cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A definition of the coupled-product for multivariate coupled-exponentials

Abstract The coupled-product and coupled-exponential of the generalized calculus of nonextensive statistical mechanics are defined for multivariate functions. The nonlinear statistical coupling is indexed such that κ d = κ / 1 + d κ , where d is the dimension of the argument of the multivariate coupled-exponential. The coupled-Gaussian distribution is defined such that the argument of the coupled-exponential depends on the coupled-moments but not the coupling parameter. The multivariate version of the coupled-product is defined such that the output dimensions are the sum of the input dimensions. This enables construction of the multivariate coupled-Gaussian from univariate coupled-Gaussians. The resulting construction forms a model of coupling between distributions, generalizing the product of independent Gaussians.
A preliminary test of the validity of the LCSW examination

Social workers seeking licensure in most states must pass one of the four different written examinations developed by the American Association of State Social Work Boards (AASSWB). These examinations are claimed to be valid measures of professional social work knowledge and competence to practice. To test this claim, we administered the multiple-choice 50-item Advanced practice examination contained within the official AASSWB Advanced study guide to 42 first year MSW students. Weblanked out the actual question content, and asked the students to select the correct answers from among the four choices given. Chance would suggest that the average score should be about 25% correct (one out of four). In actualitythe students' scores averaged 37% correct, a statistically significant difference. These results challenge the content and discriminant validity of the AASSWB examination and call for further studies on the examinations' value.
Glassy cell cervical carcinoma

Abstract Glassy cell cervical carcinoma is a poorly differentiated variety of adenosquamous tumor comprising 1.2% of cervical cancers. It is clinically significant because its biologic behavior is different from that of other cervical cancers, being extremely malignant and poorly responsive to both radiation and surgery. There appears to be a close temporal relationship of this tumor to pregnancy. The clinical-pathological features of seven cases of glassy cell cervical carinoma are reviewed. The development of invasive glassy cell carcinoma through a state of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia has not been noted in our series by cytohistologic evidence. This may depict extreme virulence of this tumor with rapid progression to invasion. Cytology of these lesions, at the time of diagnosis of invasion, is strikingly similar to their histologic appearance. Its biologic behavior suggests that treatment should be more aggressive, possibly including radical surgery, and postoperative irradiation.
Centromeric heterochromatin comes clean with DNA methylation.

A sequence-independent procedure for rapid identification of plant centromeric DNA provides a new tool for genome assembly and genomic evolution studies.
Acoustic oscillations in the early universe and today.

During its first ≃100,000 years, the universe was a fully ionized plasma with a tight coupling by Thompson scattering between the photons and matter. The trade-off between gravitational collapse and photon pressure causes acoustic oscillations in this primordial fluid. These oscillations will leave predictable imprints in the spectra of the cosmic microwave background and the present-day matter-density distribution. Recently, the BOOMERANG and MAXIMA teams announced the detection of these acoustic oscillations in the cosmic microwave background (observed at redshift ≃ 1000). Here, we compare these CMB detections with the corresponding acoustic oscillations in the matter-density power spectrum (observed at redshift ≃ 0.1). These consistent results, from two different cosmological epochs, provide further support for our standard Hot Big Bang model of the universe.
Reactivity of bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)phenylphosphine-bridged trinuclear rhodium complexes: Cluster families related by reversible carbon monoxide binding and oxidative addition

The preparation and interconversion of the following clusters bridged by bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)phenylphosphine (dpmp) are reported: [Rh3(μ-dpmp)2(CO)aXb][BPh4]; X = I, a = 2, 3, 4, b = 2; X = I, a = 3, 2, 1, b = 4; X = I, a = 1, b = 6. The structure of one of these, [Rh3(μ-dpmp)2(CO)I4][BPh4], has been determined by X-ray diffraction.
Output versus salient impact in financial economics

If in fine arts imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, in natural and social sciences, it is citation by one's peers. A fairly good measure of the frequency of citation, or impact, is indicated by the Hirsch-Index ( h -index) which quantitatively gauges the impact of articles in core journals in a discipline. In our exploratory study, we attempt to find association between (a) the quantity of research output (as measured by Chan et al., 2002) and (b) its quality or salient impact, indicated by the h -index, of the top 174 finance academics. We find significant correlation (r = 0.469) between (a) and (b) for the entire subset of 174; however, the unexplained variance is high. The h -index could be a useful objective measure in academic decisions.
A brief history of macular grids: from Thomas Reid to Edvard Munch and Marc Amsler

Metamorphopsia is a symptom of retinal distortion from intrinsic retinal disease. It has undoubtedly been experienced for millennia, but its clinical significance has been appreciated only in modern times. The Norwegian painter Edvard Munch recognized scotomas and metamorphopsia after suffering an intraocular hemorrhage in his 60th year. Drawings made during this illness show his changing perceptions, and also his attempts to document them with a grid of lines. The Scottish philosopher Thomas Reid may have been the first to write about metamorphopsia. He described distortion of his vision in 1764, after an episode of sungazing, and recognized that the problem was probably of retinal origin. Lines or grids to document metamorphopsia have appeared in ophthalmology textbooks for more than 100 years, but testing for macular degeneration did not become routine until the dissemination of Amsler's grids in the middle of the 20th century. This is in large measure a result of developments in ophthalmology that made therapy for macular disease possible.
Alterations in pro-survival proteins Bcl-2 and AKT contribute to apoptosis in Stat6-deficient cell lines

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract in which alterations in inflammatory mediators and apoptosis have been described. IL-4 is a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine that is able to protect lymphocytes from apoptosis. We have previously identified cell lines derived from IBD patients that express defective IL-4-induced Stat6 nuclear binding (termed Stat6 null ) which exhibit increased apoptosis in spontaneous culture compared to Stat6 high (wild-type) cell lines. Bcl-2 and Bcl-x L are anti-apoptotic proteins that are able to prevent apoptotic cellular death. In addition the pro-survival protein, AKT may be activated by the IL-4/IRS-2 pathway and prevent apoptosis. This study sought to evaluate the IL-4/IRS-2 pathway and the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-x L in STAT6 null cell lines using Wortmannin, a known inhibitor of PI-3-kinase. Methods. Five cell lines each of Stat6 null and Stat6 high (wild-type) phenotype were used for each experiment. Cells were cultured in the presence of Wortmannin (1 μM) or Z-VAD-FMK (1 μM) for 24 h and apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Protein extraction of cytoplasmic fractions was performed after treatment with IL-4 (10 ng/ml) for 30 min. Protein quantification of Bcl-2, Bcl-x L , and pAKT was performed using Western Blot technique. Results. Baseline levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-x L were equivalent in Stat6 null and wild-type cells; however, IL-4 induction of Bcl-2 was lacking in Stat6 null cells compared to a 2-fold increase in wild-type cells. Wild-type cells exhibited increased levels of pAKT at baseline compared to Stat6 null cells. PI-3-kinase inhibition produced an increase in apoptosis in both Stat6 null and Stat6 high cell lines at 24 h. Caspase inhibition did not prevent baseline apoptosis in the Stat6 null or wild-type cells. Conclusions. The IL-4/IRS-2 pathway appears to be functional in Stat6 null cell lines. Activated AKT is protective from apoptosis as evidenced by increased apoptosis with inhibition of the pathway; however, alterations in baseline levels of this pro-survival protein may be responsible for the increased apoptosis in Stat6 null cell lines. Alterations in inducible levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 may also contribute to the apoptosis seen in Stat6 null cells.
ZEKE spectroscopy of free transition metal clusters

Abstract Transition metal clusters are produced in molecular beams with laser vaporization of metal targets. Vibrationally and rotationally resolved electronic spectra of the metal clusters are obtained with zero electron kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy. The resolution of the spectra is of the order of sub-millielectron volts. Experiments on bare vanadium and yttrium clusters and ligated yttrium, zirconium, and niobium clusters are presented. The bond length of vanadium dimer is determined from the rotationally resolved spectra. Electronic states and molecular geometries of larger clusters are determined by combining the vibrationally resolved spectra with density functional theory and Franck–Condon factor calculations.
Aromaticity and hydrogenation patterns in highly strained fullerenes

Gradient corrected density functional theory is applied to evaluate the structure and energetics of hydrogenation patterns in the C36 molecule and its component fragments. Overall strain and resonance energies for these compounds are determined using homodesmotic reactions that connect C36 and its constituent chemical components to simpler non-aromatic, unstrained compounds. Our calculations indicate that the dramatic difference in energetic stability between two similar solid C36 structures is due to the number of disrupted aromatic rings rather than to differential strain.
Are Badges Useful in Education?: It Depends upon the Type of Badge and Expertise of Learner.

Educational Badges are touted as an alternative assessment that can increase learner motivation. We considered two distinct models for educational badges; merit badges and videogame achievements. To begin unpacking the relationship between badges and motivation, we conducted a study using badges within an intelligent-tutor system for teaching applied mathematics to middle-school students. Our findings indicate that badge earning could be driven by learner motivations and that systems with badges could have a positive effect on critical learner motivations. However, badge acquisition patterns were different across learners with different levels of prior knowledge. Different badge types also affected different learners motivation. Additionally, we believe that our findings are compatible with the research finding that extrinsic motivators have a negative influence on learning. The implication for educational badge designers is that they must consider the ability and moti- vations of learners when choosing what badges to include in their curricula. We believe our findings exist as one piece of the large research base needed to understand educational badges.
Parents United of Oregon: a natural history of a self-help group for sexually abusive families.

A natural history is reported for an agency-supported self-help group for sexually abusive families. Four developmental stages of the group are identified as a) development of the idea, b) operationalization of the group, C) promotion of community recognition, and d) achievement of organizational goals and group consolidation. Experiences drawn from the natural history are discussed in terms of the guidelines tbey suggest for the development of other agency-supported self-help groups.
THE ROLE OF INFORMATION DISCLOSURE IN CLIMATE MITIGATION POLICY

Information disclosure policies represent an additional policy mechanism that can be used to foster reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. These informational efforts could be either mandatory or voluntary, but in each case government regulation could play a productive role by establishing common structures for the information and providing criteria to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information. Unlike most previous uses of environmental information disclosure, such as the Toxic Release Inventory and pesticide warnings, carbon footprint labeling does not communicate information about immediate private benefits. While considerable insight can be gleaned by examining the principles for effective warnings generally, additional research would further our understanding of how to best design a successful information effort directed at varied future environmental benefits. Care is needed as green labeling may distort consumer decisions if undue prominence is given to environmental consequences as compared to other valued attributes, such as safety.
Maternally expressed and partially redundant β-tubulins in Caenorhabditis elegans are autoregulated

The mitotic spindle, which partitions replicated chromosomes to daughter cells during cell division, is composed of microtubule assemblies of α/β-tubulin heterodimers. Positioning of the mitotic spindle influences the size and location of daughter cells, and can be important for the proper partitioning of developmental determinants. We describe two semi-dominant mis-sense mutations in tbb-2, one of two C. elegans β-tubulin genes that are maternally expressed and together are required for microtubule-dependent processes in the early embryo. These mutations result in a posteriorly displaced and misoriented mitotic spindle during the first cell division. In contrast, a probable tbb-2 null allele is recessive, and when homozygous results in less severe spindle positioning defects and only partially penetrant embryonic lethality. Two of the tbb-2 mutations result in reduced levels of TBB-2 protein, and increased levels of a second maternally expressed β-tubulin, TBB-1. However, levels of TBB-1 are not increased in a tbb-2 mutant with an allele that does not result in reduced levels of TBB-2 protein. We conclude that feedback regulation influences maternal β-tubulin expression in C. elegans, but cannot fully restore normal microtubule function in the absence of one β-tubulin isoform.
Under staging and under grading in a contemporary series of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: results from the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor database.

Purpose: We determined the prevalence of under staging and under grading in contemporary patients undergoing radical prostatectomy in academic and community based urology practices, and defined important predictors of under staging in this population.Materials and Methods: We compared clinical T stage and biopsy Gleason score with pathological T stage and prostatectomy Gleason score in 1,313 patients enrolled in the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor database, a longitudinal registry of patients with prostate cancer, who underwent radical prostatectomy, including 53% since 1995. Under grading was determined for the primary and secondary Gleason patterns and defined as a biopsy Gleason pattern of 1 to 3 that became pathological Gleason pattern 4 or 5. Under staging was defined as a clinically organ confined tumor that was extraprostatic stages pT3 to 4 or N+ at radical prostatectomy. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine important risk factors for under st...
Quantitative molecular ensemble interpretation of NMR dipolar couplings without restraints.

At room temperature, proteins undergo dynamic excursions away from their average three-dimensional structure. Ensembles obeying the laws of statistical thermodynamics that describe these excursions well are essential for understanding their influence on function. Here we report an unrestrained molecular dynamics ensemble of ubiquitin using the recently refined AMBER99SB force field, which reproduces experimental residual dipolar couplings in multiple alignment media, on the ensemble level, comparable to or better than high resolution averaged structures.
TU-C-304A-07: X-Ray Tube Current Modulation and Effective Dose Per Unit Dose-Length Product Conversion Factors in CT Dosimetry

Purpose: To quantify how axial and longitudinal x‐ray tube current modulation influence effective dose per unit dose‐length product (E/DLP) conversion factors in chest CT.Method: We simulated a chest CT examination using a 4 cm beam width with projections obtained at every 15° x‐ray tube position at a constant tube output (120 kV). A radiographic patient dosimetry software package (PCXMC) was used to quantify relative patient effective dose as a function of the angular position and longitudinal location (z) of the x‐ray tube. Typical angular and longitudinal mA modulation schemes were obtained from the scientific literature. E/DLP conversion factors were generated for: (a) no mA modulation; (b) angular modulation alone; and (c) longitudinal modulation alone. Results: As the x‐ray tube rotates around the patient, the highest effective dose was at 285° (AP projection) and the lowest effective dose was at 195° (lateral projection), with the maximum to minimum ratio of 2.2. An angular mA modulation scheme with an AP/PA tube current one third of the lateral tube current reduces the E/DLP conversion factor in chest CT by 4.2%. For x‐ray tube movement along the z‐axis, the maximum to minimum ratio of patient effective dose was 3.3. In chest CTimaging, the longitudinal mA modulation changes the tube current approximately seven fold between the central lung area and the upper thorax region above the patient's lungs. Application of this longitudinal mA modulation scheme reduces the E/DLP conversion factor in chest CT by 9.2%. Conclusions: Use of longitudinal and angular mA modulation schemes in chest CT examinations could reduce E/DLP conversion factors by ∼13%.
Three-dimensional image correlation for surface-displacement measurement

This paper describes a 3D surface profile and displacement measurement system capable of micron level accuracy using moderately priced off-the-shelf equipment. A non-linear optimization based calibration system is presented. The calibration system determines the position and operating characteristics of the cameras as well as correcting for lens distortion. Also presented is a surface profile and displacement measurement system base on projections into space of subsets of the recorded images. This method provides information about both the location and orientation in space of the subset. The accuracy of the system is established through a series of experiments. The calibration is assessed and the results are expressed using several different error measurements including a new error measurement proposed by the authors. The baseline accuracy of the measurement system was determined through a series of profile and translation tests. The system is capable of measurements to an accuracy of 0.003 mm over a 14 mm X 18 mm field from a distance of 416 mm using a 512 X 480 CCD camera and a magnification factor of 27 pixels/mm. The system was also used to measure the bending of a circular plate under pressure loading. The experimental results are analyzed and compared with theoretical prediction.
Theoretical approach on microscopic bases of stochastic functional self-organization: quantitative measures of the organizational degree of the environment

There has been increased theoretical and experimental research interest in autonomous mobile robots exhibiting cooperative behaviour. This paper provides consistent quantitative measures of organizational degree of a two-dimensional environment. We proved, by the way of numerical simulations, that the theoretically derived values of the feature are reliable measures of aggregation degree. The slope of the feature's dependence on memory radius leads to an optimization criterion for stochastic functional self-organization. We also described the intellectual heritages that have guided our research, as well as possible future developments.
WE-E-BRC-07: Evaluate Reproducibility of 4DCT Registration-Based Lung Ventilation Measurement with Gamma Comparison Method

Purpose: The regional lung pulmonary function can be calculated by computing the Jacobian of image registration deformation field. Radiation‐induced pulmonary function changes are assessed by comparing pulmonary function before and after radiation therapy (RT). Due to the probably different breath pattern and effort, uncertainties from 4DCT imaging and registration error, we need to first establish the measurement reproducibility. We also introduce gamma comparison method to compensate space disalignment in two distributions. Methods: Two repeated 4DCT data sets scanned with 30 minutes interval before RT from two patients are used in this study. Tissue volume preserving nonrigid registration algorithm with Laplacian regularization constraints was applied to register the maximum exhalation image to the maximum inhalation image for the calculation of local lung expansion as a measurement of regional pulmonary function in two scans. We compared the two pulmonary functions and analyzed the pulmonary function ratio map. Gamma comparison method is introduced to tolerate possible error in image acquisition and image registration. Mean and standard deviation of pulmonary function ratio map and gamma pass percent are calculated to measure reproducibility. Results: The registration accuracy analysis indicated our registration error is on the order of 1.0 mm. Most lungtissue has a reproducible pulmonary function. Reproducibility near the diaphragm is worse than other regions. The standard deviation of function ratio map is respectively 0.0352 and 0.0495. The gamma comparison pass percent is respectively 84% and 87%. Further plots suggest most of the lung function is reproducible in 2 scans. Conclusions: We analyzed the reproducibility to measure regional pulmonary function using 4DCT and image registration. We compared the regional lung function in two repeated 4DCT scan and discussed the function ratio map. We also introduced a gamma comparison method to quantify reproducibility. This work was supported in part by NIH grant HL079406 and EB004126.
Q-matrix recognition via secondary and universal polytopes

(Mx+q)=0, Mx+q≥0, x≥0 has a solution. We explain how one can use the polyhedral structure of the set of all triangulations of a finite point set to determine if an n×n matrix M is a Q-matrix. Our implementation of the algorithm is practical for deciding the Q-nature for all M with n≤8.
Point derivations and analytic structure in the spectrum of a Banach algebra

Abstract Let A be a commutative complex Banach algebra with unit. Via the Gelfand map, ƒ → ƒ , A may be represented as an algebra of continuous functions on Spec A, the spectrum (maximal ideal space) of A. It is shown that if the space of point derivations on A at θ ϵ Spec A has finite dimension n, then there exists an analytic variety V in a polycylinder in Cn and a homeomorphism τ of V onto a neighborhood of θ (in the metric topology which Spec A inherits from A ∗ ), such that ƒ ○ τ is analytic on V for every ƒ in A, This generalizes a theorem of Gleason.
Dietitians and Teams

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: Identify dietitians' team preparedness and perceptions of interdisciplinary team participation A fragmented professional education system is documented as a continual problem in preparing health care personnel to work in contemporary environments. Although problem-solving and group dynamics are included within the traditional dietetics curriculum, time constraints allow limited introduction to interdisciplinary team problem-solving. To identify perceptions of dietitians regarding team problem-solving and interdisciplinary preparation, a validated survey instrument was mailed to 184 persons who graduated during the past ten years from a Mid-Western University's coordinated program in dietetics. From the original population, 166 surveys were deliverable and 94 were returned. The average respondent is generally positively inclined toward group problem-solving (M= 2.7 on a Likert scale 1-strongly agree to 6-strongly disagree), but feels ideas are stifled within the group setting. The respondents identified themselves as moderately confident in problem-solving (M= 2.1). Although the respondents were positive regarding preparation for participating in interdisciplinary, they were not overwhelmingly so (M= 3.0). While, the respondents indicated a moderately positive attitude toward interdisciplinary teams (M= 2.1), individual items also suggested comfort with the process. Overall these dietitians were very confident (75%) that they could contribute to teams within the organization, especially when the teams were department specific or regarding patient focused care. There were no significant differences in results by age, current work site, or number of years in the profession. Persons who had participated in interdisciplinary teams were more positive toward team problem-solving and participation and they were certain of their ability to contribute to a problem-solving team. The results suggest dietetics undergraduate curriculum and supervised practice experiences must include more interdisciplinary team training and experiences.
Thermoelectric Response Near the Density Driven Mott Transition

We investigate the thermoelectric response of correlated electron systems near the density driven Mott transition using the dynamical mean field theory.
Effects of spectral cross relaxation and collisional dephasing on the absorption of light by organic-dye solutions

The nonlinear absorption of intense laser light is used to obtain information about the times required for spectral cross relaxation (T3) and collisional dephasing (T2) in organic-dye solutions. The steady-state transmission experiment of Huff and DeShazer indicates that T2 is in the range 0.1-1 psec for cryptocyanine-methanol, while T3 is in the range 1-10 psec. For DDI-glycerin (1, 1′-diethyl-2, 2′-dicarbocyanine-iodide-glycerin), measurements of ultrashort-pulse transmission as a function of incident energy and optical polarization suggest a value T2=0.4±0.2 psec for that system. These results are based on a new set of rate equations for absorption by inhomogeneously broadened organic-dye solutions. The equations display the effects of spectral cross relaxation and are not limited to light intensities less than those at which coherent interaction effects become important. For the case of ultrashort incident pulses, the equations are extended to account for excited-state absorption, the dependence of absorption on optical polarization, and the existence of a multiplicity of interacting excited states.
Reduction of the central nervous system adverse effects associated with antihistamines in the management of allergic disorders: Strategies and progress

Abstract To reduce the risks associated with the treatment of allergic disorders, physicians should understand the benefits and risks of drugs in the antihistamine class. The risk of central nervous system adverse effects associated with antihistamine use is significant with the use of first-generation antihistamines, which show pharmacologic activity in serotonergic, α-adrenergic, dopaminergic, and muscarinic-cholinergic pathways. Adverse effects reported with the use of first-generation antihistamines most often include drowsiness, fatigue, and an inability to concentrate; these effects may result in decreased compliance with therapy. The second-generation antihistamines have the property of low lipid solubility, which slows access across the blood–brain barrier. The low sedative profile of these new drugs may also be linked to a more pronounced binding to peripheral rather than brain histamine H 1 -receptors. The use of antihistamines with lower lipid solubility and greater specificity can provide an effective alternative for the relief of allergic symptoms, can improve compliance, and can reduce neurologic side effects. Because of the differences now recognized in the side effects of drugs of this class, an individualized approach to selection of antihistamine therapy is required. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1996;98:S319-25.)
Task and semantic relationship influence both the polarity and localization of hemodynamic modulation during lexico‐semantic processing

This study examined how task (implicit vs. explicit) and semantic relationship (direct vs. indirect) modulated hemodynamic activity during lexico-semantic processing. Participants viewed directly related, indirectly related, and unrelated prime-target word-pairs as they performed (a) an implicit lexical decision (LD) task in which they decided whether each target was a real word or a nonword, and (b) an explicit relatedness judgment (RJ) task in which they determined whether each word-pair was related or unrelated in meaning. Task influenced both the polarity and neuroanatomical localization of hemodynamic modulation. Semantic relationship influenced the neuroanatomical localization of hemodynamic modulation. The implicit LD task was primarily associated with inferior prefrontal and ventral inferior temporal/fusiform hemodynamic response suppression to directly related (relative to unrelated) word-pairs, and with more widespread temporal-occipital response suppression to indirectly related (relative to unrelated) word-pairs. In contrast, the explicit RJ task was primarily associated with left inferior parietal hemodynamic response enhancement to both directly and indirectly related (relative to unrelated) word-pairs, as well as with additional left inferior prefrontal hemodynamic response enhancement to indirectly related (relative to unrelated) word-pairs. These findings are discussed in relation to the specific neurocognitive processes thought to underlie implicit and explicit semantic processes. Hum Brain Mapp, 2008. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Impact of Vision and Vision Training on Sport Performance

(1997). The Impact of Vision and Vision Training on Sport Performance. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 68, No. 4, pp. 17-24.
Transscleral iontophoresis of foscarnet.

Current local treatments of cytomegalovirus retinopathy may result in serious intraocular complications. Using an animal model, we investigated transscleral iontophoresis as a technique for delivery of foscarnet to the vitreous. Using a probe tip surface area of 0.19 mm 2 , a current of 1 mA, and a duration of ten minutes, transscleral iontophoresis of 0.5 ml of a 24-mg/ml foscarnet solution was administered to 72 normal rabbits. Vitreous aspiration was performed at 12 intervals (15 minutes, 30 minutes, and one, two, four, eight, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, and 60 hours) after iontophoresis, and samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography to determine the vitreous pharmacokinetics of foscarnet. A peak foscarnet concentration of 200 ± 31 μM (mean ± standard deviation) was attained four hours after iontophoresis and was well below the concentration reported to cause retinal toxicity. Therapeutic levels were maintained until 60 hours after iontophoresis. The elimination half-life was approximately 24 hours. No toxic effects to anterior chamber structures were observed by biomicroscopy. Transscleral iontophoresis of foscarnet may provide an effective and safe technique for local treatment of cytomegalovirus retinopathy in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
The Best Assessment Tools for the Online Classroom: Instructor feedback and e-documents

More and more students at all levels of education submit “e-documents” for assessment, grading, and instructor review. While retaining an electronic format, there are several free or low cost software tools available to facilitate this process. Each of the tools mentioned here have been empirically tested in the classroom and/or online setting—giving feedback to more than 100 students. Results suggest selecting tools that fit your instructional methods and assignments (while not sacrificing quality) can save you time and actually improve your feedback to students.
Effects of cracks in irradiation-embrittled hexagonal subassembly ducts

Abstract Plane-strain stress intensity factors for hexagonal subassembly ducts with a crack in a corner or midflat are presented in convenient graphical form for representative LMFBR hexcan dimensions. Calibrations based on several different models of the round hexcan corner and a finite element analysis of a uniformly pressurized hexcan with a corner crack corroborate each other. A weight function for this geometry is validated, and simple analytical tools are demonstrated to be adequate for parametric studies of cracked hexagonal ducts. The effects of different numbers of cracks, different locations for cracks, and different loading modes are discussed and some comments are made on the application of linear elastic fracture mechanics to cracked hexagonal ducts which have suffered a high degree of fast-neutron irradiation embrittlement.
Water-free titania-bronze thin films with superfast lithium ion transport

A multilayered structure including a substrate and a layer of calcium-doped bronze is disclosed. A multilayered structure including a substrate, a layer of calcium-doped bronze, and a layer of pure bronze is also disclosed. A method for fabricating a multilayer structure including a substrate and a layer of calcium-doped bronze is also disclosed.
Army of Manifest Destiny: The American Soldier in the Mexican War, 1846-1848

James McCaffrey examines America's first foreign war, the Mexican War, through the day-to-day experiences of the American soldier in battle, in camp, and on the march. With remarkable sympathy, humor, and grace, the author fills in the historical gaps of one war while rising issues now found to be strikingly relevant to this nation's modern military concerns.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in chronic post-traumatic headache patients.

SYNOPSIS The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was examined in a sample of chronic post-traumatic headache patients. All subjects had been injured in a motor vehicle accident and had developed headache or experienced marked exacerbation of an existing headache condition as a result. Nearly 30% of the sample was diagnosed with PTSD. Depression and suppressed anger were significantly higher in subjects with PTSD compared to the rest of the sample. Those with PTSD were more likely to have a history of headache prior to the accident than subjects without PTSD. Comparisons between the PTSD and non-PTSD groups on other headache and demographic variables were non-significant. The importance of evaluating post-traumatic headache patients for the presence of PTSD is discussed.
An Unexpected Localization of Basonuclin in the Centrosome, Mitochondria, and Acrosome of Developing Spermatids

Basonuclin is a zinc finger protein that was thought to be restricted to keratinocytes of stratified squamous epithelia. In epidermis, basonuclin is associated with the nuclei of mitotically active basal cells but not in terminally differentiating keratinocytes. We report here the isolation of a novel form of basonuclin, which we show is also expressed in stratified epithelia. Most unexpectedly, we find both forms in testis, where a surprising localization pattern was uncovered. While basonuclin RNA expression occurs in mitotically active germ cells, protein was not detected until the meiotic stage, where basonuclin localized to the appendage of the distal centriole of spermatocytes and spermatids. Near the end of spermiogenesis, basonuclin also accumulated in the acrosome and mitochondrial sheath surrounding the flagellum. Intriguingly, a perfect six– amino acid residue mitochondrial targeting sequence (Komiya, T., N. Hachiya, M. Sakaguchi, T. Omura, and K. Mihara. 1994. J. Biol. Chem. 269:30893–30897; Shore, G.C., H.M. McBride, D.G. Millar, N.A. Steenaart, and M. Nguyen. 1995. Eur. J. Biochem. 227: 9–18; McBride, H.M., I.S. Goping, and G.C. Shore. 1996. J. Cell. Biol. 134:307–313) is present in basonuclin 1a but not in the 1b form. Moreover, three distinct affinity-purified peptide antibodies gave this unusual pattern of basonuclin antibody staining, which was confirmed by cell fractionation studies. Our findings suggest a unique role for basonuclin in centrosomes within the developing spermatid, and a role for one of the protein forms in germ cell mitochondrial function. Its localization with the acrosome suggests that it may also perform a special function during or shortly after fertilization.
Examining the Role of Advanced Placement® Exam Participation in 4‐Year College Enrollment

The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between Advanced Placement (AP) exam participation and enrollment in a 4-year postsecondary institution. A positive relationship was expected given that the primary purpose of offering AP courses is to allow students to engage in college-level academic work while in high school, and potentially receive college credit by earning qualifying scores on the corresponding AP exam. Therefore, college preparation and planning is an implicit and explicit part of AP participation. Analyzing a national sample of over 1.5 million students, the current study found that AP participation was related to college enrollment, even after controlling for student demographic and ability characteristics and high school level predictors. For example, the odds of attending a 4-year postsecondary institution increased by at least 171% for all three AP participation groups (taking either one AP exam, two or three AP exams, or four or more AP exams) as compared to students who took no AP exams. Given the current political environment and the renewed interest in readying high school students for college, these results may help inform and shape educational initiatives targeted at the school, district, state, or even national level.
Publicly Available Computers: An Investigation of Transactional Website Use through Computers in Public Locations

Businesses and governments continue to expand the use of the internet to access and provide a wide range services to consumers. This change in service delivery presents a potential access barrier for people who do not have access to the internet available in their homes. Publicly available computers attempt to bridge this gap; however, it is not clear if people are willing to use computers in these environments to engage in the full range of web-based activities, particularly online transactions. We expand Triandis' modified TRA model to consider user characteristics and the impact of the physical and virtual environment on public transactional use of websites. Results indicate that people are sensitive to the physical environment surrounding the computer and that Internet self-efficacy supports public transactional use while individual need for privacy deters transactional use in a public environment. In addition, people without personal internet access do complete transactions at other non-public locations and that completing transactions from non-public locations is a strong determinant of public transactional use.
Site of action of pyrethroids: Repetitive “backfiring” in flight motor units of house fly

Abstract In vivo measurements of flight motor unit repetitive discharges during pyrethroid (tetramethrin) poisoning were reproduced in in vitro nerve-muscle preparations at concentrations down to 10 −9 M . Both in vivo and in vitro discharge patterns arose abruptly and were interspersed with normal single spikes. Repetitive discharges originated in the terminal intramuscular portions of motor nerve fibers. Discharges were recorded postsynaptically in muscle fibers and in the main part of axons as they passed antidromically into the central nervous system. Repetitive activity was triggered either by single orthodromic nerve impulses emerging from the thoracic ganglion or occurred spontaneously in the absence of triggering impulses. A mean critical temperature (19°C) was found, below which discharges were abolished in intact flies. At higher temperatures, discharges became more consistent, decreased in duration, and increased in frequency. Since motor unit discharges disappear at lower temperatures while toxicity increases, their role in the events leading to death is dubious.
Phospholipase A2-Activating Peptide Induced Contraction of Smooth Muscle Is Mediated by Protein Kinase C-MAP Kinase Cascade

Abstract The mammalian phospholipase A 2 -activating protein (PLAP) affects contraction of smooth muscle cells isolated from the rabbit rectdyosigmoid. PLAP (10 −6 M), as measured using myelin basic protein (MBP) as substrate. The increase in MAP kinase activity was rapid at 30 sec (159±2.5%) and remained at a sustained level (162±7.9%) at 4 min. Preincubation of the cells with the PLA 2 inhibitor ONO-RS-082 (10 −6 M) or with the PKC inhibitor calphostic C (10 −6 M) resulted in inhibition of contraction, as well as inhibition of the associated increase in MAP kinase activation. The data indicates that PLAP-specific contractile effect on isolated smooth muscle cells is mediated by an activation of a PKC-MAP kinase cascade and suggests a putative role for PLA 2 -coupled G protein activation of PKC-MAP kinase as an alternate transduction pathway in smooth muscle contraction.
Evolution from a respiratory ancestor to fill syntrophic and fermentative niches: comparative genomics of six Geobacteraceae species

The anaerobic degradation of organic matter in natural environments, and the biotechnical use of anaerobes in energy production and remediation of subsurface environments, both require the cooperative activity of a diversity of microorganisms in different metabolic niches. The Geobacteraceae family contains members with three important anaerobic metabolisms: fermentation, syntrophic degradation of fermentation intermediates, and anaerobic respiration. In order to learn more about the evolution of anaerobic microbial communities, the genome sequences of six Geobacteraceae species were analyzed. The results indicate that the last common Geobacteraceae ancestor contained sufficient genes for anaerobic respiration, completely oxidizing organic compounds with the reduction of external electron acceptors, features that are still retained in modern Geobacter and Desulfuromonas species. Evolution of specialization for fermentative growth arose twice, via distinct lateral gene transfer events, in Pelobacter carbinolicus and Pelobacter propionicus. Furthermore, P. carbinolicus gained hydrogenase genes and genes for ferredoxin reduction that appear to permit syntrophic growth via hydrogen production. The gain of new physiological capabilities in the Pelobacter species were accompanied by the loss of several key genes necessary for the complete oxidation of organic compounds and the genes for the c-type cytochromes required for extracellular electron transfer. The results suggest that Pelobacter species evolved parallel strategies to enhance their ability to compete in environments in which electron acceptors for anaerobic respiration were limiting. More generally, these results demonstrate how relatively few gene changes can dramatically transform metabolic capabilities and expand the range of environments in which microorganisms can compete.
Germination characteristics of osmotically primed and stored Impatiens seeds

Abstract Seeds of impatiens cultivar ‘Princess Bright Red’ ( Impatiens wallerana Hook. f.) were osmotically primed in −0.5, −1.0 or −1.5 MPa polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG) at 5, 15 or 25°C for 1, 2 or 3 weeks before germination in water at 25°C. Increasing temperature during priming increased the subsequent germination rate, but priming at 25°C in −0.5 MPa PEG led to precocious germination. Priming conditions of 〈 −1.0 MPa or 〉 1 week did not benefit subsequent germination. The priming treatment selected as optimal was −1.0 MPa at 25°C for 1 week. The beneficial effects of priming were most pronounced when germination occurred during the combined stresses of reduced temperature (12.5°C) and reduced water availability (−0.5 MPa). Under these conditions, primed seeds had 80% final germination and 11.5 days to 50% germination, whereas the respective values for untreated seeds were 50% final germination and 18.1 days. Primed seeds were stored for up to 8 weeks at 25°C following 3 drying treatments (surface dried, dried back or vacuum dried). Germination percentages of primed-stored seeds were not different from those of primed-unstored seeds or of untreated seeds. Germination of dried-back and vacuum-dried seeds following 8 weeks of storage was slower than that of other stored seeds. Germination of primed-stored seeds was quicker than that of untreated seeds.
HCl Yield from the OH + ClO Reaction at Temperatures between 218 and 298 K

The yield of HCl from the OH + ClO reaction has been determined at 1 Torr total pressure by using the discharge-laminar-flow technique with resonance fluorescence, infrared diode laser spectrometry, and ultraviolet absorption spectrometry detection methods. A known amount of OH is added to a large excess of ClO and the reaction is allowed to go to completion. Under these conditions, the yield is just the ratio of [HCl] produced to initial [OH]. The yield or branching ratio measurement reduces to a measurement of two concentrations; knowledge of the total rate constant or of the branching rate constants is not required. The results are 9.0 ( 4.8% independent of temperature between 218 and 298 K. The errors given are two standard deviations. The results are also independent of the OH source: F + H2O or H + NO2. Interference from secondary chemistry is minimized by extrapolating a plot of observed yields to zero initial [OH]. Numerical simulations are used only to check for interference from secondary chemistry and to validate the extrapolation procedure.
On the optimality of linear schedules

An algorithm can be modeled as a set of indexed computations, and a schedule is a mapping of the algorithm index space into time.Linear schedules are a special class of schedules that are described by a linear mapping and are commonly used in many systolic algorithms.Free schedules cause computations of an algorithm to execute as soon as their operands are available. If one computation uses data generated by another computation, then a data dependence exists between these two computations which can be represented by the difference of their indices (calleddependence vector). Many important algorithms are characterized by the fact that data dependencies areuniform, i.e., the values of the dependence vectors are independent of the indices of computations. There are applications where it is of interest to find an optimal linear schedule with respect to the time of execution ofa specific computation of the given algorithm. This paper addresses the problem of identifying optimal linear schedules for uniform dependence algorithms so that the execution time ofa specific computation of the algorithm is minimized and proposes a procedure to solve this problem based on the mathematical solution of a linear optimization problem. Also, linear schedules are compared with free schedules. The comparison indicates that optimal linear schedules can be as efficient as free schedules, the best schedules possible, and identifies a class of algorithms for which this is always true.