cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 26. Enzymic Methods in Organic Synthesis

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the procedures that use partially or highly purified enzymes to catalyze organic reactions potentially useful in medicinal chemistry. A widespread interest in asymmetric synthesis has focused attention on the demonstrated utility of enzymic catalysis in producing chiral fragments. In fact, the major hindrance to the widespread use of enzymic catalysis is the residual unfamiliarity of many classically trained synthetic chemists in the techniques of enzyme isolation, manipulation, and assay. More than two thousand enzymes are known and several hundred can be obtained commercially. Given sufficient demand, many enzymes can be produced in quantity by recombinant DNA techniques. Enzymes used in synthetic applications are commonly immobilized in or on insoluble materials because immobilization enhances their stability and allows their recovery and reuse. Enzyme stabilization is a concern before, during, and after immobilization. Immobilization often greatly increases the stability of enzymes. Reasons for this stabilization are not clearly understood. Enzyme deactivation during the immobilization process is often troublesome. Enzymic phosphorylation with coupled in situ adenosine triphosphate (ATP) regeneration has been used to prepare glucose-6-phosphate, sn-glycerol-3-phosphate, creatine-phosphate, and 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate. Nicotinamide cofactor dependent oxidoreductases have been applied in chiral synthesis. Enantioselectivity is often only moderate, but in certain cases excellent results have been obtained. Enzymic synthetic methods will see increased use in research and industry. Immunology, neurobiology, endocrinology, molecular genetics, membrane biology, and plant and insect biology are areas that are becoming more molecular in scope.
Oxygen vacancy traps in Hi-K/Metal gate technologies and their potential for embedded memory applications

We explore the use of oxygen vacancies for nonvolatile data storage by trapping electrons in the high-k, gate dielectric layer of NFETs. Programming is performed via channel carrier injection and is erased by tunneling. 64Kb arrays were constructed and reliability is demonstrated.
Diffusion Tensor MR Image Restoration

Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) can provide the fundamental information required to visualize structural connectivity. However, this high-dimensional data can be rather noisy and requires restoration. In this paper, we present a novel unified formulation involving a variational principle for simultaneous smoothing and estimation of the diffusion tensor field from DT-MRI. This tensor field is estimated directly from the measurements using a combination of L p smoothness and positive definiteness constraints respectively. The data term we employ is the Stejskal-Tanner equation instead of its linearized version as usually employed in the published literature. In addition, we impose the positive definite constraint via the Cholesky decomposition of the tensors in the field. Our unified variational principle is discretized and solved numerically using the limited memory quasi-Newton method. Algorithm performance is depicted via both synthetic and real data experiments.
Early-split coding of triangle mesh connectivity

The two main schemes for coding triangle mesh connectivity traverse a mesh with similar region-growing operations. Rossignac's Edgebreaker uses triangle labels to encode the traversal whereas the coder of Touma and Gotsman uses vertex degrees. Although both schemes are guided by the same spiraling spanning tree, they process triangles in a different order, making it difficult to understand their similarities and to explain their varying compression success.We describe a coding scheme that can operate like a label-based coder similar to Edgebreaker or like a degree-based coder similar to the TG coder. In either mode our coder processes vertices and triangles in the same order by performing the so-called "split operations" earlier than previous schemes. The main insights offered by this unified view are (a) that compression rates depend mainly on the choice of decoding strategy and less on whether labels or degrees are used and (b) how to do degree coding without storing "split" offsets. Furthermore we describe a new heuristic that allows the TG coder's bit-rates to drop below the vertex degree entropy.
Clinical effects of ragweed antigen emulsion. A double-blind study.

Abstract 1. A double-blind study was carried out in 33 patients with ragweed pollinosis to evaluate the effects of a single injection of emulsified ragweed antigen. The group consisted of 18 patients sensitive to ragweed who were treated with emulsion antigen the previous year, and 15 patients who had never before been treated. Seventeen patients received from 1,250 to 5,000 pollen units of emulsified ragweed antigen in a single day. The remaining patients were given a placebo emulsion containing no ragweed. 2. Immediate local reactions occurred in 8 patients in the groups treated with ragweed emulsion and in one patient in the placebo group. Mild constitutional reactions occurred in 2 patients who received ragweed emulsion. 3. Clinical results were determined by assigning a daily score to each patient, based on the severity of symptoms and the amount of medication used each day. A total seasonal score for each patient and a mean seasonal score for each group of patients was calculated. While the total scores of groups treated with ragweed emulsion (both previously treated and previously untreated) were more favorable than those of the corresponding placebo-treated groups, the statistical differences between them were small and were significant at the 5 per cent level only when all antigen-treated groups were combined and compared with placebo-treated groups. 4. It is pointed out that this type of study does not allow evaluation of many variables which may influence results of treatment.
Ward, Alcatraz: The Gangster Years

America's gangster era, from the 1920s through the immediate post–World War II years, never ceases to fascinate professional historians and crime buffs. Populated by characters such as mobster Al C...
Mechanism of coronary vasodilation to insulin and insulin-like growth factor I is dependent on vessel size

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) influence numerous metabolic and mitogenic processes; these hormones also have vasoactive properties. This study examined mechanisms involved in ins...
4 – Low-Energy Transfers and Applications

This chapter discusses the low-energy transfers and applications. The application of methods of dynamical systems theory to the field of astrodynamics has uncovered new types of low-energy trajectories that have many important applications. This is a process where a spacecraft is captured into lunar orbit without the use of rocket engines to slow down. The resulting transfer to the Moon is called a ‘ballistic capture transfer’. The use of low-energy trajectories has an interesting application on the origin of own Moon. To better understand the process of ballistic capture, and the transfers themselves, it is instructive to consider the planar circular restricted three-body problem between the spacecraft, Earth, and Moon. Ballistic capture can be stable or unstable whether it is temporary or not. By stability it means orbital stability. That is, if the orbital elements of the motion change to a significant degree with very small changes in the initial conditions.
Evaluation of a semi-parametric model for high-dimensional FES control

Functional electrical stimulation can be used to reanimate paralyzed muscles, thereby restoring movement following spinal cord injury (SCI). Developing FES controllers for complex tasks involving multiple muscles and kinematic degrees of freedom remains formidable, partly due to the challenges associated with developing robust models for control. Here we demonstrate the utility of incorporating a data-driven semi-parametric model into an FES controller. A subject-specific model was estimated from experimental data collected from a single subject with a high-level SCI and an implanted FES neuroprosthesis. The model was used as part of a feedforward controller of arm kinematics. This system performed well for regions of the workspace where sufficient muscle strength was available. It could be used to predict the additional assistance needed when FES-generated strength was not available. These results demonstrate a first step towards developing a feedforward FES controller that could be used as part of a feedback system for restoring arm control or for a cooperative system combining FES with lightweight robotics for augmentation.
Development of rapidly fermenting strains of Saccharomyces diastaticus for direct conversion of starch and dextrins to ethanol

Alcoholic fermentation, growth, and glucoamylase production by 12 strains of Saccharomyces diastaticus were compared by using starch and dextrins as substrates. Haploid progeny produced from a rapidly fermenting strain, SD2, were used for hybridization with other S. diastaticus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae haploids. Alcoholic fermentation and enzyme production by hybrid diploids and their haploid parents were evaluated. Although the dosage of the STA or DEX (starch or dextrin fermentation) genes may enhance ethanol production, epistatic effects in certain strain combinations caused decreases in starch-fermenting activity. Both the nature of the starch or dextrin used and the fermentation medium pH had substantial effects on alcohol production. Commercial dextrin was not as good a substrate as dextrins prepared by digesting starch with alpha-amylase. Crude manioc starch digested by alpha-amylase was fermented directly by selected hybrids with almost 100% conversion efficiency. The manioc preparation contained adequate minerals and growth factors. This procedure should be suitable for direct commercial application in manioc-producing regions in Brazil and elsewhere. A rapidly fermenting haploid strain, SD2-A8, descended from strain SD2, contains two unlinked genes controlling formation of extracellular amylase. A convenient method for detecting these genes (STA genes) in replica plates containing large numbers of meiotic progeny was developed.
Teaching Literacy Behind Barbed Wire in WWII: Elementary Schools in Japanese-American Internment Camps in Arkansas

Millions of children around the world are out of school due to conflict, poverty, lack of education systems and infrastructure, and other issues. Educating children living in difficult contexts is the best way to empower them with the knowledge and competencies to rise to their full potential despite the challenges they face. Dedicated and passionate teachers play a key role in fostering learning, providing psychosocial support, and establishing a sense of normality in extreme circumstances. Teachers have the power to lift children up and help them thrive. In this article, the author examines the state of primary education in a Japanese-American internment camp in Arkansas during World War II and finds that committed teachers with the freedom to adapt their curriculum to meet diverse needs helped thousands of students through difficult and restrictive circumstances.
Report of a Patient With a Constitutional Missense Mutation in SMARCB1, Coffin-Siris Phenotype, and Schwannomatosis

We report a patient with a constitutional missense mutation in SMARCB1, Coffin-Siris Syndrome (CSS), and schwannomatosis. CSS is a rare congenital syndrome with characteristic clinical findings. This thirty-three-year-old man was diagnosed early in life with the constellation of moderate intellectual disability, hypotonia, mild microcephaly, coarse facies, wide mouth with full lips, hypoplasia of the digits, and general hirsutism. At age 26, he was found to have schwannomatosis after presenting with acute spinal cord compression. Blood and tissue analysis of multiple subsequent schwannoma resections revealed a germline missense mutation of SMARCB1, acquired loss of 22q including SMARCB1 and NF2 and mutation of the remaining NF2 wild-type allele-thus completing the four-hit, three-event mechanism associated with schwannomatosis. Variations in five genes have been associated with the Coffin-Siris phenotype: ARID1A, ARID1B, SMARCA4, SMARCB1, and SMARCE1. Of these genes, SMARCB1 has a well-established association with schwannomatosis and malignancy. This is the first report of a patient with a constitutional missense mutation of SMARCB1 resulting in CSS and subsequent development of schwannomatosis. This finding demonstrates that a SMARCB1 mutation may be the initial "hit" (constitutional) for a genetic disorder with subsequent risk of developing schwannomas and other malignancies, and raises the possibility that other patients with switch/sucrose non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) mutations may be at increased risk for tumors.
1,2,3‐Trifluorobenzene

[1489-53-8] C6H3F3 (MW 132.09) InChI = 1S/C6H3F3/c7-4-2-1-3-5(8)6(4)9/h1-3H InChIKey = AJKNNUJQFALRIK-UHFFFAOYSA-N (building block for polyfluoroaromatics) Physical Data: bp 94–95 °C; d 1.28 g/mL. Solubility: soluble in most organic solvents. Form Supplied in: colorless liquid; the reagent is commercially available. Purification: purified by distillation. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the reagent is irritating to the eyes, respiratory system, and skin. Appropriate precautions should be taken when handling this reagent.
Inducible Costimulator Costimulates Cytotoxic Activity and IFN-γ Production in Activated Murine NK Cells

The functions of NK cells are regulated by the balance of activating and inhibitory signals. The inhibitory NK cell receptors are well understood; however, less is known about the activating signaling pathways. To explore whether a costimulatory receptor, inducible costimulator (ICOS), is involved in NK cell function, we assessed the role of ICOS in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cytokine production. In addition, to determine whether ICOS contributes to the elimination of tumors in vivo, we examined the tumor growth survival of mice injected with a tumor expressing the ICOS ligand, B7RP-1. We found that ICOS was up-regulated by cytokine stimulation in murine NK cells. Consistent with ICOS expression on activated NK cells, ICOS-dependent cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production were observed, and appeared to require signaling through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway. Interestingly, ICOS-mediated stimulation allowed activated NK cells to kill more efficiently tumor cells expressing MHC class I. Furthermore, fewer metastases appeared in the liver and spleen of mice injected with the ICOS ligand-expressing tumor compared with mice bearing the parental tumor. These results indicate that NK cell functions are regulated by ICOS.
Novel Antipsychotic-Like Effects on Prepulse Inhibition of Startle Produced by a Neurotensin Agonist

Agonists of the neuropeptide neurotensin have been proposed as potential novel antipsychotics based on their ability to modulate neurotransmission in brain regions associated with schizophrenia. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effects of a neurotensin mimetic with improved metabolic stability in an animal model with strong predictive validity for antipsychotic activity. Subcutaneous injections of PD149163, a reduced amide neurotensin(8–13) mimetic, significantly antagonized the reduction of prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the rat startle reflex produced by amphetamine and by the phencyclidine analog dizocilpine. PD149163 had no significant effect on baseline PPI or on baseline startle amplitude and did not antagonize the reduction of PPI produced by the direct dopamine agonist apomorphine. These findings suggest that PD149163 has novel antipsychotic-like properties that are distinct from known members of both the “typical” and “atypical” families of antipsychotics.
Examining Linguistics in the Language Strand of the Common Core State Standards

The funding and support of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the widespread adoption of the standards have prompted the educational publishing industry in the United States to produce a host of offerings, all promising to help students meet these rigorous new standards. In the CCSS for English Language Arts and Literacy, there is an entire strand, with the title ‘Language’, offering the opportunity to incorporate knowledge of language into schools in ways that will further the goals of educators, administrators, and linguists alike. However, an examination of some of the materials aligned with the CCSS that are offered by corporate publishing giants reveals that these are not informed by advances in linguistics and undermine teachers' autonomy. Additionally, many of the Language standards themselves are not informed by linguistics and instead reinforce myths, stereotypes, and discriminatory attitudes, if taken at face value. Linguists, teacher educators, and teachers must recognize today's publishers' marketing ploys for what they are. If teachers are encouraged to do what they know how to do, including select their own materials, and to use the topics in the Language standards to teach in more sophisticated ways about language, then the standards could become a launching pad for improved teaching and learning about language and linguistic discrimination.
Recent changes in attack and survival rates of acute myocardial infarction (1975 through 1981). The Worcester Heart Attack Study.

A communitywide study was conducted in all 16 acute general hospitals in the metropolitan Worcester, Mass, area during the calendar years 1975, 1978, and 1981 to examine time trends in the attack and case-fatality rates of patients hospitalized with validated acute myocardial infarction as well as of the occurrence of out-of-hospital coronary heart disease (CHD) deaths. Between 1975 and 1981, there was an increase in the age-adjusted attack rates of initial events of acute myocardial infarction (1975, 254/100,000; 1981, 280/100,000) as well as recurrent events (1975, 133/100,000; 1981, 156/100,000). These overall increases were due to an increase among those 65 years of age and older, with no significant changes observed in those less than 65 years old. The age-adjusted in-hospital case-fatality rates declined from 22.1% in 1975 to 20.3% in 1978 and 17.4% in 1981. In examining long-term prognosis, no significant differences were seen over an eight-year follow-up period between patients discharged in 1975, 1978, and 1981. The age-adjusted mortality rates of out-of-hospital CHD deaths significantly declined between 1975 (229/100,000) and 1981 (147/100,000). The results of this population-based survey suggest that recently observed declines in the mortality rates of CHD may reflect decreases in out-of-hospital coronary deaths and improving trends in the in-hospital survival of patients with acute myocardial infarction. ( JAMA 1986;255:2774-2779)
Spectrum of the extra-galactic background radiation at low radio frequencies.

Extragalactic LF background radiation spectra, using model for free-free absorption in galactic disk
Reliability-Aware Synthesis of Combinational Logic With Minimal Performance Penalty

Strategies to mitigate soft errors in combinational logic have resulted in large performance penalties and increases in design time. This study alleviates these issues by using standard cells to selectively harden vulnerable nodes in combinational logic. Results indicate that replacing two-input gates with four-input equivalents reduces pulse widths by 5%-20% with less than 1% power overhead. Additionally, this paper demonstrates reliability gains that can be made at the synthesis level under tight performance constraints.
Differential cellular pattern of gene expression for two distinct cGMP-inhibited cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in developing and mature rat brain

Cyclic GMP-inhibited phosphodiesterases are characterized by sensitivity of cAMP hydrolysis to inhibition by cGMP. This phosphodiesterase family contains at least two different isoforms (PDE3A and PDE3B) encoded by distinct genes and serving tissue-specific roles in regulation of lipolysis, glycogenolysis, myocardial contractility, and smooth muscle relaxation. Our previous work indicated an abundance of these two phosphodiesterase messenger RNAs in the embryonic rat brain, and therefore, to elucidate the potential functions of these enzymes in brain development as well as in mature brain function, the present study mapped cellular patterns of gene expression for these two enzymes from embryonic day 15 to adulthood using in situ hybridization histochemistry. Phosphodiesterase 3B isoform messenger RNA is uniformly expressed in germinal neuroepithelium and mature neurons, with distribution generally reflecting cell density. Phosphodiesterase isoform 3A messenger RNA, in contrast, demonstrates striking spatiotemporal specificity of expression, with three distinct patterns being evident. Firstly, this mRNA is highly abundant in both primary and secondary neuroepithelial germinal zones. Secondly, during early postnatal development PDE3A mRNA is transiently but highly expressed in neurons localized in basal forebrain, deep cerebellar, pontine, interpeduncular and a variety of thalamic, midbrain and brainstem nuclei. Thirdly, PDE3A mRNA is focally expressed in isolated large striatal and hippocampal neurons from the perinatal period without attenuation into adulthood. In summary, two cGMP-inhibited phosphodiesterase isoforms show distinctive patterns of gene expression in brain: PDE3B gene expression is uniform without evidence of system specificity or developmental stage specificity, suggesting that this isoform has a constitutive role in neuroepithelial metabolism, while PDE3B gene expression demonstrates a high level of spatiotemporal heterogeneity, suggesting that this isoform subserves a variety of developmental stage-specific and system-specific functions.
The Social Rate of Discount and The Optimal Rate of Investment

Introduction, 95. — The authoritarian answer, 96. — The schizophrenic answer, 98. — The interdependence answer, 99. — Determining the social rate of discount, 109. — Conclusion, 111.
Crystal structure and stability of complex precipitate phases in Al–Cu–Mg–(Si) and Al–Zn–Mg alloys

Abstract We demonstrate how first-principles total energy calculations may be used to elucidate both the crystal structures and formation enthalpies of complex precipitates in multicomponent Al alloys. For the precipitates, S (Al–Cu–Mg), η ′ (Al–Zn–Mg), and Q (Al–Cu–Mg–Si), energetics were computed for each of the models of the crystal structures available in the literature allowing a critical assessment of the validity of the models. In all three systems, energetics were also calculated for solid solution phases as well as other key phases (e.g., equilibrium phases, GP zones) in each precipitation sequence. For both the S and η ′ phases, we find that recently proposed structures (based on electron microscopy) produce unreasonably high energies, and thus we suggest that these models should be re-evaluated. However, for all three precipitates, we find that structures based on X-ray diffraction refinements provide both reasonable energetics and structural parameters, and therefore the first-principles results lend support to these structural refinements. Further, we predict energy-lowering site occupations and stoichiometries of the precipitate phases, where experimental information is incomplete. This work suggests that first-principles total energy calculations can be used in the future as a complementary technique with diffraction or microscopy for studying precipitate structures and stabilities.
The young Erich Fromm's contribution to criminology

Erich Fromm's virtually unknown early writings on crime were published in German in psychoanalytic journals in the early 1930s, but have never been translated into English. In three articles published in 1930 and 1931, Fromm considered the criminal justice system as an important legitimating institution within the capitalist social order. His theoretical contribution to criminology is discussed here as a largely unknown but important chapter in the history of criminology, one which can still speak to us today. I also assess his contribution from several vantage points: (1) its relationship to earlier German liberal criminological reformers such as Liszt and Aschaffenburg; (2) its connection to the Frankfurt School's synthesis of Marxism and psychoanalysis, which underlay their account of the leanings of large sectors of the German population toward authoritarianism; (3) the difference in focus between Fromm's work and that of other psychoanalytic criminologists of the period, such as Alexander and Staub; ...
Geometry and significance of stacked gullies on the northern California slope

Abstract Recent geophysical surveys off northern California reveal patterns of gullies on the sea floor and preserved within continental-slope deposits that represent both erosional and aggradational processes. These surveys, conducted as part of the STRATAFORM project, combined multibeam bathymetry and backscatter with high-resolution seismic profiles. These data provide a new basis for evaluating gully morphology, distribution, and their significance to slope sedimentation and evolution. The continental margin off northern California exhibits an upper slope that has undergone both progradation and aggradation. The slope surface, which dips at
Identification of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug-activated Gene (NAG-1) as a Novel Downstream Target of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/AKT/GSK-3β Pathway

The signaling pathway of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, which is involved in cell survival, proliferation, and growth, has become a major focus in targeting cancer therapeutics. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene (NAG-1) was previously identified as a gene induced by several anti-tumorigenic compounds including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ligands, and dietary compounds. NAG-1 has been shown to exhibit anti-tumorigenic and/or pro-apoptotic activities in vivo and in vitro. In this report, we showed a PI3K/AKT/glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) pathway regulates NAG-1 expression in human colorectal cancer cells as assessed by the inhibition of PI3K, AKT, and GSK-3beta. PI3K inhibition by LY294002 showed an increase in NAG-1 protein and mRNA expression, and 1l-6-hydroxymethyl-chiro-inositol 2(R)-2-O-methyl-3-O-octadecylcarbonate (AKT inhibitor) also induced NAG-1 expression. LY294002 caused increased apoptosis, cell cycle, and cell growth arrest in HCT-116 cells. Inhibition of GSK-3beta, which is negatively regulated by AKT, using AR-A014418 and lithium chloride completely abolished LY294002-induced NAG-1 expression as well as the NAG-1 promoter activity. Furthermore, the down-regulation of GSK-3 gene using small interference RNA resulted in a decline of the NAG-1 expression in the presence of LY294002. These data suggest that expression of NAG-1 is regulated by PI3K/AKT/GSK-3beta pathway in HCT-116 cells and may provide a further understanding of the important role of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3beta pathway in tumorigenesis.
An electroencephalographic study comparing maximum blink rates in schizophrenic and nonschizophrenic psychiatric patients and nonpsychiatric control subjects.

Background: We did a retrospective electroencephalographic (EEG) analysis of blink rates in patients with psychiatric disorders and control subjects to determine whether maximum blink rates under different conditions were higher in patients with psychiatric disorders. Methods: Maximum blink rates in those with schizophrenia (n = 23), those with nonschizophrenic psychiatric illnesses (n = 21), and nonpsychiatric control subjects (n = 35) were obtained from patients' EEGs and compared with one-way analysis of variance and post hoc tests. In addition, correlation analysis was performed to determine if patients' medications affected maximum blink rates. Results: Patients with schizophrenic and nonschizophrenic psychiatric disorders had twofold higher maximum resting blink rates compared to controls (p Conclusions: High maximum blink rates recorded by EEG may suggest the presence of a psychiatric disorder.
Role of carbon dioxide in erythropoiesis.

THE use of gas mixtures containing 5 per cent carbon dioxide gas has become a standard procedure for the cultivation of cells in vitro. In some systems, however, a higher concentration has proved essential1,2. In bone marrow cultures different concentrations of carbon dioxide have been used3,4, but the interest has centred on the role of oxygen and little attention has been paid to the function of the other gases in the mixtures. In the present system for the cultivation of rat bone marrow in vitro 30 per cent carbon dioxide (which is considerably higher than any concentration, previously reported) has been found to stimulate erythropoiesis5. This effect has now been investigated in detail.
Skin infections in developing countries.

Purpose of review In developing countries, where the majority of people have a low income and live in resource-poor settings, skin infections are prevalent. Data from recent studies provide insight into the most common skin infections and their management. Recent findings Several studies confirm that skin infections account for the majority of pediatric mortality and morbidity in developing countries. They are prevalent in resource-poor settings and rural areas in certain parts of the world. Also, hot, humid climates and overcrowding predispose to skin infections. Most of the skin infections are curable with effective medication. Summary Skin infections are of particular importance in developing countries. This review focuses on the most common skin infections and summarizes the most recent knowledge on the epidemiology, morbidity, and treatment in resource-poor settings.
2007 Presidential Address—The End(s) of Testing:

This expanded version of the 2007 Presidential Address for the American Educational Research Association approaches changes in assessment and accountability from the perspective of achieving balance. The author identifies unresolved conceptual and practical issues in the use of assessment in the schools and describes approaches intended to mitigate problems or improve practice. An example is given from formative assessment research that integrates some of these approaches (Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing, at the University of California, Los Angeles). International examples of performance and assessment are also reviewed. The author suggests that secondary school assessment be modified to focus students on acquiring concrete Qualifications that certify important accomplishments, with a wide choice of Qualification areas. She argues that using concrete accomplishments and restructuring tests will help schools and their students to regain needed balance.
Ion thermalization and wave excitation downstream of Earth's bow shock: A theory for Cluster observations of He2+ acceleration

[1] It has been well documented that the plasma immediately downstream of Earth's quasi-perpendicular bow shock, which consists of reflected protons and directly transmitted ions with large temperature anisotropies (T ⊥ /T z ), is unstable to the excitation of ion cyclotron waves. These waves in turn scatter the protons and ions to marginal stability. Using Cluster data following the inbound shock crossing at 1717:48 UT on 31 March 2001, we investigate the joint evolution of the proton and helium distribution functions. Within a short distance downstream of the shock the perpendicular heating of helium is faster than the parallel heating, so that the temperature anisotropy of helium first increases near the shock before decreasing farther downstream. The observed spectra of magnetic fluctuations, which are dominated by left-hand circularly polarized waves, display one peak at v < ? gα (He 2+ gyrofrequency), just downstream of the shock, and two peaks with a slot near v ≈ ? gα , farther downstream, where v is wave frequency in hertz. We present a quasi-linear theory that accounts for the observed long-time decrease of the He2 + temperature anisotropy and the excited wave spectrum. The predicted temperature anisotropy and the general shape of the excited wave spectrum match the observations remarkably well. Nevertheless, certain features of the observations, such as the large amplitude of the lower-frequency peak and very low amplitude of the higher-frequency peak just downstream of the shock, require further work.
Cycles in Gasperian (Mississippian) Basin-Edge Sediments of Indiana: ABSTRACT

Basin-edge sediments of the Gasperian Stage (Upper Mississippian) in southwestern Indiana consist of four limestone formations that alternate rhythmically with three terrigenous formations. Each formation exhibits an aggregate of supratidal to subtidal lithofacies having characteristic fossil assemblages and diagnostic parameters of depositional turbulence. Areal distribution patterns of lithofacies for each widely correlative stratigraphic unit have analogs in known lithotope patterns of modern inner shelf sediments. Certain Gasperian patterns were influenced by antecedent topography. Lithofacies succeed one another in predictable sequences representing distinctive regressive and transgressive lithotopes of seven principal cyclothems. Two successive, homotaxial cyclothem are represented wholly by carbonate facies. Other cyclothems maintain greater individuality and are partly or entirely terrigenous. Lithofacies of all but one cyclothem are arranged asymmetrically with either prolonged transgressive or prolonged regressive phases. Sudden lithotope shifts are discernible. Local influxes of terrigenous sediments coupled with progressive changes in strike of the contemporaneous shoreline from N25° W to N5° W effected disappearance of three cyclothems toward the north. Although Gasperian formations maintain essentially the same sequential order throughout the Illinois basin, those exposed in Indiana differ fundamentally from equivalent strata near the structural axis of the basin in thicknesses, proportion of carbonates, strike of sedimentary bodies with respect to paleoslope, and magnitude of shoreline migrations. Gasperian sediments in Indiana accumulated in a relatively stable coastal region influenced by shoreline processes. This area differs from the basin center which other authors have shown to be the locus of terrigenous deposition in an unstable deltaic regime. End_of_Article - Last_Page 727------------
Nanometer-Scale Decomposition of Ultrathin Multilayered Polyelectrolyte Films

We report that ultrathin multilayered films fabricated from plasmid DNA and synthetic polyamines undergo nanometer-scale transformations that resemble spinodal decomposition when incubated in aqueous media. The patterns and structures generated by this transformation are similar to those observed for the spinodal dewetting of thin films of conventional polymers. This behavior has not, however, been observed for this class of multilayered assemblies, for which long-range electrostatic interactions play significant roles in governing film structure and stability. We demonstrate that it is possible to promote this behavior, prevent it, or control it by varying polymer structure, film composition, or the conditions to which these materials are exposed. These results suggest the basis of methods that could prove useful for the generation of nanostructure on complex surfaces and contribute to methods for the localized delivery of DNA from surfaces.
Preparation of Pure Blue–Green Algae

IN the course of measuring the resistance of blue-green algae to γ-radiation from a cobalt-60 source, initially contaminated blue-green algae were found to be free from bacteria after irradiation. Since difficulties are encountered in the purification of Cyanophyta1 (less than 30 per cent of the organisms in the Indiana University Collection are bacteria-free2), γ-radiation may afford an easy, reliable method for purifying algae from bacteria and be of advantage in physiological and biochemical investigations of these organisms. Practical conditions for the purification of a group of typical Cyanophyceae were, therefore, determined.
Mild cognitive impairment: Incidence and vascular risk factors in a population-based cohort

Objective: We examined the incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and its potential vascular risk factors in a prospective population-based study. Methods: An age-stratified random population-based cohort (baseline n = 1,982), followed for up to 4 years, was annually assessed for cognitive and everyday functioning. Incidence rates were calculated for both cognitive (neuropsychological [NP]-MCI) and functional (Clinical Dementia Rating [CDR] = 0.5) definitions of MCI. Several measures of vascular, metabolic, and inflammatory risk were assessed at baseline. Risk factor analyses used interval censoring survival models, followed by joint modeling of both MCI and attrition due to mortality and illness. Results: Incidence rates for NP-MCI and CDR = 0.5 were 95 and 55 per 1,000 person-years. In individual joint models, risk factors for NP-MCI were diabetes and adiposity (waist: hip ratio), while APOE e4 genotype and heart failure increased risk of attrition. Adiposity, stroke, heart failure, and diabetes were risk factors for nonamnestic MCI. For CDR = 0.5, risk factors were stroke and heart failure; heart failure and adiposity increased risk of attrition. In multivariable joint models combining all risk factors, adiposity increased risk of NP-MCI, while stroke and heart failure increased risk for CDR = 0.5. Current alcohol use appeared protective against all subtypes. Conclusion: Incidence of MCI increased with age regardless of definition and did not vary by sex or education. Several vascular risk factors elevated the risk of incident MCI, whether defined cognitively or functionally, but most were associated with nonamnestic MCI and CDR = 0.5. Controlling vascular risk may potentially reduce risk of MCI.
Invariance of the cumulant expansion under 1-particle unitary transformations in reduced density matrix theory

In the iterative solution of the contracted Schrodinger equation (CSE) the 3- and 4-particle reduced density matrices (RDMs) are reconstructed from the 2-RDM via cumulant expansions. Under 1-particle unitary transformations, we establish that the connected (or cumulant) part of an RDM maps onto the connected part of the RDM in the transformed basis set. Consequently, neglecting the connected RDM in the CSE produces an error which is invariant under unitary transformations of the one-particle basis set. We illustrate this result with calculations on beryllium. The present results are applicable to unitary localization in linear-scaling RDM calculations for large molecules.
METEOR Trial Reports on the Effect of Rosuvastatin on Progression of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Low-Risk Individuals with Subclinical Atherosclerosis

Practice PearlThe data from the METEOR trial show that asymptomatic low-risk patients treated with rosuvastatin have a reduction in progression of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) over 2 years versus placebo.
Estimation of nasal epithelial lining fluid using urea as a marker

Abstract Background: The luminal surface of respiratory mucous membranes is lined with an epithelial lining fluid (ELF) layer. Previous attempts to determine ELF volumes in airways have used dyes or freely diffusible molecules such as urea, yet have not led to a universally accepted method. The nasal mucous membrane provides an accessible area to examine whether urea is an appropriate marker of respiratory ELF volume. Methods and Results: Collection of undiluted nasal secretions after either glandular stimulation or induction of vascular permeability confirmed that plasma urea and nasal urea concentrations are equivalent. Baseline ELF volume was calculated as 800 μl/nostril. The calculated molar concentrations of urea in ELF did not vary with either methacholine or histamine challenge. Conclusions: These data indicate the plasma, interstitial, glandular, and ELF urea concentrations are equivalent and, therefore, that urea is a useful marker of ELF volume in the nasal mucosa.
Lung Particle Overload: Implications for Occupational Exposures to Particles

Chronic pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary fibrosis, and even lung tumors developed in a number of chronic inhalation studies in rats with highly insoluble nonfibrous particles of low cytotoxicity. Concerns were expressed that these responses are due to excessive particulate lung burdens, and the term "particle overload" was coined to characterize these conditions. The hallmark of the particle-overloaded lung is an impairment of alveolar macrophage (AM)-mediated lung clearance which has been demonstrated in all species tested so far and which eventually leads to accumulation of excessive lung burdens. Experimental evidence suggests that the volume of the particles phagocytized by AM is most critical for causing their impaired clearance function, and that the condition of lung overload is reached once the retained lung particle burden reaches a level equivalent to a volume of approximately 1 microliter/g of lung. Cytotoxic particles also cause impaired AM clearance function, yet at a much lower lung burden which does not qualify as particle overload. Significant species differences exist with respect to the induction of adverse chronic effects in response to lung overload; i.e., mice and hamsters are less prone to developing chronic inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis, and lung tumors have been observed only in rat studies. Lung tumors or fibrosis in the rats were seen only at lung burdens having caused impaired particle clearance, and a threshold dose for the adverse chronic effects can be postulated which is defined by a lung particle burden not causing impairment of clearance. Thus, the lung tumors observed in chronic rat studies at very high particulate exposure concentrations may not be relevant for human extrapolation to low-exposure concentrations. Evidence in humans suggests that particle-overloaded lungs, e.g., in coal workers, respond with fibrosis, but no increased incidence of lung tumors has been found in this group. However, it cannot be excluded that other types of chronically inhaled particles may have a carcinogenic potential in the human lung if accumulating to very high lung burdens. More research is needed for a detailed understanding of the basic mechanism leading to nonfibrous particle-induced tumorigenesis in the lungs of different species. Altered particle accumulation and retention kinetics and chronic inflammation in the overloaded lung indicate that the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) has been exceeded. No specific guidelines for inhalation studies defining the MTD have been established; general guidelines are not necessarily applicable for chronic inhalation studies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A Locally Relevant Prestonian Model for Wafer Polishing

Chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) is the primary method of wafer-scale planarization used in the manufacture of advanced integrated circuits. Preston's model, which was introduced in the 1920s for glass polishing, is an important component of much of the recently published work on CMP modeling. As applied, Prestonian models are effective in describing the average behavior of a process but are ineffective in providing fundamental understanding and locally relevant information regarding a chosen process. To date, there are still very few quantitative wafer-scale CMP removal rate and uniformity models. In this work, a locally relevant expression for material removal rate based on Preston's equation is presented. It incorporates localized kinematics and stress calculations. The model predictions are compared to experimental results for silicon dioxide polishing on a dual-axis CMP platform.
Studies of visual function and its decay in mice with hereditary retinal degeneration

Functional implications of mouse hereditary retinal degenera- tion have been studied at the level of the superior colliculus and visual cortex in the C57BL/6J-le rd strain. On autoradiography at a light-microscopic level, following eye injection with radioactive compounds, central visual structures appeared normal. A slight reduction in ipsilateral retinal projection was proba- bly related to reduced retinal pigmentation associated with the light ear (le) mutation. In recordings from visual cortex and tectum in rd mice older than five months the cells discharged with highly rhythmic maintained activity. This ongoing activity depended on retinal input, since temporary asphyxia of the eye stopped it immediately. The frequency of the rhythm was influenced by the anesthesia. In these older mice no visual receptive fields could be mapped, but in a few tectal recordings it was possible to suppress the maintained activ- ity by diffuse, very intense illumination. As in normal mice, no auditory or somatosensory responses were observed in the visual cortex or upper tectal layers. In recordings from tectum before the age of three weeks retinotopic to- pography and receptive fields were normal. By day 24 no receptive fields could be recorded from parts of the tectum representing the central 90-100" of the visual field, whereas within a peripheral ring responses were still roughly nor- mal under photopic conditions. Over the following four months these peripheral responses faded away slowly. Incremental thresholds, especially in the scotopic range, were elevated, rising slowly to unmeasurable values. Similarly during dark adaptation the thresholds fell to values several log units above those reached in normal mice; these values of dark adapted thresholds in rd mice rose with age. This is consistent with morphological changes known to occur in the retina as a consequence, of the rd mutation the rods degenerating before the cones.
Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of resin and fatty acids from sediments at pulp mill sites

Abstract A rapid and efficient method for the extraction of resin and fatty acids commonly found in sediments collected from pulp mill locations was developed by using modified supercritical carbon dioxide. In the presence of a 1:1 mixture of methanol and formic acid, quantitative recovery of all acids except for palustric and neoabietic acids was achieved with a 5 min static and 10 min dynamic extraction with carbon dioxides at 365 bar and 80°C. Although the above two resin acids were only 40% recovered from spiked samples, these values were at least 250% better than those obtained by the classical Soxhlet technique. The cleaner supercritical fluid extract permitted a less stringent cleanup after the off-line derivatization of the acids, thus it further reduced analytical time and the use of solvent. An in situ extraction and on-line derivatization of the resin and fatty acids also proved feasible for the semi-quantitative screening of the toxic acids in sediments near pulp mill locations.
The frequency of excess success for articles in Psychological Science

Recent controversies have questioned the quality of scientific practice in the field of psychology, but these concerns are often based on anecdotes and seemingly isolated cases. To gain a broader perspective, this article applies an objective test for excess success to a large set of articles published in the journal Psychological Science between 2009 and 2012. When empirical studies succeed at a rate much higher than is appropriate for the estimated effects and sample sizes, readers should suspect that unsuccessful findings have been suppressed, the experiments or analyses were improper, or the theory does not properly account for the data. In total, problems appeared for 82 % (36 out of 44) of the articles in Psychological Science that had four or more experiments and could be analyzed.