cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fatigue and fracture of a Ni2Cr ordered intermetallic alloy

Abstract The influences of atomic ordering and environment on the fatigue crack growth resistance of Ni 2 were investigated. It was found that fatigue crack growth resistance increases with the degree of degree of order. The nearly Ni 2 Cr (degree of order, S = 0.9) exhibited the lowest fatigue crack growth rate and the highest fatigue crack growth threshold in air and in a 3.5% NaCl solution, while the disordered Ni 2 Cr had the highest rates an d the lowest threshold. Disordered, partially ordered ( S = 0.5), and nearly ordered Ni 2 Cr all exhibited higher fatigue crack growth and lower thresholds in a 3.5% NaCl solution than in air. The disordered and nearly ordered Ni 2 Cr, however, exhibited more environmental cracking susceptibility than the partially ordered alloy. The observed fatigue crack growth kinetics and fracture surface morphology are discussed in terms of the underlying microstructural features, deformation mechanisms and hydrogen partitioning processes.
Eligibility and accessibility of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for the treatment of uterine leiomyomas.

Objective To evaluate patient eligibility and accessibility of magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas who desire conservative therapy. Design Retrospective analysis of 169 patients referred for minimally invasive treatment of leiomyomas between November 2007 and February 2009. Clinical eligibility for MRgFUS was determined by Food and Drug Administration–based treatment guidelines. All patients underwent pretreatment pelvic imaging to determine candidacy for the procedure. Patient(s) Premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. Setting Academic medical center. Main Outcome Measure(s) Eligibility for MRgFUS based on clinical and anatomic patient criteria. Result(s) Forty-seven percent of patients (80/169) were determined clinically eligible for the procedure. Of these, 16% of patients (27/169) were found to be eligible for MRgFUS based on imaging results. Overall, the main reasons for ineligibility were very large leiomyomas (8%; 14/169), cost (12%; 21/169), and desired fertility (14%; 23/169). An additional 48% of patients declined MRgFUS for unstated reasons, often after obtaining financial and insurance coverage information. Conclusion(s) Currently, many women with leiomyomas are unable to obtain MRgFUS treatment for multiple reasons, including uterine size, desire for fertility, and, most commonly, financial limitations. With increasing clinical experience, further research, and broadened insurance coverage, it may be possible to increase accessibility and expand eligibility criteria for this minimally invasive therapy.
Compactons dispersive structures for variants of the K(n,n) and the KP equations

Abstract In this paper we discuss two generalized forms of the K(n,n) and the KP equations that exhibit compactons: solitons with the absence of infinite wings, and solitary patterns solutions having infinite slopes or cusps. The variants are extended to include nonlinear dispersion to support compactons structures and solitary patterns in higher dimensions. Two distinct general formulas for compact and noncompact solutions, that are of substantial interest, are formally developed.
Laminar free convection along a vertical plate at extremely small grashof numbers

Abstract Laminar free convection in the vicinity of an isothermal vertical finite plate is studied in the Grashof-number range between zero and unity and two Prandtl numbers of 0.72 and 10.0, by means of a perturbation analysis. Solutions to the governing differential equations are expressed in perturbation series with the Grashof number itself taken as the perturbation parameter. Three terms in all series expansions have been calculated numerically by using the relaxation technique for both Prandtl numbers. Results of all perturbation functions, as well as of isothermal and stream lines for various Grashof numbers and the two Prandtl numbers are shown graphically and discussed. Finally, these results are used to discuss the leading-edge effects relative to the well-known boundary-layer solutions.
Is there a place for epoetin alfa in managing anemia during critical illness

Abstract Background: Anemia is a common problem in critically ill patients. As a result, blood transfusions are often used in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. However, mounting evidence shows that blood transfusions may contribute to negative outcomes, such as transfusion-related infections, organ dysfunction, and immunosuppression. Supplementation with epoetin alfa is currently used in some medical centers to manage anemia in critically ill patients. Objective: This review discusses the risks with blood transfusions and the clinical evidence supporting the use of epoetin alfa in managing edema during critical illness. Methods: A search was conducted in MEDLINE and Current Contents (1966–2003) using the terms epoetin alfa, recombinant human erythropietin , and anemia . Articles addressing anemia and the use of epoetin alfa in critically ill patients were selected and assessed. From this selection, the cited references addressing the etiology of anemia in the ICU and the risks associated with blood transfusions were manually extracted and reviewed. Results: Several reports have shown that critically ill patients display evidence of anemia due to a blunted erythropoietin response. One large, randomized, placebo-controlled study assessed the effect of SC epoetin alfa on blood transfusions in the ICU. In this study, 40, 000 IU administered weekly for up to 4 weeks resulted in an overall transfusion reduction (9.9% absolute risk reduction; P Conclusion: The use of epoetin alfa in critically ill patients cand ecrease the number of blood transfusions required during hospitalization, and potentially result in transfusion avoidance. Because of the scarce amount of evidence and the diversity of dosing regimens used used, no strict recommendations can be drawn from this review.
Black Muslims and the Development of Prisoners' Rights:

Until the 1960s, the judiciary had taken a hands-off approach to issues related to the constitutional rights of prisoners. This absence of judicial scrutiny upon prison officials existed despite the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishments, which clearly implies that there are discernible limitations on the government's ability to punish convicted offenders. Cases filed by prisoners asserting the existence of constitutional protections were met by declarations that prisoners had forfeited all rights. Judges avoided deciding cases concerning prisoners by saying that convicted criminals were "slave[s]" of the state (Ruffin v. Commonwealth, 1871) or by deferring to correctional officials because of their supposed expertise in treating offenders (Robbins, 1980). According to Jacobs (1983, p. 35), the movement to gain judicial recognition of the existence of constitutional rights for prisoners in the 1960s was part of a larger societal transformation in which various political minorities, including women, ethnic groups, and disabled people, "pressed for admission into the societal mainstream." Although other groups could use tactics such as public demonstrations, electoral participation, and legislative lobbying to increase their political power and societal acceptance, incarcerated offenders possessed very limited avenues for seeking redress of grievances. The tragedy at Attica state prison provides a vivid illustration of prisoners' complete inability to seek meaningful institutional reform through direct action (Wicker, 1975). Because prisoners lack access to alternative means of political participation, they must depend upon the courts for the recognition of constitutional protec-
Conservative management of cerebrospinal fluid shunt infections

Background Brown et al. [1] published a favourable experience with treatment of Staphylococcus coagulase negative (SCoN) caused cerebrospinal fluid shunt (CSF) infections without surgery using Rifampin (Rif). We have presented our management of CSF shunt infections, in part indicating surgery is not needed for some cases. This paper is to further describe our experience over the last 45 years.
One-step synthesis of radioiodinated biotin derivatives

Abstract A direct method of radioiodination of biotin derivatives is presented whereby radiolabeled sodium iodide is exchanged with a tributylstannyl group under oxidative conditions. The in vitro binding of each radioiodinated biotin derivative to streptavidin is saturable and three of the compounds exhibit a strong affinity for streptavidin. All the biotin-streptavidin complexes are rapidly catabolized in human serum.
Description and validation of a spectrum score method to measure antimicrobial de-escalation in healthcare associated pneumonia from electronic medical records data.

Comparison of antimicrobial de-escalation rates between healthcare settings is problematic. To objectively and electronically measure de-escalation a method based upon the spectrum of antimicrobial regimens administered (i.e., spectrum score) was developed. A Delphi process was used to develop applicable concepts. Spectrum scores were created for 27 antimicrobials based upon susceptibility for 19 organisms. National VA susceptibility data was used to estimate microbial spectrum. Susceptibility estimates were converted to ordinal scores, and values for organisms with multi-drug resistance potential were weighted more heavily. Organism scores were summed to create antibiotic-specific spectrum scores and extended mathematically to score multi-antimicrobial regimens. Vignettes were created from antimicrobial regimens administered to 300 patients hospitalized with pneumonia. Daily spectrum scores were calculated for each case. Hospitalization day 4 scores were subtracted from day 2 scores (i.e., spectrum score ∆). A positive spectrum score ∆ defined de-escalation. Experts ranked each pneumonia case on a 7-point Likert scale (Likert >4 indicated de-escalation). Spectrum score ∆s were compared to expert review. Findings were used to identify score deficiencies. Next, 40 pairs of cases were modified to include antimicrobial administration routes. Each pair contained almost similar regimens; however, one contained oral (PO) the other only intravenous (IV) antimicrobials on day 4 of therapy. Experts reviewed cases as described. Spectrum score ∆ credits to account for PO conversion were derived from the mean paired differences in Likert Score. De-escalation status was evaluated in 100 vignettes containing antimicrobial route by different experts and compared to the modified method. Initial sensitivity and specificity of the spectrum score ∆ to detect expert classified de-escalation events was 86.3 and 96.0%, respectively. In paired cases, the mean (± SD) Likert score was 5.0 (1.5) and 4.6 (1.5) for PO and IV (P = 0.002), respectively. To improve de-escalation event detection, two credits were added to spectrum score ∆s based upon the percentage of antimicrobials administered PO on day 4. The final method, exhibited sensitivity and specificity to detect expert classified de-escalation events of 96.2 and 93.6%, respectively. The final spectrum score method exhibited excellent agreement with expert judgments of de-escalation events in pneumonia.
Development of Test Standards for Continuous Fiber Ceramic Composites in the United States

Standardization activities in the United States for continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic composites (CFCCs) are reviewed. This brief review focuses on the development of test standards by subcommittee C28.07 of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) on the drafting of a section of a design code for ceramic and ceramic matrix composite components as part of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, and on the development of a set of volumes on ceramic matrix composites for Military Handbook 17 on composites. The participation of the US in the international harmonization of standards for CFCCs is also reviewed.
Quantum Monte Carlo calculation of the long-range order in the Heisenberg antiferromagnet.

A Green's-function Monte Carlo (GFMC) method is used to compute the staggered magnetization ${\mathit{m}}^{\mathrm{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}}$ in the two-dimensional, spin-1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet on L\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}L square lattices, up to L=12. Unlike previous GFMC calculations, the present method, which uses the forward-walking algorithm is unbiased and projects out the exact, rotationally invariant ground state. These calculations provide confirmation of the existence of long-range antiferromagnetic order in the ground state. A known relationship between ${\mathit{m}}^{\mathrm{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}}$ and the leading finite-size correction, coupled with high-precision ground-state-energy calculations, is used to reduce the error in extrapolating to the thermodynamic limit. The data extrapolate to ${\mathit{m}}^{\mathrm{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}}$=0.3075\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0025, only slightly different from the spin-wave-theory result, 0.3034. Several perfect singlet trial wave functions used to reduce the statistical error are discussed. A possible explanation as to why exact-diagonalization extrapolations tend to yield low values of ${\mathit{m}}^{\mathrm{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}}$ is presented.
Impact of chorionicity on risk and timing of intrauterine fetal demise in twin pregnancies.

Objective We sought to estimate the association between chorionicity and intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) of one or both fetuses in twin pregnancies. Study Design In a retrospective cohort of twins undergoing anatomic survey, risk of IUFD in monochorionic and dichorionic twins was compared. The primary outcome was IUFD of one or both fetuses; secondary outcomes included nonanomalous fetal deaths. Results Of 2161 twin pregnancies meeting inclusion criteria, 86 had at least 1 IUFD and 32 experienced a double fetal loss. Monochorionic pregnancies had an increased risk of a single demise (adjusted odds ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.75) and a double demise (adjusted odds ratio, 2.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–4.37). Of all double demises, 70% occurred Conclusion Monochorionic twins carry an increased risk of fetal death compared to dichorionic twins. Double demise occurs primarily
Polymer electrolyte membranes: diffusion realigned.

Stretching polymer electrolyte membranes increases water diffusion along the stretched direction. It is now shown that the enhancement in transport is a result of the alignment of domains of hydrophilic channels, and that transport anisotropy and alignment are linearly coupled.
Toward a Socially Optimal Wireless Spectrum Management

It is widely recognized that the wireless spectrum is a scarce and limited resource and that the present practice of static spectrum allocation and exclusive licensing is inefficient. The proposed approaches generally either focus on maximization of spectrum utilization or profit maximization of individuals (such as the government or users). In this paper, we consider an efficient, or socially optimal, spectrum sharing that consists of three objectives: full (quantitative) utilization, effective (qualitative) utilization, and zero interference. Through a comparative study of these models using suggested objective criteria, we show a hybrid model consisting of a dynamic spectrum market and dynamic spectrum access supported by cognitive radio technologies that can achieve the social optimum. The dynamic spectrum market enabled by a benevolent social coordinator has fundamental differences from existing dynamic market models in that primary licensed user is not involved in the process of allocating underused spectrum. Moreover, the motivation of social coordinator is to reach socially optimal allocation of spectrum resources rather than to maximize profit or revenue of individuals.
Pre-service teachers’ experiences teaching secondary mathematics in English-medium schools in Tanzania

In order to promote mathematical understanding among English Language Learners (ELLs), it is necessary to modify instructional strategies to effectively communicate mathematical content. This paper discusses the instructional strategies used by four pre-service teachers to teach mathematics to secondary students in English-medium schools in Arusha, Tanzania as a result of the tensions they faced and reflections on their teaching. Strategies such as code switching, attending to sentence structure, non-linguistic representations, and placing the content within a familiar context proved to be beneficial strategies for conveying mathematical ideas.
Effects of Consumer Weight Level and Advertising Appeals on Consumer Attitude Toward Food and Advertisements

This study examines the link between consumer weight level, food type, and consumer attitude toward both food and food advertisements. Further, this research explores how food advertisements containing emotional or informational claims influence the attitudes of overweight and normal-weight consumers. Two experiments were conducted to study the interaction between weight levels, food types (meat vs. vegetables), and advertising appeals (emotional vs. informational). The results showed mixed support for the six hypotheses. The findings indicate that consumer weight level interacts with food types, and emotional/information appeals affecting food evaluation and attitudes toward food advertisements. Managerial implications for food manufacturers and advertisers are discussed.
Preparation and properties of soluble–insoluble nicotinamide coenzymes

A soluble–insoluble form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which can be rendered either soluble or insoluble by simply adjusting the pH, has been prepared by covalently coupling NAD to alginic acid using 1,2,7,8-diepoxyoctane. The NAD bound to the alginic acid showed the coenzymic function in the soluble state and could be collected for further use as a precipitate by lowering the pH to below 3. Coupling soluble–insoluble coenzymes with insolubilized apoenzymes is possible in fluidized and fixed-bed reactors.
The adsorption of mercury-species on relaxed and rumpled CaO (0 0 1) surfaces investigated by density functional theory.

This research examines the importance of several computational choices in modeling mercury species adsorption on calcium oxide surfaces and is the second in a series of papers. The importance of surface relaxation was tested and it was found that adsorption energies changed for HgCl2, moving adsorption from being at the borderline of physisorption and chemisorption to being strongly chemisorbed. Results for Hg and HgCl were unaffected. A second computational choice, that of the cluster or periodic model size was tested in both the plane of the model (4 × 4 or 5 × 5 model sizes) and for the depth (two or three layers). It was found that the minimum cluster size for handling mercury adsorption was 5 × 5 and that only two layers of depth were needed. The energetic results show that rumpled CaO surfaces will only weakly physisorb elemental mercury, but could be used to capture HgCl2 from coal combustion flue gases, which is in agreement with limited experimental data.
Singular integral equations with complex valued kernels

L'A. studia vari tipi di equazioni integrali, con nuclei singolari K(x, y)=K′(x, y)+iK″(x, y), che sono limiti di nuclei regolari $$K_m (x, y) = K'_m (x, y) + iK''{}_m(x, y)$$ , aventi funzioni caratteristiche reali. potendo esere i valori caratteristici diKm(x,y) complessi.
Analysis of the community structure of planktonic ciliated protozoa relative to trophic state in Florida lakes

The planktonic ciliate populations of 30 Florida lakes constituting a broad trophic gradient were examined to determine the response of protozoan community structure to increasing eutrophication. Both ciliate abundance and biomass were strongly related to lake trophic state. Comparison of the Florida data base with a comparable north temperate lake group indicated that subtropical lakes generally possess higher ciliate abundance and biomass at a given trophic state than temperate lakes. However the equations derived for each data base were not significantly different. Community diversity and species richness increased with increasing lake productivity. Highly acidic lakes displayed significantly reduced diversity and numbers of species when contrasted with nonacidic oligotrophic lakes. Small-bodied (< 30 um) ciliates dominated all lakes but were proportionally less important in oligotrophic lakes. Presence-absence data produced three assemblages: an ubiquitous association of primarily small ciliate taxa, a group of large ciliates mainly restricted to eutrophic-hypereutrophic lakes, and a very large ciliate,Stentor niger, which dominated the protozoan communities of acidic oligotrophic lakes.
Analysis of Barkhausen Noise Emissions and Magnetic Hysteresis in Multi-Phase Magnetic Materials

Ferromagnetic materials occur in single or multi-phase state and furthermore can undergo phase changes during processing or over time during service exposure. These phase changes can be attributed to physical processes or chemical reactions. In this paper, we examine the hysteresis and Barkhausen emission profiles of two-phase magnetic materials. Besides the shape of magnetic hysteresis curves that can reveal the presence of more than one phase, we demonstrate that the Barkhausen noise signatures for two-phase materials form two-peaks in their Barkhausen voltage profile. This can be used as a tool for non-destructive evaluation of ferromagnetic materials in industrial applications.
Diagnostic Value of Translumbar Aortography

A historical review of aortography is made that substantiates its present status as a diagnostic tool, particularly in angiology and urology. The technic, premedication, and anesthesia are discussed in detail. The hazards of the procedure and their prevention are reviewed. The reactions to contrast media are enumerated. Aortography plays a selected but important role in the evaluation of aortic aneurysms, arterial occlusion, and stenosis of major vessels. Its value in the diagnosis of abdominal abnormalities is less encouraging. Numerous urologic disorders are discussed in their relationship to angiographic study.
A simple built-in current sensor for IDDQ testing of CMOS data converters

This paper presents a simple built-in current sensor (BICS) design for quiescent current (IDDQ) testing of CMOS data converter circuits. The proposed BICS works in two modes: the normal mode and the test mode. In the normal mode, the BICS is isolated from the circuit under test (CUT) due to which there is no performance degradation of the circuit. In the testing mode, the BICS detects the abnormal current caused by permanent manufacturing defects and has negligible impact on the performance of the circuit under test. The dynamic current of the CUT does not affect the BICS output. The BICS is operated from power supply voltages of the CUT using the current reference configuration. A 10-bit charge scaling digital-to-analog converter and a first-order modulator of an 8-bit sigma delta analog-to-digital converter have been designed in standard 1.5 µm CMOS and tested using the present BICS for injected faults simulating manufacturing defects. It is shown that significant improvement in testing of mixed signal integrated circuits has been achieved using a simple fault injection technique combined with the BICS.
Early response of endothelial cells to flow is mediated by VE-cadherin.

Endothelial cells are known to respond to flow onset by increasing actin turnover rate. Current models assume that an increase in the actin turnover rate should result in a rise in cell crawling speed. Here we report that confluent endothelial monolayer shows an unexpected behavior: cell crawling speed decreases by ∼ 40% within the first 30 min of flow onset. A drop in crawling speed has not been observed in either subconfluent endothelial cells or in VE-cadherin–deficient cells. We found that flow onset caused an increase in the number of VE-cadherin-GFP molecules in the junctions and elicited changes in the cytoskeleton-associated fractions of α, β -catenins and VE-cadherin. Flow application also increased the strength of interactions of endothelial cells with surfaces coated with recombinant VE-cadherin. These observations suggest that endothelial cell junctional proteins respond to flow transiently by increasing the strength of intercellular attachments early after flow onset and support the view on t...
Direct Products of Affine Partial Linear Spaces

Direct products of affine partial linear spaces are defined and studied. Analysis of derivable and subplane covered nets as direct product nets provides characterizations of these nets. Translation planes admitting direct product nets and construction of maximal partial spreads are also considered.
Anal-Rectal Cytology and Anal Cancer Screening

Over the past few decades there has been an alarming increase in the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus in both men and women. Immunocompromised patients and men who have sex with men are at especially high risk. Since its introduction by Dr. George Papanicolaou, cervical-vaginal cytology has been an extremely effective tool in decreasing the numbers of deaths in women from cervical cancer and has proven to be one of the great successes in preventative medicine. This article explores the efficacy of the use of analogous cytologic methods for the detection of precancers and cancers of the squamous epithelium in the region of the anal canal. The techniques for obtaining anal-rectal cytology are detailed with emphasis on the preparation and interpretation of cytologic samples. Criteria for specimen adequacy are discussed in the context of the Bethesda 2001 System. The triage of abnormal anal-rectal cytology and its correlation with anoscopic examination is also presented. Effective clinical-pathologic correlation requires close cooperation and communication between clinicians and pathologists. Clinicians and pathologists need to familiarize themselves with the technique of anal-rectal cytology to maximize the close surveillance and expectant management that are necessary for the prevention of anal carcinoma in high-risk patient populations.
Labial salivary gland tumors

A study was conducted on labial salivary gland tumors from four oral pathology laboratories. Of the 103 identified tumors, 87 (84.5%) were from the upper lip, whereas 16 (15.5%) were from the lower lip. Of the 87 upper lip tumors, 80 (92.0%) were benign. Forty-three of these were monomorphic adenomas and 37 were pleomorphic adenomas. Seven malignant tumors of the upper lip were as follows: four adenoid cystic carcinomas, two acinic cell carcinomas, and one adenocarcinoma. Of the 16 lower lip tumors, 15 (93.8%) were malignant. Thirteen of these were mucoepidermoid carcinomas and two were acinic cell carcinomas. The only benign lower lip tumor was an intraductal papilloma. These results confirm the findings of previous investigations, showing that minor salivary gland tumors are much more common in the upper lip than the lower lip, but that lower lip tumors are more likely to be malignant.
Activation of small molecules by transition metal cluster compounds. Oxidative cleavage of a metal-metal bond by HCl in an osmium cluster compound

Abstract The complex (μ3-S)(μ3-n2-SCH2)Os3(CO)8[P(CH3)2C6H5] reacts with HCl in an addition process to form the molecule (μ3-S)(μ3-n2-SCH2)(H)Os3(CO)8[P(CH3)2C6H5]Cl. The product was characterized by IR, 1H NMR and x-ray crystallographic methods. The structural analysis shows that the HCl addition has caused a cleavage of one of the metal-metal bonds.
Industrial Dynamics---A Response to Ansoff and Slevin

In the March, 1968, issue of Management Science, Ansoff and Slevin discuss industrial dynamics [2]. Although the authors acknowledge writing without having used industrial dynamics, their paper contributes by raising important questions which need discussion. The rapidly increasing domestic and international interest in industrial dynamics makes especially timely their paper and an opportunity to respond. The authors base their viewpoint on information available from the published literature. I respond from the viewpoint of one familiar with much additional work in the field which has not yet reached the public press. This may account for some of our differences. Between glimpsing early results and seeing these in print, five or more years can elapse. The work must be consolidated and improved, articles written, and publication delays awaited. Access through publication is also impeded by proprietary restrictions placed on some of the more important and exciting applications of industrial dynamics in industry. Although space limits discussion to those points where I differ, the authors have developed many important ideas in their paper. They have performed a valuable service for industrial dynamics. The comments that follow are grouped by subject and not in the sequence of their article.
Management of bleeding from gastric remnant after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Endoscopic evaluation of the excluded stomach after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) for morbid obesity is a challenge. Until recently, these patients have been undergone intraoperative gastrotomy and intraoperative endoscopy through the gastrotomy in the hope of finding the etiology of the bleeding not seen on routine endoscopy. Such procedures come with their own morbidity and risk of complications. We present a case in which the use of double balloon enteroscopy made the clinical evaluation of such a patient easier, with less associated risk and morbidity.
Synthesis of 13C single and double labelled retinals, precursors for NMR studies of visual pigments and related systems

The synthesis of retinals enriched with 13C at positions 11, 13, 14, 15, 12&20, 13&14, and 14&15 in high isomeric purity is reported. The importance of these retinals in studying the structure and properties of rhodopsin and bacteriorhodopsin by 13C NMR spectroscopy is briefly described.
Teacher efficacy and teacher competency ratings

This cross-validation study investigated the relationships among teacher sense of efficacy, superintendents' ratings of teacher competency, and selected demographic and background variables. One hundred fifty-five teachers from 15 districts in a Southeastern state participated in the study. Multiple regression indicated variables significantly related to efficacy scores were: competency rating by superintendent, birth order, and whether the teacher would again choose teaching as a career. Using discriminant analysis, superior and average competency teachers could be differentiated from low competency teachers on the basis of four significant variables, one of which was efficacy scores. This analysis placed 80.52% of the teachers in the appropriate group, and accounted for 29% of the variance in groups. Analyses also indicated some support for the consistency of superintendents' ratings of teachers across districts.
Glow discharge mass spectrometric analysis of non-conducting materials

Abstract Glow discharge mass spectrometry has been applied to the analysis of non-conducting materials mixed with a conducting matrix. These materials involve special problems of sample preparation and can produce a complex plasma with spectral interferences. We have studied several conducting matrices, including graphite, copper, silver, iron, aluminum and tantalum. Based on spectral simplicity and reduction of oxide ions, tantalum proved best. The effect of metal oxide bond strength on oxide ion formation was determined. Relative sensitivity factors were calculated for rare earth elements and a simulated analysis was carried out for these species in a USGS standard reference material.
Antioxidants and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Preterm Infants with Symptomatic Patent Ductus Arteriosus.

Objective Immature antioxidant and oxygen-sensing mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). We conducted a prospective, observational, pilot study to test the hypothesis that antioxidant activity is low at birth in preterm infants at risk for symptomatic PDA. Study Design Blood and urine samples were collected within 24 to 48 hours of life in 53 preterm infants (≤32 weeks' gestation) who developed early PDA symptoms and in 30 term (≥37 weeks' gestation) control infants. Thirty preterm infants developed hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) and required pharmacologic treatment and/or PDA ligation. For these infants, blood and urine samples were also collected at 24 hours posttreatment. Samples were analyzed for biomarkers of antioxidant activity, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation. Results At 24 to 48 hours after birth, plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD), urinary catalase, and plasma and urinary 8-isoPGF 2α were significantly lower in preterm infants who developed hsPDA. Plasma 8-isoPGF 2α levels rebounded post–PDA treatment, while urinary prostaglandin E 2 , plasma and urinary thromboxane B 2 , and plasma SOD declined. Conclusion The antioxidant status is low in preterm infants at risk for developing hsPDA. SOD may be a key antioxidant regulating functional ductus arteriosus closure. Therefore, low levels may result in persistence of a hsPDA.
Quantum ground state and single-phonon control of a mechanical resonator

Quantum mechanics provides a highly accurate description of a wide variety of physical systems. However, a demonstration that quantum mechanics applies equally to macroscopic mechanical systems has been a long-standing challenge, hindered by the difficulty of cooling a mechanical mode to its quantum ground state. The temperatures required are typically far below those attainable with standard cryogenic methods, so significant effort has been devoted to developing alternative cooling techniques. Once in the ground state, quantum-limited measurements must then be demonstrated. Here, using conventional cryogenic refrigeration, we show that we can cool a mechanical mode to its quantum ground state by using a microwave-frequency mechanical oscillator—a ‘quantum drum’—coupled to a quantum bit, which is used to measure the quantum state of the resonator. We further show that we can controllably create single quantum excitations (phonons) in the resonator, thus taking the first steps to complete quantum control of a mechanical system. The bizarre, often counter-intuitive predictions of quantum mechanics have been observed in atomic-scale optical and electrical systems, but efforts to demonstrate that quantum mechanics applies equally to a mechanical system, especially one large enough to be seen with the naked eye, have proved challenging. The difficulty is cooling a mechanical system to its quantum ground state, where all classical noise is eliminated. A team at the Department of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has overcome this obstacle. Using conventional cryogenic refrigeration, they cool a mechanical resonator with a very high oscillation frequency to one-fortieth of a degree above absolute zero. This resonator, called a 'quantum drum', is coupled to a superconducting quantum bit that acts as a quantum thermometer to detect whether there are any excitations left in the resonator. When it is confirmed there are none, it is further shown that a single quantum of excitation, a phonon, can be introduced in this system and exchanged between resonator and qubit many times, thereby taking the first steps towards complete quantum control of a mechanical system. Quantum mechanics provides an accurate description of a wide variety of physical systems but it is very challenging to prove that it also applies to macroscopic (classical) mechanical systems. This is because it has been impossible to cool a mechanical mode to its quantum ground state, in which all classical noise is eliminated. Recently, various mechanical devices have been cooled to a near-ground state, but this paper demonstrates the milestone result of a piezoelectric resonator with a mechanical mode cooled to its quantum ground state.
Quantifying the hurricane risk to offshore wind turbines

The U.S. Department of Energy has estimated that if the United States is to generate 20% of its electricity from wind, over 50 GW will be required from shallow offshore turbines. Hurricanes are a potential risk to these turbines. Turbine tower buckling has been observed in typhoons, but no offshore wind turbines have yet been built in the United States. We present a probabilistic model to estimate the number of turbines that would be destroyed by hurricanes in an offshore wind farm. We apply this model to estimate the risk to offshore wind farms in four representative locations in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal waters of the United States. In the most vulnerable areas now being actively considered by developers, nearly half the turbines in a farm are likely to be destroyed in a 20-y period. Reasonable mitigation measures—increasing the design reference wind load, ensuring that the nacelle can be turned into rapidly changing winds, and building most wind plants in the areas with lower risk—can greatly enhance the probability that offshore wind can help to meet the United States’ electricity needs.
The I.T. circuit certificate: training for the future

St. Edward's University Instructional Technology department developed a free certification program called the I.T. Circuit. The I.T. Circuit was developed to help faculty, staff, and students build the technology skills needed at home, school, or in the workplace. The program allows for faculty, staff, and students to choose from three different certification tracks and attend the free computer training workshops offered each month required for the specific track or tracks chosen. Over the past four years, this program has gone through many different stages leading to where the program is today.The primary focus of this paper is to share the successes and failures of the I.T. Circuit certification program. We hope this will help spark innovative ideas for other institutions thinking about implementing their own certification programs.
Pediatric septic shock: why has mortality decreased?-the utility of goal-directed therapy.

Abstract Mortality from septic shock in children has decreased by 92 percent in the last 36 years. The contributions of goal-directed therapy, intensive care, and other forms of support are responsible for this decrease. A deeper and more specific understanding of innate immunity and the biomolecular processes that operate in septic shock has offered the scientific basis to implement goal-directed therapies. However, therapies that are aimed specifically at manipulating the inflammatory cascade have yet to prove safe and effective. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Preparing Teachers to Provide Literacy Instruction to All Students: Faculty Experiences and Perceptions:

Although there is an increased focus on reading instruction in schools, little is known about how teachers of students with extensive support needs are prepared to provide literacy instruction for ...
A Study of the Relation of General Semantics and Creativity

THIS STUDY was designed to investigate the hy pothesis that the teaching of certain principles of general semantics would result in superior per formance on tests of two factors of creative ability, ideational fluency and spontaneous flexibility, in a selected sample of sixth grade children in Madison, Wisconsin. General semantics refers to the study of the na ture and problems of communication. Creative ability herein refers toacomplex of abilities which are not considered to be latent intel lectual powers or faculties nor taken to be essences in the Aristotelian sense of being predetermined. Rather, the position taken is that every person is born merely with certain generalized tendencies to wards activity, towards experimentation, inventive ness, and initiative. As these generalized activi ties are expressed, there is interaction with the en vironment. To the extent that the expression of these native activities has the consequence of bring ing about further activities such as increasing ex perimentation, initiative, and inventiveness, they may be said to become primary abilities which may be called creative. Ideational fluency refers to the rate at w hic h a person can think of ideas. Spontaneous flexibility refers to the ability to shift one's thinking rapidly.
CONGRUENCES RELATED TO MODULAR FORMS

Let f be a modular form of weight k for a congruence subgroup Γ ⊂ SL2(Z), and t a weight 0 modular function for Γ. Assume that near t = 0, we can write f = ∑n≥0bn tn, bn ∈ Z. Let l(z) be a weight k + 2 modular form with q-expansion ∑γnqn, such that the Mellin transform of l can be expressed as an Euler product. Then we show that if $f\frac{q}{t}\frac{dt}{dq} = \sum a_i\ell(d_i z)$ for some integers ai, di, then the congruence relation bmpr -γpbmpr-1 + eppk+1bmpr-2 ≡ 0 (mod pr) holds. We give a number of examples of this phenomena.
semang affects the development of a subset of cells in the Drosophila compound eye

Abstract semang (sag), a mutation isolated as a suppressor of Drosophila Src42A, has previously been shown to affect some receptor tyrosine kinase mediated embryonic processes. Here we show that sag specifically affects the development of R1, R6 and R7 photoreceptor cells in a cell-autonomous manner. These cells are absent in the mutant at the time when they normally appear in the ommatidial pre-clusters. Genetic analyses suggest that sag functions downstream of, or parallel to, Mapk and Yan in the photoreceptor differentiation pathway. The autonomous requirement of sag for R1/R6/R7 development could be explained by a selective impairment of the late, but not early, rounds of Egfr-induced precursor cell assembly by the sag mutations. Egfr signaling is highly regulated by autocrine or paracrine mechanisms in different cells. Knowing that the photoreceptor cluster formation is a complex process involving dynamic changes in cell–cell contact, our hypothesis is that the sag alleles affected certain special aspects of Egfr-signaling that are unique for the recruitment of R1/R6/R7 cells.
Regulation of surfactant-like particle secretion by Caco-2 cells.

Abstract Surfactant-like particle (SLP) is a phosphatidylcholine (PC)-rich membrane produced in the small intestine, and its secretion is increased by fat feeding. In Caco-2 cells known to produce SLP, preincubation with [3H]palmitate labelled the SLP and was used as a marker for newly secreted membrane. SLP-associated PC and protein (d=1.07–1.08 g/ml in a linear non-equilibrium NaBr gradient) were secreted in parallel with triacylglycerols (TG) and at a rate about twice the control rate in response to feeding cells with an oleate/egg PC mixture. Cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I identified only a small peak corresponding to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), but the largest peak corresponded with SLP (d=1.07–1.08). Palmitate incorporation into PC showed a similar small peak migrating at the density of HDL, but most labelled PC secreted from the cells was due to SLP. PC secretion, alkaline phosphatase activity, and newly synthesized immunoprecipitated SLP proteins from conditioned serum-free media migrated together at a density of ≥1.21 g/ml in a lipoprotein NaBr step gradient, and represented SLP. Glycerol incorporated into TG migrated at a peak density of 1.12 g/ml, consistent with HDL secretion from cells incubated in serum-free media. These data confirm that the secreted PC in SLP is distinct from lipoprotein particles. Incorporation of [3H]palmitate into the PC fraction of either whole cell homogenate or isolated brush border membranes was not affected by oleate/egg PC feeding. Both Pluronic L-81, an inhibitor of chylomicron secretion, and BMS-197636-02, a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor, blocked the secretion of both TG and PC. Elevation of intracellular cAMP levels that stimulate surfactant secretion from type II pneumocytes caused a 50% reduction in SLP and TG secretion from Caco-2 cells. These results confirm the SLP response to fat feeding found in vivo, further supporting a role for SLP in TG secretion from the enterocyte, and show that the regulation of SLP secretion differs from that of pulmonary surfactant.
EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVE PROCESS GASES ON THE THERMOCHEMICAL CONVERSION PROCESS OF SWINE MANURE

A thermochemical conversion (TCC) process was developed to convert swine manure into an oil product in a high temperature and pressure environment. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of different process gases, including CO, H2, CO2, N2, and compressed air, on the efficiencies of oil production and waste reduction, and to explore the possibility of replacing costly reducing process gases, such as CO, with an inexpensive inert gas such as compressed air. It was found that the addition of a process gas to the reaction system before the experiment was critical for the TCC process to yield an oil product. Both reducing gases (such as CO and H2) and inert gases (such as CO2, N2, and compressed air) can be used as a process gas. With the addition of reducing gases (i.e., CO and H2), the process yielded a better quality oil product and achieved a higher oil production efficiency. There were no significant differences in the chemical oxygen demand reduction rate among the five process gases mentioned above. The pressurized process created by water vapor alone did not yield an oil product. It is unclear why the inert gases of N2, CO2, and compressed air affected the oil product formation from swine manure but water vapor did not.
China and India Enter Global Markets: A Review of Comparative Economic Development and Future Prospects

An American economist specializing in the economic and business development of China as well as India presents the results of a focused comparison of their emergence as global economic powers in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. More specifically, she selectively reviews the body of published research comparing China and India, with emphasis on the literature covering the two countries' economic achievements, the nature of reforms and institutions, as well as the overall social contexts within which development and growth are occurring. The author addresses such major questions as the importance of timing and location in the two countries' development trajectories as well as the implications of different modes of guidance (market versus state direction) for those trajectories. A concluding section identifies several possible directions for future research. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: F010, O110, O530, P200, P520. 1 figure, 2 tables, 120 references.
A hierarchical approach to image registration using feature consensus and Hausdorff distance

This paper presents a new hybrid and hierarchical algorithm for aligning two partially overlapping aerial images. This computationally efficient approach produces accurate results even when large rotation and translation have occurred between two images. The first step of the approach is coarse matching where transformation parameters are estimated using the partial Hausdorff distance measure for maximally feature consensus. For feature extraction, it applies a modified phase congruency model to effectively locate feature points of local curvature discontinuity, structural boundaries, and other prominent edges. Our proposed coarse matching doesn't require explicit feature correspondence, and the partial Hausdorff distance measure can tolerate well the presence of outliers and feature extraction errors. In the second step, the pairwise matching of the feature points detected from both images is performed, where the initial estimate obtained in the first step is used to dramatically facilitate the determination of feature point correspondence. This two-step approach compensates deficiencies in each step and it is computationally efficient. The first step dramatically decreases the size of the search range for correspondence establishment in the second step and no direct pairwise feature matching is required in the first step. Experiment results demonstrate the robustness of our proposed algorithm using real aerial photos.