cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Imperfect Recall: The Impact of Composite Spending Information Disclosure on Credit Card Spending

In the past 30 years, consumer credit card debt has expanded tremendously. We know that consumers willingly pay more for the same product when using credit cards versus cash, contrary to the classical rational agent model. Research suggests that it happens due to three imperfections in the classical model: imperfect self-knowledge, imperfect willpower, and imperfect recall. Traditional solutions to credit abuse address the first two imperfections; we examine the third. We propose reminding consumers, on every receipt, how much they have spent cumulatively. We test the effect of this proposal on spending via a controlled experiment. We find that printing this additional information on credit card receipts leads to a significant 9.6% reduction in overall spending compared to the status quo. We discuss the public policy implications of this finding as well as implementation issues.
Self-perception in mild traumatic brain injury.

ABSTRACTDavis CH: Self-perception in mild traumatic brain injury. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2002;81:609–618.ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were (1) to describe a procedure for measuring preinjury and postinjury symptoms, (2) to compare these symptoms with normal controls and individuals with non–
Weighted singularity-robust inverse with criterion function optimization of redundant mobile manipulators in 3D space with defense applications

A 9-DoF mobile robotic manipulator system consisting of a 7-DoF redundant manipulator and a differentially driven 2-DoF mobile non-holonomic platform was mathematically modeled to represent a general redundant mobile manipulator. The control of the 3-degree of redundancy system combines the mobility and manipulation, expands on the conventional control methods and introduces user-specified weights to the singularity-robust (S-R) inverse of the Jacobian. Criterion function weight was added to the weight matrix to optimize the control based on joint limit avoidance. A numerical example to apply and compare several control methods was presented. Singularity and joint limit avoidance along with user-defined motion preference were implemented in simulation. Possible applications in defense were explored.
Pollen diagrams from the Shumagin Islands and adjacent Alaska Peninsula, southwestern Alaska

Pollen diagrams of 10 peat sections taken in sedge tundra span as much as 10.730 radiocarbon years and show a varied sequence of pollen assemblages dominated by herbs and shrubs. Taxa, for the most part. belong to the Gramineae. Cyperaceae. Salix, Abuts, Beiula and Empelrum. The assemblages indicate scral changes in the vegetation, resulting from interaction of climate and of successive ashfalls from regional volcanoes, and suggest a patchwork of late Quaternary plant communities. This record from southernmost Beringia enlarges upon previous pollen records from the Aleutian Islands and from the southern part of the Bering land bridge region in western Alaska.
Depolarization and the spin-spin interaction in p-9Be elastic scattering

Abstract We have determined the D-parameter to be less than 1.0 at four angles in p-9Be elastic scattering at 25 MeV. These results strengthen considerably the evidence for the existence of a nucleon-nucleus spin-spin interaction.
Transport-induced shifts in condensate dew-point and composition in multicomponent systems with chemical reaction

Partial heterogeneous condensation phenomena in multicomponent reacting systems are analyzed taking into consideration the chemical element transport phenomena. It is demonstrated that the dew-point surface temperature in chemically reactive systems is not a purely thermodynamic quantity, but is influenced by the multicomponent diffusion and Soret-mass diffusion phenomena. Several distinct dew-points are shown to exist in such systems and, as a result of transport constraints, the 'sharp' locus between two chemically distinct condensates is systematically moved to a difference mainstream composition.
Coulomb “path” interference in low energy He+ + He collisions

Abstract Coulomb “path” interference results from the existence of two trajectories, indistinguishable with respect to laboratory energy and emission angle, along which ejected autoionizing electrons may be scattered by the attractive Coulomb potential of the slowly receding spectator ion. Experimental evidence for this new phenomenon exists in the uncharacterestically rapid angular dependence of the postcollision broadened lineshape of the He target 2s 2 1 S autoionizing state measured near 0° following 10 keV He + + He collisions. We present a semiclassical model for this effect in which we account for the path dependence of the amplitude of the ejected electron following decay of the autoionizing state. Calculated model lineshapes, which include contributions from adjacent overlapping resonances, are found to be in excellent agreement with the angular dependence observed in the data. Similar interference structure is observed in the calculated lineshape for a single isolated 2s 2 1 S resonance.
Discrete-time machines in closed monoidal categories. I

This paper develops a minimal realization theory for discrete-time machines with structure in a suitable closed monoidal category. By specifying the category a number of applications arise, most of them new. Minimal realization is stated as an adjunction between an input-output behavior functor and a realization functor. The very existence of an adjunction yields several new structural results on minimal realization. As preliminaries, certain aspects of categorical algebra are reviewed, and a theory of discrete-time transition systems is developed. The concept of an X-module and an initial object theorem are especially important. A number of examples of suitable categories is given, but discussion of the resulting machine theories is deferred to a subsequent paper.
Differential expression of the circadian clock in maternal and embryonic tissues of mice.

Background Molecular feedback loops involving transcription and translation and several key genes are at the core of circadian regulatory cycles affecting cellular pathways and metabolism. These cycles are active in most adult animal cells but little is known about their expression or influence during development. Methodology/Principal Findings To determine if circadian cycles are active during mammalian development we measured the expression of key circadian genes during embryogenesis in mice using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. All of the genes examined were expressed in whole embryos beginning at the earliest age examined, embryonic day 10. In contrast to adult tissues, circadian variation was absent for all genes at all of the embryonic ages examined in either whole embryos or individual tissues. Using a bioluminescent fusion protein that tracks translation of the circadian gene, per2, we also analyzed protein levels. Similar to mRNA, a protein rhythm was observed in adult tissue but not in embryonic tissues collected in-vivo. In contrast, when tissues were placed in culture for the continuous assay of bioluminescence, rhythms were observed in embryonic (E18) tissues. We found that placing embryonic tissues in culture set the timing (phase) of these rhythms, suggesting the importance of a synchronizing signal for the expression of circadian cycles in developing tissues. Conclusions/Significance These results show that embryonic tissues express key circadian genes and have the capacity to express active circadian regulatory cycles. In vivo, circadian cycles are not expressed in embryonic tissues as they are in adult tissues. Individual cells might express oscillations, but are not synchronized until later in development.
Permeability Changes in Pinto Bean Leaves Exposed to Gaseous HCl

Summary Changes in the passive movement of deoxyglucose have been used to assess the permeability alterations which accompany HCl injury of pinto bean leaves. The uptake of deoxyglucose in leaf discs from 12 day old plants was linear for over 2 hours. Gaseous HCl treatment did not initially increase the rate of uptake, but 24 hours later, the rate was more than doubled. Forty-eight hours after fumigation, the uptake rate remained elevated in contrast to effects observed following ozone treatment. In younger leaves (8 days post-seeding) exposed to HCl gas the rate of deoxyglucose uptake was not increased nor was it linear as previously assumed. Young leaves showed no visible injury.
Selection for Sulfur Dioxide and Ozone Tolerance in Brormus Rubens along the South Central Coast of California

Abstract Bromus rubens is an exotic annual grass which is widely distributed over central and southern California. Much of its range includes parts of California characterized by high levels of air pollution. To test whether ecotypic differentiation in response to air pollution stress has occurred in this grass species, I fumigated individuals from two populations of B. rubens with three levels of SO2 and S3, alone and in combination, for five weeks. One population was germinated from seeds of B. rubens growing downwind from an oil refinery located on the Nipomo Mesa on the south central coast of California, the other from seeds of plants growing in a relatively pollution-free area located near the coast in the western portion of the Santa Monica Mountains. At the termination of the fumigation period, I estimated the percentage of visible foliar injury for each population-treatment sequence. All plants were subsequently harvested, partitioned into shoot and root parts, measured, and weighed to determine e...
Evolution of LED backlighting in avionics displays

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have realized substantial advancements over the past twelve years since Rockwell Collins began designing LED backlights, resulting in performance improvement and cost reduction for avionics displays. Display and backlight packaging approaches have evolved to address the challenges associated with these LED improvements and the backlight emitter count reductions that followed. The objective of this paper is to discuss the backlight and display packaging design adaptations that helped avionics displays benefit from these LED improvements.
Determination of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate in Pharmaceuticals by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract A high performance liquid chromatographic procedure for the analysis of pharmaceutical formulations containing pentaerythritol tetranitrate including the diluted bulk drug and finished products consisting of uncoated tablets and timed-release capsules and tablets was developed. The method employs a reversed-phase system with UV detection at 230 nm. Replicate analyses of 11 commercial formulations (5 diluted bulk drugs and 6 dosage forms gave precision values (CV) having a range of 0.17 to 1.80%. Recovery values obtained from these commercial preparations via fortification ranged from 98.8 to 102.0% while recoveries from 3 synthetic mixtures varied from 99.2 to 100.8%. The detector response for the analyte was observed to be linear over a 50-fold concentration range using nitroglycerin as the internal standard. The proposed HPLC method is specific, easy to perform and exhibits excellent accuracy and precision. Seven different brands of HPLC columns were evaluated for possible use with the method.
The artist as neuroscientist

Artistic licence taps into the simplified physics used by our brain to recognize everyday scenes, says Patrick Cavanagh.
Determination of the Escherichia coli S-Nitrosoglutathione Response Network Using Integrated Biochemical and Systems Analysis

During infection or denitrification, bacteria encounter reactive nitrogen species. Although the molecular targets of and defensive response against nitric oxide (NO) in Escherichia coli are well studied, the response elements specific to S-nitrosothiols are less clear. Previously, we employed an integrated systems biology approach to unravel the E. coli NO-response network. Here we use a similar approach to confirm that S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) primarily impacts the metabolic and regulatory programs of E. coli in minimal medium by reaction with homocysteine and cysteine and subsequent disruption of the methionine biosynthesis pathway. Targeting of homocysteine and cysteine results in altered regulatory activity of MetJ, MetR, and CysB, activation of the stringent response and growth inhibition. Deletion of metJ or supplementation with methionine strongly attenuated the effect of GSNO on growth and gene expression. Furthermore, GSNO inhibited the ArcAB two-component system. Consistent with the underlying nitrosative and thiol-oxidative chemistry, growth inhibition and the majority of the regulatory perturbations were dependent upon GSNO internalization by the Dpp dipeptide transporter. Contrastingly, perturbation of NsrR appeared to be a result of the submicromolar levels of NO released from GSNO and did not require GSNO internalization.
Dependence of inessential late gene expression on early meiotic events in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

SPR3 is one of at least nine genes which are expressed in sporulating Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells at the time of meiosis I. We show below that strains homozygous for null alleles of SPR3 are capable of normal meiosis and the production of viable ascospores. We have also monitored SPR3 expression in a series of strains that are defective in meiotic development, using an SPR3: lacZ fusion carried on a single copy plasmid. β-Galactosidase activity occurred at wild-type levels in diploid strains homozygous for mutations in spo13, rad50, rad57 and cdc9, but was greatly reduced in strains carrying cdc8 or spo7 defects. We conclude that SPR3 expression is a valid monitor of early meiotic development, even though the gene is inessential for the sporulation process.
Moon-Mars: The elephant in the attic

Earth scientists have an elephant in the attic, and although some have been mumbling about it, few are speaking out in public. The elephant is the new Presidential vision for America's civil space program that envisages manned lunar missions within two decades and an eventual manned mission to Mars—the “Moon-Mars” vision, for short. This elephant is not just peacefully sleeping; it is actively carousing around up there, threatening to bring drastic changes to the house, changes that could threaten vital research in the Earth sciences. Prior to careful consideration of feasibility or unintended consequences, NASA has moved rapidly to restructure itself in response to the new vision. These changes run the risk of preempting much of the work of a current National Research Council (NRC) panel assessing space-based needs and priorities for the Earth sciences (http://qp.nas.edu/decadalsurvey).
Waves of Comparative and Historical Sociology

Dans cet article, l'A discute de la collection Remaking Modernity, consacree a la sociolgie historique aux Etats-Unis
Determinants and Correlates of Target Lesion Calcium in Coronary Artery Disease: A Clinical, Angiographic and Intravascular Ultrasound Study

Abstract Objectives. This report used intravascular ultrasound and quantitative coronary angiography to explore the relation between lesion-associated calcium and risk factors, clinical presentation and angiographic severity of coronary artery stenoses. Background. Coronary artery calcium is a marker for significant coronary atherosclerosis. Noninvasive procedures are being proposed as screening tests for coronary artery disease. Intravascular ultrasound identification of tissue calcium has been validated in vitro. Methods. Independent chart review, preintervention intravascular ultrasound imaging and coronary angiography were used to study primary native vessel lesions in 1,442 patients. Target lesions and reference segments were evaluated according to previously published quantitative and qualitative methods. Results are presented as mean value ± SD. Results. Overall, 1,043 lesions contained target lesion calcium (72%); the arc of target lesion calcium was 110 ± 109°. Lesions with an ultrasound plaque burden >0.75 or an angiographic diameter stenosis >0.25 had a prevalence of calcium of at least 65%, with a mean arc >100°. Intermediate lesions had as much target lesion calcium as did angiographically severe lesions. Using multivariate linear regression analysis, patient age, stable (vs. unstable) angina and the intravascular ultrasound lesion site and reference segment plaque burden (but not the angiographic diameter stenosis) were the independent predictors of the arc of target lesion calcium (all p Conclusions. Intravascular ultrasound analysis shows that coronary calcification correlates with plaque burden but not with degree of lumen compromise. Thus, the noninvasive detection of coronary calcium is predictive of future cardiac events, presumably because coronary calcification is a marker for overall atherosclerotic plaque burden. Coronary calcium increases with increasing patient age and is less common in unstable lesion subsets. (J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;29:268–74)
Analysis of ventilation shock losses by finite element method

This paper presents an analysis of ventilation shock losses using the two-dimensional finite element method. It outlines the finite element formulation, in which the ventilation air flow is assumed to be a steady-state, viscous, incompressible and fully developed turbulent flow. In addition, the modified version of Van Driest model is assumed for the effective kinematic viscosity.
Childhood self-control, adolescent behavior, and career success

Abstract Research indicates that dispositional self-control is an important predictor of a wide range of behaviors and outcomes but little research has examined this characteristic in the context of career success. This work adds to the limited findings in this area and extends previous research by developing and examining a model of self-control and career success. Specifically, drawing from the concepts of cumulative and interactional continuity (Caspi, Bem, & Elder, 1989) and the recently proposed distinction between start/initiatory and stop/inhibitory self-control (e.g., de Ridder, de Boer, Lugtig, Bakker, & van Hooft, 2011), we developed and tested a model of the pathways leading from childhood self-control to career outcomes focusing on adolescent behavior that is positive (e.g., studying) versus negative (e.g., stealing), education, and job complexity. Results indicated that childhood self-control predicted positive and negative adolescent behavior; this behavior predicted educational attainment; education predicted the complexity and income associated with one’s job; job complexity predicted income and job satisfaction; and income predicted job satisfaction. These findings add to research on self-control and career success, further demonstrating the relevance of self-control in this context and highlighting key links connecting these variables involving factors related to start and stop control.
First results from the phase contrast imaging system on TEXT-U

A phase contrast imaging (PCI) diagnostic with a vertical beam covering the central third of the plasma was successfully operated to study density fluctuations in the TEXT-U tokamak. The diagnostic had a wave number range of 0.5–12 cm−1, a bandwidth of 500 kHz and a sensitivity of about 1010 cm−3. We present the optical design of the system and discuss three calibration techniques. We compare density fluctuation spectra obtained with spectra from Langmuir probes at the edge and the heavy ion beam probe diagnostic in the core of the plasma. This provides evidence that the PCI diagnostic is sensitive to both edge and core turbulence.
Direct Measurement of Uranium Isotopic Ratios in Soils by Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry

Since the current methodology mandated by the environmental protection agency (EPA) for the determination of isotope ratios of priority metals in sediments, sludges, and soils is both time consuming and labor intensive, it would clearly be of great value in environmental surveys if there were a procedure capable of direct analysis of these materials with little or no sample preparation. A method that holds promise in this regard is glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS). GDMS has several characteristics that make it worthy of evaluation; essentially all elements are amenable to analysis, preliminary results indicate isotopic biases are small, and the determination of isotopic ratios at the sub-ppm level is a reasonable hope since detection limits are in the sub-ppb range. Furthermore, previous studies have indicated that GDMS is a fairly precise method for providing isotopic information with good precision; precisions better than 0.05% relative standard deviation (RSD) have been obtained.
Validation and application of an intervertebral disc finite element model utilizing independently constructed tissue-level constitutive formulations that are nonlinear, anisotropic, and time-dependent

Finite element (FE) models are advantageous in the study of intervertebral disc mechanics as the stress-strain distributions can be determined throughout the tissue and the applied loading and material properties can be controlled and modified. However, the complicated nature of the disc presents a challenge in developing an accurate and predictive disc model, which has led to limitations in FE geometry, material constitutive models and properties, and model validation. The objective of this study was to develop a new FE model of the intervertebral disc, to validate the model's nonlinear and time-dependent responses without tuning or calibration, and to evaluate the effect of changes in nucleus pulposus (NP), cartilaginous endplate (CEP), and annulus fibrosus (AF) material properties on the disc mechanical response. The new FE disc model utilized an analytically-based geometry. The model was created from the mean shape of human L4/L5 discs, measured from high-resolution 3D MR images and averaged using signed distance functions. Structural hyperelastic constitutive models were used in conjunction with biphasic-swelling theory to obtain material properties from recent tissue tests in confined compression and uniaxial tension. The FE disc model predictions fit within the experimental range (mean ± 95% confidence interval) of the disc's nonlinear response for compressive slow loading ramp, creep, and stress-relaxation simulations. Changes in NP and CEP properties affected the neutral-zone displacement but had little effect on the final stiffness during slow-ramp compression loading. These results highlight the need to validate FE models using the disc's full nonlinear response in multiple loading scenarios.
Do VA mycorrhizae enhance transpiration by affecting host phosphorus content

Abstract The prevailing indication in the literature is that enhancement of transpiration by vesicular‐arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizae is usually mediated by improved host phosphorus nutrition. The present experiments were conducted to investigate this in mycorrhizal Rosa hybrida L. ‘Samantha’ plants. In growth room and greenhouse studies, roses colonized by either a native or an exotic VA mycorrhizal fungus had greater transpiration rates than nonmycorrhizal rose plants of similar size and phosphorus content, under similar conditions. This mycorrhizal effect on transpiration was observed throughout a range of soil water potential. Whether or not plants were mycorrhizal, phosphorus content was not correlated with transpiration rate on an individual leaf basis.
The Y641C mutation of EZH2 alters substrate specificity for histone H3 lysine 27 methylation states

Mutations at tyrosine 641 (Y641F, Y641N, Y641S and Y641H) in the SET domain of EZH2 have been identified in patients with certain subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). These mutations were shown to change the substrate specificity of EZH2 for various methylation states of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27). An additional mutation at EZH2 Y641 to cysteine (Y641C) was also found in one patient with NHL and in SKM-1 cells derived from a patient with myelodisplastic syndrome (MDS). The Y641C mutation has been reported to dramatically reduce enzymatic activity. Here, we demonstrate that while the Y641C mutation ablates enzymatic activity against unmethylated and monomethylated H3K27, it is superior to wild-type in catalyzing the formation of trimethylated H3K27 from the dimethylated precursor.
Crystallinity of poly(tetramethyl-p-silphenylenesiloxane) and (tetramethyl-p-silphenylenesiloxane)-(dimethyl siloxane) copolymers

Abstract An X-ray method is described for determining the degree of crystallinity of poly(tetramethyl- p -silphenylenesiloxane) (TMPS) homopolymers and copolymers of tetramethyl- p -silphenylenesiloxane (TMPS—DMS) of wt % TMPS—DMS ratio of 48 52 , 65 35 and 85 15 , respectively. The specimens had an average DMS block size of 30 monomeric units. Polymers ranging from 100 wt % TMPS to approximately 50 wt % of TMPS were studied. Over this composition range the crystallinities varied from 75 to 30% approximately. Crystallinity determinations were also made using a density gradient column and differential scanning calorimetric methods for comparison purposes to check the validity of the X-ray procedure described herein. The results of the three techniques were in satisfactory agreement although some refinements are still in order.
Optimum distance model of relaxation around substitutional defects

The relaxation patterns around isovalent substituent atoms in the NaCl, CsCl, ZnS, CaF2, Li2O, and ReO3 structure types have been calculated. Such models (1) emphasize geometric structural criteria and are thus conceptually simple, (2) are computationally straightforward though perhaps computer-time consuming for large, low symmetry cases, and (3) agree reasonably well with more complex calculations, such as energy minimization methods. On the basis of such optimum interatomic distance models, atomic displacements resulting from an isovalent substitution: (1) depend strongly on the structural connectivity (structural type) involved, (2) are decidedly greater for atoms with radius vectors parallel to the substituent's bonds and least for atoms with radius vectors oriented between such bonds, (3) decrease in magnitude approximately inversely proportional to the square of the distance to the substituent, regardless of direction, and (4) are mostly, but not strictly, radial. The simplest relationship to structural type is the dependence on the coordination of the substituent's ligands — the greater the coordination number of the atoms bonded to the substituting atom, the less compliant the structure.
Oxygen Isotope Studies of Ivory Coast Tektites and Impactite Glass from the Bosumtwi Crater, Ghana

Oxygen isotope analyses were obtained for six Ivory Coast tektites, two samples of Bosumtwi Crater glass, and two new moldavites. The Ivory Coast tektites are 2 to 5 per mil richer in oxygen-18 than other known tektites, and they are similar in oxygen-18 content to the impactite glass from the nearby Bosumtwi Crater. These data are compatible with a terrestrial origin for the Ivory Coast tektites.
Diurnal and Nocturnal Effects of Brimonidine Monotherapy on Intraocular Pressure

Purpose To investigate the effect of brimonidine monotherapy on intraocular pressure (IOP) during the nocturnal/sleep period. Design Prospective, open-label experimental study. Participants Fifteen patients with newly diagnosed open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (ages, 46–72 years). Methods Baseline data of 24-hour IOP in untreated patients were collected in a sleep laboratory. Measurements of IOP were taken using a pneumatonometer every 2 hours in the sitting and supine body positions during the 16-hour diurnal/wake period and in the supine position during the 8-hour nocturnal/sleep period. Patients were treated afterward with 0.1% brimonidine 3 times per day for 4 weeks, and 24-hour IOP data were collected under the same laboratory conditions. Main Outcome Measures Diurnal and nocturnal IOP means under the brimonidine treatment were compared with the baseline. Results The diurnal IOP mean was significantly lower under the brimonidine treatment than the baseline IOP in both the sitting and supine positions. There was no statistically significant change in IOP under the brimonidine treatment from the baseline during the nocturnal period. Conclusions Although 0.1% brimonidine monotherapy significantly lowered IOP during the diurnal/wake period, it did not significantly lower IOP during the nocturnal/sleep period. Financial Disclosure(s) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
In vitro increase of mean corpuscular volume difference (dMCV) as a marker for serum hypertonicity in dogs

Spurious increase in erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume (MCV) on automated cell analyzers is a well-characterized lab error in hypertonic patients. A difference between automated and manual MCV (dMCV) greater than 2 fl has been shown to predict hypertonicity in humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate dMCV as a marker for serum hypertonicity in dogs and to examine the relationship between dMCV and three methods of estimating serum tonicity: measured (OsMM), calculated (OsMC), and calculated effective (OsMCE) osmolalities. OsMC, OsMCE, and dMCV were calculated from routine blood values and OsMM was directly measured in 121 dogs. The dMCV of hypertonic dogs was significantly larger than that of normotonic dogs for all three osmolality methods. dMCV predicted hypertonicity as estimated by OsMM better than it predicted hypertonicity as estimated by OsMC and OsMCE. A cutoff of 2.96 fl yielded the best sensitivity (76%) and specificity (71%) for hypertonicity estimated by OsMM.
An Integrated Research on Children's Construction of Meaningful, Symbolic, Partitioning-related Conceptions and the Teacher's Role in Fostering That Learning

Abstract A teaching experiment was conducted with two fourth graders to study the co-emergence of teaching and children's construction of fraction knowledge. The children's learning, i.e., modifications in their fraction schemes, was fostered through working on tasks in a computer microworld. The children advanced from thinking about a unit fraction as one of several equal parts in a whole (the equipartitioning scheme) to operating with a unit fraction as a symbolized, iterable part the magnitude of which is based on the numerosity of the partitioned whole (the partitive fraction scheme). The paper interweaves an analysis of children's construction of partitioning-related symbolic conceptions of fractions with an analysis of the teaching—planning and using tasks—that fosters such an advancement by introducing fraction words and numerals in the context of the children's partitioning activities.
Characterization of highly filled wood flour–PVC composites: Morphological and thermal studies

Composites with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as major matrix constituent, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) as polymeric plasticizer and wood flour (WF) and fly ash (FA) as filler were extruded. Morphology of the samples was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Morphological study indicated good dispersion of the constituents. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) indicates interaction between EVA and PVC and also between the polymeric matrix and WF. The effect of various constituents on glass transition temperature (Tg) was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry. Addition of EVA decreased the Tg, whereas Tg was increased due to addition of WF and FA. Study indicated that reduction in Tg on addition of EVA was compensated by increase in Tg due to addition of WF. The contribution of FA to change in Tg was not significant. Resulting composites have Tg close to that of PVC. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Pharmacy's bucket list: lean in.

I feel supremely honored to be standing before you tonight. I consider this a lifetime achievement award. This recognition, voted on by such a prestigious group of professional leaders who have gone before me, is truly an honor counted among the highest I have ever been awarded. In fact, I believe
An elastic-plastic finite element solution for a cracked plate

In this paper, the finite element method is applied to a center-cracked plate subject to opening mode tensile loading. A complete elastic-plastic plane-stress solution for strain hardening materials obeying a Von Mises yield condition and Prandtl-Reuss stress-strain relations is obtained using only constant strain elements. An accurate representation of the stress-strain field even at distances very close to the crack-tip, is achieved by the use of a mesh arrangement in which the size of the elements decreases in a geometric series as the crack tip is approached. The numerical solution is compared with and used to discuss the range of validity of the well-known HRR (Hutchinson-Rice-Rosengren) crack tip solution valid for small scale yielding. The influence of different amounts of hardening and the effect of changes in the mesh arrangements are also considered. Features of the finite element algorithm which reduce the total computing time are discussed. The finite element program is executed on a CRAY-1 computer and the effect of vectorization on computational speed is discussed for this problem.
Trondhjemite and metamorphosed quartz keratophyre tuff of the Ammonoosuc Volcanics (Ordovician), western New Hampshire and adjacent Vermont and Massachusetts

The Ammonoosuc Volcanics and equivalent rocks of Ordovician age are exposed in the Oliverian domes along the Bronson Hill anti-clinorium (BHA) between northern New Hampshire and southern Connecticut. In western New Hampshire and adjacent Vermont and Massachusetts, the Ammonoosuc lithology consists of a lower, mainly mafic unit of homblende-plagioclase amphibolite, and an upper, mainly felsic, metamorphosed quartz keratophyre tuff. These lithologies are locally interlayered, and both are intruded by sills, dikes, and plugs of trondhjemite. Trondhjemite also constitutes the interior gneissic “core” of several small domes or plutons. The trondhjemite is highly siliceous (SiO 2 = 73%–81%), low in A1 2 O 3 (11.3%–13.5%), generally contains 2 O, and thus resembles some trondhjemites in island-arc or continental-margin settings. Chemical trends of both trondhjemite and Ammonoosuc Volcanics (felsic and mafic) are essentially calc-alkaline. Variations in both major and trace elements of trondhjemites in several of the domes suggest several somewhat different sources along the BHA. Overall, however, the major- and minor-element chemistry of the trondhjemites is closely similar to that of the Ammonoosuc quartz keratophyre tuff. These rocks could have been produced either by partial melting or by fractional crystallization of basaltic source rocks. The partial-melting model is preferred because of the largely bimodal basalt-quartz keratophyre Ammonoosuc assemblage in which andesitic and other intermediate compositions are virtually lacking. The relatively thin Ammonoosuc section appears to preclude generation of trondhjemite at the presently exposed base of an island arc, as has been postulated for very similar trondhjemite-amphibolite assemblages (Twillingate trondhjemite, Little Port Complex) in Newfoundland. Instead, generation of the felsic Ammonoosuc rocks more likely occurred at deeper levels along a subduction zone dipping eastward under the BHA, as postulated in current plate-tectonic models. The close juxtaposition in space and time of sialic crust and Ammonoosuc Volcanics may explain the calc-alkaline trends of the latter and suggests a paleotectonic environment of convergent oceanic-continental plate margins, possibly with significant crustal shortening across the arc.
The influence of suggestion on suicide: substantive and theoretical implications of the Werther effect.

This paper shows that suicides increase immediately after a suicide story has been publicized in the newspapers in Britain and in the United States, 1947-1968. The more publicity devoted to a suicide story, the larger the rise in suicides thereafter. The rise in suicides after a story is restricted mainly to the area in which the story was publicized. Alternative explanations of these findings are examined; the evidence indicates that the rise in suicides is due to the influence of suggestion on suicide, an influence not previously demonstrated on the national level of suicides. The substantive, theoretical, and methodological implications of these findings are examined.
On Tyminsky's (2005) long-term group psychotherapy for children with pervasive developmental disorder.

(2006). On Tyminsky’s (2005) Long–Term Group Psychotherapy for Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy: Vol. 56, No. 1, pp. 113-114.
The experience of libraries across time: thematic analysis of undergraduate recollections of library experiences

To understand the human experience of libraries and the implications this understanding has for library use and service, education, and design, 118 undergraduate students were asked to list three personally memorable incidents concerning library use. Following this, they were asked to write a short narrative of one of these experiences. Incidents reported by participants ranged from preschool to college age, and content analysis indicated that a majority took place at two or more grade levels, sometimes as early as the participant's first (preschool) visit to a library. Phenomenological analysis of individual narratives produced a thematic structure for each of the four grade levels represented in the data: elementary school and younger, middle school, high school, and college/adult. Themes common across all four levels include Atmosphere, Size and Abundance, Organization/Rules and Their Effects on Me, and What I Do in the Library. A theme of Memories was unique to narratives that took place during elementary and younger age levels. Although all remaining themes were noted across age levels, the relative importance of various themes and subthemes was different at different ages. Implications of the thematic structure for library practice are discussed.
Phosphofructokinase in rat jejunal mucosa subcellular distribution, isolation, and characterization

Abstract 1. 1. The subcellular distribution and certain characteristics of phosphofructokinase (ATP: d -fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.11) in rat jejunal mucosa were studied. 88% of the total phosphofructokinase activity was recovered in the 105 000 × g supernatant . 2. 2. A 10-fold purification of jejunal phosphofructokinase was achieved by differential centrifugation, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and Sephadex gel filtration. Our studies of the gel-filtered enzyme suggest that the active enzyme may exist as a protein with a molecular weight of 190 000. The jejunal phosphofructokinase preparation demonstrates similar kinetic properties with respect to ATP, Mg2+, and fructose-6-phosphate to those demonstrated for phosphofructokinase from other tissue sources. 3. 3. Jejunal phosphofructokinase is stabilized by SO42- and could be chromatographed in the absence of substrates, products, metal cations, or adenine nucleotides. 4. 4. Na+ concentrations of 10 mM or lower inhibit jejunal phosphofructokinase activity while K+ has no apparent effect.
Tumor-Induced Macrophage Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Production Suppresses Autoreactive T Cell Proliferation

Abstract T cells can react to self-cells bearing the syngeneic major histocompatibility complex class II molecule Ia. Decreased autoreactive T cell responses are associated with cancer. Tumor growth causes syngeneic macrophages (MΦ) to suppress autoreactive T cell proliferation by decreasing MΦ Ia expression and increasing MΦ production of the suppressor molecule prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ). Because MΦ produce tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) during cancer, and TNF-α stimulates MΦ PGE 2 synthesis, we determined if TNF-α mediates tumor-induced suppression of autoreactive T cell proliferation stimulated by syngeneic MΦ. We showed that tumor growth increases TNF-α production because tumor-bearing host (TBH) MΦ synthesized more TNF-α than normal host (NH) MΦ when cultured with lipopolysaccharide. Exogenous TNF-α increased NH CD4 + autoreactive T cell proliferation stimulated by syngeneic NH MΦ but not by TBH MΦ. When endogenous TNF-α activity was neutralized by anti-TNF-α antibody addition, T cell proliferation decreased when stimulated by NH MΦ but increased when stimulated by TBH MΦ. Kinetic studies showed that TNF-α affected MΦ-stimulated T cell proliferation during the first few hours (4 h) of the 96h culture time. Indomethacin-treatment allowed TNF-α to increase T cell proliferation stimulated by TBH MΦ. A PGE 2 -specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that TBH MΦ T cell cultures contained significantly more PGE 2 than those containing NH MΦ, and that exogenous TNF-α increased PGE 2 production in TBH MΦ cultures more than in NH MΦ cultures. Short-term (4h) pretreatment of MΦ with TNF-α increased T cell proliferation stimulated by NH, but not TBH, MΦ. However, long-term (16h) TNF-α pretreatment reversed TBH MΦ-mediated suppression, suggesting that early suppressor molecule production inhibits synthesis or activity of TNF-α-induced stimulatory monokines. Although TNF-α is known to increase T cell proliferation, these results show that the tumor-induced increase in MΦ TNF-α synthesis suppress autoreactive T cell proliferation, which is mediated by PGE 2 production.
Ploidy determination of buffel grass accessions in the USDA National Plant Germplasm System collection by flow cytometry.

Abstract The DNA content of 568 accessions of buffel grass ( Cenchrus ciliaris L. syn. Pennisetum ciliare (L.) Link) in the USDA National Plant Germplasm System was determined through flow cytometry. Based on DNA content, 308 accessions were determined as tetraploids with 36 chromosomes, 139 as pentaploids with 45 chromosomes, 20 as hexaploids with 54 chromosomes, two as septaploids with 63 chromosomes, and 99 as aneuploids.
Kinetic Studies of Gas Mixtures and Their Application to Gas Lasers and Pollutant Detection

A 2-meV proton beam with a 10-ns pulse width was used to excite various gas mixtures. The emitted vacuum ultraviolet (500 A to 2000 A) and ultraviolet-visible (2000 A to 8000 A) photons passing through separate monochromators were detected by using single photon counting techniques. Time-resolved and time-integrated fluorescent spectroscopy was used to study the detailed mechanism of excitation energy transfer, Penning ionization, charge transfer, and ion-ion recombination processes. The energy precursors of various excited species in a number of gas mixtures were identified, and the quenching rates of excited atoms and ions by numerous small molecules were measured. Relative fluorescence efficiencies and energy pathways of proton-excited gas mixtures were used to study the kinetics of high power gas lasers. An ultrasensitive method for the detection of certain pollutants utilizing energy or charge transfer processes in proton-excited gas mixtures has been developed.
Complications and Long-Term Results of Salvage Cystectomy After Failed Bladder Sparing Therapy for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

Purpose: Radical cystectomy has been the standard treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer. Combined modality therapy involving transurethral bladder tumor resection, external beam radiation and chemotherapy is an effective alternative to cystectomy in selected patients. Salvage cystectomy is reserved for those in whom combined modality therapy fails. We characterized complications associated with salvage cystectomy.Materials and Methods: From 1986 to 2007 of 348 patients undergoing bladder sparing therapy 102 (29%) underwent salvage cystectomy, 91 of whom were treated at Massachusetts General Hospital after receiving combined modality therapy for T2–T4aNxM0 bladder cancer. Patients underwent transurethral bladder tumor resection followed by chemoradiation (40 Gy). Early assessment was performed by cystoscopy/re-biopsy. Patients with complete response continued with consolidation chemoradiation (total dose 64 Gy). Immediate salvage cystectomy (50 of 91) was performed for persistent disease, while dela...
Transvaginal Sonographic Diagnosis of Unilateral Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy in Dichorionic Twins

This case study describes the transvaginal sonographic diagnosis of a unilateral tubal ectopic pregnancy in dichorionic twins. The separate but unruptured gestational sacs are located adjacent to each other in the right fallopian tube; one fetus shows fetal cardiac motion, whereas the second fetus shows demise. In this case, transvaginal sonography is essential in diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy. Transvaginal scans should be utilized in combination with transabdominal sonography to make accurate diagnoses.
Factors Associated with Unmet Need for Modern Contraception in Post-Conflict Liberia

We examined the association between intimate partner violence and unmet need for modern contraception in post-conflict Liberia. This is a secondary analysis of data collected using the Priorities for Local AIDS Control Efforts (PLACE) method. Data from 499 sexually experienced young women (aged 14-25) in Montserrado County, Liberia were examined. Intimate partner violence (55.7%), unintended pregnancy (83.2%), and abortion (45.3%) were pervasive in the study population. An estimated 35.9% of respondents had an unmet need for modern contraception. However, multivariate logistic regression results did not reveal an association between intimate partner violence and unmet need (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.70-1.75). Among covariates examined, only contraceptive use at sexual debut (26.1%) was significantly associated with unmet need (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.140.52). Liberian youth need information about and access to modern contraceptive methods besides condoms. Interventions to identify and treat victims of violence are also needed. Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[2]: 58-67). Key words : Intimate partner violence, unintended pregnancy, abortion, unmet need for contraception, adolescents, Liberia Resume Nous avons etudie l'association entre la violence du partenaire intime et le besoin non satisfait de la contraception mo derne au Liberia de post- conflit. Il s'agit d'une analyse secondaire des donnees recueillies a travers la methode des priorites pour les efforts locaux du controle du SIDA (PELCS). Nous avons etudie les donnees de 499 jeunes femmes (âgees de 14-25) dans le comte de Montserrado, Liberia, qui etaient sexuellement experimentees. La violence du partenaire intime (55,7, les grossesses non desirees (83,2 %) et l'avortement (45,3 %) etaient tres communs dans la population etudiee. On estime que 35,9 % des repondants ont un besoin non satisfait de la contraception moderne. Cependant, les resultats multivaries de la regression logistique n'ont pas revele une association entre la violence du partenaire intime et les besoins non satisfaits (OR 1,11, IC 95% 0,70 a 1,75). Parmi les co-variables examinees, seule l'utilisation des contraceptifs au premier rapport sexuel (26,1%) etait significativement associee a des besoins non satisfaits (OR 0,27, IC 95% 0,14 au 0,52). La jeunesse liberienne a besoin d'informations sur l'acces aux methodes contraceptives modernes a part les preservatifs. Les interventions qui visent a identifier et a traiter les victimes de violence sont egalement necessaires. Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[2]: 58-67). Mots cles : violence conjugale, grossesses non desirees, avortement, besoins non satisfaits en matiere de la contraception,
ICD and End-of-Life Discussions: Why Communication Matters

An implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD) is a unique indwelling device for the treatment of cardiac dysrhythmia and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. On February 4, 1980, the first ICD was implanted into a human subject. Thousands of Americans have been saved as a result of this device. Near the end of life, an active ICD may no longer be consistent with a patient’s needs and/or current health status. The very benefit of the device becomes the risk. Research has shown a deficit in recipient understanding of the role and function of the ICD. Likewise, there is a deficit in physician-led discussions and education of ICD deactivation in end-of-life care.