cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Air evacuation and resin impregnation in semi-pregs: effects of feature dimensions

Prepregs with discontinuous resin (semi-pregs) impart robustness to vacuum-bag-only processing of composites. Limited guidance exists for evaluating advantageous resin patterns (i.e. dry space dime...
Exciton Polariton-Mediated Long-Range Excitation Energy Transport in Disordered Organic Semiconductors

We demonstrate room-temperature ultralong-range transport >80 μm of exciton-polaritons in a disordered organic thin-film using a one-sided distributed Bragg reflector, which is orders of magnitude larger than expected for excitons in disordered systems.
Compliance with every 12-week zoledronic acid dosing guidelines for bone metastasis in breast cancer patients.

81Background: Bisphosphonates, including zoledronic acid (Zometa), decrease skeletal-related events in breast cancer patients with bone metastasis but are also associated with side effects and util...
Biological plausibility and stochasticity in scalable VO 2 active memristor neurons

Neuromorphic networks of artificial neurons and synapses can solve computationally hard problems with energy efficiencies unattainable for von Neumann architectures. For image processing, silicon neuromorphic processors outperform graphic processing units in energy efficiency by a large margin, but deliver much lower chip-scale throughput. The performance-efficiency dilemma for silicon processors may not be overcome by Moore’s law scaling of silicon transistors. Scalable and biomimetic active memristor neurons and passive memristor synapses form a self-sufficient basis for a transistorless neural network. However, previous demonstrations of memristor neurons only showed simple integrate-and-fire behaviors and did not reveal the rich dynamics and computational complexity of biological neurons. Here we report that neurons built with nanoscale vanadium dioxide active memristors possess all three classes of excitability and most of the known biological neuronal dynamics, and are intrinsically stochastic. With the favorable size and power scaling, there is a path toward an all-memristor neuromorphic cortical computer.
The Myth of Multitasking and What It Means for Future Pharmacists

Objective. The primary purposes of this study were to: 1) determine the extent to which multitasking affects the speed and accuracy with which professional-phase pharmacy students identify prescription errors and 2) determine if there is a relationship between students’ self-perception of their multitasking ability and their actual ability. Methods. 121 second-year pharmacy students enrolled in Introduction to Dosage Forms spent one week in the experimental (multitasking) condition and one week in the control (undistracted) condition. Subjects were given 10 minutes to check 10 prescriptions and record any identified filling errors. A cellular phone was placed in each room. Subjects in the experimental (multitasking) condition answered a call from a researcher posing as a chatty customer during the prescription-checking task; those in the control condition were not interrupted by a cell phone call during the task. Subjects’ completion times and accuracy were recorded. Results. When subjects where multitasking, they took significantly longer to complete the prescription-checking task than when they were not multitasking. Furthermore, when subjects were multitasking, they scored significantly lower on the prescription-checking task than when they were not multitasking. Finally, students’ self-perceptions of their multitasking abilities were not related to the speed with which they completed the prescription-checking task nor to their accuracy. Conclusion. Multitasking negatively affects speed and accuracy of prescription verification in student pharmacists. Our procedure can be used as an in-class activity to demonstrate attentional limitations and to shape how future pharmacists practice.
Explorations of avoidance and approach coping and perceived stress with a computer-based avatar task: detrimental effects of resignation and withdrawal.

Background Individuals differ in how they react to stress or trauma through different coping styles in which they may deal directly with a stressor by adopting approach coping styles or disengage with a stressor by utilizing avoidant coping styles. Avoidant coping styles have been linked to adverse outcomes including psychological distress, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recently, avoidance coping styles as measured by a subset of items on the Brief COPE were found to have a weak positive relationship with performance on a computer-based avatar task which is related to avoidant personality temperaments. This avatar task was developed as an alternative for paper and pencil self-report inventories for measuring avoidant tendencies based on possible response biases of avoidant individuals. In the current study, avoidance and approach coping styles as measured by the Brief Approach/Avoidance Coping Questionnaire (BACQ) were compared to avoidant coping as measured by the Brief COPE and performance on the avatar task. In addition to approach and avoidance coping, the BACQ also measures active avoidance coping (i.e., diversion) and passive avoidance coping (i.e., resignation and withdrawal). The relationships between approach and avoidance coping and performance on the avatar task were also analyzed with the outcome of perceived stress as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Methods One hundred undergraduates voluntarily completed the BACQ, the Brief COPE, and the PSS. Participants also completed a computer-based task in which they guided an avatar through a series of social situations where they indicated how they would interact with or avoid interacting with strangers. Results Approach coping had a weak negative relationship to avoidance coping as measured by the BACQ and the Brief COPE. Performance on the avatar task had a moderate positive relationship with avoidance coping (diversion as well as resignation and withdrawal) as measured by the BACQ and a moderate negative relationship with approach coping as measured by the BACQ. A model including only approach, diversion, and resignation and withdrawal coping best predicted performance on the avatar task in a linear regression model. While resignation and withdrawal coping and diversion coping had moderate positive relationships to avatar task scores, only resignation and withdrawal had a strong positive relationship to perceived stress. A model than included only resignation and withdrawal coping best predicted perceived stress in a linear regression model. Overall, passive avoidant coping styles (i.e., resignation and withdrawal), but not active avoidant coping style (i.e., diversion), were related to perceived stress. These results support the continued study of multiple aspects of avoidant coping styles as well as the avatar task to increase our understanding of the maladaptive effects of excessive avoidance in the face of stress.
Zero-Shot Personalized Speech Enhancement through Speaker-Informed Model Selection.

This paper presents a novel zero-shot learning approach towards personalized speech enhancement through the use of a sparsely active ensemble model. Optimizing speech denoising systems towards a particular test-time speaker can improve performance and reduce run-time complexity. However, test-time model adaptation may be challenging if collecting data from the test-time speaker is not possible. To this end, we propose using an ensemble model wherein each specialist module denoises noisy utterances from a distinct partition of training set speakers. The gating module inexpensively estimates test-time speaker characteristics in the form of an embedding vector and selects the most appropriate specialist module for denoising the test signal. Grouping the training set speakers into non-overlapping semantically similar groups is non-trivial and ill-defined. To do this, we first train a Siamese network using noisy speech pairs to maximize or minimize the similarity of its output vectors depending on whether the utterances derive from the same speaker or not. Next, we perform k-means clustering on the latent space formed by the averaged embedding vectors per training set speaker. In this way, we designate speaker groups and train specialist modules optimized around partitions of the complete training set. Our experiments show that ensemble models made up of low-capacity specialists can outperform high-capacity generalist models with greater efficiency and improved adaptation towards unseen test-time speakers.
A Review of Electric Aircraft Drivetrain Motor Technology

This paper reviews the power density and torque density of permanent magnet motor technology that is currently commercially developed for use in electric aircraft. The review shows that in order to meet the ambitious electrical motor power density goals recently set forth the power density of a motor needs to more than double. The requirements imposed by the maximum propeller rotor tip-speed as well as the diameter constraints set by the aerodynamic requirements will further limit the practical electric motor design sizing options. This paper advocates for considering using magnetic gearing and using an integrated contra-rotating motor propeller co-design approach as a way of both increasing propulsive thrust performance and thereby increasing the aircrafts overall power density.
Concurrent Evaluation of Mortality and Behavioral Responses: A Fast and Efficient Testing Approach for High-Throughput Chemical Hazard Identification

The continual introduction of new chemicals into the market necessitates fast, efficient testing strategies for evaluating their toxicity. Ideally, these high-throughput screening (HTS) methods should capture the entirety of biological complexity while minimizing reliance on expensive resources that are required to assess diverse phenotypic endpoints. In recent years, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a preferred vertebrate model to conduct rapid in vivo toxicity tests. Previously, using HTS data on 1060 chemicals tested as part of the ToxCast program, we showed that early, 24 hours post-fertilization (hpf), behavioral responses of zebrafish embryos are predictive of later, 120 hours post-fertilization, adverse developmental endpoints—indicating that embryonic behavior is a useful endpoint related to observable morphological effects. Here, our goal was to assess the contributions (i.e., information gain) from multiple phenotypic data streams and propose a framework for efficient identification of chemical hazards. We systematically swept through analysis parameters for data on 24 hpf behavior, 120 hpf behavior, and 120 hpf morphology to optimize settings for each of these assays. We evaluated the concordance of data from behavioral assays with that from morphology. We found that combining information from behavioral and mortality assessments captures early signals of potential chemical hazards, obviating the need to evaluate a comprehensive suite of morphological endpoints in initial screens for toxicity. We have demonstrated that such a screening strategy is useful for detecting compounds that elicit adverse morphological responses, in addition to identifying hazardous compounds that do not disrupt the underlying morphology. The application of this design for rapid preliminary toxicity screening will accelerate chemical testing and aid in prioritizing chemicals for risk assessment.
ASO Visual Abstract: Ampullary Neuroendocrine Tumors-Insight into a Rare Histology.

Ampullary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) make up < 1% of all gastroenteropancreatic NETs. \Our study uses a national database to evaluate clinicopathologic factors and overall survival of this rare tumor ( https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-021-10371-w ). It demonstrates that ampullary NETs likely have a different underlying biology than duodenal and pancreatic head NETs.
Motives & goals in groups

The qualities and effectiveness of working groups are determined by the goals of the group and the motives of its members. In Motives and Goals In Groups, Alvin Zander studies the effects of group goals and the reasons why particular group goals are chosen. He examines the origins of such goals, determines their value in terms of the work of the group, and analyzes how goals are affected by members' aspirations to achieve success. Zander assumes the idea that the motives of members are not merely dispositions to obtain personal satisfaction, but are also inclinations to achieve group success. Earlier studies defined and clarified concepts about group achievement. They report on work in the laboratory, using high school students as subjects. In later investigations, these concepts were tested in groups outside the laboratory--classrooms, executive boards, industrial crews, and business departments. In the new introduction, Zander brings his book up to date by analyzing members' motives and groups' goals from 1971 to the present day. He examines how current findings amplify results reported in the original book. Among the topics covered are: measurability of a group's objective; the degree of members' confidence in attaining the group's goal; the importance of a group's purpose; external pressures on a group's aspirations; and the reaction of members to their group's performance. Motives and Goals in Groups brings together earlier research for the first careful, scientific study of goals In groups. It is of continuing importance to psychologists, educators, social workers, executives, therapists, and all others who work either in or with groups.
Molecular ecology of aquatic communities: reflections and future directions

During the 1980s, many new molecular biology techniques were developed, providing new capabilities for studying the genetics and activities of organisms. Biologists and ecologists saw the promise that these techniques held for studying different aspects of organisms, both in culture and in the natural environment. In less than a decade, these techniques were adopted by a large number of researchers studying many types of organisms in diverse environments. Much of the molecular-level information acquired has been used to address questions of evolution, biogeography, population structure and biodiversity. At this juncture, molecular ecologists are poised to contribute to the study of the fundamental characteristics underlying aquatic community structure. The goal of this overview is to assess where we have been, where we are now and what the future holds for revealing the basis of community structure and function with molecular-level information.
Centella asiatica Attenuates Amyloid-β-Induced Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Background We previously showed that a water extract of the medicinal plant Centella asiatica (CAW) attenuates amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced cognitive deficits in vivo, and prevents Aβ-induced cytotoxicity in vitro. Yet the neuroprotective mechanism of CAW is unknown. Objective The goal of this study was to identify biochemical pathways altered by CAW using in vitro models of Aβ toxicity. Methods The effects of CAW on aberrations in antioxidant response, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrial function induced by Aβ were evaluated in MC65 and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Results CAW decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species and calcium levels elevated in response to Aβ, and induced the expression of antioxidant response genes in both cell lines. In SH-SY5Y cells, CAW increased basal and maximal oxygen consumption without altering spare capacity, and attenuated Aβ-induced decreases in mitochondrial respiration. CAW also prevented Aβ-induced decreases in ATP and induced the expression of mitochondrial genes and proteins in both cell types. Caffeoylquinic acids from CAW were shown to have a similar effect on antioxidant and mitochondrial gene expression in neuroblastoma cells. Primary rat hippocampal neurons treated with CAW also showed an increase in mitochondrial and antioxidant gene expression. Conclusions These data suggest an effect of CAW on mitochondrial biogenesis, which in conjunction with activation of antioxidant response genes and normalizing calcium homeostasis, likely contributes to its neuroprotective action against Aβ toxicity.
Urban Poverty in Neighborhoods

Abstract After nearly four decades of research and efforts at policy reform and program intervention, the number of persons in poverty is increasing and persons in poverty are becoming more and more concentrated. This article provides an overview of the history of poverty in America, its causes, and indicates why scholars and policy-makers should be concerned. The article concludes by calling for a more comprehensive approach to the solutions of poverty – one which takes into account the structural sources of poverty, its multigenerational roots, and the link between individual neighborhoods and regions.
The 2E → 4A2 spectra of hexaquochromium (III) crystals

Abstract The emission spectra of C(NH2)3Al(SO4)2·6H2O(GASH), C(NH2)3Al(SO4)2·6D2O(GASD), AlCl3·6H2O, and AlCl3·6D2O doped with Cr3+ have been recorded at 4 and 77°K. The two R lines are intense in both the 4 and 77°K spectra of Cr3+:GASH and Cr3+:GASD, negating an interpretation in which the R lines are ascribed to the components of 2 E ← 4 A 2 from a single species. The vibronic intervals within 350 cm−1 of the origin are only slightly changed when H2O is replaced by D2O, whereas the energies of most vibrations in the 400–1000 cm−1 range are much affected by deuteration.
Mineral Utilization by Rats Fed Various Commercially Available Calcium Supplements or Milk

The effects of commercially available calcium supplements and milk on tissue levels and apparent absorption of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron and copper were evaluated in two studies with rats. Calcium supplements (calcium phosphate dibasic, oyster shell preparations with and without supplemental magnesium, calcium lactate, calcium carbonate with and without supplemental iron and vitamins, dolomite and chelated calcium with and without chelated magnesium) and nonfat dry milk were the sole sources of calcium in nutritionally adequate diets. Rats fed calcium phosphate dibasic had enlarged kidneys with greater than 20-fold increases in calcium levels. The rats fed the three magnesium-fortified supplements had lower apparent absorption of calcium and iron and less accumulation of calcium in bone than rats fed milk. There were few differences in the utilization of calcium by rats fed milk or supplements containing only calcium lactate, chelated calcium, oyster shells and calcium carbonate, but magnesium retention in bone was greater among rats fed milk.
Merkel-like basal cells in Necturus taste buds contain serotonin

Several types of cells have been identified in vertebrate taste buds, including dark cells, light cells, intermediate cells, type III cells, and basal cells. The physiological roles of these cell types are not well understood, especially those of basal cells. In this paper we show that there are two types of basal cells in taste buds from Necturus maculosus. One type of basal cell is an undifferentiated cell, presumably a stem cell. By combining light microscopic immunocytochemistry with electron microscopy, we show that the other type of basal cell is positive for serotonin-like immunoreactivity and that these cells have ultrastructural features similar to those found in cutaneous Merkel cells. Based on these findings, and the fact that the Merkel-like taste cells have been shown to make synaptic contacts with adjacent taste cells and with innervating nerve fibers, we conclude that these Merkel-like basal taste cells are serotonergic interneurons. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Callaloo or Tossed Salad: East Indians and the Cultural Politics of Identity in Trinidad

Callaloo or Tossed Salad: East Indians and the Cultural Politics of Identity in Trinidad. Viranjini Munasinghe. Ithaca, NY, and London, UK: Cornell University Press, 2001. xv+ 315 pp. (Cloth USS45.00; Paper US$19.95)
Prostacyclin inhibits non-small cell lung cancer growth by a frizzled 9-dependent pathway that is blocked by secreted frizzled-related protein 1.

The goal of this study was to assess the ability of iloprost, an orally active prostacyclin analog, to inhibit transformed growth of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to define the mechanism of iloprost's tumor suppressive effects. In a panel of NSCLC cell lines, the ability of iloprost to inhibit transformed cell growth was not correlated with the expression of the cell surface receptor for prostacyclin, but instead was correlated with the presence of Frizzled 9 (Fzd 9) and the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ). Silencing of Fzd 9 blocked PPARγ activation by iloprost, and expression of Fzd 9 in cells lacking the protein resulted in iloprost's activation of PPARγ and inhibition of transformed growth. Interestingly, soluble Frizzled-related protein-1, a well-known inhibitor of Wnt/Fzd signaling, also blocked the effects of iloprost and Fzd 9. Moreover, mice treated with iloprost had reduced lung tumors and increased Fzd 9 expression. These studies define a novel paradigm, linking the eicosanoid pathway and Wnt signaling. In addition, these data also suggest that prostacyclin analogs may represent a new class of therapeutic agents in the treatment of NSCLC where the restoration of noncanonical Wnt signaling maybe important for the inhibition of transformed cell growth.
14CO2 Fixation, Glutamate Labeling, and the Krebs Cycle in Ribose-grown Hydrogenomonas facilis

Radio carbon dioxide fixation, glutamate labeling and Krebs cycle in ribose-grown Hydrogenomonas facilis
Use of gabapentin for postherpetic neuralgia: results of two randomized, placebo-controlled studies.

Abstract Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which affects up to 70% of elderly persons with herpes zoster, can have debilitating effects, including physical and social disability and significant psychological distress. A variety of agents have been used, either singly or in combination, to control PHN, including topical and oral analgesics, antidepressants, and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, PHN often proves refractory to these therapies. Objectives: This article reviews available data on the use of the newer AED gabapentin for the control of PHN. Methods: A MEDLINE search was undertaken to identify all randomized, placebo-controlled trials on the use of gabapentin in PHN. The search terms were gabapentin and postherpetic neuralgia . Results: The literature search identified 2 published studies of the efficacy of gabapentin in a total of 563 patients with PHN that had persisted for at least 3 months after the healing of herpes zoster rash. The studies employed multipple outcome measures, including visual analog and Likert scales for pain intensity, and quality-of-life and functional measures that included the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Profile of Mood States. At maximum target dosages of 1800 to 3600 mg/d, gabapentin prodcued significant reductions in mean daily pain scores compared with placebo on both visual analog ( P P
Vertebral surface registration using ridgelines/crestlines

The Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm is an efficient and popular technique for surface registration. It however suffers from the well-known problem of local minima that make the algorithm stop before it reaches the desired global solution. ICP can be improved by the use of landmarks or features. We recently developed a level set capable of evolving on the surface of an object represented by a triangular mesh. This level set permits the segmentation of portions of a surface based on curvature features. The boundary of a segmented portion forms a ridgeline/crestline. We show that the ridgelines/crestlines and corresponding enclosed surfaces extracted by the algorithm can substantially improve ICP registration. We compared the performance of an ICP algorithm in three setups: 1) ICP without landmarks. 2) ICP using ridgelines. 3) ICP using ridgelines and corresponding enclosed surfaces. Our material consists of vertebral body surfaces extracted for a study about the progression of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Same vertebrae scanned at intervals of one or two years were rigidly registered. Vertebral body rims and the end plate surfaces they enclose were used as landmarks. The performance measure was the mean error distance between the registered surfaces. From the one hundred registrations that we performed the average mean error was respectively 0.503mm, 0.335mm and 0.254mm for the three setups. Setup 3 almost halved the average error of setup 1. Moreover the error range is dramatically reduced from [0.0985, 2.19]mm to just [0.0865, 0.532]mm, making the algorithm very robust.
Effect of processing and cooking on the content of minerals and protein in pasta containing buckwheat bran flour

Research was conducted to determine the effect of processing and cooking on the ash content and mineral composition and on protein content and amino acid composition of spaghetti that was fortified with 250 g kg−1 buckwheat bran flour (BBF). Extrusion and drying temperature had little or no effect on ash and mineral content of spaghetti containing BBF. Drying temperature did not affect protein content; however, a 31% reduction in lysine content was observed in spaghetti containing BBF dried at 90 °C. Cooking spaghetti fortified with BBF reduced ash content by 28%. Reduction in ash content was reflected by an average decrease in potassium of 62%, in copper of 45%, and in zinc of 11%. Cooking had little or no effect on content of calcium, iron, magnesium, or manganese. As a result of material leaching from spaghetti during cooking, the protein content and content of each amino acid (db) were greater in cooked than uncooked spaghetti. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Mechanical characterization of the interfacial strength of glass‐reinforced composites

A mechanical test system using a monofilament pullout technique has been utilized to investigate the interfacial bond strength of glass monofilament-epoxy resin composites. The factors influencing the interfacial strength and hydrothermal stability of the glass monofilament-epoxy resin composites have been studied including: varying the amount of thickness of the N-2-aminoethyl-3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (AAPS) coupling agent layers between the two substrates of the composite; the debonding effect of moisture and heat as the result of long term exposure; and the partial removal of the deposited silane coupling agent on glass by water, prior to composite preparation. It is found that a critical amount of the bifunctional silane coupling agent is necessary to improve the mechanical strength and hydrothermal stability of the composite interface. Partial removal by washing of the deposited aminosilane on glass, prior to composite preparation, irrespective of its original thickness, enhances the interfacial strength of the composite.
Compliance with electrodiagnostic guidelines for patients undergoing carpal tunnel release

Abstract Storm S, Beaver SK, Giardino N, Kliot M, Franklin GM, Jarvik JG, Chan L. Compliance with electrodiagnostic guidelines for patients undergoing carpal tunnel release. Objective To describe how clinical practice in those who underwent carpal tunnel release (CTR) matched the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AAEM) 1993 practice parameters for electrodiagnostic evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Design Cohort study using 1998–1999 Medicare billing data. Setting Washington State. Participants State Medicare beneficiaries who underwent CTR in 1999 (N=1567) Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures Compliance with the AAEM practice parameters. Results Of the 324 receiving surgery, 24 (20.7%) did not have any electrodiagnostic testing before surgery. One hundred seventy-one (10.9%) had testing performed that did not lead to the diagnosis of CTS. One thousand seventy-two (68.4%) patients were diagnosed with CTS through electrodiagnostic testing; 155 (9.9%) had less than 2 sensory nerves studied, 114 (7.3%) had less than 2 motor nerves studied, and 65 (4.2%) of the studies met neither the standard (sensory nerve testing) nor guideline (motor nerve testing). In a multivariate analysis, neurologists were more likely than physiatrists not to meet the AAEM standards (adjusted relative risk [adj RR]=1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–2.31) and patients living in rural areas were more likely to have no or inadequate testing (adj RR=1.6; 95% CI, 1.3–1.9). Conclusions Over one third of Medicare patients undergoing CTR in Washington State in 1999 may have had an inappropriate electrodiagnostic workup before the surgery. Policymakers should consider mandating an appropriate electrodiagnostic test before approving CTR.
Individual Monitoring of Vocal Effort With Relative Fundamental Frequency: Relationships With Aerodynamics and Listener Perception

Purpose The acoustic measure relative fundamental frequency (RFF) was investigated as a potential objective measure to track variations in vocal effort within and across individuals. Method Twelve speakers with healthy voices created purposeful modulations in their vocal effort during speech tasks. RFF and an aerodynamic measure of vocal effort, the ratio of sound pressure level to subglottal pressure level, were estimated from the aerodynamic and acoustic signals. Twelve listeners also judged the speech samples for vocal effort using the visual sort and rate method. Results Relationships between RFF and both the aerodynamic and perceptual measures of vocal effort were weak across speakers (R2 = .06–.26). Within speakers, relationships were variable but much stronger on average (R2 = .45–.56). Conclusions RFF showed stronger relationships between both the aerodynamic and perceptual measures of vocal effort when examined within individuals versus across individuals. Future work is necessary to establish th...
Habits of thought and cultural tourism

Abstract The way cultural tourists think about the people they visit impacts upon their travel experiences. Cultural tourism professionals can benefit by understanding this diversity of thought. By examining four travelogs concerning Native American cultures in the 19th century, the value of new research techniques from consumer behavior which employ methods paralleling literary criticism are demonstrated and related to the empirical evidence at hand. In particular, the works of Sir Richard Burton, Francis Parkman, Washington Irving, and Louis Henry Morgan are compared and juxtaposed. It is hoped that this combining of tourism theory with mythological theory will help the field to mesh with similar developments taking place in marketing and consumer behavior.
Syntheses of papyracillic acids: application of the tandem chain extension-acylation reaction.

A synthetic approach to the papyracillic acid family of natural products has been developed. The spiroacetal core is rapidly assembled through an unprecedented zinc carbenoid-mediated tandem chain extension–acylation reaction. Subsequent functional group manipulation provided access to papyracillic acid B and 4-epi-papyracillic acid C. The successful preparation of these molecules resulted in the clarification of structural assignments of members of this family of natural products.
Influence of seed placement on Russet Burbank potato yield and grade

Potato seed pieces were hand planted with different spacings in the row and percentages of doubles to determine the effects on total yield and tuber size distribution. The objective was to determine acceptable performance levels for commercial potato planters. Average tuber size increased as the percentage of double seed pieces decreased or as the in-row spacing between single seed pieces increased. Yield of tubers smaller than 113 g was the most sensitive parameter and they increased as in-row spacing decreased and as the percentage of double seed pieces increased. Yield of tubers larger than 283 g increased as in-row spacing increased but only for the first year. Total yield was not affected by the change of in-row spacing or the percentage of doubles.
Hepaticodochojejunostomy with afferent limb: CT anatomy

Hepaticodochojejunostomy with an afferent limb constructed to provide a permanent access route for retrograde biliary dilation has been described. The computed tomographic (CT) scans of 12 patients who had undergone this procedure were reviewed. The appearance of the afferent limb from its position within the subcutaneous tissues to its anastomosis with the biliary tree is described and illustrated. Recognition of the limb as a surgical pathway is important because familiarity with its anatomy will avoid errors in CT interpretation and aid in successful transjejunal catheterization of the bile ducts.
Using courseware to deliver library instruction via the Web : four examples

Librarians at four academic institutions present their experiences using four courseware products (Web Course in a Box, Blackboard, eCollege.com, and WebCT) to teach information literacy skills. Objectives, methods, content, and student populations vary from place to place. In all four cases, with some reservations, librarians deem courseware a valuable tool for delivery of library instruction. They agree on the following primary advantages: support for interactivity; support for assessment/grade management; support for distance education; relatively quick development time; relatively low technical skill requirement; and raise the following concerns: inability to integrate quiz questions into the text of lessons; and diminution of interpersonal contact.
REGIONAL ESTIMATION OF NITROGEN MINERALIZATION IN FOREST ECOSYSTEMS USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

A knowledge-based geographic information system (GIS) model was developed and used to predict net nitrogen mineralization within forest ecosystems of the Midwestern Great Lakes region, USA (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin). Climate, soil, and forest inventory data were used in conjunction with data relating initial N and lignin concentrations of leaf litter. Net N mineralization (Nnet) from leaf litter of forest ecosystems of the entire region was predicted as a function of litter quality (N:C ratio), annual actual evapotranspiration, soil texture, and litter production. Regional variation was evident in the model results: Nnet decreased from rates exceeding 120 kg·ha−1·yr−1 in the deciduous forest soils of southern Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to 20 kg·ha−1·yr−1 in the coniferous forest soils of northern and eastern Michigan. Wisconsin’s forest soils had intermediate Nnet rates, predominantly 40–90 kg·ha−1·yr−1. The model was most sensitive to N concentration of litter, which indicated th...
Purification and properties of bean pod mottle virus and associated centrifugal and electrophoretic components.

Abstract Purified preparations of crystalline bean pod mottle virus derived from single lesion isolates exhibited three schlieren peaks in the analytical ultracentrifuge with sedimentation coefficients of 54, 91, and 112 s. Separation of the three components by density-gradient centrifugation in sucrose and CsCl followed by droplet fractionation showed that infectivity was associated only with the 112 s component and the most dense major component, respectively. The separated components showed no serological differences, but did differ in nucleic acid content. All preparations showed two electrophoretic components in the Tiselius cell which were separable by continuous flow paper electrophoresis. Both components were infectious and serologically indistinguishable. Each electrophoretic component contained at least the middle and bottom centrifugal components in equal amounts and each of these two centrifugal components contained the two electrophoretic components.
Cyclosporine A-induced hypercalciuria in calbindin-D28k knockout and wild-type mice.

Cyclosporine A-induced hypercalciuria in calbindin-D28k knockout and wild-type mice. Background It is known that cyclosporine A (CsA) treatment induces high bone-turnover osteopenia and hypercalciuria. It has been proposed that down-regulation of renal calbindin-D28k by CsA results in renal calcium wasting. We investigated the role of the kidney and bone in CsA-induced hypercalciuria in calbindin-D28k knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Methods Two sets of experiments were performed. In experiment 1, KO and WT mice were treated with CsA 20 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally (IP) for 7 days. In experiment 2, to eliminate the CsA effect on bone resorption, pamidronate (APD) 2.5 mg/kg IP was given every 4 days with the first dose given 4 days prior to the 7-day course of CsA. Serum levels of creatinine, calcium, and osteocalcin, as well as renal calcium excretion were measured to assess CsA's effects on calcium homeostasis. Effects of CsA on the expression of calbindin-D28k, and two calcium channels in the apical membrane of the distal tubule, epithelial calcium channel (ECaC) and α1G-subunit of a voltage-dependent Ca channel (α1G), in the kidney were examined by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results KO mice had a threefold increase in renal calcium excretion when compared with WT mice at the baseline. This difference disappeared when calcium load was reduced by overnight fasting. After the CsA treatment, both WT and KO mice had a significant increase of renal calcium excretion (urine Ca/Cr ratio in WT, 0.11 ± 0.01 to 1.29 ± 0.17; in KO, 0.39 ± 0.04 to 1.18 ± 0.13; both P P P Conclusion Calbindin-D28k KO mice have diet-dependent hypercalciuria and a lower bone turnover rate. CsA treatment suppresses the expression of calbindin-D28k in mice, but has no effects on ECaC and α1G gene expression at the mRNA level. The pathogenesis of CsA-induced hypercalciuria involves both down-regulation of calbindin-D28k with subsequent impaired renal calcium reabsorption and CsA-induced high turnover bone disease. Additionally, our results suggest that mechanism(s) independent of calbindin-D28k within the kidney also may contribute to the CsA-induced calcium leak.
Hormone Responsiveness of a Transplantable Rat Chondrosarcoma. I. In Vitro Effects of Growth Hormone-Dependent Serum Factors and Insulin*

Serum Somatomedins and insulin stimulate transport processes and macromolecular synthesis in cartilage. The in vitro effects of serum somatomedins and insulin on amino acid transport and macromolecule synthesis in the Swarm rat chondrosarcoma were studied to determine if malignant transformation alters the responsiveness of chondrocytes to these factors. Amino acid transport was assessed by α-aminoisobutyrate uptake. Macromolecule synthesis was estimated by radiolabeled precursor incorporation into RNA, total proteins, and proteoglycan. Serum from normal rats and GH-treated hypophysectomized rats stimulates α-aminoisobutyrate uptake and macromolecule synthesis in the rat chondrosarcoma. Hypophysectomized rat serum stimulates these events marginally or not at all. Thus, the chondrosarcoma responds in vitro to GHdependent serum factors. Additionally, insulin stimulates in vitro amino acid transport and macromolecule synthesis in the rat chondrosarcoma. These data demonstrate that, in vitro, the Swarm rat ch...
Exploring the Terra Incognita of Access and Discovery: The Evolution of Cartographic Cataloging in the Twenty-First Century

Cataloging has seen substantial change since 2000, and the cataloging of maps, geospatial data, and other cartographic resources is no exception. The pace and scale of change, tied to the evolution of technology and cataloging/metadata standards, have been swift and broad. This paper highlights the most important changes and trends in the cataloging of cartographic resources during the first thirteen years of the twenty-first century through a review of the published literature and summarizes the state of map cataloging today. The author concludes by proposing future directions for research and practice.
The New Political Economy of Agricultural and Rural Research: Implications for Institutional Change

In 1970 Gray provided a satirical assessment of agricultural economics in the 1970s. He portrayed agricultural economists as ferrets and farmers as prairie dogs. In this predator-prey model, agricultural economists had been so successful in helping farmers that they no longer had any farmers left to help. At the end of his satire, there are inquiries about what became of the ferret. Many believe we are rapidly fulfilling this prophecy. Are we too late for these types of papers? Are we on the way to extinction? So much of this type of reflection has occurred, I wonder what I can contribute to the aging debate about the changing political economy and what it means for the Land Grant (LG) system. There are times when I think we have overdone our discussions of what we should do. Questions have been raised about the mission of land grant universities (Schuh, Hightower). Questions and suggestions about the administrative structures of land grant universities have also been addressed (Beattie). There has been a major review of the social science agenda (Johnson and others). There have been articles about our changing institutions (Bonnen). There have been reviews of the political economy and its relationship to agriculture (Young, Marchant, and McCalla). Finally, there have been articles about the dysfunctional Extension system (McDowell). What I find lacking is a focus on what individual agricultural economists can do. I, for one, would like to see more of us getting on with the work at hand. Consequently, my focus will be on what the changing political economy can mean for how individual faculty make choices.
Early Childhood Education--Assessment and Intervention: What the Future Holds.

The field of early childhood education has undergone several changes over the years. Current issues concerning assessment-intervention programs for kindergarten and first grade children are examined. The future state of the field and how it will impact the role of the school psychologist are discussed. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Reversible inactivation of d-fructose 1,6-diphosphatase by adenosine triphosphate and cyclic 3′, 5′-adenosine monophosphate☆

Abstract An analytical method for the quantitative recovery and purification of fructose 1,6-diphosphatase from incubation mixtures containing crude kidney extracts has been described. Utilizing this procedure it has been demonstrated that renal fructose 1,6-diphosphatase was inactivated on incubation with ATP and cyclic-3′,5′-AMP. Fructose 1,6-diphosphatase present in crude kidney extracts was inactivated by ATP and Mg ++ alone, and the rate of this inactivation was increased in the presence of cyclic 3′,5′-AMP. Purified enzyme was inactivated by ATP only in the presence of crude kidney extracts. Fructose 1,6-diphosphatase was also inactivated when kidney slices were incubated in the presence of epinephrine. When fructose 1,6-diphosphatase was incubated in the presence of an AT 32 P generating system in crude extracts, 32 P was incorporated into the enzyme protein with a concomitant decrease in enzyme activity. Very little or no 32 P i was incorporated in the absence of adenosine nucleotide. The inactivated enzyme was reactivated on incubation with crude kidney extracts. The possible relationship of these effects to those obtained with three other enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of glycogen and the mechanism of action of epinephrine is discussed.
How Should We Do Capsule Reading

Capsule endoscopy has been around for 5 years, but formal training is still poorly incorporated into most gastroenterology fellowships. Practicing gastroenterologists may be considered adequately trained after a short 1-day training program. However, there is no accepted standard on the volume or competency requirement, and the current modes of training are probably insufficient. Capsule endoscopy is not a mere extension of regular endoscopy and should require specific reading and interpretive skills. We attempt to address these issues and make some suggestions on how we can become good at reading capsule endoscopy in this article.
Soliciting prayer for the absent, measuring their social worth: Prayer requests for the deployed and the incarcerated

Abstract This article uses novel data – online prayer requests for incarcerated and deployed individuals – to investigate how individuals evaluate the social worth of absent loved ones. Results from overdispersed Poisson regression models show that describing incarceration as central to the absent individual's identity in prayer requests is associated with a more negative assessment of the incarcerated, while mentioning religious faith is associated with a positive evaluation. In contrast, seeing military deployment as central to the absent individual's identity promotes a positive assessment of the deployed, while missing joyous events is associated with a negative estimation. Results also demonstrate the strength of norms against criticizing deployed individuals. Taken together, these results show the usefulness of online data for scientific research – especially for those interested in individuals that may be difficult to find or hesitant to talk to researchers, or fear censure for some reason.
Cerium dioxide thin film optical waveguides

Abstract Cerium dioxide thin film optical waveguides were fabricated by an RF magnetron sputtering process. The films were deposited on glass substrates and on silicon dioxide layers grown on silicon substrates. Optical loss measurements for the fabricated waveguides are reported. It is seen that the volume losses in the films were fairly high compared with the surface losses.