cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Evolution of Discipline Practices: School-Wide Positive Behavior Supports

SUMMARY In response to public requests to improve the purpose and structure of discipline systems, schools have increased their emphases on “school-wide” positive behavior support. The thesis of this paper is that the current problem behavior of students in elementary and middle schools requires a preventive, whole-school approach. The foundation for such an approach lies in the emerging technology of positive behavior support. The features of positive behavior support are defined, and their application to whole-school intervention articulated. Finally, the steps that have been used to implement school-wide positive behavior support in over 500 schools across the nation are described.
Terminal stages of SV40 DNA replication proceed via multiply intertwined catenated dimers

We have identified a new class of SV40 replicative intermediates which consists of a least 20 discrete DNA species. All members of this class are catenated dimers, two circular molecules of SV40 duplex DNA linked topologically by one or more intertwining events. Most of these molecules are linked by several intertwining events, and the range of linkage states observed runs from L = 1 to L = 10. A catenated dimer with a given linkage state is assigned to one of three distinct families (A, B or C) depending on the open or covalently closed nature of its two circular components: in form A catenated dimers, both circles are nicked or gapped; in form B, one of the circles is supercoiled; and in form C, both circles are supercoiled. Members of all three of these families are found in SV40 chromatin pulse-labeled with 3H-thymidine, and together they comprise 10-20% of the total replicative form SV40 DNA, appearing as a discrete series of electrophoretically resolved bands superimposed upon a continuous smear of growing cairns structures. The distribution of linkage states varies between the families, A being the most intertwined and C the least intertwined. Upon a chase with cold thymidine, label is lost rapidly from all these catenated DNA species. We suggest that the sequence A leads to B leads to C leads to mature monomeric supercoiled SV40 DNA represents the final stages of SV40 replication, and that a special enzyme activity exists in vivo to uncatenate the SV40 daughter chromosomes.
Bottom–Up Energy Analysis System (BUENAS)—an international appliance efficiency policy tool

The Bottom–Up Energy Analysis System (BUENAS) calculates potential energy and greenhouse gas emission impacts of efficiency policies for lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, appliances, and industrial equipment through 2030. The model includes 16 end use categories and covers 11 individual countries plus the European Union. BUENAS is a bottom–up stock accounting model that predicts energy consumption for each type of equipment in each country according to engineering-based estimates of annual unit energy consumption, scaled by projections of equipment stock. Energy demand in each scenario is determined by equipment stock, usage, intensity, and efficiency. When available, BUENAS uses sales forecasts taken from country studies to project equipment stock. Otherwise, BUENAS uses an econometric model of household appliance uptake developed by the authors. Once the business as usual scenario is established, a high-efficiency policy scenario is constructed that includes an improvement in the efficiency of equipment installed in 2015 or later. Policy case efficiency targets represent current “best practice” and include standards already established in a major economy or well-defined levels known to enjoy a significant market share in a major economy. BUENAS calculates energy savings according to the difference in energy demand in the two scenarios. Greenhouse gas emission mitigation is then calculated using a forecast of electricity carbon factor. We find that mitigation of 1075 mt annual CO2 emissions is possible by 2030 from adopting current best practices of appliance efficiency policies. This represents a 17 % reduction in emissions in the business as usual case in that year.
Conflict and Diplomacy in the South China Sea

Abstract Disputes over sovereignty and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea (SCS) involve both the claimants and major maritime powers. Two starkly different approaches to the SCS conflict are discussed: (1) diplomacy among the claimants either bilaterally or multilaterally; (2) if diplomacy fails, the claimants are building their militaries to assert their rights through force.
α1‐Adrenergic receptor‐induced cytoskeletal organization and cell motility in CCL39 fibroblasts requires phospholipase D1

The role of phospholipase D (PLD) in cytoskeletal reorganization, ERK activation, and migration is well established. Both isoforms of PLD (PLD1 and PLD2) can independently activate stress fiber formation and increase ERK phosphorylation. However, the isoform's specificity, upstream activators, and downstream targets of PLD that coordinate this process are less well understood. This study explores the role of α(1) -adrenergic receptor stimulation and its effect on PLD activity. We demonstrate that PLD1 activators, RhoA, and PKCα are critical for stress fiber formation and ERK activation, and enhance the production of phosphatidic acid (PA) upon phenylephrine addition. Ectopic expression of dominant negative PLD1 and not PLD2 blocks ERK activation, inhibits stress fiber formation, and reduces cell motility in CCL39 fibroblasts. Furthermore, we demonstrate the mechanism for PLD1 activation of ERK involves Ras. This work indicates that PLD1 plays a novel role mediating growth factor and cell motility events in α(1) -adrenergic receptor-activated cells.
Dirac R-matrix calculation of electron-impact excitation of Ni XIX

The Dirac R-matrix method is used for solving the relativistic close-coupling equations for the electron impact excitation of Ni XIX. Target states up to the principal quantum number n=5 are included in the calculation. Highly accurate results are obtained in our calculations with the inclusion of resonance effects, channel coupling effects, and fully relativistic effects. We demonstrate that strong resonances appear in the excitation of the highly-charged ion Ni XIX, in particular for intercombination and forbidden transitions. Large differences are found when compared with previous calculations carried out with the distorted wave method. This calculation has direct applications to laboratory measurements and observations of astrophysical x-ray sources.
Theophrastus on herbals and herbal remedies

Theophrastus of Eresos (c. 370-288/85 B.C.) was the outstanding student of Aristotle, and is famed in the history of Western literature for his lampooning Characters, as well as numerous treatises on botany, petrology, and other subjects in natural history.' Best known is the Historia Plantarum, which formed the base for all succeeding studies of plant lore and classification until the Linnaean system.2 Taking Aristotle's methodologies, illustrated in the Historia Animalium, De Partibus Animalium, and other zoological works, Theophrastus produced a botanical guide that displayed the best in the Peripatetic approaches to the world of nature. There is some controversy over the authenticity of Historia Plantarum, IX, in which herbs and herbals appear. It is argued that there may be some genuine "Theophrastean" matter in Book IX, but that an unknown rhizotomos ("root-cutter") was the author.3 In a recent survey of herbal documents, Stannard remains uncertain about Book IX, and his conclusion that "Book IX of Theophrastus' History of Plants . . . is possibly spurious"'4 is typical of most essays touching on the subject. The problem is centered on the topics in Book IX, which seem at variance with the remainder of the treatise, but Einarson has shown that the best witnesses in the MS tradition do include Book IX.5 Further-
Teacher Preparation via Online Learning: A Growing Alternative for Many

Abstract There is increasing use of distance-learning technologies to deliver alternative teacher licensure and certification programs for those areas of shortage such as rural and urban areas and those content areas for which it is difficult to find highly qualified teachers. This article reviews those collaborative groups, partnerships, and institutions that are using distance learning to deliver alternative teacher education programs in the United States. Alternative programs being offered via distance-learning technologies and methods will continue to grow with the demand for such programs. With the advent of charter teacher education colleges, this will become an option for those who are teaching without the proper teaching credential or those wishing to fill the high demand area voids.
Comparison of Prostate Volume Measured by Endorectal Coil MRI to Prostate Specimen Volume and Mass After Radical Prostatectomy

Rationale and Objectives To compare prostate volume measurements from 3-Tesla endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging (ERC MRI) obtained with the prolate ellipsoid volume formula (EVF) and volumetry to pathology-based volume measurements. Methods The institutional review board waived informed consent for this retrospective, health insurance portability and accountability act (HIPAA) compliant study, which included 195 patients who underwent 3-T ERC MRI between January 2008 and October 2011 and had pathologic prostate measurements available. Two readers in consensus measured the prostate length, height, and width on each MRI. They estimated prostate volumes using the prolate EVF (length × height × width × [π/6]) and also by performing three-dimensional volumetry. Pathologic specimen mass and dimensions were used to calculate prostate volume. Agreement was measured with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Volume differences were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Correct prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density classification rates were compared between EVF-based and volumetry-based PSA density levels using the exact McNemar test, with pathology-based PSA density as the reference standard. Results Concordance was high between EVF and volumetry measurements (CCC, 0.950 [95% confidence interval, 0.935–0.962]) and between both kinds of MRI measurements and pathology (both CCC > 0.80). Based on a cut-off of ≤0.15 ng/mL/cm 3 , use of EVF-based volume produced correct classification of 46 of 48 PSA density levels >15 ng/mL/cm 3 and 113 of 147 PSA density levels ≤15 ng/mL/cm 3 ; use of volumetry-based volume produced correct classification of 47 of 48 PSA density levels >15 ng/mL/cm 3 and 121 of 147 PSA density levels ≤15 ng/mL/cm 3 . Rates of underclassification ( P > .95) and overclassification ( P = .10) did not differ significantly between EVF and volumetry. Conclusions EVF appears to be suitable for measuring prostate volume from ERC-MRI.
Explosive Cyclogenesis Associated with Cyclones in Polar Air Streams

Abstract Sanders and Gyakum's (1980) 24-hour criterion (a central pressure fall that averages at least 1 mb h−1 for 24 h) of a rapidly deepening extratropical surface cyclone is adopted to investigate explosive surface cyclogenesis associated with cyclones in polar air streams and frontal waves induced by cyclones in polar air streams. A case is described in detail in which both the cold air vortex and frontal wave meet the criterion. Other examples of rapid cyclogenesis in which only the cold air cyclone or frontal wave satisfy the criterion are given. These examples confirm that cyclones in polar streams and frontal waves induced by cyclones in polar air streams can exhibit rapid enough deepening rates to fulfill Sanders and Gyakum's criterion. These events are located downstream of a mobile upper-tropospheric trough, within or poleward of the jet stream axis, and within or ahead of a planetary-wave trough. A quasi-geostrophic diagnosis of the case described in detail reveals computed pressure falls muc...
A computer fraud survey

The informed reader will agree that it is very difficult to obtain hard facts regarding computer fraud. The literature contains many articles quoting one or two of the primary studies discussed below. One of these studies of computer related crime is the SRI project, which has been underway for over ten years. This study has resulted in the publication of numerous reports during the last ten years (3,4,8), plus a number of articles (6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16). The SRI project includes statistics from some 700 to 800 cases of computer crime. Unfortunately, for privacy and confidentiality reasons, the complete details of these cases are not readily available to the interested researcher. The National Computer Centre in Manchester, England is developing a case file similar to SRI's. The Caulfield Institute of Technology in Australia also has a file of computer crime cases. Another source of cases is the National Center for Computer Crime Data in Los Angeles. The General Accounting Office (17) produced a study of sixty-nine cases of improper use of computers within Federal Goverment agencies about ten years ago.
MN(I) transition probabilities and the manganese solar abundance

Abstract Absolute transition probabilities have been measured for 80 lines from 14 levels in Mn(I) by beam-foil time-of-flight lifetime measurements combined with emission branching ratios from a hollow- cathode source. Using the Preliminary Edition of the Kitt Peak Solar Atlas we have measured the photospheric equivalent width for six of these lines that lie on the linear segment of the curve-of-growth. These lines yield a mean solar Mn abundance log (N Mn /N H )+12 = 5.55 +0.12 −0.19
Cell division factors (cytokinins) from irradiated plant tissue

REPORTS on the effects of ionising radiation on plant cells in callus culture are quite limited. Work on a few species1–3 has shown that low doses of γ radiation, starting at 0.5 krad, stimulate callus growth and differentiation. Larger doses ranging from a few krad to about 20 krad inhibit growth and differentiation, respectively. High doses (16 krad and above) have been shown to alter culture media components chemically and thereby affect cell growth4 and differentiation2. We now report that gamma irradiation (1–2 krad) of Haworthia in callus culture results in the formation of cytokinins5—cell division factors—not detected in nonirradiated tissue.
Contrast echocardiography in acute myocardial ischemia. III. An in vivo comparison of the extent of abnormal wall motion with the area at risk for necrosis

To define the in vivo relation between abnormal wall motion and the area at risk for necrosis after acute coronary occlusion, 11 open chest dogs were studied. Five dogs underwent left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and six underwent left circumflex artery occlusion. Area at risk was defined at five short-axis levels (mitral valve, chordal, high and low papillary muscle and apex) using myocardial contrast echocardiography. Wall motion was measured in the cycles preceding injection of contrast medium. Two observers used two different methods to measure wall motion. In method A, end-diastolic to end-systolic fractional radial change for each of 32 endocardial targets was determined. The extent of abnormal wall motion was then calculated using three definitions of wall motion abnormality: 1) akinesia/dyskinesia, 2) fractional inward endocardial excursion of less than 10%, and 3) fractional inward endocardial excursion of less than 20%. In method B, the information from the entire systolic contraction sequence was analyzed and correlated with a normal contraction pattern. The best linear correlation between area at risk (AR) and abnormal wall motion (AWM) was achieved using method B and expressed by the following linear regression: AWM = 0.92 AR + 3.0 (r = 0.92, p 2 + 1.5 AR -0.14 (r = 0.92, p These data demonstrate that there is a definite relation between area at risk and abnormal wall motion but that this relation varies depending on the method used to analyze wall motion. However, wall motion during acute ischemia is also influenced by the loading conditions of the heart. Because these may vary in a manner that is independent of the ischemic process, measurement of both risk area and abnormal motion may provide a more comprehensive assessment of cardiac function in myocardial ischemia than is provided by the measurement of either alone.
Response acquisition under direct and indirect contingencies of reinforcement.

We compared the effects of direct and indirect reinforcement contingencies on the performance of 6 individuals with profound developmental disabilities. Under both contingencies, completion of identical tasks (opening one of several types of containers) produced access to identical reinforcers. Under the direct contingency, the reinforcer was placed inside the container to be opened; under the indirect contingency, the therapist held the reinforcer and delivered it to the participant upon task completion. One participant immediately performed the task at 100% accuracy under both contingencies. Three participants showed either more immediate or larger improvements in performance under the direct contingency. The remaining 2 participants showed improved performance only under the direct reinforcement contingency. Data taken on the occurrence of "irrelevant" behaviors under the indirect contingency (e.g., reaching for the reinforcer instead of performing the task) provided some evidence that these behaviors may have interfered with task performance and that their occurrence was a function of differential stimulus control.
Theoretical analysis of error propagation in triple-energy absorptiometry: Application to measurement of lead in bone in vivo

We propose a three component tissue decomposition for quantifying lead in bone from a mixture of bone and musclein vivo using a triple-energy absorptiometric method. The theoreticaloptimization of this method, by relating signal uncertainty to radiation dose, requires an expression of the signal variance. The error propagation was therefore theoretically modeled for a counting detector, assuming noise dominance by quantum statistics and neglecting covariance between energy levels. A final expression for the lead signal variance at each energy level was obtained via a Jacobian matrix. The Jacobian was maximized by choosing the first energy as low as permissible by dose constraints below the lead K edge. A second optimum was achieved when the upper energy was just above and the middle energy was just below the lead K edge. While the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) had similar behavior to that of the Jacobian as a function of middle and upper energies, the SNR was almost constant as a function of lower energy in the 40–60 keV range. Hence, dose could be reduced without SNR loss. A simulated clinical measurement on an adult tibia using a 50 mCi 155 Eu source and a 10 min acquisition time resulted in a standard deviation of 4 μg Pb/g bone mass. This approach can be applied to other systems containing three components, provided there is a K edge within the counting energy range.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Homologous M−M Bonded Series Ar‘MMAr‘ (M = Zn, Cd, or Hg; Ar‘ = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-Pri2)2) and Related Arylmetal Halides and Hydride Species

The synthesis and structural characterization of the first homologous, molecular M−M bonded series for the group 12 metals are reported. The compounds Ar‘MMAr‘ (M = Zn, Cd, or Hg; Ar‘ = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-Pri2)2) were synthesized by reduction of the corresponding arylmetal halides by alkali metal/graphite (Zn or Hg) or sodium hydride (Cd). These compounds possess almost linear C−M−M−C core structures with two-coordinate metals. The observed M−M bonds distances were 2.3591(9), 2.6257(5), and 2.5738(3) A for the zinc, cadmium, and mercury species, respectively. The shorter Hg−Hg bond in comparison to that of Cd−Cd is consistent with DFT calculations which show that the strength of the Hg−Hg bond is greater. The arylmetal halides precursors (Ar‘MI)1 or 2, and the highly reactive hydrides (Ar‘MH)1 or 2, were also synthesized and fully characterized by X-ray crystallography (Zn and Cd) and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. The arylzinc and arylcadmium iodides have iodide-bridged dimeric structures, whereas the ar...
Comparison of accelerated hypofractionation and stereotactic body radiotherapy for Stage 1 and node negative Stage 2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Abstract Purpose Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and accelerated hypofractionated radiation therapy (AHRT) have favorable local control (LC) relative to conventional fractionation in the treatment of stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We report the results of our single institution experience with the treatment of early stage NSCLC with SBRT or AHRT in cases where SBRT was felt to be suboptimal. Methods One hundred and sixty patients with Stage 1 and node negative Stage 2 NSCLC were treated with SBRT or AHRT from 2003 to 2011. Median follow-up was 29.4 and 19 months (mo), respectively. The median dose was 54Gy in 3 fractions (fx) (SBRT) and 70.2Gy in 26 fx (AHRT). Acute and late toxicities (tox) were graded (G) per CTCAE v4. Time to local (LF), regional (RF) and distant (DF) failure were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The impact of patient and tumor related factors on LF were estimated by multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. Results Three-year LC rates were 87.7% (SBRT) and 71.7% (AHRT). The 3-year freedom from DF was 73.3% and 68.1%. Median OS was 38.4 (95% CI 29.7–51.6) and 35 (95% CI 22–48.3) mo. No G3 or 4 tox were observed. At 1 year, 30% and 50% of complications resolved, while (5–6%) had persistent chest wall pain. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that increasing dose per fraction and tumor size (>5.5 vs. 4cm) in the AHRT and SBRT group were found to be associated with a reduced (HR 0.33 95% CI 0.13–0.84, p =0.021) and increased (HR: 6.372 95% CI 1.23–32.92, p =0.027) hazard for local failure respectively. Conclusions Our results compare favorably with other reports of treatment for early stage NSCLC. AHRT patients had comparable LC despite increased size and central disease. Toxicity was limited and overall survival, regional and distant recurrences were similar between groups.
Actualistic sandstone petrofacies: Discriminating modern and ancient source rocks

Actualistic models relating plate-tectonic setting to sedimentary basins and provenance successfully predict modal compositions of sand and sandstone at the scale of continents and ocean basins (third-order models). Second-order models may be used to identify source regions within a given tectonic setting, such as source terranes within the Rio Grande rift of New Mexico. First-order models relate the composition of modern alluvial sand directly to specific source rocks (e.g., granite). Petrographic data from locally derived sand of known provenance may be used to statistically discriminate compositions according to their source rocks, thus defining actualistic petrofacies. Ancient petrofacies may be compared to the actualistic petrofacies, in order to better constrain provenance and paleotectonic reconstructions. This approach may be applied at first-, second-, or third-order scales. At first- and second-order scales, stepwise discriminant analysis reveals the Tertiary provenance history of the Rio Grande rift of north-central New Mexico by comparing Tertiary petrofacies with modern petrofacies of known provenance. Application of this technique provides needed objectivity in source-rock and paleotectonic reconstructions.
Methylation of 45 s ribosomal RNA precursor in HeLa cells

The stage in ribosome biosynthesis where methylation first occurs was explored. When RNA was extracted by the phenol procedure from HeLa cells which had incorporated [ methyl - 14 C]methionine for 30 minutes, labeled ribosomal 45 s RNA was observed. Radioactive material in this 45 s RNA was sensitive to RNase. The RNA fractions sedimenting at 35 s and 18 s were prominently labeled after 60 minutes, and that sedimenting at 28 s after three hours. Radioactivity in the 45 s RNA was “chased” into 35 s and 18 s RNA by addition of actinomycin. Five-minute incubation with actinomycin prevented subsequent methylation of RNA by a 30-minute pulse of [ 14 C]methionine. When 45 s RNA was isolated, there was little or no radioactivity associated with adenosine, guanosine, uridine or cytidine. Labeled 6-methylaminopurine and 2′- O -methyl cytidine were tentatively identified. When methylation of 28 s and 18 s RNA were compared, it was found that 18 s RNA was preferentially methylated. It is concluded that during “maturation” of ribosomal RNA the following changes occur: (1) 45 s→35 s + 18 s; (2) 35 s→28 s. The possible molecular changes of 45 s RNA to 35 s and 18 s RNA are discussed.
Fast Na+ current in circular smooth muscle cells of the large intestine.

Whole-cell voltage clamp was carried out on freshly dispersed single smooth muscle cells from adult rat and human colons to investigate the regulation of the Ca2+ channels. In this study, we unexpectedly discovered the existence of a fast Na+ channel current. With normal physiological salt solution (PSS) plus 4-amino-pyridine (3 mM) in the bath and high-Cs+ solution in the pipette to inhibit outward K+ currents, an inward current possessing fast and slow components was observed when the cell membrane was depolarized to a value more positive than −20 mV from a holding potential of −100 mV. When Ca2+ ions were removed from the PSS, or when nifedipine (10 μM) and Ni2+ (30 μM) were simultaneously applied, the slow component disappeared and the fast component remained. The fast current component became almost completely inactivated within 10 ms. This fast component was dependent on extracellular Na+ concentration and was inhibited by tetrodotoxin (TTX) dose dependently (IC50 of 130 nM in rat and 14 nM in human). These results suggest that the slow component of inward current was a Ca2+ channel current, whereas the fast component was a TTX-sensitive fast Na+ channel current. The threshold voltage, the voltage for peak current, and the reversal potential for the fast Na+ current were, respectively, about −50, −20, and + 50 mV in rats, and −40, 0, and + 60 mV in humans. The incidence of cells possessing fast Na+ currents depended on the region of the colon. In rat proximal colon, the incidence was 64% (14 out of 22 cells tested); in distal colon, it was 10% (2 out of 21 cells tested). In humans, the incidence in the ascending colon was 73% (16 out of 22 cells tested), and in the descending colon was 22% (7 out of 32 cells tested). The densities of fast Na+ and Ca2+ currents were 3.2 and 4.5 pA/pF in rats and 1.0 and 1.4 pA/pF in humans, respectively. The ratio of both current densities (Na+ vs Ca2+) was 0.71, in both rats and humans. We conclude that the major ion channels associated with the generation of inward currents in the circular smooth muscle cells of rat and human colon are voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and TTX-sensitive Na+ channels. The fast Na+ current may facilitate propagation of excitation.
Fibonacci's flowers.

Asymmetric cell division offers a possible explanation of the spiral patterns seen in many plants.
RF penetration depth in superconducting upt3 with double heat capacity anomaly

Abstract The radiofrequency penetration depth has been measured in a polycrystalline sample of UPt3 that has been observed to have a double-peak structure in the specific heat. At low temperatures, the penetration depth va ries as T4, consistent with similar measurements on single crystals. No change in the penetration depth, or its variation with temperature, is detected at the onset of the lower transition.
A networked suite of mixed-technology robotic artifacts for advancing literacy in children

Illiteracy is a global problem that impacts societal and economic growth and development, and is directly correlated with the financial success, health and overall well-being of individuals. Studies indicate that picture-book reading within a facilitated story-time setting is an important tool for language acquisition in children. We hypothesize that in an increasingly digital society, literacy can be cultivated in a robot-embedded environment that is, at once, physical, digital and evocative of the picture-book being read. Inspired by concepts of embodied interaction, our developing LIT ROOM is an intelligent, fine-tunable suite of architectural-robotic artifacts distributed at room-scale in a public library setting. Presented here are motivations for and design overview of this developing interactive artifact. Through a reconfigurable, co-adaptive learning environment, the LIT ROOM aims to augment the dialogical reading of picture-books within an engaging and exploratory space for the advancement of literacy and learning.
V-detector: An efficient negative selection algorithm with probably adequate detector coverage

This paper describes an enhanced negative selection algorithm (NSA) called V-detector. Several key characteristics make this method a state-of-the-art advance in the decade-old NSA. First, individual-specific size (or matching threshold) of the detectors is utilized to maximize the anomaly coverage at little extra cost. Second, statistical estimation is integrated in the detector generation algorithm so the target coverage can be achieved with given probability. Furthermore, this algorithm is presented in a generic form based on the abstract concepts of data points and matching threshold. Hence it can be extended from the current real-valued implementation to other problem space with different distance measure, data/detector representation schemes, etc. By using one-shot process to generate the detector set, this algorithm is more efficient than strongly evolutionary approaches. It also includes the option to interpret the training data as a whole so the boundary between the self and nonself areas can be detected more distinctly. The discussion is focused on the features attributed to negative selection algorithms instead of combination with other strategies.
Monodisperse Oligofluorenes Forming Glassy-Nematic Films for Polarized Blue Emission

The first series of monodisperse glass-forming, nematic oligofluorenes was synthesized following a divergent−convergent approach. Both chain length and pendant structure were found to affect solid morphology and phase transition temperatures. With optimized structural parameters, a Tg close to 150 °C and a Tc beyond 375 °C were achieved. This material class is characterized by its ability to form monodomain glassy nematic films via spin-coating, thermal annealing at 10 to 20 °C above Tg for 15−30 min, and cooling to room temperature without encountering crystallization. The absorption and emission dichroic ratios of 80−90-nm-thick films increase from 7 to 17 with an increasing molecular aspect ratio, while the photoluminescence quantum yield varies erratically from 43 to 60%. Superior stability of emissive color and of emission dichroic ratio and that against thermally activated crystallization were also demonstrated through prolonged heating of a film at 10 °C above Tg under argon.
Metastatic bone disease: future directions.

Bone cancer is common and difficult to treat. Current bone-targeted therapies include radiation and bisphosphonates. Both treatments can provide pain relief, but neither has been shown to prolong survival. Because bisphosphonates are osteoclast-targeted therapies, they do not have significant tumor-killing properties in humans. Often, patients with asymptomatic skeletal metastases are treated with observation. New treatments are needed for patients known to have bone metastases and those who are at high risk for having bone metastases develop. Enzyme prodrug gene therapy treatment strategies currently are being explored for their potential benefit in designing novel therapies for bone cancer.
Reproductive Capacity of Dairy Bulls. VIII. Direct and Indirect Measurement of Testicular Sperm Production

Summary It was desired to determine testicular daily sperm production (DSP) and compare it with daily sperm output (DSO). Two independent calculations of DSP for each testis from eight 2-yr-old and four mature Holstein bulls were based on counts of gonadal sperm reserves and on quantitative testicular histology. Limitations of the proposed methods and formulas were discussed. The duration of spermatogenesis in bulls was calculated to be 60 days. The average DSP values calculated from gonadal sperm reserves and histological data were 9.98 and 12.76 billion per bull. The differences between DSP values for the 24 testes by the two methods of calculation were highly significant, but the two values were correlated (+0.81). However, testis weight accounted for most of the relationship, since the correlation was not significant when calculated on the basis of DSP per gram of testis (+0.28). Since the validity and repeatability of these methods has not been established, the two DSP values were averaged and ranged from 7.7 to 13.2 billion for eight bulls of similar age and body weight. The DSO during collection of six ejaculates weekly with intensive sexual preparation (6×) also was obtained for the 12 bulls. About five months elapsed between collection of DSO data and postslaughter determination of DSP. The DSO on 6× averaged 4.81 ± 0.35 billion, or only 42% of the mean DSP of 11.49 ± 0.64 billion. However, the highly significant correlation between DSP and DSO on 6× (+0.87) suggests that DSP can be estimated in individual living bulls by collecting semen at a suitable high ejaculation frequency.
Genistein inhibits reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, shape change, and aggregation in rat platelets

Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in platelets by activation of a multicomponent NADPH oxidase. ROS, by inhibiting tyrosine phosphatase(s), shift the balance of protein tyrosine phosphorylation-dephosphorylation reactions. The resulting increased tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins escalates signaling events that promote platelet activation. Flow cytometry in combination with 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein permitted detection of ROS production during collagen stimulation of platelets in whole blood. The assay was used to determine the effects of genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on receptor-mediated production of ROS in platelets from rats. Pretreatment of blood samples with varying concentrations of genistein resulted in an inhibition of the collagen-induced increase in fluorescence (10 μM/40%; 35 μM/65%; 70 μM/65%; genistein concentration/% inhibition, respectively). This inhibition of ROS production paralleled inhibition of shape change and the disappearance of single platelets following addition of collagen to whole blood. Addition of genistein reduced shape change by 51% and the loss of single platelets by 57% (74% aggregation, collagen alone; 27% aggregation, 140 μM genistein plus collagen; n=8). The ability of genistein to decrease receptor-mediated ROS production while inhibiting platelet aggregation supports the importance of ROS signaling in platelet function. This action of genistein may be explained by tyrosine kinase inhibition, direct antioxidant action to reduce ROS, or protection of tyrosine phosphatase(s). Further experiments are required to determine which mechanism(s) produces the decrease in platelet aggregatory responses.
Literary criticism and literary computing: The difficulties of a synthesis

Currently most literary critics reject the use of science and technology to gain information about texts, while most computer text-analysts have become absorbed in science and technology and forgotten they were seeking information about literature. Whether these two trends will continue into the 1990's remains to be seen; that they explain a good deal about the world we work in now can, I think, be demonstrated. This essay looks at the questions of what literary computing could offer to literary critics, why computer users get lost in scientific jargon, what happens when text becomes input and, most importantly, what happens when text becomes output; it closes with a discussion of why the synthesis will be so difficult.
The discrete origin of FETD-Newmark late time instability, and a correction scheme

The finite element time domain (FETD) method is commonly used for transient simulation of electromagnetic wave phenomena. Most practitioners consider FETD, when time integrated using the Newmark-Beta method, to be unconditionally stable when s ? 0.25 . Unlike the finite difference time domain (FDTD) "courant criterion", FETD-Newmark has no limiting timestep above which the method exhibits exponential growth. However, herein the stability properties of FETD-Newmark will be rigorously investigated by deducing the Jordan canonical form of the FETD-Newmark amplification matrix, and it will be demonstrated that the method does exhibit linear growth for certain field configurations. These modes are none other than the pure-gradient fields associated with "late time instability". Though many practical simulations are of short duration and will never observe a linearly growing gradient solution, it can be problematic for simulations which require long time periods to be integrated. A correction scheme for eliminating this late time instability shall be suggested, and numerical results will verify its performance.
Anisotropic electronic and magnetic properties of the quasi-two-dimensional heavy-fermion antiferromagnet CeRhIn 5

We have used high pulsed magnetic fields to 50 T to observe de Haas--van Alphen oscillations in the tetragonal antiferromagnet ${\mathrm{CeRhIn}}_{5},$ which has an enhanced value of the electronic specific heat coefficient $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}420 {\mathrm{m}\mathrm{J}/\mathrm{m}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{l}\mathrm{}\mathrm{}\mathrm{K}}^{2}.$ For $Tl{T}_{N},$ the specific heat data at zero applied magnetic field are consistent with the existence of an anisotropic spin-density wave opening a gap in the Fermi surface. The low-temperature magnetization reveals a magnetic phase transition that appears to be first order in nature. Quantum oscillations, which are observed for $Tl{T}_{N}$ when $B\ensuremath{\Vert}[100]$ and $B\ensuremath{\Vert}[001],$ reveal an anisotropic Fermi surface. The temperature dependence of the amplitudes of the quantum oscillations shows anomalous behavior for $B\ensuremath{\Vert}[001]$ as a maximum at ${T}^{*}\ensuremath{\approx}1.2 \mathrm{K}$ is observed which we attribute to a gap opening in the anisotropic Fermi surface. The electronic and magnetic properties are anisotropic due to the quasi-two-dimensional crystal structure.
A Study Of The Scatter Of Visible Light From Particulate Mirror Contaminants

The results of experiments designed to study the relationship between the visible scatter from mirrors and their particulate contamination are described. Data for both "clean" and deliberately contaminated samples is presented. The results reveal some of the features of surface contaminant scatter and indicate that this scattering mechanism could account for the discrepancies that have been observed between measured scattered light profiles and profiles predicted by theories based on random surface microstructure.
Selective damage to the active X chromosome by camptothecin and amsacrine as determined by an allele-specific alkaline unwinding assay.

Abstract Previous studies with MCF-7 cells demonstrated that several agents induce greater strand breakage in active genes than in nontranscribed centromeric regions. To better assess the effects of gene activity and inactivity, an allele-specific DNA strand break assay was developed, which allowed direct comparison of damage at a specific genetic locus on the active and inactive X chromosomes. The ZP lymphoblastoid cell line is heterozygous at the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) locus, and the unexpressed (A) allele on the inactive X chromosome contains a Fok I restriction site that is lacking in the expressed (B) allele on the active X. ZP cells were treated with camptothecin or amsacrine, and subjected to alkaline-induced DNA unwinding. Following detergent lysis and digestion of single-stranded DNA with S l nuclease, the remaining double-stranded DNA was isolated and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers that flank the polymorphic Fok I site, with [α- 32 P]dCTP being added in the last PCR cycle. The resulting labeled PCR product was cleaved with Fok I to assess the A/B allele ratio in the double-stranded DNA fraction. Treatment with camptothecin and amsacrine increased the apparent A/B ratio by factors of 2–3 and 1.5–2 respectively, indicating that the active B allele is preferentially damaged by these agents.
Characterization of the RNA polymerase II and III complexes in Leishmania major

Transcription of protein-coding genes in Leishmania major and other trypanosomatids differs from that in most eukaryotes and bioinformatic analyses have failed to identify several components of the RNA polymerase (RNAP) complexes. To increase our knowledge about this basic cellular process, we used tandem affinity purification (TAP) to identify subunits of RNAP II and III. Mass spectrometric analysis of the complexes co-purified with TAP-tagged LmRPB2 (encoded by LmjF31.0160) identified seven RNAP II subunits: RPB1, RPB2, RPB3, RPB5, RPB7, RPB10 and RPB11. With the exception of RPB10 and RPB11, and the addition of RPB8, these were also identified using TAP-tagged constructs of one (encoded by LmjF34.0890) of the two LmRPB6 orthologues. The latter experiments also identified the RNAP III subunits RPC1 (C160), RPC2 (C128), RPC3 (C82), RPC4 (C53), RPC5 (C37), RPC6 (C34), RPC9 (C17), RPAC1 (AC40) and RPAC2 (AC19). Significantly, the complexes precipitated by TAP-tagged LmRPB6 did not contain any RNAP I-specific subunits, suggesting that, unlike in other eukaryotes, LmRPB6 is not shared by all three polymerases but is restricted to RNAP II and III, while the LmRPB6z (encoded by LmjF25.0140) isoform is limited to RNAP I. Similarly, we identified peptides from only one (encoded by LmjF18.0780) of the two RPB5 orthologues and one (LmjF13.1120) of the two RPB10 orthologues, suggesting that LmRPB5z (LmjF18.0790) and LmRPB10z (LmjF13.1120) are also restricted to RNAP I. In addition to these RNAP subunits, we also identified a number of other proteins that co-purified with the RNAP II and III complexes, including a potential transcription factor, several histones, an ATPase involved in chromosome segregation, an endonuclease, four helicases, RNA splicing factor PTSR-1, at least two RNA binding proteins and several proteins of unknown function.
A comparison between African American and Caucasian children referred for treatment of disruptive behavior disorders

ABSTRACT To develop more culturally sensitive treatments for child behavior problems it is important to examine the impact that ethnicity has on behavioral assessment, diagnosis and treatment. The ...
How reliable are estimates of hydrolysis constants

The equilibrium constant for the first hydrolysis reaction of tetravalent plutonium is surrounded by uncertainty. A new method illustrates criteria by which the reliabilities of the numerical estimates can be judged. The new formulas are simple, the method is easy to apply, and the results are easy to compare.
The Continuous-Spin, Ising Model of Field Theory and the Renormalization Group

This paper sketches briefly the ideas of the ferromagnetic critical point, or bifurcation point, as exemplified in the Ising model. Historically, the only reliable, general methods available to attack this problem have been series expansion methods. The development of scaling ideas and the realization that Euclidean, Boson, quantum field-theory is the same problem as the scaling limit of critical phenomena has led to the development of the renormalization group approach to critical phenomena. For clarity, attention is focused on that continuous- spin Ising model which is equivalent to a g0:ɸ4:d field theory. A review of the ideas of the renormalization group approach in statistical mechanical language shows that the key assumption is that the limits as the bare coupling-constant goes to infinity and the ultra-violet cut-off is removed are independent of order. Calculations show that this assumption is satisfied in one and two dimensions, but fails in three and four dimensions where the renormalized coupling-constant is not a monotonic function of the bare coupling constant. The renormalization group approach to critical phenomena is seen as a theory of the maximum of the renormalized coupling-constant which may, or may not, be a theory of the Ising-model critical-point.
Structure and Clinical Significance of Central Optic Disc Pits

Objective To assess the structure of central optic disc pits (ODPs) using enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI OCT) and to ascertain their clinical significance. Design Prospective, cross-sectional study. Participants Patients with an ophthalmoscopically visible central ODP in either eye, irrespective of accompanying ocular disease, were enrolled from the neuro-ophthalmology and glaucoma referral practices. Each subject with a central ODP was matched with 2 healthy subjects with normal-appearing optic disc within 5 years of age. Methods Each participant received a complete ophthalmologic examination including standard automated perimetry, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurement by OCT, and serial horizontal and vertical cross-sectional EDI OCT of the optic nerve head. Main Outcome Measures Structure of the lamina cribrosa (LC) in relation to the central ODP in EDI OCT images. Results Eighteen eyes (13 subjects) with a central ODP and 52 healthy eyes (26 controls) were included. Four eyes (2 subjects) with a central ODP were otherwise normal with intact macula, neuroretinal rim, RNFL, and visual field. Fourteen eyes (11 subjects) with a central ODP had glaucoma with glaucomatous neuroretinal rim thinning, RNFL loss, and corresponding visual field defect. No eye had associated maculopathy. On EDI OCT, the central ODP corresponded with a full-thickness defect in the LC center with no serous retinal detachment or herniation of neural tissue through the LC defect. Central ODPs were separated from (type 1) or merged with (type 2) the LC opening for the central retinal vascular trunk. In control eyes, no LC defect was detected. Conclusions Central ODPs are full-thickness LC defects unassociated with maculopathy and different from glaucomatous acquired pits of the optic nerve, which represent focal laminar defect adjacent to the disc edge. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.
Insulin oxidation and determination at carbon electrodes.

The redox chemistry of insulin was investigated at glassy carbon (GC) electrodes that were coated with films of chitosan (CHIT) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT). While bare electrodes deactivated quickly during insulin oxidation, the GC electrodes coated with CHIT and CHIT−CNT films generated stable insulin currents. The GC/CHIT−CNT electrodes were used for investigating the electrooxidation process of insulin and amperometric determination of insulin. The mass spectrometric, electron paramagnetic resonance, and separation studies of electrolyzed insulin solutions suggested that the loss of 4 mass units upon insulin oxidation at CNT could be accounted for by the formation of two dityrosine cross-links intramolecularly. At a potential of 0.700 V and physiological pH 7.40, the GC/CHIT−CNT electrodes displayed a detection limit of ∼30 nM insulin (S/N = 3), sensitivity of 135 mA M-1 cm-2, linear dynamic range from 0.10 to 3.0 μM (R2 = 0.995), and superior operational and long-term stability. The CNT-bas...