cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Central corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and adrenergic receptors mediate hemodynamic responses to cocaine.

Abstract Cocaine administration evokes cardiovascular responses that are variable in rats such that the pressor response is attributable to either a large increase in systemic vascular resistance and a decrease in cardiac output (vascular responders) or a smaller increase in systemic vascular resistance and no change or an increase in cardiac output (mixed responders). This study was designed to determine the role of central corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and adrenergic receptors in mediating specific hemodynamic response patterns. Rats were instrumented for ascending aortic blood flow determination (cardiac output) using a pulsed Doppler system, arterial pressure measurement and for intravenous and intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of drugs. After characterizing the hemodynamic response pattern in individual rats to cocaine (5 mg/kg, i.v., 4–6 trials), selective receptor antagonists were administered icv 10 min before cocaine (5 mg/kg, i.v.). Pretreatment with the CRF antagonist α-helical CRF 9–41 (10 μg/5 μl, icv) prevented the decrease in cardiac output in vascular responders without altering hemodynamic responses to cocaine in mixed responders. Astressin (5 μg/5 μl, icv) exerted a similar effect in vascular responders. The α 2 receptor antagonist, yohimbine (3 μg/μl, icv) also prevented the decrease in cardiac output in vascular responders. Lower doses of α-helical CRF 9–41 (1 and 3 μg) were ineffective whereas higher doses of either CRF antagonist were lethal within 24 h. In contrast, propranolol (3 or 30 μg, icv) pretreatment enhanced the cocaine-induced decrease in cardiac output and increase in systemic vascular resistance noted in vascular responders and resulted in a decrease in cardiac output in mixed responders. We conclude that CRF and adrenoceptors in the CNS play an important role in determining the hemodynamic response pattern to cocaine. Furthermore, central β-adrenoceptors may be responsible for the reported effects of intravenous propranolol on cocaine-induced responses.
Emergence of sensitivity to pictorial depth cues: Charting development in individual infants

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to explore the emergence of sensitivity to the pictorial depth cues of texture gradient and linear perspective. In experiment 1, an initial longitudinal study explored the emergence of sensitivity to pictorial depth information between 5 and 7 months of age. In experiment 2, a cross-sectional study with 5–7-month-olds assessed revised methods designed to study development of pictorial depth sensitivity in individual infants. Experiment 3 applied these methods to a second sample of infants studied longitudinally. The results showed that: (a) a reliable method for assessing sensitivity in individual infants has been constructed; (b) there is variability in the age at which infants begin to use linear perspective and texture gradient for perceiving depth (22–28 weeks of age); and (c) sensitivity emerges across 2–8 weeks.
Morphology of weld heat-affected zone liquation in cast alloy 718

Etude comparative avec la microfissuration des soudures observees dans les alliages forges de composition similaire. Les resultats montrent que dans l'alliage 718 moule, la microfissuration de la zone thermiquement affectee resulte de la liquation constitutionnelle des phases de laves
Randomized, comparative trial of 20 μg vs 40 μg Engerix B vaccine in hepatitis B vaccine non-responders

Fifty-two adults who had previously received 4 x 20 micrograms doses of hepatitis B [Engerix-B] vaccine (appropriately administered into the deltoid muscle) and who had failed to develop detectable anti-HBs were randomized to receive a fifth dose of Engerix-B (either 20 micrograms or 40 micrograms) intramuscularly (deltoid). The participants were blinded as to the contents of the syringe. Anti-HBs was tested (by EIA) 3 months after the injection. Anti-HBs results from 45 non-responders were evaluable. Seven vaccinees were excluded; four of these on the basis of failure to have follow-up blood collected and three who were found to be anti-HBc positive (one HBsAg positive). Twelve of 22 (54.5%) of those receiving 20 micrograms of HB vaccine developed anti-HBs, whereas 10 of 23 (43.5%) who received 40 micrograms developed anti-HBs, showing no significant difference between the regimens. The mean geometric titres were 93 +/- 50 and 86 +/- 51 IU l-1, respectively. Vaccinee groups were well matched for age, sex and body mass index and the interval between injection and bleeding. Side-effects in those receiving the double (40 micrograms) dose were no different from those receiving the normal (20 micrograms) adult dose. On the basis of this study, a fifth dose of vaccine in non-responsive vaccinees is recommended. No significant advantage of 40 micrograms over 20 micrograms of vaccine was observed. Whilst smoking and obesity were common in this cohort of non-responders and probably contributed to the individuals primary non-responsive state, these factors had no unfavourable effect on response to a fifth dose of vaccine.
The enthalpy of transformation of Ca(OH) 2 -I (portlandite) to Ca(OH) 2 -II (EuI 2 structure) by low-temperature DSC

Thermodynamic properties of high-pressure minerals that are not recoverable from synthesis experiments by conventional quenching methods (“unquenchable” phases) usually are calculated from equation of state data and phase diagram topologies. The present study shows that, with cryogenic methods of recovery and sample treatment, phases with a suitable decomposition rate can be made accessible to direct thermodynamic measurements. A set of samples of Ca(OH)2-II has been synthesized in a multianvil device and subsequently recovered by cooling the high-pressure assembly with liquid nitrogen. Upon heating from liquid nitrogen to room temperature, the material transformed back to Ca(OH)2-I. The heat effect of this backtransformation was measured by differential scanning calorimetry. A commercial differential scanning calorimeter (Netzsch DSC 404), modified to allow sample loading at liquid nitrogen temperature was used to heat the material from −150 to +200 °C at rates varying between 5 and 15 °C min−1. The transformation started around −50 °C very gradually, and peaked at about 0 °C. To obtain a baseline correction, each sample was scanned under exactly the same conditions after the backtransformation was complete. Because of the relative sluggishness, onset and offset temperatures were not well defined as compared to fast (e.g., melting) reactions. To aid in integration, the resulting signals were successfully fitted using a generic asymmetric peak model. The enthalpy of backtransformation was determined to be ΔH =−10.37 ± 0.50 kJ mol−1. From previous in situ X-ray diffraction experiments, the location of the direct transformation in P-T space has been constrained to 5.7 ± 0.4 GPa at 500 °C (Kunz et al. 1996). With the reaction volume known from the same study, and assuming that ΔCp of the transformation remains negligible between the conditions of our measurements and 500 °C, our result gives an estimate of the entropy of transition and the P-T slope of the reaction curve. To a first approximation, the values ΔS = −16.00 ± 0.65 J(mol · K)−1 and dP/dT = 0.0040 ± 0.0002 GPa/K have been determined. These results need to be refined by equation of state data for Ca(OH)2-II.
Flow Due to a Moving Pressure Distribution on Free-Surface With Finite-Depth Bottom

Surface elevation and dynamic bottom pressure profiles caused by a moving pressure distribution over the free-surface are obtained. A direct numerical integration approach for the linear, two-dimensional, and steady-state solution has been developed. The behavior of the surface elevation and bottom pressure profiles along with wave resistance for increasing Froude number or depth are presented. The agreement of the wave resistance calculations using the profiles obtained by the current method and the expression given by Newman and Poole (1962) indicates that the current method can be used as a reliable tool for prediction as well as validation for other numerical approximation techniques.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Animal and human CATs with a school sample.

Abstract Fifty-two school children were administered two forms of the CAT two weeks apart. Half received Animal form first and half received Human form first. Each form was scored as to the defense mechanisms and the various signs from a check list utilized. Analysis of the data by chi square revealed essentially no significant agreement between Animal and Human forms in eliciting or not eliciting the same defense mechanisms from a given child except for projection where if a child obtained a critical score on the Human form he most likely obtained one on the Animal form. However, using the check list there seemed to be considerable agreement between the two forms but with certain striking differences such as more negative reactions to the Animal forms. It was concluded that most of the differences obtained were based on pictorial determinants rather than a theoretical difference.
A dimensional analysis of creativity and mental illness: Do anxiety and depression symptoms predict creative cognition, creative accomplishments, and creative self-concepts?

The link, if any, between creativity and mental illness is one of the most controversial topics in modern creativity research. The present research assessed the relationships between anxiety and depression symptom dimensions and several facets of creativity: divergent thinking, creative self-concepts, everyday creative behaviors, and creative accomplishments. Latent variable models estimated effect sizes and their confidence intervals. Overall, measures of anxiety, depression, and social anxiety predicted little variance in creativity. Few models explained more than 3% of the variance, and the effect sizes were small and inconsistent in direction.
A Unified Approach to Path Problems

We describe a general method for solving path problems on directed graphs. Such path problems include finding shortest paths, solving sparse systems of linear equations, and carrying out global flow analysis of computer programs. Our method consists of two steps. First, we construct a collection of regular expressions representing sets of paths in the graph. This can be done by using any standard algorithm, such as Gaussian or Gauss-Jordan elimination. Next, we apply a natural mapping from regular expressions into the given problem domain. We exhibit the mappings required to find shortest paths, solve sparse systems of linear equations, and carry out global flow analysis. Our results provide a general-purpose algorithm for solving any path problem, and show that the problem of constructing path expressions is in some sense the most general path problem.
Safe Direct Current Stimulation to Expand Capabilities of Neural Prostheses

While effective in treating some neurological disorders, neuroelectric prostheses are fundamentally limited because they must employ charge-balanced stimuli to avoid evolution of irreversible electrochemical reactions and their byproducts at the interface between metal electrodes and body fluids. Charge-balancing is typically achieved by using brief biphasic alternating current (AC) pulses, which typically excite nearby neural tissues but cannot efficiently inhibit them. In contrast, direct current (DC) applied via a metal electrode in contact with body fluids can excite, inhibit and modulate sensitivity of neurons; however, chronic DC stimulation is incompatible with biology because it violates charge injection limits that have long been considered unavoidable. In this paper, we describe the design and fabrication of a Safe DC Stimulator (SDCS) that overcomes this constraint. The SCDS drives DC ionic current into target tissue via salt-bridge micropipette electrodes by switching valves in phase with AC square waves applied to metal electrodes contained within the device. This approach achieves DC ionic flow through tissue while still adhering to charge-balancing constraints at each electrode-saline interface. We show the SDCS's ability to both inhibit and excite neural activity to achieve improved dynamic range during prosthetic stimulation of the vestibular part of the inner ear in chinchillas.
MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry: Obtaining reliable mass spectra for insoluble carbonaceous pitches

Abstract The insolubility of high molecular weight (MW) carbonaceous pitches (e.g. mesophases) in even aggressive solvents has always been a significant obstacle to their MW characterization. By using matrix-assisted, laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry with the matrix 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), we are now able to obtain reproducible, highly resolved mass spectra for insoluble pitches. A solvent-free sample preparation technique was developed in which the matrix and pitch sample are combined and ground together to form a fine powder. We then use the high surface tension of water to create a thin uniform coating of the matrix–pitch mixture on the target cell. Laser power and pulsed ion extraction delay were both found to significantly alter the spectra obtained, and a procedure for optimizing each is described. Three carbonaceous pitches were evaluated: an anthracene pitch produced by thermal polymerization, a petroleum pitch similar to A-240 and produced by heat-soaking decant oil, and a high MW cut of this pitch produced by supercritical extraction. The anthracene pitch contained enough lower MW species to serve as a self-matrix, so no TCNQ addition was required. For the high MW cut of petroleum pitch, the use of TCNQ or dithranol revealed the presence of trimers and tetramers at MWs up to 1250 Da.
A Specific Antibody to the Carbohydrate Recognition Domain of the Asialoglycoprotein Receptor RHL1 Subunit Does Not React with RHL2/3 but Blocks Ligand Binding

Abstract The rat asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) is believed to be a hetero-oligomer composed of three subunits, designated rat hepatic lectin 1, 2, and 3 (RHL1, 2, and 3). The carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) of RHL1 and RHL2/3 are 56% identical. We developed a polyclonal antibody that specifically recognizes the CRD of RHL1 but not RHL2/3. When purified ASGPRs were bound to ligand-Sepharose, the CRD of RHL1, but not RHL2 or RHL3, was resistant to digestion with subtilisin. Antibody against purified RHL1 CRD recognized only RHL1 in Western blot analysis of crude cell extracts or purified receptors without detectable cross-reaction to RHL2/3. Although it does not recognize the CRD of RHL2 or RHL3, this antibody specifically inhibited 80–90% of the cell surface or total cellular 125 I-ASOR binding to isolated rat hepatocytes and >90% of ligand binding to purified rat ASGPRs. The antibody also immunoprecipitates active ASGPRs containing all three RHL subunits. The results indicate that homo-oligomeric RHL2/3 complexes, able to bind ASOR, do not form on hepatocytes by subunit rearrangement.
Approaches to identifying genetic variation for complex phenotypes

Abstract Among the most challenging problems human geneticists currently face is how to move from the linkage mapping of genes for complex traits to the identification of genetic variation affecting those traits. In this manuscript, we review a variety of the analytic approaches most recently developed for the fine-mapping and positional cloning of genetic variation for complex phenotypes. These approaches, including multipoint linkage disequilibrium mapping, methods for explaining (in the statistical sense) the evidence for linkage, and combinatorial partitioning, can be quite computationally intensive. We also summarize recent research on rapid screening approaches, given that the number of polymorphisms routinely used in genetic studies is rapidly increasing.
A template for developing next generation parallel Delaunay refinement methods

We describe a complete solution for both sequential and parallel construction of guaranteed quality Delaunay meshes for general two-dimensional geometries. We generalize the existing sequential point placement strategies for guaranteed quality mesh refinement: instead of a specific position for a new point, we derive two types of two-dimensional regions which we call selection disks. Both types of selection disks are inside the circumdisk of a poor quality triangle, with the Type I disk always inside the Type II disk. We prove that any point placement algorithm which inserts Steiner points inside selection disks of Type I terminates, and any algorithm which inserts Steiner points inside selection disks of Type II produces an asymptotically size-optimal mesh. In the area of parallel Delaunay mesh refinement, we develop a new theoretical framework for the construction of graded meshes on parallel architectures, i.e., for parallel mesh generation with element size controlled by a user-defined criterion. Our sufficient conditions of point Delaunay-independence allow to select points for concurrent insertion in such a way that the standard sequential guaranteed quality Delaunay refinement procedures can be applied in parallel to attain the required element quality constraints. Finally, we present a novel parallel algorithm which can be used in conjunction with any sequential point placement strategy that chooses points within the selection disks. We implemented our algorithm for shared memory multi-core architectures and present the experimental results. Our data show that even on workstations with a few cores, which are now in common use, our implementation is significantly faster than the best sequential counterpart.
Orientational phase transitions in quadrupolar strands with itinerant-electrons

Abstract We consider a linear strand of chemically equivalent molecules of spin S = 1 which are free to rotate about their centres of mass fixed to a rigid lattice. The molecules interact via nearest-neighbour quadrupolar interactions and the electrons, occupying a half-filled, tight-binding conduction band, hop between nearest-neighbour molecules only. With a mean-field theory, we study the dependence of the metal-insulator phase transition temperature T c on the quadrupole-quadrupole interaction, the electron-quadrupole interaction as well as the bandwidth of the conduction band.
Effect of atrioventricular synchrony on stroke volume during ventricular tachycardia in man.

Abstract The hemodynamic consequences of atrioventricular (AV) synchrony during ventricular tachycardia were evaluated during cardiac electrophysiologic testing. The relationship between stroke volume and the AV interval was investigated on a beat-by-beat basis in six patients during induced monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Stroke volume was calculated either (1) in the right ventricle using impedance catheter method (four patients) or (2) in the left ventricle using Doppler measurement of aortic blood velocity (two patients). The impedance catheter method underestimated stroke volume by a factor of 4.2 ± 2.4 compared with the thermodilution cardiac output method. However, there was a highly linear relationship between both methods for computing stroke volume ( r > 0.9). Five patients had complete AV dissociation during ventricular tachycardia, and different AV intervals spanned the entire tachycardia cycle lengths. Largest stroke volumes were associated with optimal AV intervals within 120 and 230 msec, resulting in a 97 ± 59% increase in stroke volume over ventricular tachycardia cycles not associated with atrial activity. Customized atrial pacing during ventricular tachycardia may provide a valuable means for artificially establishing the hemodynamically optimal AV interval and eliminating the ventricular tachycardia cycles not preceded by atrial activity.
A swarm intelligence based sample average approximation algorithm for the capacitated reliable facility location problem

Abstract We present a novel hybrid method, swarm intelligence based sample average approximation (SIBSAA), for solving the capacitated reliable facility location problem (CRFLP). The CRFLP extends the well-known capacitated fixed-cost facility problem by accounting for the unreliability of facilities. The standard SAA procedure, while effectively used in many applications, can lead to poor solution quality if the selected sample sizes are not sufficiently large. With larger sample sizes, however, the SAA method is not practical due to the significant computational effort required. The proposed SIBSAA method addresses this limitation by using smaller samples and repetitively applying the SAA method while injecting social learning in the solution process inspired by the swarm intelligence of particle swarm optimization. We report on experimental study results showing that the SIBSAA improves the computational efficiency significantly while attaining same or better solution quality than the SAA method.
Using a Constructed-Response Instrument to Explore the Effects of Item Position and Item Features on the Assessment of Students’ Written Scientific Explanations

A large body of work has been devoted to reducing assessment biases that distort inferences about students’ science understanding, particularly in multiple-choice instruments (MCI). Constructed-response instruments (CRI), however, have invited much less scrutiny, perhaps because of their reputation for avoiding many of the documented biases of MCIs. In this study we explored whether known biases of MCIs—specifically item sequencing and surface feature effects—were also apparent in a CRI designed to assess students’ understanding of evolutionary change using written explanation (Assessment of COntextual Reasoning about Natural Selection [ACORNS]). We used three versions of the ACORNS CRI to investigate different aspects of assessment structure and their corresponding effect on inferences about student understanding. Our results identified several sources of (and solutions to) assessment bias in this practice-focused CRI. First, along the instrument item sequence, items with similar surface features produced greater sequencing effects than sequences of items with dissimilar surface features. Second, a counterbalanced design (i.e., Latin Square) mitigated this bias at the population level of analysis. Third, ACORNS response scores were highly correlated with student verbosity, despite verbosity being an intrinsically trivial aspect of explanation quality. Our results suggest that as assessments in science education shift toward the measurement of scientific practices (e.g., explanation), it is critical that biases inherent in these types of assessments be investigated empirically.
The Rubrics Game

Rubrics are such extremely useful tools for educators, yet their use has not been widely published or addressed in many education journals. Two books—one from 2005 and one very recent—address the topic in a very thorough way. Introduction to Rubrics may be considered the holy grail of the nature of rubrics and their usefulness. Along with an overall rationale for using rubrics, the how to and when to are addressed in both this book and A Complete Guide to Rubrics. The latter book goes into more depth and provides grade-specific and subject-specific approaches to the effective use of rubrics. The books complement each other, and reading them together provides a more holistic view of the subject. The main premise of these books is to help teachers become better graders of students’ work, as well more efficient time managers when grading numerous papers. Introduction to Rubrics Stevens and Levi, professors at Portland State University, have developed a primer on rubrics. They provide basic principles of what rubrics are and detail their standard uses. Additional topics include: general ways to construct a rubric, grading with rubrics, and some discipline-specific rubrics, such as how to construct a rubric for grading laboratory reports. The book is divided into seven chapters, all of them very short. The entire book is a quick read; it took me only a few hours in a single day to read it. The simple language and engaging writing style prepared me to read a more in-depth book on the subject. This book is effective and appropriate for educators with little or no experience using rubrics.
Enhanced‐Rate Biodegradation of Organophosphate Neurotoxins by Immobilized Nongrowing Bacteria

Pesticide wastes generated from livestock dipping operations containing the organophosphate (OP) insecticide coumaphos (CP) are well suited for disposal by biodegradation since they are highly concentrated (approximately 1 g/L), generally contained, and lack additional toxic components. In this study, a significantly enhanced efficiency of degrading CP in cattle dip waste (CDW) is reported using a dense, nongrowing cell population that functions without the addition of nutrients required for growing cell cultures. A recombinant strain of Escherichia coli containing the opd gene for organophosphate hydrolase (OPH), which is capable of active hydrolysis of OP neurotoxins including CP, was cultivated in a rich medium containing all essential nutrients. Cells were harvested and utilized in lab scale experiments in the form of either freely suspended cells or cells immobilized within a macroporous gel matrix, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) cryogel. Significantly higher degradation rates were achieved with either suspended or immobilized OPH(+) cells compared to rates with the microbial consortium naturally present in CDW. Of the two nongrowing cell systems, the detoxification rate with immobilized cells was approximately twice that of freely suspended cells, and kinetic studies demonstrated that a higher maximum reaction rate was achieved with the immobilized cell system. A comparative study using both the CDW and pure CP substrates with free cells indicated that the CDW contained one or more factors that reduced the bioavailability of CP. The immobilized cells retained their activity over a 4-month period of use and storage, demonstrating both sustained catalytic activity and long-term mechanical stability.
Investigation of metal sulfide complexes in sea water using cathodic stripping square wave voltammetry

Cathodic stripping square wave voltammetry has been used to detect H2S in sea water over a wide range of concentrations (nM to mM). The addition of metal ions to the solutions was found to depress the signal. This depression was attributed to the formation of metal sulfide complexes [MHS +, M(HS)2]. Stability constants for the formation of sulfide complexes with Cd2+, Cu2+, Cu+, Pb2+, Co2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Hg2+ have been estimated in sea water at pH 8.0 and 25 °C using this method. The stability constants of cadmium sulfide complexes (log βCdHS = 6.3 and log βCd(HS)2 = 12.7) were found to be in reasonable agreement with previous measurements. The values of log βCuHS = Cu(HS)2 = 13.0; log βPb(HS) = 7.1 and log βPb(HS)2 = 13.5; log βZnHs = 6.0 and log βZn(HS)2 = 13.7, log βFeHS = log βCoHS = log βNiHS = 5.3 and log βMnHS = 6.7 were also obtained. Correction for the formation of strong chloro complexes for Hg2+ and Cu+ in sea water gave measured values close to the literature values. The results have been used to determine the speciation of HS- in surface sea water and of a number of metal ions in various anoxic basins.
Dithiocarbamate-induced biliary platinum excretion and the control of cis-platinum nephrotoxicity.

Abstract Treatment with any one of six different dithiocarbamates subsequent to the administration of cis -platinum (CDDP) is snown to promote the biliary excretion of platinum. The administration of the most effective of these compounds, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) at 1.57 mmol/kg, led to a 30-fold increase in the biliary excretion of platinum. For the other dithiocarbamates investigated, a similar dosage led to increases ranging from approximately 5-fold for sodium iminodiacetic acid dithiocarbamate, to 26-fold for sodium sarcosine dithiocarbamate. The presence of alkyl groups on the nitrogen of the dithiocarbamate increased the effectiveness of the compounds. There is no increase in the platinum levels of the brain when DDTC is used in this manner. A histopathological evaluation of the kidneys of rats given 15 mg CDDP/kg in 6.3% saline with and without the use of dithiocarbamates for renal protection shows significant additional protection due to the use of the dithiocarbamates. Dithiocarbamates given at an appropriate dosing schedule can lead to a significant reduction in the renal damage which is revealed by microphotographs. It is suggested that part of the renal protection obtained by the use of dithiocarbamates may be due to this shift of platinum excretion to the bile which obviates additional renal exposure to platinum. It was also found that the simultaneous injection of a dithiocarbamate with the cis -platinum has no obvious effect on the anti-cancer action of cis -platinum against the Walker 256 carcinosarcoma in rats.
Lithography Focus/Exposure Control and Corrections to Improve CDU at Post Etch Step

As leading edge lithography moves to advanced nodes in high-mix, high-volume manufacturing environment, automated control of critical dimension (CD) within wafer has become a requirement. Current control methods to improve CD uniformity (CDU) generally rely upon the use of field by field exposure corrections via factory automation or through scanner sub-recipe. Such CDU control methods are limited to lithography step and cannot be extended to etch step. In this paper, a new method to improve CDU at post etch step by optimizing exposure at lithography step is introduced. This new solution utilizes GLOBALFOUNDRIES’ factory automation system and KLA-Tencor’s K-T Analyzer as the infrastructure to calculate and feed the necessary field by field level exposure corrections back to scanner, so as to achieve the optimal CDU at post etch step. CD at post lithography and post etch steps are measured by scatterometry metrology tools respectively and are used by K-T Analyzer as the input for correction calculations. This paper will explain in detail the philosophy as well as the methodology behind this novel CDU control solution. In addition, applications and use cases will be reviewed to demonstrate the capability and potential of this solution. The feasibility of adopting this solution in high-mix, high-volume manufacturing environment will be discussed as well.
Observed Implementation of a Science Professional Development Program for K-8 Classrooms

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a teacher professional development program on the classroom teaching practices of the participants. This particular professional development program included an intensive summer institute, 8 monthly follow-up sessions, informal participant-professor mentoring and peer networking. The majority of participants were teachers (grades 4–8) in rural school districts. Qualitative and descriptive measures were used to assess the impact of this program in terms of participants’ science content learned, teacher self-efficacy, classroom teaching performance and an informal program survey.
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Transformation Using Spinacia Oleracea: Saturation Kinetics of the Nitrate Reductase Enzyme

A series of aqueous phase and soil-slurry phase microcosm studies were conducted on 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) to obtain kinetic data for optimizing a treatment protocol using an enzyme extract from spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Crude extract was obtained by homogenization of fresh leaves with a buffered protease inhibitor, and employed as phytoremediation agent. Aqueous phase microcosms containing 20 mg∕L TNT and soil–slurry microcosms containing 1 g of a characterized sandy loam soil contaminated with 2,500 mg∕kg TNT and 1,000 mg∕kg hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine were dosed with fixed aliquots of extract and analyzed for TNT transformation over time. The TNT concentration was monitored using a colorimetric method for nitroaromatic compounds based on EPA Method 8515. Nitrate reductase activity of the applied crude extract was simultaneously quantified. The transformation of TNT was described by a pseudofirst-order reaction. Coupling kinetic rate information with enzyme activity allowed for estim...
Genetic dissection of retinal development

Abstract Retinal development depends on complex interactions between products of thousands of genes and numerous cellular and environmental factors. We are using novel quantitative genetic methods to map and characterize genes that are responsible for the pervasive quantitative differences in the architecture of the eye and the retina. These genes, known as quantitative trait loci (QTLs), may also determine susceptibility to common eye diseases. To map QTLs that generate variation among normal individuals we have analyzed several traits in a wide variety of mice, including standard inbred strains, recombinant inbred strains, wild mice, F1hybrids and intercross progeny. Here we review this approach and give three specific examples of how genes with well-defined functions in retinal development are being mapped and characterized.
Dermatoepidemiology. III. ABC principles for a critical review of the literature

EPIDEMIOLOGY Is the study of disease occurrence in human populations. As a science, epidemiology emphasizes descriptive and analytic observation, clinical trial, behavioral intervention, and the practical utility of diagnostic tests. "Epidemiology" is derived from the Greek epi (among), demos (people), and logos (doctrine). CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY Is the application of epidemiologic principles and methods to problems arising in clinical medicine, dermatology included. For dermatologists, understanding this discipline is as important as mastering other basic sciences, such as immunology, microbiology, and dermatopathology. The recognization of Lyme disease is a classic work of "infectious" disease epidemiology. In 1972, a disease characterized by erythema chronicum migrans and "endemic arthritis" clustered in Lyme, Connecticut. By 1975, an infectious agent was suspected to be the cause of the disease. In 1977, the tick was thought to be the vector; in 1980, the spirochete became the prime suspect and, in 1982, Borrelia burgdorferi was identified as the etiologic agent. The study of hexachlorobenzene exposure, resulting in porphyria turcica, is an example of classic "chronic" disease epidemiology. The illness began in 1955 when sporadic cases of porphyria occurred in eastern Turkey. In 1957, the first case with illness resembling congenital erythropoietic porphyria was described. In subsequent years, over 3000 patients developed "epidemic" porphyria. The cause was due to the ingestion of seed wheat which had been treated with fungicides containing 20% hexachlorobenzene. EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS For research, published elsewhere as Dermatoepidemiology. I., include descriptive observational study, analytic observational study, epidemiologic experimental study and tests for sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive value. Epidemiologic principles, instead, stress the correct interpretation of data, minimization of bias, and the appreciation of natural variations in collected data.
Microarray image compression: SLOCO and the effect of information loss

Microarray image technology is a powerful tool for monitoring the expression of thousands of genes simultaneously. Each microarray experiment produces immense amounts of image data, and efficient storage and transmission require compression that takes advantage of microarray image structure. In this paper we develop a compression scheme for microarray images which can be either lossless or lossy with successive refinements. Existing measures of distortion such as mean squared pixel-wise error and visual fidelity are not appropriate for microarray images. We introduce a new measure of distortion for lossy compression: the sensitivity of microarray information extraction to compression loss. Furthermore, our scheme has a coded data structure that allows fast decoding and reprocessing of image sub-blocks, and includes summary statistics and image segmentation information. The average lossless compression ratio is 1.83:1 for our cDNA test images and 2.43:1 for our inkjet test images, comparable or better than state-of-the-art lossless schemas, yet with additional structure and information. At an average lossy compression ratio of 8:1 for cDNA microarrays, we find that our scheme minimizes the effects of compression loss compared to other algorithms. We show that the variability in differential gene expression levels extracted from lossily vs. losslessly compressed microarray images is less than both the variability between different arrays and the variability between different extraction algorithms. In fact, lossy compression can improve the estimation of gene expression levels for cDNA images.
Preventing catheter-associated bloodstream infections: a survey of policies for insertion and care of central venous catheters from hospitals in the prevention epicenter program.

Objective.To determine the extent to which evidence-based practices for the prevention of central venous catheter (CVC)-associated bloodstream infections are incorporated into the policies and practices of academic intensive care units (ICUs) in the United States and to determine variations in the policies on CVC insertion, use, and care.Design.A 9-page written survey of practices and policies for nontunneled CVC insertion and care.Setting.ICUs in 10 academic tertiary-care hospitals.Participants.ICU medical directors and nurse managers.Results.Twenty-five ICUs were surveyed (1-6 ICUs per hospital). In 80% of the units, 5 separate groups of clinicians inserted 24%-50% of all nontunneled CVCs. In 56% of the units, placement of more than two-thirds of nontunneled CVCs was performed in a single location in the hospital. Twenty units (80%) had written policies for CVC insertion. Twenty-eight percent of units had a policy requiring maximal sterile-barrier precautions when CVCs were placed, and 52% of the units had formal educational programs with regard to CVC insertion. Eighty percent of the units had a policy requiring staff to perform hand hygiene before inserting CVCs, but only 36% and 60% of the units required hand hygiene before accessing a CVC and treating the exit site, respectively.Conclusion.ICU policy regarding the insertion and care of CVCs varies considerably from hospital to hospital. ICUs may be able to improve patient outcome if evidence-based guidelines for CVC insertion and care are implemented.
A program for the computation of bispectra with application to spectral energy transfer in fluid turbulence

Abstract A method to compute the cross bispectrum and the associated variance of several time series is presented. The FORTRAN algorithm for the computation of the bispectrum is given together with its implementation on array processor. Benchmark comparisons between several computers and the array processor are discussed. An application example shows the importance of the bispectra to determine the local energy transfer in fluid mechanics and in particular for stratified turbulent flows. For this particular application, the bispectrum is used to compute one of the one-dimensional energy transfer terms of the Navier-Stokes equations which gives the local energy transfer between any given frequency or wavenumber and all the other frequencies or wavenumbers.
Clinical Pearl: CYP450 genotyping

Attempts to use genotyping for the purposes of “personalizing” the pharmacotherapy of patients with mental illness is a growing clinical practice. As a group of specialists within a healthcare discipline that has an evolving patient care role, it is necessary for psychiatric pharmacists to understand when pharmacogenomics should be considered during clinical care, and how best to use this type of information. While literature reports detail the typing of genes which code for the production of a wide range of proteins, today, psychiatric practitioners are predominantly genotyping CYP450 enzymes.
Comparing wound closure using tissue glue versus subcuticular suture for pediatric surgical incisions: a prospective, randomised trial.

Tissue adhesives have gained favour for quicker and painless closure of lacerations. To compare the tissue adhesive 2-octylcyanoacrylate with our current standard subcuticular suture for closure of surgical incisions in children, looking at outcome measures of time efficiency, cosmesis, and wound complications, a prospective, randomised, controlled trial was conducted at our institution's ambulatory surgery centre. All healthy patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral herniotomies were recruited prospectively with informed consent and randomly allocated to suture or glue. The exclusion criteria were neonates or children with allergy to tissue glue. Time of wound closure was measured from the subcutaneous layer to application of the dressing. An independent, blinded observer assessed cosmesis at 2 to 3 weeks using a validated wound scale ranging from worst (0) to best (6). Parent satisfaction with wound appearance was recorded on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). A total of 59 patients were recruited into the study with 26 in the glue group and 33 in the suture group. There was no difference in mean time of closure (glue 181 ± 62 s vs suture 161 ± 45 s, P = 0.18). Two patients in each group had a suboptimal Hollander wound score of 5 (7.7% glue, 6.1% suture). There was also no difference in parent satisfaction (VAS: glue 78 ± 19 mm vs suture 81 ± 15 mm, P = 0.68). No patient reported any rash, wound infection, or dehiscence. Tissue glue is easy to use with no complications and has equivalent cosmetic results, but is not faster than a subcuticular suture.
WKL0 and induction principles in model theory

Abstract We examine the reverse mathematics of aspects of basic classical and effective model theory, including: existence of homogeneous and saturated models, different type-amalgamation properties, the preorder of models under elementary embeddability, and existence of indiscernibles. Most theorems are equivalent to RCA 0 , WKL 0 , or ACA 0 . Some, however, exhibit peculiar strengths such as ¬ WKL 0 ∨ ACA 0 and WKL 0 ∨ I Σ 2 0 over RCA 0 .
Perspective on “Principles for a direct SCF approach to LCAO-MO ab initio calculations”

The direct self-consistent-field (SCF) method recalculates all two-electron integrals each time they are needed in an SCF calculation. This perspective article discusses how the original paper on direct SCF by Almlof et al. developed the principles by which this could be made efficient and thereby provided an example of the semantic approach to computational chemistry in which algorithm development and coding are not compartmentalized.
On modeling mutual coupling in antenna arrays using the coupling matrix

The coupling matrix is a standard way to represent the mutual-coupling effect between elements in an antenna array. In this paper, two commonly used approaches to determine the coupling matrix are examined, and their limitations are discussed. The coupling matrix obtained from the minimum mean-square error matching of the active and stand-alone element patterns is shown to be more effective than the mutual-impedance approach. The coupling-matrix model is also extended for more complex antenna arrays, and an example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the extended model. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 28: 231–237, 2001.
Selection of Small Peptides, Inhibitors of Translation

Abstract Identification of small molecular weight compounds targeting specific sites in the ribosome can accelerate development of new antibiotics and provide new tools for ribosomal research. We demonstrate here that antibiotic-size short peptides capable of inhibiting protein synthesis can be selected by using specific elements of ribosomal RNA as a target. The ‘h18’ pseudoknot encompassing residues 500–545 of the small ribosomal subunit RNA was used as a target in screening a heptapeptide phage-display library. Two of the selected peptides could efficiently interfere with both bacterial and eukaryotic translation. One of these inhibitory peptides exhibited a high-affinity binding to the isolated small ribosomal subunit (Kd of 1.1 μM). Identification of inhibitory peptides that likely target a specific rRNA structure may pave new ways for validating new antibiotic sites in the ribosome. The selected peptides can be used as a tool in search of novel site-specific inhibitors of translation.
A simple tractor-trailer backing control law for path following with side-slope compensation

Backing of a tractor-trailer system is a problem addressed in many literatures. It is usually solved using various nonlinear-based control methods, which are often not easy to implement or tune and do not consider the influence of side-slope. We propose a two-tier controller that is simple and intuitive, which directly controls the curvature of the trailer's trajectory. It allows the control input to be more directly related to path specification and handles path curvature discontinuity better. A side-slope compensator is designed upon the simple controller to prevent side-slope from deteriorating tracking performance. Experimental results are provided to illustrate the capability of this new algorithm applied to a full scale autonomous vehicle and trailer system in a real field environment using minimal sensing capability. Performance comparison between the compensated and uncompensated systems is also presented. Results demonstrate good performance on modest side-slope.
Work-Family Research: A Broader View of Impact

TAMMY D. ALLENUniversity of South FloridaWe agree with many of the suggestionsmade by Kossek, Baltes, and Matthews(2011) that pertain to future directionsfor work and family research. They poseexcellent avenues for the ﬁeld to take.However, we offer an alternative viewpointwith regard to several of the assertions,both explicit and implicit, made along theway. We ﬁrst address speciﬁc claims madeby Kossek et al. with regard to family-friendly policy implementation, followedby a discussion of impact and the roleresearchers have with regard to the appliedimpact of scientiﬁc research. Finally, wenotetheimportanceofcarefullyconsideringwhen research is ready to be applied.A More Optimistic AssessmentKossek et al. cite research suggesting that(a) employers have been reducing theirofferings of family-friendly beneﬁts and(b) this should be interpreted asasignof thelow impact of work–family research. Ourinterpretation of thecurrent state of affairs ismoreoptimistic.First,thereislittleevidenceto support the claim that work–family poli-cies are on the decline. Our review of