequency and flashbulbs 3. Two hypotheses concerning religious ritual and emotional stimulation 4. Assessing the two hypotheses 5. General profiles of religious ritual systems: the emerging cognitive science of religion.
A New Large-Scale Process for Taxol and Related Taxanes from Taxus brevifolia

Purpose. In view of the demonstrated antitumor activity of taxol, ready availability of the drug is important. The current isolation methods starting from the bark of Taxus brevifolia involve multiple manipulations, leading to only taxol and in a yield of 0.01%. A new process consisting of a single reverse phase column is introduced here, and the present purpose is to determine its large scale applicability.
Sleep: Geriatric Self-Learning Module

The Geriatric Resource Nurse Model is used at the University of Virginia to improve the competency of staff in caring for older adults. Eight self-learning educational modules were developed to address common concerns in hospitalized elders. The Sleep: Geriatric Self-Learning Module is published her
From Reconfigurability to Evolution in Construction Systems: Spanning the Electronic, Microfluidic and Biomolecular Domains

This paper investigates configurability, reconfigurability and evolution of information processing hardware in conventional and unconventional media. Whereas current electronic systems have an advantage in terms of processing speed, they are at a definite disadvantage in terms of plasticity, true hardware reconfiguration and especially reconfiguration and evolution of the hardware construction system itself. Here molecular computers, including the control of chemical reaction synthesis, hold the promise of being able to achieve these properties. In particular, combinatorially complex families of molecules (such as DNA) can direct their own synthesis. The intermediate level of microfluidic systems is also open to reconfiguration and evolution and may play a vital role in linking up the electronic and molecular processing worlds. This paper discusses opportunities for and advantages of reconfiguration across these various levels and the possibility of integrating these technologies. Finally, the threshold level of construction control required for iterative bootstrapping of nanoscale construction is discussed.
Pre-Service Teachers' Blog Reflections: Illuminating Their Growth and Development.

AbstractBlogging, a mode of electronic journaling, has been identified as an effective means to help pre-service teachers to construct meaning about their experiences. The purpose of this study was to examine pre-service teachers’ reflections about their praxis through blogging and to describe the nature of their growth and development. The use of reflective writing through blogging helped to identify three themes that emerged from the data: (1) validation, (2) prescriptive, and (3) self-assessment. Our findings suggest that blogging facilitated a community of learners that provided support and encouragement. Pre-service teachers’ reflections revealed a focus on the mechanistic aspects of teaching without critically examining the nature of what was observed. However, our findings also suggest that structuring reflective thinking through blogging has the potential to foster a nascent understanding about teaching and learning.
Probabilistic Design of Composite Structures

A formal procedure for the probabilistic design evaluation of a composite structure is described. The uncertainties in all aspects of a composite structure (constituent material properties, fabrication variables, structural geometry, and service environments, etc.), which result in the uncertain behavior in the composite structural responses, are included in the evaluation. The probabilistic evaluation consists of: (1) design criteria, (2) modeling of composite structures and uncertainties, (3) simulation methods, and (4) the decision-making process. A sample case is presented to illustrate the formal procedure and to demonstrate that composite structural designs can be probabilistically evaluated with accuracy and efficiency.
Cyclin E and cyclin A as candidates for the restriction point protein.

Abstract Progression of cells into S phase is proposed to be determined by accumulation of a labile protein (the restriction point protein R; A. B. Pardee, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 71: 1286–1290, 1974). We report here that cyclin E and cyclin A proteins as well as their dependent histone H1 kinases satisfy all of the criteria for the R protein, which includes late G 1 phase increase, an excess delay of appearance after inhibition of protein synthesis in nontransformed cells, and a faster recovery in transformed cells. We suggest that the molecular basis of the R protein could be cyclin production and inactivation.
Collateral distance communication support of traditional classroom learning: an empirical study

Preliminary results are reported for a field experiment in distance communication and learning. Students enrolled in traditional classroom courses are provided with asynchronous distance communication support, consisting of optional anytime/anyplace access to classroom lectures via the World Wide Web. The traditional classroom lectures are audio-recorded and the audio transcripts are digitized, compressed and provided, along with the synchronized lecture slides, for viewing via the Web. Usage patterns are unobtrusively monitored and correlated to performance and attendance. Additionally, participants' subjective reactions are collected, compiled and analyzed. The results will provide a foundation for further research and application by (1) helping assess the value added for distributed communication technologies, (2) shedding light on user adoption behaviors and attitudes, and (3) identifying practical considerations in implementation.
Model legumes in the limelight

A report of the Molecular Genetics of Model Legumes meeting, John Innes Centre, Norwich, 24-28 June, 2000.
Low temperature, organic-free synthesis of Ba3B6O9(OH)6nanorods and β-BaB2O4 nanospindles

Using a low temperature, organic-free hydrothermal technique, single-crystalline barium polyborate Ba3B6O9(OH)6 (BBOH) nanorods were synthesized. It was found that β-BaB2O4 (BBO) nanospindles can be achieved by annealing the BBOH nanorods at a relatively low temperature of 810 °C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques were used to characterize these nanomaterials. The formation mechanisms are discussed in conjunction with the crystallographic characteristics and surface energy of the BBOH nanorods and BBO nanospindles. UV-vis absorption spectra demonstrated that both BBOH nanorods and BBO nanospindles are transparent from the ultraviolet to the visible regions.
Macrophages interact with enriched populations of distinct T lymphocyte subsets for the induction of severe destructive Lyme arthritis.

Severe destructive Lyme arthritis was detected in the hind paws of hamsters infused with enriched populations of either CD4 1 or CD4 2 T lymphocytes along with macrophages exposed in vitro to formalin-inactivated Borrelia burgdorferi and then infected with the Lyme spirochete. Swell- ing was detected 4 days after infection, increased rapidly, peaked on day 8 of infection, and gradually decreased. Similarly, severe destructive arthritis was induced in hamsters infused with enriched populations of unfractionated T lymphocytes and macrophages exposed to spirochetes after infection with B. burgdorferi. Histopathological examination affirmed that hamsters infused with CD4 1 , CD4 2 , or unfractionated T lymphocytes and macrophages exposed to B. burgdorferi-induced arthritis. In addition, macrophages exposed in vitro to B. burg- dorferi demonstrated both conventional and coiling phagocytosis, suggesting a mechanism by which CD4 1 and CD4 2 T lymphocytes induce arthritis, respectively. These findings demonstrate that both CD4 1 and CD4 2 subpopulations of T lymphocytes are capable of interacting with macrophages for the induction of severe destructive Lyme arthritis. J. Leukoc. Biol. 65: 162-170; 1999.
Analysis of on-state carrier distribution in the DI-LIGBT

Abstract The on-state carrier distribution in the drift region of the DI-LIGBT with thin silicon layers is studied in this paper. Numerical simulations indicate that carrier enhancement due to the formation of an accumulation region underneath the gate near the emitter has a strong impact on the on-state carrier distribution. This results in improved on-state characeristics by reducing the middle region voltage drop, due to the enhanced conductivity modulation of the drift region. A simple one-dimensional analytical modeling is carried out to study the effect of this carrier enhancement on on-state voltage drop. The results are verified by measurements performed on DI-LIGBTs fabricated on 5 and 10 μm thick silicon layers.
Ultrastructural study of thoracic duct lymphocytes of mice.

The fine structure of cells in mouse thoracic duct lymph was described, and the changes in cell population during a prolonged drainage of five days were characterized. From 93.9–97.0% of the cells were lymphocytes and 99.9% of them had the greatest axis ranging from 5.0–6.3 μ. Those cells which ranged in greatest dimension from 6.3–9.0 μ constituted 3–6% of the total population and were lymphocytes, developing and mature plasma cells, monocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and unclassified cells. The developing and mature plasma cells increased from 1.4–5.5% when day 1 of cannulation was compared with day 2. These cells constituted 3.5% of the population of day 3 and 3.9% on days 4 and 5. The numbers of these cells appeared to account for most of the increase in large lymphocytes seen by light microscopy. Approximately 5% of the lymphocytes contained inclusions which had the appearance of lipid. The findings were compared with previous observations in other mammalian systems.
Recycling Kraft Pulping Chemicals with Molten Salt Electrolysis

Molten salt mixtures containing sodium carbonate, sodium sulfide, and sodium sulfate have been electrolyzed to generate sodium oxide and sodium sulfide while removing carbon from the system in the form of gas and maintaining a sulfur balance in the melt. This investigation leads toward the development of an electrolysis-based recycle process for pulping chemicals. The molten salts are presently found in the chemical recovery process of kraft pulping. Electrolysis was performed in a divided melt/undivided atmosphere and divided melt/divided atmosphere to avoid consumption of the oxide and sulfide products. The anodic reaction was carbonate oxidation to carbon dioxide and oxygen while sullide oxidation to palysulfides occurred to a lesser extent at less positive potentials; sulfate oxidation was not observed to occur. The cathodic reaction was sulfate reduction to sulfide and oxide, the desired molten precursors for recycled pulping liquors.
Along-strike translation of a fossil slab

Abstract The Isabella anomaly is a high seismic velocity anomaly beneath the southern Central Valley of California that has previously been interpreted to represent a lithospheric drip or delaminated Sierra Nevada root. However, recent work suggests that the anomaly is a remnant slab, left over from Cenozoic subduction, attached to the Pacific plate underneath the edge of the North American plate. This hypothesis requires the slab to translate hundreds of kilometers along-strike while remaining intact and attached to the Pacific plate despite drag from the surrounding asthenosphere and overriding lithosphere. We use 3-D finite element models to simulate this scenario, and calculate the viscosity ratio between the slab and the surrounding asthenosphere required for the slab to translate undeformed. The required viscosity ratio increases with increasing downdip extent of the slab, and decreases with increasing slab dip; for geometries approximating that of our proposed slab, the required ratio ranges from 10 2 to 10 4 . Given the thermal and petrologic history of the slab, mantle flow laws predict viscosity contrasts greater than or equal to these requirements. As such, we conclude that along-strike translation of a remnant slab is feasible, and serves as a possible explanation of the Isabella anomaly. The significance of this finding extends beyond our general understanding of subduction dynamics, in that the presence of such a slab could have implications for the water budget of the San Andreas Fault and its role in aseismic slip.
Examining the dimensionality of combat-related posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms in treatment-seeking OEF/OIF/OND veterans.

Abstract Background This study examined the factor structure of two of the most commonly used screening measures of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in 164 treatment-seeking veterans who served in Operations Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND). Methods Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the dimensionality of items from the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist–Military Version (PCL-M) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Regression analyses were then conducted to examine associations between factor scores of the resulting factor solution and measures of alcohol use, cognitive coping, psychological resilience, social support, and healthcare utilization. Results A four-factor solution was found that consisted of clusters of symptoms reflecting reexperiencing/avoidance, detachment/numbing, hopelessness/depression, and bodily disturbance. Scores on the detachment/numbing factor were uniquely related to alcohol use, whereas scores on the hopelessness/depression factor was uniquely associated with emergency room visits. Compared to conventional PCL-M and PHQ-9 total scores, the four-factor solution explained 2 to 10% more variance in scores on measures of alcohol use, cognitive coping, psychological resilience, social support, and healthcare utilization. Limitations This study was limited by a small sample size and cross-sectional design. Conclusions Combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder and depressive symptoms in treatment-seeking OEF/OIF/OND veterans may be better conceptualized by four dimensions of reexperiencing/avoidance, detachment/numbing, hopelessness/depression, and bodily disturbance symptoms. This symptom structure may provide greater utility when examining other outcomes of interest in this population.
Glaucoma is a neuronal disease

In glaucoma, disease evolution may not be predicted only from intraocular pressure (IOP) in some patients, as successful IOP-lowering treatment does not always prevent progression. Some patients, such as those with normal-pressure glaucoma, may have more susceptible optic nerves than others. There are several reasons to characterise glaucoma as a neuronal disease, and there is some evidence that IOP is only one of a number of co-factors leading to glaucoma. This paper provides an overview of some of the mechanisms that may be operating at the level of the retinal ganglion cell.
A study of microwatt-power pulsed carrier transmitter circuits

In Bio-Medical Telemetry, the power consumption of the system is to be minimized to reduce the overall size and weight or to extend the system life time. This is especially critical in implant systems. This study of microwatt power telemetry transmitters serves as an introduction to this area of medical electronics.
Understanding the PEG Ratio

The price-earnings-to-growth, or PEG, ratio is widely used by both individual investors and professional portfolio managers. This article explores the relationship between the PEG ratio and its determinants. The main conclusions are that (1) higher PEG ratios are consistent with correct valuation for firms with relatively low growth, for firms with more persistent high growth, and for firms with low cost of capital, and (2) PEG ratios frequently should exceed the conventional 1.0 benchmark for correctly valued firms, especially those with low cost of capital. The article recommends against using PEG as a tool to choose among different types of firms and concludes that the best use of PEG is for within-industry screening when firms are likely to have similar cost of capital and similar growth prospects
Predictive modeling of lithography-induced linewidth variation

Despite advanced resolution enhancement techniques (RET) and illumination techniques, several sources of variation in the pattern transfer process manifest as variations in chip-level performance and power. At 45nm and below, accurate design-level performance and power analyses must consider litho-simulated non-idealities. However, lithography simulation is computationally expensive to perform at chip-scale, and essentially infeasible during iterative design optimization. In this work, we develop a predictive model of device linewidths after optical proximity correction (OPC) across the process window. The predictive model is fast, accurate and highly scalable, enabling its use in the design phase at full-chip scale without actually performing OPC and litho simulation. To model litho effects on 2D poly geometries in standard cell layouts, we rigorously identify layout parameters that affect the litho contour. We classify gate poly (devices) into different categories based on their geometric parameters as well as those of neighboring field poly shapes. To create a model, we create a design of experiments (DOE) for all device categories and perform OPC followed by through-process window litho simulation. To limit the runtime of OPC and litho simulation for the DOE, we reduce the layout parameter space with a rigorously qualified methodology for filtering out unimportant parameters. To allow prediction of the device contour, we model the device edge placement error (EPE) using a response surface methodology followed by polynomial regression. We have implemented our predictive linewidth modeling with foundry 90nm and 65nm technology, along with industry-strength OPC models and recipes. Using the regression models, we have performed prediction on standard-cell blocks and achieved a 3σ prediction accuracy of 2nm across the process window.
Assessing and Addressing Student Barriers: Implications for Today's College Classroom

The increasingly diverse set of learners in colleges and universities poses considerable challenges for educators. Dorothy A. Osterholt and Sophie Lampard Dennis explain the four domains of learning they have identified and suggest ways to apply them to help students overcome a variety of obstacles to learning.
The effect of annealing on stretched trans‐1,4‐polyisoprene networks

Variations of stress with temperature for stretched networks of trans-polyisoprene networks in the crystallization region are reported. Such profiles are characteristically U-shaped with the stress at lower temperatures often climbing to high levels. Valley widths of the profiles narrow as annealing temperature increases to about 50°C, then widen at yet higher temperatures. The degree of crystallization at 22°C is 37% and independent of deformation and annealing temperature. The β crystal form is overwhelmingly present with traces of other crystal forms appearing only at high deformations. The theory of stress-induced crystallization provides a good description of experimental results provided the nucleation parameter σ is dependent upon deformation. Therefore, the data provide good qualitative support for the theory in its current form.