cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving School-wide Approaches in School Behavioral Health

Multitiered systems of support (MTSS) are designed to support mental health concerns at every level of need, including promotion/prevention, early intervention, and intensive intervention to improve social, emotional, behavioral, and academic functioning in youth. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) exemplifies the MTSS framework, emphasizing the use of evidence-based practices (EBPs), data-based decision-making, effective teaming, and selecting, implementing, and refining EBPs. PBIS has been found to enhance student outcomes in a number of realms. Challenges related to the implementation of these school-wide approaches include implementation at all tiers with fidelity, assuring program buy-in from and providing effective training for staff, increasing family engagement in leadership and programming, and scaling up to large-scale implementation. Overcoming these barriers will help ensure that the values of MTSS and PBIS are supported from the top-down and improve long-term outcomes for students.
A Full-Duplex Receiver With True-Time-Delay Cancelers Based on Switched-Capacitor-Networks Operating Beyond the Delay–Bandwidth Limit

Wideband self-interference cancellation (SIC) in full-duplex (FD) radios requires the achievement of large delays to accurately emulate the SI channel. However, compact, power-efficient, low-loss/noise/distortion nanosecond-scale delays are extremely challenging to achieve on silicon. Passive transmission lines on silicon are lossy and area-intensive and exhibit reduced bandwidths when miniaturized using inductors and capacitors, whereas active approaches are noisy and power-hungry. In this work, we present a technique that leverages switched-capacitor circuits with multiphase clocking to obtain large on-chip delays over wide bandwidths with the low area and power consumption, thus exceeding the delay–bandwidth product (DBW) limits offered by conventional linear time-invariant (LTI) circuits. This technique is demonstrated in an FD receiver with time-interleaved switched-capacitor-based delay cells in RF and BB domains. The FD receiver is implemented in a standard 65-nm CMOS process and operates from 100 MHz–1 GHz with gain tunability of 15–38 dB, a noise figure of 5.4 dB, and power consumption of 31 mW. The RF/BB canceler delay cells have real-/complex-valued weighting with delays ranging from 0.2–1.1 ns/10–75 ns while consuming 25.5 and 6.5 mW, respectively. These large tunable delays perform FIR-filtering-based cancellation, enabling 30–35-dB integrated SI cancellation over 20 MHz on top of an off-the-shelf ferrite circulator when terminated by a dipole antenna (isolation of 22 dB), and can handle TX power of up to +9 dBm. Under SIC, the RF and BB cancelers degrade the RX noise figure by 1.1 and 0.8 dB, respectively.
LORENZO GARCÍA VEGA: POETIZAR LA VIDA, HUMANIZAR LA LITERATURA

Este ensayo reflexiona en torno a la figura de un escritor cuya obra testifica la indisolubilidad entre el arte y la vida, privilegiando en todo momento el yo humano, sobre el yo literario del autor. Ademas de crear una lengua de resistencia en contra de la ideologia dominante, la escritura experimental y autorreferencial, como lo ejemplifica el caso de Lorenzo Garcia Vega, permite una revalorizacion, y una resignificacion de las circunstancias, internas y externas, del escritor.
Influence of multicultural curriculum and role models on high school students’ willingness to intervene in anti-LGBTQ harassment

Abstract Research suggests that, through direct intervention and role modeling, student peers may be particularly well-suited to address bullying and discrimination based on gender and sexuality. To investigate the factors predicting students’ self-reported intervention behaviors when witnessing harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity, this study analyzes youth-led survey data collected at five Midwestern high schools (n = 1046). The sample was majority white (65.8%), cisgender (90.8%), and heterosexual (78.4%). We found that in addition to overall school climate and witnessing others intervene, schools having race-related curriculum significantly predicted intervention behaviors around gender and sexuality and that LGBTQ-related curricula did not predict such actions. The authors propose that the discrepancy may be due to an association between race curricula and social justice frameworks, in contrast with the emphasis on individuality and health in LGBTQ-inclusive curricula.
Strong-form meshfree collocation method for non-equilibrium solidification of multi-component alloy

This work presents a strong form meshfree collocation method for a multi-phase field model with finite dissipation effects due to rapid solidification. We use the collocation method to simulate and study solidification of a low concentration (0.2 at% Sn) Al–Sn binary alloy system under periodic boundary conditions to address non-equilibrium solidification. Numerical implementation takes place through spatial discretization of the governing equations with the collocation method followed by application of the Crank–Nicolson method to integrate through time. Analysis begins with a benchmark, a simple two-grain case with symmetry in domain size, grain positioning, and boundary conditions to study the behavior of the field equations and key terms embedded within. This occurs by studying field and embedded term values along the axis of symmetry. Solidification analysis is then extended for 10 and 20 grains where upon full solidification, the regions with the highest overall concentrations exist within grain boundary region consisting for four or more adjacent grains. An analysis of alloy solidification over a substrate demonstrates epitaxial nucleation and growth.
Effects of Deionized Water Rinses on Gate Oxide Leakage Currents

Deionized (DI) water is used extensively in the manufacture of integrated circuits. It is particularly important in clean-ups prior to gate oxidations where it often follows an HF dip. DI water rinses can reduce the cleaning efficiencies of subsequent chemical treatments(1) and reduce the oxidation rate of silicon at room temperature.(2) Significant impact on the I–V characteristics of silicon dioxide by deionized water rinses are reported here. Leakage currents through a gate oxide increase with rinse time. Electron injection from a poly-silicon electrode increase much faster than from the substrate electrode. Currents can increase by many orders of magnitude. These increases are interpreted as arising from roughened oxide interfaces caused by a contamination layer.
The Lindbergh Kidnapping: Review of the Autopsy Evidence

Review of the findings of the autopsy performed on the decomposed remains show the identification as the Lindbergh baby to be valid, but the cause of death as “fractured skull” to be less certain.
Thrombocytopenia in late preterm and term neonates after perinatal asphyxia.

Background A recent NHLBI conference concluded that platelet (PLT) transfusions of neonates must become more evidence based. One neonatal disorder for which transfusions are given is a poorly defined entity, the “thrombocytopenia of perinatal asphyxia.” To expand the evidence base for this entity, we performed a multicentered, retrospective analysis of neonates with perinatal asphyxia. Study Design and Methods We analyzed records of term and late preterm neonates with perinatal asphyxia defined by a cord blood pH of not more than 6.99 and/or base deficit of at least 16 mmol/L. From these we identified neonates with at least two PLT counts of fewer than 150 × 109/L in the first week of life and described the severity, nadir, and duration of the thrombocytopenia. Results Thrombocytopenia occurred in 31% (117/375) of neonates with asphyxia versus 5% of matched nonasphyxiated controls admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (p < 0.0001). Twenty-one of the 117 asphyxiated neonates were excluded from the remaining analysis due to disseminated intravascular coagulation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Nadir PLT counts of the remaining 96 were on Day 3 (75 × 109/L; 90% confidence interval, 35.7 × 109-128.6 × 109/L) and normalized by Days 19 to 21. PLT counts after asphyxia roughly correlated inversely with elevated nucleated red blood cell count (NRBC) counts at birth. Thirty of the 96 received at least one PLT transfusion, all given prophylactically, none for bleeding. Conclusions We maintain that the thrombocytopenia of perinatal asphyxia is an authentic entity. Its association with elevated NRBC counts suggests that hypoxia is involved in the pathogenesis. Because PLT counts are only moderately low, the condition is transient, and bleeding problems seem rare, we speculate that PLT transfusions should not be needed for most neonates with this condition.
Predictive control development for non-minimum phase processes with application in food manufacturing

In this paper, an improved predictive control approach is developed for nonminimum phase (NMP) processes. It gives good performance for command-tracking and robustness against plant parameter variations. The algorithm is simple and easily implementable. Simulation shows that the algorithm works well for a large range of NMP plants with constant control parameter settings. Application in control of the food extrusion process verifies the effectiveness of the approach.
DYNAMO THEORY AND THE SOLAR CYCLE

In this paper solutions of the mean field induction equation in a spherical geometry are discussed. In particular, the 22-year solar magnetic cycle is considered to be governed by an axisymmetric, periodic solution which is antisymmetric with respect to the equatorial plane. This solution essentially describes flux tubes travelling as waves from mid-latitudes towards the equator. In a layer of infinite extent the period of such dynamo waves solely depends on the strength of the two induction effects, differential rotation and α-effect (cyclonic turbulence). In a spherical shell, however, mean flux must be destroyed by turbulent diffusion, so the latter process might actually control the time scale of the solar cycle.
An exploratory investigation of the effect of racial and masculine identity on focus: An examination of White, Black, Mexicano, Latino, and Asian men in community colleges

The relationship between masculine identity and men of color’s focus/effort in community college is examined in this article. Using data from the Community College Survey of Men, the results confirm that conceptions of masculinity for men of color has differential effects on the extent to which students are intensely focused on academic matters. Based on the results of this study, implications for educational practice and future research on men of color in community colleges are discussed.
Horseradish Production in Illinois

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a hardy perennial that is grown for its white, fleshy, and pungent roots. Illinois leads the United States in production of horseradish, with 1500 acres and an annual farm-gate value of about $10 million, with most processed and added as an ingredient to various commercially produced condiments. Horseradish in Illinois is primarily grown in the Mississippi River Valley region adjacent to St. Louis due to the well-drained, deep friable, high organic matter, moist loam soils that are present in this area. Most of the production is located in Madison and St. Claire counties. This region of southwestern Illinois has been producing horseradish commercially for over 150 years. This review provides an overview of the basics of horseradish production in Illinois, including propagation, cultivars, planting, cultivation, fertilization, pest management, harvest, grading, storage, and marketing. Horseradish is one of the most important specialty crops grown in Illinois, and current and future production concerns are also discussed.
Effects of Assertiveness Training on the Self‐Esteem of Black High School Students

Effects of assertiveness training on assertive behaviors and self-esteem were investigated among Black high school students. Results showed a significant difference between scores of males and females on the written assertiveness measure. Scores of the 9 females in the experimental group accounted for all of the change, whereas scores of the 18 males actually dropped somewhat. No significant differences appeared on assertiveness or self-esteem across conditions, however. Possible reasons for lack of effects of the training are discussed. Continued study is necessary to identify ways for Blacks to meet their needs by moving from passive or aggressive approaches to assertive ones.
Human Multipotent Stromal Cells Undergo Sharp Transition from Division to Development in Culture

Human mesenchymal stem cells, or multipotent stromal cells (MSCs), are of interest for clinical therapy, in part because of their capacity for proliferation and differentiation. However, results from clinical trials and in vitro models have been variable, possibly because of MSC heterogeneity and a lack of standardization between MSC in vitro expansion protocols. Here we defined changes in MSCs during expansion in vitro. In low-density cultures, MSCs expand through distinct lag, exponential growth, and stationary phases. We assayed cultures of passage 2 human MSCs from three donors at low density (50 cells per cm2) at approximately 5% confluence on day 2 and after the cultures had expanded to approximately 70% confluence on day 7. On day 2, genes involved in cell division were upregulated. On day 7, genes for cell development were upregulated. The variations among three donors were less than the variation within the expansion of MSCs from a single donor. The microarray data for selected genes were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and FACScan analysis. Approximately 50% of cells at day 2 were in S-phase compared with 10% at day 7. The results demonstrated major differences in early and late stage cultures of MSCs that should be considered in using the cells in experiments and clinical applications. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Location of specific messenger RNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans by cytological hybridization

We have developed an autoradiographic technique for detecting specific Caenorhabditis elegans messenger RNA molecules in situ by hybridization of labeled, cloned DNA probes to fixed tissue sections and squashes of embryos and adults. We report analyses with probes of actin and collagen gene sequences from a C. elegans genomic clone library. Hybridization is RNase sensitive and tissue specific. In adults the actin probe, which recognizes cytoplasmic as well as muscle actin mRNA, hybridizes strongly to muscle and distal gonad (ovary), somewhat less strongly to maturing oocytes, and weakly to intestine. The collagen probe hybridizes weakly to distal gonad and intestine and very strongly to subcuticular tissues, in particular to the hypodermal cells and syncytial cytoplasm of the lateral hypodermal ridges, which are the sites of cuticle synthesis. In embryos, hybridization to squashes indicates that actin message is present at fertilization, decreases during early cleavage, and then increases again during morphogenesis. By contrast, collagen message is absent until the 100-cell stage and then increases rapidly during morphogenesis. The number of cells labeled is consistent with the view that the collagen probe hybridizes to hypodermal precursor cells. We estimate that our present methods can detect messages representing about 0.2% or more of the total mRNA population, and increases in this sensitivity should be possible. Therefore, the cytological hybridization technique should be useful for determining temporal and spatial patterns of specific mRNA distributions during development, at least for abundant and moderately abundant messages.
A New Design Approach for Electrically Small High-Frequency Antennas

The design of electrically small high-frequency (HF) wire antennas continues to be a challenging effort, primarily due to the tradeoffs involved in reducing antenna electrical size while attempting to maintain some level of acceptable impedance and bandwidth at lower frequencies. There are numerous examples of practical applications where antenna physical dimensions must be restricted. This letter presents a new concept in electrically small wire antenna design that seeks to address those real restrictions by providing new design methods for functional electrically small antennas when traditional methods fail. This new concept is based upon using the entire volume for antenna design. New designs are presented along with a comparison of performance characteristics obtained through simulation and experimentation. Significant improvements in performance using the proposed methodology are demonstrated, including increases in radiation resistance of up to 28% and reductions in $Q$ of more than 20% as compared to antenna geometries with identical heights and volumes.
Tail structure farr from the head of Comet Kohoutek. I

Abstract Two tail structures 0.1AU from the head of Comet Kohoutek were photographed during January 1974. One was a wavy structure resembling a helix while the other was an irregular Swan-like cloud. Both features were propagating down the tail at approximately 250km/sec, and the observed speed is probably the phase speed. We discuss the physical origin of these structures and interpret the helix as a kink instability resulting from currents flowing along the tail axis.
Rosario's Fugitive Voice: Deciphering Rosario Tijeras's Ironic Challenge to the Notion of Literatura Sicaresca

This essay examines the use of irony in Jorge Franco Ramos's Rosario Tijeras in relationship to recent literary criticism. Frequently, the novel appears in this criticism as a realist narrative of a beautiful, working-class killer told from the perspective of her unrequited lover. In contrast, I argue that the novel portrays the narrator's failure to comprehend the choices that his alleged true love makes between sex work and murder. The novel provides insight into class difference in Colombian society and how discourse, fantasy, attraction, and aversion all play into the narrator's construction of his enigmatic heroine. At times, Rosario briefly reveals the narrator's posturing within the narrative and calls attention to the discursive obstacles that separate middle-class readers and slum residents.
Evaluation of reducing temporal resolution on the accuracy of aortic pulse wave velocity assessment from velocity encoded MRI

Background Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), the propagation speed of blood flow velocity waves through the aorta, is a marker of aortic stiffness with prognostic value in various diseases with vascular expression. One-directional throughplane velocity-encoded (VE) MRI, planned perpendicular to the ascending aorta and additionally transecting the proximal descending aorta (Figure 1), is a validated method for assessing PWV over the aortic arch. However, the effect of the temporal resolution (Tres) of VE MRI on the accuracy of PWV assessment has not yet been established. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reducing Tres on the accuracy of aortic PWV and how this relates to physiological variation. Methods Five patients referred for cardiac MRI and ten healthy volunteers within similar age range (mean age 32 ± 14 years) were prospectively included. PWV was assessed from velocity mapping using VE MRI on 3T MRI (Ingenia, Philips) with velocity sensitivity of 150 cm/s. Reference PWV (PWVref) was achieved from VE MRI with maximal number of reconstructed phases (Tres = 5 ms). The effect of temporal Tres on PWV was evaluated by temporal downsampling (50% [Tres = 10 ms], 67% [Tres = 15 ms], 75% [Tres = 20 ms], and 80% [Tres = 25 ms]), first by reducing phases during repeated reconstruction of the original acquired high-temporal data. Next, downsampling was performed by data removal as well as by data
Antarctica's Orbital Beat

Alternating glacial and interglacial conditions have dominated Earth's climate for at least the past 800,000 years ( 1 , 2 ). Such a global rhythm of glaciation is surprising—at least if summer solar radiation controls glaciation ( 3 )—because variations in Earth's orbit cause opposite changes in the intensity of northern and southern summer radiation. Deciphering the origins of the orbital period variations found in Antarctic proxies of climate may tell us why glaciations are global.
FORMATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF NUCLEAR PORE COMPLEXES IN INTERPHASE

The possibility of nuclear pore formation in the interphase nucleus was investigated in control and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated lymphocytes by the freeze-etching technique. 48 hr after the addition of PHA, the newly formed blasts which had not as yet divided had at least twice the number of pores per nucleus as controls. This clearly demonstrates that in lymphocytes nuclear pore formation can take place during interphase. It has generally been assumed that the distribution of nuclear pore complexes in somatic animal cells is random. However, we have utilized freeze etched rat kidney cells and a computer program to evaluate pore distribution. We find a minimum pore center-to-center spacing of approximately 1300 A and multiples thereof with high frequency. This is strong evidence for a nonrandom distribution of nuclear pores. The nonrandomness may be related to an underlying chromosomal organization in interphase. Using three criteria for identifying prospective pore sites (membrane specialization, nonrandomness, and alteration of heterochromatin distribution), we have found forming pores in sectioned material from cultured human melanoma cells. While nuclear pore formation may take place in conjunction with reformation of the nuclear membrane, a mechanism also exists for their formation during interphase.
1H Solid-State NMR Imaging by TREV-CRAMPS

Abstract A proton NMR imaging experiment based on line narrowing by TREV-CRAMPS with a time-dependent magnetic field gradient has been demonstrated on a solid adamantane phantom. With the magnetic field gradient applied as 16 μs pulses in the windows of the RF pulse sequence, a spatial resolution of about 100 μm is experimentally achieved (based on linewidth and gradient strength), with a digital resolution of 40 μm, qualitatively similar to what is achieved in liquid-sample NMR imaging. The technique benefits from a favorable time average of the magnetic field gradient, relatively wide windows between the magic-echo sandwiches, and the good off-resonance line-narrowing characteristics of the TREV technique. High-resolution chemical-shift information is retained and hence potentially attainable. The low MAS rate, compared to what is used in imaging experiments in which MAS is the only line-narrowing procedure used, may be of importance if one wishes to apply 1 H NMR imaging to certain types of samples, e.g., biological tissue.
β-Amyloid deposition and neurofibrillary tangle association with caspase activation in Down syndrome

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) develop senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), and neuron loss. Recent studies demonstrate the activation of apoptotic pathways in AD; less data is available in DS. The DS brain was examined using immunocytochemistry and antibodies against the active fragment of caspase-8 (AC, 8) and to caspase-3 cleavage products of fodrin (CCP), a neuronal cytoskeleton protein. The hippocampus demonstrated widespread accumulation of fodrin CCP and AC8 in NFTs and dystrophic neurites. Individual neurons contained intracellular beta-amyloid (Abeta) and fodrin CCP providing evidence that caspase activation can occur with both NFT and Abeta. Abeta within or around neurons in addition to contributing to NFT formation may also trigger apoptotic pathways. Caspase activation may lead to the cleavage of critical cellular proteins and neuronal cell death associated with DS.
A solid-state hyperspectral imager for real-time standoff explosives detection using shortwave infrared imaging

We present a new and innovative short-wave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral imaging focal plane array (FPA) concept for bulk and trace standoff explosives detection. The proposed technology combines conventional uncooled InGaAs based SWIR imaging with the wavelength selectivity of a monolithically integrated solid-state Fabry-Perot interferometer. Each pixel of the array consists of a group of sub-pixels in which each sub-pixel is tuned to absorb a separate wavelength. The relative responses from the sub-pixels (i.e. wavelengths) are compared to the spectral characteristics of explosives in the SWIR to detect and locate them within an imaged scene among various background materials. The novel technology will be compact, and consume low power such that it can be used as a handheld device or mounted for persistent surveillance of crowded areas and checkpoints. The technology does not use any scanning nor tuning apparatuses such as MEMS devices, and is therefore fast, compact, lightweight and not susceptible to vibration. The technology is therefore ideal for man portable applications and unmanned vehicle platforms. An eyesafe (covert) illuminator may be used to provide illumination in situations when ambient light conditions are not sufficient. We will present a detailed design of the novel focal plane array and a theoretical standoff distance and false rates study.
Impact of environmental policies on the adoption of manure management practices in the Chesapeake Bay watershed

Pollution in the Chesapeake Bay is a problem and has been a focus of federal and state initiatives to reduce nutrient pollution from agriculture and other sources since 1983. In 2010 EPA established a TMDL for the watershed. Producers may voluntarily respond to intense and focused policy scrutiny by adopting best management practices. A detailed analysis of water quality best management practices by animal feeding operations inside and outside the watershed yield insight into this relationship. Our findings support the hypothesis that farmers will adopt water quality measures if links are made clear and there is an expectation of future regulations.
Mechanistic studies on chloral toxicity: Relationship to trichloroethylene carcinogenesis

Chloral (trichloroacetaldehyde), the major metabolite of trichloroethylene (TCE), was investigated for its potential to form DNA-protein cross-links (DPX), a lesion produced by other aldehydes. Chloral did not form DPX in rat liver nuclei at concentrations up to 250 mM for 30 min at 37° C, while chloroacetaldehyde (47 mM) and acetaldehyde (200 mM) did form cross-links. Experiments with the aldehyde-trapping reagents thiosemicarbazide and semicarbazide showed that chloral did not react, in contrast with aldehydes that form DPX. This indicates a very strong hydration of chloral. Mice given 800 mg/kg [14C]chloral after pretreatment with 1500 mg/kg TCE for 10 days had no detectable covalent binding of 14C to DNA in the liver. These results do not support a genotoxic theory of carcinogenesis for TCE mediated through chloral.
Phase I study of treatment with oral 13-cis-retinoic acid, subcutaneous interferon alfa-2a, cisplatin, and 24-hour infusion 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin

A combination of oral 13-cis-retinoic acid (cis-RA) and subcutaneous interferon alfa-2a (IFN) has been reported to yield high response rates in patients with squamous cell carcinomas (SCCAs) of the cervix and skin. Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil with leucovorin (5-FU/LV) are chemotherapeutic agents commonly used for SCCAs. Purpose: To determine the maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) of cisplatin and 5-FU/LV when combined with IFN and cis-RA, and to define a recommended phase II regimen for testing in cervical cancer and other appropriate tumor types. Methods: Phase I cohort design. Cisplatin was administered every 3 weeks. 5-FU and LV were administered together as a weekly 24-h infusion. Cis-RA was given orally twice daily. IFN was initially given subcutaneously at a dose of 3 million units (MU) daily. Results: A total of 31 patients were treated. The IFN dose was reduced to 3 MU three times weekly because of patient intolerance. Cytopenias prevented the administration of weekly 5-FU/LV. Single-agent cisplatin with three times weekly IFN and twice daily cis-RA was tolerable. Four partial responses were observed, in patients with adrenal cancer, bladder cancer, gastric cancer, and adenocarcinoma of unknown primary. Conclusions: The recommended phase II regimen is cisplatin 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks, IFN 3 MU three times weekly, and cis-RA 1 mg/kg daily. This appears to be more toxic than single-agent cisplatin, but the preliminary activity observed warrants further testing.
High-sensitivity silicon capacitive sensors for measuring medium-vacuum gas pressures

Abstract The design, construction, and preliminary testing of an experimental capacitive silicon pressure sensor are described. The prototype sensor is designed as a robust, precision barometer suitable for measurements on the planet Mars where the mean atmospheric pressure is ~ 6 mbar (600 Pa). Most commercially available silicon pressure sensors tend to operate over pressure ranges ≥ 1 bar, or measure gauge pressure, but this sensor is specifically constructed to measure absolute pressure of 0–10 mbar with a very high sensitivity ~ 1 pF mbar −1 . The transductional mechanism is the deflection of a silicon diaphragm under applied pressure across a sealed vacuum cavity. Under storage conditions of 1 bar, the diaphragm displacement is mechanically constrained by an underlying stopping surface. Finite-element analysis shows that typical structures are extremely resistant to overpressure: fracture occurs at many tens of bar. The device is fabricated using a silicon fusion-bonded vacuum cavity which provides for relative insensitivity to temperature changes.
The effect of chronic lorazepam administration in aging mice

Abstract To assess benzodiazepine tolerance in aged animals, lorazepam or vehicle was administered chronically to male Crl: CD-1(ICR)BR mice. Pharmacodynamic and neurochemical endpoints were examined on days 1 and 14 of drug administration. There was no age-related significant difference in plasma lorazepam levels. Young and middle-aged animals demonstrated behavioral tolerance to lorazepam, while the aged animals showed a similar trend which failed to reach significance. In addition, aged animals also showed a trend toward tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of lorazepam. There were no changes in α1 mRNA levels in cortex or hippocampus following administration of lorazepam when compared to vehicle-treated animals in any age group. Aged animals, however, had an initial increase in α1 mRNA expression in cortex and hippocampus on day 1 of vehicle treatment followed by decreased expression on day 14. These age-related changes were abolished by lorazepam administration. In summary, age-related sensitivity to the effects of lorazepam was not demonstrated in the present study. However, comparison of these data to other studies indicates that the effect of chronic benzodiazepine treatment may be specific to the benzodiazepine administered, the technique used to quantify mRNA expression changes, the subunits of the GABAA receptor investigated and the brain region analyzed. The phenomenon of benzodiazepine sensitivity in the elderly is an area of research which remains controversial and may well be compound specific. Determining benzodiazepines that do not produce pharmacodynamic sensitivity, such as lorazepam, may allow more careful prescribing and dosing of these drugs, and perhaps even the development of specific agents which could avoid this sensitivity.
The Need for Research in Geography Education: It Would Be Nice to Have Some Data.

Abstract The field of geography education is sadly lacking in empirical data that might inform and underpin decisions about standard setting, curriculum design, materials development, teaching strategies, and assessment procedures. Large quantities of high-quality data are necessary if geography is to be successfully implemented in the American education system. This article advances four needs that, if met, would generate the data necessary to make the case for geography in America's schools. We need a new attitude towards research, a series of baseline studies, a research agenda, and a research clearinghouse if we are to make a convincing case for geography in America's schools.
Efficient design of direct-binary-search computer-generated holograms

Computer-generated holograms (CGH’s) synthesized by the iterative direct-binary-search (DBS) algorithm yield lower reconstruction error and higher diffraction efficiency than do CGH’s designed by conventional methods, but the DBS algorithm is computationally intensive. A fast algorithm for DBS is developed that recursively computes the error measure to be minimized. For complex amplitude-based error, the required computation for an L-point CGH is reduced by a factor of (L/log2L)1/2. The fast intensity-based algorithm is substantially more complicated, and modifications are considered in order to make the algorithm more efficient. An acceleration technique that attempts to increase the rate of convergence of the DBS algorithm is also investigated.
Single Aspartate Substitutions at Multiple Deep-Pore Positions Lead to Constitutively Open BK Channels

The pore-lining amino acids of ion channel proteins reside on the interface between a polar (the pore) and a non-polar environment (the rest of the protein). Manipulating the charge states of their side-chains, by tilting the energy balance between a buried and a pore-exposed conformation, can reveal important details about gating-related structural dynamics. For example, charged side-chains at the M314 position in the BK channel stabilize an open conformation. The M314D mutant, in particular, led to constitutive channel activities. We have now scanned the S6 region (I308 to N328) with aspartate replacement. We found 3 other positions where aspartate substitutions led to constitutively open BK channels in nominal zero calcium and neutral pH. These mutants are L312D, A313D and A316D. Together with M314, these positions are all located within the deep-pore region of the channel, which is immediately intracellular to the selectivity filter but more extracellular to the lower-pore region that aligns with the Kv channel “bundling crossing”. These findings provide further evidence that the BK channel pore is different from that of Kv channels, where aspartate substitution at a single position (as opposed to multiple positions in BK) in the lower-pore region (as opposed to the deep-pore region in BK) led to constitutive channel activities. The aspartate mediated constitutive activities in Kv channels is believed to result from the disruption of specific hydrophobic interactions in the “bundle-crossing” gate of a closed channel. Our observations with BK channels are unlikely to result from disruption of specific interactions, as multiple positions in the BK deep-pore, some of them adjacent along the S6 helix, showed aspartate mediated constitutive activities.
Supplying neutrophils from the bone marrow to the tissues

Comment on Cheretakis et al, page [2821][1] Absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) or differential counts of white blood cells reliably reflect the body's neutrophil supply under normal steady-state conditions. However, when neutrophil production is perturbed by drugs, infections, chemotherapy, or
A Defense of Reductionism about Testimonial Justification of Beliefs

This paper defends reductionism about testimonial justification of beliefs against two influential arguments. One is the empirical argument to the effect that the reductionist justification of our trust in testimony is either circular since it relies on testimonial evidence or else there is scarce evidence in support of our trust in testimony. The other is the transcendental argument to the effect that trust in testimony is a prerequisite for the very existence of testimonial evidence since without the presumption of people's truthfulness we cannot interpret their utterances as testimony with propositional contents. This paper contends that the epistemic subject can interpret utterances as testimony with propositional contents without presupposing the credibility of testimony, and that evidence available to the normal epistemic subject can justify her trust in testimony.
Hierarchical Grouping of Personal Space Zones

Personal space was measured along 8 dimensions of approach, using the body-boundary instructions of the Comfortable Interpersonal Distance Scale. There were 4 imaginary stimulus persons: same-sex friend, opposite-sex friend, same-sex stranger, and opposite-sex stranger. Mutually exclusive groups of subjects, maximally similar with respect to distances others were allowed to approach, were formed, using Ward's hierarchical grouping procedure. Subjects with larger zones in relation to strangers of the opposite sex were more emotionally stable and astute, while a curvilinear relation was found with expediency versus conscientiousness. For same-sex friend, subjects with larger zones scored higher on an intelligence factor. Demographically, number of siblings and density of house were significant factors.
Whole organisms and purified cell walls compared as immunosorbents for the detection of IgE antibodies to Staphylococcus aureus

We have developed an immunoradiometric assay for IgE antibodies to Staphylococcus aureus (Staph IgE-Ab) which uses purified cell walls (PCW) from the Wood 46 strain of S. aureus as an immunosorbent. We compared Wood 46 PCW and whole organisms (WO) as immunosorbents for Staph IgE-Ab by performing tests on sera from patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) or the hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (hyper IgE syndrome). Sera with Staph IgE-Ab demonstrated dose-dependent binding to PCW and WO, but the ratio of specific to non-specific binding was much greater with PCW. Mean non-specific binding to WO was greater than to PCW, 5% versus 2%; and non-specific binding to WO varied directly with the serum concentration of IgE. Results of tests on patients' sera indicated that PCW are required in screening assays for Staph IgE-Ab to avoid false positive results caused by high levels of non-specific binding to WO.
Timing of menarche and initial menstrual experience

This study sought to compare the relative importance of subjective and objective timing of menarche for initial menstrual experience. College women completed a survey in which they recorded their age at menarche, an estimate of the number of their peers reaching menarche before them, and their memory of their initial experience of menstruction. The results indicated that subjective timing was significantly related to menarcheal experience, but objective timing was not, with girls who experienced themselves as early remembering a more negative menarche than girls who experienced themselves as “on time” or late. The results validate the importance of the concept of “social clocks” in adolescent development and suggest that future studies of the importance of pubertal timing should include measures of subjective as well as objective timing.
Time dependent patient satisfaction with sildenafil for erectile dysfunction (ED) after nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP).

Purpose: The response to sildenafil after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) has been reported to be approximately 40% by the Sildenafil Study Group. We undertook a study in a large cohort of post-RRP erectile dysfunction (ED) patients in order to examine the relationship between satisfaction with sildenafil and time from surgery to start of sildenafil treatment. Methods: Pre- and post-operative erectile function was assessed by the O'Leary Brief Sexual Function Inventory questionnaire. Patient satisfaction with sildenafil before and after sildenafil treatment was assessed by the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire. Between April and October 1998, EDITS questionnaires were given to 579 patients who had undergone RRP between 1994 and 1998. 316 (55%) patients returned questionnaires. Of these, 198 (63%) had sildenafil treatment and completed post-treatment questionnaires and were included in the study group. Results: In the study group, mean age was 61 y. Pre-operatively, 92% had erections sufficient for vaginal penetration, 95% had bilateral nerve-sparing (NS) RRP. There was a significant increase in the treatment satisfaction rate with increasing time from surgery. Between zero and six months after surgery, the treatment satisfaction rate was 26%, which improved with time, peaking at 60% between 18 months and 2 y. Self-perceived erectile function as determined by post-RRP pre-sildenafil treatment O'Leary questionnaires was not as predictive of response to sildenafil as time from surgery. Conclusions: The response to sildenafil appears to be dependent upon the interval between RRP and the start of sildenafil. The treatment satisfaction rate was found to peak at 60% between 18 months and 2 y. Early nonresponders to sildenafil should not be disheartened, as they will more likely later respond.
Determinants of physician reluctance to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

Abstract Objectives: Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (MMR) is widely taught and promoted. The purpose of this study was to better characterize the observation that health professionals are reluctant to perform MMR and to identify determinants of this reluctance. Methods: 324 residents and faculty at a New York City teaching hospital were anonymously surveyed regarding their reluctance to perform MMR. One year later, medical staff were resurveyed. Results: Reluctance varied across scenarios: 70–80% of physicians were willing to perform MMR on a newborn or child, 40–50% for an unknown man, and 20–30% for a trauma victim or potentially gay man. Physicians reported very similar percentages for each scenario in the two surveys. Factors associated with MMR reluctance were female gender (OR = 2), resident physician (OR = 2), and higher perceived risk of contracting HIV from MMR (OR = 1.4 per unit on 5-point scale). In the year before the survey, 30% of all respondents witnessed an apneic patient who required MMR for whom ventilation was not provided for at least 2 minutes. Conclusions: Many physicians are reluctant to perform MMR. Marked delays in ventilation of apneic patients are occurring.
Clean-and-Forward Approach in Cooperative Wireless Networks

This paper proposes a new cooperative strategy for cooperative communication among distributed nodes in a wireless communication network. In the proposed strategy referred to as the clean-and-forward, each node in a set cooperating with the source node cleans the received signal from the source, which may be corrupted by channel-induced and/or multiple-access interference as well as noise, and then forwards it to the destination. To justify the benefit of the proposed strategy, the overall link performance is illustrated in terms of symbol error rate and compared with that of a hybrid decode-and-forward cooperative technique whose performance is known to be comparable to or better than that of another strategy known as the amplify-and-forward.
Direct Activation of RhoA by Reactive Oxygen Species Requires a Redox-Sensitive Motif

Background: Rho family GTPases are critical regulators of the cytoskeleton and affect cell migration, cell-cell adhesion, and cell-matrix adhesion. As with all GTPases, their activity is determined by their guanine nucleotide-bound state. Understanding how Rho proteins are activated and inactivated has largely focused on regulatory proteins such as guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs). However, recent in vitro studies have indicated that GTPases may also be directly regulated by redox agents. We hypothesized that this redox-based mechanism occurs in cells and affects cytoskeletal dynamics, and in this report we conclude this is indeed a novel mechanism of regulating the GTPase RhoA. Methodology/Principal Findings: In this report, we show that RhoA can be directly activated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, and that this requires two critical cysteine residues located in a unique redox-sensitive motif within the phosphoryl binding loop. First, we show that ROS can reversibly activate RhoA and induce stress fiber formation, a well characterized readout of RhoA activity. To determine the role of cysteine residues in this mechanism of regulation, we generated cysteine to alanine RhoA mutants. Mutation of these cysteines abolishes ROS-mediated activation and stress fiber formation, indicating that these residues are critical for redox-regulation of RhoA. Importantly, these mutants maintain the ability to be activated by GEFs. Conclusions/Significance: Our findings identify a novel mechanism for the regulation of RhoA in cells by ROS, which is independent of classical regulatory proteins. This mechanism of regulation may be particularly relevant in pathological conditions where ROS are generated and the cellular redox-balance altered, such as in asthma and ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Use of Zero Counting for Estimating the Zero-Frequency Spectral Density of Radar Glint for Known Target Types

Some simple formulas of Blachman giving the zero-frequency spectral density of phase rate for narrowband Gaussian random noise in terms of the latter's spectral radius of gyration are used to derive the zero-frequency spectral density of radar glint for a complex target in terms of the radius of gyration of the collection of radar scatterers and the rate of zero crossings of the target echo.
The effect of a hydrogen plasma on the diamond (110) surface

Abstract Hydrogen plasma processing has become a valuable method for generating smooth C(100) and C(111) surfaces. Herein, the generality of the method is examined by applying it to the C(110) surface. Using scanning force microscopy (SFM) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED), it is found that plasma conditions appropriate for smoothing C(100) and C(111) result in (111) faceted pits on the C(110) surface. LEED indicates that a freshly polished C(110) surface also consists of (111) facets despite its optically smooth appearance.
A model for signal-relay adaptation in Dictyostelium discoideum. I. Biological processes and the model network

Abstract A change from one stimulus level to a higher constant level often evokes only a transient response in biological systems. The process by which the constant features of the environment are effectively ignored is usually called adaptation, and most organisms display some degree of it in their sensory systems. Examples given later include adaptation in bacterial chemotaxis, desensitization of adrenergic responses, habituation in neural systems, and signal-relay adaptation in Dictyostelium discoideum . The simplest dynamical description of a sensory system that can adapt is one in which the response is a function of a stimulus variable and an inhibitor variable. The static (i.e., time-independent) response for fixed levels of these variables can be displayed by plotting it as a function of the stimulus and the inhibitor, and the dynamic response to a particular sequence of stimuli is represented by a curve on this surface. This representation provides rapid insight into how changes in the underlying model affect the dynamic response, and thus it is useful as a low-level model identification tool for determining what components can be used to achieve a desired response. This will be demonstrated in detail in the second paper of this series. A model for signal-relay adaptation in Dictyostelium discoideum will be presented in this paper and analyzed in the second paper. This model is based on the hypothesis that adaptation is produced by the intracellular calcium-cyclic-AMP network. In view of the fact that many seemingly diverse adaptation processes also center on calcium-second-messenger networks, our results may be more generally applicable.
Wave propagation and group velocity in absorbing media

Abstract Brillouin's work dealing with the formulation of the group velocity and the velocity of energy transport has been extended to absorbing media.