cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemistry critical friendships: investigating chemistry-specific discourse within a domain-general discussion of best practices for inquiry assessments

High school chemistry teachers struggle to use assessment results to inform instruction. In the absence of expert assistance, teachers often look to their peers for guidance and support; however, little is known about the assessment beliefs and practices of high school chemistry teachers or the discourse mechanisms used as teachers support one another. Presented in this paper are the results from analyzing a discussion between five high school chemistry teachers as they generated a set of best practices for inquiry assessments. To analyze the discussion, a novel representation called a discourse map was generated to align the analyses conducted on chemistry teacher discourse as they temporally occurred. Results show the utility of the discourse map for evidencing critical friendship and assessment practices evoked by the teachers during the discussion of best practices. Implications for the structural considerations of materials and chemistry teacher professional development are presented as well as potential future investigations of teacher discourse regarding the use of data to inform instruction.
Salmonella Prevalence in Lymph Nodes of U.S. and Mexican Cattle Presented for Slaughter during 2 Seasons in Texas

ObjectivesDue to the generalized nature of the lymphatic system, lymph nodes (LNs) have been identified as a potential source of Salmonella contamination in ground beef products. The objectives of this study were to determine if Salmonella prevalence differs (1) between cattle of Mexican and U.S. origins when exposed to the same feedlot environment and (2) between warm and cool seasons.Materials and MethodsPaired subiliac LNs (n = 800 LNs) were collected from 100 carcasses per origin (Mexico and U.S.), per season (warm and cool). Per animal, left and right LNs were pooled yielding n = 400 total LN samples. The LNs were aseptically trimmed of fat and pulverized before microbiological analysis. Salmonella presence/absence was determined by following the USDA-FSIS Microbiological Laboratory Guidebook (MLG) 4.08.ResultsOverall, Salmonella prevalence in LN samples was 52.0% (208/400; data not presented in tabular form). No difference (P = 0.4836; Table 1) was seen in Salmonella prevalence as a function of country of origin, with 54.0% (108/200) and 50.0% (100/200) Salmonella-positive samples from cattle of Mexican and U.S. origin, respectively. Salmonella prevalence differed (P = 0.0354) between seasons, with 46.5% (93/200) and 57.5% (115/200) Salmonella-positive samples from cool and warm seasons, respectively (data not presented in tabular form). Interestingly, Salmonella prevalence in samples of U.S. origin differed by season (P = 0.0160), unlike those of Mexican origin. No difference (P = 0.6705) was seen between seasons in samples of Mexican origin, with 52.0% (52/100), and 56.0% (56/100) Salmonella prevalence for cool and warm seasons, respectively. For samples from beef carcasses of U.S. origin, Salmonella prevalence rates of 41.0% (41/100) and 59.0% (59/100) were seen for cool and warm seasons, respectively (Table 1). Serotyping of PCR-confirmed positive samples resulted in 14 different serovars with Cerro (21.6%), Anatum (19.7%), Muenchen (17.8%), Montevideo (14.4%), and Kentucky (12.0%) comprising the majority.ConclusionThese findings dispel previous concerns that Mexican cattle have a higher prevalence rate of Salmonella than U.S. cattle. These results also suggest that environmental factors may play a large role in the Salmonella prevalence rate in bovine LNs, and that additional research is needed to fully understand factors that influence Salmonella prevalence in bovine LNs.
A one-step NIST traceable HPLC method for quantitation of vitamin B6 and 4-pyridoxic acid in human plasma.

Abstract Objectives Vitamin B6 deficiency is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical syndromes. While vitamin B6 status is primarily assessed by measuring the biologically active form of the vitamin, pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP), concurrent measurement of the final metabolite 4-pyridoxic acid (PA) can provide additional information regarding supplement intake and hypophosphatasia. The aim of this study is to develop a simple method traceable to the NIST standard reference material 3950 for simultaneous detection of PLP and PA. Design & methods A one-step reverse phase HPLC method with fluorescence detection was developed by evaluating different derivatization conditions, the use of an internal standard and different calibration strategies. The assay analytical performance was evaluated. Results Pre-column derivatization with semicarbazide showed the best overall performance in terms of signal to noise ratio, retention time and peak shape when compared to pre- or post-column derivatization with chlorite, pre-column or in-mobile phase derivatization using sodium bisulfite. The final method provided an analytical measurement range from 7.8 to 350 ​nmol/L for PLP and 3.3–339 ​nmol/L for PA, total imprecision Conclusions This method combines derivatization and protein precipitation in one step and is traceable to NIST standard reference material 3950. It is simple and reliable for routine evaluation of vitamin B6 nutrition status.
Practice—actionable information and decision-making networks

Abstract In general, intelligent behavior builds on a spectrum of operations that begins with raw sensory data, which is then interpreted as information, translated into knowledge, and finally used to guide wise and appropriate actions. Effective drought early warning systems (DEWS) provide “actionable” information. Actionable information is timely, accurate, and reasonably specific. But it is also provided in formats and contexts such that it can be effectively used to guide decision-making. This means that the information provided by DEWS is integrated with two of the pillars of effective drought risk management: drought vulnerability and risk assessment, and drought preparedness, mitigation, and response. The format of effective and actionable information often involves a translation into sector-specific impacts and recommendations. For example, observed and predicted meteorological conditions might be translated into specific potential forecasts of streamflow, reservoir levels, or snowpack. A similar transformation process might be used to predict agricultural outcomes or rangeland conditions. Such transformations can make drought information much more usable. This chapter describes these considerations and applies them in the context of the food security projections provided by USAID's Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) in East Africa.
The Rise and Fall of Alcohol Excise Taxes in U.S. States, 1933-2018.

Objective:Higher alcohol taxation is protective against alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. All states have specific (volume-based) excise taxes for alcohol that decrease if not adjusted for i...
Impact of acute conjunctivitis on ocular surface homeostasis in dogs

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of acute conjunctivitis on tear film characteristics and corneal sensitivity in dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED Eight female spayed Beagle dogs (1.5-2 years old, 7.5-10 kg). PROCEDURES On two consecutive days, one randomly selected eye in each dog received 1 or 375 mg/mL histamine solution to induce mild or severe conjunctivitis, while the contralateral eye served as control. Diagnostic tests were performed in the following order: fluorescein instillation and repeated tear collection over 20 minutes (to determine tear volume [TV] and turnover rate [TTR] by fluorophotometry), Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1), tear ferning, corneal esthesiometry, and tear film breakup time (TFBUT). RESULTS Results are presented as median values for severe conjunctivitis, mild conjunctivitis, and control eyes. Eyes with severe conjunctivitis had significantly higher STT-1 (24, 19.5, 17.5 mm/min; P = .002) and significantly lower TFBUT (10.5, 13.5, 15.5 s; P = .002), but no changes were noted in corneal tactile sensation (2, 2.5, 2.5 cm) or tear ferning (grades 2, 2, 2.5). Severe conjunctivitis significantly increased TV by nearly 10-fold (631, 97, 65 µL) initially (reflex tearing), although basal TV returned rapidly (<5 minutes) in all eyes (46, 58, 48 µL). Finally, there was a nonsignificant trend for higher reflex TTR in the conjunctivitis vs control eyes (68, 58, 43%/min). CONCLUSIONS Experimentally induced conjunctivitis increases tear quantity and decreases tear quality in dogs, but has no impact on corneal sensitivity. Changes in tear film dynamics could affect ocular pharmacology (eg, precorneal retention time), although homeostasis of lacrimal volume and drainage is rapidly restored.
In Defense of Mindless Eating

This paper offers a defense of the practice of mindless eating. Popular accounts of the practice suggest that it is non-autonomous and to blame for many of society’s food related problems, including the so-called obesity epidemic and the prevalence of diet related illnesses like diabetes. I use Maureen Sie’s “traffic participation” account of agency to argue that some mindless eating is autonomous, or more specifically, agential. Insofar as we value autonomous eating, then, it should be valued. I also argue that mindless eating can be substantively good: it can help us achieve valuable ends, like creating and maintaining community. Acknowledging the agency and value in mindless eating has both practical and ethical benefits. I contend that it can help us preserve the value in mindless eating while suggesting more effective ways to change it, and, by offering a new narrative about mindless eaters, may be less damaging to agency than popular narratives.
Total Angular Momentum Management of Three Dimensional Vortices with a Single Plate

We present compact planar devices that enable light's spin and orbital angular momenta to evolve, simultaneously, from one state to another along the propagation direction, and report on arbitrary spin-orbit coupling in three dimensional vortices.
Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) training and skills evaluation tool: a pilot study.

Background and study aims Hands-on training for per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in the United States is limited and without a structured curriculum or assessment tool. Training to competency in POEM is critical and POEM trainees must acquire multiple cognitive and technical skills to achieve proficiency. The aim of this study was to develop a POEM training and skills evaluation tool. Patients and methods The training protocol included initial explant porcine models followed by live human cases, proctored by a single endoscopist experienced in POEM who prospectively graded trainees for each step (“skill”) of the procedure on a 5-point scale. Procedural skills were divided into cognitive and technical skills. Acceptable passing level was considered a score ≥ 4 for each skill. Results Three trainees completed a total of 18 cases (8 cases on animal explant models and 10 human cases). Overall, cognitive skills were acquired early in training with scores of ≥ 4 achieved by ≤ 3 cases. Technical skills required more cases and direction with scores ≥ 4 in technical skills achieved by three porcine and eight human cases. Entry of the endoscope into the submucosal space and submucosal tunneling were the most challenging steps followed by myotomy. Conclusion This pilot study introduces a POEM training and skills evaluation tool for training to competency. Submucosal entry, tunneling, and myotomy were the most challenging to learn while cognitive skills were learned early in training. Evaluation of more trainees at multiple sites will be necessary to further validate the utility of this tool.
Ideological extremism and electoral design Multimember versus single member districts

Relying on a formal theoretical model, Cox (1984; 1990a; 1990b; 1997) demonstrates that single member districts induce candidates toward policy positions at their constituency median while multimember districts encourage dispersion. We test this theoretical implication in the context of the Arizona state legislature, in which each legislative district chooses one senator and two representatives in single member and multimember contests respectively. To do so, we generate W-NOMINATE estimates of scores based on roll-call data from the Arizona state legislature that are comparable across chambers (Senate and House). Our results are substantially less supportive of the formal theory than are those of prior studies.
Structure and texture development of food-emulsion products

Abstract This chapter briefly discusses the influence of the physical and structural properties of emulsions on the textural properties of emulsion-based food products. This knowledge is essential for the successful development of food products that are healthier for consumers (e.g., low in fats and calories) but that still possess desirable sensory attributes. Many of the challenges in manufacturing healthful food products that are appetizing to consumers can be overcome using structural design approaches. These approaches involve fabrication of novel structures within emulsions, for example, microclusters, multiple emulsions, filled-hydrogel particles, and air-incorporated emulsions. Instrumental methods available to determine the key textural properties of emulsions are also covered, as these methods are important to test products during various development stages.
The Misunderstood Gender: A Model of Modern Femme Identity

Femme identity remains a highly controversial topic. It has been maligned in both heterosexual and queer contexts, and is rarely represented in empirical literature. In this study we examined how femme women experience their own gender identity. Interviews were conducted with femme-identified lesbians; the focus was upon 4 content areas: identity development, experiences in the lesbian community, heterosexual society, and romantic relationships. The interviews were analyzed using Grounded Theory (B. J. Glaser & A. Strauss, 1967), an empirical method of generating models of subjective phenomena. The core category in this model “Maintaining integrity: Upholding beliefs about sexual desire and gender representation” reflects the need to uphold their sense of integrity across a variety of contexts by confronting stereotypes about both women and lesbians.
Evaluation of non-ST segment elevation acute chest pain syndromes with a novel low-profile continuous imaging ultrasound transducer.

Background: This investigation was designed to test the hypothesis that continuous cardiac imaging using an ultrasound transducer developed in our laboratory (ContiScan) is superior to electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with acute non-ST segment elevation chest pain syndromes. Methods: Seventy patients with intermediate to high probability of CAD who presented with typical anginal chest pain and no evidence of ST segment elevation on the ECG were studied. The 2.5-MHz transducer is spherical in its distal part mounted in an external housing to permit steering in 360 degrees. The transducer was placed at the left sternal border to image the left ventricular short-axis view and recorded on video tape at baseline, during and after episodes of chest pain. Two ECG leads were continuously monitored. The presence of CAD was confirmed by coronary arteriography or nuclear or echocardiographic stress testing. Results: Twenty-four patients had regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) on their initial echo which were unchanged during the period of monitoring. All had evidence of CAD. Twenty-eight patients had transient RWMA. All had evidence of CAD. Eighteen patients had normal wall motion throughout the monitoring period, 14 of these had no evidence of CAD, and four had evidence of CAD. These four patients did not have chest pain during monitoring. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of echocardiographic monitoring for diagnosing non-ST elevation myocardial infarction was 88%, 100%, and 91% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the ECG for diagnosis of CAD were 31%, 100%, and 52%, respectively. Echocardiography was superior to ECG (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The data indicate that continuous cardiac imaging is superior to ECG monitoring for the diagnosis of CAD in patients presenting with acute non-ST segment elevation chest pain syndromes. This technique could be a useful adjunct to ECG monitoring for myocardial ischemia in the acute care setting.
Rotor aerodynamic loads computation using a constant vorticity contour free wake model

The prediction of vibratory loads on helicopter rotors depends critically on closely coupled interactions between wake-induced aerodynamic loading and structural deformation. Previous rotary wing aerodynamic analyses have typically used models lacking important features of the actual wake structure. This article summarizes the development of a comprehensive analysis of isolated rotors that employs a significantly improved approach to wake simulation. The model discretizes the sheet of vorticity that trails from each blade by laying out vortex filaments along contours of constant sheet strength. In this constant vorticity contour (CVC) wake model, the filaments are composed of curved vortex elements that distort freely in response to the local velocity field. This approach captures the wake of the full span of each rotor blade and includes many features of the complex vorticity field absent from earlier, more simplified models. This article outlines the capabilities of a rotor analysis that incorporates the CVC approach to wake modeling and presents results concentrating on configuration s where wake/blade interaction is of particular importance for modeling unsteady airloads.
An Economic Evaluation of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001

This paper summarizes and evaluates the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act. Enacted in 2001, EGTRRA is the biggest tax cut in 20 years, and features income tax rate cuts, new targeted incentives and estate tax repeal. Our central conclusions are that EGTRRA will reduce the size of the future economy, raise interest rates, make taxes more regressive, increase tax complexity, and prove fiscally unsustainable.
Chapter 3.1.1 Embryonic stem cells and gene targeting

Publisher Summary This chapter explains embryonic stem cells and gene targeting. The chapter provides a general discussion of how genes can be deleted in the mouse in order to study their impact on neurologic function and behavior in a mammalian organism. The mouse is a good experimental system for the creation of models of human genetic diseases and for producing animals with specific genetic alterations. It outlines technical aspects of the generation of knock-out mice. Genetic manipulation in the whole animal has been an extremely valuable approach to study gene function in the context of the whole organism. Neurologic and behavioral abnormalities are associated with known genetic defects in humans as well. The use of powerful linkage strategies for the mapping of genetic disease genes has led to the positional cloning of a number of such genes associated with human genetic diseases.
Girls Not Boys Show Gender-Connotation Encoding from Print

The present study examines gender differences in children's encoding of gender-connotation from words. The release from proactive interference method was used to measure gender-connotation encoding. Forty-eight third-grade children attending a public elementary school serving a predominantly White middle-socioeconomic-status community participated and were presented with stimulus words in print. The design of the study can be characterized as a two (gender) by two (condition: control vs. experimental) by four (trials) factorial. Results revealed reliable proactive interference buildup and release for gender-connotation for girls, but not for boys. This new finding, taken together with extant research, demonstrates that while both boys and girls have the ability to encode gender-connotation from aurally presented words, the spontaneous activation of gender-connotation attributes with print is not guaranteed for boys.
Formant estimation using singular value decomposition

The estimation of a small number of damped complex exponentials from data which contain a larger set of damped exponentials and noise is considered. The use of total least squares methods results in biased estimates of the high energy damped exponentials due to the presence of the extra modes. The reasons for this bias, and ways to reduce it, are discussed. >
Psychometric Characteristics of Assessment Procedures

In this chapter by Wasserman and Bracken, the most salient psychometric characteristics of psychological tests are described, incorporating elements from both classical test theory and item response theory. Guidelines are provided for the evaluation of test technical adequacy across a wide array of psychological tests in the areas of sampling, norming, scaling, validity, reliability, and fairness. Sampling, norming, and scaling guidelines address appropriate sample sizes, the accuracy and recency of norms, item and scale gradients, and floor and ceiling effects. Evidence of test score validity is described as occurring in two broad classes (internal and external), both of which ultimately are concerned with construct validity. Evidence of test score reliability includes the extent to which measurement results are precise and accurate; free from random and unexplained error; and consistent, accurate, and uniform across occasions, time, observers, and samples. Fairness is described as an important additional area of psychometric emphasis. A holistic and systemic approach to test score fairness is described, extending from test conception through applied consequences. Finally, the study of psychometrics is criticized for its historical over-reliance on internal sources of evidence, and recommendations are made for an increased focus on external, applied sources of evidence of psychometric adequacy. Keywords: fairness; norms; psychometric; reliability; sampling; test; validity
Essentials for team based rehearsals and the differences between Earth Orbiting and Deep Space Missions

The mission readiness environment is where spacecraft and ground systems converge to form the entire as built flight system for the final phase of operationally-themed testing. For most space missions, this phase starts between nine to twelve months prior to the planned launch. In the mission readiness environment, the goal is to perform sufficient testing to exercise the flight teams and systems through all mission phases in order to demonstrate that all elements are ready to support. As part of the maturation process, a mission rehearsal program is introduced to focus on team processes within the final flight system, in a more realistic operational environment. The overall goal for a mission rehearsal program is to: 1) ensure all flight system elements are able to meet mission objectives as a cohesive team; 2) reduce the risk in space based operations due to deficiencies in people, processes, procedures, or systems; and 3) instill confidence in the teams that will execute these first time flight activities. A good rehearsal program ensures critical events are exercised, discovers team or flight system nuances whose impact were previously unknown, and provides a real-time environment in which to interact with the various teams and systems. For flight team members, the rehearsal program provides experience and training in the event of planned (or unplanned) flight contingencies. To preserve the essence for team based rehearsals, this paper will explore the important elements necessary for a successful rehearsal program, document differences driven by Earth Orbiting (Aqua, Aura, Suomi-National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP)) and Deep Space missions (New Horizons, Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN)) and discuss common challenges to both mission types. In addition, large scale program considerations and enhancements or additional steps for developing a rehearsal program will also be considered. For NASA missions, the mission rehearsal phase is a key milestone for predicting and ensuring on-orbit success.
Relativistic Effects on Spin Observables

For the last ten years there has been considerable work on relativistic descriptions of proton scattering. By now, many of the basic ideas have been elucidated with detailed calculations. Therefore it is a good time to review relativistic effects on proton nucleus spin observables.
Interference Analysis for a Network of Time-Multiplexed Small Aperture Satellite Terminals

Small aperture satellite terminals have larger beamwidths, so they may result in higher interference levels to victim satellite links. Before large-scale deployment of these terminals, it is necessary to quantify the interference from these terminals. A detailed analysis is presented of interference generated from a network of small aperture satellite terminals that may operate with antenna pointing errors and use a time-division multiple access (TDMA) protocol. The analysis presented here makes use of existing applicable ITU-R recommendations, and to limit interference from a network of these terminals, both short- and long-term interference criteria are established.
Homelands and indigenous identities in a multiracial era

Abstract Although multiple race responses are now allowed on federal censuses and surveys, most interracially married single-race parents report a single race for their children. It is well-established that the social context of these racial identification decisions affects their outcome. This research focuses instead on the physical context. It is argued that homelands – physical places with cultural meaning – are an important component of the intergenerational transfer of a single-race identity in indigenous mixed-race families. To test potential explanations for the relationship between homelands and indigenous identities, this research focuses on families in which an interracially-married American Indian lives with a spouse and child and was included in the Census 2000 5% Public Use Microdata Sample. Logistic regression reveals a strong effect of living in an American Indian homeland on the child’s chances of being reported as single-race American Indian. This effect remains even after accounting for strong ties to American Indians and other groups, family and area poverty levels, geographic isolation, and the racial composition of the area. The intergenerational transmission of strong identities continues in this multiracial era (as it has for centuries) in the context of culturally meaningful physical places.
Dose escalation with proton radiation therapy for high-grade meningiomas.

Purpose of this study was to determine the toxicity and treatment outcome after dose escalation with proton radiation therapy for patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade II and grade III meningiomas. Between 1997 and 1999, 6 patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent grade II or III meningioma were treated on a Phase I/II dose escalation trial with combined proton-photon radiotherapy at the Harvard Cyclotron Laboratory/Massachusetts General Hospital. The median age was 46. The sites were sphenoid wing in 2 patients, parasagittal/falcine in 2, parasellar in 1, and olfactory groove in 1. The median gross total volume (GTV) at the time of radiation was 13.3 cc (range: 4.0–129.5). The total dose to the GTV for the grade II and III meningiomas was 68.4 and 72.0 Gy (RBE) in 1.8 Gy (RBE), respectively. The median percentage of proton was 80%. All patients tolerated radiation treatment without any treatment break. None of the patients required steroids or hospitalization during radiation. There was no...
Long-range incommensurate magnetic order in Dy-Y multilayers☆

Abstract Neutron diffraction studies have demonstrated the existence of helical magnetic order in a metallic superlattice of dysprosium and yttrium produced by molecular beam epitaxy. Analysis of the magnetic satellite peak widths indicates that phase coherence of the helix exists over at least five bilayer cells, each consisting of 14 atomic planes of dysprosium and of non-magnetic yttrium. The multilayer comprises 64 bilayer cells. Results are given for the temperature dependence of the magnetic intensity and for the effect of an applied magnetic field which continuously converts the helical ordering to ferromagnetism.
Probing the Conformation and Dynamics of Influenza a M2 Protein using Site-Directed Spin-Label EPR Spectroscopy

M2 is a membrane protein critical to the life cycle of influenza A. We have capitalized on the expanding body of high-resolution structural data available for the 97 amino acid M2 protein to design and interpret site-directed spin labeling electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (SDSL-EPR) experiments on the conformation and dynamics of the homotetrameric M2 protein embedded in lipid bilayers. We have obtained data for three different M2 constructs (M2TM 22-46, M2TMC 23-60 and full length M2 protein) spin-labeled at multiple sites within the transmembrane and C-terminal domains. CW and pulsed EPR spectra show evidence that M2 adopts multiple conformational states in bilayers, and that cholesterol content dictates the relative populations of the states.
Measuring and Exploiting the Perturbative Effects of Surfaces on Biomolecules

When proteins or nucleic acids are adsorbed onto a surface, their structure and kinetics may be perturbed relative to those under physiological conditions. Understanding these effects, which may be subtle or weak, are essential for accurate measurement of single-molecule behavior and important to the operation of essential biotechnologies such as microarrays. Using in-situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy on a model system often used in biosensors – DNA covalently tethered to a gold electrode that has been passivated by a self-assembled monolayer of 6-mercaptohexanol-- we examine the effects of both static and time-varying surface charge on DNA conformation and find an extreme sensitivity to its nanoscale chemical environment. Here we present, within the context of single-molecule biophysical measurements, methods to determine the interaction energy between the molecule and surface using a sensitive variation of traditional force spectroscopy, as well as techniques to reduce the heterogeneity in the chemical environment across the surface by direct placement of the biomolecules on the surface or through specific exploitation of defects within the monolayer. Furthermore, we have found that by controlling the surface potential we can dynamically modulate the activity and kinetics of surface-bound biomolecules, which may permit the development of new devices or measurement techniques that control the activity of single molecules in time and space.
Genetic analysis of the homeodomain transcription factor Chx10 in the retina using a novel multifunctional BAC transgenic mouse reporter.

Chx10 is a homeobox-containing transcription factor critical for progenitor cell proliferation and bipolar cell determination in the developing retina. Its expression in the retina has been reported to be restricted to these cell populations. To further understand Chx10 regulation and function, a multifunctional reporter construct consisting of GFP, alkaline phosphatase, and Cre recombinase was integrated into a BAC encoding Chx10. Stable lines of transgenic mice expressing this BAC were generated and analyzed. The reporter expression was faithful to the endogenous retinal Chx10 expression pattern and revealed a previously unappreciated locus of Chx10 expression in a subset of Muller glial cells. In addition, Chx10 reporter activity was identified in mature orJ-Chx10 mutant retinas, although these retinas lack Chx10-expressing bipolar cells. Reporter and molecular analysis showed that the reporter-expressing cells in the mutant had hallmarks of progenitor cells or partially differentiated Muller glial cells. These results strongly suggest that Chx10 promotes bipolar fate by affecting differentiation of late progenitor cells. Crosses of the Chx10 BAC reporter mice to R26R mice for fate-mapping experiments revealed that Chx10 reporter-expressing progenitor cells contribute to all mature cell types of the retina. These results demonstrate the utility of these lines for generation of mosaic or complete genetic manipulations of the retina.
Laminin-sulfatide binding initiates basement membrane assembly and enables receptor signaling in Schwann cells and fibroblasts.

Endoneurial laminins (Lms), β1-integrins, and dystroglycan (DG) are important for Schwann cell (SC) ensheathment and myelination of axons. We now show that SC expression of galactosyl-sulfatide, a Lm-binding glycolipid, precedes that of Lms in developing nerves. This glycolipid anchors Lm-1 and -2 to SC surfaces by binding to their LG domains and enables basement membrane (BM) assembly. Revealingly, non–BM-forming fibroblasts become competent for BM assembly when sulfatides are intercalated into their cell surfaces. Assembly is characterized by coalescence of sulfatide, DG, and c-Src into a Lm-associated complex; by DG-dependent recruitment of utrophin and Src activation; and by integrin-dependent focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation. Collectively, our findings suggest that sulfated glycolipids are key Lm anchors that determine which cell surfaces can assemble Lms to initiate BM assembly and DG- and integrin-mediated signaling.
Synthesis of a cyclic pseudopeptide containing a flexible β-Alaψ[CH2NH]unit

Abstract The target cyclic pseudopeptide, cyclo(Tyr-Gly-β-Alaψ[CH 2 NH]Ala-Phe-Leu), was efficiently synthesized using a methodology combining solid phase synthesis of the linear pseudopeptide and solution phase cyclization of the linear pseudopeptide.
Successful Student Recruitment for Public Child Welfare: Results From California's Title IV-E MSW Stipend Program Evaluation

Data on seven cohorts of MSW students revealed successful recruitment efforts of the California Social Work Education Center Title IV-E program to select students most suitable for work in public child welfare. Compared to non-IV-E students, racially diverse IV-E students were more committed to direct services and case management but not drawn to private practice. Unlike non-IV-E students, IV-E students preferred work with poor and at risk families, but not clinical clients. The IV-E students' future goals tended toward service, not career advancement. Additionally, a high percentage of IV-E graduates remain in child welfare at least three years post-graduation.
Disruption of sphingolipid metabolism in small intestines, liver and kidney of mice dosed subcutaneously with fumonisin B1

Fumonisin B1 is a fungal inhibitor of ceramide synthase, a key enzyme in the de novo biosynthesis of sphingolipids. The resulting increase in tissue free sphinganine (and sometimes sphingosine) is used as a biomarker for fumonisin exposure. This study determined whether a single subcutaneous injection of fumonisin B1 could cause an increase in free sphingoid bases in the intestinal epithelial cells of mice over 24 hr. It was hypothesized that fumonisin administered subcutaneously would be excreted into the small intestine via biliary excretion, and this should be detectable by increased sphingoid bases in the intestine. A significant time-dependent increase in sphingoid bases occurred in the intestine and liver peaking at 4–8 hr and declining to control levels by 24 hr. In the kidney the increase in free sphinganine was persistent. The parallel time course of the change in sphinganine in the intestine and liver suggested fumonisin B1 was rapidly excreted into the small intestine. Rapid cell turnover in the intestine could account for the reversal of the sphinganine increase. The rapid return to the control level in liver was unexpected since ceramide synthase inhibition in cultured cells is persistent suggesting that liver handles fumonisin B1 or sphingoid bases quite differently than kidney.
Is Financial Reporting Shaped by Equity Markets or by Debt Markets? An International Study of Timeliness and Conservatism

We hypothesize debt markets - not equity markets - are the primary influence on "association" metrics studied since Ball and Brown (1968). Debt markets demand high scores on timeliness, conservatism and Lev's (1989) R2, because debt covenants utilize reported numbers. Equity markets do not rate financial reporting consistently with these metrics, because (among other things) they control for the total information incorporated in equity prices. Single-country studies shed little light on the relative influences of debt and equity, because their firms operate under a homogeneous reporting regime. International data are consistent with our hypothesis. This is a fundamental issue in accounting.
Behavioral bias and left-right response differentiation in the rat.

To examine the proposition that lateral asymmetry facilitates left—right response differentiation in rats, we examined the relationships between the strengths of several behavioral biases and the scores on a learning task requiring left—right response differentiation. No support was found for a simple model positing a monotonic relationship between any behavioral bias and the learning scores. However, performance showed a U-shaped relationship to one behavioral bias. This finding conforms to a curvilinear model in which rats at either extreme of asymmetry are disadvantaged, at low degrees of asymmetry by a lack of navigational reference, and at high degrees by resultant strong position habits; moderately asymmetrical rats have neither disadvantage and are best able to use the asymmetry as a reference in processing left—right information.
A Method for Inferring Conditional Stochastic Failure Rates From the Time-History of Observed Failures

Observed failures, rather than first principles, are used to estimate fatigue rates probabilistically conditioned on operating conditions. The method developed assumes that a normal random variable may be used to approximate the damage limit (remaining lifetime) of components subjected to cumulative damage and that when a component fails, its damage limit has vanished at a rate proportional to the amount of time spent at each operating condition experienced during its lifetime. By considering differences in cumulative damage between pairs of failed components, we obtain the relative rates at which damage is accumulated for each observed operating condition. When the differences in component lifetimes are dominated by variations in experienced conditions, it is possible to estimate absolute rates. Otherwise, variations in initial damage limits dominate and it is only possible to estimate the mean and variance of this distribution. We demonstrate the procedure on synthetic data, including a test for the dominant source of lifetime variations.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced radical production in rat liver mitochondria

When rat liver mitochondria are treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) in the presence of the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signals are detected attributable to spin adducts resulting from the trapping of methyl, tert-butoxyl, and tert-butylperoxyl radicals. The addition of respiratory substrate results in a 3- to 7.5-fold increase in the signal intensity of the DMPO/methyl adduct, no change in the signal intensity of the DMPO/tert-butoxyl adduct, and complete loss of the DMPO/tert-butylperoxyl adduct signal. The magnitude of increase of methyl radical production in the presence of respiratory substrate is related to the respiratory control ratio (RCR) of the mitochondrial preparation. In the presence of antimycin A, which blocks electron flow between cytochromes b and c1, no stimulation of methyl radical production is detected with respiratory substrate. Stimulation of methyl radical production by the addition of respiratory substrate is detected in cytochrome c-depleted mitochondria. A similar increase in methyl radical production is detected when ferrous cytochrome c is treated with TBHP in the presence of DMPO (as compared to when ferricytochrome c is used). These results indicate that TBHP is reduced directly by either cytochrome c1, cytochrome c, or by both of these electron transport chain components in mitochondria undergoing state 4 respiration.
Reliability of simultaneous visual field testing.

Objective To test for differences in reliability and performance between traditional, isolated perimetry and simultaneous testing with 2 patients in the same room. Design Comparative case series. Participants A total of 471 eyes of 261 subjects. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing Humphrey visual field (VF) testing in the Kellogg Eye Center glaucoma clinic were screened. Patients who underwent VF testing with another patient in the same room ("double field") during the screening interval were included as subjects if a comparison isolated VF from the same patient ("single field") was obtainable from the clinic's records. An individual subject's performance and reliability on his/her double and single fields were compared using a paired t test. In addition, the double fields were stratified by technician-to-patient ratio, and their VF indices were compared using an independent 2-sample t test. Main Outcome Measures False negatives, false positives, fixation losses, mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, VF index, VF duration, and technician-to-patient ratio. Results No significant differences between single and double fields were found in the reliability or performance parameters. Test duration was longer in double fields than in single fields (6.1 vs. 5.9 minutes, P Conclusions There is no decrement in VF performance or reliability when patients undergo simultaneous testing with another patient in the same room. Busy clinical practices may be able to minimize costs and maximize efficiency by having 1 technician simultaneously supervise more than 1 test-taker in the same space. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Prostate Cancer Metastasis to the Stomach: 9 Years after the Initial Diagnosis—Case Report and a Literature Review

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men [1]. It usually grows slowly and remains confined to the prostate gland, in which it need minimal or no treatment. However, metastatic prostate cancer many times results in poor outcome [2]. Common places of metastasis are to the bones and lymph nodes [3]. Visceral metastases are rare, but when they occur, they commonly involve the liver and lungs [3]. Moreover, involvement of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is extremely rare. There are only a few cases of prostate cancer metastasis to the GI tract reported, including small bowel [4], esophagus [5, 6], and stomach [7–11]. The route of metastasis to the GI tract is unknown, although spread via the lymphatic channels has been postulated [12].We report a case of prostate cancer with metastasis to the stomach, 9 years after the initial diagnosis.
Quasi-bound states and resonances in heterostructures

Abstract The general theory for resonances of coherently propagating electron states in nanostructures is presented. Resonances in transmission as a function of electron energy, concomitant peaks in the density of states within the structure, and slowly escaping quasi-levels, are fundamentally related. Their connection depends on features of the continuation to complex energy of the energy dependence of system variables. Diode (parallel-plane) structures are first analyzed, with emphasis on fundamental formulas. Relations between the dwell times and phase (Wigner–Eisenbud) propagation delays are obtained. The relationship between transfer matrix, S-matrix, and a third computation-adapted matrix is shown. The general theory for multi-channel nanostructures is then developed in terms of the system S-matrix, generalizing diode results. The critical variables are the eigenvalues, and accompanying channel eigenvectors, of the S-matrix, as a function of energy. It is shown that the density of states within the structure when integrated over the energy range of a resonance equals just one electron, appropriate to a quasi-level.
EFFECT OF MATURATION ON GASTROINTESTINAL ABSORPTION OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR IN RATS

Orally administered epidermal growth factor (EGF) is absorbed intact in suckling rats (Am J Physiol 246:1984). The present study analyzes the effect of maturation. Weanling (29-day-old) and suckling rats (14-day-old) were fed 125I-EGF. After 30 min, radioactivity from stomach wall (SW), small intestinal wall (SIW) and liver (L) was extracted and analyzed by Sephadex G-25 for intact EGF. Data from two litters represent mean ± SEM (N = 4) of the proportion (%) of intact EGF (IN) in samples; and % of administered radioactivity recovered as intact EGF (REC). During weaning, the proportion of IN EGF isolated from stomach and intestine is decreased. Similar results were obtained for intestine in cortisone treated (5 mg/100 g B.W. daily-5 days) sucklings. The amount of IN EGF (after oral administration) found in the gastrointestinal tract of weanling rats is reduced when compared to sucklings; in the liver the differences were not significant. Conclusion: The processing of EGF by the gastrointestinal tract changes qualitatively and quantitatively during maturation.
Benign Lesions Accompanied by Intractable Epilepsy in Children

Epilepsy surgery has been proposed as a safe alternative treatment for intractable epilepsy in children, especially for patients with structural brain abnormalities. We studied 24 consecutive children who underwent surgery for intractable epilepsy. There were 12 males and 12 females. The mean age was 6.5 years. The seizures' duration ranged from 6 months to 2 years. The histopathological examination of the resected lesions revealed in 12 cases the presence of a ganglioglioma, in 7 cases dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, in 1 case a low grade glioma, in 2 cases cortical dysplasia, and in 2 cases cavernous malformations. In 18 cases, the lesions were located in the temporal lobe and in 6 cases the lesions were extratemporal. After a mean follow-up period of 4.4 years, 79% (19/24) of patients were seizure free. There were no permanent neurological deficits or deaths. Surgery for focal epilepsy in children is a safe procedure with favorable results.
Retrieving profiles of atmospheric CO2 in clear sky and in the presence of thin cloud using spectroscopy from the near and thermal infrared: A preliminary case study

[1] The benefits and limitations of retrieving a typical source profile of CO2 in the lower atmosphere employing high-resolution measurements from the 1.6 μm region in the near infrared (NIR) and moderate-resolution measurements from the thermal infrared (IR) are explored for clear-sky scenarios as well as scenarios containing thin cloud. With respect to CO2 column-average values, the results of this study show that all errors in CO2 column-average values were 1 ppmv or less for the cases considered. Retrievals using measurements from the NIR alone slightly outperformed those using measurements from the IR alone provided that atmospheric scatterers were properly constrained. It was also found that IR and NIR measurements complement one another in retrieving column CO2 and potentially provide better retrievals than using either set of measurements alone. With respect to CO2 surface values, the preliminary retrieved CO2 profiles show the NIR measurements are the clear winner due to the fact that the NIR obtains its CO2 information from the lower troposphere as opposed to the IR measurements which obtains its CO2 information from the mid and upper troposphere. However, measurements in addition to the NIR measurements (such as provided by the O2 A-band or by lidar) would be required to assist in constraining unwanted scattering.