cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining an Acid–Base Laboratory Practical Assessment from the Perspective of Evidence-Centered Design

This paper uses evidence-centered assessment design (ECD) to structure and analyze a laboratory activity where students collect and represent titration curve data to determine acid strength in terms of molarity and dissociation constant. Following principles of multidimensional learning, the activity prompts students to demonstrate knowledge of chemistry concepts related to acid–base titrations, the science and engineering practice of using mathematics, and the cross-cutting concept of patterns. The work involved writing two multidimensional learning performances, themselves elaborated into five distinct evidence statements. In the process of coding, we further differentiated the five evidence statements into 13 components, each aligned with at least one place in the task where students could provide evidence of that component to produce results that describe how frequently the students meet the evidence statements. We describe how the evidence statements and their components give insight into whether the students are demonstrating knowledge, skills, and thinking patterns. The data consisted of laboratory reports and postlab questions of 45 students in a general chemistry course at a large public urban university. We examine the data to address the research questions “How does a process of evidence-centered assessment design with associated learning performances provide a structure for research on how students can demonstrate multidimensional learning about chemistry content knowledge?” and “How does an assessment using evidence-centered design and multidimensional learning provide insight about teaching and assessment of learning about the use of titration curve laboratory data in acid–base chemistry?” The results provide insight into the challenges and opportunities associated with having a rich, deep examination of student multidimensional learning across a two-week laboratory assessment, including the way that grading rubrics can impact whether students fully engage with all aspects of the task. Patterns observed within the student work supported conclusions about the nature of student engagement in disciplinary concepts, the practice of using mathematics, and the use of patterns on acid–base titration tasks. We also develop ways to characterize particular components for whether the component can provide single-dimensional evidence, basic multidimensional evidence by requiring use of a concept or practice as a tool, linked multidimensional evidence because a concept or practice is needed to make sense of the phenomenon in a new way, or integrated multidimensional evidence of the different dimensions working together for sense-making.
Conjugated-linker dependence of the photophysical properties and electronic structure of chlorin dyads

The synthesis, photophysical properties and electronic structure of seven new chlorin dyads and associated benchmark monomers are described. Each dyad contains two identical chlorins linked at the ...
The Effect of Peer Assessment on Non-Cognitive Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

Peer assessment is increasingly being used as a pedagogical tool in classrooms. Participating in peer assessment may enhance student learning in both cognitive and non-cognitive aspects. In this st...
Receptor-proteims for androgens and the mode of action of androgens on gene transcription in ventral prostate.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses receptor-proteins for androgens and the mode of action of androgens on gene transcription in ventral prostate. The primary molecular processes by which hormones elicit their remarkable effects are still unclear. Historically, the study of the mechanism of action of hormones has followed very closely the advance in knowledge of the basic molecular processes operating in living organisms. It is quite natural that one of the most widely used approaches has been to study the effect of hormones on isolated enzymes. With few exceptions, the results have been rather disappointing. Generally, the effects were observable only under conditions unlikely to be physiological, or they could not be correlated with in vivo situations. In the search for the trigger mechanisms of hormones, one generally relies on the trial addition of hormones to an in vitro system believed to be the earliest event in a sequence of hormone effects in vivo. However, the in vivo time sequences for visible hormone effects may depend more on the relative time required to magnify each of the sequential events than on the true order in the initial chain of processes.
The genetics of Alzheimer's disease.

Publisher Summary This chapter emphasizes that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of age-related dementia and is characterized by progressive and insidious neurodegeneration of the central nervous system eventually leading to a gradual decline of cognitive function and dementia. Despite the great progress in the field of AD genetics that has led to the discovery and confirmation of three autosomal-dominant early-onset genes (APP, PSEN1, PSEN1) and one late-onset risk-factor (APOE), strong evidence exists suggesting the presence of additional AD genes for both forms of the disease. The hunt for these genes is aggravated by factors that generally complicate the identification of complex disease genes: locus and/or allelic heterogeneity, small effect sizes of the underlying variants, unknown and difficult–to-model interaction patterns, population differences, insufficient sample sizes and/or sampling strategies, and linkage disequilibrium among polymorphisms other than those initially associated with the disease. The chapter concludes that the insights gained from such studies will lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration and dementia. This knowledge will lay the foundation for developing new treatment strategies that will ultimately allow curing, delaying or even preventing this devastating disease.
A fast block-based motion compensation video frame interpolation

Skipped video frame reconstruction has been investigated under the limit of network bandwidth and media storage capability. One scenario is video conferencing, where frames are skipped to meet the transmission bandwidth which ends up with a jerky sequence. In this paper, the authors propose a new motion compensated frame rate up-conversion algorithm. Unlike the conventional approaches, the proposed technique investigates the quality and complexity tradeoff of a modified block based motion-compensated interpolation scheme. The time complexities are measured with respect to the quality of reconstructed video sequences by changing various thresholds. Empirical results demonstrate superiority of the proposed improvement.
Integration of the Deoxyribonucleic Acid of Adenovirus Type 12 into the Deoxyribonucleic Acid of Baby Hamster Kidney Cells

Abstract In a previous report, evidence was presented that the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of adenovirus type 12 (Ad12) is integrated by covalent linkage into the DNA of baby hamster kidney cells (BHK-21 cells). These studies have been extended. The DNA of Ad12 and that of BHK-21 cells grown in medium containing 5-bromodeoxyuridine could be separated by equilibrium centrifugation in alkaline CsCl density gradients. BHK-21 cells were infected with 3H-labeled Ad12, and the total intracellular DNA was analyzed at various times after infection in alkaline CsCl density gradients. The 3H label in the position of cellular DNA hybridized predominantly with viral DNA and to a lesser extent also with cellular DNA. Replication of viral DNA could not be detected in BHK-21 cells. The appearance of viral 3H label in the density stratum of cellular DNA was not significantly affected when DNA synthesis in Ad12-infected BHK-21 cells was inhibited >96% by cytosine arabinoside. These findings provided additional evidence for integration of Ad12 DNA into the DNA of BHK-21 cells. It could be calculated that 5 to 55 Ad12 DNA equivalents per cell are integrated. Replication of viral or cellular DNA was not required for integration. Inhibition of protein or ribonucleic acid synthesis interfered with integration only slightly.
A minute fraction of Syrian golden hamster retinal ganglion cells project bilaterally

Bilaterally projecting retinal ganglion cells (BPRGCs) in the adult Syrian golden hamster were identified through the use of two retrogradely transported neuronal labels, horseradish peroxidase and Nuclear Yellow, placed separately in each optic tract. The distribution and size of doubly labeled retinal ganglion cells were characterized and their numbers were determined. Strict criteria were used to exclude artifactual doubly labeled cells. This work revealed that: (a) BPRGCs comprise less than 0.01% of the entire retinal ganglion cell population, averaging 7.4 (SD = 3) cells per retina; (b) BPRGCs are found primarily in the upper, peripheral retina and not along the vertical meridian or in the temporal crescent; and (c) BPRGCs correspond in size to ordinary retinal ganglion cells in their immediate vicinity, thus providing no evidence that they comprise a separate population of cells. Electrophysiological collision experiments were also performed, with stimulating electrodes in the two brachia of the superior colliculi and a recording electrode in one optic nerve. A collision effect was not detected, thus supporting the anatomical findings of rare bilateral branching of optic nerve axons. The occurrence of BPRGCs may reflect occasional ambiguities in the cues that guide axons through the chiasm.
Pancreas transplantation after bariatric surgery.

Porubsky M, Powelson JA, Selzer DJ, Mujtaba MA, Taber T, Carnes KL, Fridell JA. Pancreas transplantation after bariatric surgery. Clin Transplant 2012: 26: E1–E6. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Obese transplant candidates are at increased risk for perioperative and postoperative complications. In many transplant programs, morbid obesity is considered to be an exclusion criterion for transplantation. The only potential option that would grant these patients access to transplant is weight loss. Non-operative weight loss strategies such as behavioral modifications, exercise, diet, or medication have only very limited success in achieving long-term weight loss. In contrast, bariatric surgery was shown to achieve not only more excessive weight loss, but more importantly, this weight loss can be sustained for longer periods of time. Therefore, bariatric surgery presents an attractive option for weight loss for morbidly obese transplant candidates. We report our experience with four patients who underwent bariatric surgery prior to successful pancreas transplantation. Even though gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band present as equivalent alternatives for weight reduction, we believe that in the population of morbidly obese diabetic patients who are possible candidates for pancreas transplantation, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band placement is the more suitable procedure.
Habits, rituals, and addiction: an inquiry into substance abuse in older persons

Older people enter the final phases of their lives with well-established habits and rituals, some of which might be or become substance abuse. This inquiry focused on the relationship between habits, rituals, and the compulsive addictive behaviours evident in older persons' substance abuse. Habits and rituals, examined as adaptive and limiting functions in older persons, revealed changes in autonomy, social inclusion, and emotional responses to such changes as older persons experience declining energy reserves and physical debilities. Older persons' ebbing sense of control and passionate responses to change illustrate the perennial struggle between the will and emotions when habits and rituals transform to compulsive addictive behaviours. Two concepts, germane to this struggle both in older persons' addictive behaviours and nurses' response, emerged from this inquiry: temperance, a balance between the will's freely chosen actions and passionate desire, and discipline, the means to achieve such balance. The focused attention demanded in discipline can be realized in spiritual exercises and daily care of the soul. Disciplined actions engage the older persons' imaginative capacities to manage and abandon the self in goals consistent with end-of-life issues: meaningful fulfillment of human potential and the need for daily joy and pleasure in living the final years.
Characterization of the immune response in male and female mice following lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammation (1096.10)

Intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a common method to induce systemic inflammation, but there is wide variability in the doses given and no standardized measure of inflammator...
Planning Note: The Long View

For more than 30 years, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has pursued a policy to reduce the nation's public housing stock. Some of these buildings have been sold to privat...
Raman scattering, defect luminescence, and phonon spectra of Li 7 H, Li 6 H, and Li 7 D crystals

Two types of phonon spectra, obtained by ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$-ion-laser irradiation of lithium hydride crystals, have been observed and analyzed for the three isotopic components $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$H, $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$H, and $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$D. Two-phonon Raman spectra of pure crystals were measured at 300 and 10 K. One-phonon spectra were obtained from measurements of the resolved sideband structure of a strong zero-phonon emission line around 600 nm. This emission is produced by defects of very weak electron-phonon coupling, which are present in crystals either irradiated or containing a slight nonstoichiometric excess of Li. Both Raman and luminescence spectra show in their detailed resolved structure pronounced isotope shifts allowing a classification of the phonon modes involved. Comparison with data from neutron scattering and lattice-dynamics calculations gives very close agreement and identifies the modes as originating essentially from $X$ and $L$ points at the Brillouin-zone edges. Isotope effects on the zero-phonon lines of the defect luminescence are also observed and discussed.
A fast square rooter combining algorithmic and lookup table techniques

It is noted that lookup table implementations of a square root are very inefficient in terms of hardware, while algorithmic techniques are inefficient in terms of speed. The author considers square-root implementations combining both techniques, which are a compromise between speed and complexity. The proposed technique speeds up the algorithmic implementation by using a PLA (programmable logic array) lookup table to determine both the MSBs (most significant bits) of the square root and the square of these bits. The square is subtracted form the original number to obtain a partial remainder, and the remaining square-root bits are determined algorithmically. >
Preventative Directions For Insider Threat Mitigation Via Access Control

Much research on mitigating threat posed by insiders focuses on detection. In this chapter, we consider the prevention of attacks using access control While recent work and development in this space are promising, our studies of technologists in financial, health care, and other enterprise environments reveal a disconnect between what “real world” practitioners desire and what the research and vendor communities can offer. Basing our arguments on this ethnographic research (which targets both technology and the human business systems that drive and constrain it), we present the theoretical underpinnings of modern access control, discuss requirements of successful solutions for corporate environments today, and offer a survey of current technology that addresses these requirements. The paper concludes by exploring areas of future development in access control that offer particular promise in the struggle to prevent insider attack.
Effects of dolomite and gypsum on weeds

Abstract Liming is recognized by most growers in the United States as an essential part of crop production on acid soils. Greenhouse and field studies were conducted on a sandy, siliceous, hyperthermic Ultic Hapliquod (Pomona fine sand) soil to determine the effects of dolomitic limestone and gypsum on weed populations. Under greenhouse conditions, addition of dolomite increased weed populations in pots of soil. Optimum conditions for weed growth occurred at pH 5.3 to 5.5. At pH levels greater than 5.5, weed populations were stable or showed a general decrease in number. Under field conditions, dolomite and gypsum were applied prior to plantings of three different grass species (stargrass, bahiagrass, and annual ryegrass). Addition of dolomite reduced weed populations because of a more favorable soil pH for rapid grass growth. Competition from the grasses was greater at a pH level near 5.8 to 6.0, whereas greatest weed numbers occurred at a pH of 4.8 to 4.9. Results of these studies indicate that liming i...
Influence of Infection with Renibacterium salmoninarum on Susceptibility of Juvenile Spring Chinook Salmon to Gas Bubble Trauma

Abstract During experiments in our laboratory to assess the progression and severity of gas bubble trauma (GBT) in juvenile spring chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, we had the opportunity to assess the influence of Renibacterium salmoninarum (Rs), the causative agent of bacterial kidney disease, on the susceptibility of salmon to GBT. We exposed fish with an established infection of Rs to 120% total dissolved gas (TDG) for 96 h and monitored severity of GBT signs in the fins and gills, Rs infection level in kidneys by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and mortality. Mortality occurred rapidly after exposure to 120% TDG, with a LT20 (time necessary to kill 20% of the population) of about 37 h, which is at a minimum about 16% earlier than other bioassays we have conducted using fish that had no apparent signs of disease. Fish that died early (from 31 to 36 h and from 49 to 52 h) had significantly higher infection levels (mean ± SE ELISA absorbance = 1.532 ± 0.108) than fish that sur...
Premature aging in male alcoholics: "accelerated aging" or "increased vulnerability"?

This study involved an evaluation of two versions of the “premature aging” theory of chronic alcoholism: the accelerated aging and increased vumerabHty versions. The major dependent measures used were the tests included in Reitan's brain age quotient (BAO), a series of neuropsychological tests known to be sensitive to the effects of alcoholism and aging. Subjects were 40 chronic alcoholic inpatients and 40 matched controls, divided into age groups by; decade, ranging from the 30s to the 60s. It was proposed that an j interaction between age and presence or absence of alcoholism, with BAO test differences between alcoholics and controls widening as age increases, would support the increased vulnerability version, while the absence of such aw interaction would support the accel-] erated aging version. The results dearty favored the accelerated aging version, with merited BAO test differences between alcoholics, and controls appearing even in the 30-year-old groups. It was concluded that chronic ateohoftcs tend to perform at levels found for nonalconoiics 10 years their senior, but the discrepancy between, alcoholics and nonalcohoics does not increase with age.
The relationship of sex-role identity, life style, and mental health in suburban american homemakers: 1. Sex role, employment and adjustment

Prior research has suggested that a traditional feminine role may be a mental health liability for women. The present study investigates whether adjustment difficulties among homemakers may be a function of discrepancies between life roles and sex-role orientation. Subjects were 97 suburban mothers divided into full (N=59) and part-time (N=38) homemaker groups. Each subject was given the Bem Sex Role Inventory and SCL-90-R, which yields nine symptom scores and an overall adjustment index. A 4 (sex-roles) by 2 (homemaker status) ANOVA for overall adjustment was carried out. Significant differences were found only for sex roles, androgynous subjects showing significantly less symptomatology than undifferentiated subjects. In a stepwise multiple discriminant analysis, to predict sex roles from the nine symptom scores, masculine and androgynous groups reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and interpersonal sensitivity much less frequently than feminine and undifferentiated subjects. High masculinity among this group of women (masculine or androgynous sex-role orientation) thus appears as a key factor related to adjustment, whereas life role-sex role consistency does not.
White Grub Posthodiplostomum minimum centrarchi Metacercariae in the Liver of Largemouth Bass: Quantification and Effects on Health

Abstract White grub Posthodiplostomum minimum centrarchi is a digenetic trematode that parasitizes centrarchid fishes. The prevalence and density of white grub metacercariae in livers of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides from Lake Holly and Lake Weir, Florida, were determined by two methods suitable for use with fixed tissue. Digestion of formalin-fixed tissue was used to determine the number of metacercariae per gram of liver, and stereologic examination of histologic sections was used to determine the percentage of liver volume occupied by white grub cysts (volume percent). The results of these two methods were significantly related. The prevalence of white grub infection in largemouth bass was similar in these lakes; 94.1% for Lake Weir and 93.3% for Lake Holly. However, fish in Lake Weir had 119 metacercariae/g of liver and 4.6% of the liver volume was occupied by white grub cysts compared to only 20 metacercariae/g and 0.83% for fish from Lake Holly. There was no significant relation between the ...
A study of the relationship between on-chip power distribution network voltage noise, charge per clock cycle, on-chip decoupling capacitance and clock jitter in a 40-nm field programmable gate array test chip

As technology process nodes continue to shrink, the performance of nano-technology devices becomes increasingly dependent on power quality. With core logic voltage reduced to 0.9 V, 40-nm devices are more susceptible to on-chip power distribution network (PDN) voltage noise. On-chip PDN voltage noise increases jitter and reduces a circuit's timing margin, which may lead to performance failures due to timing violations. This paper presents a study of the relationship between on-chip PDN voltage noise, charge per clock cycle (QCYCLE), on-chip decoupling capacitance (ODC), and internal clock period jitter. This study investigates the impact of on-chip PDN voltage noise, generated by switching internal logic elements, on jitter performance using two Altera 40-nm field programmable gate array (FPGA) test chips. The results from this study can aid chip designers in optimizing power quality, thereby achieving error-free timing design goals.
Bipolar diffusion charging of spheres and agglomerate aerosol particles

Abstract The effect of particle shape on the diffusion charging of aerosols was investigated. The charging-equivalent sphere diameter d QE , found previously to be much larger than the mobility diameter d m , may be related to the uncharged fraction of particles leaving a bipolar diffusion charger. This fraction was measured for three types of particles classified by electrical mobility: polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres, ammonium sulfate spheres and TiO 2 agglomerates of 10–20 nm primary particles. The uncharged fraction was ∼5% lower for the agglomerates than for spheres with the same mobility, for size range 100 d m d QE ∼ 1.1 d m for the agglomerates, which is a smaller difference between d QE and d m than reported by previous studies, but is consistent with the theoretical predictions (Laframboise and Chang, 1977, J. Aerosol Sci. 8 , 331–338).
Type II endometrial cancer in Hispanic women: Tumor characteristics, treatment and survival compared to non-Hispanic white women

Abstract Objectives To compare survival of Hispanic white (HW) and non-Hispanic white (NHW) women with type II endometrial adenocarcinoma (EC). Methods Patients with serous, clear cell or grade 3 endometrioid EC were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program 1988–2009 and were divided into HW and NHW. HW were subdivided into natives and immigrants. Results Of the 14,434 women, 13,012 (90.2%) were NHW and 1422 (9.8%) were HW. HW were younger than NHW (mean 63 vs. 68years, p Conclusions Although they were more likely to present with advanced stage and positive nodal disease, no difference in outcome was noted between Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites with EC. Interestingly, immigrant HW had more favorable outcome compared to native HW.
The composition of public sector compensation: The effects of unionization and bureaucratic size

This paper examines the effect of the political power of public sector unions on the composition of public sector compensation. Public employee unions provide a relatively low-cost vehicle for organizing workers’ political activity in support of the rent-seeking behavior of local politicians. The unions also provide a conduit for employees to capture part of these rents as payment for political services. Since the public has little interest in paying for the political activities of public workers, these payments are most likely to be made through fringe benefits so as to minimize public scrutiny.
Expression of Sendai virus defective-interfering genomes with internal deletions.

Abstract Sendai virus strain 7 has been shown to contain four defective interfering (DI) RNA species in which both genome termini and various adjacent fragments of the 3′-terminal NP gene and 5′-terminal L gene are represented, but most or all internal genes and gene boundaries are deleted. Previous sequence analyses of these mutant RNAs suggested that all four possessed the transcription initiation signal of the NP gene and the transcription termination signal of the L gene. The supposition that these signals should specify transcripts has now been supported by oligo(dT) selection of four DI 7 specific RNA species that had apparent molecular weights slightly lower than each DI genome. DI RNA 7a, which contains the entire NP gene, except for two U residues at the end of the poly(A) initiation signal, appeared to be transcribed solely as a readthrough product. Since DI RNA 7a contains the entire NP protein-coding sequence and DI RNAs 7c and 7d contain fragments of it, whereas DI RNA 7b is devoid of it, only transcripts of RNAS 7c and 7d were expected to specify fusion proteins containing NP gene-specific sequences. A strain 7-induced protein that reacted with monoclonal antibodies against the NP protein had the 33,000 Mr size appropriate for the translation product predicted by the sequence of RNA 7d. Other proteins of lower molecular weight were seen only in cells infected by strain 7, but they did not react with NP-specific antibody and their translation in vitro was not blocked by hybridization to an NP gene-specific oligonucleotide. Therefore, at least some of these proteins may be cellular products induced by DI virus infection. These DI transcripts and translation products may influence interference with replication of the parental helper virus.
Better Regulation of Industry-Sponsored Clinical Trials is Long Overdue:

Regulating clinical trials for testing new drugs is fraught with risk. Misregulation can slow development of innovative and useful new drugs, but in other ways misregulation can foster trials that are inefficient and unethical, driven by commercial rather than scientific ends, and that can harm patients. In this paper, we argue not for more but for better regulation, based on the goal of rapidly producing innovative and safe products that represent significant advances in medical care. Data on industry-funded, late-stage clinical trials demonstrate an urgent need for dramatic changes in how these trials are designed, conducted, and analyzed. On the one hand, current patent rules can dissuade development of innovative new products with smaller markets and press trial designers to create positive results too rapidly. But at the same time, numerous studies show that when the pharmaceutical industry sponsors clinical trials, the results are systematically biased in favor of the sponsor's product, often to the detriment of patients and the public. The reasons for this bias are both complex and unavoidable, and the ways in which clinical trial design, conduct, and reporting can be inappropriately influenced are so varied and nuanced, that efforts to manage this conflict of interest and prevent harms are inevitably unsuccessful. Instead, we conclude such conflict should be avoided and a strong firewall should exist between drug developers and the final stages of clinical testing in humans. All financial support for phase III clinical trials should pass through a public-private partnership organization — perhaps tied to a broader clinical effectiveness research enterprise — which would be charged with designing, funding, and monitoring late-stage human clinical trials of new pharmaceutical products.
Challenging conventional wisdom about who quits: Revelations from corporate America.

Findings from 20 corporations from the Attrition and Retention Consortium, which collects quit statistics about 475,458 professionals and managers, extended and disputed established findings about who quits. Multilevel analyses revealed that company tenure is curvilinearly related to turnover and that a job's past attrition rate strengthens the (negative) performance- exit relationship. Further, women quit more than men, while African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans quit more than White Americans, though racial differences disappeared after confounds were controlled for. African American, Hispanic American, and Asian American women quit more than men of the same ethnicities and White Americans, but statistical controls nullified evidence for dual discrimination toward minority women. Greater corporate flight among women and minorities during early employment nonetheless hampers progress toward a more diversified workforce in corporate America.
The comparative genomics of viral emergence

RNA viruses are the main agents of emerging and re-emerging diseases. It is therefore important to reveal the evolutionary processes that underpin their ability to jump species boundaries and establish themselves in new hosts. Here, I discuss how comparative genomics can contribute to this endeavor. Arguably the most important evolutionary process in RNA virus evolution, abundant mutation, may even open up avenues for their control through “lethal mutagenesis.” Despite this remarkable mutational power, adaptation to diverse host species remains a major adaptive challenge, such that the most common outcome of host jumps are short-term “spillover” infections. A powerful case study of the utility of genomic approaches to studies of viral evolution and emergence is provided by influenza virus and brought into sharp focus by the ongoing epidemic of swine-origin H1N1 influenza A virus (A/H1N1pdm). Research here reveals a marked lack of surveillance of influenza viruses in pigs, coupled with the possibility of cryptic transmission before the first reported human cases, such that the exact genesis of A/H1N1pdm (where, when, how) is uncertain.
Intra- and intercellular calcium signaling in human neuroepithelioma cells.

Abstract The characteristics of intra- and intercellular Ca2+ signaling in human SK-N-MCIXC neuroepithelioma cells have been examined by means of Fura-2 digital imaging microfluorimetry. When cells were exposed to maximally effective concentrations of either endothelin-1, ATP, norepinephrine or oxotremorine-M, the Ca2+ signals that accompany an increase in phosphoinositide turnover could be differentiated on the basis of their magnitude, shape and duration. When individual cells were microinjected with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, a rise in [Ca2+]i was observed not only in the target cell, but also in neighboring cells. This intercellular propagation of Ca2+ signals was found to be mediated via the release of nucleotide di- and triphosphates which subsequently activate purinergic receptors linked to Ca2+ homeostasis on neighboring cells. These results indicate: (1) that agonist-specific Ca2+ ‘signatures’ are generated in SK-N-MCIXC cells; and (2) that an intercellular propagation of Ca2+ signals is triggered by a rise in [Ca2+]i.
LXXII. Preliminary note on the effect of pressure upon arc spectra

(1903). LXXII. Preliminary note on the effect of pressure upon arc spectra. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 6, No. 35, pp. 569-577.
Dose‐response studies of quazepam

Quazepam, an investigational benzodiazepine, was evaluated in doses of 7.5, 15, and 30 mg in a 12-night protocol including four nights of drug trial. All three doses were effective in inducing and maintaining sleep, with the highest degree of effectiveness after the first drug night. Carry-over effectiveness, which was seen after withdrawal of all three doses, persisted throughout the withdrawal period after the 30-mg dose. Quazepam's effects during both drug use and withdrawal appeared to be dose related; 15 mg induced a greater reduction in wake time after sleep onset than the 7.5-mg dose, and 30 mg induced even greater differences in both wake time after sleep onset and total wake time. Subjective reports of improved sleep were in general agreement with the objective data at each dose level. Side effects appeared to be dose related in terms of severity. The efficacy and comparatively less severe side effects of the 7.5-and 15-mg doses of quazepam suggest that these doses may be optimal when the drug is considered for the adjunctive treatment of insomnia. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1981) 30, 194–200; doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.148
Phlebotomy-Related Lateral Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve Injury

Although phlebotomy is a common and widespread procedure, the medical literature provides limited information in terms of the documented complications of venipuncture. Documentation of phlebotomy-related nerve injuries is even more limited. The authors present a case report of a phlebotomy-induced lesion of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. According to our literature search, this is the first case in which electrodiagnostic studies were used to document venipuncture-related injury of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. Specific electrodiagnostic testing is used to definitively diagnose this rare injury and to track recovery. Electrodiagnostic testing can be helpful in evaluating cases of sensory disturbance after phlebotomy.
Standardization of CMM Fitting Algorithms and Development of Inspection Maps for Use in Statistical Process Control

The choice of fitting algorithm in CMM metrology has often been based on mathematical convenience rather than the fundamental GD&T principles dictated by the ASME Y14.5 standard. Algorithms based on the least squares technique are mostly used for GD&T inspection and this wrong choice of fitting algorithm results in errors that are often overlooked and leads to deficiency in the inspection process. The efforts by organizations such as NIST and NPL and many other researchers to evaluate commercial CMM software were concerned with the mathematical correctness of the algorithms and developing efficient and intelligent methods to overcome the inherent difficulties associated with the mathematics of these algorithms. None of these works evaluate the ramifications of the choice of a particular fitting algorithm for a particular tolerance type. To illustrate the errors that can arise out of a wrong choice of fitting algorithm, a case study was done on a simple prismatic part with intentional variations and the algorithms that were employed in the software were reverse engineered. Based on the results of the experiments, a standardization of fitting algorithms is proposed in light of the definition provided in the standard and an interpretation of manual inspection methods. The standardized fitting algorithms developed for substitute feature fitting are then used to develop Inspection maps (i-Maps) for size, orientation and form tolerances that apply to planar feature types. A methodology for Statistical Process Control (SPC) using these i-Maps is developed by fitting the i-Maps for a batch of parts into the parent Tolerance Maps (T-Maps). Different methods of computing the i-Maps for a batch are explored such as the mean, standard deviations, computing the convex hull and doing a principal component analysis of the distribution of the individual parts. The control limits for the process and the SPC and process capability metrics are computed from inspection samples and the resulting i-Maps. Thus, a framework for statistical control of the manufacturing process is developed.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Quantum mechanical surface reflection

Abstract We calculate the quantum mechanical reflection of electrons by a potential well model of the surface of Cesium covered p-type gallium arsenide, an efficient photo-emitter. We find that the reflection experiences a resonance phenomenon that can be controlled by adjustment of the impurity concentration. A qualitative interpretation of the resonance phenomenon is proposed, and corroborated by comparison with results obtained for the readily solvable rectangular and sech2 potential wells. A new result — energy independent transparency for certain well parameters — is reported for the latter. Implications of the theory for the design of photo surfaces and injection-type electron emitters are discussed briefly.
Applications and Challenges in Coordinated Underwater Vehicle Operations in Support of Environmental Monitoring

Recent advances in both robotic platforms and novel geoacoustic techniques provide unprecedented datasets for the remote mapping of submerged geomorphology, archaeological resources, and benthic habitats. Examples from a variety of coastal settings and applications will be shown; highlighting mapping campaigns that employ both traditional technologies for wide area coverage (e.g. vessel mounted or towed side-scan sonar) combined with point sampling and coordinated operation of new technologies (AUVs and ROVs) for gathering data in an unprecedented level of resolution over coastal regions of interest. It is only from the careful fusion of multiple technologies (i.e., ship-based, ROV, AUV, and grab samples) that one is able to compile the complete picture of the nature and composition of the bottom.
Anomalous conditions in the south-eastern Bering Sea, 1997: nutrients, phytoplankton and zooplankton

Anomalies in the regional weather over the southeastern Bering Sea during spring and summer of 1997 resulted in significant differences in nutrient availability, phytoplankton species composition, and zooplankton abundance over the continental shelf as compared with measurements in the 1980s. Calm winds and the reduction of cloud cover in spring and summer produced a very shallow mixed layer in which nitrate and silicate were depleted after an April diatom bloom. High submarine light levels allowed subsequent phytoplankton growth below the pycnocline and eventual depletion of nitrate from the water column to depths of 70 m or more. Thus, total new production during 1997 may have exceeded that of previous years when nitrate was not depleted below the pycnocline. A bloom of the coccolithophorid, Emiliania huxleyi, was observed in early July in the warm, nutrient-depleted waters over the middle and inner shelf. Emiliania huxleyi concentrations reached 4.5 · 10 6 cells L ‐1 by September, and the bloom per
Phase retrieval from intensity-only data by relative entropy minimization

A recursive algorithm, which appears to be new, is presented for estimating the amplitude and phase of a wave field from intensity-only measurements on two or more scan planes at different axial positions. The problem is framed as a nonlinear optimization, in which the angular spectrum of the complex field model is adjusted in order to minimize the relative entropy, or Kullback-Leibler divergence, between the measured and reconstructed intensities. The most common approach to this so-called phase retrieval problem is a variation of the well-known Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm devised by Misell (J. Phys. D6, L6, 1973), which is efficient and extremely simple to implement. The new algorithm has a computational structure that is very similar to Misell's approach, despite the fundamental difference in the optimization criteria used for each. Based upon results from noisy simulated data, the new algorithm appears to be more robust than Misell's approach and to produce better results from low signal-to-noise ratio data. The convergence of the new algorithm is examined.
Source of Funding and Cell Phone Research Outcome (Health Effects)

A recent article offering a systematic review of the outcome of experimental studies reported in scientific journals and sources of funding for the reported research suggested that the evaluation of results from existing and future studies of health effects of microwave radiation from wireless communication should take sponsorship into account. This finding was not altered after adjusting for the number of outcomes reported, study design and quality, exposure characteristics, or outcomes. Note that a majority (68%) of the studies evaluated showed biological effects, although at present it is unclear whether the biological effects translate into relevant health hazards.
Analytic Bounded Point Evaluations for Rationally Cyclic Operators on Banach Spaces

In the general context of rationally cyclic operators on Banach spaces, this article centers around descriptions of the set of analytic bounded point evaluations in the spirit of function theoretic operator theory. In particular, a classical formula due to Trent for subnormal cyclic operators is extended to the case of subdecomposable operators, based on tools from local spectral theory and the Kato spectrum. Particular emphasis is placed on the connection to localized versions of the single-valued extension property and Bishop’s property (β). The results are exemplified in the case of hyponormal operators, unilateral and bilateral weighted shifts, and the Cesaro operator on the Bergman space.
Computational Methods for Self-similar Solutions of the Compressible Euler Equations

Computations of self-similar solutions of the compressible Euler equations as a boundary value problem in similarity coordinates (? =x/t, ? =y/t) are presented. Two new implicit methods namely the implicit Godunov method and the implicit Equilibrium Flux Method are presented. The Jacobians for the implicit methods are analytically evaluated. In general the self-similar solutions exhibit sharper discontinuities than corresponding solutions of the initial value problem.
Lack of genetic and in vitro metabolic activity of potently carcinogenic azoxyalkanes

Abstract 4 carcinogenic azoxyalkanes (azoxymethane, azoxyethane and the 2 mixed methyl-ethyl compounds) were examined for activity in the Salmonella histidine reversion assay and in a λ- lacZ prophage induction assay. Because azoxyalkanes are isomeric with nitrosodialkylamines, and might be expected to generate the same active intermediates, their biological activity was investigated under conditions which would allow direct comparison with these well-studied carcinogens. However, none of the azoxyalkanes, which are liver carcinogens, showed significant activity in either microbial assay in the presence of liver S9. In addition, metabolism studies with liver microsomes or hepatocytes indicated that the compounds were metabolized only to a small extent, if at all, under the conditions examined. This inactivity of the azoxyalkanes contrasts with the considerable activity in these assays — and the substantial metabolism — of the isomeric nitrosodialkylamines, also liver carcinogens. These results suggest that the carcinogenic action of azoxyalkanes proceeds through alternative metabolic pathways that are not adequately modeled by the assays and in vitro conditions used here.
Exit from dormancy in microbial organisms

Bacteria can exist in metabolically inactive states that allow them to survive conditions that are not conducive for growth. Such dormant cells may sense when conditions have improved and re-initiate growth, lest they be outcompeted by their neighbours. Growing bacteria turn over and release large quantities of their cell walls into the environment. Drawing from recent work on the germination of Bacillus subtilis spores, we propose that many microorganisms exit dormancy in response to cell wall muropeptides.
Ethnobotanical inventory and medicinal uses of some important woody plant species of Kotli, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

ABSTRACT To document ethnobotanical informations of useful woody plant species in the region of Kotli, Azad Kashmir. Methods An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Kotli. Data were collected by interview and semi structured questionnaire from selected local informants and traditional practitioners as well as by field assessment. Results The present study documented the etnobotanical uses of 33 woody plant species. Most of the species have been used for dual purpose. Only 5 species are used for one purpose. Study revealed all species have medicinal value, among which 21 were used as fuel wood species, 16 as fodder species, 4 as timber wood species, 12 as edible fruit species, 6 as fence or hedge plant, 7 as ornamental species and 12 species had other uses. Conclusions Medicinal plants are still widely used for health care by locals of Kotli. Some species of woodlands seem to be vulnerable to overcollection and deforestation. As the young generation is diverted toward allelopathic medicines, ethnobotanical knowledges of important medicinal plants are restricted to the old people only. It is suggested to close the forest of district Kotli for next two to three decades for the conservation of plant biodiversity.
Planning for rural community health nursing needs: the experience of Ecuador

One of the most prevalent and enduring health care delivery problems in the Third World and less developed countries is the lack of skilled medical personnel. This is particularly true in Ecuador where there are serious deficiencies at the community health level. This paper describes the health problems which have resulted from this situation. A planning model is then presented which Ecuador is beginning to follow for improving its rural community health nursing capabilities. Other countries or developing regions with similar problems might consider the model and its implementation in resolving their own community health problems.
Alcohol Consumption and Sexual Victimization among College Women

842 women enrolled in large health classes offered at a midwestern university completed a health survey from which report of both the women's drinking behavior and their experience with sexual victimization could be excerpted. Both correlations and analysis of variance indicated an association between the amount of alcohol the women reported drinking each week and their over-all experiences with sexual coercion.
Effects of cochlear ablation on local cerebral glucose utilization in fetal sheep

Local cerebral glucose utilization was measured by the [ 14 C]-deoxyglucose method in five near-term fetal sheep in whom bilateral ablation of the cochleae had been accomplished aseptically 5 to 8 days earlier. The tympanic membrane and ossicles were removed and all turns of each cochlea were unroofed with destruction carried to the modiolus. Mean local cerebral glucose utilization of 33 of 34 gray matter structures and four of four white matter structures in operated animals were significantly lower ( p p