cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Swearing in the Phoenix: Toward a More Sensible System for Seating Members of the House of Representatives At Organization

Under U.S. House precedent, any member-elect can challenge the right of any other member-elect to take the oath of office at the beginning of a new term. The uncontested members-elect then swear in and decide the fate of those who were forced to stand aside. If the House is closely divided and there are disputed elections at the margins, a minority party could exploit this procedure to try to seize control of the House. This would be outrageous and damaging, even if the effort failed. Contending for ultimate control, both sides could level motions, appeals, and tit-for-tat pre-oath challenges. The proto-House would degenerate into a chaotic mass of votes, meta-votes (about who gets to vote), and meta-meta-votes before anyone has even been sworn in. Instead of the House being controlled by the party that won the most seats in the election, it might go instead to the party that is most disciplined and unified—or, failing that, to the party that is more adept at parliamentary machinations. This nightmare is not completely hypothetical; the House once witnessed a power grab much like this—and it succeeded. But even an unsuccessful attempt could worsen the national partisan divide, weaken the House’s legitimacy, and threaten the House’s already dangerously low levels of comity. So could an attempt by a majority to bolster its advantage by a seat or two. This Article proposes to avoid this danger by rejecting this precedent. The House used a sensible “Oaths First” process for many decades, starting with the First Congress in 1789. The current, problematic “Step Aside” process only arose in the 1860s, for reasons that were either ill-considered, are no longer applicable, or both. The House has not used the Step Aside process in recent decades, but given the way House precedent functions, the Step Aside needs to be discarded, not just disused. This Article seeks to nudge the House into a more careful, considered, and consistent practice, re-embracing the Oaths First procedure officially and definitively.
Breakthrough instruments and products: Scientific imaging in the short-wave infrared with the NIRvana family of SWIR cameras.

The Short-Wave Infrared Range (SWIR) from 900 to 1700 nm offers many unique opportunities for discovery in scientific imaging. However, the indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) cameras capable of detecting this wavelength range typically suffer from excessive noise and image artifacts, making scientific imaging challenging. The NIRvana family of InGaAs cameras from Teledyne Princeton Instruments offer “SWIR for Science,” through cutting-edge sensor cooling, thermal management, sensor shielding, and image corrections.
Genetic and phenotypic influences on copulatory plug survival in mice

Across a diversity of animals, male seminal fluid coagulates upon ejaculation to form a hardened structure known as a copulatory plug. Previous studies suggest that copulatory plugs evolved as a mechanism for males to impede remating by females, but detailed investigations into the time course over which plugs survive in the female’s reproductive tract are lacking. Here, we cross males from eight inbred strains to females from two inbred strains of house mice (Mus musculus domesticus). Plug survival was significantly affected by male genotype. Against intuition, plug survival time was negatively correlated with plug size: long-lasting plugs were small and relatively more susceptible to proteolysis. Plug size was associated with divergence in major protein composition of seminal vesicle fluid, suggesting that changes in gene expression may play an important role in plug dynamics. In contrast, we found no correlation to genetic variation in the protein-coding regions of five genes thought to be important in copulatory plug formation (Tgm4, Svs1, Svs2, Svs4 and Svs5). Our study demonstrates a complex relationship between copulatory plug characteristics and survival. We discuss several models to explain unexpected variation in plug phenotypes.
The use of journaling as a means of reflection for greater technology implementation among teachers

The purpose of this multiple case-study was to determine whether the use of reflective journals during graduate coursework impacts the level of technology implementation in instructional settings for experienced teachers. This study examined the relationships between: (1) levels of reflection demonstrated in journal responses, (2) the level of technology implementation, and (3) teachers' attitudes about technology implementation. The coding scheme used to determine levels of reflection in the journals was based on the framework of Leung and Kember. The LoTi questionnaire, developed in 1995 by Chris Moersch, was used to determine the levels of perceived technology implementation. The goal of this study was to provide information that may be utilized to plan more effective technology staff development. By providing insights on how to evaluate written work consistently for reflective thinking and on teachers' perceptions of technology implementation, university programs and school districts can develop better strategies for technology professional development. The findings suggest that teachers who demonstrated the characteristics of high levels of reflection also demonstrated characteristics of higher levels of technology implementation. Four of the five cases demonstrated a relationship among their scores on the Level of Reflection, Level of Technology Implementation (Loti), and Current Instructional Practice (CIP) measures. This study adds to the research regarding evaluation of reflection, the use of journals for reflection, and the impact of this strategy on technology implementation. The results of this qualitative study illustrate the process of using the theoretical framework of Lueng and Kember to evaluate the levels of reflection in written journal responses during professional development programs. The findings suggest that the use of reflective journals, in the context of the action research process during technology training, has a positive impact on technology implementation for practicing teachers.
Development of allergy in children: I. Association with virus infections

Children born into allergic families, with two allergic parents, are at high risk of developing allergy within the first 5 years of life. In order to observe possible external factors in the sensitization process, a prospective study of 13 such children was done, in which serial clinical and immunologic observations were made at 3- to 6-month intervals over a period of 1 to 4 yr. Eleven of these children are now clinically allergic; 5 have asthma. Immunologic evidence for allergic sensitization was observed in these 11 children by RAST, antigen-induced leukocyte histamine release, lymphoblastogenesis, and rise in serum IgE. Upper respiratory infections (URI) occurred in these 11 allergic children 1 to 2 months prior to the onset of allergic sensitization. In 10 of these 11 URI children, complement-fixing antibodies to viruses (parainfluenza, RSV, CMV) increased in the same blood samples in which immunologic allergic sensitization was first evidenced. This coincidence suggests that certain viruses may contribute to the allergic sensitization process.
Constrained /spl Hscr//sub /spl infin// optimal control in sampled data systems

The problem of minimizing the closed-loop L/sub 2/ gain between inputs w/sub f/ and outputs z/sub f/ while some closed loop responses z/sub t/ due to test inputs w/sub t/ satisfy given constraints is considered and solved for sampled data systems. Based on results given by Bamieh et al. (1992), this problem is reduced exactly to a constrained /spl Hscr//sub /spl infin// optimization problem for a discrete time plant which can solved by the algorithm of Sideris et al. (1993, 1994). Time domain constraints in between sampling instances can be reflected without approximation to the problem variables defined on the sampling times. In comparison with an approximate solution obtained by first discretizing the continuous time plant and then applying the results of Sideris et al., the variables and the constraints of the finite dimensional optimization problem involved in the solution can be drastically reduced. >
The Multiple Middlegrounds between Civil and Criminal Law

My reactions to Kenneth Mann's original and insightful essay are organized under four headings. Part I offers a short recital of the academic complaints that are a compulsory part of this sort of exercise. Part II outlines three different types of MIddleground innovations between civil and criminal law and argues that the type of innovation chosen is a significant element in the calculus of the due process standards that should be imposed on governmental action. Part III suggests that the growth of administrative government and the need for administrative agencies to control their own enforcement agendas are the dominant reasons for the evolution of punitive civil sanctions at the federal level. Other factors Professor Mann lists, such as burden of proof and procedural protection for defendants, hold much less significance in explaining the boom in middleground civil sanctions. Finally, Part IV suggests that as the number and kind of criminal sanctions expand, the case for allowing punitive civil remedies rests on the comparative advantage of agency-managed enforcement efforts.
Simulation of Human Thermoregulatory Reponses to Micro-Cooling in Hot Environments

Abstract : Situations occur where individual cooling is desirable to reduce heat injury and improve productivity. Simulation of human responses while wearing possible micro-cooling systems can assist planning and soften their development. A thermo-physiological model modified for micro-cooling was developed to predict body temperatures, other physiological parameters, and discomfort in hot environments. The micro-cooling simulated was: (1) uniform whole body cooling under clothing, (2) cooling of upper torso with a water cooled vest under clothing, and (3) cooling of upper torso with an air cooled vest under clothing. The modeling suggests upper torso cooling above 200 watts can cause vasoconstriction reducing the effectiveness of greater cooling.
Estimation of the number of clusters using multiple clustering validity indices

One of the challenges in unsupervised machine learning is finding the number of clusters in a dataset. Clustering Validity Indices (CVI) are popular tools used to address this problem. A large number of CVIs have been proposed, and reports that compare different CVIs suggest that no single CVI can always outperform others. Following suggestions found in prior art, in this paper we formalize the concept of using multiple CVIs for cluster number estimation in the framework of multi-classifier fusion. Using a large number of datasets, we show that decision-level fusion of multiple CVIs can lead to significant gains in accuracy in estimating the number of clusters, in particular for high-dimensional datasets with large number of clusters.
32 GHz germanium bipolar phototransistors on silicon photonics

We present designs and simulations for a 32 GHz f T 3-terminal germanium bipolar phototransitor for high-sensitivity 10 GB/s receiving. We also experimentally demonstrate a preliminary, non-optimized phototransistor with 14 GHz f T built on silicon photonics.
Development of energy consumption ratio test

Dynamic Idd test methods have been shown to detect defects that escape other test techniques. Normal process variations decrease the fault coverage and affect the performance of dynamic Idd test techniques. A dynamic-current based test metric, Energy Consumption Ratio (ECR), has been proposed to address the process variation problem and has been validated through extensive simulations and applications on manufactured circuits. In this paper, we first discuss the problems in practical implementation of ECR tests on large-size circuits of advanced technology, e.g., increased circuit size and leakage current degrade ECR performance. We then propose two possible solutions: one is based on extensive statistical data analysis and another uses an enhanced scan design to partition the circuit. Experimental results from simulations and actual devices are included in this paper.
An Interpretive Comparison of Elements of the Pentecostal and Underground Church Movements in American Catholicism

The underground church and the Catholic Pentecostal movement are very differentfrom each other in the substance of their dissent from the rest of the church and society, yet both groupmovements are both middle-class in their appeal-thus defying standard sociological explanations based on social and economic deprivation. This comparative study attempts to find and interpret the differences between the underground church movement and the Pentecostal movement in American Catholicism. A longitudinal research of sixteen underground groups in Northern NewJersey was conductedfrom 1969 to 1973, andfive pentecostal groups in the same area were studiedfrom 1971 to 1973. Thefocus of the comparison was upon economicfactors, social statusfactors, and attitudinal and social-psychologicalfactors. There were few-if any -economic or social statusfactorsfound to differentiate the two movements. Social-psychological aspects (especially differential responses to ambiguity and change) appeared to be far more important explanations for the dissimilarity between the two types of groups.
DENITRIFICATION IN WATER RE‐USE SYSTEMS1

High density fish culture in water re-use systems results in a rapid buildup of nitrate as a result of nitrification. The LD50 of nitrate for salmonids in both fresh and seawater is relatively high, but levels considered safe are much lower. In practice safe levels of nitrate are maintained by dilution, which restricts the percent re-use possible, or by denitrification. The later will theoretically permit 100% re-use, or it can be used to provide an effluent stream meeting presently established standards for discharging waste water. Problems involved in the activation of a flexiring packed, denitrification column operating on a side stream from a salmonid culture system are discussed.
Multi-objective optimization using genetic algorithms: A tutorial

Multi-objective formulations are realistic models for many complex engineering optimization problems. In many real-life problems, objectives under consideration conflict with each other, and optimizing a particular solution with respect to a single objective can result in unacceptable results with respect to the other objectives. A reasonable solution to a multi-objective problem is to investigate a set of solutions, each of which satisfies the objectives at an acceptable level without being dominated by any other solution. In this paper, an overview and tutorial is presented describing genetic algorithms (GA) developed specifically for problems with multiple objectives. They differ primarily from traditional GA by using specialized fitness functions and introducing methods to promote solution diversity.
The Impact of Gender Stereotyped Evaluations on Support for Women Candidates

In 2009, women are still dramatically underrepresented in elected office in the United States. Though the reasons for this are complex, public attitudes toward this situation are no doubt of importance. While a number of scholars have demonstrated that women candidates do not suffer at the ballot box because of their sex, we should not assume that this means that voter attitudes about gender are irrelevant to politics. Indeed, individual attitudes towards women’s representation in government and a desire for greater descriptive representation of women may shape attitudes and behaviors in situations when people are faced with a woman candidate. This project provides a more complete understanding of the determinants of the public’s desire (or lack thereof) to see more women in elective office and support them in different circumstances. The primary mechanism proposed to explain these attitudes is gender stereotypes. Gender stereotypes about the abilities and traits of political women and men are clear and well documented and could easily serve to shape an individual’s evaluations about the appropriate level and place for women in office. Drawing on an original survey of 1039 U.S. adults, and evaluating both issue and trait stereotypes, I demonstrate the ways in which sex stereotypes do and do not influence public willingness to support women in various electoral situations.
Effect of Surfactant-Assistant Electrodeposition in Ni Matrix

A nanocrystalline Ni material was fabricated by adding a surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide electrolyte during the electrodeposition (ED) process. Significant amounts of dislocations, stacking faults, and twins are present in the as-deposited sample, revealing that the increased internal stress and hardness may result from the present defects during the ED process. This shows a different role of the surfactant, which is commonly considered as a grain refiner.
To difference or not to difference: a Monte Carlo investigation of inference in vector autoregression models

It is often unclear whether time series displaying substantial persistence should be modelled as a vector autoregression in levels (perhaps with a trend term) or in differences. The impact of this decision on inference is examined here using Monte Carlo simulation. In particular, the size and power of variable inclusion (Granger causality) tests and the coverage of impulse response function confidence intervals are examined for simulated vector autoregression models using a variety of estimation techniques. We conclude that testing should be done using differenced regressors, but that overdifferencing a model yields poor impulse response function confidence interval coverage; modelling in Hodrick-Prescott filtered levels yields poor results in any case. We find that the lag-augmented vector autoregression method suggested by Toda and Yamamoto (1995) – which models the level of the series but allows for variable inclusion testing on changes in the series – performs well for both Granger causality testing and impulse response function estimation.
Long-term spatial dynamics in an old-growth deciduous forest

Abstract In 1926, 1976, and 1986 stems (≥ 10 cm diameter at 1.37 m (dbh)) were measured and mapped in a 4 ha interior study area on the Davis-Purdue Research Forest in east-central Indiana. Spatial pattern type was determined using the Clark and Evans's index, and Ripley's L function. The G function was used to examine spatial dispersion at intertree distances ( 25 dbh) trees was uniform between 1926 and 1986. Density-dependent mortality and ingrowth processes are maintaining uniform spatial distributions. Initial neighborhood tree distribution was higher around trees which died in the periods 1926–1976 and 1976–1986 than for contemporary survivors, i.e. trees which survived this period had fewer neighboring trees within 6 m at the beginning of the period than did trees which died. The higher initial neighborhood densities around mortality trees than survivors supports density-dependent mortality. Ingrowth was inhibited in a 6 m zone proximite to established trees for both the 1926–1976 and 1976–1986 periods.
Aortic collagen, elastin and non-fibrous protein synthesis in rabbits fed cholesterol and peanut oil.

Alteration of the fatty acid composition of atherogenic test diets has been a widely recognized method for influencing the character and severity of atherosclerotic lesions. The addition of peanut oil or coconut oil to cholesterol-supplemented diets has been shown to produce lesions of a fibrous nature in several species. In the present study, addition of 8% peanut oil to a 2% cholesterol diet accelerated the formation of atherosclerotic lesions which were more fibrous after only 90 days than those previously seen in rabbits even after 6 months on a diet supplemented with cholesterol alone. Collagen, elastin and non-fibrous protein synthesis were all increased over control values, as previously seen in aortas from rabbits given cholesterol supplementation alone. However, the addition of peanut oil to the 2% cholesterol diet produced a preferential increase in the rate of aortic collagen synthesis per unit dry, defatted weight compared with the increases seen in elastin, non-fibrous protein or total protein synthesis. Collagen deposition in proliferative intimal plaques was evident by histological examination. These focal accumulations, however, did not result in significant increases in either total collagen content of the whole descending thoracic aorta or in collagen concentration expressed per unit of dry, defatted weight. These data suggest that, while a portion of the increased synthetic rates may be a direct result of aortic hyperplasia, the proportionally greater increase in collagen synthesis in these lesions is attributable to the addition of peanut oil to the atherogenic diet. Although the lesions produced in this experiment lacked the overt fibrosis seen in man and in some forms of experimentally induced atherosclerosis, the relative synthetic rates of collagen, elastin and nonfibrous protein described here suggest that even a small preferential increase in collagen synthesis compared with non-collagen protein synthesis may gradually lead to a more fibrous lesion.
Anisotropy correlation function and grain-size distribution in polycrystalline magnetic materials

It is shown how the anisotropy correlation function, which largely determines linewidth and magnetic loss in poly-crystals, can be inferred from an analysis of micrograph pictures which show the grain boundaries at a polished surface. The second derivative of the correlation function is shown to be proportional to the cord-length distribution. At high-wave numbers the spectrum of the random anisotropy field is found to be inversely proportional to the fourth power of the wave number and the first power of the mean cord length. The relation between cord-length distribution and grain-diameter distribution is discussed.
Experimental formulation of four poles of three-dimensional cavities and its application

While the four-pole approach is a very convenient concept in modeling acoustic systems, its application has been limited mainly to systems composed of only one-dimensional (1-D) and lumped parameter elements due to the difficulty in formulating four poles of three-dimensional (3-D) cavities. In this work, an experimental procedure is developed to obtain four poles of a 3-D cavity from the measured pressure response functions. The procedure is validated by comparing the four poles obtained experimentally for a rigid-walled rectangular cavity with those obtained by analytical and numerical procedures. Establishing an experimental procedure for four-pole formulation is significant as it enables application of the four-pole approach to virtually any acoustic systems. The concept of hybrid modeling, which is building the system model by combining experimental, numerical and analytical models, is demonstrated through a simple example as the best application of the four-pole approach.
Studies on dilute solutions of rodlike macroions. II. Electrostatic effects

A group of rodlike polymers soluble only in strong protic acids was studied using light scattering and viscosity techniques. These include poly(1,4-phenylene benzobisoxazole), poly(1,4-phenylene benzobisthiazole) and poly(1,4-phenylene terephthalamide). The solution properties were dependent on the ionic strength of the acid used as solvent. In a low ionic strength acid such as chlorosulfonic acid, the polymer solutions exhibited decreased unpolarized scattering, an extremely small translational diffusion coefficient, and high viscosity. All of these effects could be eliminated by the addition of a salt such as lithium chlorosulfonate, which increased the ionic strength of the solvent. The effects were attributed to a pseudo ordering of the polymer solvent system caused by electrostatic repulsions between protonated polymer chains effective over large distances (ca. 100 A) in the low ionic strength solvent. This type of ordering is distinct from actual anisotropic phase formation, which occurs at higher concentrations in these systems. Analysis of data at infinite dilution gave a persistence length of at least 45 nm for poly(1,4-phenylene terephthalamide), larger than previous experimental results, but in accord with recent rotational isomeric state calculations and similar to experimental data for poly(p-benzamide).
ZnO:Sb/ZnO:Ga Light Emitting Diode on c-Plane Sapphire by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

p-type Sb-doped ZnO (ZnO:Sb)/n-type Ga-doped ZnO (ZnO:Ga) junctions were grown on c-plane sapphire substrates using plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy. Mesa geometry light emitting diodes (LEDs) were fabricated using standard photolithography and lift-off process, with ohmic contacts achieved using Au/Ni and Au/Ti for top ZnO:Sb and bottom ZnO:Ga layers, respectively. Rectifying current–voltage characteristics were achieved. Ultraviolet emission dominates in the electroluminescence spectra of the ZnO LED. An output power of ~32 nW at an applied current of 60 mA was demonstrated. The enhanced output power, as compared to those made on silicon substrates, is attributed to the improved ZnO film quality on sapphire substrates, which is confirmed by X-ray diffraction rocking curve studies.
Three-dimensional optical microscopy using tilted views.

SUMMARY The resolution of an optical microscope is considerably less in the direction of the optical axis (z) than in the x–y plane. This is true of conventional or confocal microscopes. To alleviate this problem we used multiple tilted views to supply the ‘missing data’ and thus increase the resolution in z. A special tilting stage was constructed which allowed specimens to be rotated through large angles. The relative, translation, rotation and z-spacing between data sets were determined by a novel Wiener/phase cross-correlation function. Once brought to a common coordinate system the data sets can be combined by Fourier space techniques similar to those used in X-ray crystallography. We applied this technique to metaphase chromosomes from intact embryos of Drosophila melanogaster. As determined from significant intensity in the Fourier transform, the resolution of the final reconstruction was about 0ċ25 μm in x and y, and 0ċ4 μm in z.
New perspectives on the energy return on (energy) investment (EROI) of corn ethanol

Research on corn ethanol is overly focused on whether corn ethanol is a net energy yielder and, consequently, has missed some other fundamental issues, including (1) whether there is significant error associated with current estimates of the EROI of corn ethanol, (2) whether there is significant spatial variability in the EROI of corn ethanol production, (3) whether yield increases will translate linearly to increases in EROI, (4) the extent to which assumptions about co-product credits impact the EROI of corn ethanol, and (5) how much of the ethanol production from biorefineries is net energy. We address all of these concerns in this research by: (1) performing a meta-error analysis of the calculation of EROI, (2) calculating the EROI for 1,287 counties across the United States, and (3) performing a sensitivity analysis for the values of both yield and co-products within the calculation of EROI. Our results show that the average EROI calculated from the meta-error analysis was 1.07 ± 0.2, meaning that we are unable to assert whether the EROI of corn ethanol is greater than one. The average EROI calculated across 1,287 counties in our spatial analysis was 1.01, indicating that the literature tended to use optimal values for energy inputs and outputs compared to the average conditions across the Unites States. Increases in yield had a trivial impact on EROI, while co-product credits had a large impact on EROI. Based on our results from the spatial analysis and the location of biorefineries across the United States, we conclude that the net energy supplied to society by ethanol is only 0.8% of that supplied from gasoline. Recent work indicates that only energy sources extracted at EROIs of 3:1 or greater have the requisite net energy to sustain the infrastructure of the transportation system of the United States. In light of this work, we conclude that production of corn ethanol within the United States is unsustainable and requires energy subsidies from the larger oil economy.
Nonlocal effects in magnetization of high- κ superconductors

The reversible magnetization M(T,H) in high quality single crystals of Lu(Ni{sub 1-x}Co{sub x}){sub 2}B{sub 2}C with x=0-0.09 is measured in a broad T,H domain and interpreted within London theory corrected for nonlocality of the current -- vector-potential relation. Profound deviations in the data from the standard London result, M{proportional_to}ln(H{sub c2}/H) in intermediate fields H{sub c1}<<H<<H{sub c2}, are seen in clean samples at low T 's.Unlike strongly anisotropic high-T{sub c} compounds, for nearly isotropic borocarbides this behavior cannot be attributed to fluctuations of weakly interacting pancake vortices. We show that the nonlocal London model describes qualitatively and consistently the whole set of M(T,H) data and, in particular, its temperature and the mean-free path dependence. The scaling field H{sub 0}, which arises in M=M(H/H{sub 0}) due to nonlocality, is found to be nearly proportional to the the field H{sub 2} at which the vortex lattice undergoes the symmetry change (the ''square-to-hex'' transition).
Negative effects of behavioral consultation: “I know i ought to, but it hurts too much.”

Abstract This paper examines some of the possible negative side effects of behavioral consultation and suggests that teacher resistance to behavioral methodology may be following basic learning principles that suggest that behaviors which lead to punishing consequences often are terminated or avoided. Most of the negative consequences identified in this paper are “internal events.”
FELINE NON‐CARDIOGENIC THROMBOEMBOLIC DISEASE: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 48 CASES (1991–2002)

Introduction: The study objective was to describe the underlying diseases, predisposing factors, clinical signs and clinicopathologic abnormalities associated with thromboembolic disease of non-cardiogenic origin in cats. Study Design: Necropsy-based retrospective study (1991–2002) Results: Forty-eight cats with thromboemboli that were not associated with significant structural heart disease were identified in a retrospective study using case records from the small animal necropsy service of the University of Pennsylvania, from 1991 to 2002. Thirty-five cats presented for non-specific signs such as lethargy and anorexia while others presented for signs such as paresis (10) or dyspnea (10) that were referable to the location of the thromboemboli. Thromboembolic disease was suspected clinically in 12 of 48 cats. In cases where a single predisposing factor could be identified, thromboemboli were associated with neoplastic (9), infectious (7) and inflammatory (3) disease. Thirteen cats had multiple predisposing factors and no obvious predisposing factor could be identified in 16 cats. The thromboemboli were found in the systemic arteries (12), systemic veins (9), both systemic arteries and veins (7), pulmonary vasculature (7) and in both the pulmonary and systemic circulation (13). Eleven cats either died at home, presented in respiratory or cardiac arrest, or arrested shortly after presentation to the emergency service. Two cats arrested later during hospitalization and the remainder were euthanized (35). No sex or breed disposition was found. There were no significant differences in serum biochemistries, coagulation profiles, lactate, Doppler blood pressure or rectal temperature when groups were compared by primary disorder. Cats with neoplasia as the underlying disorder were significantly older (median 13.5 years, p=0.04). Cats with infectious disease had statistically significant higher white blood cell counts (median 35,000/μl, p=0.03) and cats with inflammatory disease had significantly longer hospital stays (median 3 days, p=0.006). Conclusion: These results suggest that most cats with non-cardiac related thromboemboli often have multiple predisposing factors, non-specific signs and non-specific changes on laboratory parameters. More sensitive tests for hypercoagulability may aid in diagnosing thromboemboli in cats.
Integrated circuits for power electronics applications

Integrated circuits are used more and more in power electronic applications in an attempt to reduce size and increase versatility and reliability. In 2006, the analog power ICs constitute about 38% of the $19B power management market. The power management market is one of the most dynamic sectors of the semiconductor industry, with around 13% yearly rises since 2001. A broad range of applications and technologies pushed many corporations to look recently into a systematic and educational approach to Power IC technologies. Despite the increasing demand for power ICs in both production volume and application expansion, there are not too many good references for study. This tutorial outlines the specifics of IC design and technology for power management devices.
Hydrogen Exchange Measurement of the Free Energy of Structural and Allosteric Change in Hemoglobin

The inability to localize and measure the free energy of protein structure and structure change severely limits protein structure-function investigations. The local unfolding model for protein hydrogen exchange quantitatively relates the free energy of local structural stability with the hydrogen exchange rate of concerted sets of structurally related protons. In tests with a number of modified hemoglobin forms, the loss in structural free energy obtained locally from hydrogen exchange results matches the loss in allosteric free energy measured globally by oxygen-binding and subunit dissociation experiments.
The relationship of race/ethnicity to symptoms in childhood sexual abuse

This study evaluated the relationship of race/ethnicity to the severity of symptoms in sexually abused girls. A racially mixed sample of 134 girls was evaluated on depression, anxiety, and self-worth. Race/ethnicity, alone, did not significantly predict outcome. However, the interaction of race/ethnicity with the type of abuse was significant. Latina girls who experienced penetration abuse scored significantly higher on all outcome measures than Latinas whose abuse did not include penetration. There was an indication that a trend existed in those girls who experienced penetration abuse for Latinas to score higher on anxiety and depression than African American or White girls. Some possible explanations for the findings are explored.
Measuring cognitive load in introductory CS: adaptation of an instrument

A student's capacity to learn a concept is directly related to how much cognitive load is used to comprehend the material. The central problem identified by Cognitive Load Theory is that learning is impaired when the total amount of processing requirements exceeds the limited capacity of working memory. Instruction can impose three different types of cognitive load on a student's working memory: intrinsic load, extraneous load, and germane load. Since working memory is a fixed size, instructional material should be designed to minimize the extraneous and intrinsic loads in order to increase the amount of memory available for the germane load. This will improve learning. To effectively design instruction to minimize cognitive load we must be able to measure the specific load components for any pedagogical intervention. This paper reports on a study that adapts a previously developed instrument to measure cognitive load. We report on the adaptation of the instrument to a new discipline, introductory computer science, and the results of measuring the cognitive load factors of specific lectures. We discuss the implications for the ability to measure specific cognitive load components and use of the tool in future studies.
Platelet activating factor-induced increase in cytosolic calcium and transmembrane current in human macrophages.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is synthesized and secreted by macrophages in response to inflammatory stimuli. When exogenously applied to human monocyte derived macrophages (HMDMs), PAF induces a rapid rise in cytosolic free calcium (Ca i ) believed to be an early triggering event in macrophage activation. We investigated PAF-induced Ca2+ signaling in HMDMs using the calcium indicator Fura-2, combining single cell ratio fluorimetry and digital video imaging with whole-cell recording techniques. Application of PAF (20 ng/ml) to adherent macrophages induced transient increases in Ca, that were biphasic, consisting of an initial phase that could be observed in Ca2+-free solutions and a second phase that was critically dependent upon Ca2+ entry. When Mn2+ was applied to cells in the presence and absence of Ca2+, PAF increased the rate of Mn2+ entry rate only when Ca2+ was absent. PAF increased the rate of Ba2+ entry even when measured in the presence of external Ca2+. Ca2+ entry was reversibly inhibited in the presence of external La3+ (1 mm). Data obtained from simultaneous voltage-clamp/microfluorimetry experiments demonstrated the activation of a nonselective cation current which closely paralleled the rising phase of the Ca i transient. We investigated whether the non-selective cation conductance provided for the bulk of the agonist-induced Ca2+ influx. Changes in Ca i following removal of extracellular Ca2+ (Ca o ) during the agonist-induced Ca i response were not associated with changes in whole-cell current. The inability to detect whole-cell current changes correlated with a decrease in Ca o suggests that the bulk of the Ca2+ influx was not through the nonselective conductance and either does not occur through a conductance pathway or occurs via a parallel pathway consisting of channels which are both low conductance and highly Ca2+ selective.
Retinal Circadian Clocks and Control of Retinal Physiology

Retinas of all classes of vertebrates contain endogenous circadian clocks that control many aspects of retinal physiology, including retinal sensitivity to light, neurohormone synthesis, and cellular events such as rod disk shedding, intracellular signaling pathways, and gene expression. The vertebrate retina is an example of a "peripheral" oscillator that is particularly amenable to study because this tissue is well characterized, the relationships between the various cell types are extensively studied, and many local clock-controlled rhythms are known. Although the existence of a photoreceptor clock is well established in several species, emerging data are consistent with multiple or dual oscillators within the retina that interact to control local physiology. A prominent example is the antiphasic regulation of melaton in and dopamine in photoreceptors and inner retina, respectively. This review focuses on the similarities and differences in the molecular mechanisms of the retinal versus the SCN oscillators, as well as on the expression of core components of the circadian clockwork in retina. Finally, the interactions between the retinal clock(s) and the master clock in the SCN are examined.
Regulation of human interferon production stimulated with poly(I) · Poly(C): Correlation between shutoff and hyporesponsiveness to reinduction

Abstract The exposure of FS-4 cells to polyinosinate-polycytidylate [poly(I) · poly(C), 2 μg/ml] for 1 hr resulted in rapid interferon production which peaked in 3–4 hr and was rapidly shut off thereafter, declining to low or undetectable levels by 6 hr. Reexposure of cells to 50 μg/ml of poly(I) · poly(C) at 2, 3, 4, or 5 hr after the first induction did not prevent the s shut off of interferon production due to the first induction. However, the restimulated cultures underwent a second round of interferon production peaking at 8–10 hr. The appearance of the second peak could be inhibited with actinomycin D, if the drug was added 3 hr after reexposure to poly(I) · poly(C), i.e., before the actual onset of the second round of interferon production. The second interferon peak resembled the peak seen a after the first induction in that it also showed a rather steep rise and rapid shutoff. The shutoff of the second peak could be prevented by treatment with actinomycin D at 9 hr (5 hr after the second stimulation). A second interferon peak at 9 hr was also seen following a single 1-hr exposure to a high concentration (50 μg/ml) of poly(I) · poly(C). It is suggested that a rapidly turning over repressor system is induced coordinately with interferon. This repressor system causes irreversible inactivation of interferon mRNA and is likely to be responsible for the shutoff of interferon production as well as the phenomenon of hyporesponsiveness to repeated interferon induction.
Inflammatory processes of prostate tissue microenvironment drive rat prostate carcinogenesis: preventive effects of celecoxib.

BACKGROUND Prostate tissue microenvironment is susceptible to several risk factors including carcinogens, dietary factors, hormones, cytokines and growth factors that could induce chronic inflammation. Because of the difference in the serum levels and the intrinsic ability of monocytes/macrophages to cause harm, the transcriptional responses triggered by inflammatory stimuli must be controlled. Unfortunately, an in-depth association between prostate cancer and potential mediators of inflammation has not been completely investigated. METHODS To determine whether activated macrophage (infiltrating monocytes), iNOS and NF-κB are primary mediators of inflammation, besides COX-2, in prostate carcinogenesis, we examined tissue sections of rat prostate tumor induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) plus testosterone in a follow-up study. We performed H&E and immunohsitochemical staining of the prostate tissue to detect specific markers of inflammation. RESULTS We report an increase in infiltrating monocyte, iNOS, NF-κBp65, VEGF and TNF-α at the early and advanced stages of tumor growth in MNU plus testosterone treated rats. Monocyte infiltration was often found in the stromal and perivascular regions of the DL prostate. We conclude for the first time that prostate cancer induced by MNU plus testosterone partly involves mediators of inflammation which could trigger the process of carcinogenesis and cause loss of apoptosis. Selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib at a dose of 500 mg/kg/bw administered for 52 weeks reduced infiltrating monocytes, inhibited iNOS, NF-κB p65 expression, induced apoptosis and tumor growth inhibition. CONCLUSION Carcinogen plus testosterone induced prostate carcinogenesis showing activation of macrophage, iNOS and NF-κBp65 could be prevented by celecoxib or related anti-inflammatory agents. Prostate 69: 133–141, 2009. © 2008 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Sleep in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Children with autism spectrum disorder demonstrate an increased prevalence of difficulties with sleep initiation and maintenance. The consequences may include alterations in daytime behavior, memory, and learning in patients, and significant stress in caretakers. The dysregulation of melatonin synthesis, sensitization to environmental stimuli, behavioral insomnia syndromes, delayed sleep phase syndrome, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, and comorbid anxiety, depression, and epilepsy comprise common etiologic factors. The clinical assessment of sleep problems in this population and a management algorithm are presented.
Unemployment among patients with newly diagnosed first-episode psychosis: prevalence and clinical correlates in a US sample

Although it is well established that people with schizophrenia have markedly high rates of unemployment, less is known about the prevalence and clinical correlates of unemployment in patients newly diagnosed with first-episode psychosis. This analysis documented the prevalence of unemployment and examined previously reported clinical correlates of unemployment in patients with first-episode psychosis hospitalized in an urban, public-sector setting in the southeastern US. Participants (n = 181) were assessed as part of an overarching study of first-episode psychosis using a variety of standardized research instruments. The rate of unemployment was compared to that documented in the general population according to US census data. Bivariate tests of associations between employment status and a number of variables of interest were followed by a multiple logistic regression model based on a previous study from Dublin, Ireland. Some 65.0% of first-episode patients were unemployed in the month prior to hospital admission, which is substantially higher than the rate of unemployment during the same period in the two counties in which recruitment took place. In bivariate tests, unemployment was associated with younger age, fewer years of educational attainment, lower global functioning scores, and more severe negative symptoms. In the logistic regression model, only age and global functioning were independently significant correlates. The remarkably high rate of unemployment in this young, first-episode sample, and the evidence of associations between unemployment, greater symptomatology, and poorer functioning, argue for further research and development on supported employment programs for such patients.
Quantum beats at the metal/organic interface

Abstract Time resolved two-photon photoemission (TPPE) is used to probe the unoccupied electronic structure of monolayer films of dicarbonitrile-quaterphenyl (NC-Ph 4 -CN) on Ag(1 1 1) and cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) on Ag(1 0 0). For both samples, photoelectron spectra show a well-formed series of electronic states near the vacuum level. These are assigned as the 1 ≤ n ≤ 4 image-potential states (IPS's) based on the scaling of their binding energies and lifetimes. Time domain measurements at energies near the vacuum level exhibit intensity oscillations (quantum beats) which are due to excitation of an electronic wave packet of the n ≥ 4 IPS's. The wave packets remain coherent until population decay renders them unobservable. These measurements clearly demonstrate that the classical image-potential state structure is retained to high order ( n ∼ 6) in the presence of aromatic organic adlayers. This represents the first definitive observation via TPPE of quantum beats of electronic origin at the metal/organic interface.
Selection 0f mutants constitutive for several glyoxylatecondensing enzymes during growth on valeric acid

Abstract An investigation was undertaken to assess the formation of several glyoxylate condensing enzymes during growth on a series of short-chain fatty acids. When Escherichia coli was grown on acetate, high malate synthase and low β- n -propylmalate synthase activities were observed. Cells grown on either propionate or butyrate possessed high malate synthase activity, and in addition formed low levels of α-hydroxyglutarate, β-ethylmalate and β- n -propylmalate synthase activity. In contrast, growth on valerate effected high activity of all these glyoxylate condensing enzymes. Evidence is presented that valerate does not act to induce or derepress enzyme formation, but rather acts to select a mutant population which is constitutive for the formation of these enzymes. Such mutants also are able to grow with a much shorter lag on propionate, butyrate, valerate, caproate and heptanoate. The possible relationship between formation of these enzymes and growth on short-chain fatty acids is discussed.
Informational influences on group decision making in a participative budgeting context

Abstract Potential benefits derived from participative budgeting may be unattainable if employed in certain group configurations. A model is developed based on group polarization research which demonstrates that the participative process that is supposed to increase motivation may generate decisions that are opposed to the integrative aspect of budgeting in a subsystematic environment. A laboratory experiment manipulating information/leadership tests the model's validity. Results indicate a polarization in attitude, while information/leadership affect the direction and strength of polarization.