cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Mathematics Vocabulary Instruction Embedded Within Addition Tutoring for First-Grade Students With Mathematics Difficulty:

Researchers and practitioners indicate students require explicit instruction on mathematics vocabulary terms, yet no study has examined the effects of an embedded vocabulary component within mathematics tutoring for early elementary students. First-grade students with mathematics difficulty (MD; n = 98) were randomly assigned to addition tutoring with an embedded vocabulary component, addition tutoring without the embedded vocabulary component, or business-as-usual control. At posttest, students who received addition tutoring without vocabulary demonstrated greater gains than control students on addition fluency. On a measure of mathematics vocabulary, students in the active tutoring conditions demonstrated improved performance on mathematics vocabulary over control students. Results indicate that exposure to addition tutoring with or without an embedded vocabulary component positively improves mathematics vocabulary performance.
Probing the coagulation pathway with aptamers identifies combinations that synergistically inhibit blood clot formation

Coordinated enzymatic reactions regulate blood clot generation. To explore the contributions of various coagulation enzymes in this process, we utilized a panel of aptamers against factors VIIa, IXa, Xa, and prothrombin. Each aptamer dose-dependently inhibited clot formation, yet none was able to completely impede this process in highly procoagulant settings. However, several combinations of two aptamers synergistically impaired clot formation. One extremely potent aptamer combination was able to maintain human blood fluidity even during extracorporeal circulation, a highly procoagulant setting encountered during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Moreover, this aptamer cocktail could be rapidly reversed with antidotes to restore normal hemostasis, indicating that even highly potent aptamer combinations can be rapidly controlled. These studies highlight the potential utility of using sets of aptamers to probe the functions of proteins in molecular pathways for research and therapeutic ends.
Student Achievement in Public Schools: Do Principals Make a Difference?.

Abstract The authors of this paper find that principal behavior and attributes significantly influence individual student achievement. Effective principal activities include instructional leadership (setting clear priorities and evaluating instructional programs, and organizing and participating in staff development programs) and conflict resolution (establishing a consensus on objectives and methods, maintaining effective discipline, and mediating personal disputes). These results, based upon data from a nationally representative sample of over 14,000 elementary school students, provide strong confirmation of the major conclusions from recent case studies, which arc characterized by very limited samples and weak controls for individual student and teacher attributes. In addition, the finding that principals make a difference to student achievement adds further evidence to the debate over whether schools make a difference.
Proportional scheduling, split-proofness, and merge-proofness

If shortest (respectively longest) jobs are served first, splitting a job into smaller jobs (respectively merging several jobs) can reduce the actual wait. Any deterministic protocol is vulnerable to strategic splitting and/or merging. This is not true if scheduling is random, and users care only about expected wait. The Proportional rule draws the job served last with probabilities proportional to size, then repeats among the remaining jobs. It is immune to splitting and merging. Among split-proof protocols constructed in this recursive way, it is characterized by either one of three properties: job sizes and delays are co-monotonic; total delay is at most twice optimal delay; the worst (expected) delay of any job is at most twice the smallest feasible worst delay. A similar result holds within the family of separable rules,
Indicators of periodontal disease activity: an evaluation

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the traditional clinical criteria are inadequate for: determining active disease sites in periodontitis, monitoring quantitatively the response to therapy or measuring the degree of susceptibility to future breakdown. In an attempt to develop objective measures, a wide variety of studies have been undertaken using saliva, blood, plaque and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) as the specimen source. Examination has included: specific bacteria and their products; host cells and their products (enzymatic and antibacterial, both immunologic and non-immunologic); products of tissue injury derived from local epithelial and connective tissues and bone. Although most of the work to date has failed to provide reliable aids to the clinician, refinements in techniques for sampling and the availability of more sophisticated analytic techniques give cause for optimism. Methods proposed for detection of disease-associated bacteria in subgingival plaque vary in their sensitivity and specificity. Dark field microscopy shows some correlation with existing disease; however, the limited specificity of this method imposes severe restrictions on its usefulness. Highly specific polyclonal and monoclonal antisera to suspected pathogens Bacteroides gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans have been developed and improved methods of identification of these microbes in plaque by ELISA immunofluorescence and flow cytometry are under development. With respect to the host response, a strong correlation between antibody patterns to specific bacteria and periodontal disease categories appears to be emerging. Although most studies have focused on serum antibody derived from peripheral blood, a shift to detection of local antibody response appears to be likely. Techniques of measurement that are exquisitely sensitive have been developed for detection of major immune recognition proteins such as antibody and complement in crevicular fluid. Research efforts attempting to correlate local antibody response to local disease activity are underway. Measurement of GCF flow rate, endotoxin, H2S, butyrate and a variety of enzymes (e.g., collagenase, arylsulfatase, B-glucuronidase) show good correlation with levels of gingivitis. In periodontitis, the most promising markers of tissue breakdown are prostaglandins of the E series, the enzymes collagenase and aspartate aminotransferase, sulfated glycosaminoglycans, osteoclastic activating factor and bone resorptive capacity of crevicular cells. Assay of the migration of crevicular leucocytes in vivo can serve as an indicator of a defect in host resistance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Biogeography of the Cantacaderinae Stål (Insecta : Heteroptera : Tingidae) revisited

The biogeographic relationships among the Cantacaderinae (Heteroptera) are revisited in the light of a genus and species recently described. The results are reasonably congruent with previous studies, but with some differences. The common ancestor of Cantacaderinae may not be restricted to Australia but to a more widely distributed taxon. The Cantacaderinae evolved into two lineages: the Ceratocaderini + Carldrakeanini, originating in the Australia–New Zealand complex; and the Cantacaderini, originating in the Oriental region and dispersing through a south-eastern arc of continental fragments but not through the Asian peninsula.
Dogmatism, religion, and religiosity, a review and re-evaluation.

A review of the literature concerning religious preference, religiosity and dogmatism showed that Catholics consistently had been found by Rokeach and others to be more dogmatic than members of other religious groups. Since no Southern sample had been reported, 245 male and 250 female Ss from two Southern universities were administered Form E of the Dogmatism scale. Ss were Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and nonbelievers and were asked their average monthly church attendance. Churchgoers were generally more dogmatic than nonchurchgoers. Catholics and nonbelievers were less dogmatic than Jews and Protestants. Differences between our findings and those of Rokeach and others were discussed, and possible explanations for them were given. Several methodological suggestions were made concerning future research on dogmatism. It was concluded that speculations about the relative dogmatism of religious groups as a whole are inappropriate.
The comparative effects of the Argon, Nd:YAG, and Argon‐pumped Dye lasers on human platelets and erythrocytes in vitro

The effects of three lasers, Argon, Nd:YAG, and Argon-pumped Dye, on three types of platelet preparations were evaluated. Either EDTA or buffered citrate served as anticoagulants. Platelets separated from plasma and suspended in buffer showed no decrease in counts following lasering, but morphologic damage was evident with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In platelet-rich plasma, a fall in counts was noted for the Argon and the YAG (at high energy only) but was absent when the Dye laser was employed. Morphologic damage (TEM), however, was noted with all three lasers. When whole blood preparations were used, more marked changes in both RBCs and platelets were seen in samples collected in EDTA compared with citrated samples. Morphologic damage (TEM) to platelets and RBCs occurred with all three lasers. An artifactual increase in "platelet counts," the appearance of spherocytes, and an increase in plasma Hb indicated RBC injury. Both platelets and erythrocytes were sensitive to variations in power (wattage) despite constant total energy delivery.
A structural comparison of tryptic fragments of three types of intermediate filaments.

We have compared tryptic fragments of three types of intermediate filaments, emphasizing structural characteristics as seen in the electron microscope. Variable, long α-helical rod fragments were found to be similar for keratin, neurofilaments and desmin filaments. Short rod fragments from keratin and neurofilaments appeared similar when observed by electron microscopy. Short rod fragments were not seen in desmin filament digests. In addition to these elongated particles, globular fragments, which have not been described previously, were obtained from all three types of intermediate filaments. These globular fragments were characterized by gel filtration and electron microscopy, and compared to globular proteins of known size using both methods. The diameter was about 6 nm and the molecular weight was estimated to be 50 000–60 000. These globular particles may comprise the short, nonhelical regions from several IF protein subunits, which are clustered into an interface in the intact filament or protofilaments.
Sociodemographic, Family History, and Lifestyle Risk Factors for Open-angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension: The Los Angeles Latino Eye Study

Purpose To evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic, family history, and lifestyle risk factors and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) in Latinos. Design Population-based cohort study. Participants Latinos 40 years and older from 6 census tracts in La Puente, California. Methods Participants underwent an in-home interview and in-clinic examination. Demographic, lifestyle, and family history variables were analyzed as risk factors using multivariable regression models to identify independent associations with OAG or OHT. Main Outcome Measures Open-angle glaucoma and OHT. Results Two hundred eighty-nine participants were diagnosed as having OAG, 219 were found to have OHT, and 5624 persons had no evidence of either OAG or OHT. After adjustment for intraocular pressure, stepwise logistic regression analyses revealed that older age, male gender, unmarried marital status, and being a first-degree relative were independent risk factors for OAG. For age, the relative risk doubled with each decade. Males and unmarried participants had a higher risk of having glaucoma than females and those who were married (odds ratio [OR], 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30–2.30, and OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.03–1.87, respectively). A positive family history of glaucoma in first-degree relatives was a risk factor for OAG (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.25–2.94). Smoking, alcohol use, and female reproductive hormone use were not associated with OAG. Additionally, increasing age, Native American ancestry, unemployed status, and family history of glaucoma were found to be independent factors for increased risk of OHT. Conclusions Although the mechanisms whereby age and family history lead to increased risk are partly understood, further study is needed to understand the biological significance of the other demographic risk factors identified such as male gender and unmarried status.
An ideal API for RTOS modeling at the system abstraction level

In system level design, specification languages, especially system level design languages (SLDL), are used to build high level models to allow fast design space exploration, and to assist designers in exploring alternatives early in the design process. Current SLDL languages lack built-in support for modeling RTOS at the system level, and specific RTOS implementation can not be used directly in models at the system level. In this paper, we define and provide the primitives for an ideal API for a generic RTOS model to be used on top of existing SLDL. The model is based on the key features provided by a typical RTOS, and is generic such that it can be used with any SLDL. Using the API defined in this paper, we describe the refinement of the RTOS model so that the model can be integrated into the system level co-design process.
A system of model fertility schedules with graphically intuitive parameters.

I propose and examine a new family of models for age-specific fertility schedules in which three index ages determine the schedules shape. The new system is based on constrained quadratic splines. It has easily interpretable parameters is flexible enough to fit a variety of "noiseless" schedules well and is inflexible enough to avoid implausible estimates from noisy data. Across a set of over two hundred contemporary ASFR schedules the new model fits a majority better and in some cases much better than the Coale-Trussell model. When fit to a recent Swedish time series model parameters exhibit simple regular changes over time suggesting utility in forecasting applications. In simulated small-sample data the new model produces plausible ASFR estimates with errors similar to Coale-Trussell. (authors)
Reading the past: Structuralist, post-structuralist and semiotic archaeologies

When Edmund Leach (1973) suggested that archaeology would soon turn from functionalism to structuralism, following the path of social anthropology, he was clearly unaware that structuralist archaeology already existed. In particular the work of Leroi-Gourhan (1965), similar in some respects to that of Levi-Strauss, had been widely debated. Certainly structuralism has never dominated the discipline, but its wide-spread attraction cannot be denied (Anati 1994; Bekaert 1998; Bintliff 1984; Campbell 1998; Collet 1993; Deetz 1983; Helskog 1995; Hill 1995; Hingley 1990, 1997; Huffman 1981, 1984; Kent 1984; Lenssen-Erz 1994; Leone 1978; Miller 1982a; Muller 1971; Parker Pearson 1996, 1999; Richard and Thomas 1984; Schnapp 1984; Small 1987; S⊘rensen 1987; Schmidt 1997; Tilley 1991; Van de Velde 1980; Wright 1995; Yates 1989; Yentsch 1991). These various articles, in addition to those to be discussed in this chapter, suggest that one can now talk of a structuralist archaeology. Yet why has the analysis of ‘structured sets of differences’ been so slow to arrive and so slight in impact? Why has structuralism never formed a major coherent alternative in archaeology? The first answer to these questions is that structuralism is not a coherent approach itself, since it covers a great variety of work, from the structural linguistics of Saussure, and the generative grammar of Chomsky, to the developmental psychology of Piaget and the analysis of ‘deep’ meanings by Levi-Strauss.
MinK-related peptide 2 modulates Kv2.1 and Kv3.1 potassium channels in mammalian brain

Delayed rectifier potassium current diversity and regulation are essential for signal processing and integration in neuronal circuits. Here, we investigated a neuronal role for MinK-related peptides (MiRPs), membrane-spanning modulatory subunits that generate phenotypic diversity in cardiac potassium channels. Native coimmunoprecipitation from rat brain membranes identified two novel potassium channel complexes, MiRP2-Kv2.1 and MiRP2-Kv3.1b. MiRP2 reduces the current density of both channels, slows Kv3.1b activation, and slows both activation and deactivation of Kv2.1. Altering native MiRP2 expression levels by RNAi gene silencing or cDNA transfection toggles the magnitude and kinetics of endogenous delayed rectifier currents in PC12 cells and hippocampal neurons. Computer simulations predict that the slower gating of Kv3.1b in complexes with MiRP2 will broaden action potentials and lower sustainable firing frequency. Thus, MiRP2, unlike other known neuronal β subunits, provides a mechanism for influence over multiple delayed rectifier potassium currents in mammalian CNS via modulation of α subunits from structurally and kinetically distinct subfamilies.
The Molecular Biology Database Collection: 2005 update

The Nucleic Acids Research Molecular Biology Database Collection is a public online resource that lists the databases described in this and previous issues of Nucleic Acids Research together with other databases of value to the biologist and available throughout the world. All databases included in this Collection are freely available to the public. The 2005 update includes 719 databases, 171 more than the 2004 one. The databases are organized in a hierarchical classification that simplifies the process of finding theright databaseforany giventask.Thegrowing number of databases related to immunology, plant and organelle research have been accommodated by separating them into three new categories. The database summaries provide brief descriptions of the databases, contact details, appropriate references and acknowledgements. The online summaries also serve as a venue for the maintainers of each database to introduce database updates and other improvements in the scope and tools. These updates are particularly important for those databases that have not been described in print in the recent past. The database list and summaries are available online at the Nucleic Acids Research web site, http://nar. oupjournals.org/.
Evolution of host specificity drives reproductive isolation among RNA viruses.

Abstract Ecological speciation hypotheses claim that assortative mating evolves as a consequence of divergent natural selection for ecologically important traits. Reproductive isolation is expected to be particularly likely to evolve by this mechanism in species such as phytophagous insects that mate in the habitats in which they eat. We tested this expectation by monitoring the evolution of reproductive isolation in laboratory populations of an RNA virus that undergoes genetic exchange only when multiple virus genotypes coinfect the same host. We subjected four populations of the RNA bacteriophage Φ6 to 150 generations of natural selection on a novel host. Although there was no direct selection acting on host range in our experiment, three of the four populations lost the ability to infect one or more alternative hosts. In the most extreme case, one of the populations evolved a host range that does not contain any of the hosts infectible by the wild-type Φ6. Whole genome sequencing confirmed that the res...
Rotors: Linking VF and VT?

of fibrillation. 2–6 However, identifying culprit rotors in vivo is in its infancy. Moving beyond surgical epicardial recording techniques, new software has recently been used to study rotors in atrial fibrillation from the endocardial surface using basket catheters. 7,8 In this case, the new endocardial mapping technology was applied to map the ventricles and showed evidence of rotor-driven VF. The patient had ischemic cardiomyopathy and presented with symptomatic VT at 135 bpm. The sotalol dose was increased prior to electrophysiology study. VF was induced and mapped. Mapping was performed using proprietary software and 64-pole basket catheters in both the right and left ventricles. A rotor was visualized and localized to an area of dense scar. Monomorphic VT was localized to the same scar, and ablation rendered both VT and VF noninducible. Ten months later, the patient presented with a VT of different morphology, and mexiletine was added to sotalol. He underwent epicardial ablation at a location spatially adjacent to the endocardial site from the first procedure. An early VT recurrence prompted amiodarone therapy. The patient had no clinical events in the subsequent year of follow-up. The authors hypothesize that the sustaining mechanisms of VF, such as this patient’s rotor, preferentially localize in diseased tissue. The authors suggest that “the specifi cc haracteristics of scar that form functional isthmuses for VT may serve as the substrate for wavebreak and subsequent phase singularities to sustain VF.” They also speculate that targeted rotor ablation may have a future role in the management of VF. The authors point out the intriguing fact that the rotor colocalizes with the mapped isthmus of VT. Because the isthmus is associated with a scar and a phase singularity is much more likely to occur at a heterogeneity, 9 it is not
Patterns for agile development practice part 3 (version 4)

This set of ten patterns is intended to complement the standard wisdom that can be gleaned from the Agile Development literature such as Kent Beck's Extreme Programming Explained[1]. It is directed primarily at those who are starting out with Extreme Programming or another agile methodology and might miss some subtle ideas. Once a team gains experience these patterns will become obvious, but initially some of them are counter intuitive. While this study began in Extreme Programming practice, most of the advice applies to agile development in general. The ten patterns here extend the work of 2004--2006 on the same topic ([3] and [4]). This paper contains some of the standard practices of Extreme Programming as detailed in [1].We consider XP to be a pattern language in which the practices are the basis of the patterns. They have the characteristics of a true Pattern Language in that they are synergistic and generative. The dozen or so practices detailed in Beck and elsewhere, such as "Do the simplest thing that could possibly work" and "Yesterday's Weather", form a subset of this language.As this "language" is in its early stages of development, there is no significance to the current ordering of the patterns here. This paper presents ten of the one hundred or so patterns developed so far. Many of these patterns are listed briefly in the Thumbnail section at the end.
Elektrochemische Eigenschaften von sehr wenig löslichen Chinonen in wäßrigen Elektrolyten

In Wasser praktisch unlosliche Chinone und Hydrochinone wurden auf ihre Verwendbarkeit als aktive Masse von Sekundarbatterien untersucht. Durch Anwendung der Voltammetrie mit linearer Spannungsanderung wurde das Redoxverhalten von Chinonen und Hydrochinonen und ihrer Zwischenstufen in porosen Graphitelektroden ermittelt. Die voltammetrischen Kurven (potentiodynamischen Stromspannungskurven) haben entweder ein oder mehrere Strommaxima, und zwar in Abhangigkeit vom pH-Wert, von der Art der Ionen des Elektrolyten oder von der Spannungsgeschwindigkeit. Die Existenz und die Lage der Maxima konnen auf einer pH-Verschiebung an der Elektrodenoberflache beruhen. Bei gut gepufferten Elektrolyten und genugend langsamer Spannungsgeschwindigkeit findet man ein oder zwei Maxima, die sich entweder dem gebildeten Semichinon oder dem Chinhydron oder, wenn nur ein Maximum vorhanden ist, der unmittelbaren Bildung des betreffenden Hydrochinons (bzw. des Chinons im Falle der Oxidation) zuordnen lassen. So hat Tetrachlor-p-benzochinon (Chloranil) eine thermodynamisch bestandige Semichinonstufe: Oberhalb pH ≈ 6 entsteht das Radikalanion in Form des Salzes; Ammonium-, Barium- und Calciumsalz sind nahezu unloslich, Natrium-, Kalium- und Magnesiumsalz sind relativ loslich. Naphthochinon bildet kein bestandiges Semichinon, wohl aber ein Chinhydron, wie durch ESR-Messungen bestatigt wurde. Chinhydron bildet sich unabhangig vom pH-Wert. Anthrachinon und Durochinon geben im ganzen pH-Bereich von -2 bis 13 weder ein Semichinon noch ein Chinhydron.
Spatial patterns of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) sightings and survey effort: Insight into North Atlantic population structure

Understanding the population structure of a species is critical to its effective management and conservation. The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) has been the target of numerous research projects in several ocean basins, but no clear picture of its population structure has emerged. In the North Atlantic Ocean, genetic analyses and photo-identification movements have shown significant heterogeneity among the summer feeding grounds. Building on this knowledge, we test the hypothesis that the feeding grounds represent distinct populations by analyzing the spatial pattern of summer humpback whale sightings and survey effort. Controlling for the spatial pattern of effort, sightings are clustered, with peaks at radial distances of 300 km, 600 km, and 1,500 km. These results provide insight into the spatial extent of the summer population structure of humpback whales in the North Atlantic Ocean. Fine-scale clustering at distances of 300 km and 600 km is compatible with multiple populations consisting of the Gulf of Maine, eastern Canada, western Greenland, and Iceland. Broad-scale clustering at distances of 1,500 km may represent divisions between the western and eastern North Atlantic populations. These results provide spatial bounds to the feeding grounds of humpback whales and emphasize their distinct nature as management units.
Item Response Biases on the Logical Memory Delayed Recognition Subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale—III

S2immary.-We hypothesized that the wording and sequential order of the WMS-III Logical Memory recognition questions may bias subjects toward correct or incorrect responses on speciEic items. Therefore, we classiFied each item according to one of three potential sources of bias (yeasaying to proper names, priming of "yes" responses by previous items with similar content, naysaying to unlikely occurrences) and administered the items to 31 subjects who were completely naive to the story content. The items predicted to have correct endorsement biases were answered correctly at greater than chance frequencies, while items predicted to be biased toward incorrect answers were missed more frequently than expected by chance. The same sources of bias were tested in an independent chical sample of 36 neurological patients who were administered the WMS-111 in the standard manner. In these patients biases appeared robust enough to be detected in the performances of clinical patients during a neuropsy~holo~ical cvaluar~on. Wich further research, such biases may provide avenues €or detecting m~l~ngermg.
THE NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION: ANATOMICAL FEATURES AND ADAPTATIONS TO VARIOUS FORMS OF INCREASED, OR DECREASED NEUROMUSCULAR ACTIVITY

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) allows communication between motor neurons and muscle fibers. During development, marked morphological changes occur as the functional NMJ is formed. During the postnatal period of rapid growth and muscle enlargement, endplate size concurrently increases. Even beyond this period of pronounced plasticity, the NMJ undergoes subtle morphological remodeling--expansion and retraction--although its overall dimensions remain stable. This natural, continual NMJ remodeling is amplified with alterations in neuromuscular activity. Increased activity, presented by exercise training, typically results in expansion of NMJ size. Disuse, brought about by neurotoxins, denervation, or spaceflight, also elicits substantial reconfiguring of the endplate.
HRM at a Crossroads: Comments on “Evolution of Strategic HRM Through Two Founding Books: A 30th Anniversary Perspective on Development of the Field”

I agree with Bruce Kaufman's evaluation of the HRM field and the danger to its relevance if change does not take place in the field's almost exclusive use of normal science, lack of focus on organizational change and development and indifference to the development of useful and usable knowledge. I use the development of the Harvard Business School's first-ever required course in HRM and Managing Human Assets, the book that grew from the course, to illustrate why and how the strategic HRM perspective of the book emerged. I go on to argue that we do not need more proof that HRM practices are associated with financial performance. The best CEOs already believe this, though they need knowledge and practices that will enable them to develop a positive sustainable HRM system. HRM research, both normal and action science, must answer the question of how a “great” HRM system—practices, leadership, organization design, culture, and change processes—might be developed over time (its takes years) and how great companies can avoid the liquidation of intangible assets in the face of pressures for short-term performance. I describe my own work to illustrate the future direction HRM should take methodologically and conceptually
Ignition and Incendivity of Laser Irradiated Single Micron-Size Magnesium Particles

Abstract The ignition of single magnesium particles (28 to 120 micron diameter) suspended in cold oxidant atmospheres by means of an electrostatic levitation device, and the incendivity of these particles when suspended in a stoichiometric methane-air mixture, were investigated using pulsed laser radiation to heat the particles. Highspeed Schlieren and direct photographic techniques were used in the study. The critical radiant power density required for particle ignition was found to increase with particle size. Approximately equal radiant power densities were required for ignition of identical particles suspended in air and pure oxygen, although an increase in radiant power density was necessary for particle ignition in a helium-20 percent oxygen mixture. Results indicate that particle ignition occurred in the magnesium vapor shroud following surface vaporization. The incendivity experiments indicate that the critical radiant power densities necessary for the particle to ignite methane-air mixtures incre...
Dosimetric characterization of low energy brachytherapy sources: measurements

Low energy photon emitter brachytherapy sources are being used with increasing frequency for interstitial implants in tumor sites, especially the prostate. Recently, several new designs of /sup 125/I and /sup 103/Pd sources have become commercially available for clinical applications. Dosimetric characteristics (i.e. dose rate constant, radial dose function, and anisotropy function) of this source were experimentally and theoretically determined following the AAPM Task Group 43 (TG-43) recommendations and were related to the 1999 NIST calibration assigned to this source [S/sub k/, 99std]. Measurements were performed in a Solid Water phantom using LiF thermoluminescent dosimeters and MD55-2 radiochromic films. The calculations were performed using Monte Carlo simulation techniques in Solid Water and liquid water. The goal of this presentation is to describe the experimental method of dosimetry of the brachytherapy sources.
Pre-processing for data clustering

We propose a data transformation approach that facilitates data clustering. Our approach, called MembershipMap, strives to extract the underlying structure or sub-concepts of each raw attribute automatically, and uses the orthogonal union of these sub-concepts to define a new, semantically richer, space. The sub-concept labels of each point in the original space determine the position of that point in the transformed space. Since sub-concept labels are prone to uncertainty inherent in the original data and in the initial extraction process, a combination of labeling schemes that are based on different measures of uncertainty will be presented. We show that the transformed spaces could be used as flexible pre-processing tools to support such tasks as sampling, data cleaning, and outlier detection. We also show that the information extracted from transformed spaces could be used to improve the performance of clustering algorithms.
The axr6 mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana define a gene involved in auxin response and early development

The indolic compound auxin regulates virtually every aspect of plant growth and development, but its role in embryogenesis and its molecular mechanism of action are not understood. We describe two mutants of Arabidopsis that define a novel gene called AUXIN-RESISTANT6 (AXR6) which maps to chromosome 4. Embryonic development of the homozygous axr6 mutants is disrupted by aberrant patterns of cell division, leading to defects in the cells of the suspensor, root and hypocotyl precursors, and provasculature. The homozygous axr6 mutants arrest growth soon after germination lacking a root and hypocotyl and with severe vascular pattern defects in their cotyledons. Whereas previously described mutants with similar developmental defects are completely recessive, axr6 heterozygotes display a variety of morphological and physiological alterations that are most consistent with a defect in auxin physiology or response. The AXR6 gene is likely to be important for auxin response throughout the plant, including early development.
Effect of leptin on allergic airway responses in mice

Background Epidemiologic data indicate that the incidence of asthma is increased in obese patients. Objective Because the serum levels of the satiety hormone and proinflammatory cytokine leptin are increased in obese individuals, we sought to determine whether leptin can augment allergic airway responses. Methods We sensitized and challenged BALB/cJ mice with ovalbumin. Alzet® micro-osmotic pumps were implanted in the mice to deliver a continuous infusion of either saline or leptin (1.75 μg/g/d). Two days later, the mice were challenged with either aerosolized saline or ovalbumin once per day for 3 days. We measured airway responsiveness, performed bronchoalveolar lavage, and obtained blood to measure serum leptin and IgE 24 or 48 hours after the last challenge. Results Leptin infusion increased serum leptin concentrations, which were increased further after ovalbumin sensitization and challenge. Ovalbumin challenge increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells and cytokines, serum IgE, lung cytokine mRNA expression, and responses to inhaled, aerosolized methacholine. It is important to note that the changes in methacholine responsiveness and IgE were augmented in leptin- versus saline-infused mice. Conclusions These results indicate that serum leptin is increased during allergic reactions in the airways and may play a role in the relationship between obesity and asthma.
Protein homology search using hidden Markov model parameters and genetic algorithms

Hidden Markov models of protein domain families are very powerful descriptions for use in protein database searches. The ability of these models to incorporate position-specific insertion and deletion probabilities as well as position-specific amino-acid substitution information gives more detail than non-position-specific methods such as Smith-Waterman or BLAST which are based on standard amino-acid substitution matrices. The drawback for protein database search is that database scoring using dynamic programming and HMM parameters is quite slow, especially when compared to using a protein domain consensus sequence in BLAST. This work proposes a method to search for protein domain family homologs using HMM parameters where the search employs genetic algorithms rather than dynamic programming.
Georeferentiation and Social Sciences: An Interdisciplinary Way to Detect Vulnerability

This paper is concerned with using georeferenced information in Social Sciences as a concrete case of interdisciplinary research and building of knowledge related to vulnerability. Geospatial framework is a central factor in analyzing data from sociology, psychology, anthropology and economics. That notwithstanding, its potential contribution has been substantially ignored. In the last years, the reconciliation between GIS techniques and Social Sciences is occurring, mainly because of improvements in software to manage complex data. The paper arises from CLARA project, an Italian national project on risk assessment and management in the field of natural disasters. The article discusses the theoretical and technical steps aimed at georeferencing specific data on a geographical map. This process entails two main pros: information on a map are more quickly readable and relations among them stand out more easily. Furthermore, georeferenced data bring back complexity to the object studied, because they allow a multidimensional, contextual and integrated reading of it. The multidimensionality highlights the importance of interdisciplinarity as an opportunity for encounter of scholars and technicians and for acquisition of diversified, deeper and richer perspective, which allows better outcomes. Finally, the paper discusses several advantages for interventions and policies.
Patient experiences with a child-resistant prescription container

The results of a survey of 100 outpatients' experiences with a child-resistant container are presented. Eighty-three patients experienced difficulty with the container. Forty-six used a tool for opening the container. Forty-three reported accidental spillage of their drugs because of opening difficulties. Thirty-eight handled the container in ways which reduced its child-resistant effectiveness. The presence of children in patients' homes appeared to reduce the incidence of dangerous handling practices. Patients who had initial difficulties tended to continue having trouble and were, largely, the same ones who later mishandled the container. Only eight patients received instruction from a health professional on how to open the container. Early education of patients using child-resistant prescription containers is suggested.
Phenotypic Relationships Between Adiposity, Breast Weight, and Body Weight in Female Japanese Quail

Abstract Data were obtained from 8-week-old females for body weight, breast weight, percentage carcass fat, weight of the sartorial and abdominal fat depots, and the number and size of adipocytes in the abdominal fat depot in parental lines and various crosses of Japanese quail. Correlations of breast weight with body weight, abdominal and sartorial fat depot weight, and percentage carcass fat were positive, significant, and of a similar magnitude. The relationship of body weight with percentage carcass fat was positive and significant, while those between body weight and sartorial and abdominal depot weight and size and number of adipocytes were low. Percentage carcass fat was highly correlated in a positive manner with the weight of the sartorial and abdominal fat depots. Also, there were highly significant positive correlations between depot weights and the number and size of abdominal adipocytes.
Time to Diagnostic Evaluation After Mammographic Screening in an Urban Setting.

Abstract Background: The Capital Breast Care Center (CBCC), a screening facility established to serve minority women, developed a culturally sensitive patient care paradigm that would address concerns of adherence to follow-up of abnormal results after initial mammogram. Women with abnormal mammograms are assigned a Black or Latina navigator who facilitates the additional workup needed by scheduling follow-up, arranging transportation, providing counsel/emotional support, and even accompanying them to diagnostic imaging or biopsy appointment. We present data on follow-up rates after breast cancer screening. Methods: All patients seen at CBCC are entered into a prospectively collected database. We calculated intervals (in days) between the screening and diagnostic visits. Descriptive statistics and median time to follow-up are reported. Differences between Black and Hispanic women on time interval were tested by t-test. Results: From January 2010 to December 2012, 4605 digital screening mammograms were per...
Gas-Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Kepone Residues in Finfish, Shellfish, and Crustaceans

Finfish, shellfish, and crustacean samples are extracted with isopropanol and benzene; the extract is filtered and then concentrated. The extract, dissolved in hexane, is treated with oleum and extracted with aqueous alkali. The aqueous phase is acidified and extracted with petroleum ether-ethyl ether (1 + 1). The Kepone residue is determined by electron capture gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). Recoveries obtained by 8 laboratories from 15 species of finfish fortified at 0.02-0.23 ppm ranged from 37 to 107% with a mean +/- relative standard deviation of 79.4 +/- 14.5%. For oysters fortified at 0.01-0.10 ppm, recoveries range from 63 to 129% with a mean of 78.8 +/- 20.8%. For crustaceans fortified at 0.05-0.26 ppm, recoveries ranged from 52 to 110% with a mean of 78 +/- 16.4%. The approximate limits of quantitation for finfish and for shellfish and crustaceans are 0.02 and 0.05 ppm, respectively, under the GLC conditions used in this study.
What does it mean for teachers to be data literate: Laying out the skills, knowledge, and dispositions

Abstract This article reports on the evolution of a conceptual framework for a construct called data literacy for teachers. Data use has become an emphasis in education but few educators have received sufficient training or preparation pertaining to data literacy skills. This article lays out the framework, identifying the specific knowledge, skills, and dispositions teachers need to use data effectively and responsibly. It concludes with a call to schools of education and teacher preparation programs to begin to integrate data literacy into curricula and practical experiences.
The Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi, the Causal Agent of Chagas Disease, in Texas Rodent Populations

Rodent species were assessed as potential hosts of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, from five sites throughout Texas in sylvan and disturbed habitats. A total of 592 rodents were captured, resulting in a wide taxonomic representation of 11 genera and 15 species. Heart samples of 543 individuals were successfully analyzed by SybrGreen-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting a 166 bp fragment of satellite DNA of T. cruzi. Eight rodents representing six species from six genera and two families were infected with T. cruzi. This is the first report of T. cruzi in the pygmy mouse (Baiomys taylori) and the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) for the USA. All infected rodents were from the southernmost site (Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area). No differences in pathogen prevalence existed between disturbed habitats (5 of 131 tested; 3.8%) and sylvan habitats (3 of 40 tested; 7.5%). Most positives (n = 6, 16% prevalence) were detected in late winter with single positives in both spring (3% prevalence) and fall (1% prevalence). Additionally, 30 Triatoma insects were collected opportunistically from sites in central Texas. Fifty percent of these insects, i.e., 13 T. gerstaeckeri (68%), and two T. lecticularia (100%) were positive for T. cruzi. Comparative sequence analyses of 18S rRNA of samples provided identical results with respect to detection of the presence or absence of T. cruzi and assigned T. cruzi from rodents collected in late winter to lineage TcI. T. cruzi from Triatoma sp. and rodents from subsequent collections in spring and fall were different, however, and could not be assigned to other lineages with certainty.
Introducción al número especial: Naciones incorporadas. Los proyectos nacionales y el control de los cuerpos en la Península y en Iberoamérica

[Extracto] L a transformacion que el pensamiento feminista ha experimentado en las ultimas decadas ha llevado, desde los postulados de las teorias queer, postcoloniales y transfeministas, a situar la crisis de toda identidad fija y homogeneizadora en el centro de su discurso. En dialogo con los llamados activismos feministas postidentitarios y, en concreto, en la conexion entre los estudios postcoloniales y las teorias queer, que nos situan en la encrucijada entre genero, sexo, sexualidad, raza, etnia y clase social que atraviesa toda construccion identitaria, los nueve ensayos incluidos en este numero especial de Letras femeninas reflexionan sobre las representaciones textuales en las letras, el arte y el cine, en el ambito de la Peninsula e Iberoamerica, que se centren en la ordenacion y control de las identidades de genero, el sexo y la sexualidad a traves de la regularizacion sobre los limites/margenes de los cuerpos y las naciones desde el poder/estado. La conexion entre la produccion de los cuerpos y la produccion de la nacion como comunidad imaginada ha dado lugar a no pocos ensayos, aproximaciones y controversias. En el marco de los estudios feministas y de genero es ya bien conocida, a partir del pensamiento de Foucault, la idea de que la creacion/configuracion discursiva del cuerpo nacional esta directamente ligada a la construccion discursiva de los cuerpos fisicos de los sujetos que conforman la idea de nacion. Cabe traer a colacion la nocion de somateca1, acunada por Paul B.(eatriz) Preciado, que entiende que el cuerpo es un archivo vivo, con la capacidad de agenciamiento en el campo de batalla de las representaciones culturales y la accion politica. Este enfoque cobra sentido en el proceso de producciones corporales en la encrucijada de la idea de nacion y las categorias identitarias. [...]
In Situ Infrared Spectroscopic Investigations of Pyridine-Mediated CO2 Reduction on Pt Electrocatalysts

Pyridine-mediated electrochemical reduction of CO2 has attracted much attention owing to the promise of producing valuable oxygenates with high yields. However, no detectable level of methanol was observed in the pyridine-mediated CO2 electrolysis on Pt over the entire potential range investigated (−0.2 to −0.8 V vs RHE) in this study. Formate was observed at a potential below −0.6 V vs RHE in the absence and presence of pyridine, but the presence of pyridine does accelerate the rate of formate production. Numerous reaction mechanisms have been proposed on the basis of reactivity measurements, cyclic voltammetry, or computational methods; however, a direct experimental mechanistic investigation has been lacking. By employing surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy, we identified an adsorbed unidentate COOHL intermediate on Pt regardless of the presence of pyridine. Surface coverage of the COOHL intermediate relative to that of adsorbed CO appears to increase with the concentration of pyridine in...