cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Catalytic Constant for GlutathioneS-Transferase (Atrazine) Activity in an Atrazine-ResistantAbutilon theophrastiBiotype

Abstract Glutathione S -transferases (GST, EC 2.5.1.18) were purified from leaves of atrazine-resistant and-susceptible velvetleaf ( Abutilon theophrasti Medic.) biotypes using a protocol involving DEAE anion-exchange, S -hexylglutathione affinity, and Superose 12 gel-filtration chromatography. This protocol resulted in greater than 500-fold purification of GST activity with atrazine [GST (atrazine) activity] from both biotypes. There were no differences in the amount of dimeric GST (55,000 M ; r ) from resistant and susceptible biotypes. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of purified GST dimers from both biotypes indicated the presence of three GST subunits with M ; r of 27,000, 26,000, and 25,000. GST subunits in both resistant and susceptible biotypes were glycosylated as revealed by probing Western blots with concanavalin A-biotin/avidin-alkaline phosphatase. Native isoelectric focusing of the purified GSTs indicated three major isoforms in both biotypes with p I values of 4.1, 4.3, and 4.4. For both resistant and susceptible biotypes, analysis of initial-velocity GST(atrazine) activity of the purified GST fraction indicated a sequential, random, rapid-equilibrium, Bi Bi kinetic mechanism. Kinetic analysis of GST(atrazine) activity from resistant and susceptible biotypes indicated no significant difference in K ; m values for GSH and atrazine. However, the catalytic constant ( k cat ) was approximately threefold greater for GST(atrazine) activity from the resistant biotype compared to the susceptible biotype. Inhibition constants ( K ; i values) for the glutathione-atrazine conjugate were approximately 1.5-fold higher for GST(atrazine) activity from the resistant biotype compared to the susceptible biotype. Accelerated atrazine detoxification via glutathione conjugation in the resistant biotype is primarily due to enhanced k cat for GST(atrazine) activity.
Using ALSM to map sinkholes in the urbanized covered karst of Pinellas County, Florida—1, methodological considerations

Comparison of a database of interpreted sinkholes made using airborne laser swath mapping (ALSM) with databases of sinkholes made from interpretation of aerial photographs reveals substantial disagreement. The discrepancies involve the location, number, areas, and circularity of interpreted sinkholes. Methodological factors that contribute to the discrepancies include blockage of ALSM laser returns in thick vegetation, multi-path reflections, and misrepresentation of the true extent of sinkholes. Comparison of two ALSM-derived databases made (1) independently from versus (2) in combination with earlier air photo analysis in undeveloped regions had the following result: one-fourth of the sinkholes interpreted by using the composite method were missed by the independent analysis, and one-third of the sinkholes that were interpreted from the independent analysis were not interpreted as sinkholes using the composite method. Subjective interpretation leads to a high level of uncertainty such that the results of the remote sensing studies are suspect, if not invalid.
The Emperor's New Clothes: Hyperreality and the Study of Latin

The movement to teach Latin by the four skills approach, exemplified by the New York State syllabus Latin for communication, falls within the context of bizarre attempts to convince the public that a dead language is a living language. The psychological factors fueling that movement arise from a perceived need by endangered Latin teachers to survive in a modern language world and from a romantic desire to re-create the past—where reality is replaced by hyperreality. This obsession with the “real thing” has led to the creation of hyperreal Latin—a prominent feature of the New York State syllabus, which essentially claims to teach students to speak, hear, write, and read Latin like the ancient Romans. The purpose of this article is to refute that spurious and unattainable claim, while calling for a return to an honest and reasonable way of teaching the classical language, along lines that help preserve its uniqueness and traditional integrity.
Design and fabrication of electro-thermally activated micro gripper with large tip opening and holding force

This paper reports on the design, fabrication, and characterization of a distinctive MEMS gripper electro-thermally driven jointly by a new metallic V-shape actuator (VSA), and a set of modified Guckel U-shape actuators (mUSA). The modification of the angle between the hot and cold arms in the mUSA facilitates desired unidirectional in-plane displacement and thus increases the opening of the gripper. This unique configuration distinguishes this MEMS gripper from other similar devices in the capability of generation of larger tip displacement and greater holding force. Tip opening of ∼173 µm and holding force of ∼5 mN have been measured at a low operating voltage of 1 V with consuming power of 0.85 W. MetalMUMPs is employed to fabricate the device. Electroplated nickel is used as the structural material. The metallic structure allows a low operating voltage and low overall power consumption.
Material parameters in thick hydrogenated amorphous silicon radiation detectors

Abstract Transient photoconductivity measurements of basic material parameters: carrier mobility, mobility-lifetime product and the ionized dangling bond density of thick hydrogenated amorphous silicon detectors are presented. We found that only a fraction (∼ 30 – 35%) of the total defect density as measured by ESR is ionized when the detector is biased into deep depletion. The measurements on annealed samples done to relate the ionized dangling bond density and the ESR spin density also showed that this fraction is about 0.3. The time dependence of defect relaxation was found to be a stretched exponential.
Role of competitive anxiety in the performance of black college basketball players

Scores on an Atari video game, Martens's Competitive Anxiety Scale and Life Experience Survey, and coaches' ratings of actual performance over 10 home basketball games were obtained for 8 black players and 7 black controls. Several significant (p ≤ .01) correlations of anxiety and performance with stress were low to moderate and encourage a full-scale study with a larger sample and standardized measures.
Comparison of Amphibian and Human ClC-5: Similarity of Functional Properties and Inhibition by External pH

Loss of function mutations of the renal chloride channel, ClC-5, have been implicated in Dent's disease, a genetic disorder characterized by low weight proteinuria, hypercalciuria, nephrolithasis and, in some cases, eventual renal failure. Recently, our laboratory used an RT-PCR/RACE cloning strategy to isolate an amphibian cDNA from the renal epithelial cell line A6 that had high homology to human ClC-5. We now report a full-length native ClC-5 clone (xClC-5, containing 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions) isolated by screening a cDNA library from A6 cells that was successfully expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In addition, we compared the properties of xClC-5 and hClC-5 using isogenic constructs of xClC-5 and hClC-5 consisting of the open reading frame subcloned into an optimized Xenopus expression vector. Expression of the full-length ``native'' xClC-5 clone resulted in large, strongly rectifying, outward currents that were not significantly affected by the chloride channel blockers DIDS, DPC, and 9AC. The anion conductivity sequence was NO− 3 > Cl−= I− > HCO− 3 >> glutamate for xClC-5 and NO− 3 > Cl− > HCO− 3 > I− >> glutamate for hClC-5. Reduction of the extracellular pH (pH o ) from 7.5 to 5.7 inhibited outward ClC-5 currents by 27 ± 9% for xClC-5 and 39 ± 7% for hClC-5. The results indicate that amphibian and mammalian ClC-5 have highly similar functional properties. Unlike hClC-5 and most other ClC channels, expression of xClC-5 in oocytes does not require the removal of its untranslated 5′ and 3′ regions. Acidic solutions inhibited both amphibian and human ClC-5 currents, opposite to the stimulatory effects of low external pH on other ClC channels, suggesting a possibly distinct regulatory mechanism for ClC-5 channels.
Effects of Practice Setting on Quality of Lipid-Lowering Management in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract We undertook a study to determine whether there were differences in the quality of lipid management in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in 2 different practice settings (which represent different socioeconomic classes), and to determine the level of compliance with the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines by academic physicians in managing patients with CAD. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed using a systematic chart review of 270 medical records (131 from the cardiology clinic, 139 from the cardiology private practice) of patients with known CAD at an academic tertiary care center in New York City. The total proportion of patients with CAD having a lipid profile ordered in the clinic and private suite was 43%. Of these people, 22% had a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) ≤100 mg/dl and 54% had an LDL ≤130 mg/dl (10% and 23% of the total population, respectively). The total proportion of patients taking lipid-lowering medications was 29%. When comparing the quality of treatment between the 2 settings, there were no statistically significant differences in the percentages of patients who had lipid profiles measured (40% clinic vs 47% private suite, p >0.10), in the percentage of patients with LDL ≤130 mg/dl (50% clinic vs 57% private suite, p >0.10) or in the weighted percentage of patients taking lipid-lowering medications (29% clinic vs 48% private suite, p = 0.099). The performances of individual physicians, however, varied widely. The percentages of patients with lipid profiles measured by individual physicians ranged from 0% to 83%, while the percentages of patients on drug treatment by a physician ranged between 10% and 88%. These findings indicate that socioeconomic differences, represented by different practice settings, do not account for differences in the screening for, control of, or use of medications in managing hyperlipidemia. Rather, individual physicians are accountable for differences in lipid management.
If it is not cough, it must be dysgeusia: differing adverse effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the same individual.

Presented is an unusual case of a 66-year-old-resident of a long-term care facility, who manifested severe dysgeusia and impaired quality of life attributed to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril; not real-ized at the time was the fact that he had an adverse reaction—cough—just weeks earlier from another ACE inhibitor in the same class, quinapril, thus illus-trating different adverse effects to two antihyper-tensives in the same class. Cough and dysgeusia are symptoms that may be easily overlooked as side ef-fects of medications. As polypharmacy is common in nursing home settings, health care providers need to be vigilant about adverse drug reactions which are common, but preventable and often reversible.
Stem cell mobilization utilizing granulocyte colony stimulating factor in advanced chronic heart failure: lessons from a pilot study

Mobilizing haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) to repair the failing heart is a promising intervention to halt the progression of this deadly disease. We postulated that low doses of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) could successfully mobilize HPC in advanced systolic heart failure and lead to beneficial effects. In a pilot study involving patients with advanced systolic heart failure, we established that a low dose (5 µg/kg/day for 5 days) of GCSF was sufficient to mobilize HPC into the peripheral blood in adequate numbers (>10 cells/µL) in spite of advanced heart failure and subject age. A striking observation was the significant elevation of plasma interleukin-10 levels in response to GCSF, without any change in tumour necrosis factor-α or interferon-γ levels. Left ventricular function improved significantly in subjects with ischaemic cardiomyopathy at 9 months after a single 5-day cycle of GCSF. Our results suggest the potential for improving left ventricular function in advanced systolic heart failure utilizing GCSF.
Analysis of fundamental resolution limit of ionospheric tomography

Tomographic reconstruction of ionospheric distributions, such as electron densities, has generated considerable interest due to the possibility of reconstructing two-dimensional images from existing data. Previous remote sensing methods such as ionosonde, differential Doppler, and Faraday rotation have been capable only of one-dimensional reconstructions. An algorithm based upon the filtered backprojection algorithm of X-ray tomography has been developed that provides such two-dimensional images; however, the nature of the ionospheric system limits its resolving capability. The ionospheric tomography imaging system is compared to the traditional X-ray tomography system to determine its fundamental resolution degradation parameters. These parameters are then isolated in order to examine their individual effects on the reconstructed images. >
Hardwiring Weak Ties: Interorganizational Computer-Mediated Communication, Occupational Communities, and Organizational Change

Interorganizational computer-mediated communication ICMC is expanding rapidly through the Internet and other elements of infrastructure. ICMC can be expected to evolve into the mainstream of existing communications infrastructure, but this evolution is not occurring uniformly across organizations. ICMC infrastructure appears to be most strongly supported, at least in this early stage, among organizations dependent on the maintenance of external weak social ties among employees who are members of professional, dispersed occupational communities. This can be seen in the experience of research-oriented organizations. Two strong forces---the professionalism of key occupational communities seeking autonomy, and a persistent desire by organizations to reduce fixed costs and organizational size---are posited as encouraging growth of ICMC infrastructure. Such growth might provide an important “bootstrapping mechanism” of long-predicted shifts from hierarchical to market forms of organization, at least in professionalized sectors of the economy.
Postreceptor defects in alveolar epithelial β-adrenergic signaling after prolonged isoproterenol infusion

We previously found that prolonged isoproterenol (Iso) infusion in rats impaired the ability of β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) agonists to increase alveolar liquid clearance (ALC). Here, we determined if po...
Systematic observation of physical activity in afterschool programs: preliminary findings from Movin' Afterschool intervention.

Background: National and state organizations have called upon afterschool programs (3–6 PM, ASP) to promote physical activity (PA). Few strategies exist that ASPs can use to increase the PA of children enrolled. This study evaluated a policy-level intervention (Movin’ Afterschool, MAS) designed to increase PA through staff implemented policy-level changes and ongoing technical support. Methods: Twelve preexisting community-based ASPs serving 580 children (5–12 yrs, 57% girls) were invited to take part in MAS. Evaluation of children’s PA, staff behaviors (engaged or promote PA, other ASP tasks, general supervising), and environmental features (equipment, organized PA) at baseline (Fall 2010) and postassessment (Spring 2011) were collected using SOPLAY (System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth) for boys and girls, separately. Random effects models evaluated changes in PA categories (sedentary, walking, vigorous). Results: The percentage of boys and girls sedentary decreased by 11.8% and 11.4%...
Consistency in fuzzy rule based systems: an application in elementary school performance evaluation

Performance evaluation and reform of public organizations is receiving increased attention. In many cases identification of the lowest performing organizations is an important part of performance based reforms. Programs to identify low performance would typically benefit from incorporation of expert judgement, provided that judgement could be applied in a verifiable and fair manner. Fuzzy rule based systems provide a mechanism for modeling expert judgement. However, translating that expertise into a consistent set of rules can be even more challenging for performance evaluation than it has been in engineering applications. We describe an approach that first creates a comprehensive and complete set of rules and then modifies those rules to prevent inconsistent results.
Modeling vs. Segmenting Images Using A Probabilistic Approach

Image segmentation is conventionally formulated as a pixel-labeling problem, in which "hard" decisions have to be made to partition pixels into regions. As image segmentation is usually used as a preprocessing step in many image analysis applications, the segmentation errors introduced by the "hard" decisions bring difficulties to higher-level image analysis. In this paper, we propose a "soft" image segmentation method to model the object appearance and spatial layouts in an image with an incremental mixture of probabilistic models. The proposed approach extracts "soft" regions incrementally using adaptive apertures without making any hard decisions. We show that "soft" regions not only bring more robustness than conventional "hard" regions but also enable a higher-level region-based analysis.
Climatic and biotic stochasticity: disparate causes of convergent demographies in rare, sympatric plants.

: Species with known demographies may be used as proxies, or approximate models, to predict vital rates and ecological properties of target species that either have not been studied or are species for which data may be difficult to obtain. These extrapolations assume that model and target species with similar properties respond in the same ways to the same ecological factors, that they have similar population dynamics, and that the similarity of vital rates reflects analogous responses to the same factors. I used two rare, sympatric annual plants (sand gilia [Gilia tenuiflora arenaria] and Monterey spineflower [Chorizanthe pungens pungens]) to test these assumptions experimentally. The vital rates of these species are similar and strongly correlated with rainfall, and I added water and/or prevented herbivore access to experimental plots. Their survival and reproduction were driven by different, largely stochastic factors and processes: sand gilia by herbivory and Monterey spineflower by rainfall. Because the causal agents and processes generating similar demographic patterns were species specific, these results demonstrate, both theoretically and empirically, that it is critical to identify the ecological processes generating observed effects and that experimental manipulations are usually needed to determine causal mechanisms. Without such evidence to identify mechanisms, extrapolations among species may lead to counterproductive management and conservation practices. Resumen: Las especies con demografias conocidas pueden ser utilizadas como modelos aproximados para predecir tasas vitales y propiedades ecologicas de especies que no han sido estudiadas o cuyos datos no pueden ser obtenidos facilmente. Estas extrapolaciones asumen que el modelo y la especie blanco con propiedades similares responden de la misma forma a los mismos factores ecologicos, que pueden tender dinamicas poblacionales similares y que la similitud de las tasas vitales refleja respuestas analogas a los mismos factores. Utilice dos plantas anuales simpatricas y raras Gilia tenuiflora arenaria y Chorizanthe pungens pungens para probar estos supuestos experimentalmente. Las tasas vitales de estas especies son similares y estan correlacionadas estrechamente con la precipitacion, y agregue agua y/o evite el acceso de herbivoros a las parcelas experimentales. Su supervivencia y reproduccion fueron influidas por diferentes factores y procesos, en gran parte estocasticos: G. t. arenaria por la herbivoria y C. p. pungens por la precipitacion. Debido a que los agentes y procesos causales que generaron patrones demograficos similares fueron particulares para cada especie, estos resultados demuestran, tanto teorica como empiricamente, que es critico identificar los procesos ecologicos que generan efectos observados y que se requieren manipulaciones experimentales para determinar mecanismos causales. Sin tal evidencia para la identificacion de mecanismos, las extrapolaciones a otras especies pueden conducir a practicas de manejo y conservacion contraproducentes.
Teaching “Islam and Human Rights” in the Classroom

This article discusses my approach to teaching a course on Islam and human rights. I begin by examining the attention Islam has received in the media and classroom. Then, I discuss how I structure lectures on Islam and human rights, the various readings associated with the lectures, as well as common themes discussed in class that include but are not limited to Islamic law, women's rights, and minority rights. From there, I discuss a range of different approaches to the Islam and human rights discourse. I then describe how I test the students' knowledge of the material.
Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase as a therapeutic target in protozoal infections

The auxotrophy of parasitic protozoa for purines makes purine acquisition from the host a nutritional necessity for the survival and growth of these pathogens. The parasite hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) enzyme has been implicated as a critical enzyme in this purine salvage process. Moreover, the HGPRT enzyme in some parasites can also initiate the metabolism of purine base analogs that have little effect on the mammalian host. This implies that either inhibitors or substrates of HGPRT might serve as efficacious and selective agents for the treatment of parasitic diseases. This commentary provides an overview of recent molecular and biochemical studies on HGPRT proteins from parasitic protozoa and a discussion of the potential of HGPRT as a rational target for the chemotherapeutic manipulation of parasitic diseases.
Behind Enemy Lines: The German Connection in the Middle English Sir Degrevant

This paper explores the cultural and economic context of the references to German luxury trade goods, German legend, and German political power in the late fourteenth-century/early fifteenth-century Middle English poem Sir Degrevant. All of the German references in the poem pertain to the Rhineland, which formed the western branch of Hanseatic trade throughout this period, the branch that conducted trade with England and Scotland. I argue that these German references form part of a pattern, seen throughout the poem, whereby the northern English poet recreates the international politics surrounding the Scottish Wars of Independence, which dominated northern English life throughout the fourteenth century, and in which German merchants played a controversial role. All of the poem’s references to German goods and culture center in the enemy earl’s household exclusively, casting the aggressive earl of the poem as a Scottish-style Border lord.
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF POSTPARTUM PROBLEMS IN AN ASIAN ELEPHANT (ELEPHAS MAXIMUS) COW AND CALF

An 18-yr-old female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) gave birth to a 120-kg female calf following 22 mo of gestation. Immediately after parturition, the cow became agitated and aggressive towards the calf. Before the keepers were able to safely intervene and remove the calf, the cow stepped on the calf's head and right front leg. Within 30 min, the cow calmed down, allowing the calf's safe reintroduction under close keeper supervision and control. The cow had a retained placenta, poor mammary development, and low milk production. The calf's injuries, in combination with the cow's low milk production, impeded the calf's ability to nurse and gain weight. Within 10 days, the calf lost 10% of its weight. Serum protein electrophoresis indicated failure of passive transfer of maternal immunoglobulin. On day 10, the calf received a transfusion of con centrated immunoglobulin extracted and concentrated from the cow's previously banked plasma. On day 13, the calf developed a urinary tract infection, as diagnosed by white blood cells and bacteria in the urine. Following immunoglobulin administration and antibiotic therapy, clinical signs slowly resolved and the calf gained weight. The cow passed the fetal membranes during parturition, but the placenta was retained. Despite prophylactic systemic antibiotics and vaginal flushing, the cow became depressed and developed a leukocytosis and an anemia. A mucopurulent vaginal dis charge and ventral edema were noted on day 3, and milk production was minimal. Because de creased milk production has been reported as a common sequel to retained placenta, efforts were focused on removing the placenta. Intermittent oxytocin therapy on days 2-14 did not result in expulsion of the placenta and produced only transient abdominal contractions and minimal increases in milk letdown. On day 15, 10 mg estradiol cypionate was administered i.m. followed by 200 IU oxytocin i.v. An additional 10 IU oxytocin was administered i.v. on day 16. The friable placenta was palpable within the vaginal vault on day 17. The remaining placenta was removed by gentle traction applied by a modified weighted blood pressure cuff. Once the placenta was removed, the cow's clinical problems slowly resolved and the calf continued to gain weight.
Dimer acid structures. The thermal dimer of normal linoleate, methyl 9-cis, 12-cis octadecadienoate

The thermal dimer (290C) of normal methyl linoleate and its hydrogenated form have been examined by mass spectrometry. Parent mass peaks of the hydrogenated dimer show the presence of monocyclic, bicyclic, and tricyclic structures.
Studies on biting and transovarial transmission of Orientia tsutsugamushi in Leptotrombidium gaohuense

Objective To study the ability of biting and transovarial transmission of Orientia tsutsugamushi(Ot)in Leptotrombidium gaohuense.Methods Ability of mite to bite man and transmit tsutsugamushi disease was tested by placing two unfed larvae of L.gaohuense on the ventral surface of the forearm of the test subject(author himself).The larvae were covered with a transparent plastic cap,and their activity was observed under a dissecting microscope.Transovarial transmission of Ot was tested by placing 20-40 unfed larvae in the ear of a mouse for 3-5 days.The mice were observed daily,sick or dead mice were autopsied to detect Ot by microscope.Results The test subject fell ill 20 days after being bitten by the mites,and Ot was isolated from his blood.Transovarial transmission of Ot was successful in mice.All positive mice showed typical manifestations,distinct pathological changes,and Ot were detected.Conclusion These results prove that L.gaohuense can be a transmitting vector of tsutsugamushi disease.
Effects of timber harvest on water quantity and quality in small watersheds in the Piedmont of North Carolina

This paired watershed study tested the effects of timber harvest on water quantity and quality in the North Carolina Piedmont physiographic region. Four headwater watersheds at Hill Demonstration Forest (HF1, HF2, HFW1, and HFW2) and two at Umstead Research Farm (UF1 and UF2) were continuously monitored for discharge and water quality from 2007 to 2013. The HF1 and UF1 watersheds were clearcut (treatment), leaving a 15.2-m vegetated riparian buffer around the streams to protect water quality as described in the North Carolina Neuse River Basin Riparian Buffer Rule. HF2 and UF2 were uncut and used as reference watersheds. Merchantable timber was selectively removed from the riparian buffer, reducing tree basal area by 27% in HF1 and 48% in UF1. HF1 and HF2 were nested within HFW1; thus, HFW1 was considered a partial cut where 33% of the watershed area was harvested, and HFW2 was the reference. We found that discharge in treatment watersheds increased dramatically, averaging 240% in HF1 and 200% in UF1 and 40% in HFW1 during the postharvest period, 2011–2013. Total suspended sediment export in the treatment watersheds also increased significantly in HF1 after harvest, probably due to the increase of discharge and movement of in-channel legacy sediment. Stormflow peak nitrate reached its maximum concentration during the first 2 years after harvest in the treatment watersheds and then declined, corresponding to the rapid regrowth of woody and herbaceous plants in the riparian buffer and uplands. We found that 36% of the UF1 streambank trees were blown down but did not cause a measurable increase in mean daily stormflow total suspended sediment concentration. Most buffer tree blowdown occurred during the first few years after a harvest. Bioclassification of benthic macroinvertebrates indicated that stream water quality remained good/fair to excellent in the treatment watersheds after the harvest. We conclude that the temporary increases in discharge were relatively large for the Piedmont region compared with those for other regions in the southeastern United States. However, the increases in channel sediment transport and nutrient exports associated with the hydrologic change did not have a measurable impact on the indicators of aquatic invertebrate community health or bioclassification rankings.
A New Comparison Of Active Learning Strategies To Traditional Lectures For Teaching College Astronomy

Although traditional lectures are still the dominant form of undergraduate instruction, there have been relatively few studies comparing various learner-centered and active learning teaching strategies to one another in order to guide professors in making informed instructional decisions. To study the impact of different active learning approaches, pre-test to posttest learning gains for students receiving instruction on introductory astronomy solar system topics through a combination of collaborative learning activities and formative assessment-driven activities were compared to the gains of students being taught the same topics by traditional lectures only. After traditional lectures, students improved from a pre-test score of 42% (n=144) to 49% (n=49). After lecture tutorials and classroom voting response systems improvement was to 73% (n=72) Using a multiple-group comparison approach, similar earning gains were also observed when using visual-assessment and tutorial activities. Moreover, data from a Likert-style attitude survey of 264 undergraduates showed that, although they did not report a clear preference for one instructional mode over the other, the majority of students believed that the active and collaborative nature of the activities helped them learn. The results of this study add weight to the notion that most modern pedagogies are superior to traditional lecture, and that although the relative impacts of particular pedagogies are mostly indistinguishable from one another, they are all are better than traditional lecture alone.
Analysis and modeling of infrasound from a four-stage rocket launch

Infrasound from a four-stage sounding rocket was recorded by several arrays within 100 km of the launch pad. Propagation modeling methods have been applied to the known trajectory to predict infrasonic signals at the ground in order to identify what information might be obtained from such observations. There is good agreement between modeled and observed back azimuths, and predicted arrival times for motor ignition signals match those observed. The signal due to the high-altitude stage ignition is found to be low amplitude, despite predictions of weak attenuation. This lack of signal is possibly due to inefficient aeroacoustic coupling in the rarefied upper atmosphere.
Baculoviruses and Other Occluded Insect Viruses

Baculoviruses are among the most studied insect pathogens. Members of Baculoviridae have a large double-stranded DNA genome within the nucleoprotein core of a rod-shaped virion. Baculovirus replication produces two different virion phenotypes: occlusion-derived virions, which initiate infection, and budded virions, which spread infection within the host. Baculoviruses have been isolated only from insects, and have a potential role in insect pest management. The development of cell culture systems and the application of molecular biology led to the development of baculoviruses as popular expression vectors. This chapter summarizes the current state of baculovirology, covering: baculovirus classification, taxonomy, and phylogeny; basic characteristics of baculovirus virions and viral occlusions; features of two unrelated groups of occluded viruses (entomopoxviruses and cypoviruses) and a related group of non-occluded viruses (nudiviruses); mechanisms of infection, gene expression, and replication; their pathology, ecology, and use as biopesticides; and potential new frontiers for study of this group of viruses.
Towards a New Global Financial Architecture

One underlying theme of this book has been that the Asian crisis holds more general lessons than simply pinpointing the specific problems of those Asian countries that were directly affected. In fact, this crisis showed how the twenty-first century may become a dangerously unstable epoch unless a new global financial architecture can be created in the near future. The task may seem enormous and hopeless. In a sense, this is rightly so. As long as we are trapped in a mode of thinking that sees the only choice as being between the status quo and the prohibitively expensive and politically impossible task of creating a whole new structure of international and domestic institutions and organizations, this will be so. We need to somehow break this impasse. In this chapter, I propose that we use a generally valid evolutionary principle which I have termed the ‘extended panda’s thumb’1 principle to reform the IMF and create some regional institutions to move forward.
Methodological Issues in Bridging Ideal Points in Disparate Institutions in a Data Sparse Environment

In earlier work, we created Congressional common space scores for multiple state legislatures using bridge actors who served in both institutions. Here, we employ simulations to explore the general issues involved in bridging institutions in data-sparse environments, where only a few bridge actors exist to allow inter-institutional comparisons. We find that only a few such bridges are necessary to improve ideal point estimates of rescaled legislative chambers.
Nonlinear Predictor Feedback

The difference between the two categories of systems is that those in category 1 will lend themselves to global stabilization by predictor feedback in the presence of an arbitrarily long delay, whereas systems in category 2 may suffer finite escape before the control “kicks in” at t=D and for this reason are not globally stabilizable (the achievable region of attraction will depend on D).
Influence of an ionic liquid on the conformational sampling of Xaa-Pro dipeptides

Abstract Room temperature ionic liquids have demonstrated promise for the selective control of protein structure and function, but fundamental aspects of ionic liquid effects on peptides and proteins remain unclear. In this study molecular dynamics simulations are used to understand the effect of the room temperature ionic liquid 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide ([C4mpy][Tf2N]) on the behavior of Xaa-Pro dipeptides, where Xaa is any of the common amino acids, at several temperatures and compared to water, octanol, and vacuum. Generally, compared to water and octanol, the room temperature ionic liquid is found to restrict peptide conformational sampling, which results in narrower radius of gyration distributions and area visited in Ramachandran space. Despite the restricting effects of [C4mpy][Tf2N], it is found to result in isomerization of the Trp-Pro dipeptide bond to the cis state at 298 K, suggesting that this ionic liquid can be used to stabilize otherwise infrequently observed dipeptide conformations. Our simulations suggest that stacking of the Trp ring and Pro ring in the cis state versus the trans state contribute to this effect for the Trp-Pro dipeptide. When the temperature of the ionic liquid system is increased, the viscosity of the solvent decreases and the area sampled by the dipeptide in Ramachandran space becomes more similar to water, octanol, and vacuum environments.
Amino Acid Analogue-Conjugated BN Nanomaterials in a Solvated Phase: First Principles Study of Topology-Dependent Interactions with a Monolayer and a (5,0) Nanotube

Using density functional theory and an implicit solvation model, the relationship between the topology of boron nitride (BN) nanomaterials and the protonated/deprotonated states of amino acid analogues is investigated. In the solvated phase, the calculated results show distinct “physisorbed versus chemisorbed” conditions for the analogues of arginine (Arg)- and aspartic acid (Asp)-conjugated BN nanomaterials, including a monolayer (ML) and a small-diameter zigzag nanotube (NT). Such a distinction does not depend on the functional groups of amino acids but rather depends on the curvature-induced interactions associated with the tubular configuration. Arg and Asp interact with the BNML to form physisorbed complexes irrespective of the state of the amino acids in the solvated phase. For the NT, Arg and Asp form chemisorbed complexes, and the distinct nature of bonds between the donor electron moieties of N(Arg) and O(Asp) and the boron of the tubular surface is revealed by the natural bond orbital analysis; ...
Functionalization of undoped and p-doped Si (100) using atomic force microscope tips in the presence of propan-2-ol, butan-2-ol and toluene

Abstract A technique, based on amplitude modulation of Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) tips, in the absence of an applied bias voltage, is reported in this study. Under ambient humidity conditions, ultra-sharp n- doped silicon tips (spike radius ~1 nm) oscillating at 160–250 kHz generate raised nanostructures ~50–200 nm wide and ~2 nm high on undoped or p -doped Si (100) surfaces pretreated with certain neat organic solvents. The solvents in the present work are propan-2-ol, butan-2-ol, or toluene. AFM is used to characterize the nanostructures which are found to be stable for at least 96 h. It is suggested that mechanical stress associated with the oscillatory Hookean energy (~5–15 eV) of the tip promotes cleavage of residual solvent bonds on the surface. This bond cleavage, and the presence of surface defects, which may be critical in the formation of surface-solvent bonds (specifically Si–O–C or Si–C) to create the observed nanostructures, is discussed. The process described here to create raised nanostructures is distinctly different from all other reported techniques to date.
Development of a quantitative quality grading system for mature cow carcasses.

Data from 400 cow carcasses were used to develop a new quality grading system. First principal component (FPC) values were determined for shear force (SHR) and palatability attributes of tenderness, connective tissue amount, flavor, and juiciness (JUC). Associated eigenvector load values for those traits were -.48, .54, .51, .46, and .05, respectively, and FPC values ranged from -3.20 to 2.18. Linear regression, using FPC as the independent variate, and SHR and palatability attributes (8-point scale, where 8 was highest) as dependent variates explained a significant amount of variation (P less than .001) in all traits, except JUC, and resulted in R2 values of .71, .89, .80, .66, and .01, respectively. A predictive quality-grade equation was developed using FPC as the dependent variate, and overall maturity (OM), lean color, marbling score (MS), lean firmness, lean texture, fat color (FC), and marbling fineness ([marbling texture + marbling distribution]/2; 8-point scale, where 8 was highest) as independent variates. The resulting best-fit prediction equation (FPC = -.052-[.0031 x OM] + [.0013 x MS] + [.31 x FC]) explained a significant amount (P less than .001) of variation in FPC with R2 = .53, Cp = 15.0, and residual standard deviation = .69. A short-cut equation was developed from this prediction equation. Simple correlations for OM, MS, and FC with FPC were -.56, .39, and .64, respectively. Cow carcasses were assigned to one of three quality grades based on FPC values that corresponded with predetermined acceptability levels for each palatability trait. Newly developed grades were quantitative and less variable than existing grades. Future grades for cow carcasses should include fat color to predict palatability.
Show Who the Money? Teacher Sorting Patterns and Performance Pay across U.S. School Districts

Pay for performance (PFP) remains one of the most controversial policy debates in the New Public Management reform era. Skepticism about PFP in the public sector is often grounded in theories of public service motivation that suggest a misalignment between PFP's focus on extrinsic market-based pay incentives and intrinsically motivated government workers. Frequently missing from this analysis, however, is any consideration for whether PFP leads to positive “sorting” effects on the composition of a government agency's workforce through attraction, selection, and attrition processes. Using data from two waves of the Schools and Staffing Survey, the authors examine whether PFP influences the sorting patterns of K–12 public schoolteachers across U.S. school districts. Findings show that, on average, school districts that adopted PFP secured new teacher hires who had graduated from colleges and universities with average SAT scores that were about 30 points higher than the new teacher cohorts hired by districts that did not adopt PFP.
Diagnostic efficacy of a modified low-dose acquisition protocol for the preoperative evaluation of mini-implant sites.

PURPOSE The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of surgical mini-implant placement when potential mini-implant sites were scanned using a lower-dose 180° acquisition protocol versus a conventional 360° acquisition protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten dentate human skulls were used to provide sites for potential mini-implant placement. The sites were randomly divided into 2 groups: 360° and 180° cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition protocols. A small-volume 180° CBCT scan and a 360° CBCT scan of each site were acquired using a Morita Accuitomo-170 CBCT machine and then a mini-implant was placed. A follow-up 360° CBCT scan was done as a gold standard to evaluate the location of the mini-implant and root perforation. Two raters evaluated the scans. RESULTS Ninety-eight percent of the mini-implants placed did not perforate any root structure. Two percent of the sites had an appearance suggestive of perforation. On a Likert scale, both raters agreed that their subjective evaluation of the diagnostic quality of the protocols, ability to make and read measurements of the sites, and preferences for the specified diagnostic task were comparable. The Cohen kappa showed high inter-rater and intra-rater agreement. CONCLUSION In this ex vivo study, we found that the 180° rotational acquisition was as effective as the conventional 360° rotational acquisition for the preoperative evaluation of potential mini-implant sites.
Mitochondrial genome of Dinophilus gyrociliatus (Annelida: Dinophilidae)

Here we report the 14,678 bp mitochondrial genome of the annelid Dinophilus gyrociliatus, the first mitochondrial genome from Dinophilidae. We recovered 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA, and 21 tRNA, the order of which is different from other annelid species. Interestingly, trnS1 was not recovered. The GC% across the genome was 34.20%.
Late Paleogene-early Neogene dinoflagellate cyst biostratigraphy of the eastern Equatorial Atlantic

Abstract Six dinoflagellate cyst biozones (zone 1-zone 5, subzones 1a and 1b) are recognized in the late Paleogene-early Neogene interval of the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 959 (Hole 959 A), Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana Transform Margin in the eastern Equatorial Atlantic. The biozones are based on palynological analysis of 30 samples covering a 273.2-m interval with generally fair preservation and good to poor recovery. We propose a new age of Late Eocene (Priabonian) for subunit IIB as opposed to the previously published mid-Early Oligocene age (middle Rupelian). This age assignment is mainly based on the presence of Late Eocene marker taxa, such as Hemiplacophora semilunifera and Schematophora speciosa in the lower part of the studied interval. We also document for the first time a hiatus event within dinoflagellate cyst zone 3, based on the last occurrences of several taxa. This interval is assigned to an Early Miocene age and is barren of other microfossils . Furthermore, we propose new last occurrences for two species. The last occurrence of Cerebrocysta bartonensis is observed in the late Aquitanian-early Burdigalian in this study vs. Priabonian-early Rupelian in mid and high latitude regions. Also, the last occurrence of Chiropteridium galea extends to the latest Early Miocene (Burdigalian) in ODP Hole 959 A; this event was previously identified in other studies as Chattian in equatorial regions , and Aquitanian in the Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes. We suspect that these differences are due to physical (offshore vs. nearshore) and latitudinal locations of the areas studied.
"I did not want to take that medicine": African-Americans' reasons for diabetes medication nonadherence and perceived solutions for enhancing adherence.

Background Diabetes is disproportionally burdensome among African-Americans (AAs) and medication adherence is important for optimal outcomes. Limited studies have qualitatively examined reasons for nonadherence among AAs with type 2 diabetes, though AAs are less adherent to prescribed medications compared to whites. This study explored the reasons for medication nonadherence and adherence among AAs with type 2 diabetes and examined AAs' perceived solutions for enhancing adherence. Methods Forty AAs, age 45-60 years with type 2 diabetes for at least 1 year prior, taking at least one prescribed diabetes medication, participated in six semistructured 90-minute focus groups. Using a phenomenology qualitative approach, reasons for nonadherence and adherence, as well as participants' perceived solutions for increasing adherence were explored. Qualitative content analysis was conducted. Results AAs' reasons for intentional nonadherence were associated with 1) their perception of medicines including concerns about medication side effects, as well as fear and frustration associated with taking medicines; 2) their perception of illness (disbelief of diabetes diagnosis); and 3) access to medicines and information resources. Participants reported taking their medicines because they valued being alive to perform their social and family roles, and their belief in the doctor's recommendation and medication helpfulness. Participants provided solutions for enhancing adherence by focusing on the roles of health care providers, patients, and the church. AAs wanted provider counseling on the necessity of taking medicines and the consequences of not taking them, indicating the need for the AA community to support and teach self-advocacy in diabetes self-management, and the church to act as an advocate in ensuring medication use. Conclusion Intentional reasons of AAs with type 2 diabetes for not taking their medicines were related to their perception of medicines and illness. Solutions for enhancing diabetes medication adherence among AAs should focus on the roles of providers, patients, and the church.
Court of Blood: Treason and Terror under Paraguay's Francisco Solano López

Treason during wartime inspires some of the worst features in the human character. Not only does the traitor besmirch his own reputation in the eyes of his countrymen, but those near him are frequently polluted by association. Worst of all, the desire for vengeance that is unleashed through treasonous acts frequently brings excesses that dwarf the original crime. It is for this reason that magistrates and systems of law in Western democracies have traditionally tried to leech the passion out of individual cases of treason as they attempt to render equitable and just decisions.