cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Margin Paradox in Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

Abstract Theoretical studies have shown that the features of adjustable-rate mortgages are major determinants of the margin. This study uses a large national sample of over 800 adjustable-rate mortgages for the period 1984–1993 to test these relationships. It is shown that only the initial discount and the index are consistently related to the margin. Moreover, these variables explain only a small portion of the variation in the margin.
T = 0 and T = 1 pairing in rotational states of the N = Z nucleus 80 Zr

Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations for the $N=Z$ nucleus ${}^{80}\mathrm{Zr}$ give a ground state band with $T=1$ Cooper pairs and an excited band with $T=0$ Cooper pairs. The bands cross at spin $I\ensuremath{\approx}5\ensuremath{\Elzxh},$ providing a ``phase transition'' from $T=1$ pairs for $Il5\ensuremath{\Elzxh}$ to $T=0$ pairs for $Ig5\ensuremath{\Elzxh}.$ There is also a $T=0+T=1$ pair band, which forms an envelope to the $T=1$ pair band and the $T=0$ pair band. In this band there is a more gradual transition from $T=1$ pairs at $I=0$ to $T=0$ pairs at high spins, with $T=0$ pairs and $T=1$ pairs coexisting at intermediate spins. The Coriolis antipairing (CAP) effect breaks the $T=1$ pairs, but there is no CAP effect for $T=0$ pairs in which the n and p occupy identical space-spin orbitals. The $T=1$ pair band has a moment of inertia $\mathcal{I}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ which backbends at spins between $8\ensuremath{\Elzxh}$ and $14\ensuremath{\Elzxh},$ but the $T=0$ pair band does not backbend. Both bands have ${g}_{9/2}$ spin alignments. For the $T=0$ pair band, the dominant angular momentum of a pair is $J=5,$ not $J=1$ or ${J=J}_{\mathrm{max}}=9$ as was anticipated. For a rotating $N=Z=\mathrm{even}$ nucleus, $T=0$ pairing produces a twofold degeneracy in the canonical orbital occupation probability ${v}^{2},$ although $T=1$ pairing produces a fourfold degeneracy in ${v}^{2}.$
Optimal estimation in signal-dependent noise

Optimal estimators are derived for a class of signal-dependent noise processes. Such processes are of interest in optics because phenomena, such as film grain noise, are often modeled in this manner. This paper demonstrates that when one ignores the presence of signal-dependent noise and instead assumes only signal-independent noise models, the resulting estimators may pay a severe penalty in performance. This “mismatch” problem is explored, with the results of Monte Carlo simulations of the performances of both optimum and mismatched estimators being presented. The Cramer-Rao lower bounds on the mean-square estimation errors for unbiased estimators are evaluated and compared with the lower bounds derived for the signal-independent noise case. Overall, the results indicate that improved performance will, in most cases, offset the increased complexity inherent in estimators designed for the signal-dependent noise model.
Simultaneous in vivo imaging of blood and lymphatic vessel growth in Prox1-GFP/Flk1::myr-mCherry mice

The ability to visually observe angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis simultaneously and repeatedly in living animals would greatly enhance our understanding of the inter-dependence of these processes. To generate a mouse model that allows such visualization via in vivo fluorescence imaging, we crossed Prox1-GFP mice with Flk1::myr-mCherry mice to generate Prox1-GFP/Flk1::myr-mCherry mice, in which lymphatic vessels emit green fluorescence and blood vessels emit red fluorescence. Corneal neovascularization was induced in these mice using three injury models: implantation of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pellet, implantation of a basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) pellet, and alkali burn injury. Vessel growth was observed in vivo by stereomicroscopy on days 0, 3, 7 and 10 after pellet implantation or alkali injury as well as in flat-mounted corneas via confocal microscopy after the final in vivo imaging time point. We observed blood and lymphatic vessel growth in all three models, with the most significant growth occurring from days 0-7. Upon VEGF stimulation, the growth kinetics of blood and lymphatic vessels were similar. Blood vessels exhibited similar growth patterns in VEGF- and bFGF-stimulated corneas. Alkali burn injury induced robust angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. The intrinsic fluorescence of blood and lymphatic endothelial cells in Prox1-GFP/Flk1::myr-mCherry mice permitted simultaneous in vivo imaging of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. This allowed us to differentiate the processes as well as observe their inter-dependence, and will be valuable in development of therapies targeting angiogenesis and/or lymphangiogenesis.
A model of head movement contribution for gaze transitions

Head posture has been associated with work-related neck symptoms and discomfort, but its relationship with visual tasks has received much less attention. Head movement amplitude is normally a fraction of the angular distance to a visual target, as gaze transition is usually achieved through the combination of both head and eye movement. In this study, the proportion of head orientation vs. target orientation, named head movement contribution ratio (HMCR), was quantified and modelled as a function of target location. Head movements were measured on subjects orienting and maintaining gaze for 2 s at randomly presented visual targets distributed along an arc placed horizontally or vertically. Bootstrap regression models showed that the horizontal HMCR was approximately 69% of target azimuth. The vertical HMCR was bilinear and corresponded to 52% and 8% and of target elevation for targets above and below the horizontal plane, respectively. The data also demonstrated that head orientation is affected by the ki...
Generalized geodesic deviation equation.

We derive a generalized geodesic deviation equation valid for any two geodesics, with arbitrary tangent vectors, not necessarily parallel. This equation is valid in any neighborhood in which the change in the curvature is small.
Toward a Rhetoric of Locale: Localizing Mobile Messaging Technology into Everyday Life:

This article explores the social meaning of locale in mobile communication research and introduces an approach of user localization to study technology integration. It investigates how locale forms an essential role in mobile communication in the way that practice, agency, and identities are articulated into a user localization process of incorporating technology into user's everyday life. It argues that the use of mobile communication technology is both a complex and dynamic interaction with its surrounding social, cultural, technological, and economic conditions, and an articulation work of self and locale.
Betulinic acid induces apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cell lines.

Abstract Neuroblastoma has long been recognized to show spontaneous regression during fetal development and in the majority of stage 4s infants in vitro and in vivo model systems. Melanoma, like neuroblastoma, is derived from the neural crest cell. We hypothesised that neuroblastoma cells have the machinery for programmed cell death and that apoptosis could be induced by betulinic acid. Nine human neuroblastoma cell lines were treated in vitro with BA at concentrations of 0–20μg/ml for 0–6 days. Profound morphological changes were noted within 3 days. Cells withdrew their axonic-like extensions, became non-adherent and condensed into irregular dense spheroids typical of apoptotic cell death (ED 50 =14–17μg/ml). DNA fragmentation analysis showed ladder formation in the 100–1200bp region in 3/3 neuroblastoma cell lines treated with BA for 24–72h. Thus, apparently BA does induce AP in neuroblastoma in vitro . This model will be utilised to investigate the role of apoptosis-related genes in neuroblastoma proliferation and to determine the therapeutic efficacy of BA in neuroblastoma in vivo .
Dicarbonyl{[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]cyclopentadienyl} Group VI Metal Hydrides, Halides, and Anions: Precursors for Olefin Epoxidation Catalysts

Oxidative decarbonylation of (η5-C5R5)Mo(CO)3X and isoelectronic four-legged piano-stool Mo(II) precursors to homogeneous olefin epoxidation catalysts has garnered significant attention as an alter...
The acceptance of responsibility and expressions of regret in organizational apologies after a transgression

Purpose – When organizations face a crisis that is a result of a transgression, crisis scholars suggest that the organization should apologize in order to accept responsibility for the event. In turn, this is expected to reduce the reputation damage to the organization. The assumption is that an apology statement is interpreted by stakeholders to be equal to accepting responsibility; however, this assumption has not been empirically examined. This paper seeks to address that gap.Design/methodology/approach – A three (explicitness of accepting responsibility: none, implicit, explicit) by two (expressing regret: none, explicit) between subjects design was employed. Participants read an article about a crisis event, answered questions about perceived reputation, read one of six organizational responses, and responded to questions about reputation and anger caused by the response.Findings – Results indicate that both accepting responsibility and expressing regret affect perceptions of reputation after a crisi...
Dressing and Cooking Losses, Juiciness and Fat Content of Poultry Fed Cereal Grains. Part 1. Beltsville White Turkeys

Abstract SEVERAL investigators have reported on the use of single cereal grains as rations for turkeys. Poley and Wilson (1939) observed that no appreciable difference was noted in the rate of growth of medium sized Bronze turkeys fed corn, wheat or oats. However, North (1941) also working with medium sized Bronze turkeys, indicated that birds fed corn and wheat showed larger weight gains than those fed oats when the cereal grains were given as both the growing and finishing rations. When the grains were fed as a finishing ration only, little difference in weight gain was noted. Shrinkage or dressing losses for turkeys were reported by Herner (1936) to be less for birds fed oats than for those fed wheat. North (1941) noted no significant difference in dressing losses of turkeys fed corn, oats, or wheat. The eating quality of turkeys fed corn, oats, or wheat was observed by North (1941) …
Cross-Sectional Nanoindentation of Alumina Thin Films Deposited by Pulsed Laser Deposition Process

Alumina is a widely used ceramic material due to its high hardness, wear resistance and dielectric properties. The study of phase transformation and its correlation to the mechanical properties of alumina is essential. In this study, interfacial adhesion properties of alumina thin films are studied using cross-sectional nanoindentation (CSN) technique. Alumina thin films are deposited at 200 and 700 °C, on Si (100) substrates with a weak Silica interface, using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) process. Effect of annealing on the surface morphology of the thin films is studied using atomic force microscopy. Xray diffraction studies revealed that alumina thin films are amorphous in nature at 200 °C and polycrystalline with predominant gamma alumina phase at 700 °C.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Dial 9-1-1 for p53: Mechanisms of p53 Activation by Cellular Stress

The tumor suppressor protein, p53, is part of the cell's emergency team that is called upon following cellular insult. How do cells sense DNA damage and other cellular stresses and what signal transduction pathways are used to alert p53? How is the resulting nuclear accumulation of p53 accomplished and what determines the outcome of p53 induction? Many posttranslational modifications of p53, such as phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, acetylation and ribosylation, have been shown to occur following cellular stress. Some of these modifications may activate the p53 protein, interfere with MDM2 binding and/or dictate cellular localization of p53. This review will focus on recent findings about how the p53 response may be activated following cellular stress.
Challenges, controversies, and hot topics in pulmonary embolism imaging.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to discuss the diagnostic role of pulmonary CT angiography (CTA) in the workup of pulmonary embolism (PE), including specific populations, and issues such as pulmonary CTA combined with indirect CT venography; radiation dose considerations; the management of isolated subsegmental PE; and new technologic developments, such as dual-source/dual-energy pulmonary CTA.CONCLUSION. The role of pulmonary CTA will continue to grow with the emergence of MDCT and dual-energy CT and their improved capabilities. However, the need for any given CT examination should always be justified on the basis of the individual patient's benefits and risks.
Glass transition on long time scales

Calorimetric measurements of the glass transition are presented for metallic glasses, ${\mathrm{B}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, and organic polymers with cooling and heating rates ranging over more than three orders of magnitude. Fits of the onset temperatures of the glass transition to a Vogel-Fulcher-type equation give divergence temperatures significantly above the values obtained for Vogel-Fulcher fits to the viscosity. The width of the glass transition extrapolates to a sharp step transition at a finite heating and cooling rate, which is close to the range where the data were taken. The results suggest that the glass transition becomes independent of the experimental time scale in a regime that may be accessible to measurements.
A solid-phase fluoroimmunoassay for human IgE.

A fluoroimmunoassay (FIA) for the measurement of immunoglobulin E (IgE) is described. the method involves a sandwich technique in which antiserum to human IgE is adsorbed on a cellulose acetate/nitrate disc which is attached to a plastic StiQTM sampler. The prepared sampler is reacted with serum and antigen is bound specifically. After buffer wash and treatment with goat serum to block non-specific binding, the samplers are reacted with monospecific fluorescein conjugated antisera to human IgE. Two buffer washes remove unbound material and the fluorescence which is directly proportional to the IgE concentration is measured in a FIAX® fluorometer. Assay standards range from 2 to 400 IU/ml. The method gives within run coefficients of variation (CV) from 3.3 to 8.4% and between run CV from 6.2 to 16.1% being less precise at low analyte concentrations. IgE concentrations of a group of 74 sera determined by FIA using StiQsTM prepared with antisera from 2 sources correlated well with results found by radioimmunoassay.
Is the major histocompatibility complex linked to genes that increase susceptibility to affective disorder? A critical appraisal

The evidence implicating genes linked to the major histocompatibility complex in the pathogenesis of affective disorder is reviewed, and 10 new multiplex families containing 26 affected siblings are presented. It is shown that when the data are properly analyzed by not dismantling multiplex sibships into all possible sib pairs, no individual data set presents compelling evidence of linkage. The present study is also negative. However, pooling all published families results in moderate evidence for nonrandom assortment.
Comparison of low- and higher-fidelity simulation to train and assess pharmacy students' injection technique.

Objective. To evaluate 2 forms of simulation used to train and assess third-year pharmacy students’ subcutaneous and intramuscular injection techniques. Design. A cross-over comparison was used to evaluate an injection pad vs a patient simulator injection arm to train students in injection administration. Assessment. Students completed a survey instrument rating their proficiency, confidence, and anxiety before and after each form of simulated practice. All students demonstrated competence to administer an injection to a peer after using both forms of simulation. Students’ self-ratings of proficiency and confidence improved and anxiety decreased after practicing injections with both forms of simulation. The only significant difference in performance seen between students who used the 2 types of simulations was in students who first practiced with the injection pad followed by the injection arm. Conclusion. Student ability to administer an injection and their self-perceived levels of confidence, proficiency, and anxiety were not dependent on the type of simulation training used.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY: A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE.

A forecast attempt is presented on future advances in electron microscopic studies of membrane systems. A review of recent advances and present trends is followed by a discussion of prerequisites to further progress. Special attention is given to research areas of particular promise.
Crystallization of mixed paraffin from model waxy oils and the influence of micro-crystalline poly(ethylene-butene) random copolymers

We report rheological, microscopic, and calorimetric studies of the crystallization of long chain n-paraffins and their mixtures from model waxy oils and the effect of microcrystalline poly(ethylene-butene) (PEB) random copolymers. Optical micrographs and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveal that the crystals formed from decane solutions of binary mixtures of C36 + C32 and of C32 + C28 are of mixed composition, whereas solutions of C28 + C24, C36 + C28, C32 + C24, and C36 + C24 form separate crystal phases. There is no miscibility when the difference in carbon number between two long chain n-paraffins Δnc > 4. These findings agree with Kravchenko's prediction for crystallization of molten binary n-alkane mixtures. However, the crystallization of long chain n-paraffins from decane solution gives a stable crystal structure directly, while from the melt it tends to pass through a metastable rotator phase. Since PEB can either self-assemble into a needlelike structure or cocrystallize with long chai...
Acoustic parameters of infant-directed singing in mothers with depressive symptoms.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between mothers’ depressive symptoms and the acoustic parameters of infant-directed (ID) singing. Participants included 80 mothers and their 3- to 9-month-old infants. A digital recording was made of each mother's voice while singing to her infant. Extraction and analyses of vocal data revealed a main effect of tempo, meaning that as mothers reported more depressive symptoms, they tended to sing faster to their infants. Additionally, an interaction effect indicated that mothers with depressive symptoms were more likely to sing with tonal key clarity to their male infants. These findings suggest that as mothers experience depressive symptoms, their ID singing may lack the sensitivity and emotional expression that infants need for affect regulation. An intervention that combines interaction coaching and ID singing may help mothers with depressive symptoms to engage in sensitive and emotionally synchronized interactions with their infants.
Decision Making in Context

From a Bayesian decision theoretic framework, we show that the reason why the usual statistical approaches do not take context into account is because of the assumptions made on the joint prior probability function and because of the simplistic loss function chosen. We illustrate how the constraints sometimes employed by artificial intelligence researchers constitute a different kind of assumption on the joint prior probability function. We discuss a couple of loss functions which do take context into account and when combined with the joint prior probability constraint create a decision problem requiring a combinatorial state space search. We also give a theory for how probabilistic relaxation works from a Bayesian point of view.
The Burkholderia mallei BmaR3-BmaI3 Quorum-Sensing System Produces and Responds to N-3-Hydroxy-Octanoyl Homoserine Lactone

Burkholderia mallei has two acyl-homoserine lactone (acyl-HSL) signal generator-receptor pairs and two additional signal receptors, all of which contribute to virulence. We show that B. mallei produces N-3-hydroxy-octanoyl HSL (3OHC8-HSL) but a bmaI3 mutant does not. Recombinant Escherichia coli expressing BmaI3 produces hydroxylated acyl-HSLs, with 3OHC8-HSL being the most abundant compound. In recombinant E. coli, BmaR3 responds to 3OHC8-HSL but not to other acyl-HSLs. These data indicate that the signal for BmaR3-BmaI3 quorum sensing is 3OHC8-HSL.
Effect of long-term L-dopa administration on striatal extracellular dopamine release.

When l-dopa was administered acutely to rats, the increase in the extracellular level of dopamine in the corpus striatum was attenuated by 43% in animals that had received l-dopa daily for 60 days as compared with animals receiving placebo. These findings indicate that chronic treatment with l-dopa impairs striatal dopamine formation or release.
Selenium modifies the metabolism and toxicity of arsenic in primary rat hepatocytes.

Arsenic and selenium are metalloids with similar chemical properties and metabolic fates. Inorganic arsenic (iAs) has been shown to modify metabolism and toxicity of inorganic and organic selenium compounds. However, little is known about effects of selenium on metabolism and toxicity of iAs. The present work examines the effects of selenite (Se(IV)) on the cellular retention, methylation, and cytotoxicity of trivalent iAs, arsenite (iAs(III)), in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. The concurrent exposure to Se(IV) (0.1 to 6 microM) inhibited methylation and/or significantly increased cellular retention of iAs(III) in cultured cells. The ratio of the methylated metabolites produced from iAs(III), dimethylarsenic (DMAs) to methylarsenic (MAs), decreased considerably in cells treated with Se(IV), suggesting that synthesis of DMAs from MAs may be more susceptible to inhibition by Se(IV) than is the production of MAs from iAs(III). The 24-h preexposure to 2 microM Se(IV) had a similar but less pronounced inhibitory effect on the methylation of iAs(III) in cultured cells. The exposure to 2 microM Se(IV) alone for up to 24 h had no effect on the viability of cultured hepatocytes. However, concurrent exposure to 2 microM Se(IV) increased the cytotoxicity of iAs(III) and its mono- and dimethylated metabolites that contain trivalent arsenic, MAs(III) and DMAs(III). These data suggest that pre- or coexposure to inorganic selenium may enhance the toxic effects of iAs, increasing its retention in tissues and suppressing its methylation, which may be a pathway for detoxification of iAs.
Thiol−Isocyanate−Ene Ternary Networks by Sequential and Simultaneous Thiol Click Reactions

Thiol−isocyanate−ene ternary networks with systematic variations (100/100/0, 100/80/20, 100/60/40, 100/40/60, 100/20/80, and 100/0/100) were prepared by sequential and simultaneous thiol−ene and thiol−isocyanate click reactions. The thiol−isocyanate coupling reaction was triggered thermally or photolytically to control the sequence with the thiol−ene photopolymerization. Triethyl amine (TEA) and 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenyl acetophenone (DMPA) were used for the sequential thermally induced thiol−isocyanate coupling and photochemically initiated thiol−ene reaction, respectively. A thermally stable photolatent base catalyst (tributylamine·tetraphenylborate salt, TBA·HBPh4) capable of in situ generation of tributylamine by UV light was used with isopropylthioxanthone (ITX) for the simultaneous thiol−isocyanate/thiol−ene curing systems. The kinetics of the hybrid networks investigated using real-time IR indicate that both thiol−isocyanate and thiol−ene reactions were quantitatively rapid and efficient (>90% of conv...
ADHD and Developmental Dyslexia

Academic success and occupational outcome rely on a person's ability to attend to and learn from their surroundings. The cognitive mechanisms underlying these respective skills are impaired in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disability (LD). The high co-occurrence between ADHD and the learning disability developmental dyslexia has raised the possibility of a common etiology. We propose that studying the functional anatomy of disordered executive control and reading-related skills using carefully selected paradigms, coupled with rigorous studies of intervention efficacy, provide the most promising avenue for ameliorating these two commonly encountered impediments to learning.
An approach to enhance the conservation-compatibility of solar energy development.

The rapid pace of climate change poses a major threat to biodiversity. Utility-scale renewable energy development (>1 MW capacity) is a key strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but development of those facilities also can have adverse effects on biodiversity. Here, we examine the synergy between renewable energy generation goals and those for biodiversity conservation in the 13 M ha Mojave Desert of the southwestern USA. We integrated spatial data on biodiversity conservation value, solar energy potential, and land surface slope angle (a key determinant of development feasibility) and found there to be sufficient area to meet renewable energy goals without developing on lands of relatively high conservation value. Indeed, we found nearly 200,000 ha of lower conservation value land below the most restrictive slope angle (<1%); that area could meet the state of California’s current 33% renewable energy goal 1.8 times over. We found over 740,000 ha below the highest slope angle (<5%) – an area that can meet California’s renewable energy goal seven times over. Our analysis also suggests that the supply of high quality habitat on private land may be insufficient to mitigate impacts from future solar projects, so enhancing public land management may need to be considered among the options to offset such impacts. Using the approach presented here, planners could reduce development impacts on areas of higher conservation value, and so reduce trade-offs between converting to a green energy economy and conserving biodiversity.
Inhibition of thrombin activity by prothrombin activation fragment 1.2

Prothrombin is the precursor of thrombin, the central enzyme in coagulation. Prothrombin is activated in vivo by the prothrombinase complex to form fragment 1.2 and thrombin. Fragment 1.2 has an amino-terminal gla domain and two kringle domains. The second kringle domain (kringle 2) binds to the exosite II on thrombin. Nascent thrombin generated on platelet surface remains non-covalently bound to fragment 1.2 by kringle 2-exosite II interaction. To determine whether this interaction can modulate coagulant activity of thrombin, we labeled thrombin at the active site with fluorescein-Phe-Pro-Arg chloromethylketone and monitored the fluorescence changes upon ligand binding. Anionic phospholipid-bound fragment 1.2 and fragment 2 bound to FPR-thrombin and induced changes in the active site with half maximal effects at 7.2 μM and 8.8 μM, respectively. We also tested the effect of anionic phospholipid-bound fragment 1.2 (0–10 μM) on thrombin clotting activity. Phospholipid-bound fragment 1.2 inhibited fibrinogen clotting in a concentration-dependent manner but had no significant effect on amidolytic activity towards S2238, suggesting a competitive inhibition of the fibrinogen binding site. Furthermore, fragment 1.2 inhibited FPR-thrombin binding to platelet. Consistent with these findings fragment 1.2 inhibited thrombin-induced aggregation of gel filtered platelets in a concentration-dependant manner. These results suggest that the membrane-bound prothrombin fragment 1.2 may play a role in hemostasis by down regulating the procoagulant activity of newly formed thrombin.
Histochemical detection of orthograde degeneration in the central nervous system of the rat.

Abstract Following interruption of an afferent fiber projection in the rat brain, sites of terminal and possibly pre-terminal axonal degeneration accumulate formazan from iodonitrotetrazolium violet (INT). Increased formazan deposition first appears in sites of terminal degeneration several hours after the causative lesion, and persists for as long as 1 month. The effect has been observed in 7 different fiber systems, and thus appears to be a common characteristic of brain regions containing degenerating axon terminals. The method can serve as an adjunct to the classical silver techniques, and moreover has been found particularly useful for the localization of extremely minute brain lesions, such as the tracks by microelectrodes.
Induced reattachment in periodontic-endodontic lesions by root demineralization in situ☆

A new method of root preparation to enhance reattachment of gingival tissues to root dentin has been developed through extensive animal research. The improved technique may aid periodontists and endodontists in the management of deep combined lesions. This article reviews essentials of experimental animal data and presents case reports of three different clinical approaches to combined lesion closure attempts utilizing surgical and chemical root preparation.
Reflections on the state of Educational Technology Research and Development

In this article, I comment on the seven articles that appeared in the special issues of Educational Technology Research and Development (1998, 46(4); 1999, 47(2)) and an associated American Educational Research Association (AERA) symposium, as well as other selected developments in educational technology as presented in a recent edited volume (Jacobson & Kozma, in press). I address the importance of the research and development (R&D) described in these articles and identify five interconnected themes that cut across many of them: the centrality of design, the enabling capabilities of technology, collaboration with new partners, scaling up of projects, and the use of alternative research methodologies. Together, the projects described in these articles are defining new directions for educational technology that put it at the forefront of educational R&D. At the same time, I direct a critique and challenge to traditional instructional systems design (ISD) technology programs.
Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in a child.

Abstract: Primary cutaneous lymphoma in childhood is extremely rare. An 11-year-old girl had lesions that were treated as infected insect bites until a biopsy was performed and the diagnosis of primary T-cell lymphoma was made. In contrast to the typically indolent course of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in adults, the condition in children tends to disseminate rapidly.
Pulse Polarization Splitting with Propagation Through an Ultrafast Transient Waveplate

The decomposition of a linearly polarized laser pulse into two distinct, orthogonally polarized laser pulses after propagation through an ultrafast time- varying waveplate is demonstrated with transiently aligned, linear molecules.
Why Did I Do It? Would I Do It Again? A 30-Year Homage

Many of us were inspired to become educators because of the influence of one or more of our professors or teachers. Among others, I was especially inspired by Dr. Vince Lopez at Mercer University. To this day, 30 years after I graduated, while I am on a collegial first-name basis with most of my former teachers and colleagues from Mercer, Dr. Lopez is still Dr. Lopez to me. To refer to him otherwise just seemed impertinent. He remains a large presence to me as I remember what I learned from him…like he is still teaching me. He taught pharmacology, but more than that, he made it real, made me understand how I could use that information to improve wellness and relieve suffering, how I could integrate information and solve problems, and why a strong scientific foundation is essential to being a good practitioner. He took a personal interest in me as a student, and convinced me to continue into the PharmD program at Mercer. Most importantly, he helped me form my professional and personal identity, something Bob Smith emphasized in a previous address.1 Dr. Lopez and another pharmacology professor at Mercer, Dr. John Holbrook, created and supervised a drug abuse education team that presented programs to community groups about drugs and drug abuse. They invited me to participate and I was hooked, pardon the pun. The satisfaction of helping others to understand drug abuse, chemical dependence, and drug therapy in general, and studying in the area as a student, led me to psychiatric pharmacy as a practice, teaching, and research emphasis. Working with students during postgraduate residency training confirmed to me that my heart was in teaching.
Floral visitation by the Argentine ant reduces pollinator visitation and seed set in the coast barrel cactus, Ferocactus viridescens

Mounting evidence indicates that trade-offs between plant defense and reproduction arise not only from resource allocation but also from interactions among mutualists. Indirect costs of plant defense by ants, for example, can outweigh benefits if ants deter pollinators. Plants can dissuade ants from occupying flowers, but such arrangements may break down when novel ant partners infiltrate mutualisms. Here, we examine how floral visitation by ants affects pollination services when the invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) replaces a native ant species in a food-for-protection mutualism with the coast barrel cactus (Ferocactusviridescens), which, like certain other barrel cacti, produces extrafloral nectar. We compared the effects of floral visitation by the Argentine ant with those of the most prevalent native ant species (Crematogaster californica). Compared to C. californica, the Argentine ant was present in higher numbers in flowers. Cactus bees (Diadasia spp.), the key pollinators in this system, spent less time in flowers when cacti were occupied by the Argentine ant compared to when cacti were occupied by C. californica. Presumably as a consequence of decreased duration of floral visits by Diadasia, cacti occupied by L. humile set fewer seeds per fruit and produced fewer seeds overall compared to cacti occupied by C. californica. These data illustrate the importance of mutualist identity in cases where plants balance multiple mutualisms. Moreover, as habitats become increasingly infiltrated by introduced species, the loss of native mutualists and their replacement by non-native species may alter the shape of trade-offs between plant defense and reproduction.
Building space for peace? Israeli and Palestinian activism in the Second Intifada

This article investigates the limitations of peace theory in comparing and contrasting strategies adopted by activist groups working to resolve conflicts of varying types in varying contexts. Using the case of seven Israeli and Palestinian peace and justice groups that remained active after the collapse of the Camp David negotiations and the outbreak of the Second Intifada, the article illustrates the benefits of a process-based approach to peacebuilding for examining how, why, and to what extent approaches used by these groups changed between 2004–05 and 2008. The findings highlight how domestic, regional, and international changes have affected the operation of peace and justice activists, and suggest that those interested in progress towards a negotiated peace agreement should not assume that past policy instruments will work in the current environment.
Crystal Structure of Poly(2-cyano-1,4-phenylene terephthalamide)

The crystal structure of poly(2-cyano-1,4-phenylene terephthalamide) (CN-PPTA) has a monoclinic (metrically orthorhombic) unit cell with dimensions a = 9.21 A, b = 5.08 A, and c = 12.9 A, containing monomer repeats of two chains. The space group is P21/n, and the two chains in the unit cell are related by both the n-glide plane and the 21 screw axis. The calculated density is 1.447 g/mL, which is close to the observed density of 1.420 g/mL. A number of models were considered to accommodate the random 50/50 −CN substitution at 2- and 3-positions of the p-phenylenediamine segment. The data favor a structure in which 3-CN-substituted phenylenes are rotated by 180° (about their 1,4-axes), so that effectively we have a mixture of 2- and 5-CN groups, which allows the substituents on adjacent chains to interleave. This structure would in fact be compatible with 2,5-disubstitution: random monosubstitution was modeled by 50% occupancy for the atoms of the −CN groups. LALS refinement led to a structure free of ste...
Strain-induced, off-diagonal, same-atom parameters in empirical tight-binding theory suitable for [110] uniaxial strain applied to a silicon parametrization

State-of-the-art transistors achieve their improved performance through strain engineering. The somewhat unusual uniaxial [110] strain is of particular importance as it provides a significant mobility increase for electrons. Empirical tight binding has shown tremendous benefits in modeling realistically large structures including standard strain conditions, but often fails to predict the correct uniaxial [110] strain behavior because most treatments neglect the same-atom different-orbital matrix elements induced by this strain. Two separate mechanisms are responsible for these conditions: L\"owdin orbital changes and displacement of nearest-neighbor potentials. We present a model which separately includes both mechanisms via parameters whose range of validity can be independently determined. Using this method we optimize a set of strain parameters for Si. The combination of both effects is able to reproduce the $\text{Si}\text{ }{X}_{z}$-valley transverse mass splitting under uniaxial [110] strain. We then use this model to calculate the drain current of a strained double-gate, ultrathin-body metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor, finding experimentally plausible results.
Determining the Socially Optimal Recycling Rate

What municipal recycling rate is socially optimal? One credible answer would consider the recycling rate that minimizes the overall social costs of managing municipal waste. Such social costs are comprised of all budgetary costs and revenues associated with operating municipal waste and recycling programs, all costs to recycling households associated with preparing and storing recyclable materials for collection, all external disposal costs associated with waste disposed at landfills or incinerators, and all external benefits associated with the provision of recycled materials that foster environmentally efficient production processes. This paper discusses how to estimate these four components of social cost to then estimate the optimal recycling rate.
Photoactive ruthenium nitrosyls derived from quinoline- and pyridine-based ligands: Accelerated photorelease of NO due to quinoline ligation

The ruthenium nitrosyl [(PaPy 2 Q)Ru(NO)](BF 4 ) 2 , derived from the quinoline-based ligand PaPy 2 QH (PaPy 2 QH = N , N -bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine- N -ethyl-2-quinaldine-2-carboxamide; H = dissociable proton) has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic techniques. This {Ru–NO} 6 nitrosyl is soluble in aqueous media and stable under physiological conditions at pH 7. [(PaPy 2 Q)Ru(NO)] 2+ releases NO rapidly upon exposure to low-intensity UV light (5 mW/cm 2 ). The NO donor capacity of this nitrosyl (quantum yield = 0.20, λ irr = 365 nm) is considerably higher than that of analogous nitrosyl derived from a polypyridyl ligand without the quinoline moiety.
Some reactions of fluoroimidotetrafluorosulfur

Abstract Fluoroimidotetrafluorosulfur undergoes a number of reactions with stronq electrophiles, involving addition to the sulfur-nitrogen double bond. It also reacts readily with fluoride ion, forming the reactive nucleophile SF 5 NF − . Chlorine(I) fluorosulfate, bromine(I) fluorosulfate, and peroxydisulfuryl fluoride add to F 4 SNF, forming the respective cis adducts. In the presence of KF, F 4 SNF reacts readily with Br 2 , forming SF 5 NBrF, and with acyl fluorides, forming RCONFSF 5 . The SF 5 NF − ion also reacts with F 2 CNF to form (SF 5 NF)FCNF, which is isomerized to the unusual azo compound F 5 SNNCF 3 in the presence of CsF. Self-reaction of F 4 SNF in the presence of KF does not form the expected dimer (SF 5 NF)F 3 SNF. Instead, extensive decomposition is observed, along with a low yield of the unusual amine (SF 5 ) 2 NF. The structures and possible mechanisms for formation of the various products will be discussed.
The Effects of Angiotensin II Blockade in Conscious Sodium-Depleted Dogs*

The role of the renin-angiotensin system in the control of the plasma aldosterone concentration was examined during both acute (n = 5) and chronic sodium depletion (n = 12) in conscious dogs. A striking increase in the plasma aldosterone level occurred following ethacrynic acid administration alone but the response was completely blocked by simultaneous infusion of [Sar1, Ala8]- angiotensin II. Plasma renin activity (PRA) increased further and arterial pressure fell during the combination of ethacrynic acid injection and angiotensin analogue infusion. The data are explicable on the basis of angiotensin II as die primary and sole mechanism responsible for the increased plasma aldosterone level. In dogs with chronic sodium depletion, both [Sar1, Ala8]-angiotensin II and the converting enzyme inhibitor SQ 20881 produced a striking fall in the plasma aldosterone concentration and arterial pressure and an increase in PRA; the responses were qualitatively identical for the two blocking agents. Failure of the pl...
Strategic servitude: What has the Academy done for me lately?

Abstract Dumitru D. Strategic servitude: what has the Academy done for me lately? Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1393–4. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has constructed and implemented a comprehensive strategic plan geared toward service to its members, thereby constituting what I have termed strategic servitude . Our strategic plan is dynamic in nature and responsive to the changing environment. This dynamism is ensured by having the Academy’s vice president in charge of revising the plan yearly and having all board motions tied to the strategic plan. I would encourage all members who would like to participate in the Academy’s strategic servitude to contact the national office and request to serve on a committee of interest.
Protease-activated Receptor 2-dependent Phosphorylation of the Tissue Factor Cytoplasmic Domain

Tissue factor (TF) is the physiological activator of the coagulation cascade that plays pathophysiological roles in metastasis, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Downstream in coagulation, thrombin is the central protease that signals through G protein-coupled, protease-activated receptors (PARs). However, the TF-VIIa-Xa complex upstream in coagulation also activates PAR1 and 2. Here, we address the question of whether signaling of the TF initiation complex is a relevant pathway that leads to TF cytoplasmic domain phosphorylation. In heterologous expression systems and primary endothelial cells, we demonstrate that the ternary TF-VIIa-Xa complex induces TF phosphorylation specifically by activating PAR2 but not through PAR1 signaling. In addition, TF cytoplasmic domain phosphorylation is induced only by TF-dependent signaling but not by other coagulation factors in endothelial cells. Phosphorylation of the Pro-directed kinase target site Ser258 is dependent on prior phosphorylation of Ser253 by protein kinase C (PKC) alpha. TF phosphorylation is somewhat delayed and coincides with sustained PKCalpha activation downstream of PAR2 but not PAR1 signaling. Phosphatidylcholine-dependent phospholipase C is the major pathway that leads to prolonged PKCalpha recruitment downstream of PAR2. Thus, PAR2 signaling specifically phosphorylates TF in a receptor cross-talk that distinguishes upstream from downstream coagulation protease signaling.
Clinical potential of sodium-calcium exchanger inhibitors as antiarrhythmic agents.

The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NaCaX) plays an important role in calcium handling in myocytes, but in the setting of calcium overload NaCaX can also contribute to the activation of an arrhythmogenic transient inward current (Iti). Therefore, approaches to inhibit NaCaX could have potential antiarrhythmic effects in pathophysiological states such as heart failure (HF) or myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion. NaCaX typically functions in a forward (Ca2+ extrusion) mode but can also function in a reverse (Ca2+ influx) mode. The determining factors for the directionality of NaCaX ion movement are the electrochemical gradients of calcium and sodium, and membrane potential (Em). In HF, upregulated NaCaX plays a dual role: it decreases sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium load, which leads to contractile dysfunction, and it underlies the Iti responsible for delayed after-depolarisations (DADs) and ventricular arrhythmias. In myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion, increases in [Na+]i (as a result of acidosis and activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger [NHE]) lead to calcium overload via the NaCaX and arrhythmogenesis is probably mediated by Iti activation due to NaCaX. As such, inhibition of NaCaX could provide a novel therapeutic approach to the prevention and treatment of arrhythmias. Unfortunately, it is difficult to assess the efficacy of such an approach since there are no specific NaCaX inhibitors. Currently available agents are hampered by their nonspecific effects on other ion channels and carriers. The potential utility of specific inhibition of forward or reverse mode NaCaX as an antiarrhythmic approach in the settings of HF and ischaemia/reperfusion is discussed within the context of current knowledge of myocyte calcium and sodium handling. NaCaX is a challenging and complex therapeutic target because of the delicate balance of SR calcium load (too little contributes to contractile dysfunction and too much leads to calcium overload and arrhythmogenesis). Further understanding of NaCaX function, [Na+]i and [Ca2+]i in HF and ischaemia/reperfusion, combined with the development and assessment of specific NaCaX inhibitors, will ultimately define the potential role of NaCaX inhibition in the prevention and treatment of ventricular arrhythmias.
Analysis of rectangular waveguide-gratings for amplifier applications

A slow-wave structure composed of a grating inside a rectangular waveguide is analyzed. This type of slow-wave structure is examined for use in a low-voltage amplifier application with a sheet electron beam. Dispersion curves, mode field profiles, and taper designs for the waveguide-grating are presented. The amplifier application places stringent requirements on the taper sections that match the smooth waveguide to the waveguide-grating with minimal reflection. >
Generalized power series on a non-Archimedean field

Power series with rational exponents on the real numbers field and the Levi-Civita field are studied. We derive a radius of convergence for power series with rational exponents over the field of real numbers that depends on the coefficients and on the density of the exponents in the series. Then we generalize that result and study power series with rational exponents on the Levi-Civita field. A radius of convergence is established that asserts convergence under a weak topology and reduces to the conventional radius of convergence for real power series. It also asserts strong (order) convergence for points whose distance from the center is infinitely smaller than the radius of convergence. Then we study a class of functions that are given locally by power series with rational exponents, which are shown to form a commutative algebra over the Levi-Civita field; and we study the differentiability properties of such functions within their domain of convergence.