cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reach enhancement of a 10 Gb/s directly modulated laser with demultiplexer filtering

Transmission of a highly chirped 10 Gb/s directly modulated laser over more than 100 km of a non-zero dispersion shifted fiber is demonstrated with Q > 18 dB using filtering effects from a flattop WDM demultiplexer.
Changes of Vertical and Horizontal Pseudoneglect with Aging (P7.290)

OBJECTIVE: When normal subjects are asked to bisect horizontal lines they often deviate to the left, and when bisecting vertical lines they deviate upward (horizontal and vertical pseudoneglect). The goal of this study was to learn if with aging there is a relative change between the magnitude of this vertical and horizontal pseudoneglect. BACKGROUND: The leftward deviation observed in normal subjects when performing the line bisection test has been posited to be related to right hemispheric dominance for mediating spatial attention. The upward bias may be related to the ventral visual stream’s (network) dominance for allocating object centered attention (allocentric). As people age there is a reduction of right hemispheric functional specialization (hemispheric asymmetry reduction in older adults or HAROLD phenomenon). Thus with aging we would expect greater reduction of right hemispheric dominance manifested as a reduction of the magnitude of the leftward horizontal pseudoneglect more than the upward pseudoneglect mediated by the ventral stream. DESIGN/METHODS: Nine healthy older (mean age = 72.33, SD = 5.16) adults and nine healthy younger (mean age = 24.89; SD = 4.20) adults performed 12 trials of vertical line bisection and 12 trials of horizontal line bisection. To determine the deviation, the distance was measured from the top of the line on the vertical bisection task and from the left side of the line on the horizontal bisection task. A ratio of the difference between vertical and horizontal deviation was calculated. RESULTS: The older subjects deviated significantly more vertically than horizontally compared to the younger subjects based on the ratio: (vertical deviation - horizontal deviation) / (vertical deviation + horizontal deviation) (p=.043, one tailed). CONCLUSIONS: These results provide support for the HAROLD phenomena, that with aging there is a relative reduction of leftward horizontal versus upward pseudoneglect. Disclosure: Dr. Douyon has nothing to disclose. Dr. Falchook has received personal compensation for activities with the University of Florida College of Medicine, the Institute for Advancement of Human Behavior, and PeerView Institute for Medical Education. Dr. Heilman has nothing to disclose.
Double whammy: high-severity fire and drought in ponderosa pine forests of the Southwest

We examine regeneration dynamics across landscapes under extreme climate conditions and a human-altered fire regime in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex Lawson & C. Lawson) forests of the ...
Studying microstrip patch antennas using the theory of characteristic modes

The theory of characteristic modes (CMs) has become an increasingly popular and attractive subject for many researchers due to its rising reliability, fast and simple computation, and appealing properties. Numerous amount of research work has been mainly done on antennas made of conducting materials. Unlike the theory application on conducting antennas, there have been fewer publications and quantitative results on antennas made of penetrable or composite materials. And for the first time, an attempt is made in this present work to study and examine both the modified and substructure CMs of microstrip patch antennas (MPAs) owing to their popularity.
Increased diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspirates with flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the most sensitive and specific test for establishing a tissue diagnosis for many gastrointestinal malignancies; however, cytologic morphology alone may not be definitive for subsets of tumors. Our aim was to quantify the impact of the broad application of flow cytometry (FC) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on EUS-FNA diagnostic yield. A retrospective chart review was performed on EUS procedures at a tertiary referral, academic medical center. All EUS-FNA cases performed over a 21-month period were examined. Of 606 EUS procedures reviewed during the period of study, 264 utilized FNA. After pancreatic cyst cases were excluded, 235 EUS-FNA cases for 221 patients were selected for analysis. For cases with subsequent histological evaluation, including the subset utilizing FC/IHC, the sensitivity of EUS-FNA was 89%, specificity was 100%, and accuracy was 91%. One quarter (58/235, 25%) of the tissue specimens underwent further testing by FC/IHC. There were 48 definitive diagnoses made in the subset utilizing FC/IHC. In 20 of the 48 diagnoses (42%), FC/IHC was deemed critical to the diagnosis, and without FC/IHC testing in those cases, the overall sensitivity and accuracy of EUS-FNA would be reduced to 74 and 77%, respectively. FC/IHC allowed for six diagnoses rarely or not previously described by EUS-FNA. Application of FC/IHC improves characterization predominantly for nonadenocarcinoma tumor subtypes and may lead to a diagnostic result for tumors not previously characterized by EUS-FNA. With an adequate tissue sample, broad application of FC/IHC increases the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA.
Different polycomb group CBX family proteins associate with distinct regions of chromatin using nonhomologous protein sequences.

Polycomb group proteins are transcriptional repressors recruited to many developmental control genes. The specificity of polycomb group protein targeting is incompletely understood. Subunits of polycomb repressive complexes (PRC) are encoded by multigene families in vertebrates. Five chromodomain-containing CBX family proteins are thought to mediate chromatin association by PRC1 complexes. We visualized the recruitment of CBX proteins to chromatin using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) analysis, wherein fragments of fluorescent proteins fused to CBX family members and histone H3 form a fluorescent complex when the CBX proteins bind to nucleosomes. Different CBX family proteins associated with nucleosomes in different subnuclear regions in both ES cells and fibroblasts. The total populations of most CBX proteins had distributions distinct from those of the chromatin-associated complexes, indicating that most of these CBX proteins were not bound to nucleosomes. The conserved chromodomain and chromobox regions of CBX proteins were dispensable for chromatin association. The absence of H3 K27 trimethylation in EED null ES cells had minimal effects on chromatin association by CBX proteins. The BiFC complexes did not colocalize with anti-trimethyl-K27 immunofluorescence, with the exception of inactive X. Metaphase spreads derived from stable cell lines with inducible CBX fusion expression revealed reciprocal patterns of chromosome association by CBX2 and CBX6 BiFC complexes. H3.2 purified from CBX2–H3.2 BiFC complexes was enriched in trimethyl-K27, dimethyl-K4, and acetyl-K9 modifications. We conclude that different CBX proteins are recruited to distinct chromatin regions through nonconserved interactions, expanding the regulatory diversity of polycomb group proteins.
Biology and Molecular Epidemiology of Diphtheria Toxin and the tox Gene

Diphtheria toxin (DT) is an extracellular protein of Corynebacterium diphtheriae that inhibits protein synthesis and kills susceptible cells. The gene that encodes DT (tox) is present in some corynephages, and DT is only produced by C. diphtheriae isolates that harbor tox+ phages. The diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR) is a global regulatory protein that uses Fe2+ as co-repressor. Holo-DtxR represses production of DT, corynebacterial siderophore, heme oxygenase, and several other proteins. Diagnostic tests for toxinogenicity of C. diphtheriae are based either on immunoassays or on bioassays for DT. Molecular analysis of tox and dtxR genes in recent clinical isolates of C. diphtheriae revealed several tox alleles that encode identical DT proteins and multiple dtxR alleles that encode five variants of DtxR protein. Therefore, recent clinical isolates of C. diphtheriae produce a single antigenic type of DT, and diphtheria toxoid continues to be an effective vaccine for immunization against diphtheria.
Mutational Analysis of the Integral Membrane Methyltransferase ICMT

The eukaryotic enzyme isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase (ICMT) catalyzes the attachment of a methyl group onto the carboxylate of a lipid-modified cysteine residue at the C-terminus of its protein substrates. This is the final processing step for proteins that contain a C-terminal ‘CAAX' motif, including Ras. Because inhibition of ICMT blocks Ras-induced oncogenic transformation, ICMT is a target for cancer therapy. Human ICMT is predicted to have eight transmembrane helices and it has no discernable homology with soluble methyltransferases. A salient question in understanding the mechanism of this enzyme is how both its water-soluble substrate (S-adenosyl-L-methionine, AdoMet) and its lipophilic substrate (a prenylated cysteine residue) are recognized in the active site. A crystal structure of an integral membrane methyltransferase from a prokaryotic organism was recently determined. The prokaryotic enzyme, which contains five transmembrane helices, has sequence conservation with ICMT in the region that binds AdoMet but has limited conservation elsewhere. In order to identify regions of ICMT that are important for catalytic activity, we mutated roughly half of the residues in ICMT and we interpreted the results with regard to the available structure. The mutants with reduced activity can be classified into two groups. The first class contains residues that form the AdoMet binding site and are conserved with the prokaryotic enzyme. For the second class of inactivating mutants, which is more numerous, there is high sequence conservation among eukaryotic ICMT homologs, but no discernable sequence conservation with the prokaryotic enzyme. This second class may contain residues involved in recognizing the prenylated cysteine substrate in eukaryotes. Our results indicate that the structure of the prokaryotic enzyme is informative for understanding the AdoMet binding site of ICMT and they point to differences between these two enzymes in other respects.
The effects of apology and perspective taking on interpersonal forgiveness: a dissonance-attribution model of interpersonal forgiveness.

The author investigated (a) the effects of a victim's perspective taking and a transgressor's apology on interpersonal forgiveness and (b) forgiveness as a mode of dissonance reduction. Before the participants read a scenario describing a situation in which they imagined being mistreated by a classmate, the author randomly assigned them to 1 of 4 perspective-taking conditions: (a) recalling times when they had mistreated or hurt others (i.e., the recall-self-as-transgressor condition); (b) imagining how they would think, feel, and behave if they were the classmate (i.e., the imagine-self condition); (c) imagining how the classmate would think, feel, and behave (i.e., the imagine-other condition); or (d) imagining the situation from their own (i.e., the victim's/control) perspective. After reading the scenario, the participants read an apology from the classmate. The participants in the recall-self-as-transgressor condition were significantly more likely than those in the control condition to (a) make benevolent attributions, (b) experience benevolent emotional reactions, and (c) forgive the transgressor. The relationship between the perspective-taking manipulation and forgiveness was mediated by the benevolent attributions and positive emotional reactions experienced by the victims.
Effects of Exercise and Diet on Weight Gain During Nicotine Cessation in Rats

The present experiment examined the effects of exercise and the prevention of access to sweet food on nicotine cessation-induced changes in body weight, body fat, and plasma insulin levels in rats. As in previous studies, nicotine administration reduced body weight gain and sweet food consumption, and nicotine cessation increased body weight gain and sweet food consumption. Exercise (swimming) reduced nicotine cessation-induced increases in weight gain and body fat, and reduced plasma insulin levels. Preventing access to sweet food also reduces plasma insulin levels and body fat, but did not reduce weight gain. Insulin sensitivity is discussed as a possible mechanism for changes in body weight resulting from nicotine administration and cessation. In addition, the possible implications of these findings for behavioral and pharmacological interventions to prevent weight gain induced by smoking cessation are presented.
Algebraic methods in quantum mechanics with applications to nuclear and molecular structure

Quantum mechanics is formulated in terms of algebraic structures. Two examples of this formulation are given which apply to nuclear and molecular physics, respectively.
The currency of Indonesian regional textiles: Aesthetic politics in local, transnational, and international emblems

Abstract Indonesian regional textiles that formerly circulated locally for practical and ritual purposes were identified by New Order government authorities for wider marketing to serve the purposes of economic and national development. This article, based primarily on data from a 1996 Indonesian government‐sponsored textile symposium, explores the transformation and representation of particular regional textile genres, as well as the equation by Indonesian developers of idealist aesthetics and marketing success through national guidance. With examples of textiles from Jambi, Sumatra and highland Central Sulawesi, I argue that some Indonesian developers and fashion designers formulated a hierarchical code of aesthetics that was based on commercial markets and homogenizing nationalist goals. In certain respects, this code of aesthetics runs contrary to the financial and symbolic interests of local textile producers and foreign specialists who are offended by what they consider the denigration and pirating ...
Evers and Lakomski’s search for leadership’s holy grail (and the intriguing ideas they encountered along the way)

Critiques the 15‐year research program of Colin W. Evers and Gabriele Lakomski. Significant contributions are highlighted and the significance of each of the highlighted contributions is discussed, since apparent problems with Evers and Lakomski’s substantive contributions to the field are also considered. In addition, critiques Evers and Lakomski’s discipline‐like way of working, which is oriented toward constructing the most inclusive and parsimonious theory that can be developed to make sense of educational administration practice. This disciplinary orientation is judged to be problematic, because, it is argued, educational administration is best conceptualized as a public policy field rather than as an academic discipline. The implications of the public policy field conceptualization are explored and this discussion is used further to highlight positive and problematic features of Evers and Lakomski’s research program.
Triple-Shape Memory Polymers Based on Self-Complementary Hydrogen Bonding

Triple shape memory polymers (TSMPs) are a growing subset of a class of smart materials known as shape memory polymers, which are capable of changing shape and stiffness in response to a stimulus. A TSMP can change shapes twice and can fix two metastable shapes in addition to its permanent shape. In this work, a novel TSMP system comprised of both permanent covalent cross-links and supramolecular hydrogen bonding cross-links has been synthesized via a one-pot method. Triple shape properties arise from the combination of the glass transition of (meth)acrylate copolymers and the dissociation of self-complementary hydrogen bonding moieties, enabling broad and independent control of both glass transition temperature (Tg) and cross-link density. Specifically, ureidopyrimidone methacrylate and a novel monomer, ureidopyrimidone acrylate, were copolymerized with various alkyl acrylates and bisphenol A ethoxylate diacrylate. Control of Tg from 0 to 60 °C is demonstrated: concentration of hydrogen bonding moieties is varied from 0 to 40 wt %; concentration of the diacrylate is varied from 0 to 30 wt %. Toughness ranges from 0.06 to 0.14 MPa and is found to peak near 20 wt % of the supramolecular cross-linker. A widely tunable class of amorphous triple-shape memory polymers has been developed and characterized through dynamic and quasi-static thermomechanical testing to gain insights into the dynamics of supramolecular networks.
Afferent synaptic transmission in a hair cell organ: pharmacological and physiological analysis of the role of the extended refractory period.

One feature of neuronal discharge proposed to play a role in coding temporal information is the relative refractory period that follows each action potential. In neurons innervating hair cells, the...
Sociocultural change and traditional values: Confucian values among Koreans and Korean Americans

Abstract A focus on differences in Western and non-Western value orientations may have obscured variations in values within cultures and the changes that many Eastern societies are undergoing as a result of rapid industrialization and exposure to Western ideas and practices. This study examined these issues in relation to two groups of Koreans, one living in Korea and another that has emigrated to the US, to understand the factors associated with variations among individuals’ endorsement of traditional Confucian values. As predicted, traditional values were less strong among Koreans who were younger, female, and in greater contact with Western ideas in both countries. However, higher education and greater exposure to modern lifestyle had the predicted negative effects on traditional values only among Detroit Koreans. Further analysis revealed no significant interaction between gender and exposure to Western ideas. It thus appeared that the gender disparity in Koreans’ value endorsement was primarily shaped by historically determined gender-biased social experiences. None of the immigration variables (i.e., experience of adaptive limitations and/or of prejudice and discrimination) showed the predicted ethnic affirmation pattern in traditional value endorsement. Yet immigrants’ experience of financial difficulty was significantly associated with their self-reports that their appreciation of Korean values increased since coming to the US. The results reinforce the importance of understanding individuals’ values within their particular evolving socio-cultural-historical contexts.
Age related changes in the control of prolactin secretion in the female rat

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of advancing age on the control of pituitary prolactin secretion. The effects of dopaminergic inhibition and estrogen stimulation of pituitary prolactin secretion were tested both in vivo and in vitro. Estrogen stimulated prolactin secretion in both old and young animals, and elevated estrogen levels in old rats may be partially responsible for elevated prolactin levels. Oral L-DOPA administration induced cycles in old rats but had no effect on prolactin levels in either old or young rats. Injections of L-DOPA lowered prolactin in young but not in old rats, while apomorphine reduced prolactin levels in both groups. The pituitaries of young rats secrete more prolactin in vitro than old pituitaries, further supporting a decrease in hypothalamic DA turnover as a cause for elevated prolactin levels in old rats.
Geography, geopolitics and Empire

Halford Mackinder’s work is drawn upon repeatedly by those who would promote imperialism. Mackinder argued that geography could find a new relevance after the Age of Explorations by serving instead the cause of the New Imperialism. Mackinder’s geography was not only a science of empire, it was also a way of promoting the cause of Empire. In the face of the revival of Mackinder’s work allied with the promotion of an American Empire, we can turn to those among Mackinder’s contemporaries who challenged the use of geography to serve Empire. From the scholarship of these dissidents we can sketch ways to challenge the claims that force is the most important dimension of international relations, that the world divides naturally into mutually hostile camps, and that there are some uses of force that are sanctioned by the promotion of democracy.
Immunoassay of tryptase from human mast cells.

A sandwich ELISA was developed for the measurement of tryptase. The assay utilizes the mouse monoclonal anti-tryptase antibody, termed G5 (IgG2bkappa) in the solid phase and monospecific goat IgG anti-tryptase antibody together with tryptase in the fluid phase. The immunoassay will quantify 0.1 ng−5.6 ng of tryptase per 100 μl of sample solution to within 0.1 ng. Intra-assay coefficients of variation were determined at 0.3 ng, 1.0 ng and 3.0 ng of tryptase per assay, respectively, to be 19%, 7% and 4% with buffer and 10%, 4%, and 4% in the presence of 20% plas,a. Inter-assay coeffients of variation at the same respective levels of tryptase were 22%, 18% and 15% with buffer and 18%, 11% and 14% with 20% plasma. Net absorbance values obtained with a standard amount of tryptase in buffer alone and up to 50% (v/v) normal human citrate-treated plasma were within 10% of one another, indicating nearly complete detection of tryptase added to plasma. This represents the first sensitive immunoassay for a preformed mediator specific for human mast cells.
Appendix B—The work of the United States Geological Survey and cooperating agencies on ground water for war purposes

A report by O. E. MEINZER, published as Appendix B of the annual report of the Committee for 1942–43 [Trans. Amer. Geophys. Union, Part II, pp. 418–420, 1943], describes in some detail the previous work of the United States Geological Survey and cooperating agencies on ground water for war purposes. The geologists from the staff of the Geological Survey listed in that report and several other ground-water geologists have served in the Army during the past year on water-supply assignments. Only sketchy and unofficial information is as yet available concerning the activities of these geologists, but it is believed that they are now all engaged in overseas theaters of warfare and that their services in water-supply and other technical work are of substantial value. In this service they have been supported by ground-water maps and reports furnished by the Geological Survey for the different theaters.
Cholinergic underactivity in human memory disorders.

Abstract An age related decrease in central cholinergic neurons that is particularly severe in patients with senile dementia may underlie the cognitive impairment of the aged. This possibility is supported by pharmacological studies demonstrating a decrement in memory processes following administration of anticholinergic drugs and an improvement in some aspects of memory function following the administration of cholinomimetics. The ability of drugs that increase cholinergic activity to improve cognitive processes in the elderly and patients with senile dementia will probably depend on the degree of cholinergic receptor degeneration in these patients.
Characterization of Two Distinct β2-Microglobulin Unfolding Intermediates that May Lead to Amyloid Fibrils of Different Morphology†

The self-assembly of beta(2)-microglobulin into fibrils leads to dialysis-related amyloidosis. pH-mediated partial unfolding is required for the formation of the amyloidogenic intermediate that then self-assembles into amyloid fibrils. Two partially folded intermediates of beta(2)-microglobulin have been identified experimentally and linked to the formation of fibrils of distinct morphology, yet it remains difficult to characterize these partially unfolded states at high resolution using experimental approaches. Consequently, we have performed molecular dynamics simulations at neutral and low pH to determine the structures of these partially unfolded amyloidogenic intermediates. In the low-pH simulations, we observed the formation of alpha-sheet structure, which was first proposed by Pauling and Corey. Multiple simulations were performed, and two distinct intermediate state ensembles were identified that may account for the different fibril morphologies. The predominant early unfolding intermediate was nativelike in structure, in agreement with previous NMR studies. The late unfolding intermediate was significantly disordered, but it maintained an extended elongated structure, with hydrophobic clusters and residual alpha-extended chain strands in specific regions of the sequence that map to amyloidogenic peptides. We propose that the formation of alpha-sheet facilitates self-assembly into partially unfolded prefibrillar amyloidogenic intermediates.
Patterns of mold sensitivity in the subtropical gulf coast

Abstract Objectives We sought to determine the patterns of mold- and nonmold positive skin tests in a subtropical Gulf Coast climate and to determine whether any particular positive skin tests predict “allergic versus nonallergic” status as shown on the full panel of skin testing. Study design and setting We conducted a retrospective evaluation of serial endpoint allergy skin test results in 75 consecutive patients from a tertiary referral medical center. Results Of the 67 evaluable patients, 58 (86.6%) had a positive skin test to at least 1 antigen. The most common positive skin tests were in response to cockroach, Dermatophygoides farinae, Bermuda grass, false ragweed, mesquite, Stemphylium, Curvularia, short ragweed, and Timothy grass. There were no identifiable groups of antigens that tended to occur together. Screening with a panel of 6 antigens (cockroach, dust mite, cat, rough marsh elder, Timothy grass, and Stemphylium) would have correctly predicted whether the patient would react to any or none of the full panel of antigens. Conclusion Cockroach, dust mite, and a grass were the most common positive skin tests among our patients, with many patients also having positive skin tests to molds. Although there is evidence that cross-reactivity exists among different mold species, we were unable to identify any clusters of mold reacting together in individual patients. In our patient population, a 6-allergen screening panel (cockroach, dust mite, cat, rough marsh elder, Timothy grass, and Stemphylium ) would have accurately distinguished “allergic” from “nonallergic” patients, as demonstrated on the full panel of skin testing. Significance A small (6-antigen) screening panel accurately predicted “allergic” versus “nonallergic” as shown by our full panel of skin testing. This is useful clinically when an “allergic versus nonallergic” etiology of sinonasal symptoms affects treatment choices.
Player guiding in an active video game

The unique challenges in guiding players in an active video game (or exergame) using physical input devices are explored. The solutions discovered through the process of iterative design and multiple rounds of playtesting are discussed.
An interpolation theorem for Hilbert spaces with Nevanlinna-Pick kernel

We prove an interpolation theorem for Hilbert spaces of analytic functions that have the Nevanlinna-Pick property. This result applies to Dirichlet and Dirichlet-type spaces, and in particular a short proof of the theorem by Marshall-Sundberg on interpolating sequences is obtained.
A Method for Quantifying Mechanical Properties of Tissue following Viral Infection

Viral infection and replication involves the reorganization of the actin network within the host cell. Actin plays a central role in the mechanical properties of cells. We have demonstrated a method to quantify changes in mechanical properties of fabricated model three-dimensional (3D) connective tissue following viral infection. Using this method, we have characterized the impact of infection by the human herpesvirus, cytomegalovirus (HCMV). HCMV is a member of the herpesvirus family and infects a variety of cell types including fibroblasts. In the body, fibroblasts are necessary for maintaining connective tissue and function by creating mechanical force. Using this 3D connective tissue model, we observed that infection disrupted the cell’s ability to generate force and reduced the cumulative contractile force of the tissue. The addition of HCMV viral particles in the absence of both viral gene expression and DNA replication was sufficient to disrupt tissue function. We observed that alterations of the mechanical properties are, in part, due to a disruption of the underlying complex actin microfilament network established by the embedded fibroblasts. Finally, we were able to prevent HCMV-mediated disruption of tissue function by the addition of human immune globulin against HCMV. This study demonstrates a method to quantify the impact of viral infection on mechanical properties which are not evident using conventional cell culture systems.
Precise Measurement of the W-Boson Mass at Cdf

This review presents the world's most precise measurement of the W-boson mass mW using data corresponding to ≈ 2.2 fb-1 integrated luminosity collected with the CDF II detector at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). With samples of 470,126 W → eν candidates and 624,708 W → μν candidates, mW is measured to be 80387±12stat ± 15syst = 80387 ± 19 MeV [Phys. Rev. Lett.108, 151803 (2012)]. This result significantly exceeds the precision of all previous measurements and improves the world averaged precision by 30%.
Self-ordered polymers and propagative cell-like systems.

Origin of life data, discussing self ordered polymers, propagative cell-like systems, protenoids, cellular evolution, etc
Metal site-mediated, thermally induced structural changes in Cr6+-silicalite-2 (MEL) molecular sieves.

Cr6+ ions were incorporated into the lattice sites of phase-pure silicalite-2 made using 3,5-dimethylpiperidinium as a structure-directing agent. The materials exhibited a remarkably well-resolved vibronic emission consisting of a high frequency progression of 987 cm–1, which was assigned to the fundamental symmetric stretching mode of the (Si–O−)2Cr(═O)2 group dominated by the terminal Cr═O stretch. A low frequency progression at 214 cm–1, which was assigned to a symmetric O–Cr–O bending mode, was built on each band of the 987 cm–1 progression. Studies of the vibronic structure of the emission spectrum as a function of temperature and Cr ion concentration reveal an abrupt change in the Franck–Condon factor of the emission at 20 K for samples with very low Cr concentrations (0.03 mol %). The change in the Franck–Condon factor is attributed to a temperature-induced structural change in the coordination sphere of the metal ion. This structural change was found to be accompanied by a concomitant structural c...
Predictors of Stress and Coping Strategies of US Accelerated vs. Generic Baccalaureate Nursing Students: An Embedded Mixed Methods Study

Summary Background Stress is an inevitable part of life and is especially pervasive in the lives of nursing students. Identifying the predictors of stress as well as coping strategies used can allow for the implementation of appropriate coping interventions to assist in the management of stress in nursing students. Mixed methods research that has been undertaken to gain an understanding about student stress, especially juxtaposing generic versus accelerated nursing students could not be identified. Objectives (1) Identify predictors of stress between accelerated and generic Baccalaureate Nursing (BSN) students; and (2) Describe stressors and coping strategies used by accelerated students in comparison with generic students. Design Embedded mixed methods study. Setting Accelerated and generic BSN third- and fourth-year nursing students at two Midwestern universities. Participants 210 participants: accelerated ( n =75) and generic ( n =135). Methods A questionnaire packet, including demographics, history of depression, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and open-ended questions were administered to students at the end of a class. Simultaneous multiple regression was used to examine predictors of stress. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Results Predictors of stress for both the accelerated and generic groups included history of depression, year in the program, emotional support, and self-esteem. Fear of failure and clinical incompetence, problematic relationships, and time management issues were identified as major stressors. Coping strategies used by both groups included positive thinking and social support. Conclusions Senior students with a history of depression, low self-esteem, and little social support were more likely to experience high levels of stress. This gives educators the potential to identify at risk students and establish stress reduction programs. Encouraging students to use individualized coping strategies will be beneficial.
Brevital-relaxation treatment of frigidity.

Abstract This report describes a modification of Wolpe's treatment of neurosis by systematic desensitization. The modification consists of using intravenous methohexital sodium (Brevital) to induce deep relaxation and freedom from anxiety preceding and during each treatment session. This appears to obviate preliminary training in relaxation and to hasten desensitization. The technique is being applied to cases of chronic, severe frigidity, a disorder which usually carries a poor prognosis with conventional psychotherapeutic techniques. Preliminary results suggest that the treatment is indeed effective. Marked improvement was obtained with four out of five patients with a mean of eleven desensitization sessions. A large series of cases of severe, intractable frigidity treated by this method with long-term follow-up of results is in progress.
Cicero's first readers: epistolary evidence for the dissemination of his works

The study of the circulation of literary texts in ancient Rome has taken on new significance lately. Recent work on Roman books and their readers has emphasized the difference between the dissemination of texts in the ancient world and publication as we moderns know it, and we have come to see that our understanding of Roman culture and their politics can benefit from a closer examination of how the Romans composed, recited, and released their books. Take, for example, Cicero and the readers of his philosophical works. In the Tusculans , the Academica, De Officiis, De Divinatione , and De Finibns Cicero promoted Latin, in terms very like those of modern linguistic nationalism, as a medium for intellectual discourse at the expense of Greek, and exhorted his readers to follow him in transferring philosophy from Greece to Rome. To choose to write philosophy at this time in Latin instead of Greek was, as Cicero put it, a practical means of increasing Rome's intellectual prestige, a campaign in which he invited his readers to enlist. But to whom was this appeal directed? Who, to Cicero's mind at least, would have been useful in achieving this political goal? From evidence in Cicero's letters to Atticus, we can largely retrace how he disseminated these philosophical books, reconstruct to some degree their original readers, and, most importantly, deduce the grounds on which Cicero selected them. Cicero's choice of audience, and the manner in which he assembled it, throws an interesting light both on his agenda in promoting Latin as a philosophical language as well as on the Roman culture of publication.
Use of low fusing alloy in dentistry

Abstract Statement of problem. Low fusing alloy has been used in dentistry for remount procedures in both fixed and removable prosthodontics, in implant prosthodontics for the fabrication of solid implant casts, in maxillofacial prosthetics as oral radiation shields, and in dental research for its unique properties. Previously, the use of low fusing alloy was thought to offer a high degree of dimensional accuracy. However, multiple in vitro studies have shown that its presumed dimensional accuracy may be questionable. Purpose. This article reviews the physical properties, metallurgical considerations of low fusing alloy, its applications in dentistry, and a safe, simple method of using low fusing alloy. (J Prosthet Dent 1998;80: 540-5.)
Maybe you don't want to face it - College students' perspectives on cyberbullying

We reported focus group data on college-level cyberbullying in a social context.The stigma of cyberbullying in college influences avoidance of the problem.Cyberbullying terminology was often misunderstood affecting case identification.A multi-level intervention was described to shape cultural norms and reduce rates. Cyberbullying is a growing phenomenon in our society with the technological advances that are occurring. This type of bullying can transpire at all hours via text message, email, or social networking sites. According to several studies, college students are being affected by cyberbullying, with prevalence rates ranging from 8% to 21%. Many psychological ramifications exist as a result of cyberbullying among victims and bullies. It is crucial to learn more about how this phenomenon is affecting the social and learning environments in college, as well as how college students view cyberbullying. First and second-year students at a southern university were recruited to participate in this qualitative study. The researchers conducted six focus groups with 54 students. The participants reported reasons for cyberbullying in the college environment, such as retaliation in relationships. Independence and autonomy were discussed as reasons why college students do not report cyberbullying to others when it occurs. Participants discussed future interventions to reduce cyberbullying that included coping strategies, utilizing university services, and engaging in legal action. The authors recommend utilizing a multi-level Socio-Ecological approach to reduce cyberbullying rates. Additionally, evaluation research needs to be conducted on what works and what does not in the prevention of cyberbullying.
Study of myelin purity in relation to axonal contaminants.

Axonal remnants are considered a probable source of contamination of isolated myelin in view of the relatively tight axon-glial intercellular junction. Using the rabbit optic system to label specifically axonal components, we have found the levels of such contaminants to depend on the myelin isolation procedure, the tissue source, and the nature of the contaminant. A procedure employing repetitive treatments with EGTA was found to be highly effective in removing proline-labeled axonal proteins, the estimated upper limit of such contamination being approximately 0.6–1.2% of the myelin protein. The standard isolation procedure of Norton and Poduslo, supplemented with an additional discontinuous gradient step, proved equally effective in removing rapidly transported proteins from myelin isolated from the superior colliculus or lateral geniculate body. When the optic tract was the source, however, the EGTA procedure proved more effective in removing both rapidly and slowly transported proteins. Axonal gangliosides labeled with N-[ 3 H]acetylmannosamine were efficiently removed by both procedures, adding support to the proposition that gangliosides detected in isolated myelin are intrinsic to that membrane.
Early Risk Factors for Postinjury Multiple Organ Failure

Epidemiologic studies, based on retrospective data from heterogeneous populations with poor control of confounders, led early investigators to conclude that infection was the overriding risk factor for multiple organ failure (MOF). More recent studies have convincingly shown that MOF frequently occurs in the absence of infection. Consequently, we have shifted our research focus away from the traditional infectious models of MOF to the newer "one-hit" and "two-hit" inflammatory models. Clinically, we have chosen to study trauma patients because they are a relatively homogeneous group with a low incidence of common confounders. Trauma also permits a clear distinction between the first insult and the outcome, both temporally and with respect to the definition criteria. In this review we discuss the background, rationale, and our initial attempts to use indicators of the first insult (i.e., tissue injury quantification and clinical signs of shock) and indicators of the host response (i.e., systemic inflammatory response syndrome) to predict MOF early after injury.
Pressure relaxation of polystyrene and its comparison to the shear response

Isothermal pressure relaxation as a function of temperature in two pressure ranges has been measured for polystyrene using a self-built pressurizable dilatometer. A master curve for pressure relaxation in each pressure regime is obtained based on the time–temperature superposition principle, and time–pressure superposition of the two master curves is found to be applicable when the master curves are referenced to their pressure-dependent Tg. The pressure relaxation master curves, the shift factors, and retardation spectra obtained from these curves are compared with those obtained from shear creep compliance measurements for the same material. The shift factors for the bulk and shear responses have the same temperature dependence, and the retardation spectra overlap at short times. Our results suggest that the bulk and shear response have similar molecular origin, but that long-time chain mechanisms available to shear are lost in the bulk response. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 3375–3385, 2007
The Spiders of the Madeira Islands

WHEN in the Madeira Islands a few years ago I collected some spiders, which have now been kindly determined by Dr. N. Banks. Although the collection is small and relatively unimportant, it suggests some problems of general interest. At and about Funchal, Madeira, I obtained Cyrtophora citricola Forsk., Epeira crucifera Lucas, Mangora acalypha Walck., Teutana grossa Koch, Lepthyphantes tenuis Blk., Xysticus insulanus Thor., Clubionadecora Blk., and Chiracanthium albidulum Blk. In the island of Porto Santo I collected Lycosa maderiana Walck. (abundant under stones), Pholcus phalangioides Fuessl. (in an outhouse), Argiope trifasciata Forsk. (this African species also abounds in Madeira), Ariadne portosancti Kulcz., Dysdera crocata Koch, Dictyna (Ergatis) puella Sim., Epeira crucifera Lucas, Ero aphana Walck., Xysticus insulanus Thor., Thanatus vulgaris Sim., Teutana grossa Koch, and Zilla x-notata Clerck.
Manager-Physician Relationships: An Organizational Theory Perspective

Manager-physician relationships are a critical determinant of the success of health care organizations. As the health care industry is moving toward a situation characterized by higher scarcity of resources, fiercer competition, more corporitization, and strict cost-containment approaches, managers and physicians should, more than ever, work together under conjoint or shared authority. Thus, their relationship can be described as one of high rewards, but also of high risk because of the wide range of differences that exist between them: different socializations and trainings resulting in different worldviews, value orientation and expectations and different cultures. In brief, managers and physicians represent different "tribes," each with its language, values, culture, thought patterns, and rules of the game. This article's main objective is to determine the underlying factors in the manager-physician relationship and to suggest ways that make this relationship more effective. Four different organizational perspectives will be used. The occupational perspective will give insights on the internal characteristics of the occupational communities of managers and physicians. The theory of deprofessionalization of physicians will also be discussed. The structuring perspective will look at the manager-physician relationship as a structure in the organization and will determine the effects of contextual factors (size, task uncertainty, strategy, and environment) on this relationship and the resulting effect on performance and effectiveness of the organization. The culture and control perspective will help detect the cultural differences between managers and physicians and how these interact to affect control over the decision-making areas in the hospital. The power, conflict, and dialectics perspective will shed the light on the conflicting interests of managers and physicians and how these shape the "power game" in the organization. Consequently, a theoretical model of manager-physician relationships that encompasses all these perspectives is developed.
Sovereignty at What Scale? An Inquiry into Multiple Dimensions of Food Sovereignty

AbstractFood sovereignty has struggled to make inroads into changing the structures and processes underlying the corporate food regime. One reason is that scale is still underspecified in the politics, strategies, and theories of food sovereignty. We suggest that much can be learned from examining the multiple dimensions of scale inherent in ongoing food sovereignty struggles. A gap exists between these in vivo experiments and the maturing academic theory of scale. The concept of ‘sovereignty’ can be opened up to reveal that movements, peoples, and communities, for example, are creating multiple sovereignties and are exercising sovereignty in more relational ways. Relational scale can aid movements and scholars to map and evaluate how spatial and temporal processes at and among various levels work to reinforce dominant agri-food systems but could also be reconfigured to support progressive alternatives. Finally, we apply relational scale to suggest practical strategies for realizing food sovereignty, usin...
Thermal sensor properties of cermet resistor films on silicon substrates

Abstract Ni–ZrO2 cermet films (∼1.0 μm thick), with thermal sensitivity superior to Pt and Ni films, were deposited onto Si substrates using a metallo-organic deposition (MOD) technique. Film structure was developed through controlled, reduced atmosphere sintering at 750±50°C for ≤30 min. Resistivity values (ρ) for the cermet films (55±10 vol.% Ni) were in the range of 2.5×10−4–6.5×10−2 Ω cm, with linear temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), i.e. α of up to 4200 ppm/°C. Figure of merit values, defined as the ρα product in these thermal sensors, were of the order of 3×10−6 and up to 1.6×10−4 Ω cm/°C for films with rare earth additives. This compares with ρα of ∼2.6×10−7 and 4.4×10−8 Ω cm/°C for Pt based and Ni films, respectively. With these superior sensor properties, the cermet resistor films offer design advantages in size and sensitivity for thermal and flow sensor applications, including low power Joule heating, high gas flow response, and high bolometer response to IR radiation.
Analysis of CFAR performance in Weibull clutter

Recent interest has focused on order statistic-based (OS-based) algorithms for calculating radar detection thresholds. Previous analyses of these algorithms are extended, to determine closed-form approximations for the signal-to-clutter ratio required to achieve a particular probability of detection in clutter environments whose amplitude statistics are modeled by the Weibull distribution, and where the clutter dominates receiver noise. Performance is evaluated in both homogeneous and inhomogenous clutter. The analysis shows that the OS-based algorithm is quite robust against both interference and clutter edges. A method is suggested for improving performance at clutter inhomogeneities for short-range targets. >