cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TQM and Marketing: How Marketing Operates in Quality Companies

Academics in the disci-lines of marketing, organizational psychology, and management have recently called for more research on the impact of total quality management (TQM) in their fields. According to Japanese industrial standards, TQM is a system of m..
Teachers' pedagogical beliefs and the instructional use of technology with middle school students

xiii, 126 p. : ill. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.
Aiding Cascading Analysis Modelling with High-performance-computing Technology

Abstract Cascading outage analysis is important to minimize the risk of power system blackouts. To sustain power system reliability and manage the risk of blackouts requires simulation tools that are able to analyze and assess the consequence of cascading events quickly and efficiently. This paper presents a cascading analysis feature that was recently implemented upon an integrated state estimation and contingency analysis software package to utilize the power of high performance computing (HPC) techniques. The performance of the developed cascading analysis function, including the consequence analysis and scalability, is demonstrated through three test systems that represent small, medium, and large power systems. The package is able to perform cascading analysis with full N-1 contingency for a European open model within 20 seconds with 2,048 cores. A discussion of HPC implementation is also provided.
Treatment response and outcome of children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia expressing the gamma-delta T-cell receptor

T-cell malignancies expressing the γδ T-cell receptor (TCR) are often associated with poor prognosis. Here, we determined the clinical outcome of pediatric patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) expressing the γδ TCR. Of 100 newly diagnosed T-ALL patients, 93 had γδ TCR analysis performed at diagnosis. Repertoire was evaluated by paired sequencing of the rearranged TCR. All patients received intensified chemotherapy and those with minimal residual disease (MRD) ≥ 1% on day 42-46 became candidates for hematopoietic cell transplantation. Of the 93 T-ALL patients, 12 (13%) had γδ T-ALL and 11 (12%) had early T-cell precursor (ETP) ALL. Compared to the remaining 70 T-ALL patients, the γδ T-ALL patients were more likely to have MRD ≥ 1% on day 15-19 (67% vs. 33%, P = 0.03) and day 42-49 (33% vs. 7%; P = 0.007) of remission induction. The 10-year overall survival for γδ T-ALL patients (66.7% ± 22.2%) were lower than that of T-ALL patients (93.3% ± 7.3%, P = 0.001). TCR analysis demonstrated a conserved clonotype. In conclusion, the data suggest that children with γδ T-ALL may have a poor response to remission induction, based on MRD levels and decreased survival than the other T-ALL patients, despite receiving risk-directed therapy.
Children Making History

In Study 7 the anthropologist Toren (1993) makes the extraordinary claim that a systematic study of how children “bring forth” their (knowledge of the) world is crucial for an adequate anthropological analysis of the adult society. For a theory of knowledge Toren mainly followed the biological thinking of two neurophysiologists: Maturana and Valera (1972; 1987) posited organizational autonomy and autopoesis as proper to all living systems and as a consequence considered knowledge as constitutive (making) rather than as representational (copying). They carefully pointed to the pitfalls of confusing our own semantic description with the biological reality. Their theory is thus fundamentally opposed to much of current cognitivist language, such as information, representation, or internalization. Relevant to the present work is the authors’ rejection of the very notion of an individual (as opposed to social) ontogenesis in social animals. I can see Piaget’s work and my own expansion as filling in critical areas (such as the specifics of object- and symbol-formation or of human societies) in which Maturana and Valera mounted no original research.
Quantum transport in functionalized epitaxial graphene without electrostatic gating

Abstract Graphene, the first isolated two-dimensional material, has captivated researchers for the last decade due to its unique structure that leads to novel electronic, chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The most intriguing properties are the large electronic mobilities that are achievable for low carrier concentrations and the large tunability of graphene’s electrical properties via electrostatic gating, in which the Fermi energy is shifted relative to the charge neutrality, or Dirac, point and the high electronic mobilities obtained when the Fermi energy is close to that point. In this report, we show that both covalent and non-covalent functionalization of graphene leads to adsorbate-induced doping. This results in a three-fold increase in the graphene systems’ mobilities and the observation of quantum transport phenomena (Hall effect plateaus, Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations, and Berry’s phase) which were not observed in the unfunctionalized graphene. This ability to control the electronic properties without electrostatic gating is critical for chemical and biological sensing, optical, and electronic applications, which require both low carrier concentrations and the attachment of nanocrystals, biomolecules, increased adhesion and wettability of graphene layers, and enable strong cohesion between graphene layers in stacked graphene structures.
The relationship between APOL1 structure and function: Clinical implications

Common variants in the APOL1 gene are associated with an increased risk of nondiabetic kidney disease in individuals of African ancestry. Mechanisms by which APOL1 variants mediate kidney disease pathogenesis are not well understood. Amino acid changes resulting from the kidney disease–associated APOL1 variants alter the three-dimensional structure and conformational dynamics of the C-terminal α-helical domain of the protein, which can rationalize the functional consequences. Understanding the three-dimensional structure of the protein, with and without the risk variants, can provide insights into the pathogenesis of kidney diseases mediated by APOL1 variants.
Characterizing body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity in women with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Abstract Objectives The purpose was to compare body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity (PA) engagement between women with ACLR and healthy controls. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting University laboratory. Participants Ten women with ACLR (time since surgery = 33.0 ± 18.3 months; age = 21.4 ± 3.8 years) and 10 healthy women (age = 21.9 ± 3.1 years) matched based on age (±2 years) and Tegner Activity Level (±2) participated. Main outcome measures Body fat percentage (%BF) was estimated using air displacement plethysmography, cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed via a graded cycle test, and PA was assessed using accelerometers worn for 7 days. Groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests. Time (minutes/week) spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA and step count (steps/day) were compared between groups using a one-way ANCOVA with 7-day total wear time as the only covariate. Statistical significance was established a priori as α ≤ 0.05. Results Women with ACLR had significantly higher %BF than controls (ACLR = 32.7 ± 6.7%, healthy = 22.6 ± 4.9%; p Conclusions There may be persistent negative effects on body composition and PA engagement for women following ACLR. Low PA and high %BF have adverse consequences for premature mortality and morbidity; therefore, it is crucial to assess these characteristics and determine interventions to maintain PA and healthy body composition following ACLR.
Changing Attitudes on Social Media: Effects of Fear and Information in Green Advertising on Non-Green Consumers

How can green advertising get non-green consumers to think more about the environment? Using Elaboration Likelihood Model and Social Judgment Theory, we construct hypotheses and test them across th...
Towards Cognitive Networking Using FPGA-Based Acceleration

The cognitive network controller (CNC) is a brain-inspired computing architecture that has been applied to the decentralized outbound link selection for data bundles in challenged networks. To this end, cognitive entities perceive the environment, reason using spiking neural networks (SNN), and decide routing actions that attempt to optimize pre-assigned performance goals. In this paper, a software architecture and SoC/FPGA implementation are proposed that enable decoupling the SNN computation tasks from the network gateways allowing the provision of accelerated CNCs as a network service to multiple network gateways. The design was experimentally evaluated using a 10-node network testbed and a Zynq Z7020 (PYNQ-Z2) SoC/FPGA board, which show the feasibility of computing the SNN state faster-than-real time despite the shared use of resources and the network communication overhead involved in remotely accessing the CNC service.
The Algorithmic Phase Transition of Random k-SAT for Low Degree Polynomials.

Let $\Phi$ be a uniformly random $k$-SAT formula with $n$ variables and $m$ clauses. We study the algorithmic task of finding a satisfying assignment of $\Phi$. It is known that a satisfying assignment exists with high probability at clause density $m/n < 2^k \log 2 - \frac{1}{2} (\log 2 + 1) + o_k(1)$, while the best polynomial-time algorithm known, the Fix algorithm of Coja-Oghlan, finds a satisfying assignment at the much lower clause density $(1 - o_k(1)) 2^k \log k / k$. This prompts the question: is it possible to efficiently find a satisfying assignment at higher clause densities? To understand the algorithmic threshold of random $k$-SAT, we study low degree polynomial algorithms, which are a powerful class of algorithms including Fix, Survey Propagation guided decimation (with bounded or mildly growing number of message passing rounds), and paradigms such as message passing and local graph algorithms. We show that low degree polynomial algorithms can find a satisfying assignment at clause density $(1 - o_k(1)) 2^k \log k / k$, matching Fix, and not at clause density $(1 + o_k(1)) \kappa^* 2^k \log k / k$, where $\kappa^* \approx 4.911$. This shows the first sharp (up to constant factor) computational phase transition of random $k$-SAT for a class of algorithms. Our proof establishes and leverages a new many-way overlap gap property tailored to random $k$-SAT.
Perceptions of Computer System Usefulness: Insights for Design from Experienced Older Users

Computer systems have the potential to assist older adults by supporting independence, enhancing social communication, and enabling healthcare activities. Yet older adults' adoption rates continue to lag behind younger and middle-aged adults. We report data from 249 older adult computer users 65---93 years of age that identify the details of their perceptions of computer usefulness for a range of everyday activities. Participants rated the importance of activities to their quality of life and the usefulness of current computer systems for supporting those activities. These experienced computer users indicated that computers were meeting their needs for some activities e.g., social communication, games but not for other activities e.g., calendaring, healthcare, recreation and learning. Our data provide guidance for a introducing the potential of computer systems to current non-users and b designing systems targeted to meet the needs of older adults and enhancing computing functionality for them.
Colloidal Products and Actinide Species in Leachate from Spent Nuclear Fuel

Two well-characterized types of spent nuclear fuel (ATM-103 and ATM-106) were subjected to unsaturated leach tests with simulated groundwater at 90{degrees}C. The actinides present in the leachate were determined at the end of two successive periods of {approximately}60 days and after an acid strip done at the end of the second period. Both colloidal and soluble actinide species were detected in the leachates which had pHs ranging from 4 to 7. The uranium phases identified in the colloids were schoepite and soddyite. In addition, the actinide release behavior of the two fuels appeared to be different for both the total amount of material released and the relative amount of each isotope released. This paper will focus on the detection and identification of the colloidal species observed in the leachate that was collected after each of the first two successive testing periods of approximately 60 days each. In addition, preliminary values for the total actinide release for these two periods are reported.
Development of chlorine dioxide releasing film and its application in decontaminating fresh produce

A feasibility study was conducted to develop chlorine dioxide (ClO(2) )-releasing packaging films for decontaminating fresh produce. Sodium chlorite and citric acid powder were incorporated into polylactic acid (PLA) polymer. Films made with different amounts of PLA (100 and 300 mg), percentages of reactant (5% to 60%), and ratios of sodium chlorite to citric acid (1:2 or 2:1) were prepared using a solvent casting method. The release of ClO(2) from the resultant films was activated by moisture. Increase of reactants in the films produced more ClO(2) while higher PLA content in the films resulted in less release of ClO(2) . The ratio of sodium chlorite to citric acid and activation temperature (22 °C compared with 10 °C) did not affect the ClO(2) release from the films. Antimicrobial efficacy of ClO(2) released from the films was evaluated using grape tomato as a model food. The results indicate that the films were activated by moisture from tomatoes in the package and the released ClO(2) reduced Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated on the tomatoes to undetectable levels (<5 colony forming units (CFU)/tomato), achieving more than 3 log reduction. The film-treated tomatoes did not show significant changes in color and texture as compared to controls during storage at 10 °C for 21 d. This study demonstrated the technical feasibility for development of gaseous ClO(2) -releasing packaging system to enhance microbial safety and extend shelf life of fresh produce.
The Owl in Winter: The Final Tornada of Marcabru's Pastourelle "L'autrier jost'una sebissa"*

Marcabru’s shepherdess in “L’autrier jost’una sebissa” ends her debate with the lecherous knight by offering a cryptic tornada about manna, an owl, and a person with a painting — topics which appear to have nothing to do with the logical sequence of the debate but which in fact are crucially important to the poet and to the way in which he binds up his theme. The cryptic surface of the tornada conceals an intricately figurative sententia whose field of reference includes bird lore, Old Occitan proverbs, Augustinian rhetorical theory, and Marcabru’s own signature as a witty, learned, and often obscene satirist.
The incidence and significance of para-aortic lymph node metastases in late invasive carcinoma of the cervix

Abstract Patients with Stages IIB and III carcinoma of the cervix were subjected to laparotomy with special attention directed to para-aortic lymph nodes. Of the patients with Stage IIB carcinoma of the cervix, 16.1 per cent had metastatic disease in the para-aortic lymph nodes. Of the patients with Stage III cervical carcinoma, 46.4 per cent had positive para-aortic lymph nodes. In addition, one patient with Stage III carcinoma of the cervix had metastatic disease to the small intestine and ascending colon. Thus, 50 per cent of the patients with Stage III carcinoma of the cervix had disease beyond the usual field of radiation therapy. It is suggested that these findings demand an alteration in the concept of treatment of Stage III carcinoma of the cervix.
The Errors of Our Ways

Two articles in this issue of Clinical Chemistry provide additional evidence of the potential benefits of applying modern quality theory to clinical medicine. Though understandably focused on laboratory process, these papers nevertheless suggest lessons that are widely applicable to reducing error rates and improving quality of care throughout medical practice. The manuscripts complement each other nicely. Witte et al. (1) concentrate on rates of error within the analytical process of the laboratory, and find that widely discrepant values (>7 SD from expected) are relatively rare, occurring in 98 of 219 353 analyses they conducted. To compare error rates in the laboratory with error rates in other settings, they translate the figure 98 of 219 353 into a standard metric for error measurement: errors per million episodes (parts per million in industry jargon). Their data suggest an error rate of 447 ppm. They note, for example, that mishaps in anesthesia include 2.5 deaths per million cases, and aviation deaths are 0.18 per million passenger enplanements. Though their finding …
Chopstick manipulation with an articulated hand-a qualitative analysis

The kinematics, static force propagation, and stability of tool manipulation by an articulated hand are analyzed. The manipulation of chopsticks is used as a case study to illustrate some fundamental characteristics of tool manipulation. A qualitative requirements analysis for chopstick manipulation is outlined. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics of objects and grasps in fine manipulation. >
Analysis of human papillomavirus types in exophytic condylomata acuminata by hybrid capture and Southern blot techniques.

Exophytic condylomata acuminata of the external genitalia of 40 patients were analyzed for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA by the Southern blot and hybrid capture methods. All lesions were initially analyzed by the Southern blot method by using a mixture of HPV type 6, 11, 16, and 18 whole genomic probes. Southern blots demonstrated characteristic PstI restriction patterns of HPV type 6, 11, or 16 in all but one lesion. HPV 6 subtypes accounted for 28 of 39 HPV-positive lesions. Twenty-seven of these 28 lesions contained HPV type 6a, and 1 lesion contained HPV type 6c. Eight lesions contained HPV type 11 and three contained HPV type 16. Two of the three condylomata acuminata containing HPV type 16 were obtained from solid-organ transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive medications. The third lesion containing HPV type 16 was a typical exophytic condyloma acuminatum from a woman with previously resected vulvar carcinoma. The hybrid capture assay detected HPV DNAs in all lesions except the Southern blot-negative lesion. Twenty-five lesions were positive for the A probe only (HPV types 6 and 11 and related types). All of these lesions were found to contain HPV type 6 or 11 sequences in the Southern blot assay. The remaining 14 lesions were positive for both the A probe and the B probe (HPV types 16 and 18 and related types). The strongest signal in these 14 lesions by the hybrid capture assay was consistent with the result of the Southern blot assay in all but one case. We conclude that (i) HPV type 6a is the most common type found in these lesions, (ii) HPV type 16 may be present more often in exophytic condylomata acuminata from immunosuppressed individuals, (iii) hybrid capture is a useful tool for documenting the presence of HPV sequences in DNAs from exophytic condylomata acuminata, and (iv) in samples containing multiple HPV types, hybrid capture allows detection of minority HPV types. Images
Alcohol intake and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism modify the relation of folate intake to plasma homocysteine

Background Folate intake increases plasma folate and reduces total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations, which may lower coronary artery disease (CAD) and cancer risks. Folate metabolism may be altered by alcohol intake and 2 common polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, 677C-->T and 1298A-->C. Objective We examined whether the associations between folate intake and plasma folate and tHcy concentrations were modified by alcohol intake or variations in the MTHFR gene. Design We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among 988 women by using multivariate linear regression models to estimate mean plasma tHcy and folate concentrations. Folate intake was the sum of food and supplemental sources. Results We observed an inverse association between folate intake and tHcy, which was modified by alcohol intake (P for interaction = 0.04) and MTHFR677 genotype (P for interaction = 0.05) but not by MTHFR1298 genotype (P for interaction = 0.97). In the lowest quintile of folate intake, moderate drinkers (>/=15 g alcohol/d) had significantly higher tHcy concentrations (15.2 +/- 2.9 nmol/mL) than did light drinkers (11.3 +/- 0.7 nmol/mL) and nondrinkers (11.0 +/- 0.8 nmol/mL). However, the reduction in tHcy between the highest and lowest quintiles of folate intake was significantly greater in moderate drinkers (-6.6 nmol/mL) than in light drinkers (-2.3 nmol/mL) and nondrinkers (-2.1 nmol/mL). The elevated tHcy in women with low folate intake who also consumed moderate amounts of alcohol was even higher (22.4 +/- 4.8 nmol/mL) in the presence of the variant MTHFR677 allele. The positive association between folate intake and plasma folate was somewhat modified by alcohol intake (P for interaction = 0.08) but not by either MTHFR genotype. Conclusions Moderate alcohol intake and low MTHFR activity have adverse effects on tHcy, but those effects may be overcome by sufficient folate intake.
Cross sections for proton-deutron scattering from 1.0 to 10.0 MeV

Abstract Absolute differential cross sections for the scattering of protons by deuterium have been measured at eight proton energies from 1.000 to 10.04 MeV for angles from 10.50° to 166.00° in the centre-of-mass system. The median uncertainty of all measurements is ±0.6%.
Confined to ignorance: the absence of prisoner information from nationally representative health data sets.

BACKGROUND Incarceration is associated with poor health and high costs. Given the dramatic growth in the criminal justice system’s population and associated expenses, inclusion of questions related to incarceration in national health data sets could provide essential data to researchers, clinicians and policy-makers.
Quantum Information Processing: Bridge between two lengthscales

A 'real life' quantum computer requires well-protected qubits, as available in quantum optical systems, and scalability, usually the domain of solid-state devices. Polar molecules integrated with superconducting stripline resonators might offer the best of both worlds.
Immediate and Delayed Changes of Rat Motor Cortical Output Representation with New Forelimb Configurations

These experiments examined motor cortical representation patterns after forelimb postural adjustments in rats. The experiments tested the hypothesis that postural adjustments that stretch muscles that are most strongly activated from the primary motor cortex (MI) enlarge their cortical representation. Intracortical electrical stimulation within MI, forelimb muscle activity and movements, and vibrissa movements were used to evaluate the border between the MI forelimb and vibrissa representations before and after forelimb position changes in anesthetized adult rats. The forelimb was originally maintained in retraction (wrist extension and elbow flexion) and then changed to protraction (wrist flexion and elbow extension). Movements and forelimb EMG evoked by electrical stimulation were evaluated during this period (up to 3 hr) through a set of four electrodes implanted in layer V of MI. Changing the forelimb configuration had both immediate and delayed effects on forelimb muscle activity evoked from MI. At some sites, the magnitude of evoked forelimb muscle activity immediately increased with forelimb protraction. At one-quarter of all sites, forelimb muscle activity was evoked where it was not previously detected following an average delay of 22-31 min after forelimb protraction. This change can be interpreted as an expansion of the forelimb area into the vibrissa representation. These data further support the hypothesis that motor cortical representations are flexible and show that sustained changes in somatic sensory input to MI are sufficient to reorganize MI output.
Matching groupware to user needs: an exploratory study

Coordinating activities in cross-disciplinary projects is a complex task. Complexity levels increase when members of groups involved in the project are physically separated and work at different times with different computing tools. One aspect of the Multi-Disciplinary Design and Analysis Group's research at Clemson University is to explore the factors which will successfully lead to the selection or development of a computing application that will support group efforts carried out by students and faculty belonging to different disciplines. This paper outlines our efforts to understand the functionality desired by scientists and engineers when they work in a collaborative environment, to evaluate some existing groupware applications, and to review a system that offers a number of essential features. In addition, we provide a brief background of computer supported cooperative work and groupware, detail the methodology used to address groupware selection, summarize and interpret the results, and conclude with recommendations.
Structural mechanism of the dynein power stroke

Dyneins are large microtubule motor proteins required for mitosis, intracellular transport and ciliary and flagellar motility. They generate force through a power-stroke mechanism, which is an ATP-consuming cycle of pre- and post-power-stroke conformational changes that cause relative motion between different dynein domains. However, key structural details of dynein's force generation remain elusive. Here, using cryo-electron tomography of intact, active (that is, beating), rapidly frozen sea urchin sperm flagella, we determined the in situ three-dimensional structures of all domains of both pre- and post-power-stroke dynein, including the previously unresolved linker and stalk of pre-power-stroke dynein. Our results reveal that the rotation of the head relative to the linker is the key action in dynein movement, and that there are at least two distinct pre-power-stroke conformations: pre-I (microtubule-detached) and pre-II (microtubule-bound). We provide three-dimensional reconstructions of native dyneins in three conformational states, in situ, allowing us to propose a molecular model of the structural cycle underlying dynein movement.
The effect of stationary-phase pore size on retention behavior in micellar liquid chromatography.

One of the limitations that has restricted the applicability of micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) is the weak eluting power of micellar mobile phases compared to conventional hydro-organic mobile phases used in reversed-phase liquid chromatography. This may be the result of Donnan or steric exclusion of the micelles from the pores of the stationary phase, within which nearly all (≥99%) of the stationary phase resides and the analytes spend most of their time. To determine whether wide-pore stationary phases would overcome this limitation in MLC, several C8 and C18 stationary phases ranging from 100 to 4000 A were investigated using a diverse set of test solutes and micellar solutions of anionic, neutral, and cationic surfactants as mobile phases. With the larger pore size stationary phases, the eluting power of the MLC mobile phases was enhanced with all surfactant types, the greatest effect being with the neutral surfactant. Differences in retention behavior were observed between various solute types ...
Airborne interferometer for atmospheric emission and solar absorption

The interferometer for emission and solar absorption (INTESA) is an infrared spectrometer designed to study radiative transfer in the troposphere and lower stratosphere from a NASA ER-2 aircraft. The Fourier-transform spectrometer (FTS) operates from 0.7 to 50 mum with a resolution of 0.7 cm(-1). The FTS observes atmospheric thermal emission from multiple angles above and below the aircraft. A heliostat permits measurement of solar absorption spectra. INTESA's calibration system includes three blackbodies to permit in-flight assessment of radiometric error. Results suggest that the in-flight radiometric accuracy is ~0.5 K in the mid-infrared.
An analysis of the problem of K-+ accumulation in the intercalated disk clefts of cardiac muscle.

Abstract A mathematical model was developed to describe the accumulation of ions in restricted diffusion spaces near cells. The analysis was applied to the accumulation of K+ in the intercalated disk clefts of cardiac muscle during an action potential in the prejunctional cell. The time course and magnitude of the ion accumulation were examined during the rising phase of the action potential, as well as for the plateau phase. Families of curves were obtained for variations in the following parameters: K+ conductance, gap width, and rate of rise of the prejunctional action potential. The K+ concentration profile in the gap, from center of the cell to its perimeter, was determined. The results of this analysis indicate that, for a K+ conductance of 0·01 mho/cm2, ramp rise of 120 V/sec, and gap width of 100 A, the K+ concentration in the cleft increases from a steady-state level of 4 mm to about 10 m m within 1 msec. This sudden accumulation of K+ would tend to depolarize the postjunctional membrane. Therefore, this K+ accumulation could be a contributory factor to the transmission of excitation from one cell to the next. With respect to K+ accumulation during the action potential plateau, the same parameters stated above gave values of 36 m m K+ within 15 msec. This large K+ accumulation during the plateau may have important consequences for the electrophysiology of the myocardial cells, including a possible role in triggering repolarization.
Marquette's Engineering Student Volunteer Outreach Program to Fifth Graders in the Public Schools, Choice Schools, and a Charter School in Milwaukee

Educational efforts by the MSE profession can effect society in several ways: by producing more and better MSE graduates, by enhancing the Materials backgrounds of students from other engineering disciplines, by continuing education programs, and, in a nontraditional sense, by impacting the non-engineering community with outreach programs. I suggest that the effect on society of working with disadvantaged elementary school children, such as inner city fifth graders, is potentially far greater than efforts spent on non-engineering students already in college, high school students, or even middle school students. The Fifth Grade Volunteer Teaching Program (5GVP) at Marquette has attempted over the last ten years to inform Milwaukee’s inner city fifth graders of the existence of an engineering career while showing them that science is something that they can actually do themselves and that the doing is fun. Maybe some of the roughly 5,000 students taught have stayed in the college prep track in math and science as a result of contact with our enthusiastic engineering student volunteers. Our lessons are self contained and heavy with things for the fifth graders to do themselves. One lesson, which portends Materials Science and Engineering, is called, “Phases of Matter”. This year I have expanded the 5GVP Program to include three of the Choice Schools operating in Milwaukee. These schools differ from the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and from each other significantly. Class sizes in the Choice Schools vary from much smaller than MPS to about the same size as MPS. The school buildings range from ramshackle to very modern. The Charter School has science labs and the Choice Schools do not. The Charter School is for profit and these two Choice Schools are not for profit.
“Insider” Narratives of Transformative Learning: Implications for Educational Reform

In February 1992 at the Ethnography in Education Research Forum at the University of Pennsylvania, one of the authors noticed that several principals were going to present their research. Being a former principal and veteran of educational administration conferences, he went, prepared for the usual bragging session about how these principals had "turned their schools around" through their commitment to the latest restructuring scheme. What he found instead were a group of women principals talking about how their work affected them emotionally, how it intersected with their personal lives, and what it was like to be a woman in a field dominated by men. Although he had taught a course on the school principalship for years, these narratives took him back to his own experience as a principal and tapped into his own repressed feelings about the job. He was struck by the extent to which university researchers like himself-even qualitative ones-had failed to explore the inner lives and daily dramas of school practitioners. The narratives of these women principals are radically different from the prescriptive practitioner narratives that appear in practitioner journals. Their appearance in an academic journal provides an opportunity to reflect on what kind of knowledge about educational practice is legitimate and who has the right to produce it. They become, in a sense, disruptive voices (Fine 1992) that force us to come to terms with our feelings about school practitioners, our "cultural informants", speaking for themselves. Before addressing the principal narratives directly, we would like to discuss what this kind of inquiry means for readers of Anthropology and Education Quarterly. The shift in academic research in education from an exclusive reliance
A Companion Animal in a Work Simulation: The Roles of Task Difficulty and Prior Companion-Animal Guardianship in State Anxiety

Abstract Human-animal interactions often have positive physiological and psychological outcomes for humans. The current study extended research in this area by studying three variables that have never directly been examined together within a laboratory setting: task difficulty level (moderate versus extreme), the human-animal interaction (present or absent), and participants’ companion-animal guardianship status (yes or no) to determine whether a companion dog would reduce self-reported state anxiety. The participants were undergraduate students from a large western university in the United States who performed timed paper-and-pencil tasks either with or without the presence of a companion dog under varying degrees of task difficulty. Spielberger’s State/Trait anxiety measures were used to assess reactions to the work setting. Results indicated that although the mere presence of a dog is not enough to lower state anxiety for all participants, the interaction of companion-animal guardianship status and task difficulty was significant. Companion animals may assist in stress relief for people in average-stress jobs who already have positive feelings toward companion animals but may have no effect for people in high-stress jobs or who do not already enjoy the company of animals.
Mountain landscapes offer few opportunities for high‐elevation tree species migration

Climate change is anticipated to alter plant species distributions. Regional context, notably the spatial complexity of climatic gradients, may influence species migration potential. While high-elevation species may benefit from steep climate gradients in mountain regions, their persistence may be threatened by limited suitable habitat as land area decreases with elevation. To untangle these apparently contradictory predictions for mountainous regions, we evaluated the climatic suitability of four coniferous forest tree species of the western United States based on species distribution modeling (SDM) and examined changes in climatically suitable areas under predicted climate change. We used forest structural information relating to tree species dominance, productivity, and demography from an extensive forest inventory system to assess the strength of inferences made with a SDM approach. We found that tree species dominance, productivity, and recruitment were highest where climatic suitability (i.e., probability of species occurrence under certain climate conditions) was high, supporting the use of predicted climatic suitability in examining species risk to climate change. By predicting changes in climatic suitability over the next century, we found that climatic suitability will likely decline, both in areas currently occupied by each tree species and in nearby unoccupied areas to which species might migrate in the future. These trends were most dramatic for high elevation species. Climatic changes predicted over the next century will dramatically reduce climatically suitable areas for high-elevation tree species while a lower elevation species, Pinus ponderosa, will be well positioned to shift upslope across the region. Reductions in suitable area for high-elevation species imply that even unlimited migration would be insufficient to offset predicted habitat loss, underscoring the vulnerability of these high-elevation species to climatic changes.
Preventable Morbidity at a Mature Trauma Center

Objective To analyze the preventable and potentially preventable complications occurring at a mature level I trauma center. Design Retrospective review. Setting Academic level I trauma center. Patients The study included 35 311 trauma registry patients. Main Outcome Measures The cause, effect on outcome, preventability (preventable, potentially preventable, or nonpreventable), and loop closure recommendations for all preventable and potentially preventable complications, and clinical data related to each complication retrieved from the trauma registry and individual medical records. Results Over the 8-year study, 35 311 trauma registry patients experienced 2560 complications. Three hundred fifty-one patients (0.99% of all patients) had 403 preventable or potentially preventable complications. The most common preventable or potentially preventable complications were unintended extubation (63 patients [17% of complications]), surgical technical failures (61 patients [15% of complications]), missed injuries (58 patients [14% of complications]), and intravascular catheter–related complications (48 patients [12% of complications]). These complications were clinically relevant; 258 (64% of complications) resulted in a change in management, including 61 laparotomies, 52 reintubations, 41 chest tube insertions, and 19 vascular interventions. Conclusions The incidence of preventable or potentially preventable complications at an academic level I trauma center is low. These complications often require a change in management and cluster in 4 major categories (ie, unintended extubation, surgical technical failures, missed injuries, and intravascular catheter–related complications) that must be recognized as critical areas for quality improvement initiatives.
Nd-doped silica glass I: Structural evolution in the sol-gel state

Abstract Silica glass containing neodymium is a potentially important laser glass because of its low thermal expansion coefficient and high temperature stability. The sol-gel method is highly advantageous in that it permits the uniform distribution of relatively large concentrations of neodymium in a silica host with respect to conventional processing techniques. In this paper, the evolution of the Nd-doped silica gel as a function of heat treatment temperature, from the liquid state to the glassy state, is discussed. The fluorescence spectra for sol-gel derived neodymia-silica glass is presented. A tentative structural model of the local environment around the neodymium ions in silica glass is presented.
Raffling off the effectors of Ras.

Commentary to: C-RAF-1 Protein Kinase is Not Essential for Ras Transformation of Mouse Embryo Fibroblasts
Crossing symmetric solution of the Chew-Low equation

Abstract An N / D dispersion theory is developed which solves crossing symmetric Low equations. The method is used to generate crossing symmetric solutions to the Chew-Low model. We show why the technique originally proposed by Chew and Low was incapable of producing solutions.
Reduced Fluorescein Angiography and Fundus Photography Use in the Management of Neovascular Macular Degeneration and Macular Edema During the Past Decade

Purpose. We assessed recent trends in the use of diagnostic testing for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD) and macular edema (ME).
A new technique for reversible permeabilization of live cells for intracellular delivery of quantum dots

A major challenge with the use of quantum dots (QDs) for cellular imaging and biomolecular delivery is the attainment of QDs freely dispersed inside the cells. Conventional methods such as endocytosis, lipids based delivery and electroporation are associated with delivery of QDs in vesicles and/or as aggregates that are not monodispersed. In this study, we demonstrate a new technique for reversible permeabilization of cells to enable the introduction of freely dispersed QDs within the cytoplasm. Our approach combines osmosis driven fluid transport into cells achieved by creating a hypotonic environment and reversible permeabilization using low concentrations of cell permeabilization agents like Saponin. Our results confirm that highly efficient endocytosis-free intracellular delivery of QDs can be accomplished using this method. The best results were obtained when the cells were treated with 50 μg ml−1 Saponin in a hypotonic buffer at a 3:2 physiological buffer:DI water ratio for 5 min at 4 ° C.
Estimation of ultrafine particle concentrations at near-highway residences using data from local and central monitors.

Ultrafine particles (UFP; aerodynamic diameter < 0.1 micrometers) are a ubiquitous exposure in the urban environment and are elevated near highways. Most epidemiological studies of UFP health effects use central site monitoring data, which may misclassify exposure. Our aims were to: (1) examine the relationship between distant and proximate monitoring sites and their ability to predict hourly UFP concentration measured at residences in an urban community with a major interstate highway and; (2) determine if meteorology and proximity to traffic improve explanatory power. Short-term (1 – 3 weeks) residential monitoring of UFP concentration was conducted at 18 homes. Long-term monitoring was conducted at two near-highway monitoring sites and a central site. We created models of outdoor residential UFP concentration based on concentrations at the near-highway site, at the central site, at both sites together and without fixed sites. UFP concentration at residential sites was more highly correlated with those at a near-highway site than a central site. In regression models of each site alone, a 10% increase in UFP concentration at a near-highway site was associated with a 6% (95% CI: 6%, 7%) increase at residences while a 10% increase in UFP concentration at the central site was associated with a 3% (95% CI: 2%, 3%) increase at residences. A model including both sites showed minimal change in the magnitude of the association between the near-highway site and the residences, but the estimated association with UFP concentration at the central site was substantially attenuated. These associations remained after adjustment for other significant predictors of residential UFP concentration, including distance from highway, wind speed, wind direction, highway traffic volume and precipitation. The use of a central site as an estimate of personal exposure for populations near local emissions of traffic-related air pollutants may result in exposure misclassification.
The balanced measure of psychological needs (BMPN) scale: An alternative domain general measure of need satisfaction

Psychological need constructs have received increased attention within self-determination theory research. Unfortunately, the most widely used need-satisfaction measure, the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS; Gagne in Motiv Emot 27:199–223, 2003), has been found to be problematic (Johnston and Finney in Contemp Educ Psychol 35:280–296, 2010). In the current study, we formally describe an alternate measure, the Balanced Measure of Psychological Needs (BMPN). We explore the factor structure of student responses to both the BPNS and the BMPN, followed by an empirical comparison of the BPNS to the BMPN as predictors of relevant outcomes. For both scales, we tested a model specifying three latent need factors (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) and two latent method factors (satisfaction and dissatisfaction). By specifying and comparing a series of nested confirmatory factor analytic models, we examine the theoretical structure of the need satisfaction variables and produce evidence for convergent and discriminant validity of the posited constructs. The results of our examination suggest that the three need variables should not be combined into one general need factor and may have separate satisfaction and dissatisfaction dimensions. Our model comparisons also suggest the BMPN may be an improved instrument for SDT researchers.
Kinetics of synthesis and immunologically active fraction of anti-tumor Immune RNA

Abstract The kinetics of synthesis of anti-tumor Immune RNA (I-RNA) in immunized rodents was determined and an immunologically active fraction of I-RNA isolated. As measured in a microcytotoxicity assay for cell mediated immunity, cytotoxic immune reactivity of syngeneic I-RNA was maximal when extracted from the spleens of Fischer rats 21–28 days following their inoculation with 10 6 syngeneic MC3-R tumor cells. Maximum immunoreactivity of xenogeneic I-RNA extracted from the lymphoid organs of guinea pigs immunized with MC-1 mouse tumor cells was reached 14 days after immunization. Both syngeneic and xenogeneic anti-tumor I-RNA were fractionated in preparative sucrose density gradients. The highest cytotoxic immune reactivity was consistantly obtained from I-RNA fractions with sedimentation values of 12–16S. The immunologically active I-RNA comprised only 5–7% of the total RNA extracted from the lymphoid tissues of immunized animals.
Short-term temporal stability of interpersonal attraction

The temporal stability of attitude-evoked attraction responses and the similarity-attraction relationship were examined across a 1-week time interval In the absence of additional information concerning a stranger, attraction toward the stranger was found to be highly stable (p <.001). In addition, the positive relationship between similarity and attraction was found to be quite stable (p <. 01) across this time period.
Prokaryotic gene clusters: A rich toolbox for synthetic biology

Bacteria construct elaborate nanostructures, obtain nutrients and energy from diverse sources, synthesize complex molecules, and implement signal processing to react to their environment. These complex phenotypes require the coordinated action of multiple genes, which are often encoded in a contiguous region of the genome, referred to as a gene cluster. Gene clusters sometimes contain all of the genes necessary and sufficient for a particular function. As an evolutionary mechanism, gene clusters facilitate the horizontal transfer of the complete function between species. Here, we review recent work on a number of clusters whose functions are relevant to biotechnology. Engineering these clusters has been hindered by their regulatory complexity, the need to balance the expression of many genes, and a lack of tools to design and manipulate DNA at this scale. Advances in synthetic biology will enable the large-scale bottom-up engineering of the clusters to optimize their functions, wake up cryptic clusters, or to transfer them between organisms. Understanding and manipulating gene clusters will move towards an era of genome engineering, where multiple functions can be “mixed-and-matched” to create a designer organism.