cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some Forsaken Gardens and What They Tell Us

L'A. examine le topos du «jardin a l'abandon» dans Richard II de W. Shakespeare, et ses avatars chez T. Browne, G. Crabbe, A. Swinburne, F. Bacon, W. Wordsworth...
Welfare-to-Work Single Mothers' Perspectives on Parent Involvement in Head Start: Implications for Parent–Teacher Collaboration

Single mothers' perspectives on selecting child care reflect their experiences of the significance of parent–teacher collaboration in a Head Start context. Mothers spoke of their motivations for selecting child care, their experiences of their relationships with Head Start teachers, and how their self-development and learning were enhanced by interactions with Head Start staff. Such collaboration has positive effects for their children, their development as parents, and their development as individuals. Implications of their perspectives for teacher best practices are drawn.
Exploring medical anthropology

Chapter 1 What's So Cultural About Disease? Culture in Medicine Development of Medical Anthropology Medical Anthropology Today Summary: Placing Medical Anthropology Among the Social Sciences of Medicine Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 2 Anthropological Questions and Methods in the Study of Sickness and Healing Studying Shamans in Peru Studying Medicine in the United States Summary: The Anthropological Vision Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 3: Recognizing Biological, Social and Cultural Interconnections: Evolutionary and Ecological Perspectives on a Cholera Epidemic Thinking About Epidemics History and Biology of Cholera Epidemiological Accounts of Peru's Cholera Epidemic Evolution and the Ecological Framework Cholera and the Evolutionary Framework Medical Anthropology Embraces the Ecological/Evolutionary Model Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 4 Expanding the Vision of Medical Anthropology: Critical and Interpretive Views of the Cholera Epidemic Political-Economy of Cholera Political-Economic vs. Ecological/Evolutionary Perspectives Interpretive View of Cholera Taking a Broader, Inclusive Perspective Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 5 The Global Petri Dish Transitions SARS: The First Global Epidemic of the 21st Century One Health Ecology Further Complications: The Threat of Bioterrorism Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 6 Healers and the Healing Professions Healing Roles: Organizing the Diversity Authority of Healers Authority in the Folk Health Sector: Position of Peruvian Curanderos Authority in the Professional Health Care Sector: Case of Biomedicine Challenges to Biomedical Authority Authority of Biomedicine in Non-Western Countries Conclusion Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 7 Applying Medical Anthropology Medical Anthropology in International Development: A Brief History Work of Applied Medical Anthropologists in International Contexts Applying Medical Anthropology in the United States Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Applied Anthropology Under Attack Personal Reflections Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 8: Anthropology and Medical Ethics Medical Ethics: A Comparative Framework Medical Ethics Beyond Biomedicine Development of Bioethics in the United States Social Sciences and Bioethics Social Science: Out of the Closet Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 9: Body, Self and Biotechnologies Cross-Cultural Views of the Self The Stem Cell Debate "Baby" Pictures Rights, Death and the Autonomous Self Conclusion Suggested Readings Notes Chapter 10: A Look Back and a Glance Ahead Advantages of Medical Anthropology Thinking Anthropologically about HIV/AIDS Future Directions in Medical Anthropology Academic and Professional Career Paths Related to Medical Anthropology Conclusion Suggested Readings Notes Glossary References Cited
CMOS design of pulse coded adaptive neural processing element using neural-type cells

The authors present the CMOS design of an adaptive neural processing element (NPE). The CMOS circuit encodes information using pulse coded neural-type cells (NTC). The synaptic junctions are realized by voltage-controlled resistors in the NTC where the conductance of these resistors determine weights. The information is coded into a form of pulse duty cycle. The pulse duty cycle modulation (PDCM) technique is briefly reviewed. Weights, expressed in terms of the pulse duty cycle, are adaptively controlled through feedback circuits using a simple differential amplifier. This differential amplifier compares the present output with a desired reference value. The difference is used to adjust the weights through changing of the equivalent resistance value of the voltage-controlled resistor in the NTC. Simulation results of simple examples verified the design concepts. >
Evaluating Human T Cell Receptor Gene Expression by PCR

This unit describes the use of PCR to characterize and quantify rearranged transcripts from specific T cell receptor variable gene families in human tissue and peripheral blood lymphocytes. The strategy outlined in this unit has been extensively used on different sources of human tissue including brain, spinal cord, and skeletal muscle. A protocol is provided to clone and sequence PCR-amplified cDNA transcripts to study the junctional diversity of the expressed genes. A support protocol describes a method for reverse transcribing total RNA to make the cDNA required by the other protocols.
Testing and Assessment in Cross-Cultural Psychology

This chapter begins with some basic distinctions in cross-cultural and multicultural psychology, including the concepts of Etic and Emic. The use of tests and assessments for research and applied use in cross-cultural psychology is described. The nature of equivalence is depicted in detail with more than four types of equivalence differentiated: linguistic equivalence, conceptual equivalence, functional equivalence, and metric equivalence. A few other types of equivalence are also mentioned. The nature of bias in cross-cultural assessment is next clarified, with construct, method, and item bias acknowledged. The translation and adaptation of tests is reviewed from a procedural perspective, with emphasis upon the role of language and the role of culture in the understanding of behavior and, hence, the appreciation of testing and the interpretation of test results. Procedures for adapting tests from one culture to another and for evaluating the equivalence of the two versions are discussed. Several research designs for establishing the linkage of test scores across forms are also briefly provided. Keywords: cross-cultural testing; multicultural psychology; test adaptation; test bias; test equivalence; test translation
Statistical Mechanics of Classical Systems with Distinguishable Particles

The properties of classical models of distinguishable particles are shown to be identical to those of a corresponding system of indistinguishable particles without the need for ad hoc corrections. An alternative to the usual definition of the entropy is proposed. The new definition in terms of the logarithm of the probability distribution of the thermodynamic variables is shown to be consistent with all desired properties of the entropy and the physical properties of thermodynamic systems. The factor of 1/N! in the entropy connected with Gibbs' Paradox is shown to arise naturally for both distinguishable and indistinguishable particles. These results have direct application to computer simulations of classical systems, which always use distinguishable particles. Such simulations should be compared directly to experiment (in the classical regime) without “correcting” them to account for indistinguishability.
Association between baseline fetal hemoglobin levels and incidence of severe vaso-occlusive pain episodes in children with sickle cell anemia.

The ameliorating effect of high fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels on the incidence of pain episodes in sickle cell anemia (SCA) is well known; however, this relationship in children with SCA is less clearly established. We tested the hypothesis that higher HbF levels in children with SCA are associated with decreased incidence of severe pain episodes, defined as an event requiring hospitalization. Based on a uniform definition of severe pain in two cohorts, a meta-analysis was performed using data from the Silent Infarct Transfusion (SIT) Trial (n= 456) and the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease (CSSCD) (n=764). Baseline HbF levels were associated with the incidence of severe pain (P-value=0.02). Hospitalization for pain is a viable SCA endo-phenotype for future study.
Clinical management of male infertility in assisted reproduction: ICSI and beyond

The advent of in vitro fertilization and its augmentation with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has allowed a large number of couples suffering from moderate to severe male infertility, and also presenting with female pathologies, to achieve their reproductive dreams. Notwithstanding the existence of fundamental questions about the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to sperm dysfunction, and still unanswered concerns about health risks following ICSI, it appears that overall ICSI is safe and here to stay. Although on one hand ICSI possibly hampered advances of the knowledge in some areas of gamete biology and interaction, on the other it definitely gave impulse to studies designed to unveil the sperm contributions during and beyond fertilization, including the normalcy of the DNA/chromatin as well as molecular mechanisms of genetic/epigenetic control and nuclear organization status. In all, almost entering the fourth decade of assisted reproductive technologies, we should continue monitoring the safety of the technique and long-term development of offspring, whereas at the same time prioritizing areas of research addressing these fundamental questions.
Testing for the Significance of Induced Highway Travel Demand in Metropolitan Areas

A research study was conducted to evaluate and quantify the effect of highway capacity improvements on travel demand. Statistical models using Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey data were designed to estimate relationships between average household travel time and vehicle-miles of travel. Several regression models were estimated, and the results were stratified by urbanized area, public transportation availability, metropolitan area size, family life cycle, day-of-week of travel, and population density. Travel-time elasticities of -0.3 to -0.5 were generally found, after taking into account the effects of household size, income, population density, and household employment. These results suggest that travelers will spend 30 to 50 percent of the time savings afforded by highway improvements in additional travel. Overall, the results of this study provide evidence that highway capacity improvements can create additional travel, although the magnitude of the induced traffic effect was found to be smal...
2-Dilated flattened butterfly: A nonblocking switching topology for high-radix networks

High-performance computing is highly dependent on the communication network connecting the nodes. In this paper, we propose a 2-Dilated flattened butterfly (2DFB) network which provides non-blocking performance for relatively low cost overhead. We study the topological properties of the proposed 2DFB network and compare it with different nonblocking switching topologies. We observe that a dilation factor of two is sufficient to obtain nonblocking property for a flattened butterfly structure irrespective of its size or dimension. Dilating each link in a flattened butterfly causes an increase in cost. Therefore, we modeled the implementation cost of a 2DFB network and compared it with other popular nonblocking networks. We observe that the cost of a 2DFB is less than other nonblocking networks, while at the same time providing reduced latency because of its reduced diameter and hop count. We also propose a procedure to develop a conflict-free static routing schedule as well as an adaptive load balanced routing scheme (ALDFB) for 2DFB networks. Finally, we also describe the hardware implementation of a 2DFB network using the NetFPGA as the switching element and verify the nonblocking behavior of a 2DFB. We also show that the 2DFB topology can be used to build high speed switching systems with reduced cost.
The effects of variability and expectations on utilization of member expertise and group performance

One of the most important resources a group has is the expertise of its members (Hackman & Morris, 1975; McGrath, 1984). Further, research suggests that recognition of expertise plays an important role in group performance (e.g., Libby, Trotman, & Zimmer, 1987). The current study experimentally manipulated member expectations and within-group variability and examined their relationships to recognition of expertise, utilization of expertise, and performance on a complex group decision-making task. Results indicate that variability and expectations affect utilization of expertise primarily through their effects on recognition of expertise. Recognition of expertise is positively associated with how often groups defer to their best member, but even when all members recognize the best member groups defer to that member only 62% of the time. Although reliance on the best member is positively related to group performance, the authors postulate that the relationship may be more complex than is commonly assumed.
Dicyanobenzene sensitized carbon-carbon bond cleavage in methoxybicumenes. Products and mechanistic studies

Abstract Radical cations of p-methoxy-p-X-bicumenes generated by ET to excited-state dicyanobenzene undergo rapid irreversible C-C bond scission giving cumyl cations and radicals. The photoefficiency of the process (Φ = 0.13 for X = MeO, Φ
Coherent structures in the plasma wave-particle interaction

A study of phase space coherent structures in the plasma wave-particle interaction is presented. The study is based on a reduced single wave model (SWM) of the Vlasov-Poisson system. The reduced model describes the weakly nonlinear dynamics of generic electrostatic instabilities and incorporates the self-consistent wave-particle interaction through a mean field that couples the resonant particles to the amplitude of a single wave potential. Following a brief review of the SWM, we show numerical evidence of trapped and untrapped hole-clump dipole states for both symmetric and weakly asymmetric initial conditions. The rotation (in the trapped case) and translation (in the untrapped case) of the dipole manifest as periodic (in the case of symmetric states) and quasi-periodic (in the case of asymmetric states) time dependences of the potential that gives rise to self-consistent chaos. The role of chaotic mixing and hyperbolic-elliptic bifurcations in the relaxation of initial conditions far from equilibrium is also discussed.
Development and application of a new on-line SPE system combined with LC–MS/MS detection for high throughput direct analysis of pharmaceutical compounds in plasma

Abstract A technique using a fully automated on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) system (Symbiosis, Spark Holland) combined with liquid chromatography (LC)–mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has been investigated for fast bioanalytical method development, method validation and sample analysis using both conventional C18 and monolithic columns. Online SPE LC–MS/MS methods were developed in the automated mode for the quantification of model compounds (propranolol and diclofenac) directly in rat plasma. Accuracy and precision using online SPE LC–MS/MS with conventional C18 and monolithic columns were in the range of 88–111% and 0.5–14%, respectively. Total analysis cycle time of 4 min per sample was demonstrated using the C18 column. Monolithic column allowed for 2 min total cycle time without compromising the quality and validation criteria of the method. Direct plasma sample injection without on-line SPE resulted in poor accuracy and precision in the range of 41–108% and 3–81%. Furthermore, the increase in back pressure resulted in column damage after the injection of only 60 samples.
A third species of Tessmannianthus (Melastomataceae: Merianieae) from Panama

Tessmannianthus cereifolius, a new species from eastern Panama, is described, illustrated, and compared to its closest presumed relative,T. heterostemon of Ecuador and Peru. The new species is distinguished by its truncate calyx, absence of exterior calyx teeth, and complete glabrosity. A 5-celled ovary is reported for the first time inT. cereifolius andT. heterostemon. The latter was previously thought to be characterized by a trilocular ovary. A distribution map and a revised key to the three Panamanian species ofTessmannianthus are also provided.
Relationships of Social Context and Identity to Problem Behavior among High-Risk Hispanic Adolescents.

The present study was designed to examine the extent to which (a) family and school functioning and (b) personal and ethnic identity is associated with conduct problems, drug use, and sexual risk taking in a sample of 227 high-risk Hispanic adolescents. Adolescents participated in the study with their primary parents, who were mostly mothers. Adolescents completed measures of family and school functioning, personal and ethnic identity, conduct problems, and drug use. Parents completed measures of family functioning and adolescent conduct problems. Results indicated that school functioning and personal identity confusion were related to alcohol use, illicit drug use, and sexual risk taking indirectly through adolescent reports of conduct problems. Adolescent reports of family functioning were related to alcohol use, illicit drug use, and sexual risk taking through school functioning and conduct problems. Results are discussed in terms of the problem behavior syndrome and in terms of the finding of relative independence of contextual and identity variables vis-a-vis conduct problems, substance use, and sexual risk taking.
Particle Size Impacts of Subsurface-Banded Urea on Nitrogen Transformation in the Laboratory

Replacing commercial urea granules (0.01–0.02 g) with urea pellets (1.5 g) could improve crop yield and reduce nitrogen (N) losses into the environment. Since urea particle size affects N transformations and, subsequently, N-loss pathways, laboratory studies were conducted to study the effects of subsurface-banded urea particle size or specific surface area (SSA) effects on dissolution, mechanism of dissolved urea movement, and N mineralization (urea hydrolysis and nitrification). To simulate subsurface banding, urea treatments were applied in a plane beneath the soil to Ross loam soil at volumetric soil moisture content (θv) of 31.4% (34 cbars) in all studies. At 50% dissolution, granules dissolved eight times faster than 1.5-g pellets. Molecular diffusion was likely the predominant mechanism of dissolved urea movement in both pellets and granules. Urea hydrolysis was significantly lower by 3.1% in 1.5-g pellets than in granules after 7 d. At 35 d, nitrification rate of the applied-N was 11% (significant...
A synoptic climatology of rural ozone pollution at three forest sites in Pennsylvania

Abstract An analysis reveals strong relationships between ozone (O 3 ) concentratins at three rural forest sites in north-central Pennsylvania and the synoptic-scale atmospheric circulation. To identify these associations, a synoptic classification scheme is applied to daily maximum 1-h ambient surface O 3 measurements for the growing seasons of 1988, 1989 and 1990. The results cover five aspects of the atmospheric circulation-rural O 3 relationship: overall conditions, O 3 extremes, key weather sequences, the seasonal cycle and interannual differences. Overall, high rural O 3 concentrations occur with southwesterly transport conditions on the western sides of anticyclones, while low values are found in post-frontal and cyclonic conditions. While slow-moving or stagnant anticyclones are occasionally associated with high-O 3 episodes, these situations are most frequent in the same southwesterly transport regime. This behavior is the inverse of that found in Pittsburgh in a closely related study by Comrie and Yarnal ( Atmospheric Environment , 26B , No. 3, pp. 301–312, 1992). Unlike urban environments where air mass stagnation leads to an episode, an episode in a non-urban environment requires transport of a polluted air mass from a source region. In this latter scenario, forest O 3 levels are critically dependent on the air mass history and trajectory. Key weather pattern sequences show that the southwesterly transport must be preceded by stagnation of the air mass over an upwind polluted region, with stagnation and transport each lasting 1–2 d. The relative importance of these complementary mechanisms in the O 3 climatology remains the same through the growing season. The unusually hot and dry conditions of the summer 1988 were more favorable for O 3 formation across all synoptic patterns, as compared to 1989 and 1990.
Rings with the right atomic multiple property

It is known that an atomic right LCM domain need not be a UFD but is a projectivity-UFD if it is also modular. This paper studies a slightly weaker and easier condition, the RAMP (acronym for the property in the title) , which also ensures that an atomic right LCM domain will be a projectivity-UFD. Among other things it is shown that in an atomic LCM domain, modularity is equivalent to the pair RAMP and LAMP (the left-right analog of RAMP). This result is then used to show that an atomic LCM domain with conjugation is modular. An example is given of an atomic LCM domain that has neither the RAMP nor the LAMP. All rings are not-necessarily commutative integral domains. Recall that an atomic ring is one in which every nonzero nonunit is a product of atoms (i.e. irreducibles) . A ring R is a right LCM domain if for any two elements a and b in R, aR ∩ bR is a principal right ideal. A right LCM domain need not be a left LCM domain [3] . If a ring has both properties it is called an LCM domain. It Is known (see...
An experimental approach to the preparation of hollow fiber membranes

Abstract The inherent advantage of favorable membrane surface area to total separator unit volume is a well-established principle for the hollow fiber system. The past 18 years have witnessed numerous applications of hollow fiber technology to separation and purification needs in both industry and medicine including the preparation of potable and high quality water for the electronics and pharmaceutical industries, treatment of secondary effluent from sewage processing plants, gas separations for industrial applications, hemodialyzers and the controlled release of drugs to mention only a few applications. A review is made of solution, plasticized-melt and melt spinning techniques, as they relate to the systematic development of hollow fibers for separators designed for some of the applications previously mentioned.
The Tails of Comets, the Solar Corona, and the Aurora considered as Electric Phenomena

IN reference to a letter from Mr. Bedford, Ph.D., published in your last number, allow me to state—
Repertoire enhancement with adoptively transferred female lymphocytes controls the growth of pre-implanted murine prostate cancer.

Background In prostate cancer, genes encoding androgen-regulated, Y-chromosome-encoded, and tissue-specific antigens may all be overexpressed. In the adult male host, however, most high affinity T cells targeting these potential tumor rejection antigens will be removed during negative selection. In contrast, the female mature T-cell repertoire should contain abundant precursors capable of recognizing these classes of prostate cancer antigens and mediating effective anti-tumor immune responses.
An Integral Analysis of Two Simple Model Problems of Wind-Aided Flame Spread

The method of integral analysis is applied to two simple model problems closely related to the general wind-aided flame spread problem. The analysis of the two models strongly suggests approximating the general problem as a steady-state process in the pyrolysis zone and as an unsteady process in the preheat zone ahead of it.
Coupling of the solar wind to temporal fluctuations in ground magnetic fields

[1] A study of the coupling of the solar wind to temporal fluctuations in high–latitude ground magnetic fields is presented. The fluctuation measure considered is the absolute value of the north-south horizontal field time derivative (∣dBx/dt∣) averaged over a 30–minute interval. The fluctuation level is predicted using a nonlinear mapping of solar wind plasma and field measurements. The predictability of ground magnetic field fluctuations is shown to depend on both local time and latitude. For lower polar cap magnetometer locations, the coupling is highest at the local times that have the highest average fluctuation level and lowest at the local times that have the lowest average fluctuation level. The highest level of coupling is at auroral-zone latitudes in the post-midnight sector. The relative influence of different solar wind inputs is shown to be highly dependent on spatial location.
Conspicuous genetic structure belies recent dispersal in an endangered beach mouse ( Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis )

Habitat fragmentation can exacerbate the impacts on population persistence in species with rapid life histories and specialized habitat requirements. We investigated genetic structuring across the range of the federally endangered (USA) Perdido Key beach mouse (PKBM), Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis, using 16 microsatellite loci. Between 2010 and 2012 we sampled the three core habitat areas that are separated by 3–5 km of developed area. One location GSP was re-established in 2010 with a release of 48 captive bred mice. The other two parks had a reticulate recent history, including extirpations, translocations and, a recent (2009) natural re-colonization. Our objectives were to document the level of genetic drift associated with the post-release phase at GSP over a 2-year period, and to test the hypothesis that PKBM dispersal connectivity is restricted between the three parks. The three populations were significantly genetically differentiated in 2010 and 2012 (pairwise F ST ranged from 0.135 to 0.276). However, Bayesian clustering, assignment tests and hybridization analyses revealed inter-park dispersal and reproduction in 2012 that was absent in 2010. The detection of dispersal was an important step in understanding the regulation of connectivity in this fragmented system. We propose that a combination of recent apparent population increases across the island combined with the concurrent re-establishment of beachfront vegetated sand berms encouraged inter-park dispersal detected in 2012. These results provide important information for the future conservation of beach mice inhabiting northern Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic barrier islands in light of continued development pressure.
Combining Marketing and Engineering Tools for Multi-Attribute Optimization

Multidisciplinary design optimization has been an active topic of research in the past two decades in developing algorithms for reducing computational cost of re-analysis and also in developing efficient ways of calculating sensitivities. Most of the efforts were aimed at single objective function (attribute). Also very little work is done to include designer’s preferences inside the optimization. In this paper, conjoint analysis, a popular marketing technique to assess consumer preferences is used to involve the preferences of the designer. The optimization is driven by the designer’s preferences and a preferred design is obtained. Here, a novel way of combining tools from marketing and engineering is shown. A cantilever beam, and a composite lightweight torpedo are used as examples to demonstrate the method.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Studies of the release of small molecules during pressure germination of spores of Bacillus subtilis.

Aims: To measure rates of release of small molecules during pressure germination of Bacillus subtilis spores, and the role of SpoVA proteins in dipicolinic acid (DPA) release. Methods and Results: Rates of DPA release during B. subtilis spore germination with pressures of 150 or 500 megaPascals were much higher in spores with elevated levels of SpoVA proteins, and spores with a temperature-sensitive mutation in the spoVA operon were temperature-sensitive in DPA release during pressure germination. Spores also released arginine and glutamic acid, but not AMP, during pressure germination. Conclusions: Pressure germination of B. subtilis spores causes release of many small molecules including DPA. SpoVA proteins are involved in the release of DPA, perhaps because SpoVA proteins are a component of a DPA channel in the spore’s inner membrane. Significance and Impact of the Study: This work provides new insight into the mechanism of pressure germination of spores of Bacillus species, a process that has significant potential for usage in the food industry.
The immunohistochemical localization of pregnancy-specific β1-glycoprotein in postimplantation rat trophoblast

Pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1) was identified by peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) immunohistochemistry in the placenta of inbred strains of rat between 10 and 21 days of gestation. SP1 was located predominantly in basal zone trophoblast and in intravascular trophoblast of decidual vessels, but it was absent from labyrinthine trophoblast. No perivascular cells were identified by SP1 staining, but occasional clusters of interstitial trophoblast stained for SP1. The results suggest that basal and labyrinthine trophoblast are functionally different.
Comparison of the donor cell method to other computational techniques for the duct electrostatic precipitator

Abstract As modelling capabilities and computational resources have become more powerful and accessible, the duct electrostatic precipitator has been readdressed in the light of more sophisticated physical and numerical descriptions of its behavior. Some recent advances are discussed in this paper, which focuses attention on how the transport phenomena of migration, convection, and turbulent diffusion have been approximated by the donor cell technique, and compares this model with other computational approaches.
Radiation Optic Neuropathy

Following surgery for pituitary adenoma, radiation therapy is an accepted treatment in reducing tumor recurrence. However, a potential therapeutic complication is delayed radionecrosis of perisellar neural structures, including the optic nerves and chiasm. This particular cause of visual loss, radiation optic neuropathy (RON), has not been emphasized in the ophthalmologic literature. Four cases of RON seen in the past five years are reported. Diagnostic criteria include: (1) acute visual loss (monocular or binocular), (2) visual field defects indicating optic nerve or chiasmal dysfunction, (3) absence of optic disc edema, (4) onset usually within three years of therapy (peak: 1-1 1/2 years), and (5) no computed tomographic evidence of visual pathway compression. Pathologic findings, differential diagnosis and therapy will be discussed in outlining the clinical profile of RON.
Optical materials: Inspired by strain

Researchers at Peking University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology propose the use of strain engineering to create a broadband solar 'funnel' in an atomically thin sheet of MoS2.
Eruption age of the Sverrefjellet volcano, Spitsbergen Island, Norway

Sverrefjellet is a Pleistocene-age basaltic volcanic construct on north-western Spitsbergen Island (Svalbard Archipelago, Norway). Published ages for the Sverrefjellet eruption range between 6000 years and ca. 1 million years before present. The age of the eruption is dated here as 1.05±0.07 (1s) My, consistent with Ar-Ar isochron and plateau ages of several analysed samples. Radiogenic Ar represents a small proportion of the released Ar, 40 Ar/ 36 Ar=295.5), low-temperature alterations (Ar release at low temperature, with high Cl/K), carbonates and zeolites (Ar release at intermediate temperature) and xenolithic material (Ar release at high temperature, high Ca/K). The effects of the largely non-radiogenic argon sources is also seen in the total gas Ar-Ar “ages,” which range from 1.3 – 10.3 My, significantly larger than the inferred eruption age. It is likely that total gas Ar-Ar “ages” and whole-rock K-Ar “ages” of similar basalts also exceed their true eruption ages. Keywords: Svalbard; Spitsbergen; basalt; Knipovich; Ridge; Ar-Ar (Published: 2 March 2012) Citation: Polar Research 2012, 31 , 17320, DOI: 10.3402/polar.v31i0.17320 To access the supplementary material to this article please see Supplementary files in the column to the right (under Article Tools)
Effects of reduction of renal mass on renal oxygen tension and erythropoietin production in the rat

Effects of reduction of renal mass on renal oxygen tension and erythropoietin production in the rat. Background It is well known that the anemia of chronic renal failure is associated with a blunted erythropoietin response. However, it is not clear why this response is blunted. Oxygen tension is an important regulator of erythropoietin production and release, but the effect of reduced renal mass on renal tissue oxygen tensions is currently unknown. Methods A computer-based simulation was used to determine how alterations in filtration fraction might impact on renal tissue oxygen tensions. In addition, direct measurements of oxygen tension with needle electrodes were employed, as well as conventional physiological measurements and ELISA measurements of plasma and tissue erythropoietin concentrations in rats subjected to 5/6 th nephrectomy. Results Remnant kidney rats had 39% and 52% decreases in tissue and plasma erythropoietin concentrations, respectively, that correlated with 73% increased oxygen tensions in both cortex and outer medulla in the remnant kidney (all P Conclusions Higher oxygen tensions were observed in the remnant kidneys. We suggest that higher oxygen tensions are caused by a decrease in filtration fraction, and that these higher tissue oxygen tensions result in decreased renal erythropoietin production and anemia.
Acute kidney injury following proton pump inhibitor therapy

A 63-year-old male with a past medical history significant for hypertension for 12 years, stage 3 chronic kidney disease (baseline serum creatinine concentration, 1.4 mg/dl; estimated glomerular filtration rate, 54ml/min) secondary to hypertensive nephrosclerosis presented with generalized malaise and weakness for 2 weeks. He was referred for admission to the hospital for evaluation of renal dysfunction. Three months before this admission, he was treated with naproxen 500 mg per day for bilateral knee pain owing to degenerative joint disease. After 2 weeks of therapy, he developed epigastric pain with anorexia, vomiting, and hematemesis. He underwent upper endoscopy, which revealed esophageal, gastric, and duodenal erosions and ulcerations. Serum creatinine concentration was 2.3 mg/dl. Naproxen was discontinued, esomeprazole 40 mg per day was initiated as anti-acid therapy and a liter of normal saline was administered intravenously. Two days later, the serum creatinine concentration returned to baseline (1.4mg/dl) and the patient was discharged home on esomeprazole and tramadol/acetaminophen. On presentation to the hospital, blood pressure was 142/88mm Hg, pulse 100/min, temperature 98.9 degrees F, and respiratory rate 18/min. The conjunctivae were pale with anicteric sclera. Heart and lung examination was unremarkable except for a grade 1/6 systolic ejection murmur over the left sternal border. The abdomen had minimal epigastric tenderness, and there was trace edema in the ankles. There was no skin rash, petechiae, or purpura. Medications included amlodipine 10mg daily, esomeprazole 40 mg daily, diazepam 2.5 mg daily, tramadol/acetaminophen 100 mg twice daily, and calcitriol 1 mcg every other day. Admission laboratory data are noted in Table 1. The remaining laboratory values, including liver function tests and coagulation profile were within normal range. There was no peripheral eosinophilia. Urinalysis was notable for specific gravity, 1.015; pH, 6.0; trace blood; 1 + protein; and trace leukocyte esterase. Examination of the urine sediment revealed 2-5 dysmorphic red blood cells/high-power field, 2-5 white blood cells/high-power field; few renal tubular epithelial cells; no cellular or granular casts were present. Urine eosinophils (Wright stain) were negative. Fractional excretion of sodium was 1.8% whereas spot urine protein/creatinine ratio was 0.65 mg/g. A sonogram of kidneys demonstrated slightly echogenic but normal-sized kidneys without hydronephrosis. The patient was administered 2 Liters of normal saline and all medications except amlodipine were held. Despite this, the serum creatinine concentration rose the next day to 5.2 mg/dl, whereas urine output was 550 ml for the day. A kidney biopsy was performed for non-oliguric acute kidney injury.
Accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosis of rupture after blunt testicular trauma.

Abstract In 6 patients who underwent ultrasound scanning and operation after blunt testiculartrauma, the scan suggested the correct diagnosis in only 2 patients. There was one false-positive and three false-negative diagnoses of rupture. Absence of firm diagnostic criteria for rupture and high error rates with various criteria now in use make reliance on ultrasound in the diagnosis of testicular rupture inappropriate at this time.
Microwave-assisted optimization of platinum-nickel nanoalloys for catalytic water treatment

Abstract Blending noble metal catalysts with inexpensive transition metals can reduce material cost in catalytic water treatment by improving the catalytic reactivity. An important challenge is, however, to synthesize a series of alloy nanoparticles with varied compositions so that the screening of catalytic reactivity can be performed rapidly for a contaminant of interest. Here, we report a facile approach for the rapid synthesis of bimetallic nanoalloys using cycle-controlled microwave-assisted polyol reduction, with an option of fixing the nanoalloys directly on graphene supports in a one-pot operation. Using Pt and Ni as the model noble and promoter metals, we show that Pt/Ni nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 2.8 to 4 nm can be readily synthesized within minutes. The surface Ni percentage of the nanoparticles are varied from 0 to 100%, which serves as a model system for nanoalloy screening. Using the model contaminant p-nitrophenol, we further show that the reactivity-composition relationship has a classic volcano shape as the Sabatier principle predicts. The highest reactivity is found with a surface Ni percentage of approximately 50%.
Partitioning of transpiratory water loss of the desert scorpion, Hadrurus arizonensis (Iuridae).

Terrestrial arthropods lose body water to the environment mainly through transpiration. The aim of this study was to determine the fraction of respiratory losses from total transpiratory water loss in scorpions, as relatively high respiratory losses would indicate a fitness benefit from regulation of gas-exchange rate under stressful desiccating conditions. We measured metabolic rates and water-loss rates of Hadrurus arizonensis (Iuridae) at a range of ecologically-relevant temperatures. Calculation of respiratory water losses was based on increased metabolic and water-loss rates during nocturnal activity (assuming no change in cuticular resistance at a given constant experimental temperature). Respiratory losses accounted for 9.0 ± 1.7% of total transpiratory losses at 25 °C, doubled to 17.9 ± 1.8% at 30 °C and increased to 31.0 ± 2.0% at 35 °C (n = 5, 15 and 15, respectively). Furthermore, the relative importance of respiratory transpiration is likely to be higher at temperatures above 35 °C, which have been recorded even within the burrows of H. arizonensis. Measurements of cuticular lipid melting points do not provide evidence for increased cuticular resistance to water loss at higher temperatures. However, the relatively high fraction of respiratory water losses reported here for H. arizonensis supports the notion of respiratory regulation as an evolved mechanism for conserving scorpion body water stores under stressful conditions.
Importance of Scans Employability Skills as Identified by Workers and Superivsors in Oregon

The purpose of the study was to verify employability skills as identified by multiple National Voluntary Occupational Skills Standards groups, and to determine which if any skills were common to all areas. A list of the one hundred largest non-government employers in Oregon was secured and used as the population. An instrument was developed to be distributed to thirty companies, five in each of the Certificate of Advanced Mastery (CAM) endorsement areas. Results of the survey found all 50 skills tested rated “Very Important” or “Moderately Important,” and that supervisors and frontline workers did not agree on where skills should be obtained.
Motivation in Behavior Analysis: A Critique

In this article we consider the concept of motivation in behavior analysis from a unique, radical monistic perspective derived from interbehaviorism and interbehavioral psychology. In considering this concept, a number of logical and conceptual issues with the behavior-analytic treatment of motivation are discovered. We describe an alternative means by which the issues typically addressed under the concept of motivation might be approached and reconciled with our monistic, interbehavioral perspective. We argue that motivated and nonmotivated events differ only by the extent to which they involve particular setting factors, substitute stimulation, and implicit responding.
The ‘first filers’: An examination of the first financial holding companies

The passage of the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act in late 1999 profoundly changed the regulatory environment for US banking organisations. For the first time in over 50 years, these organisations could freely engage in commercial banking, investment banking and insurance underwriting within one organisation. Prior empirical research based upon stock market reactions to regulatory liberalisations suggests that large banks will benefit greatly from this legislative change. The authors' examination of the large bank holding companies that were first to file for the new powers indicates that they are highly profitable and rely more on non-interest income. They also operate with lower capital than other banks. Surprisingly, many smaller banks are among the first filer group.
Oxygen-mediated cell injury in the killing of cultured hepatocytes by acetaminophen

Abstract Sensitivity of cultured hepatoyctes to acetaminophen was induced by pretreatment of the rat with 3-methylcholanthrene. Under these conditions, 10 uM B-napthoflavone but not SKF-525A prevented the cell killing, indicating dependence on metabolism. Inhibition of glutathione reductase by 50 uM bis-chloronitrosourea, shown previously to increase the sensitivity of hepatocytes to an oxidative stress, potentiated the toxicity of acetaminophen without increasing the covalent binding of acetaminophen metabolites. Pretreatment of the hepatoyctes with the ferric iron chelator deferoxamine, known to reduce the sensitivity of hepatocytes to an oxidative stress, prevented the cell killing without reducing covalent binding. Addition of ferric chloride to the culture medium restored the sensitivity of the cells to acetaminophen, again without effect on the extent of covalent binding. These data demonstrate that the toxicity of acetaminophen can be dissociated from the covalent binding of its metabolites and support the conclusion that the hepatocytes were lethally injured by an oxidative stress accompanying the mixed function oxidase-dependent biotransformation of acetaminophen.
Non-caseating Conjunctival Granulomas in Patients with Multifocal Choroiditis and Panuveitis

Conclusions: This study describes a group of patients with clinical findings of peripheral punched-out lesions and panuveitis who had non-caseating granulomas found by nondirected conjunctival biopsy. Methods: A series of 10 patients seen at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics between August 1989 and August 1990 with ocular findings similar to those of multifocal choroiditis with panuveitis, including peripheral punched-out chorioretinal lesions, vitritis, and frequently, cystoid macular edema, was examined. All patients underwent ophthalmic examination, ancillary testing, and non-directed conjunctival biopsy. Results: Of the ten patients, nine were women. Results of FTA-ABS were negative for all patients. A non-directed conjunctival biopsy disclosed non-caseating granulomata in seven of the patients. Acid-fast bacilli were not detected in any specimens. Four of the seven patients with positive biopsy results had either elevated serum angiotensinconverting enzyme levels or chest x-rays consistent with sarcoid. Six of these seven patients were 58 years of age or older. Conclusion: It is recommended that non-directed conjunctival biopsy specimens be examined to exclude the presence of non-caseating granulomata in uveitis patients with small, inferior, peripheral, punched-out chorioretinal scars, especially in women older than 55 years of age.
Multiple initiatives, multiple challenges: The promise and pitfalls of implementing data

Abstract Data driven decision making has become a popular reform effort across the globe. New issues are arising with respect to data use as educators move toward teaching students 21st century skills, as the implementation of Common Core standards begins in the US, and as other efforts are undertaken to make learning more student centered. This article reports findings from a year-long case study of a US elementary school that placed data use at the core of its platform for school reform. The goal of the study was to determine how teachers implemented data use in concert with other reform initiatives. Interviews with educators, as well as observations of teacher team meetings, revealed that data-informed instructional planning occurred primarily in language arts and math, and not in other subjects. The requirements to implement multiple initiatives created many tensions that decreased teachers’ ability and motivation to use data. How and when teachers used data was the result of a broader set of policies and structures at the federal, district, and school levels, as well as the capacity of the teachers and principal at the school. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Hard‐to‐Cook Phenomenon in Beans: Structural Changes During Storage and lmbibition

Dry black beans stored at high temperatures (41°C) and humidities (75%, 100%) for short time periods showed alterations in attachments between plasmalemma and cell wall as well as disintegration of organelles and inclusions of the cytoplasm. Although those structural changes did not affect the mode of water penetration into aged beans, as determined by autoradiography, electron micrographs clearly revealed structural differences between fresh and aged beans during imbibition.
Comparison of circulating estradiol-178 and folliculogenesis during the breeding season, autumn transition and anestrus in the mare

Abstract One of the phenomena characteristic of the vernal transition into cyclicity in the mare is the variability between follicular size and concomitant estradiol secretion. Researchers -1 have suggested that early transitional follicles of the spring may be estrogenically incompetent, gaining the ability to synthesize estrogens only immediately prior to the first ovulation of the year. It is unknown if a similar phenomenon is operating during the autumnal transition due to limited study of this period. Therefore, the associaiion between follicular development and plasma estradiol concentrations in mares during their progress into anestrus was compared to the same relationships during the breeding season. Estrous behavior, plasma estradiol-17β (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations, and follicular growth of 11 horse mares was evaluated from September 6 through December 31, 1989. For comparison, five summer cycling mares were monitored from July 10 through August 13, 1991. Size of the largest follicle > 25 mm in diameter during estrus was compared by regression and correlation analysis with daily plasma E2 concentrations for summer and fall cycles. Smaller E2 concentrations/mm follicular size were evident during the fall compared with summer. Correlations were higher (p