cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Properties of narrow band insulators

The general electronic properties of solids containing narrow bands is explored. A typical example of such a solid at its most difficult is NiO which is insulating, independent of magnetic ordering, and has a narrow, partly filled, 3d Ni band and a broad, filled 2p O band. We approach the description of these solids from a best single determinant point of view and find, for NiO as an example, the O 2p bands best described by conventional energy band theory and the narrow Ni 3d levels by localized states (that is, a valence bond description). Calculations for NiO are performed in this limit using unrestricted Hartree-Fock techniques. The improvements needed are discussed and systematic techniques for their implementation described. The effect of such improvements is computed for NiO and an electronic structure for NiO is obtained, in reasonable agreement with experiment.
Diversifying cybersecurity education: A non-technical approach to technical studies

Cybersecurity education does not only confine to the technical studies embodying network security, malware analysis and reverse reengineering, application security, and operating systems security. The increasing numbers of Cyberterrorism and incidents of hacktivism suggest that Cybersecurity pertains to politics, religion, and culture. Drawing on globalization shaped by the economic, legal, political, religion, and social dimensions, extant literature discloses that infusing social science, cultural and political studies into Cybersecurity education could better prepare students for the job market by making students realize the complexity in the real world. This study presents the efforts of integrating cultural, social, and political dimensions into the Cybersecurity curriculum in a public, regional university in the Midwest of the United States. In particular, this study presents the approaches of introducing intelligence analysis coursework that requires students to understand the analysis of competing hypotheses for drawing conclusion related to the possible Cyberattack from a foreign nation, identify the cultural differences across nations for comprehending the hacking motivation of a different nation, and recognize individual's cognitive and cultural biases during the process of evaluating a cultural event.
Solution structure of the Tetrahymena telomeric repeat d(T2G4)4 G-tetraplex

Abstract Background: Telomeres in eukaryotic organisms are protein–DNA complexes which are essential for the protection and replication of chromosomal termini. The telomeric DNA of Tetrahymena consists of T 2 G 4 repeats, and models have been previously proposed for the intramolecular folded structure of the d(T 2 G 4 ) 4 sequence based on chemical footprinting and cross-linking data. Ahigh-resolution solution structure of this sequence would allow comparison with the structures of related G–tetraplexes. Results The solution structure of the Na + –stabilized d(T 2 G 4 ) 4 sequence has been determined using a combined NMR–molecular dynamics approach. The sequence folds intramolecularly into a right-handed G–tetraplex containing three stacked G-tetrads connected by linker segments consisting of a G-T-T-G lateral loop, a central T-T-G lateral loop and a T-T segment that spans the groove through a double chain reversal. Te latter T–T connectivity aligns adjacent G-G-G segments in parallel and introduces a new G-tetraplex folding topology with unprecedented combinations of strand directionalities and groove widths, as well as guanine syn/anti distributions along individual strands and around individual G-tetrads. Conclusion The four repeat Tetrahymena and human G-tetraplexes, which differ by a single guanine for adenine substitution, exhibit strikingly different folding topologies. The observed structural polymorphism establishes that G-tetraplexes can adopt topologies which project distinctly different groove dimensions, G-tetrad base edges and linker segments for recognition by, and interactions with, other nucleic acids and proteins.
Improving Predictions in Expectancy Theory Research: Effects of Personality, Expectancies, and Norms

This study tested Fishbein and Ajzen's hypothesis that the behavior of some individuals will be rationally determined by personal expectancies and that the behavior of other individuals will be env...
Localization of ionic pathways in the teleost opercular membrane by extracellular recording with a vibrating probe.

We have adapted the vibrating probe extracellular recording technique to use on an epithelium under voltage clamp in an Ussing chamber. The vibrating probe allows very low drift measurements of current density immediately over the epithelial surface. These measurements allowed sites of electrogenic transport in the epithelium to be localized with a spatial resolution of 5 μm. The technique was applied to the opercular membrane of the teleost fish, the tilapia,Sarotherodon mossambicus. The mitochondrion-rich “chloride cells” were shown to be the only sites of electrogenic ion transport in this heterogeneous epithelium. Cell sampling experiments demonstrated variable negative short-circuit currents associated with nearly all of approximately 300 chloride cells examined, which appeared to account for all of the tissue shortcircuit current. Current-voltage relations for individual cells were also measured. Conductance associated with chloride cells (i.e. cellular and junctional pathways) accounted for all but 0.5 mS/cm2 of the tissue conductance, with the balance apparently accounted for by leak pathways near the edge of the tissue. Current and conductance associated with other cell types was at least 50-fold smaller than for the chloride cell. Chloride-free solutions reduced chloride cell current and conductance by 98 and 95%, respectively.
Assembly at the Nanoscale: Towards Functional Nanostructured Materials (Invited)

This paper reports the self assembly of functional nanostructured materials including multi-walled Carbon Nanotube-Quantum Dot (CNT-QD) heterojunctions using the Ethylene Carbodiimide Coupling procedure (EDC). Thiol stabilized ZnS capped CdSe quantum dots containing amine terminal groups (QD-NH2) were conjugated with acid treated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) ranging from 400 nm to 4μm in length. SEM, TEM, EDS and FTIR were used to characterize the conjugation process.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Electronic noise in Ba/sub 2/YCu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ films at high temperatures: a possible connection to stress relaxation

Two types of electronic noise have been observed in Ba/sub 2/YCu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ at high temperature. One type is probably due to temperature and pressure fluctuations in the environment of the sample. Because of the known sensitivity of Ba/sub 2/YCu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ resistance to both temperature and pressure, this mechanism translates into 10 to 100 nV per root Hz of noise at temperatures above 750 K. The second type is more intrinsic, and may be related to stress relaxation in the film induced by the structural changes associated with the orthorhombic-tetragonal transition near 950 K. >
Measurement of LINAC 90° head leakage radiation TVL values

One of the key components in modern LINAC room shielding design is the amount of 90 degrees head leakage radiation levels. With the general clinical acceptance of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technique, accurate knowledge of this quantity has become even more important. Measurement of 90 degrees head leakage radiation of medical linear accelerators can be technically challenging due to the low dose rate causing poor signal-to-noise ratios in most detectors. 90 degrees leakage tenth-value layer (TVL) values in concrete have not been reported for the Elekta linear accelerators. This report describes our measurements of 90 degrees leakage TVL values for 6, 10, and 18 MV x-ray beams for an Elekta Precise Treatment System. A large-volume (1000 cm3) unpressurized ionization chamber and a high sensitivity electrometer, together with a separate chamber bias power supply, were used in these measurements in order to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. A lead enclosure, of minimum thickness 10 cm, was constructed inside the treatment room to house the ion chamber to reduce the influence of room-scattered radiation. A square aperture of 10 X 10 cm2 area was left in the shield and aimed towards the accelerator head. Measurements were performed with the chamber placed at approximately 2 m from the accelerator isocenter. Concrete slabs with individual dimensions of approximately 40 X 40 cm2 cross-sectional area and 5 cm thickness were placed between the accelerator head and the ion chamber for these measurements. The measurements were performed with total concrete thickness of up to 80 cm, so that values up to the third TVL were measured. These measurements showed thatthe first concrete TVL values are 22, 23, and 28 cm (8.6, 9.1, and 10.5 in.) for 6, 10, and 18 MV beams, while the average of the first 3 TVL's were 25, 26, and 29 cm (9.9, 10.2, and 11.5 in.). Measured values agreed to within 10% of previously reported values for Varian linear accelerators for equivalent radiation beam qualities.
History of Microwave Metrology at NIST

A sage once said that ?no subject can possibly be as interesting as its own history?. He probably never had to sit through a lecture on the history of a branch of technology! In order to make the following review of microwave development at NIST more palatable, the author will inject occasional humor, and rather than simply enumerating facts and events, will seek to point out some of the driving forces which shaped the development of this technology at NIST and which are often beyond our control. The following viewgraphs, which are mostly self explanatory, cover the outIine of the material and will be supplemented by some photographs which would not show up well in this digest printing.
INTERFERENCE WITH IMMUNE HEMOLYSIS BY GLYCOPROTEIN ANTIGENS.

1. The titer of an individual insulin antiserum measured by hemagglutination agrees favorably with the titer of the same antiserum as measured by immune hemolysis. 2. In contrast, a marked decrease is noted in the immune hemolysis titers relative to hemagglutination titers of antisera prepared against three different sialic acid-containing proteins (human chorionic gonadotropin, rabbit transferrin, and human transferrin). 3. The lower immune hemolytic titers of glycoprotein antisera are apparently not due to a lack of complement-fixing γ2-antibodies. 4. The glycoprotein antigens in solution do not interfere with hemolysis in the insulin immune system. 5. By contrast, marked inhibition of insulin immune hemolysis occurs when cells are sensitized with both glycoprotein and insulin. 6. Cells treated with neuraminidase (to remove cell surface sialic acid) lyse in the presence of C'a alone. 7. If neuraminidase-treated cells are sensitized with sialic acid-containing protein, the lysis of these cells by complement is inhibited. 8. It is, therefore, postulated that during some initial phase of immune hemolysis, a sialic acid-containing substrate is cleaved from the cell surface, rendering the cell susceptible to lysis. If this removal is interfered with, i.e ., by sensitization of the cell with competitive sialic acid-containing antigen, then the lytic portion of immune hemolysis cannot proceed.
Cardiovascular effects of lesions of the rostral ventrolateral medulla and the nucleus reticularis parvocellularis in rats

Abstract This study explored the possibility that the nucleus reticularis parvocellularis (NRP) acts in concert with the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in the maintenance of mean arterial pressure (MAP). Bilateral electrolytic or chemical lesions (kainic acid) were placed in three groups of rats anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. In the different groups, lesions were placed only in the NRP or RVLM or in both the NRP and RVLM (NRPRVLM). Captopril (5 mg/kg, i.v.) and an arginine vasopressin antagonist (AVPX), d-pentamethylene methylated tyrosine (30 μg/kg, i.v.), were sequentially administered. A final procedure consisted of spinal cord transection. The RVLM lesions did not significantly alter MAP (before: 116 ± 3 mmHg; after: 106 ± 5 mmHg). Sequential administration of captopril and AVPX each reduced MAP to 87 ± 5 mmHg and 62 ± 4 mmHg, respectively. Spinal-cord transection lowered MAP to 38 ± 2 mmHg. Lesions of the NRP also did not alter MAP (before: 113 ± 4 mmHg; after: 118 ± 5 mmHg). Captopril reduced MAP to 109 ± 7 mmHg, AVPX had no effect, and spinal-cord transection decreased MAP to 31 ± 3 mmHg. In contrast to the lack of effect of lesions of the RVLM or NRP on MAP, profound hypotension was observed after NRPRVLM lesions (before: 113 ± 3 mmHg; after: 51 ± 3 mmHg). Subsequent administration of captopril decreased MAP to 39 ± 2 mmHg, and AVPX lowered MAP to 32 ± 1 mmHg. Spinal-cord transection reduced MAP to 23 ± 1 mmHg. Several conclusions can be drawn from this study. First, lesions of the RVLM do not decrease MAP because of compensation by the renin-angiotensin system and AVP secretion which is mediated by the NRP. Second, lesions of the NRP do not affect MAP because the intact RVLM can maintain sympathetic tone. Third, the profound hypotension observed after NRPRLVM lesions occurred because of the simultaneous impairment of sympathetic vasomotor activity and the neuroendocrine vasoconstrictor effects of the renin-angiotensin system and AVP secretion.
Coping with ignorance: exploring pharmacologic management for pediatric functional abdominal pain.

RELEVANCE Pediatric health care providers know FAP is a vexing problem (10) associated with an excess of functional impairment and perceived health limitations, an overuse of ambulatory health services, and a risk of potentially dangerous and unnecessary investigations and procedures (11–13). It is also clear that the disorder or disorders subsumed under the rubric of FAP are not limited to gastrointestinal pain and distress but that there is a consistent association with other somatic symptoms such as headache (including migraine), physical aches and pains, dizziness, and fatigue. FAP has been consistently associated with high rates of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms and disorders. Approximately 75% of youth presenting with FAP in both primary and specialty care settings have an anxiety disorder. Approximately 40% have depression (14–17,13). Early-onset anxiety and depressive disorders are chronic, recurrent, and disabling in their own right, and confer during life an increased risk of substance abuse, poor work history, school failure, and attempted or achieved suicide (18,19), but are seldom recognized in youth with FAP (10).
Non-linear canonical correlation analysis with a simulated annealing solution

An exploratory tool is introduced to examine potential non-linear relation-ships between two sets of variables, X andY, in a sample of multivariate data. Simulated annealing is applied to find canonical coefficient vectors a and b such that a squared non-linear correlation between a'Xand b'Y is maximiSed. A measure of non-linear correlation is developed for this optimization which utilies a nearest-neighbor regression estimate for the unknown functional relationship. In addition to examining potential relations between the canonical variables, this method can identify the important variables in each set.
An Athapaskan way of knowing: Chipewyan Ontology

The ontology of those Canadian Chipewyan who still actively hunt, fish, and trap is based on the assumption that one must maintain a harmonious communication with nature, especially with animal persons. To this end, emphasis is placed on paying attention to the full complement of holistically interacting senses, giving more attention to the intuitive and affective realms than is typical for Euro-American ontologies. No single sensorium dominates metaphorically; greatest validity is given to firsthand, experiential knowledge attained in waking life or in dreams, with the powerful stories of the elders serving as guides to understanding. Chipewyan thought is monistic—there are no human/nature, mind/body, thought/action, or spirit/matter dualisms. There is a definite cognitive connection among the inseparability of the senses, an implicit monistic philosophy, the understanding that individual can never be separate from society, social egalitarianism, and the belief in the need for maintaining harmonious communication with animal persons. [Chipewyan, ontology, perception, inkonze, monism]
Acceptance and change in the treatment of eating disorders and obesity

Recently it has been argued that the explicit focus on behavior change in behavior therapy must be complemented by recognition of the value of acceptance, and the importance of the relationship between these two treatment goals. The same dialectic is central to the treatment of eating disorders and obesity. Having made nutritionally sound and psychologically adaptive lifestyle changes, patients need to accept whatever shape and weight these changes produce. Treatment strategies for overcoming obstacles to acceptance are discussed. These include education, the use of the therapeutic relationship, and cognitive restructuring. Acceptance is an active process of self-affirmation rather than passive resignation to an unhappy fate. It involves emotional processing as well as cognitive and behavioral change. The focus on acceptance and the empirical evidence on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in promoting self-acceptance in patients with eating disorders contrasts with the treatment of obesity where the value of self-acceptance has received less research attention. Aside from being important in its own right, enhancing self-acceptance might lead to more lasting changes in health-relevant eating and exercise behavior.
The transmission of shocks between Europe, Japan and the United States

This paper identifies the types of shocks that affect the economies of Europe, the USA and Japan, and the transmission paths of those shocks between these countries. The identification of shocks is based on the Cointegrated VAR methodology. The categorization and interpretation of shocks are based on synthesis of theoretical studies on international business cycles and international policy coordination. We show that the Cointegrated VAR model is a valid choice and that it demonstrates good fit with the data-generating processes of the time series examined. We find that country-specific US permanent shocks transmit to Europe and Japan and, when positive, have a locomotive effect. The USA is not affected by the country-specific permanent shocks of Europe or Japan. The permanent shocks originating in Europe or Japan do not have a significant effect on the opposite country's growth rates. The model identifies one common symmetric transitory shock affecting all three countries. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High School Students’ Perceptions of the Effects of International Science Olympiad on Their STEM Career Aspirations and Twenty-First Century Skill Development

Social cognitive theory guided the design of a survey to investigate high school students’ perceptions of factors affecting their career contemplations and beliefs regarding the influence of their participation in the international Science Olympiad on their subject interests and twenty-first century skills. In addition, gender differences in students’ choice of competition category were studied. Mixed methods analysis of survey returns from 172 Olympiad participants from 31 countries showed that students’ career aspirations were affected most by their teachers, personal interests, and parents, respectively. Students also indicated that they believed that their participation in the Olympiad reinforced their plan to choose a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) major at college and assisted them in developing and improving their twenty-first century skills. Furthermore, female students’ responses indicated that their project choices were less likely to be in the engineering category and more likely to be in the environment or energy categories. Findings are discussed in the light of increasing the awareness of the role and importance of Science Olympiads in STEM career choice and finding ways to attract more female students into engineering careers.
Assessing the impact of psoriatic arthritis on patient function and quality of life: lessons learned from other rheumatologic conditions.

Objectives To identify and describe measures that can be used to assess the impact of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on patient functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Methods A literature search of the PubMed database to identify papers describing assessment tools for quality of life and function in rheumatic diseases. Results Many tools have been developed that can be used to assess the impact of rheumatic disease on patient functioning and HRQOL. Although several disease-specific tools have been developed for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis, few have been developed specifically for PsA, a condition that affects both skin and joints. However, several have been adopted from their use in other conditions and used in clinical trials, such as the Health Assessment Questionnaire and Short Form 36 and have shown good performance characteristics. The Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life questionnaire, a recently developed disease-specific instrument, has good internal consistency, validity, and reliability. Initiatives are underway by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis to evaluate Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life responsiveness to treatment in clinical trials, in addition to other projects intended to improve the assessment of quality of life and function in PsA. These efforts are influenced by "lessons learned" from assessment tools in rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis. Conclusions Assessing the impact of PsA and its treatment on patient function and quality of life is critical to improving patient outcomes, and therefore, valid and reliable tools that can be easily used in both clinical trials and clinical practice are being developed and refined.
Risk factors for serious injury during falls by older persons in the community.

BACKGROUND: Serious fall injury represents a little studied, yet common and potentially preventable, cause of morbidity and mortality among older persons. We determined the frequency of, and risk factors for, experiencing serious fall injury events among older persons in the community. SUBJECTS: A representative sample of 1103 community-living persons aged 72 years and older underwent comprehensive baseline and 1-year evaluations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: During a median 31 months of follow-up, fall data were obtained using fall calendars. Injury data were obtained from telephone interviews and from surveillance of emergency room and hospital records. RESULTS: At least one fall was experienced by 546 (49%) participants. A total of 123 participants, representing 23% of fallers and 12% of the cohort, experienced 183 serious fall injury events. The factors independently associated with experiencing a serious injury during a fall included cognitive impairment (adjusted odds ratios 2.2; 95% confidence interval 1.5, 3.2); presence of at least two chronic conditions (2.0; 1.4, 2.9); balance and gait impairment (1.8; 1.3, 2.7); and low body mass index (1.8; 1.2, 2.5). In a separate analysis, including only subjects who fell, female gender (1.8; 1.1, 2.9) as well as most of the above factors were associated with experiencing a fall injury. CONCLUSIONS: Several readily identifiable factors appeared to distinguish the subgroup of older fallers at risk for suffering a serious fall injury. These factors should help guide who and what to target in prevention efforts. Language: en
Distribution, diversity, mesonotal morphology, gallery architecture, and queen physogastry of the termite genus Calcaritermes (Isoptera, Kalotermitidae)

An updated New World distribution of the genus Calcaritermes is given along with photographs and a key to the New World species outside Mexico. Calcaritermes recessifrons is found to be a junior synonym of Calcaritermes nigriceps. Except for Calcaritermes temnocephalus, pseudergates of the other seven studied Calcaritermes species possess a mesonotal rasp. The rasps suggest a role in propagation of microbes on gallery surfaces and microbial infusion below the wood surface. Calcaritermes temoncephalus is shown to have an unusually large physogastric queens for a kalotermitid and several species produce large eggs.
Effect of failed defibrillation shocks on electrogram amplitude in a nonintegrated transvenous defibrillation lead system

Abstract Concern has been raised regarding the ability of a nonthoracotomy integrated lead system to redetect ventricular fibrillation following failed defibrillation shocks due to diminution in postshock intracardiac electrogram amplitude. Whether such a problem could occur with other lead systems is not known, leading to uncertainty regarding a potential ongoing risk of sudden cardiac death in some patients despite implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy. To investigate this problem, we measured the amplitude of 10 consecutive ventricular fibrillation endocardial electrograms immediately before and immediately after failed defibrillation shocks in 15 patients at the time of implantation of a nonintegrated, transvenous, pace/sense/defibrillation lead. Overall, mean electrogram amplitude decreased 21%, from 10.7 ± 4.6 mV before to 8.5 ± 4.9 mV immediately after failed defibrillation shocks. The change in electrogram amplitude postshock was directly related to shock energy (r = 0.85, p
Don't Shoot the Messenger: Journalism and Mass Media in The Sopranos

This article analyzes how journalism and mass media are portrayed in The Sopranos and argues that even though their presence is subtle, they play a large role in the series' narrative.
Spectral reflectance measurements of estuarine waters

Shapes and variations of reflectance spectra in estuarine water were investigated for the purpose of monitoring chlorophyll in situ by optical means. A survey undertaken in an estuarine environment, using reflectance measurements between 400 and 850 nm with a full-width half maximum (FWHM) of about 2 nm, revealed that the first derivative in the neighbourhood of the chlorophyll absorption band shows a defined spectral region which can be used to estimate chlorophyll concentrations. Correlation between chlorophyll and the first derivative was found to be low, but a good relationship exists between the ratio of the reflectance R680/R670 and chlorophyll concentrations. Based on dissolved organic carbon measurements, it is assumed that chromophoric dissolved organic compounds mask the absorption band of chlorophyll in the blue part of the spectrum, resulting in a low correlation coefficient in that spectral range. Therefore, the use of the red bands is an alternative for measuring photosynthetic pigments in coastal water at longer wavelengths. Results presented here demonstrate that the spectral locations of bands in the visible are not adequate and that hyperspectral data are required for positioning the very narrow bands for measuring chlorophyll at longer wavelengths.
On a singularly perturbed autonomous linear control problem

A singularly perturbed autonomous control process is examined. The relationship between the original and the reduced problem is developed.
Recurrence quantification of fractal structures

By definition, fractal structures possess recurrent patterns. At different levels repeating patterns can be visualized at higher magnifications. The purpose of this chapter is threefold. First, general characteristics of dynamical systems are addressed from a theoretical mathematical perspective. Second, qualitative and quantitative recurrence analysis is reviewed in brief, but the reader is directed to other sources for explicit details. Third, example mathematical systems that generate strange attractors are explicitly defined, giving the reader the ability to reproduce the rich dynamics of continuous chaotic flows or discrete chaotic iterations. The challenge is then posited for the reader to study for themselves the recurrent structuring of these different dynamics. With a firm appreciation of the power of recurrence analysis, the reader will be prepared to turn their sights on real world systems (physiological, psychological, mechanical, etc.).
Circular polarized leaky wave surface

A circular polarized (CP) infrared (IR) leaky wave surface design is presented. The metasurface consists of an array of rectangular patches connected by microstrip and operating over the long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectrum with directional wave emission and absorption. The surface is composed of periodically aligned arrays of sub-wavelength metal patches separated from a ground plane by a dielectric slab. The design combines the features of the conventional patch and leaky wave antenna leading to a metasurface that preferentially emits CP IR radiation by use of axial asymmetrical unit cells. This is a deviation from reported structures that mainly employ a phase shifter to combine linearly polarized waves in order to attain circular polarization. The performance of this leaky wave surface is verified through full-wave simulation using the ANSYS HFSS finite element analysis tool. The leaky wave phenomenon is demonstrated by the frequency and angular dependence of the absorption while circular polarization is characterized via stokes parameters. The main beam of this surface can be steered continuously by varying the frequency while maintaining circular polarization within the main beam direction. A CP leaky wave at 10.6 μm with a scanning angle of 30° is demonstrated. Metasurfaces exhibiting spectral and polarization selectivity in absorption/emission hold the potential for impact in IR applications including detection, imaging, thermal management, energy harvesting and tagging.
The effects of fluent levels of Big 6 + 6 skill elements on functional motor skills with children with autism†

Functional motor skills are often taught using chaining procedures. Research suggests that chaining procedures are not likely to be effective if they do not focus on the accuracy and speed of composite skill completion. Precision teaching (PT) research suggests that improved performance of a composite skill can be achieved if the performance speed of the component behaviors is increased. This study assessed the effects of repeated timed practice of component motor skills on speed and accuracy of composite skills and the effects of fluent component motor skills on the completion of daily living composite skills. Three children with autism participated. The results suggest that all participants were able to perform the component skills at their individual aims and performed most of the component skills at fluent levels as assessed by retention and endurance checks. Each participant increased the number of composite skill steps performed independently and one decreased the overall time to complete the composite skill. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
l-ß-Methylaminoalanine inhibits [3H]glutamate binding in the presence of bicarbonate ions

Abstract We examined the ability of the neurotoxin, l -s-methylaminoalanine ( l -BMAA), to inhibit [ 3 H]glutamate binding to rat brain synaptic junctions. In a tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane acetate buffer, l -BMAA did not affect [ 3 H]glutamate binding (IC 50 > 10 mM). However, in the presence of ammonium bicarbonate (20 mM) l -BMAA blocked [ 3 H]glutamate binding with an IC 50 of 1 mM. This inhibition was not caused by ammonium ion since other ammonium salts were inactive. Furthermore, identical inhibition was obtained in the presence of potassium bicarbonate. Bicarbonate ion did not alter the ability ofN-methyl- d -aspartic acid to block glutamate binding. These results indicate that bicarbonate ion is required for the interaction of l -BMAA with the glutamate receptor and may account for the observation that beta-methylaminoalanine is neurotoxic in vitro only in the presence of bicarbonate.
Fire ant venoms: intraspecific and interspecific variation among castes and individuals

Abstract The ratio of cis -2-methyl-6- n -undecylpiperidine ( cis C 11 ) to trans -2-methyl-6- n -undecylpiperidine ( trans C 11 ) in the venom of individual workers and soldiers of Solenopsis geminata and in individual alate queens of S. geminata, S. xyloni, S. invicta , and S. richteri was estimated. A considerable variation in this ratio was demonstrated between individuals of a particular caste within a species. In spite of considerable individual variation, the various species nevertheless exhibit a fair degree of control of the biosynthetic system for these 2,6-disubstituted piperidine alkaloids. Results obtained on one colony of S. geminata soldiers suggested that these individuals may have arisen from at least two fertile queens in the nest.
Meteorological and climatological factors affecting Denver air quality

Abstract In a study of Denver air pollution, regional climatological factors are related primarily to diurnal and seasonal characteristics of air quality. Meteorological factors are assessed mainly for interpreting deviations from the mean, or the frequency of pollution episodes or clean air days. Local topography also influences some of the factors affecting Denver air quality. Emphasis is given to the importance of mixing depth, ventilation, and in particular to the stability above the well-mixed (adiabatic) layer. Emission characteristics and variations in the distribution of pollutants are discussed briefly. Approximately ten years of surface and radiosonde data obtained from Stapleton Airport in Denver are used for a climatological base. Special soundings taken by radiosondes released at noon form the nucleus of the meteorological data base.
Snapshot imaging spectropolarimeter

We present and analyze a technique for snapshot imaging spectropolarimetry. The technique involves the combination of channeled spectropolarimetry with computed tomography imaging spectrometry (CTIS). Channeled spectropolarimetry uses sideband modulation to encode the spectral dependence of all four Stokes parameters in a single spectrum. CTIS is a snapshot imaging spectrometry method in which a computer-generated holographic disperser is employed to acquire dispersed images of the target scene, and both spatial and spectral information is reconstructed using the mathematics of computed tomography. The combination of these techniques provides the basis for a snapshot imaging complete Stokes spectropolarimeter that can be implemented with no moving parts. We review design considerations for the spectropolarimeter and present preliminary simulation results.
SNPchip: R classes and methods for SNP array data

Summary: High-density single nucleotide polymorphism microarrays (SNP chips) provide information on a subject's genome, such as copy number and genotype (heterozygosity/homozygosity) at a SNP. While fluorescence in situ hybridization and karyotyping reveal many abnormalities, SNP chips provide a higher resolution map of the human genome that can be used to detect, e.g., aneuploidies, microdeletions, microduplications and loss of heterozygosity (LOH). As a variety of diseases are linked to such chromosomal abnormalities, SNP chips promise new insights for these diseases by aiding in the discovery of such regions, and may suggest targets for intervention. The R package SNPchip contains classes and methods useful for storing, visualizing and analyzing high density SNP data. Originally developed from the SNPscan web-tool, SNPchip utilizes S4 classes and extends other open source R tools available at Bioconductor. This has numerous advantages, including the ability to build statistical models for SNP-level data that operate on instances of the class, and to communicate with other R packages that add additional functionality. Availability: The package is available from the Bioconductor web page at www.bioconductor.org Contact: ingo@jhu.edu Supplementary information: The supplementary material as described in this article (case studies, installation guidelines and R code) is available from http://biostat.jhsph.edu/~iruczins/publications/sm/
Foreign Language Skills as a Scholarly Tool

T HE Ph.D. foreign language requirement has long been a subject of controversy in American graduate education. The requirement-traditionally a reading knowledge of two foreign languages-has usually been justified on professional and cultural grounds: that foreign language competence is an essential tool for every scholar and that such competence is an essential attribute of the cultured, welleducated man that a Ph.D. degree connotes. But the requirement has been attacked on these same grounds, and the assaults upon it have been increasing in intensity over the past several decades. Rapid changes in the pattern of knowledge production raise new questions regarding the professional justification; and shifts in attitudes toward the meaning of the Ph.D. raise new questions regarding the cultural justification. While the pros and cons receive considerable discussion, th6 amount and quality of empirical evidence needed to assess the extent to which
An Example of the Application of Nonlinear Programming to Chemical-Process Optimization

This paper presents a realistic chemical-process optimization problem in detail, and notes the fact of its equivalence to the general nonlinear programming problem. The eight equality constraints that arise are handled by algebraic substitution, and the resulting four-variable problem is solved by a modified form of the Davidon-Fletcher-Powell algorithm. Details of the method are presented including a FORTRAN computer program, and results of two typical cases are summarized.
Geopolymer with Hierarchically Meso-/Macroporous Structures from Reactive Emulsion Templating

We present a simple synthetic route to hierarchically porous geopolymers using triglyceride oil for a reactive emulsion template. In the new synthetic method, highly alkaline geopolymer resin was first mixed with canola oil to form a homogeneous viscous emulsion which was then cured at 60°C to give a hard monolithic material. During the process, the oil in the alkaline emulsion undergoes a saponification reaction to be decomposed to water-soluble soap and glycerol molecules which were then extracted with hot water to finally yield porous geopolymers. Nitrogen adsorption studies indicated the presence of mesopores, whereas the SEM studies revealed that the mesoporous geopolymer matrix are dotted with spherical macropores (10–50 lm) which are due to oil droplet template in the emulsion. Various synthetic parameters including the precursor compositions were examined to control the porosity. BET surface area and BJH pore volume of the materials were up to 124 m 2 /g and 0.7 cm 3 /g, respectively, and the total pore volumes up to 2.1 cm 3 /g from pycnometry.
Looking Through Flynn’s Rose-Colored Scientific Spectacles

In the first article of this special issue of the Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, I critiqued Flynn’s theoretical explanation of the Flynn effect because he depended too heavily on an apparently huge generational gain on the WISC Similarities subtest; I claimed he was comparing apples with oranges because that subtest changed too much when the WISC was first revised. Four sets of esteemed researchers were invited to respond to my article and also to an article by Zhou, Zhu, and Weiss—Flynn, Sternberg, McGrew, and Ceci and Kanaya. Flynn disagrees strongly with my critique of his theory, a theory that posits striking generational shifts from concrete (utilitarian) thinking to a kind of fluid reasoning that Flynn nicknames “scientific spectacles.” In this final article of the special issue, I respond to Flynn’s claims, and also to the points made by the other invited respondents. In addition, I respond to the range of opinions expressed by the scholars who were invited to write an essay on whether o...
Juvenile pemphigus vulgaris

ABSTRACT. Pemphigus vulgaris is extremely rare in childhood. Only 35 cases of juvenile pemphigus vulgaris have been reported in the literature up until to now. During the pre-steroid era, the outcome of the disease was usually regarded as fatal. Today, the prognosis has improved because of the possibility of early diagnosis by immunoflourescent techniques, determination of antibodies against epidermal intercellular substance and early therapy with systemic steroids. A case of juvenile pemphigus vulgaris with a favourable outcome in a 13-year old girl is described.
Robust decentralized direction-of-arrival estimation in contaminated noise

A novel scheme for direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation is presented. The procedure provides estimates that are robust against outliers and distributional uncertainties. It also employs decentralized processing in which each subarray site provides a robust estimate of the number of sources accompanied by its corresponding reliability statistics, so that only the reliable estimates of the number of sources are combined at the fusion center. A robust technique is used to combine the corresponding DOA estimates from the subarray sites. Simulation results show that the scheme performs consistently when the outlier noise is present, whereas the performance of the corresponding nonrobust method deteriorates quickly even with a slight change of the noise environment. This is especially significant at a low signal-to-noise ratio. >
Maintenance proficiency assessment: background and overview

Valid assessment of the skills and knowledge of individual maintenance personnel is critical for the efficient and safe performance of maintenance tasks in nuclear power plants. A brief overview of an Electrical Power Research Institute (EPRI) research project to develop, evaluate and effect technology transfer of a methodology to assess maintenance proficiency validly and efficiently is provided. >
Production of Fast Neutron With Plasma Focus Device

Before its demise DIANA Hi-TECH, LLC, demonstrated the use of two 50 kJoule Plasma Focus devices for the copius production of fast neutrons, x-rays and radio-isotopes. Such a device is suitable for fast neutron non invasive interogation of contra-band materials including hidden nuclear materials. It could be particularly useful for a fast and fail safe interogation of large cargo containers, or in merchant marine port of entries. The performance and fast neutron production (2.5 or 14 MeV at 10^11 or 10^13 neutrons per pulse, respectively) of the two PF50 Plasma Focus devices produced by DIANA HiTECH, LLC, are discussed.
A Control Loop Structure Based on Singular Value Decomposition for Input-Coupled Systems

This paper introduces a control structure based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) to control multiple subsystems with reduced inputs. The SVD System permits simultaneous, dependent control of sets of subsystems coupled by a row-column input design. The use of the SVD differs from previous applications because it is used to obtain a low-rank approximation of desired inputs. The row-column system allows many actuators to be controlled by a few inputs. Current control methods using the row-column system rely on scheduling techniques that permit independent actuator control but are too slow for many applications. The inspiration for this new control construct is a pin array human machine interface, called Digital Clay. Some useful properties of the SVD will be discussed and the SVD System will be described and demonstrated in a simulation of Digital Clay.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Mechanisms controlling human endothelial lumen formation and tube assembly in three-dimensional extracellular matrices

Recent data have revealed new mechanisms that underlie endothelial cell (EC) lumen formation during vascular morphogenic events in development, wound repair, and other disease states. It is apparent that EC interactions with extracellular matrices (ECMs) establish signaling cascades downstream of integrin ligation leading to activation of the Rho GTPases, Cdc42 and Rac1, which are required for lumen formation. In large part, this process is driven by intracellular vacuole formation and coalescence, which rapidly leads to the creation of fluid-filled matrix-free spaces that are then interconnected via EC-EC interactions to create multicellular tube structures. EC vacuoles markedly accumulate in a polarized fashion directly adjacent to the centrosome in a region that strongly accumulates Cdc42 protein as indicated by green fluorescent protein (GFP)-Cdc42 during the lumen formation process. Downstream of Cdc42-mediated signaling, key molecules that have been identified to be required for EC lumen formation include Pak2, Pak4, Par3, Par6, and the protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms zeta and epsilon. Together, these molecules coordinately regulate the critical EC lumen formation process in three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrices. These events also require cell surface proteolysis mediated through membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), which is necessary to create vascular guidance tunnels within the 3D matrix environment. These tunnels represent physical spaces within the ECM that are necessary to regulate vascular morphogenic events, including the establishment of interconnected vascular tube networks as well as the recruitment of pericytes to initiate vascular tube maturation (via basement membrane matrix assembly) and stabilization. Current research continues to analyze how specific molecules integrate signaling information in concert to catalyze EC lumen formation, pericyte recruitment, and stabilization processes to control vascular morphogenesis in 3D extracellular matrices.
Current Practice of HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis Treatment for Sexual Assault Patients in an Emergency Department

Abstract Background Comprehensive data that address current HIV nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP) practices in the emergency care of sexual assault patients are limited. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released HIV nPEP guidelines in 2005 and updated guidelines for Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment in 2006 and 2010, each of which support providing nPEP to sexual assault patients. This study examined the offer, acceptance, and adherence rates of nPEP among sexual assault patients treated at an emergency department (ED). Methods We conducted a retrospective review between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011, of women, aged 16 years and older, treated for sexual assault in an academic ED that participates in the sexual assault nurse examiner program. Findings One hundred seventy-one female patients were treated in the ED for 179 sexual assault events. nPEP was not indicated in 19 cases and was offered to all 138 of patients for whom nPEP was appropriate. Five patient cases that exceeded the 72-hour exposure window were offered nPEP. Of the 143 patient cases offered nPEP, 124 (86.7%) initiated nPEP. Of the 124 who accepted PEP, 34 (27.4%) had documented completion of the 28-day course. Conclusions nPEP was offered in all 138 cases where patients were eligible for treatment. Of patients who accepted nPEP, a minority are documented to have completed a course of treatment. Systems to improve postassault follow-up care should be considered.