cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial Scales and Probability Based Sampling in Determining Levels of Benthic Community Degradation in the Chesapeake Bay

The extent of degradation of benthic communities of the Chesapeake Bay was determined by applying a previously developed benthic index of biotic integrity at three spatial scales. Allocation of sampling was probability-based allowing areal estimates of degradation with known confidence intervals. The three spatial scales were: (1) the tidal Chesapeake Bay; (2) the Elizabeth River watershed; and (3) two small tidal creeks within the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River that are part of a sediment contaminant remediation effort. The areas covered varied from 10−1 to 104 km2 and all were sampled in 1999. The Chesapeake Bay was divided into ten strata, the Elizabeth River into five strata and each of the two tidal creeks was a single stratum. The determination of the number and size of strata was based upon consideration of both managerially useful units for restoration and limitations of funding. Within each stratum 25 random locations were sampled for benthic community condition. In 1999 the percent of the benthos with poor benthic community condition for the entire Chesapeake Bay was 47% and varied from 20% at the mouth of the Bay to 72% in the Potomac River. The estimated area of benthos with poor benthic community condition for the Elizabeth River was 64% and varied from 52–92%. Both small tidal creeks had estimates of 76% of poor benthic community condition. These kinds of estimates allow environmental managers to better direct restoration efforts and evaluate progress towards restoration. Patterns of benthic community condition at smaller spatial scales may not be correctly inferred from larger spatial scales. Comparisons of patterns in benthic community condition across spatial scales, and between combinations of strata, must be cautiously interpreted.
Molecular cloning of plasmolipin. Characterization of a novel proteolipid restricted to brain and kidney.

Plasmolipin is an 18-kDa proteolipid protein found in kidney and brain, where it is restricted to the apical surface of tubular epithelial cells and to mammalian myelinated tracts, respectively (Sapirstein, V.S., Nolan, C. E., Stadler, I.I., and Fischer, I. (1992) J. Neurosci. Res. 31, 96-102; Cochary, E. F., Bizzozero, O. A., Sapirstein, V. S., Nolan, C. E., and Fischer, I. (1990) J. Neurochem. 55, 602-610). Addition of plasmolipin to lipid bilayers induces the formation of ion channels, which are voltage-dependent and K(+)-selective (Tosteson, M. T., and Sapirstein, V. S. (1981) J. Membr. Biol 63, 77-84). The present study describes the isolation and cloning of plasmolipin cDNA that includes the sequence of the complete coding region of the protein, the analysis of plasmolipin mRNA expression and a proposed model for its membrane structure. Northern blot analysis 1) shows that plasmolipin is encoded by a 1.7-kilobase mRNA, 2) confirms that the distribution of plasmolipin is restricted to kidney and brain, and 3) indicates that the expression of plasmolipin mRNA in cultured oligodendrocytes increases with cell maturation consistent with changes in the level of the protein. Restriction enzyme digestion of DNA followed by Southern blot analysis indicates that plasmolipin is encoded by a single gene. Sequence analysis of plasmolipin cDNA shows an open reading frame encoding a 157-amino acid protein of 17.4 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence confirms the hydrophobic nature and high helical content of the protein and predicts a structure with four transmembrane domains similar to several other small hydrophobic proteins implicated in ion movement. The proposed model for membrane topology shows an enrichment of hydroxyl groups within two of the transmembrane domains and places cysteine residues near the extracellular membrane surface. Examination of protein sequence data bases reveals little overall homology with other proteins including proteolipids; however, three of the four transmembrane segments of plasmolipin show strong similarity with known membrane transport proteins. These results indicate that plasmolipin is an unique proteolipid protein that may participate in ion transport events specific to select membrane domains.
Analysis of complementary codes using FIR digital filtering theory for achieving reduced computational decoding

The author attempts to show how the generation and compression of complementary codes can be based on a specific single-input-multiple-output FIR (finite impulse response) digital filter structure. Driving this filter with a unit pulse yields both the code and its complement as the response simultaneously. A decoder is then derived as an FIR digital filter which is matched to the coder filter. The significance of this technique lies in the relative ease with which the decoder structure may be identified for arbitrary coder structures. This then leads to decoding algorithms with reduced computational requirements. An example is presented which shows how calculations on the order of N/sup 2/ may be reduced to a number on the order of Nlog/sub 2/N. >
Production of TH1 and TH2 Cell Lines and Clones

This unit describes protocols for the generation of polyclonal T(H)1 and T(H)2 cell lines from naive CD4(+) T cells as well as for generation of antigen-specific cell lines from TCR-transgenic mice and antigen-specific T cell clones from primed mice. Also described are methods for the preparation and maintenance of alloreactive murine helper T (T(H)) lymphocyte and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones using the limiting dilution technique, as well as derivation of T(H) clones reactive with soluble protein antigens, including a method for the selection of either T(H)1 or T(H)2 lymphocyte subsets. These two subsets of T(H) cells exhibit helper function in different ways and can be distinguished by the patterns of cytokines they synthesize. Support protocols describe a micromanipulation method for cloning T cells and a roadmap for using protocols published elsewhere in this series to assess cytokine production by T cell clones and lines.
A Review of: “Drexler, J., (Ed.). (2007). Schools as Communities: Educational Leadership, Relationships and the Eternal Value of Christian Schooling.”

Edited by James Drexler, PhD, of Covent College, this book is a compilation of various works by 21 experienced Christian educational practitioners affiliated with several Christian institutions of ...
Abstract 3535: Epigenetic regulation of miR-31 and miR-205 of apoptosis in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among men in the United States. However, our understanding of the cause of prostate cancer remains elusive. Recent studies have implicated that epigenetics, heritable changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than classical genetic alterations, is an important mechanism in tumorigenesis. MicroRNAs function as epigenetic regulators to alter gene expression, and very limited information is available regarding the roles of microRNAs in prostate cancer. Evasion of apoptosis is the hallmark of cancer, and it plays an important role in the growth and development of prostate cancer. We have recently demonstrated that miR-31 and miR-205 are downregulated in advanced prostate cancer. In addition, anti-apoptotic protein E2F6 was identified as the target of miR-31 and contributed resistance to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. While we found that miR-205 is silenced by gene promoter methylation, the mechanism of the downregulation of miR-31 in prostate cancer remains poorly defined. In this study, we report that EZH2 (Enhancer of zeste 2), a histone methyltransferase and component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is responsible for miR-31 silencing in prostate cancer. EZH2 plays an essential role in the epigenetic maintenance of the H3K27me3 repressive chromatin mark. Our results have shown that siRNA knockdown of EZH2 and DZNep (3-deazaneplanocin) treatment (an EZH2 inhibitor) in prostate cancer cells increased miR-31 expression. Furthermore, EZH2 is responsible for histone methylation at the promoter of miR-31 gene. In addition, siRNA knockdown of EZH2 and the treatment with DZNep sensitized prostate cancer cells to apoptosis. In contrast, EZH2 overexpression confers resistance to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Thus, polycomb protein EZH2 suppresses the expression of miR-31 and consequently contributes to apoptosis resistance in prostate cancer. The results will improve our understanding of the mechanism of drug resistance in prostate cancer cells. Novel strategies targeting EZH2 and miR-31 can be developed to increase drug-induced apoptosis and improve cancer response to chemotherapy. Citation Format: Qunshu Zhang. Epigenetic regulation of miR-31 and miR-205 of apoptosis in prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3535. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3535
Statistical Properties of Chaotic Systems in High Dimensions

Certain classical models, such as dispersing billiards, exhibit strong chaotic behavior but are highly nonlinear and contain singularities. It was a long standing conjecture that, due to singularities, the rate of the decay of correlations in such models is subexponential. Recently, L.-S. Young disproved this conjecture — she established an exponential decay of correlations for a periodic Lorentz gas with finite horizon. We extend this result to all the major classes of dispersing billiards. We also discuss many-particle interacting systems with exponential decay of correlations.
Percutaneous Fixation of Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Fractures

Fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal can be divided into three general patterns: avulsion of the tuberosity (type 1), Jones fractures (type 2), and diaphyseal stress fractures (type 3).1 Tuberosity fractures can be extraarticular or may involve the metatarsocuboid joint (Fig. 62.1). Jones fractures involve the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction and extend transversely and medially into the 4–5 intermetatarsal joint (Figs. 62.1 and 62.2). Unlike tuberosity fractures, which reliably heal, Jones fractures have a nonunion rate between 7 and 28%.2,3 In addition, one third of Jones fractures treated conservatively may go on to closed refracture.4 Diaphyseal stress fractures occur distal to the 4–5 intermetatarsal joint (Fig. 62.1) and are usually associated with prodromal symptoms. Torg5 divides diaphyseal stress fractures into three types: acute fractures with sharp margins, delayed unions with a widened fracture line and intra-medullary sclerosis, and established nonunions with complete obliteration of the canal.
A closed form solution to describe infusion of resin under vacuum in deformable fibrous porous media

In composites manufacturing, when the preform is compacted and the resin is drawn under vacuum, the resin flow can be modelled using Darcy's Law in deformable fibrous porous media. The compaction of the preform and the resin pressure are coupled. The governing equations for resin flow and compaction are presented. An analytical solution for one-dimensional flow in the axial direction and compaction in the thickness direction is derived that includes the local deformations of the porous medium and compaction effects on permeability. The coupling between flow and compaction is introduced with arbitrary constitutive laws that describe permeability of the material as a function of fibre volume fraction and a non-linear elastic material equation for compaction. The important implications of the results to composites manufacturing are discussed.
Insult and injury

The Greenhouse Effect, Climatic Change, and Ecosystems. SCOPE 29. Edited By Bert Bolin, Bo R. Doos, Jill Jager andRichard A. Warrick. Wiley: 1987. Pp.541. $110, £56.
PROTOCOL ANALYSIS OF THE CORRESPONDENCE OF VERBAL BEHAVIOR AND EQUIVALENCE CLASS FORMATION

Abstract In two equivalence experiments, a "think aloud" procedure modeled after Ericsson and Simon's (1980) protocol analysis was implemented to examine subjects' covert verbal responses during matching to sample. The purpose was to identify variables that might explain individual differences in equivalence class formation. The results from Experiment 1 suggested that subjects who formed equivalence classes described the relations among stimuli, whereas those not showing equivalence described sample and comparison stimuli as unitary compounds. Because Experiment 1 only demonstrated a correlation between describing stimulus compounds and the absence of equivalence classes, a second study was conducted. In Experiment 2, equivalence class formation was brought under experimental control through pretraining manipulations that facilitated responding either to stimulus compounds or to relations among stimuli. The results demonstrated that a history of describing stimulus compounds, when compared with describing the relations among the stimuli, interfered with the emergence of stimulus equivalence. These findings clarify individual differences in stimulus equivalence. They also demonstrate the utility of analyzing verbal reports to identify possible variables that can be manipulated experimentally.
Evaluating impacts of microfinance institutions using Guatemalan data

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate microlending outcomes among Latin American non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), specifically microfinance institutions (MFIs). While there is a growing movement of non‐profit ventures channeling small loans to the poor worldwide, assessments of their impacts are lacking. Thus, field interviews with clients who had various degrees of involvement in the process of receiving microloans from MFIs were conducted over a summer in Guatemala.Design/methodology/approach – Using a dataset of 393 clients from Guatemalan MFIs, microfinance impacts from two dimensions are examined and impacts measured along financial and social dimensions by surveying new clients, current clients, and graduated clients of five MFIs in Guatemala.Findings – Applying univariate and multivariate analyses shows that for Guatemala, MFIs do produce a measure of improvement in the lives of microfinance clients. This improvement is concentrated along the social dimensions of housing, heal...
A projective C∗-algebra related to K-theory

The C∗-algebra qC is the smallest of the C∗-algebras qA introduced by Cuntz [J. Cuntz, A new look at KK-theory, K-Theory 1 (1) (1987) 31–51] in the context of KK-theory. An important property of qC is the natural isomorphism K0(A)≅lim→[qC,Mn(A)]. Our main result concerns the exponential (boundary) map from K0 of a quotient B to K1 of an ideal I. We show if a K0 element is realized in hom(qC,B) then its boundary is realized as a unitary in I˜. The picture we obtain of the exponential map is based on a projective C∗-algebra P that is universal for a set relations slightly weaker than the relations that define qC. A new, shorter proof of the semiprojectivity of qC is described. Smoothing questions related the relations for qC are addressed.
Herpes Zoster--Eye Complications: Rates and Trends

Abstract Purpose To provide population-based data on the risk, types, and outcomes of eye involvement in herpes zoster (HZ). Methods A cohort study based on review of the medical records of patients in whom HZ was diagnosed between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2007, was performed. Herpes zoster was confirmed by the presence of the typical rash and symptoms or by laboratory testing, and eye involvement was confirmed by ophthalmologists' evaluation. Information was collected on all eye diagnoses and on HZ eye-related visits, treatments, procedures, and outcomes. Results Of the 7370 individuals with HZ in any dermatome, 184 (2.5%) had eye involvement. The mean age of the 184 was 62.6 years, and 5 cases occurred in patients younger than 21. Overall, 6.5% (12) were immunosuppressed at the time of the eye complications. The rate of increase in HZ eye involvement was 23% by decade from 1980 to 2007. Common eye complications were keratitis (n=144, 76.2%), uveitis/iritis (n=88, 46.6%), and conjunctivitis (n=67, 35.4%). Recurrent keratitis and recurrent iritis/uveitis occurred in 6.9% (13) and 7.4% (14), respectively. Outcomes included 6 patients (3.3%) with new vision decrements to 20/200 or worse. Two individuals had successful corneal transplants. Another 6 individuals (3.3%) had lid ptosis that affected vision, including 1 elderly woman with permanent unilateral tarsorrhaphy. Severe HZ eye pain was reported to be directly responsible for 1 unsuccessful suicide attempt. Acute retinal necrosis did not develop in any individual. A mean of 10.8 eye visits per patient with HZ and eye involvement was reported to continue for a mean of 308 days. Conclusion Eye complications are common and result in considerable health care use and permanent vision decrement in about 6.6% (6) of individuals with HZ eye involvement. Most health care use and long-term adverse outcomes occurred in patients in whom prevention of HZ with the zoster vaccine would be possible.
FO+ and FO ab initio vibrational constants

Abstract The potential energy surfaces for both FO neutral and cation were calculated at CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ (sixty basis functions). From these surfaces the vibrational levels were obtained using the Fourier grid Hamiltonian method. The spectroscopic constant obtained are: FO ω e = 1072 cm −1 and ω e x e = 12 cm −1 , FO + ω e = 1331 cm −1 and ω e x e = 11 cm −1 . The same calculations on the isoelectronic (to FO + )O 2 molecule yield an ω e within 1% of the spectroscopically determined value and within 20% for ω e x e . The Franck-Condon factors were calculated for transitions from the lowest two level of FO to FO + . The peak intensity for the transition FO + (X 3 Σ − ) ← FO(X 2 Π ν ″ = 0) occurs at ν ′ = 2 .
Novel method for identifying bacterial mutants with reduced epiphytic fitness.

In order to identify novel traits involved in epiphytic colonization, a technique for the rapid identification of bacterial mutants with quantitatively different population sizes in a natural habitat based on measurements of ice nucleation activity was developed. The threshold freezing temperatures of leaves harboring different numbers of cells of ice nucleation-active Pseudomonas syringae B728a differed substantially. While few leaves containing less than about 106 cells per g (fresh weight) froze at assay temperatures of -2.75°C or higher, nearly all leaves froze at these temperatures when population sizes of this strain increased to about 107 cells per g (fresh weight). Presumptive epiphytic fitness mutants could readily be identified as strains which initiated freezing in fewer leaves than did other strains within a given experiment. Most Tn5-induced mutants of strain B728a which conferred a low frequency of ice nucleation on inoculated bean leaves generally had a smaller population size than the parental strain at the time of the leaf freezing assay. The leaf freezing assay was capable of differentiating samples which varied by approximately three- to fivefold in mean bacterial population size.
Effect of crosslinking and Pt–Zr quasicrystal fillers on the mechanical properties and wear resistance of UHMWPE for use in artificial joints

Abstract The use of artificial joints is common for restoration of comfort and functionality in joints that have been afflicted with cartilage loss due to disease or injury. These implants incorporate an articulating interface of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) sliding against a polished metallic counterface such as 316L stainless steel. While the design of these joints has been refined over several decades, there are still significant limitations to their pain-free lifetime due to osteolysis induced by UHMWPE paniculate. Crosslinking has been used recently to increase the wear resistance of the polymer, but there are significant tradeoffs involving reduced elastic modulus and impact toughness. The authors have proposed using Pt–Zr quasicrystals (QC) as fillers in UHMWPE as a method of increasing the wear resistance of the polymer while avoiding significant losses in mechanical properties. UHMWPE samples that had been irradiation crosslinked, filled with 20 wt.% Pt–Zr quasicrystals, or both, were tested in a dynamic mechanical analyzer to determine their viscoelastic properties. Furthermore, Charpy impact tests were performed on these materials, as well as multi-directional sliding wear tests in the dual axis wear simulator (DAWS), a machine designed to simulate in vivo joint wear conditions. It was found that while crosslinking reduced elastic modulus of UHMWPE over 30%, the use of QC fillers led to a slight increase. Additionally, the reduction in impact toughness when using QC fillers was not as great as with crosslinking. Finally, it was found that both QC fillers and crosslinking provided the same significant reduction in wear amounts over untreated UHMWPE. The reduction in wear is explained in terms of the wear mechanisms. This involves inhibition of polymer chain orientation in the case of crosslinking, and shear load shielding effects of quasicrystals in the case of QC-filled polymer. These results suggest that Pt–Zr quasicrystal filler may be a desirable alternative to crosslinking when attempting to increase the wear resistance of UHMWPE for biomedical applications.
Geochemical studies in the Indian Pass and Picacho Peak Bureau of Land Management Wilderness study areas, imperial county, Southern California

Abstract The U.S. Geological Survey has conducted geochemical studies in the Indian Pass (CDCA-355), 124 km 2 , and Picacho Peak (CDCA-355A), 23 km 2 , Wilderness Study Areas (WSA's) as part of a program to evaluate the mineral resource potential of designated areas in the California Desert Conservation Area. These two WSA's are of particular interest because they lie within a region which has intermittently produced significant quantities of Au since the mid-1800's, and is currently the site of much exploration activity for additional Au resources. Within a 15-km radius of the WSA's, there is one actively producing gold mine, a major deposit which began production in 1986, and one recently announced discovery. In the reconnaissance geochemical surveys of the two WSA's - 177 μm (-80 mesh) stream sediments, heavy-mineral concentrates from stream sediments, and rocks were prepared and analyzed. Four areas of possible exploration interest were identified within the WSA's. The first area is characterized by anomalous W and Bi in nonmagnetic heavy-mineral concentrates, and is underlain primarily by the Mesozoic Orocopia Schist which has been intruded by monzogranite of Oligocene age. Alteration and mineralization appear to be localized near the intrusive contact. The mineralized rock at the surface contains secondary Cu and Fe minerals where the monzogranite intrudes the metabasite horizons of the Orocopia Schist and scheelite where the monzogranite intrudes marble within the Orocopia Schist. The second area is characterized by anomalous As, Sb, Ba, B, and Sr in nonmagnetic heavy-mineral concentrates and by anomalous As in - 177 μm stream sediments. Geologically, this area is underlain by metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks of Jurassic(?) age; a biotite monzogranite of Jurassic(?) age; and Tertiary volcanic and hypabyssal rocks composed of flows, domes, and tuffs of intermediate to silicic composition. All these rock types are cut by a set of north-south-striking normal faults. The anomalies in the heavy-mineral concentrates are believed to be related to silica-clay alteration observed in the vicinity of some of these faults.
Effect of reduced oxygen intermediates on sarcolemmal muscarinic receptors from canine heart.

Abstract The effect of oxygen free radicals generated by xanthine-xanthine oxidase system and hydrogen peroxide were investigated on cardiac muscarinic cholinergic receptors. We have used highly enriched sarcolemmal preparations isolated from canine myocardium. Exposure of the sarcolemma to oxygen free radicals by xanthine-xanthine oxidase system resulted in a significant (P
Could More Force Have Saved the Soviet System

One of the leading specialists on the Soviet Union, Jerry Hough, has published a lengthy book analyzing events in the late 1980s and early 1990s that brought about the disintegration of the Soviet state. This essay challenges Hough's interpretations. It finds shortcomings both in his general approach and in many of his specific claims.
TU-F-12A-09: GLCM Texture Analysis for Normal-Tissue Toxicity: A Prospective Ultrasound Study of Acute Toxicity in Breast-Cancer Radiotherapy

Purpose: To evaluate the morphologic and structural integrity of the breast glands using sonographic textural analysis, and identify potential early imaging signatures for radiation toxicity following breast-cancer radiotherapy (RT). Methods: Thirty-eight patients receiving breast RT participated in a prospective ultrasound imaging study. Each participant received 3 ultrasound scans: 1 week before RT (baseline), and at 6-week and 3-month follow-ups. Patients were imaged with a 10-MHz ultrasound on the four quadrant of the breast. A second order statistical method of texture analysis, called gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), was employed to assess RT-induced breast-tissue toxicity. The region of interest (ROI) was 28 mm × 10 mm in size at a 10 mm depth under the skin. Twenty GLCM sonographic features, ratios of the irradiated breast and the contralateral breast, were used to quantify breast-tissue toxicity. Clinical assessment of acute toxicity was conducted using the RTOG toxicity scheme. Results: Ninety-seven ultrasound studies (776 images) were analyzed; and 5 out of 20 sonographic features showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among the baseline scans, the acute toxicity grade 1 and 2 groups. These sonographic features quantified the degree of tissue damage through homogeneity, heterogeneity, randomness, and symmetry. Energy ratio value decreased from 108±0.05more » (normal) to 0.99±0.05 (Grade 1) and 0.84±0.04 (Grade 2); Entropy ratio value increased from 1.01±0.01 to 1.02±0.01 and 1.04±0.01; Contrast ratio value increased from 1.03±0.03 to 1.07±0.06 and 1.21±0.09; Variance ratio value increased from 1.06±0.03 to 1.20±0.04 and 1.42±0.10; Cluster Prominence ratio value increased from 0.98±0.02 to 1.01±0.04 and 1.25±0.07. Conclusion: This work has demonstrated that the sonographic features may serve as imaging signatures to assess radiation-induced normal tissue damage. While these findings need to be validated in a larger cohort, they suggest that ultrasound imaging may be used to improve early detection of normal-tissue toxicity in breast-cancer RT.« less
Bacterial degradation of methylurea.

Abstract Bacillus sphaericus, an organism which utilizes N-monomethylurea as a sole carbon and nitrogen source, oxidized methylurea as follows: (1) methylurea → CO2 + NH3 + methylamine; (2) methylamine → formaldehyde + NH3; and (3) formaldehyde → CO2 + H2O.
Source regions of lower‐tropospheric airflow trajectories for the lower peninsula of Michigan: A 40‐year air mass climatology

[1] Airflow trajectories were used to create a long-term (40-year) air mass climatology for the lower peninsula of Michigan. The climatology provides a necessary baseline for evaluating the impact of changes in airflow on historical and potential future variations in temperature and precipitation. Five-day back trajectories were calculated four times per day at the 925 hPa level using wind data from the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis fields. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to manage and display the large (58,440) volume of trajectories. The analysis revealed spatially coherent airflow pathways, and six resulting air mass source regions were defined. Also evident were large monthly variations in the frequency of trajectories from the major source regions. A residence time analysis performed within a GIS proved to be an efficient and effective means for summarizing the trajectories. Finally, a comparison of the results presented here to those of previous climatological analyses suggests that the choice of methodology has considerable influence on identification of the primary source regions for a location.
In situ electrochemical STM study of the coarsening of platinum islands at double-layer potentials.

In situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy is used to study the coarsening of platinum islands at potentials of 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 V in the double-layer region. Several interesting surface island reconstruction processes were observed, namely, (1) growth of small polycrystalline platinum islands; (2) shape- and size-limited platinum island growth; and (3) growth of platinum islands accompanied by disappearance of nearby islands. It is evident that these potential-induced coarsening processes can be explained by Gibbs−Thomson theory as a variant of Ostwald ripening. Details of the island reconstruction processes are described, and the possible influences of these phenomena on fuel cell operation are discussed.
Keeping a Close Watch: A New Year Begins:

An accounting is made of an illness during the first month of the new year. The disease (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) had progressed over a period of several years; treatments had recently started, and the prognosis was unpredictable. Keeping a daily journal was a way of coping with the illness and the uncertainty (now more evident than usual) of personal existence. The storyline of one’s life, in other words, had changed, and a new understanding was in the making. The accounting over 1 month’s time is a documentation of and a witnessing to the creation of a life. Two photographs, past and present, accompany the journal entries.
Incorporating historical control information into quantal bioassay with Bayesian approach

A Bayesian approach with an iterative reweighted least squares is used to incorporate historical control information into quantal bioassays to estimate the dose-response relationship, where the logit of the historical control responses are assumed to have a normal distribution. The parameters from this normal distribution are estimated from both empirical and full Bayesian approaches with a marginal likelihood function being approximated by Laplace's Method. A comparison is made using real data between estimates that include the historical control information and those that do not. It was found that the inclusion of the historical control information improves the efficiency of the estimators. In addition, this logit-normal formulation is compared with the traditional beta-binomial for its improvement in parameter estimates. Consequently the estimated dose-response relationship is used to formulate the point estimator and confidence bands for ED(100p) for various values of risk rate p and the potency for any dose level.
The effect of social environment on markers of vascular oxidative stress and inflammation in the Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbit.

Objective Previous research demonstrated that social environment can influence progression of atherosclerosis in the Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit. This study examined the effect of social environment on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation to clarify the physiological pathways potentially responsible for the influence of social environment on disease. Methods and results WHHL rabbits were assigned to 1 of 3 social groups: an unstable group, in which unfamiliar rabbits were paired daily, with the pairing switched each week; a stable group, in which littermates were paired daily; and an individually-caged group. The stable group engaged in more affiliative social behavior than the unstable group. The unstable group showed more agonistic behavior compared with the stable group and higher C-reactive protein levels than the individually caged group. The individually caged group was behaviorally sedentary, had higher 24-hour urinary catecholamine levels than the other groups, and exhibited higher NAD(P)H-oxidase activity in the aortic arch relative to the stable group. Conclusions The results suggest that social environment creates distinct behavioral contexts that can affect markers of inflammation and oxidative stress early in the development of atherosclerosis. Specifically, physical inactivity associated with individual caging affects indices of oxidative stress and inflammation. These pathophysiological markers may help to explain behaviorally related differences in the extent of atherosclerosis observed in prior studies.
Informational and Computational Equivalence in Comparing Information Modeling Methods

Information modeling methods are key to the success of IS development projects. The problem in the software engineering field is not the lack of modeling methods, but the proliferation of modeling methods with little theoretical foundation and empirical evidence to support their usefulness. Evaluation techniques are, therefore, necessary to compare and contrast these modeling methods. In this paper, we suggest an evaluation approach based on the human information processing paradigm and the theory of equivalence of representations. This evaluation approach proposes that modeling methods can be evaluated and compared using two criteria: informational and computational equivalence.
Minimum Area Circumscribing Polygons

We show that the smallestk-gon circumscribing a convexn-gon can be computed inO(n 2 logn logk) time.
Cavity type micro-cells for infrared spectrometry

Abstract Two new types of cells suitable for the measurement of infrared absorption spectra of liquids and solutions are described: (a) A semimicro-cell designed for use with a Perkin-Elmer Model 21 spectrophotometer. (b) A micro-cell for use in conjunction with an infrared micro-illuminator. In both types of cells the sample cavity is formed within a rectangular block of rock salt by conventional drilling and ultrasonic impact grinding. The absence of gasket seals eliminates the possibility of sample leakage, and, in the case of the micro-cell, provision is made for total sample transfer into the cell by including a “flask” cavity communicating directly with the optical cell cavity. The simple construction of these cells makes it economically feasible to use them in large numbers. This allows a substantial increase in the functioning rate of the spectrometer by reducing interruptions in recording for frequent cleaning and refilling of a limited number of cells.
Variable Nanoparticle-Cell Adhesion Strength Regulates Cellular Uptake

In receptor-mediated endocytosis, cells exercise biochemical control over the mechanics of adhesion to engulf foreign particles, featuring a variable adhesion strength. Here we present a thermodynamic model with which we elucidate that the variable adhesion strength critically governs the cellular uptake, yielding an uptake phase diagram in the space of ligand density and particle size. We identify from the diagram an endocytosed phase with markedly high uptake, encompassed by a lower and an upper phase boundary that are set, respectively, by the enthalpic and entropic limits of the adhesion strength. The phase diagram may provide useful guidance to the rational design of nanoparticle-based therapeutic and diagnostic agents.
Leading Inclusive Reform for Students with Disabilities: A School- and Systemwide Approach.

It is of great importance to maximize access to general education for all students with disabilities. This article focuses on how leaders create inclusive schools for all students—inclusive school reform. Inclusive school reform can result in all students with disabilities being placed into general education settings (including students with significant disabilities, students with mild disabilities, students with emotional disabilities, students with autism … all students) and providing inclusive services to meet their needs while eliminating pullout or self-contained special education programs. In this article, we outline a 7-part process, as well as a set of tools for schools to use to create authentically inclusive schools.
A Community Practice Model for Community Psychologists and Some Examples of the Application of Community Practice Skills from the Partnerships for Success Initiative in Ohio

This paper provides an opportunity to consider the concept of community practice from the vantage point of community psychology. The author argues that community psychology has significant potential to change organizations, communities, and other settings to benefit setting occupants. However, it is the author's contention that the full realization of this potential is contingent upon an organized effort to engage in formal community practice. The author defines community practice in terms of four skill sets related to mobilization, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The author also describes settings that might support community practice and discusses implications for training and the field of community psychology in general. Finally, the author illustrates several community practice skills and roles in the context of a local community-based initiative in Ohio called Partnerships for Success.
Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Rehabilitation and Transition to Home and School

The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the empirical research on rehabilitation in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). Studies of the effectiveness of interventions with children with TBI are hampered by difficulty with combining subjects with various levels of TBI, problems with random assignment to treatment groups, and varying age levels at injury. While these are areas of concern, there are emerging studies that indicate both applied behavioral analysis (ABA) and positive behavioral interventions are helpful to many children. For some children, ABA is not successful, and a shift to positive behavioral interventions has been found to be helpful. Transitions to home and school can be difficult particularly if there are family issues that predated the injury. This review provides additional information for the pediatric neuropsychologist to assist with transition to school and home. Studies utilizing the Internet for family interventions have revealed promising results. This review suggests that additional studies as to the efficacy of interventions following TBI are needed particularly to evaluate outcomes after initial recovery and at follow-up. In addition, this review suggests that an important role for pediatric neuropsychologists is to provide support for schools and families through therapy and inservices for school personnel on TBI.
Electrochemical Oxidative Adsorption of Ethanethiolate on Ag(111)

The electrochemical deposition of ethanethiolate monolayers on Ag(111) has been investigated by in-situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM), and voltammetric methods. In aqueous 0.2 M NaOH solutions containing 5 mM ethanethiolate, the voltammetric response at Ag(111) displays two well-resolved surface waves with half-wave potentials (E1/2) of −1.17 and −0.95 V vs Ag/AgCl. The two-wave voltammetric response suggests a mechanism of monolayer deposition that consists of two energetically-distinct reaction steps, a conclusion supported by in-situ SERS and EQCM measurements of the potential-dependent adsorption isotherm. The voltammetric wave located at more negative potentials (E1/2 = −1.17 V) has a nearly ideal Nernstian shape and is associated with the initial rapid oxidative adsorption of ethanethiolate at submonolayer coverage. The second wave at more positive potentials (E1/2 = −0.95 V) corresponds to additional, but kinetically slower, oxidative...
Comparison of blood flow and cell function in ischemic skin flaps

Cellular function and blood flow in acute, steroid-treated, and surgically delayed random skin flaps have been examined. In these studies, the period following flap elevation could be divided into early (0–2 hr), intermediate (4–6 hr), and late (12 hr) periods of ischemia, based on the cutaneous blood flow and cellular function measured by thallium-201 uptake. There was a close correlation (r = 0.98, 2 hr) between blood flow and cellular function during the early period of ischemia which became worse with time (r = 0.78, 12 hr). Blood flow studies demonstrated a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the early and intermediate periods of ischemia which was abolished by surgical delay. Improvement in cellular function was accomplished by improved blood flow in the surgically delayed flaps, while steroid-treated flaps enhanced cellular metabolism by another mechanism. Cellular function approximated blood flow during the early and immediate period of ischemia. Steroids may augment cellular function without improving blood flow, while surgical delay improves cellular function by improving blood flow.
Randomized preprocessing versus pivoting

Abstract It is known that without pivoting Gaussian elimination can run significantly faster (particularly for matrices that have structures of Toeplitz or Hankel types), but becomes numerically unsafe. The known remedies take their toll, e.g., symmetrization squares the condition number of the input matrix. Can we fix the problem without such a punishment? Taking this challenge we combine randomized preconditioning techniques with iterative refinement and prove that this combination is expected to make pivoting-free Gaussian elimination numerically safe while keeping it fast. For matrices having structures of Toeplitz or Hankel types transition to Gaussian elimination with no pivoting decreases arithmetic time bound from cubic to nearly linear, and our tests show dramatic decrease of the CPU time as well.
Introduction: Insurgent Thought

Rao’s piece introduces the six essays included in “Insurgent Thought,” the special section of Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East , volume 34, number 1. These essays feature a group of emerging scholars who are concerned with understanding the relationship between forms of life and modes of thought. The “thought” under consideration is distinctive for its commitment to remaking political and ethical life, and attention to the fugitive or unruly forms by which insurgent thought is transmitted, e.g., through poetry, fiction, and autobiography in addition to standard polemical tracts and sustained treatises. In turn the insurgent thinker-activists around whom this section is framed are figures who challenged established traditions of thought and action—critical theory as such—by imagining political and ethical possibilities that were global in scope yet deeply engaged with forms of subaltern difference.
Social Constructionism and Contextual History: An Expanded Approach to the History of Psychology.

Recent historiographic scholarship underscores the need for new approaches to the history of psychology. In particular, a recognition of the impact of context is essential to an understanding of the discipline's evolution as well as the histories documenting that evolution. This article introduces the rationale for and content of an advanced undergraduate seminar based on materials in social constructionism and contextual history. Its application to the history of psychology is illustrated by a contextual look at women's place in the discipline.
In vitro degradation behavior of biodegradable 4-star micelles

Abstract Drug delivery vectors for sustained release include a variety of polymeric constituents, both natural and synthetic. Among synthetic polymers several linear block copolymer systems have been explored for use as drug delivery vectors. Release of the pharmaceutical agent is affected by the degradation characteristics and/or by the swelling of the polymer. The goal of this study is to evaluate the degradation behavior of branched polyethylene oxide polylactide polyether ester as a drug delivery vector. Three samples of a star polyethylene oxide/polylactide copolymer with differing polylactide chain lengths were evaluated by characterizing the thermal properties of the neat polymer and in vitro degradation behavior. The thermal and morphological properties were examined by DSC, TGA and XRD. The in vitro polymeric micelle samples were observed over time by UV–vis, TEM and fluorescence. The four star PEO–PLA polymers have exceptional amphiphilic characteristics, which enable their use for a variety of applications. The polymers are thermally stable at biological conditions. In addition, the star polymers have shorter degradation times as compared to previously reported linear PLA and PEG–PLA copolymers, suggesting use as a short-term drug release agent. The four star PEO/PLA copolymer may be an excellent candidate for drug delivery applications.
One Little, Two Little, Three Little Indians: Counting American Indians in Urban Society.

Les cinq methodes utilisees par les Public Schools de Denver, (Colorado) pour recenser les etudiants de race indienne et le racisme inherant a ces recensement dont les criteres n'emanant pas d'institutions indiennes.
Computation of vascular flow dynamics from intravascular ultrasound images

Analysis of three-dimensional velocity profiles and wall shear stress distribution in a segment of an artery reconstructed from in vivo imaging data are presented in this study. Cross-sectional images of a segment of the abdominal aorta in dogs were obtained using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging employing a constant pull back technique. Simultaneous measurement of pressures distal and proximal to the vessel segment along with gated pulsed Doppler velocity measurements were also obtained. The three-dimensional geometry of the vascular segment was reconstructed from the IVUS images during peak forward flow phase, and a computational mesh was constructed from the data. A quasi-steady analysis of incompressible Newtonian fluid was performed with a finite difference general purpose computational analysis program FLOW3D. The velocity at the inlet and pressure at the outlet measured at the corresponding time (time referenced to ECG) were used to specify the boundary conditions for the computational flow model. The computed results compared favorably with previously reported results. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the hemodynamics in vascular segments from morphologically realistic three-dimensional reconstructions. The method can be potentially employed in analyzing the hemodynamics in the region of atherosclerotic plaques at various stages of development and the reactivity of the vessel in response to pharmacological and mechanical interventions.
The Adoption of Criminal Disenfranchisement Provisions in the United States: Lessons from the State Constitutional Convention Debates

State criminal disenfranchisement provisions have recently attracted much scholarly attention. Some scholars have examined the consequences of these policies, such as the number of individuals they have disenfranchised (particularly the high percentage of African Americans), the way in which they have altered election outcomes, and their effect on voter turnout. Other scholars have assessed the persuasiveness of various justifications for these policies. Still other scholars have analyzed legal strategies that might be used to repeal these policies.