cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conducting Heritage Research and Practicing Heritage Resource Management on a Community Level—Negotiating Contested Historicity

In this article, I profile and analyze how the community of Sulphur Springs in Tampa, Florida, in partnership with students and faculty from the University of South Florida, has begun to address issues of diversity and representation in the marketing of heritage as a key cultural resource from a business, social, and educational perspective. This grassroots project is based on the idea of bringing people together by focusing on preserving and promoting heritage for the education and empowerment of all community residents and visitors.
Regulation of contraction-stimulated system A amino acid uptake in skeletal muscle: role of vicinal sulfhydryls.

Abstract Functional vicinal sulfhydryls are essential for insulin-stimulated system A neutral amino acid uptake in the rat epitrochlearis muscle. In skeletal muscle, system A uptake is also activated by contractile activity. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to characterize the stimulation of system A activity by contractions induced by electrical stimulation in vitro, and to assess the role of vicinal sulfhydryls in this process. System A activity in the isolated epitrochlearis muscle was measured using the nonmetabolizable analogue α-(methylamino)isobutyric acid (MeAIB). Contractions increased MeAIB uptake by increasing the apparent maximal velocity (Vmax), with no alteration in the apparent Km. The maximal stimulatory effects of insulin and contractions on MeAIB uptake were completely additive, demonstrating that these two stimuli exert their effects via different mechanisms. Phenylarsine oxide (PAO), a vicinal sulfhydryl antagonist, at greater than 20 μmol/L inhibited basal and contraction-stimulated MeAIB uptake by approximately 50% and 70%, respectively, by decreasing Vmax, with no change in Km. Both inhibitory effects were completely prevented by cotreatment with the vicinal dithiol dimercaptopropanol (DMP), indicating the effects were mediated by interactions with vicinal sulfhydryls. Contraction-stimulated MeAIB uptake was rapidly (half-time, ∼7 minutes) reversed by the addition of PAO. These results (1) define conditions under which contraction-stimulated system A amino acid uptake can be studied in an isolated mammalian skeletal muscle preparation, and (2) indicate that vicinal sulfhydryls are essential for stimulation of system A activity by muscle contractions.
Winning through innovation

This article is based on Professor Tushman's well‐received presentation at the 1997 international trategic leadership conference in Washington, D.C., in April
GABA uptake and release in purified neuronal and nonneuronal cultures from chick embryo retina

Abstract Uptake and release of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) have been studied using glia-free, purified neuronal cultures from 8-day chick embryo retina. At 3 days in vitro 65% of the neurons showed high-affinity GABA uptake. These neurons appeared heavily labeled after incubation in 5 × 10 −8 M [ 3 H]GABA, but no labeling was detected when the incubation was carried out at 4°C, or in the absence of Na + ions. Diaminobutyric acid (DABA) also blocked completely the neuronal uptake of GABA, while β-alanine was ineffective at similar concentrations. At 6 days in vitro Na + -and temperature-dependent GABA uptake was present in 50% of the neurons. In addition, in 80% of those neurons the uptake was insensitive to DABA or β-alanine, whereas in the remaining 20% it was blocked by DABA but not by α-alanine. Important developmental changes were also found in the capacity of the neurons to release GABA into the medium. Spontaneous GABA release (i.e. that taking place in regular medium, containing 5 mM K + ) was higher at 3 than at 6 days in vitro. However, increasing the K + concentration to 56 mM had minimal effects at 3 days in vitro, but induced a 2 to 3-fold increase in GABA release at 6 days in vitro. This K + -induced release appeared to be Ca 2+ -dependent, since it was substantially reduced in the presence of 10 mM Co 2+ . Cultures containing a confluent monolayer of nonneuronal flat cells were generated by seeding retinal cell suspensions on poorly adhesive substrate. Retina nonneuronal cells showed, during the first 10 days in vitro, a high-affinity mechanism for GABA uptake which was Na + - and temperature-dependent, and was reduced by 85% by DABA but was practically unaffected by β-alanine. This uptake mechanism seemed to be lost towards the end of the second week in vitro, and could not be detected after 21 days culture.
Chemical and morphologic alterations of rabbit bone induced by adriamycin.

Long term, low dose administration of adriamycin (ADR) to young growing rabbits resulted in significant alterations in bone structure and chemistry. Morphologic changes were most pronounced at epiphyseal and metaphyseal areas of long bones. Epiphyseal cartilage plates were thin and there was derangement of growth zones. Areas of primary and secondary spongiosa were deficient in trabeculae, osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Analysis of femora, humeri and lumbar vertebrae from ADR-treated rabbits revealed increased water and fat content and significant decreases in bone density compared to age-matched controls. Cortices of long bones were roentgenographically thin and contained large irregular spaces evident microscopically. Evaluation of bone ash from ADR treated rabbits revealed significant increases in the percentage of calcium and phosphorus, although Ca/P ratios were not different from controls. Results ofin vitro studies indicate that ADR binds readily to nondemineralized, but not demineralized, fresh cortical bone powder. The findings of decreased bone density, histopathologic alterations, and a paucity of osteogenic cells in ADR treated rabbits are interpreted as retardation of bone maturation. It is suggested that ADR affects adversely both the organic and inorganic fractions of bone. Due to its unique characteristics of cytostatic action, binding to metal cations and orange-red fluorescence, ADR is a novel chemical agent that may be useful in experimental bone studies.
A tropical cyclone application for virtual globes

Within the past ten years, a wide variety of publicly available environmental satellite-based data have become available to users and gained popular exposure in meteorological applications. For example, the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has maintained a well accepted web-based tropical cyclone (TC) website (NRL TC-Web) with a diverse selection of environmental satellite imagery and products covering worldwide tropical cyclones extending back to 1997. The rapid development of virtual globe technologies provides for an effective framework to efficiently demonstrate meteorological and oceanographic concepts to not only specialized weather forecasters but also to students and the general public. With their emphasis upon geolocated data, virtual globes represent the next evolution beyond the traditional web browser by allowing one to define how, where, and when various data are displayed and dynamically updated. In this article, we describe a virtual globe implementation of the NRL TC-Web satellite data processing system. The resulting NRL Tropical Cyclones on Earth (TC-Earth) application is designed to exploit the capabilities of virtual globe technology to facilitate the display, animation, and layering of multiple environmental satellite imaging and sounding sensors for effective visualization of tropical cyclone evolution. As with the NRL TC-Web, the TC-Earth application is a dynamic, realtime application, driven by the locations of active and historical tropical cyclones. TC-Earth has a simple interface that is designed around a series of placemarks that follow the storm track history. The position coordinates along the storm track are used to map-register imagery and subset other types of information, allowing the user a wide range of freedom to choose data types, overlay combinations, and animations with a minimum number of clicks. TC-Earth enables the user to quickly select and navigate to the storm of interest from the multiple TCs active at anytime around the world or to peruse data from archived storms.
The Journalist and Professionalism

This essay by the director of Washington & Lee University's applied ethics program for Society and the Professions argues that journalists must begin taking themselves seriously as members of a profession if journalism is to gain the respect it needs to function effectively in society. Journalism, argues the author, may not possess all the classical attributes of professionalism, but it does possess the most important ones. The essay maintains that professionalism in journalism is important for the welfare of both the media audience and the journalist. Journalists are asked to look at journalism through the audience's eyes, to experience the reward of being true and humble servants of other human beings, and to help make people whole‐in short, to be professionals, not mere technicians.
Mode of entry and ex-post performance

In this study I develop and empirically test hypotheses delineating how a set of industry- and firm-level factors are differentially associated with postentry performance of de novo and acquisitive entrants. First, I conceptualize structural entry barriers as sunk costs or irrecoverable investments that entrants must make in the entered industry to be competitive vis-a-vis incumbents. I then argue that de novo and acquisitive entrants differ in three important ways: (1) incremental vs. up-front sunk cost investments in overcoming impediments to entry; (2) increasing productive capacity vs. changing ownership in the entered industry; and (3) low vs. high costs of integration when realizing synergies with parent firms. I use the Trinet, FTC-ALB, and Compustat data bases to construct a sample comprising de novo and acquisitive entries made during the period 1980–82. Next, I evaluate postentry survival and growth between 1982 and 1986. Overall, empirical tests provided partial support for the hypotheses, and the explained variance in my models ranged from 17 percent to 37 percent. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultracentrifugal analysis of dilute solutions.

Abstract Absorption optics both in the visible and ultraviolet regions of the spectrum have been used in ultracentrifugal studies at concentrations of about 0.001%. The experimental techniques have been described, and methods of handling the photographic plates to determine sedimentation coefficients, apparent diffusion coefficients and distribution of sedimentation coefficients are illustrated in detail. Different types of experiments have been performed with preparations of a bacterial cytochrome, human hemoglobin and calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid. In view of the risks that convective disturbances may invalidate ultracentrifuge experiments at very low concentrations, special attention was directed toward testing the reliability of the studies reported herein. It is shown that a cytochrome boundary behaved ideally and the apparent diffusion coefficient was independent of centrifugal field. Similarly the spreading of the DNA boundary gave a calculated distribution curve which was independent of time of sedimentation, speed of the rotor and of concentration of the material. The polydispersity was conclusively demonstrated by comparison of the patterns of a fractionated sample and the original preparation of DNA. Measurement of accurate sedimentation coefficients at 0.05 and 0.005% was illustrated with a preparation of carboxyhemoglobin. These studies taken together show the reliability of the measurements at very high dilutions. Other applications of absorption techniques in ultracentrifugation are discussed.
Radiation from a dipole antenna on a prolate spheroid made of non-isoimpedance DNG metamaterial

The radiation from an electric dipole antenna located on the axis of a prolate spheroid made of DNG metamaterial is considered. An exact solution to the problem is obtained. The far field and the limiting cases of a very thin spheroid and of a sphere are discussed in detail.
Quantifying Green Fluorescent Protein Diffusion in Escherichia coli by Using Continuous Photobleaching with Evanescent Illumination

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy are the primary means for studying translational diffusion in biological systems. Both techniques, however, present numerous obstacles for measuring translational mobility in structures only slightly larger than optical resolution. We report a new method using through-prism total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy with continuous photobleaching to overcome these obstacles. Small structures, such as prokaryotic cells or isolated eukaryotic organelles, containing fluorescent molecules are adhered to a surface. This surface is continuously illuminated by an evanescent wave created by total internal reflection. The characteristic length describing the decay of the evanescent intensity with distance from the surface is smaller than the structures. The fluorescence decay rate resulting from continuous evanescent illumination is monitored as a function of the excitation intensity. The data at higher excitation intensiti...
Regulating genes with electromagnetic response elements.

A 900 base pair segment of the c-myc promoter, containing eight nCTCTn sequences, is required for the induction of c-myc expression by electromagnetic (EM) fields. Similarly, a 70 bp region of the HSP70 promoter, containing three nCTCTn sequences, is required for the induction of HSP70 expression by EM fields. Removal of the 900 base pair segment of the c-myc promoter eliminates the ability of EM fields to induce c-myc expression. Similarly, removal of the 70 bp region of the HSP70 promoter, with its three nCTCTn sequences, eliminates the response to EM fields. The nCTCTn sequences apparently act as electromagnetic field response elements (EMRE). To test if introducing EMREs imparts the ability to respond to applied EM fields, the 900 bp segment of the c-myc promoter (containing eight EMREs) was placed upstream of CAT or luciferase reporter constructs that were otherwise unresponsive to EM fields. EMREs-reporter constructs were transfected into HeLa cells and exposed to 8 microT 60 Hz fields. Protein extracts from EM field-exposed transfectants had significant increases in activity of both CAT and luciferase, compared with identical transfectants that were sham-exposed. Transfectants with CAT or luciferase constructs lacking EMREs remained unresponsive to EM fields, i.e., there was no increase in either CAT or luciferase activity. These data support the idea that EMREs can be used as switches to regulate exogenously introduced genes in gene therapy.
Two constructions of maximal commutative subalgebras of n × n matrices

(1994). Two constructions of maximal commutative subalgebras of n × n matrices. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 22, No. 10, pp. 4051-4066.
Equine cytomegalovirus: structural proteins of virions and nucleocapsids.

Abstract Enveloped virions and nucleocapsids of equine cytomegalovirus (ECMV; equine herpesvirus type 2) have been purified from the supernatants and the nuclear extracts of infected rabbit kidney (RK) cells, respectively, and their structural protein compositions have been analyzed. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that ECMV nucleocapsids were composed of nine proteins (average molecular weights = 148K, 52K, 49.5K, 46K, 43.5K, 38.5K, 27K, 20K, and 18K), which together constituted 89% of the total nucleocapsid protein on the basis of incorporated 3 H-labeled amino acids. The 148K protein comprised 47.3% of the total protein and thus appeared to be similar in molecular weight and proportional composition to the major capsid proteins of other herpesviruses. Purified virions were composed of 37 proteins whose average molecular weights ranged from 14K to greater than 200K. Three intense glycoprotein bands (83K, 78K, and 73.5K) as well as four less intensely labeled glycoproteins were detected in [ 3 H]glucosamine-labeled virion preparations. At least 14 structural proteins were readily detected in extracts of infected cells which had been [ 3 S)methionine labeled late in infection, and 11 of these were immunoprecipitated by rabbit antiserum against purified virions. The protein composition of ECMV differs substantially from those of equine herpesvirus type 1 and type 3 as well as from those of other herpesviruses.
Insertion of diphtheria toxin into and across membranes: role of phosphoinositide asymmetry

Diphtheria toxin (DT), a 63,000-molecular weight soluble protein, is toxic to most mammalian cells. The mechanism of intoxication involves a step in which one part of the molecule inserts into a membrane, facilitating the transport of the enzymatic fragment of the protein into the cytoplasm1,2. This event requires an acidic environment and seems to occur at the membrane of an endocytic vesicle3,4. Different cell lines and species differ in their sensitivities to DT—this is due at least in part to differences in the number of DT surface receptors on the cells5, but may also arise from differences in the membrane transport step. It is generally recognized that protein–lipid interactions are of critical importance in membrane transport phenomena (see ref. 6). Thus, it is of interest to determine whether the interaction of DT with membranes is modulated by their composition. We have shown previously that DT interacts with planar lipid bilayers at acidic pH to produce voltage-dependent channels7. We report here that this interaction of DT with bilayers depends on membrane phospholipid composition; the interaction is optimal when inositides are present within the membrane, and the inositides are required on the side of the membrane opposite to that in which DT is introduced.
High‐grading bias: subtle problems with assessing power of selected subsets of loci for population assignment

Recognition of the importance of cross-validation ('any technique or instance of assessing how the results of a statistical analysis will generalize to an independent dataset'; Wiktionary, en.wiktionary.org) is one reason that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requires all investment products to carry some variation of the disclaimer, 'Past performance is no guarantee of future results.' Even a cursory examination of financial behaviour, however, demonstrates that this warning is regularly ignored, even by those who understand what an independent dataset is. In the natural sciences, an analogue to predicting future returns for an investment strategy is predicting power of a particular algorithm to perform with new data. Once again, the key to developing an unbiased assessment of future performance is through testing with independent data--that is, data that were in no way involved in developing the method in the first place. A 'gold-standard' approach to cross-validation is to divide the data into two parts, one used to develop the algorithm, the other used to test its performance. Because this approach substantially reduces the sample size that can be used in constructing the algorithm, researchers often try other variations of cross-validation to accomplish the same ends. As illustrated by Anderson in this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, however, not all attempts at cross-validation produce the desired result. Anderson used simulated data to evaluate performance of several software programs designed to identify subsets of loci that can be effective for assigning individuals to population of origin based on multilocus genetic data. Such programs are likely to become increasingly popular as researchers seek ways to streamline routine analyses by focusing on small sets of loci that contain most of the desired signal. Anderson found that although some of the programs made an attempt at cross-validation, all failed to meet the 'gold standard' of using truly independent data and therefore produced overly optimistic assessments of power of the selected set of loci--a phenomenon known as 'high grading bias.'
The Protein Translocase Activity of Anthrax Toxin Protective Antigen is Stereoselective

Translocase channels deliver proteins across membranes within living cells. Many classes of these translocases have narrow pores that require substrate unfolding. Additionally, transport is known to be highly directional. These energy intensive processes of course require the consumption of an energy gradient. The conformation of the translocating chain is likely critical to these mechanisms; however, these areas are largely unexplored due in large part to the lack of appropriate biophysical models. Presently, we use anthrax toxin as a tractable model to study translocation. The toxin is comprised of a channel, called protective antigen (PA), which translocates its two substrates, lethal and edema factors (LF and EF, 90kDa each), across a host cell's endosomal membrane. Using planer lipid bilayer electrophysiology, we have demonstrated the translocation of full length LF, EF, and the N-terminal domain of LF (LFN : LF residues 1-263) via the PA oligomer. Translocation is driven by a membrane potential (Δψ) or proton gradient (ΔpH), albeit the latter is likely more physiological. Here we report single-channel and ensemble studies of translocation using long synthetic peptides designed in a manner that only their stereochemistry is varied. Specifically, we have taken the first 50 residues of LF and constructed peptides with all L-amino acids, all D-amino acids, and mixtures of D and L amino acids. The Δψ- or ΔpH-dependent translocation of these different peptides reveals that the peptides with uniform stereochemistry translocate more rapidly than those with mixed stereochemistry. These data are consistent with the model that the substrate does not solely translocate in an extended conformation, but rather the substrate also forms more-compact helical states only accessible to substrates with uniform stereochemistry.
Sonography-guided positioning of intravenous long lines in neonates

Abstract Objective In neonates, proper positioning of the tip of intravenous long lines (LL) is essential in order to prevent potential life-threatening complications. The gold standard for the evaluation of LL position in neonates is the chest X-ray with or without contrast. We performed a prospective study to assess the use of transthoracic ultrasonography (US) for the positioning of LL in neonates and to compare it to plain radiography. Materials and method Thirty-six consecutive neonates requiring percutaneous LL over a period of 3 months were included in the study. Immediately after LL insertion, the position of its tip was verified using transthoracic US, followed by plain radiography. The two techniques were compared in terms of adequate placement and length of time between insertion and radiographic evaluation of the correct position. Results The correlation between positioning by US and plain radiography was very good ( r = 0.97, r 2 = 0.94, p Conclusion US can accurately guide LL tip positioning. We believe that because of the potential gain of time it offers and its lack of ionising radiation, it to be considered as an interesting tool for the positioning of LL in neonates. Yet more accurate results could be obtained with a better-trained staff.
An alternative method of extracting Vbu from semi-leptonic B decay

Abstract We propose a new method of extracting V bu from measurements of Semi-leptonic B decay which has much less theoretical uncertainties than conventional methods.
Cerebral metastases from ovarian carcinoma

Apart from choriocarcinoma, involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) by gynecologic malignancy is rare. A 10-year retrospective review at the University of Washington Medical Center (Seattle, WA) and Swedish Hospital and Medical Center Tumor Registry (Seattle, WA) identified 14 patients with cerebral metastases from ovarian carcinoma. Median age at diagnosis of cerebral metastases was 52.5 years. Median interval from the diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma to the diagnosis of CNS metastases was 14.5 months. Seven patients had received cisplatin therapy before CNS relapse. Seven patients underwent second-look procedures before developing CNS metastases; in three, results were negative. Eight patients had evidence of extraperitoneal spread to other sites at the time of CNS relapse. Clinical manifestations included motor weakness, seizures, headache, confusion, and speech disturbance. All lesions were contrast enhancing on computed tomography (CT) scans and were located in the cerebral hemispheres. Nine patients had single lesions, five of whom underwent surgical resection of the lesion with histologic confirmation of metastases from the primary site. Median survival was 2 months in patients receiving radiation therapy alone and 17 months in patients who received surgery and radiation. Median survival of the entire series was 3 months. The presence of multiple cerebral metastases or evidence of extraperitoneal spread elsewhere in the body was adversely associated with survival. The prognosis of patients with cerebral metastases from ovarian carcinoma appears poor. However, early diagnosis by routine CT scanning followed by surgical resection and radiation may improve overall survival in a select group of patients.
A preliminary report of protozoan diversity in the Joshua Tree National Park desert biome

Joshua Tree National Park represents an extreme environment for soil protists. The region is a mid-latitude desert subject to temperature ranges of 0–41°C or more and annual rainfall of approximately 1.73 cm, with relatively rare flooding episodes that may deluge the area with as much as 14 cm within 1–2 h. The soil of this region has not been the subject of a systematic survey of protist diversity for at least 40 years. The goal of this study is to begin a systematic inventory of the soil protists of this region by collecting and analyzing soil samples by microscopy and other methods. Of particular interest is the soil within the rhizospheres around individual Joshua Trees (Yucca brevifolia) and creosote bushes (Larrea tridentata)—two of the most common plant genera in the region. Core samples allowed to dry for 1–2 months were subjected to the “non-flooded Petri dish” culture method (Foissner 1987) to obtain specimens. Standard brightfield and phase contrast microscopy, selected staining methods and observation of motile behavior were used to establish identification of organisms. This preliminary study focuses on ciliate and amoeboid protists though heterotrophic flagellates were observed to be very abundant in most samples. An initial species diversity list along with representative images is presented.
Glycosidase activity in the post-ecdysial cuticle of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus

We have previously demonstrated a marked change in sugar moieties of glycoproteins of the cuticle of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, between 0.5 and 3 h post-ecdysis. The present study has identified a glycosidase that appears in the cuticle during the early post-ecdysial hours. The enzyme has affinities for p-nitrophenyl derivatives of both N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine. Both activities are competitively inhibited by chitobiose, suggesting that the enzyme could be a N-acetylhexosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.52). Atypical of N-acetylhexosaminidases described to date, this enzyme has a pH optimum of 7.0. The enzyme activity is high during the post-ecdysial period coincident with the changes in glycoprotein profiles observed in vivo. Partial purification of the enzyme has been accomplished by Sephacryl size-exclusion chromatography followed by concanavalin A affinity chromatography.
THERMOPLASTIC AND THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MAGNESIA--SPINEL REFRACTORIES FOR STEEL VACUUMING INSTALLATIONS

The authors have obtained the dependences of the thermoplastic and thermophysical properties of magnesia-spinel refractories for SVI on the tensile loads and the vacuum. The best thermomechanical properties are exhibited by MKhVP refractories, obtained on the basis of fused periclase-chromite material. At an air pressure of less than 6 mm in the refractory pores, the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of magnesia-spinel artifacts increase with temperature.
Modeling in support of operational testing

Proponents of simulation modeling in support of military operational testing hope to gain significant efficiencies and effectiveness by applying simulation to the operational testing paradigm. This paper reports research into the applicability of simulation to this paradigm and identifies strengths and short comings to this approach.
Differentiation of neurons and myocytes in cell cultures made from Drosophila gastrulae

Abstract Single Drosophila melanogaster embryos of known developmental stages were dissociated and their cells cultured in vitro. Nearly all cells from blastulae disintegrated in vitro. Certain cells taken from embryos at the time gastrulation began or later, could differentiate in vitro to form neurons or pulsating myocytes by 28 h in vitro. Observations made by electron microscopy indicated that early gastrula cells are unspecialized in gross morphology and ultrastructure. Axon generation by neurons and cell elongation by myocytes therefore represented gross morphological differentiations in vitro. Cells with ultrastructures characteristic of neurons and myocytes were found after seven days in culture. These findings confirmed the neuron and myocyte cell ultrastructure in vitro. The pulsations of myocytes indicated their sarcoplasm differentiated to a functioning level.
Laser-Induced Chemical Vapor Deposition of High-Purity Metals

The laser chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) of aluminum and gold has been achieved via pyrolytic decomposition of trimethylamine aluminum hydride and dimethylgold (p-diketonates), respectively. The rates of metal deposition, the purity of the deposited metals and the electrical properties of the deposits are a direct result of the chemical and physical properties of the precursor and the metal.
Genetic Counseling for Thalassemia in the Islamic Republic of Iran

The response of groups to pressing medical problems cannot be predicted on theoretical grounds. An example is the program for the control of beta-thalassemia in Iran, a country with a tradition of inbreeding and a conservative religious culture, and in which thalassemia is common. Thalassemia is largely treatable, but the treatment is lifelong and onerous and creates a serious economic burden for the individual family and for the national health budget. The genetics are simple, and inexpensive screening tests are available to identify carriers. An Iranian program requiring mandatory premarital screening was started in 1997, and between 1998 and 2005 the laws of the country were modified to permit abortion of affected fetuses. The story of this effort indicates how a country with a social system very different from that of the United States responded to a medical problem with significant ethical overtones. The Iranian experience supports the optimistic view that societies can react to pressing problems with pragmatic rather than theoretical solutions.
An Evaluation of Item Response Theory Classification Accuracy and Consistency Indices

This article introduces two new classification consistency indices that can be used when item response theory (IRT) models have been applied. The new indices are shown to be related to Rudner’s cla...
Tangent operators and design sensitivity formulations for transient non-linear coupled problems with applications to elastoplasticity

Tangent operators and design sensitivities are derived for transient non-linear coupled problems. The solution process and the formation of tangent operators are presented in a systematic manner and sensitivities for a generalized response functional are formulated via both the direct differentiation and adjoint methods. The derived formulations are suitable for finite element implementations. Analyses of systems, with materials that exhibit history dependent response, may be obtained directly by applying the analyses of transient non-linear coupled systems. Rate-independent elastoplasticity is investigated as a case study and a problem with an analytical solution is analysed for demonstration purposes.
Colloidal quantum--dot light-emitting diodes with metal-oxide charge transport layers

Colloidal quantum dots, with their tunable luminescence properties, are uniquely suited for use as lumophores in light-emitting devices for display technologies and large-area planar lighting1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. In contrast to epitaxially grown quantum dots, colloidal quantum dots can be synthesized as highly monodisperse colloids and solution deposited over large areas into densely packed, solid-state multilayers, which have shown promise as efficient optical gain media11. To be a viable platform for colour-tunable electrically pumped lasers, the present-generation quantum-dot LEDs must be modified to withstand the extended, high-current-density operation needed to achieve population inversion. This requirement necessitates a quantum-dot LED design that incorporates robust charge transport layers. Here we report the use of sputtered, amorphous inorganic semiconductors as robust charge transport layers and demonstrate devices capable of operating at current densities exceeding 3.5 A cm−2 with peak brightness of 1,950 Cd m−2 and maximum external electroluminescence efficiency of nearly 0.1%, which represents a 100-fold improvement over previously reported structures8,10. The authors show that metal oxide and colloidal quantum dots can be combined to fabricate monochrome LEDs with a brightness that matches that of the best organic-based quantum-dot LEDs, but with the advantage of improved shelf-life robustness. The reported maximum external electroluminescence efficiency is nearly 0.1%, which represents a 100-fold improvement over previously reported structures
Effective Jet Properties for the Prediction of Turbulent Mixing Noise Reduction by Water Injection

A one-dimensional control volume formulation is developed for the determination of jet mixing noise reduction due to water injection. The analysis starts from the conservation of mass, momentum and energy for the control volume, and introduces the concept of effective jet parameters (jet temperature, jet velocity and jet Mach number). It is shown that the water to jet mass flow rate ratio is an important parameter characterizing the jet noise reduction on account of gas-to-droplet momentum and heat transfer. Two independent dimensionless invariant groups are postulated, and provide the necessary relations for the droplet size and droplet Reynolds number. Results are presented illustrating the effect of mass flow rate ratio on the jet mixing noise reduction for a range of jet Mach number and jet Reynolds number. Predictions from the model show satisfactory comparison with available test data on supersonic jets. The results suggest that significant noise reductions can be achieved at increased flow rate ratios.
The Powers of Genre: Interpreting Haya Oral Literature

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Peter Seitel Year: 1999 Pages: viii + 353 Publisher: Oxford University Press ISBN: 019511700X (hard cover). Prices: $60.00 US(hard cover).
Espin actin-cytoskeletal proteins are in rat type I spiral ganglion neurons and include splice-isoforms with a functional nuclear localization signal.

The espins are Ca2+-resistant actin-bundling proteins that are enriched in hair cell stereocilia and sensory cell microvilli. Here, we report a novel localization of espins to a large proportion of rat type-I spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and their projections to the cochlear nucleus (CN). Moreover, we show that a fraction of these espins is in the nucleus of SGNs owing to the presence of splice-isoforms that contain a functional nuclear localization signal (NLS). Espin antibody labeled ~83% of type-I SGNs, and the labeling intensity increased dramatically during early postnatal development. Type-II SGNs and vestibular ganglion neurons were unlabeled. In the CN, espin-positive auditory nerve fibers showed a projection pattern typical of type-I SGNs, with intense labeling in the nerve root region and posteroventral CN (PVCN). The anteroventral CN (AVCN) showed moderate labeling, while the dorsal CN showed weak labeling that was restricted to the deep layer. Espin-positive synaptic terminals were enriched around nerve root neurons and octopus cells in the PVCN and were also found on globular bushy cells and multipolar neurons in the PVCN and AVCN. SGNs expressed multiple espin transcripts and proteins, including splice-isoforms that contain a nonapeptide, which is rich in positively charged amino acids and creates a bipartite NLS. The nonapeptide was necessary to target espin isoforms to the nucleus and was sufficient to target an unrelated protein to the nucleus when joined with the upstream di-arginine-containing octapeptide. The presence of cytoplasmic and nuclear espins in SGNs suggest additional roles for espins in auditory neuroscience.
Assessing the readiness of firms for CRM: a literature review and research model

The concept of customer relationship management (CRM) resonates with managers in today's competitive economy. Yet recent articles in the business press have described CRM implementation failures, and consequent company reluctance to invest in CRM. The potential for substantially improved customer relationship management, coupled with the high uncertainty surrounding failed implementation efforts, calls for a critical new look at the determinants of, and influences upon, a firm's decision to adopt CRM. This paper responds by underscoring the criticality of performing a deep analysis of a firm's readiness to undertake a CRM initiative. We suggest that this assessment provide detailed answers to two fundamental questions: What is a firm's current CRM capability? And what changes must be in place before embarking on a CRM initiative? A model to assess readiness is developed based upon the premise that business value is enhanced through the alignment of complementary factors occurring along three dimensions, intellectual, social, and technological.
The Organizational/Environmental Variables in Staff Development.

Roger H. Perry Washington University Future staff development designs must be consistent with the organizational and environmental realities teachers confront each day. When these factors are ignored, teachers return from programs with techniques, materials, and behaviors that run counter to their school's culture and their community's expectations. The results: conflict, aborted implementations, disillusioned teachers, and lethargic staffs. Educators cannot develop staff development programs in an idealized state a state that assumes teachers operate in isolation from the rules, regulations, norms and expectations that abound in schools and in society. These factors directly impact the effectiveness of all staff development programs, and therefore, must be taken into consideration. When the older staff development models implicitly assume that the teacher, teaching materials, and the student are the only important variables, they are not reflecting reality. It is important to note that the argument advanced here is similar to ones that plead for broader conceptualizations of effective teaching. Researchers quickly found that single explanations were inadequate. The search for key teacher characteristics,1 the perfect teacher-free curriculum, and the perfect classroom structure failed miserably. More fruitful results did not develop until researchers studied the interaction effects among teachers, students, and material.2 The earlier single explanations gave way to more complex ones. This interaction paradigm continues to broaden as individuals realize that the
Social Marketing for the Environment: An Assessment of Theory and Practice

Social marketing has emerged in the last decades as a popular behavior change approach. Its application has produced mixed results, but the noticeable increase in its application in the environmental arena calls for an assessment of its development. This study presents an analysis of such development in both theory and practice. Results suggest that there is an increasing trend in the application and study of social marketing, but that there are also several conceptual and theoretical problems attached to it. The findings suggest a need to refocus the research and application of social marketing toward the reduction of consumptive behaviors.
Ultrasonographic evaluation of degenerative changes in the distal radioulnar joint: correlation of findings with gross anatomy and MR arthrography in cadavers.

Abstract Objective To determine the accuracy of ultrasonography (US) in the evaluation of degenerative changes in the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Methods and materials Ten cadaveric specimens were obtained. US evaluation of cartilage degeneration and thickness was performed by two independent and blinded readers (R1 and R2). Gross anatomy and MR arthrography evaluated by two readers in consensus served as the reference standard. The joint surface not accessible to US was measured. Results US interreader agreement was non-existent for cartilage thickness measurements and moderate for cartilage degeneration grading (weighted kappa = 0.41). Comparing US and MR imaging evaluation, there was no correlation between US R1 and MR imaging (Pearson correlation coefficient [PCC] = 0.352) and a moderate correlation between US R2 and MR imaging (PCC = 0.570) concerning cartilage thickness measurements. Concerning cartilage degeneration grading, there was a moderate to strong (R1 Spearman correlation coefficient [SCC] = 0.729)/R2 SCC = 0.767) correlation concerning cartilage degeneration grading. Comparing US and gross anatomic evaluation, there was no correlation for US R1 (PCC = 0.220) and a strong correlation for US R2 (PCC = 0.922) concerning cartilage thickness measurements, and a strong to moderate correlation (R1 SCC = 0.808/R2 SCC = 0.597) concerning cartilage degeneration grading. The mean sector of the articular surface of the ulna head not accessible to US was 13°. Conclusion In conclusion the DRUJ is accessible to US except in the central 13° sector of the joint surface. US was approved to be sufficient in demonstrating advanced stages of cartilage degeneration. Thus, US of the DRUJ is recommended in patients suffering from ulnar-sided wrist pain.
Heuristic Estimation/Detection of Repetitive Signals

A heuristic technique is presented for detecting the presence of an unknown signal in noise and estimating its waveshape. The heuristic utilizes the most recent estimate of the waveshape as a template against which new observations are matched. If the match is "good," the observation is used to update the estimate, and the procedure is repeated. If the match is "poor," the observation is discarded. It is the decisions of the detector which direct the evolution of the estimate while simultaneously the current estimate directs the detector's performance. The mutual interactions of the estimator/detector are conducted without external supervision and without the benefit of training samples, and thus the system falls into the category of a self-learning decision directed adaptive system.
The evolution of flowering strategies in US weedy rice

 Premise of the study: Local adaptation in plants often involves changes in fltime in response to day length and temperature. Many crops have been selected for uniformity in fltime. In contrast, variable fl owering may be important for increased competitiveness in weed species invading the agricultural environment. Given the shared species designation of cultivated rice ( Oryza sativa ) and its the invasive conspecifi c weed, weedy rice, we assessed the extent to which fl owering time differed between these groups. We further assessed whether genes affecting fl owering time variation in rice could play a role in the evolution of weedy rice in the United States.  Methods: We quantifi ed fl owering time under day-neutral conditions in weedy, cultivated, and wild Oryza groups. We also sequenced two candidate gene regions: Hd1 , a locus involved in promotion of flunder short days, and the promoter of Hd3a , a locus encoding the mobile signal that induces fl owering.  Key results: We found that fl owering time has diverged between two distinct weedy rice groups, such that straw-hull weeds tend to flearlier and black-hull awned weeds tend to fllater than cultivated rice. These differences are consistent with weed Hd1 alleles. At both loci, weeds share haplotypes with their cultivated progenitors, despite signifi cantly different fl owering times.  Conclusions: Our phenotypic data indicate the existence of multiple fl owering strategies in weedy rice. Flowering differences between weeds and ancestors suggest this trait has evolved rapidly. From a weed management standpoint, there is the potential for overlap in flof black-hull awned weeds and crops in the United States, permitting hybridization and the potential escape of genes from crops.
Hamilton optics: transformational theory of optics

In 1824 William Rowan Hamilton presented a memoir to the Royal Irish Academy on Optics(Trans. R. Irish. Acacamy, XV, 1828), which was the foundation for transformational optics, classical mechanics, nonimaging optics and thermodynamical foundation of nonimaging optics,etc. It is useful for us even in 2013 to revisit the Hamilton resolution.
Heaviside's Proof of His Expansion Theorem

Heaviside's proof of his celebrated Expansion Theorem, found scattered in his ``Electrical Papers,'' is reconstructed. It is based upon his so-called ``conjugate theorem.'' also discovered independently by Routh, which establishes a relation between any two normal modes of oscillation of a dynamical system. Heaviside's argument applies to systems having finite number of degrees of freedom and no repeated or null roots of the determinantal equation of the system. The relation between Heaviside's, Carson's and Wagner's proofs is also pointed out.
Qualitative Inquiry: An Overview for Pediatric Psychology

OBJECTIVE To provide a framework for critically evaluating qualitative research to professionals interested in pediatric psychology. Qualitative methods emphasize the phenomenological experience of participants and may be pertinent to studying contextual factors that contribute to child health and well-being. METHOD A basic overview of the types of qualitative research, methodological procedures, and ethical considerations is provided. Examples are drawn from qualitative studies that focus on child and family health. RESULTS The article concludes with guidelines for examining qualitative research and recommendations for use in pediatric psychology. CONCLUSION Qualitative methods have the potential to address important issues in pediatric psychology.
Simplified Nonlinear Analysis of Strengthened Concrete Beams Based on a Rigorous Approach

The external fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) flexural and shear strengthening of reinforced concrete beams is a well-established technique for structural rehabilitation and upgrade. In the present work, an analytical solution is developed for the load.deflection calculation of FRP strengthened simple beams at any load stage. The solution assumes a trilinear moment.curvature response characterized by the flexural crack initiation, steel yielding, and ultimate capacity. Closed form expressions are presented for the case of simple beams subjected to three-point bending, four-point bending, and uniform load. These expressions are derived for beams with any extent of uncracked, postcracked, and postyielded regions along their span. An extensive parametric study is conducted yielding unique linear relationships between basic sectional moments of inertia and their corresponding effective beam values for a wide range of geometric and material variables considered. Accordingly, a simplified analysis procedure is developed by adopting a trilinear load.deflection response. The effectiveness of the simplified procedure is demonstrated by comparing its results to those of the analytical solution and the experimental values.