cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Cost of Meeting Minimum Educational Standards: An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis

Abstract The recent court decision in Ohio requires that school districts spend a sufficient amount to insure that students are able to meet outcome objectives. Determination of adequate spending is complicated by the influence that fixed socioeconomic factors have on outcome provision; adequate spending will vary depending on the harshness of the environment. Furthermore, measures of adequacy should account for inefficiency in educational production. In this paper, data envelopment is applied to analyze efficiency, costs and adequacy of 607 Ohio school districts using school year 2000 data. The results indicate that adequacy standards can be met by improving the performance of inefficient school districts and reallocating existing resources without increasing total expenditures.
Indigenization of psychology in the Philippines

The status of efforts to indigenize psychology in the Philippines is reviewed. We address progress in four aspects of indigenization: theoretical/conceptual, methodological, topical, and institutional. Much, but not all, of this progress is the result of efforts associated with the indigenous Sikolohiyang Pilipino (Filipino psychology) movement, which emphasizes (a) the development of a Filipino psychology that reflects the unique experiences and orientations of Filipinos, (b) Filipino identity and national consciousness, (c) explicit socio-political considerations, (d) application of psychology to societal problems, (e) the study of less elite Filipinos, (f) interdisciplinary efforts, and (g) the use of indigenous languages in the development and dissemination of indigenous psychology. We note considerable progress, but also controversy, in the selection and interpretation of indigenous concepts and less progress in the formulation of indigenous theories. Existing theories are narrow in scope, only parti...
TELEMETRIC MONITORING OF ARRHYTHMIAS IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.

Abstract A relay telemetric system has been developed for the continuous monitoring and recording of the electrocardiogram in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The results in the first 6 cases are described. The monitor demonstrated arrhythmias in all the cases, with episodes of ventricular tachycardia in 4 of the 6. Most of the disturbances in rhythm were not detected on frequent clinical examinations and conventional electrocardiograms. Continuous electrocardiographic monitoring provides for immediate recognition of arrhythmias and also serves as an important investigative tool for study of the electrogenesis of these potentially fatal complications of myocardial infarction.
Nature of Elementary Preservice Teachers' Reflection during an Early Field Experience

Teacher education assumes that the more time observing practising teachers, the better, but the value of observation (guided or unguided) in early field experiences is unknown. In this mixed-methods study, we examined the levels of reflection, use of future-oriented reflection, and changes in the reflective writing of 90 preservice elementary education teachers enrolled in two sections of an early field experience course (one of which received guided observation) at a large university in the United States. While the level of reflection in the writing of 35% of the preservice teachers (PTs) increased in complexity over the span of a semester, only 10% of the PTs ever demonstrated the deepest level of reflection in their writing. Future-oriented reflection accounted for 6% of the language in the assignments, with a majority of the instances documenting what PTs planned to do in their future classrooms. PTs in the guided observation group demonstrated a significantly higher level of reflection than those in ...
Antiferromagnetic domains and the spin-flop transition of MnF2

In antiferromagnetic MnF2 the magnetic moments of manganese are aligned along the tetragonal axis of the rutile structure. In a magnetic field HSF along that axis (9.27 T at 4.2 K) the antiferromagnetic moments flop in the basal plane. Polarized neutron diffraction measurements showed that at about HSF the entire crystal becomes aligned in a single antiferromagnetic domain, which persists even after the field is suppressed. The effect is due to a minute misalignment (a fraction of degree) of the applied field with the tetragonal axis of the crystal. The ensuing breakdown of symmetry at the spin-flop transition provides a way to control domains in this type of antiferromagnet.
Envelope properties of murine sarcoma virus-zero (MSV-Z).

Abstract Transformation by murine sarcoma virus-zero (MSV-Z), a replication-defective, transforming virus relase from mouse S+L- cells, was interfered with by xenotropic murine leukemia viruses. Host range characteristics and a previously described neutralization pattern of MSV-Z, however, indicate that MSV-Z possesses unique envelope properties which are distinct from the previously recognized murine C-type oncornaviruses.
Photoemission difference spectroscopy of semiconductors and insulators: assumptions and limitations

For nonmetallic samples such as semiconductors or insulators, changes in surface stoichiometry or the adsorption of atoms or molecules can, and generally do, shift the electronic states or bands at the surface with respect to the Fermi level of the sample. Such shifts have a profound effect on differences taken between photoemission spectra from a surface that has been treated in different ways. This paper discusses the types of problems that can arise and the assumptions that are (often implicitly) made when photoemission difference spectra are produced. While there are clearly limitations to the use of photoemission difference spectroscopy with semiconductors and insulators, it is still often possible to obtain meaningful information.
Cataclysmic variable evolution - Clues from the underlying white dwarf

This paper presents an update of determinations of the CV white dwarf effective-temperature, T(eff), together with an initial exploration of the possible implications and constraints on the CV lifetimes and evolution based on the ensemble of white dwarf T(eff) values as a function of orbital period. The CV dwarf luminosities are derived by using the T(eff) data and adopting the masses of individual CV white dwarfs determined by Webbink (1990). The present ensemble of empirically determined white dwarf effective temperatures reveals a distribution centered near 16,000 K, implying a mean lower limit total cooling lifetime of 5 x 10 to the 8th yr for the majority of CV degenerates. The two coolest CV degenerates, VV Puppis and St LMi, were found among the strongly magnetic AM Her CVs.
Amorphous [14C]elastin as a substrate for assaying elastolytic enzyme in cellular and tissue extracts

Abstract A quantitative microassay for the detection of cellular and tissue elastolytic enzyme is presented. The enzymatic activity was detected by measuring radioactivity released from the [ 14 C]elastin substrate. The 14 C was labeled by [ 14 C]formaldehyde on amorphous and small selected-sized elastin. The method has a high sensitivity and is capable of detecting as low as 1.2 ng of elastase. The present [ 14 C]elastin-elastase method also proved to be a useful procedure to detect elastolytic enzyme in extracts of various tissues without purification of the enzyme or elimination of extraneous proteins. This method has been successfully employed for assaying the enzyme in tissues of lung, testis, spleen, and pancreas, as well as in peritoneal cells of rats and cells obtained from a human bronchoscopic pulmonary lavage.
Ionizing energy as an aid in exchange tritium labeling.

The tritium labeling of organic compounds by the Wilzbach technique—that is, by simple exposure of the compound to tritium gas—is greatly accelerated by the simultaneous exposure of the system to a silent electrical discharge. The incorporation of tritium into benzene was increased by a factor of about 104 without undue decomposition. Cobalt-60 γ-rays were found to be far less useful for increasing the tritium incorporation.
Variation in the persistence of memory: An interplay between actin dynamics and AMPA receptors

Abstract William James noted that memories could persist from minutes to weeks. This essay attempts to explain this variation by situating the explanation in the biochemistry of dendritic spines. Two outcomes are critical to generate the synaptic basis of memory: (1) the actin cytoskeleton in the spine must be degraded to permit (2) additional AMPA receptors (GluA1s) to enter new “hot spots” in the postsynaptic density. These initial outcomes can support short-lasting memories. The threshold for these events is low but the underlying synaptic changes cannot resist the endocytic processes that remove the added AMPA receptors. For the memory to persist the degraded actin cytoskeleton must be rebuilt and the vacated “hot spots” refilled with GluA2 receptors. A primary claim is that it is the stabilization of an enlarged actin cytoskeleton that is the target outcome that consolidates the synaptic basis of memory (see Lynch et al., 2007 ). The stabilized actin cytoskeleton has properties that enable it to garner the synaptic proteins it needs to self sustain the potentiated state and to benefit from activation of memory modulation systems. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Brain and Memory .
A scalable electrical characterization method for inter-strata interconnects in 3-D ICs

This paper presents an analytical modeling method for characterizing the vertical interconnects in 3D ICs. In the model, all interconnection components, including micro-bump, TSV and RDL are firstly characterized with the frequency dependent skin effect into consideration. Then the scalable interconnect ABCD matrices are developed. The component's dimensional effects on electrical properties, such as insertion loss, interconnect delay and input impedance are investigated.
Model identification for crystallization : theory and experimental verification

Abstract This paper presents model identification and open-loop optimal control strategies for batch cooling crystallizers. The techniques are evaluated with experimental data from two chemical systems, KNO3-H2O and an organic photochemical—heptane system. The model identification scheme is a maximum likelihood method that includes a linearized assessment of parameter uncertainty. The connection between this uncertainty and the optimal open-loop control profiles for the two systems is examined. The control scheme handles input, output, and final-time constraints and is applicable to crystallization with size-dependent growth rate, growth dispersion, and fines dissolution. The objective function can be formulated to take into account solid—liquid separation in subsequent processing steps.
The analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided modified rectus sheath block compared with wound infiltration in reduction of postoperative morphine consumption in women undergoing open hysterectomy or myomectomy: A randomized controlled trial 14/09/2012 trial

Introduction: As ultrasound allows more accurate placement of local anesthetic (LA), ultrasound-guided modified rectus sheath block (MRSB) was compared with wound infiltration (WI) in women having open hysterectomy or myomectomy for fibroids via a Pfannenstiel incision under general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: Forty-two American Society of Anesthesiologists Class ASA I,II and III patients were recruited into two groups in a randomized patient-blinded controlled trial excluding those with coagulopathy, infection, or LA allergy. At the end of surgery, in the study group (Group U), an MRSB, under ultrasound guidance, was administered with 20 ml 0.25% levobupivacaine through a single skin puncture in the midline, 2 cm below the umbilicus, on either side of the midline, above the posterior sheath. In the control group (Group W), WI with 20 ml 0.5% levobupivacaine was done by the surgeon. The primary outcome measure was the amount of morphine consumed in the first 24 h after the surgery in the ward. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS v.14.0. Results: Morphine consumption in the intraoperative and recovery periods was 10 mg and 0.0 mg, respectively, in both groups. In both the groups, pain measured by visual analog scale correct (VAS) (both at rest and on movement), morphine consumption (12.0 mg [18.0 mg] vs. 12.0 mg [23.0 mg], median interquartile range [IQR], p = 0.950), and the number of oral analgesic doses administered during the study period were comparable. However, number of patients who were extremely satisfied compared to satisfied with the analgesia were more in the Group U than in Group W (15/6 vs. 4/17, P-0.001). Sedation, nausea and vomiting, and antiemetic doses given were minimal and comparable in both groups. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided MRSB does not show any significant difference in the 24 h morphine consumption as compared to WI.
Clinical trial experience with extended-release niacin (niaspan): dose-escalation study

Niacin is a useful lipid-modifying drug because it (1) decreases low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a), and (2) raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Its use tends to be limited by side effects and inconvenient dosing regimens. The availability of an extended-release preparation (Niaspan-which has safety and efficacy similar to immediate-release niacin but which can be given once a day) provides an opportunity to increase the use of this effective lipid-modifying agent. To study the safety and efficacy of escalating doses of extended-release niacin, hyperlipidemic patients were randomly assigned to placebo or Niaspan. A forced dose-titration was done with the dosage increasing by 500 mg every 4 weeks to a maximum of 3,000 mg/day. Niaspan showed dose-related changes in total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels, triglycerides, cholesterol/HDL ratio, and lipoprotein(a). At a dosage of 2,000 mg/day, total cholesterol decreased by 12.1%, LDL cholesterol by 16.7%, triglycerides by 34.5%, and lipoprotein(a) by 23.6%; HDL cholesterol increased by 25.8%. Flushing was the most commonly reported side effect; flushing episodes tended to decrease with time despite an increasing dose of niacin. Of the reported side effects, only pruritus and rash were significantly different between the 2 groups. Aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and uric acid increased in a dose-dependent fashion, but fasting blood sugar increased by about 5% across most dosages. Two subjects had aspartate aminotransferase levels greater than twice the upper limit of normal, but there were no subjects in whom transaminases increased to 3 times the upper limit of normal. Women tended to have a greater LDL cholesterol response to the medication and also experienced more side effects, especially at higher dosages. Thus, the use of lower dosages of niacin may be desirable in women. The results of this dose-escalation study show beneficial effects of Niaspan on the entire lipid profile. At the maximum recommended dosage of 2,000 mg/day, all lipid and lipoprotein levels changed in desirable directions. Side effects (other than flushing) and blood chemistries were comparable to those seen with immediate-release niacin.
Genetic variation of αENaC influences lung diffusion during exercise in humans.

Abstract Exercise, decompensated heart failure, and exposure to high altitude have been shown to cause symptoms of pulmonary edema in some, but not all, subjects, suggesting a genetic component to this response. Epithelial Na+ Channels (ENaC) regulate Na+ and fluid reabsorption in the alveolar airspace in the lung. An increase in number and/or activity of ENaC has been shown to increase lung fluid clearance. Previous work has demonstrated common functional genetic variants of the α-subunit of ENaC, including an A → T substitution at amino acid 663 (αA663T). We sought to determine the influence of the T663 variant of αENaC on lung diffusion at rest and at peak exercise in healthy humans. Thirty healthy subjects were recruited for study and grouped according to their SCNN1A genotype [n = 17 vs. 13, age = 25 ± 7 years vs. 30 ± 10 years, BMI = 23 ± 4 kg/m2 vs. 25 ± 4 kg/m2, V ˙ O 2 peak = 95 ± 30 % pred . vs . 100 ± 31 % pred. , mean ± SD, for AA (homozygous for αA663) vs. AT/TT groups (at least one αT663), respectively]. Measures of the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), the diffusing capacity of the lungs for nitric oxide (DLNO), alveolar volume (VA), and alveolar-capillary membrane conductance (DM) were taken at rest and at peak exercise. Subjects expressing the AA polymorphism of ENaC showed a significantly greater percent increase in DLCO and DLNO, and a significantly greater decrease in systemic vascular resistance from rest to peak exercise than those with the AT/TT variant (DLCO = 51 ± 12% vs. 36 ± 17%, DLNO = 51 ± 24% vs. 32 ± 25%, SVR = −67 ± 3 vs. −50 ± 8%, p
Myocardial contrast echocardiography: Texture analysis for identification of nonperfused versus perfused myocardium

This study examined texture analysis for objective identification of nonperfused myocardial segments in myocardial contrast echocardiographic (MCE) images. Short-axis MCE images from six open chest pigs after coronary artery ligation were examined. Six of 26 features (low gray level run emphasis, high gray level run emphasis, sum mean, sum variance, coefficient of variance and diagonal variance) demonstrated a significant texture value difference (P < 0.01) between the nonperfused and perfused segments with minimal statistical distribution overlap between the two groups. This study demonstrates that texture features other than mean gray level can objectively distinguish nonperfused from perfused myocardium in MCE images and may thus augment the diagnostic accuracy of current analysis techniques.
Temporal perspective moderates self-reported responses to social exclusion

Abstract Self-reported feelings of personal distress (i.e., thwarted needs for belonging, lowered self-esteem) following social exclusion are commonly used as the sole determinant of whether an event was experienced as rejection as well as whether a person has recovered from the experience (e.g., Zadro, Williams, & Richardson, 2004). However, the present research reveals that the temporal framing (past or present tense) of self-report measures shapes responses. In two studies, we manipulated social exclusion and the tense of self-report personal distress measures (i.e., basic needs satisfaction and self-esteem). The results suggest that differences based on tense are the result of biased self-reports (due to social desirability concerns or implicit theories of change over time), rather than representing actual recovery from exclusion. The present research highlights the importance of attending to question tense when assessing reactions to social exclusion.
Reduced progesterone metabolites are not critical for plus-maze performance of lactating female rats.

Abstract Lactation has been associated with anxiolysis in several tests of anxiety. These observations, considered together with observations that progesterone and its 5α-reduced metabolites are anxiolytic in cycling, nonlactating females, raised the question of whether the changes in anxiety-related behaviors that accompany lactation are driven by reduced progesterone metabolites. Lactating female rats were tested on the plus-maze on postpartum days 2 or 7, and demonstrated enhanced open-arm performance relative to cycling, nonlactating females. Hormonal analysis indicated that while serum levels of both progesterone and its 3α,5α-reduced metabolite were increased in lactating females, the turnover of progesterone to the metabolite was markedly reduced during lactation. Furthermore, treatment with a 5α-reductase inhibitor for 3 days prior to testing potentiated the open-arm performance in lactating females, implying that enhanced open-arm performance was not mediated by the reduction of progesterone or other steroids. Additionally, analysis of GABA A receptor function indicated that parturition and lactation did not alter the sensitivity of the receptor to GABA or to modulation by reduced steroids. The mechanisms driving enhanced plus-maze behavior in lactating females appear to differ from mechanisms identified in nonlactating females.
Multivariate Tissue Classification of MRI Images for 3-D Volume Reconstruction - A Statistical Approach

One of the major problems in 3-D volume reconstruction from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the difficulty in automating the classification of soft tissues. Because of the complicated soft tissue structures revealed by MRI, it is not easy to segment the images with simple algorithms. MRI can obtain multiple images from the same anatomical section with different pulse sequences, with each image having different response characteristics for each soft tissue. Using the gray level distributions of soft tissues, we have developed two statistical classifiers that utilize the image context information based on the Markov Random Field (MRF) image model. One of the classifiers classifies each voxel to a specific tissue type and the other estimates the partial volume of each tissue within each voxel. Since the voxel sizes of tomographic images are finite and the measurements from tissue boundaries represent the mixture of multiple tissue types, it is preferable that the classifier should not classify each voxel in all-or-none fashion; rather, it should be able to tell the percentage volume of each class in each voxel for the better visualization of the prepared 3-D dataset. The paper presents the theoretical basis of the algorithms and experimental evaluation results of the classifiers in terms of classification accuracy, as compared to the conventional maximum likelihood classifier.
Recent results for charge overlap measurements

A discussion of charge overlap in the context of the opion is given in which the importance of G-parity of intermediate states is emphasized. Lattice results for summed (Σxϱd(r+x)ϱu(x)) and nonsummed (ϱd(r)ϱu(O)) charge density probes are contrasted.
A third law of thermodynamics analysis of the enthalpy change of the order-disorder transformation in Ni3Fe

For the alloy Ni3Fe, the heat capacity-temperature curves for the ordered and the disordered condition have been constructed from experimental data from 300 to 773 K (the experimental order-disorder transformation temperature), and from 0 to 300 K from heat capacity models and low temperature (1–4 K) experimental data. From the most reliable value of the enthalpy of the transformation at 773 K, the entropy of disordering is calculated to be 2.40 (±0.8) J g-atom−1 K−1. The value calculated from the heat capacity curves is 4.76 (±0.18). This implies that the calculated heat capacity curve for the ordered state is too low, and thus there may be a low temperature (e.g. < 500 K) phase transition in the ordered structure.
Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO with NH3 on SO−24/TiO2 Superacid Catalyst

Abstract SO−24/TiO2 superacid is studied for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH3. Since SO−24/TiO2 is formed on TiO2 under SCR reaction conditions when SO2 is present, the results also elucidate the role of TiO2 support (and SO2) in the SCR reaction. SO−24/TiO2 exhibits a considerable activity, exceeding that of V2O5/TiO2 at temperatures above 400°C, and reaches a peak activity at 500-525°C. TGA, XPS, and IR analyses of the catalyst indicate that SO−24 ions are formed on TiO2 and the structure of the TiO2 surface sulfate under the SCR reaction conditions is bridged bidentate, Ti2SO3(OH). XPS and chemisorption measurements along with SCR kinetic results indicate that the reaction takes place by an Eley-Rideal mechanism, on Bronsted-acid sites on SO−24/TiO2 surface. At 400°C. about 70% of the SO−24 ions are occupied by ammonia, and about a half of the chemisorbed ammonia is active for reaction with NO.
Use of completely reduced matrices in solving transportation problems with fixed charges

This paper shows how completely reduced matrices can be used in obtaining exact or approximate solutions to transportation problems with fixed charges. It does not treat methods for obtaining reduced matrices, which are available elsewhere, but it does discuss the problem of obtaining a completely reduced matrix, and then a general parametric solution to the primal problem, from any particular solution. Methods for obtaining particular solutions with determinacies of maximum order (solutions for the constant fixed charges problem) are then presented. The paper terminates with a discussion of methods which are useful in obtaining approximations to solutions of fixed charges problems with charges not constant.
The structural properties and thermal decomposition pathways for ethylene adsorbed on clean Mo(100)

Abstract The chemistry of ethylene on a clean Mo(100) surface is scrutinized using an array of surface-sensitive techniques including synchrotron-radiation-generated angle-resolved ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger and thermal desorption spectroscopies. Following exposure at 80 K (θ(C 2 H 4 ) = 0.8 ± 0.1), ethylene adsorbs in the four-fold hollow site on Mo(100) and is substantially rehybridized to ~ sp 3 . Annealing at 140 K causes the molecule to rotate so that two hydrogen atoms on the ethylenic species are close to the surface, so that at 220 K chemisorbed ethylene dehydrogenates to form distorted acetylene; an identical species to that formed by adsorbing acetylene. Further heating to room temperature leads to carbon-carbon bond scission depositing surface CH x groups. The exact value of x cannot be unequivocally determined using photoelectron spectroscopy, but thermal desorption data suggest that the average surface stoichiometry is c 1 h 1 . Such carbon-carbon bond scission is in accord with the observed metathesis and hydrogenolysis activity for molybdenum-based catalysts.
Fire and Water: New Perspectives on Fire’s Role in Shaping Wetland Ecosystems

This special issue of Fire Ecology is dedicated to furthering scientific understanding of the role fire plays in the development and functioning of wetland ecosystems. While not initially intuitive, the concept of fire exerting significant influence on how wetland environments function has only recently become a prominent topic of discussion among researchers, although it has been recognized by the management community for some time. This new interest in determining how large scale disturbances modulate ecological processes in wetlands led to a series of invited talks at a Fire in Wetlands session during the 9th International Association for Ecology (INTECOL) meeting in Orlando, Florida, USA, in 2012. The collection of work presented here is the product of that special session, and includes research covering diverse topics such as fire effects on wetland biogeochemistry, vegetation community structure, and wildlife dynamics. Managers’ perspectives, while presented in multiple talks during the INTECOL session, are captured here in discussions of the management implications of the research presented. This introduction summarizes each of the papers included in this special issue and is organized into topics of biogeochemistry, vegetation, community dynamics, and wildlife dynamics. The summarizing comments include key messages for management and future directions for research on fire in wetlands.
Minocycline exerts multiple inhibitory effects on vascular endothelial growth factor-induced smooth muscle cell migration: the role of ERK1/2, PI3K, and matrix metalloproteinases

Widely used tetracycline antibiotics affect many cellular functions relevant to human vascular disease including cell proliferation, migration, and matrix remodeling. We examined whether minocycline inhibited human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) migration induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). After the establishment of an optimal dose, minocycline treated HASMC were exposed to VEGF. HASMC migration, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activities, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) phosphorylation were determined by smooth muscle cell (SMC) invasion assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, zymograms, and Western blot analysis, respectively. We demonstrated that VEGF and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced SMC migration in a dose-dependent manner. MMP-9, but not MMP-2, mRNA was increased during VEGF stimulation. MMP-9 activity was increased from 1.5- to 2.5-fold in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Both ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKt pathways were activated during VEGF-induced HASMCs migration. We then demonstrated that minocycline can inhibit VEGF-induced HASMC migration (P<0.05). The effects may be through the inhibition of MMP-9 mRNA transcription, protein activities and downregulation of ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt pathway phosphorylation. Our results indicated that minocycline exerts multiple effects on VEGF-induced SMC migration, including inhibition of MMP-9 mRNA transcription and protein activities and downregulating ERK1/2 and PI3K signal pathways, suggesting minocycline may be a potentially therapeutic approach to inhibit disease process induced angiogenesis.
Synthesis of indium-labeled antibody-chelate conjugates for radioassays.

Abstract A method has been developed to achieve rapid and reproducible complexation of indium to transferrin at pH 7.4. The system consists of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) as the intermediate carrier ligand, whose function is to allow the 113 m In ion, in a solution in Tris buffer, pH 7.4, to be transferred rapidly to the specific binding sites on transferrin. Just as in the case of iron, this complexation requires the presence of a synergistic ion such as bicarbonate. The present system can be used to allow the binding of 113 m In to transferrin when coupled to an antibody. This method has been tested by studying the conjugation of an antibody, the IgG fraction of goat anti-rabbit-IgG, with either transferrin or desferoxamine, using glutaraldehyde as the coupling agent. Optimization in terms of total protein concentration and glutaraldehyde levels lead to products where the specific metal binding capacity of the transferrin moiety remains unchanged, and where the antibody retains 70% of its antigenic activity. The present system can be considered an extension of the ELISA techniques and can be used to determine, by a terminal 113 m In labeling technique, the level of specific binding of an antibody to its antigen.
Ultrasonographic reference values for assessing the normal median nerve in adults.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Several studies have evaluated the cross-sectional area of the median nerve at the wrist, but none have examined other sites along the median nerve. Nerve enlargement has been demonstrated in entrapment, hereditary and acquired neuropathies, as well as with intraneural masses, and cross-sectional area reference values at sites along the nerve will help in the evaluation of these conditions. In addition, muscle intrusion into the carpal tunnel has been implicated in carpal tunnel syndrome, but the normal amount of muscle intrusion has not been quantified. METHODS Fifty asymptomatic volunteers (100 arms) were evaluated to determine the mean cross-sectional area of the median nerve at 6 sites and the mean amount of muscle intruding into the carpal tunnel. RESULTS The cross-sectional area of the nerve was consistent along its course (7.5 to 9.8 mm2). The amount of muscle within the carpal tunnel varied greatly, with the mean area of flexor digitorum being 15.5 mm2 and lumbricals 13.5 mm2. CONCLUSIONS These reference values are necessary for advancing the field of neuromuscular ultrasound, because they facilitate studies of the median nerve in conditions such as entrapment, hereditary neuropathy, acquired neuropathy, and intraneural masses.
Brain Tissue Oxygen-Based Therapy and Outcome After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Literature Review

Observational clinical studies demonstrate that brain hypoxia is associated with poor outcome after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study, available medical literature was reviewed to examine whether brain tissue oxygen (PbtO2)-based therapy is associated with improved patient outcome after severe TBI. Clinical studies published between 1993 and 2010 that compared PbtO2-based therapy combined with intracranial and cerebral perfusion pressure (ICP/CPP)-based therapy to ICP/CPP-based therapy alone were identified from electronic databases, Index Medicus, bibliographies of pertinent articles, and expert consultation. For analysis, each selected paper had to have adequate data to determine odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) of outcome described by the Glasgow outcome score (GOS). Seven studies that compared ICP/CPP and PbtO2- to ICP/CPP-based therapy were identified. There were no randomized studies and no comparison studies in children. Four studies, published in 2003, 2009, and 2010 that included 491 evaluable patients were used in the final analysis. Among patients who received PbtO2-based therapy, 121(38.8%) had unfavorable and 191 (61.2%) had a favorable outcome. Among the patients who received ICP/CPP-based therapy 104 (58.1%) had unfavorable and 75 (41.9%) had a favorable outcome. Overall PbtO2-based therapy was associated with favorable outcome (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.4–3.1). Summary results suggest that combined ICP/CPP- and PbtO2-based therapy is associated with better outcome after severe TBI than ICP/CPP-based therapy alone. Cross-organizational practice variances cannot be controlled for in this type of review and so we cannot answer whether PbtO2-based therapy improves outcome. However, the potentially large incremental value of PbtO2-based therapy provides justification for a randomized clinical trial.
Homeless and Indigenous in Minneapolis

SUMMARY Indigenous peoples are overrepresented in the homeless population. This paper examines the extent to which homelessness and some of its possible antecedents and consequences differ for indigenous peoples and majority whites residing in the city of Minneapolis. We conclude that being homeless and indigenous in Minneapolis is a significantly different experience for this group than it is for majority whites. The cultural context of indigenous homelessness reflects higher poverty and inconsistent patterns of employment. It also reflects higher support in family and friend relationships. Higher misuse of alcohol reflects personal disability while lower use of mental health services reflects a structural disability. Discrimination is reflected in previous childhood out-of-home placements.
The Black Campus Movement and the Institutionalization of Black Studies, 1965–1970

Hundreds of thousands of Black students forced the institutionalization of the discipline of Black Studies as part of a larger Black Campus Movement that diversified higher education. Several scholars have examined the movement at particular campuses, or they have addressed one of the factors leading to the origin of Black Studies. Examinations with a national scope are rare, and they have not centered the historiography on the efforts of the students. This paper provides a narrative and analytical overview of the nationwide struggle of the Black students that began in 1965 and climaxed in the spring of 1969 to push and pull the discipline of Black Studies into the academy. It details the major events and pioneers surrounding the birth and the slew of student protests and conferences that led to institutionalization of Black Studies in 1969.
Haemoglobin polymorphism in the Rhesus macaque.

INTRASPECIFIC polymorphism of the principal haemoglobin component is common among macaque monkeys1–3 and other non-human primates4–9, but although electrophoretically demonstrable it has not been found in populations of rhesus monkeys (M. mulatto)10,11. Using the technique of isoelectric focusing in acrylamide gel, I have found variant haemoglobins in many samples of rhesus red blood cell haemolysates. The detection of these variants is apparently a result of the greatly increased resolution of the isoelectric focusing method as compared with the older electrophoretic methods.
Climate Amenity and BMI

Objectives: Our goal was to examine the relationship between BMI and climate amenable for physical activity at the county level in the U.S. Research Methods and Procedures: Using Geographic Information Systems tools and 6-year National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration station hourly weather records, an index of amenable climate was derived for all U.S. counties. This index was linked to individual BMI in a multi-level analysis that accounted for other individual characteristics from the 2002 survey of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Results: There was an inverse relationship between climate amenable to physical activity and BMI at the county level after controlling for individual risk factors, county road density, and median household income and unemployment rate. Residents in high climate-amenity counties tended to have a lower BMI. Discussion: The contribution of less amenable climate to overweight and obesity in the U.S. is likely to be substantial because it cuts across wide geographic areas. Health promotion strategies that promote mixed land use or other urban design conducive to walking and other physical activities should consider broader environmental disamenities to mitigate their influence. Strategies for outdoor physical activity should also be tailored for people of different racial groups and educational backgrounds due to observed differences in their response to climate amenity.
The Size of the Largest Antichain in the Partition Lattice

Consider the poset?nof partitions of ann-element set, ordered by refinement. The sizes of the various ranks within this poset are the Stirling numbers of the second kind. Leta=12?elog(2)/4. We prove the following upper bound for the ratio of the size of the largest antichain to the size of the largest rank:d(?n?)S(n,Kn)?c2na(logn)?a?1/4,for suitable constantc2andn>1. This upper bound exceeds the best known lower bound for the latter ratio by a multiplicative factor ofO(1).
A diffuse interface model with immiscibility preservation

A new, simple, and computationally efficient interface capturing scheme based on a diffuse interface approach is presented for simulation of compressible multiphase flows. Multi-fluid interfaces are represented using field variables (interface functions) with associated transport equations that are augmented, with respect to an established formulation, to enforce a selected interface thickness. The resulting interface region can be set just thick enough to be resolved by the underlying mesh and numerical method, yet thin enough to provide an efficient model for dynamics of well-resolved scales. A key advance in the present method is that the interface regularization is asymptotically compatible with the thermodynamic mixture laws of the mixture model upon which it is constructed. It incorporates first-order pressure and velocity non-equilibrium effects while preserving interface conditions for equilibrium flows, even within the thin diffused mixture region. We first quantify the improved convergence of this formulation in some widely used one-dimensional configurations, then show that it enables fundamentally better simulations of bubble dynamics. Demonstrations include both a spherical-bubble collapse, which is shown to maintain excellent symmetry despite the Cartesian mesh, and a jetting bubble collapse adjacent a wall. Comparisons show that without the new formulation the jet is suppressed by numerical diffusion leading to qualitatively incorrect results.
Stratospheric Dust-Aerosol Event of November 1974

A strong incursion of dust and aerosol at an altitude of 20 kilometers was noted over Baja California and southern Arizona in mid-November 1974, as indicated by bluish-ashen daylight skies and colorful twilight glows of the type usually associated with volcanic eruptions. Infrared satellite observations and reports from other sources eliminated a possible oceanic origin in the eastern Pacific. The stratum is probably from the extensive eruption of Volcan de Fuego in Gautemala in October 1974.
Planting date and moisture effects on yield, quality, and alkaline-processing characteristics of food-grade maize

Grain quality specifications for maize (Zea mays L.) have been established for several processing industries. Our objective was to investigate the effects of planting date and moisture level on grain yield, physical grain quality, and alkaline-processing characteristics of food-grade maize. Field experiments were conducted in 1988 and 1989 at the Texas A&M University Farm, Burleson County, Texas. Seven food-grade maize hybrids and one nonprocessing hybrid were grown with two planting dates (normal and delayed) and two moisture levels (irrigated and dryland) (.)
Feasibility of Using Interactive Voice Response to Monitor Daily Drinking, Moods, and Relationship Processes on a Daily Basis in Alcoholic Couples

Background: Daily process research on alcohol involvement has used paper-and-pencil and electronic data collection methods, but no studies have yet tested the feasibility of using Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology to monitor drinking, affective, and social interactional processes among alcoholic (ALC) couples. This study tested the feasibility of using IVR with n =5 4 ALC couples. Methods: Participants were n = 54 couples (probands who met criteria for a past 1-year alcohol use disorder and their partners) recruited from a substance abuse treatment center and the local community. Probands and their partners reported on their daily drinking, marital interactions, and moods once a day for 14 consecutive days using an IVR system. Probands and partners were on average 43.4 and 43.0 years old, respectively. Results: Participants completed a total of 1,418 out of a possible 1,512 diary days for an overall compliance rate of 93.8%. ALC probands completed an average of 13.3 (1.0) diary reports, and partners completed an average of 13.2 (1.0) diary reports. On average, daily IVR calls lasted 7.8 (3.0) minutes for ALC probands and 7.6 (3.0) minutes for partners. Compliance was significantly lower on weekend days (Fridays and Saturdays) compared to other weekdays for probands and spouses. Although today’s intoxication predicted tomorrow’s noncompliance for probands but not spouses, the strongest predictor of proband’s compliance was their spouse’s compliance. Daily anxiety and marital conflict were associated with daily IVR nonresponse, which triggered automated reminder calls. Conclusions: Findings supported that IVR is a useful method for collecting daily drinking, mood, and relationship process data from alcoholic couples. Probands’ compliance is strongly associated with their partners’ compliance, and automated IVR calls may facilitate compliance on high anxiety, high conflict days.
The interaction of dodecyl and tetradecyl sulfate with proteins during polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

1. The affinity of tetradecyl sulfate for many unfolded proteins is greater than that of dodecyl sulfate. 2. It is the presence of tetradecyl sulfate that results in the staining of proteins by pinacryptol yellow seen by Stoklosa and Latz (Stoklosa, J.T. and Latz, H.W. (1974) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 58, 74--79), as some tetradecyl sulfate remains associated with proteins during electrophoresis at room temperature (as opposed to dodecyl sulfate which, within the limit of detection, is completely removed). 3. Tetradecyl sulfate has a greater capacity to dissociate protein aggregates which consist of identical peptide chains, such as Glycophorin dimers and bovine serum albumin dimers, than does dodecyl sulfate.
On the design of second-order state-space digital filter sections

A simplified parametric representation is introduced for the exploration of all real-scaled state-space realizations of a second-order transfer function having complex-conjugate poles. It is found that all real-scaled realizations can be represented as a function of a limited range of two real angles. It is shown that this representation can be used to obtain computationally efficient realizations with low roundoff noise and realizations which are roundoff-noise-optimal subject to L/sub infinity /-norm scaling. This latter class of realizations, which has not previously been synthesized, is found to be very similar to the realizations obtained by simply rescaling an optimal L/sub 2/-norm-scaled realization for L/sub infinity / scaling. An algebraic technique is introduced for the synthesis of second-order state-space realizations. This technique provides realizations that are as computationally efficient as possible, subject to preserving low roundoff noise, low coefficient sensitivity, and freedom from limit cycles. >
POINTS: the first small step

POINTS, an astrometric optical interferometer with a nominal measurement accuracy of 5 microarcseconds for the angle between a pair of stars separated by about 90 deg. is presently under consideration by two divisions of NASA-OSS. Based on a preliminary indication of the observational needs of the two missions, we find that a single POINTS mission will meet the science objectives of both TOPS-1 and AIM. The instrument detects a dispersed fringe (channelled spectrum) and therefore can tolerate large pointing errors. In operation, the difficult problem of measuring the angular separation of widely spaced star pairs is reduced to two less difficult problems: that of measuring the angle between the two interferometers and that of measuring interferometrically the small offset of each star from the corresponding interferometer axis. The question of systematic error is the central theme of the instrument architecture and the data-analysis methods. Stable materials, precise thermal control, and continuous precise metrology are fundamental to the design of the instrument. A preliminary version of the required picometer laser metrology has been demonstrated in the laboratory. Post-measurement detection and correction of time-dependent bias are the essential elements in data analysis. In that post-measurement analysis, individual star-pair separations are combined to determine both the relative positions of all observed stars and several instrument parameters including overall time-dependent measurement bias. The resulting stellar separation estimates are both global and bias-free at the level of the uncertainty in the reduced (i.e., combined and analyzed) measurements.
Astrophysics: Quark matter in compact stars? (Reply)

Replying to: M. Alford et al. Nature 445, doi: 10.1038/nature05582 (2007) In their comment1 on my theoretical interpretation2 of the observations of EXO 0748–676, Alford . suggest variants of quark-matter equations of state that produce stars consistent with my results. They do not challenge either the method that I propose or my conclusion that the data require a stiff equation of state2.
Symplectic integrators for spin-orbit motion using Ruth-Yoshida techniques☆

Abstract The theory of symplectic integrators for particle motion in accelerators is extended to include the particle spin. The Yoshida-Ruth method is used to derive second- and higher-order integrators. The connection with the Forest-Bengtsson-Reusch multimap integrators is established.