cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxidation kinetic studies of zinc sulfide in a fluidized bed reactor

Kinetic studies of the oxidation of zinc sulfide were carried out in a fluidized bed reactor over a temperature range of 740° to 1000°C with O-N gas mixtures of 20 to 40 pct O2. A mathematical model was developed to describe the overall conversion of the solids. Application of the model to the experimental data indicated that the chemical reaction at the outer boundary of the unreacted sulfide core was the rate-limiting step for the process. The temperature dependence of the kinetic constant corresponded to an activation energy of 40,250 cal per mole. Oxygen starvation in the bed was not limiting in any of the experimental runs, but an increase in the inlet-oxygen mole fraction resulted in a substantial increase in reaction rate.
Understanding same-sex male and female partners’ restrained eating in the context of their relationships:

This study examined weight status and dietary restraint among same-sex couples using Actor–Partner Interdependence Models. Body mass indices and restrained eating behaviors (i.e., cognitive dietary restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating) were assessed for members of 144 same-sex couples (72 lesbian and 72 gay couples; mean age = 33.74 years, standard deviation = 11.27 years). Results indicated that both men and women who were relatively heavy and who had relatively thin partners were at particular risk of engaging in restrained eating. These findings extend our understanding of partner comparison processes within the context of same-sex relationships in determining men and women’s eating behaviors.
The (p,n) Reaction at Intermediate Energy

If the effective interaction for the (p, n) reaction were the free N-N force, and the free N-N force were the one pion exchange force, then the 12C(p,n)12N spectrum at 0o would look just like what is actually seen in a recent 120 MeV experiment (see fig. 1). Inverting the statement to claim that fig. 1 shows that the effective force is that of the one pion exchange potential would be overstating the case. It is, however, fair to say that new data in the 100–200 MeV energy range suggest an OPEP-like interaction with its characteristic spin-isospin operator, while at lower energy (p,n) spectra look qualitatively different with the spin independent IAS transition dominating the spectrum.
Sperm Autoantigens Recognized by Autoantibodies in Developing Rats Following Prepubertal Obstruction of the Vas Deferens

: Sperm protein autoantigens recognized by serum antisperm autoantibodies during development following vas deferens obstruction were studied using western blot analysis. At age 10 days, rats in an obstructed group underwent bilateral ligation and division of the vas deferens, whereas animals assigned to a sham group received a sham operation. At ages 14, 21, 35, 56, 91, and 128 days, rats were sacrificed and blood samples were obtained. Sperm antigens were recognized infrequently and with low intensity by most sera obtained at ages 14 through 56 days. Subsequently, the incidence as well as the intensity of staining of antigens in blots increased at 91-and 128-day intervals in obstructed animals. The increase in antisperm antibodies correlated with the appearance of sperm throughout the epididymis at approximately 56 days postnatally. A set of autoantigens including proteins migrating at 82-78, 76-73, 68, 57, 54, 48, 44, 42, 38–42, 36, and 22 kDa were recognized with the highest frequency and intensity after puberty. A 42-kDa protein appeared to be one of the first autoantigens recognized when obstructed animals underwent sexual maturation. Although individual animals recognized different patterns of sperm autoantigens, a repertoire of 10–12 autoantigens dominated the antisperm antibody response when obstructed animals underwent sexual maturation.
Creativity is Our Tradition at the Institute of American Indian Arts Museum.

Creativity is Our Tradition. The Institute of American Indian Arts Museum, Santa Fe, NM. (Permanent Installation).
Teaching vs. Preaching: EC2000 and the Engineering Ethics Dilemma

The recently revised accreditation criteria issued by ABET have stirred renewed discussion of how and why to teach engineering ethics. This paper suggests that demonstrating students “understand ethics” need not (indeed, should not) imply that we assess whether our students “behave ethically,” either before or after graduation. Suggestions are provided for an approach focused on teaching ethics rather than preaching ethics, potential counter-arguments are considered, and references to key resources in the engineering ethics literature are included.
Evaluation of the clinical performance of automated proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in children

Rationale and Objectives. Because expeditious neuroimaging is imperative in pediatric patients, we evaluated automated procedures for proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H MRS) of the brain of children. Methods. 1 H MRS was performed on a 1.5-T GE Signa. The protocol included stimulated echoacquistion mode and spin-echo point resolved spectroscopy. The automated routine included adjustment of first-order gradient shims ( x, y, z1 ) to optimize magnetic field homogeneity, transmit power, center frequency, receiver gain, and water suppression. All spectra were processed with the use of spectroscopy analysis software from General Electric on a Sun workstation. Results. The use of the automated procedures reduced the length of our 1 H MRS protocol by 50%. Magnetic field homogeneity was within our accepted standards (7±2 Hz). Water suppression was within range of our accepted factors (1000–10,000). However, on certain occasions, baseline distortions affected resonances in the 3.22–4.04 ppm range. Conclusions. Shortening of the time required for clinical 1 H MRS will increase its application in evaluating children.
Matrix fraction descriptions and output regulation and tracking for linear systems over commutative rings

A theory of matrix fraction descriptions and output regulation and tracking is developed for linear systems over commutative rings.
In vivo laser speckle imaging reveals microvascular remodeling and hemodynamic changes during wound healing angiogenesis

Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a high-resolution and high contrast optical imaging technique often used to characterize hemodynamic changes in short-term physiological experiments. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of LSCI for characterizing microvascular remodeling and hemodynamic changes during wound healing angiogenesis in vivo. A 2 mm diameter hole was made in the mouse ear and the periphery of the wound imaged in vivo using LSCI over 12 days. We were able to visualize and quantify the vascular and perfusion changes that accompanied wound healing in the microenvironment proximal to the wound, and validated these changes with histology. We found that consistent with the stages of wound healing, microvessel density increased during the initial inflammatory phase (i.e., day 0–3), stayed elevated through the tissue formation phase (i.e., until day 7) and returned to baseline during the tissue remodeling phase (i.e., by day 12). Concomitant “wide area mapping” of blood flow revealed that tissue perfusion in the wound periphery initially decreased, gradually increased from day 3–7, and subsided as healing completed. Interestingly, some regions exhibited a reestablishment of tissue perfusion approximately 6 days earlier than the ~18 days usually reported for the long term remodeling phase. The results from this study demonstrate that LSCI is an ideal platform for elucidating in vivo changes in microvascular hemodynamics and angiogenesis, and has the potential to offer invaluable insights in a range of disease models involving abnormal hemodynamics, such as diabetes and tumors.
A deuterium isotope effect on the lifetime of the second triplet state of naphthalene

Abstract From a Stern-Volmer kinetic analysis of the naphthalene-T2 sensitized reaction of endodicyclopentadiene with benzene as the intermediate excitation carrier, it was concluded that deuterium substitution increases the T2-lifetime of naphthalene. An isotope effect of 1.4 ± 0.3 was observed for per-deuteronaphthalene.
Augmentation of Heat Transfer in Tubes by Use of Mesh and Brush Inserts

This paper summarizes the results of a study to determine the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of two types of tube inserts developed specifically for augmenting heat transfer and accommodating high heat fluxes. The best performing mesh-insert tubes exhibited heat transfer coefficients nine times the coefficients with empty tubes while brush-insert tubes had coefficients averaging five times the empty tube values, both comparisons being made at equal mass velocity. Both inserts produced very large pressure drops. Subcooled boiling curves and burnout points are presented; burnout heat fluxes are two to three times the empty tube values at equal mass velocity. For single-phase conditions and for burnout, the mesh and brush tubes have favorable performance characteristics, based on pumping power, which suggest use of these inserts in certain special cooling systems.
Effectiveness of a voluntary code of conduct in reducing vessel traffic around dolphins

Abstract A voluntary “rest period” to supplement mandatory regulations off Kaikoura, New Zealand, was effective in reducing, but not eliminating vessel traffic around dolphin groups. The non-rest periods had a mean of 2.63 interactions/h, significantly more than the rest period's mean 1.46 interactions/h. Mean interactions per hour during rest and non-rest periods was significantly different for weekdays, but not for weekends. Without education that targets users on the presence of voluntary codes of conduct, why they were developed and the benefits to the animals and community in following the regulations, it is unlikely that participation will be sustained.
ATP synthases—Structure of the F1-moiety and its relationship to function and mechanism

A great deal of progress has been made in understanding both the structure and the mechanism of F1-ATPase. The primary structure is now fully known for at least five species. Sequence comparison between chloroplast, photobacteria, aerobic bacteria, and mitochondrial representatives allow us to infer more general functional relationships and evolutionary trends. Although the F1 moiety is the most studied segment of the H+-ATPase complex, there is not a full understanding of the mechanism and regulation of its hydrolytic activity. The beta subunit is now known to contain one and probably two nucleotide binding domains, one of which is believed to be a catalytic site. Recently, two similar models have been proposed to attempt to describe the "active" part of the beta subunits. These models are mainly an attempt to use the structure of adenylate kinase to represent a more general working model for nucleotide binding phosphotransferases. Labelling experiments seem to indicate that several critical residues outside the region described by the "adenylate kinase" part of this model are also actively involved in the ATPase activity. New models will have to be introduced to include these regions. Finally, it seems that a consensus has been reached with regard to a broad acceptance of the asymmetric structure of the F1-moiety. In addition, recent experimental evidence points toward the presence of nonequivalent subunits to describe the functional activity of the F1-ATPase. A summary diagram of the conformational and binding states of the enzyme including the nonequivalent beta subunit is presented. Additional research is essential to establish the role of the minor subunits--and of the asymmetry they introduce in F1--on the physiological function of the enzyme.
Effects of natural intramammary Corynebacterium bovis infection on milk yield and composition.

Abstract The objective was to assess effect of Corynebacterium bovis infection of the bovine mammary gland on milk yield and composition. Yield and composition of milk from 53 Corynebacterium bovis infected quarters of 44 cows at four consecutive milkings were compared with those of the contralateral uninfected quarters. Differences between infected and uninfected quarters in milk, fat, and protein yield and in fat and protein content were small and statistically nonsignificant. Numbers of somatic cells were moderately but significantly higher (119,000 vs. 79,000 cells/ml) in infected than in uninfected quarters.
Use of the MANTRELS score in childhood appendicitis: a prospective study of 187 children with abdominal pain.

We report an evaluation of the MANTRELS clinical score in predicting appendicitis in a prospectively studied pediatric population presenting with abdominal pain. One hundred eighty-nine independent episodes from 187 children 2 to 17 years old were studied. For the group as a whole and for the individual groups less than 16 years old, the score failed to satisfactorily discriminate those with appendicitis from those without. Had the MANTRELS score been used to determine observation and laparotomy in our patients, 21 additional patients would have been unnecessarily hospitalized, and 16 would have been subjected to unnecessary laparotomies. One patient would have received appropriate intervention earlier. In the 40 children 16 and 17 years old, the MANTRELS score adequately distinguished the two groups. A seven-variable discriminant function, derived from stepwise discriminant analysis, performed slightly better but showed essentially the same findings as the MANTRELS score. We believe the MANTRELS score failed to predict appendicitis in younger children because it does not contain variables that allow for separation of appendicitis from the numerous other conditions mimicking it in the pediatric population. The clinician remains the best judge of the acute abdomen in the pediatric age group.
CO2 Fixation in Opuntia Roots

Nonautotrophic CO 2 metabolism in Opuntia echinocarpa roots was studied with techniques of manometry and radiometry. The roots were grown in a one-quarter strength nutrient solution for several days; the distal 2 cm was used for physiological studies. The roots assimilated significant quantities of 14 CO 2 and appeared to show a crassulacean-type acid metabolism with respect to quality and quantity. Most of the 14 C activity was associated with the distal portion of the elongating root indicating correlation with metabolic activity. The 14 CO 2 assimilation was comparable to a crassulacean leaf succulent, but 3 times greater than that found for stem tissue of the same Opuntia species. The rates of O 2 and CO 2 exchange and estimated CO 2 fixation were 180, 123, and 57 μl/g per hour. A respiratory quotient of 0.66 was found. The products of 14 CO 2 fixation were similar in most respects to reported experiments with leaf succulents. Equilibration of the predominant malic acid with isocitric, succinic, and fumaric acids was not evident. The latter observation was interpreted as metabolic isolation of the fixation products rather than poor citric acid cycle activity. A rapid turnover of the fixed 14 CO 2 was measured by following decarboxlyation kinetics and by product analysis after a postincubation period. The first order rate constant for the steady state release was 4.4 × 10 −3 min −1 with a half-time of 157.5 minutes. Amino acids decayed at a more rapid rate than organic acids.
Breaking the ice with a gutted rooster: reflections on a messy day one

Based on an experience in an MBA Human Resource Management classroom, this paper traces the process of my reflection on an icebreaker discussion of “best” and “worst” student jobs. I indicate how I developed second thoughts about the way in which I handled the discussion, concerned that making light of messy jobs might encourage the class of future managers to do the same. The journey includes the input of a fellow colleague who helped spur me to articulate more clearly – for myself and for my students – that which I am willing to profess as a management professor. In noting how I came up short in relation to my human relations training and my own personal values, I hope the paper prompts discussion of private and public reflection, helping sharpen the connections between espoused and expressed values in the classroom and beyond.
The Prevalence of ‘Alexithymic’ Characteristics in Psychosomatic Patients

An attempt is made in this paper to investigate the prevalence among patients who suffer from various psychosomatic diseases, of a relative constriction in emotional functioning, poverty of fantasy life, and inability to find appropriate words to describe their emotions. For lack of a better term, I call these characteristics ‘alexithymic’. Twenty-five psychosomatic patients outnumbered 25 control patients by better than two to one as far as possession of these ‘alexithymic’ characteristics. The question is raised whether these defects are due to biological or developmental factors, and the conclusion is reached that patients with these characteristics may not be good candidates for dynamic psychotherapy.
AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF AFFECTIVE RESPONSE IN THE MEASUREMENT OF ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an affective response affects the dimensionality of perceptual measures of organizational climate. To accomplish this 8,938 nonsupervisory employees of a large utility completed both an organizational climate questionnaire and a measure of job satisfaction. The raw scores on the climate instrument were factor analyzed. Then the job satisfaction scores were partialed out of the intercorrelations of the items making up the climate instrument and the residual scores were submitted to a factor analysis. The results suggest that partialing job satisfaction out of responses to an organizational climate questionnaire served to improve the dimensionality of the climate instrument.
A Successful Writing Program: Peer Tutors Make Good Teachers

(1982). A Successful Writing Program: Peer Tutors Make Good Teachers. Improving College and University Teaching: Vol. 30, No. 3, pp. 115-119.
It takes two to tango: female movement facilitates male mate location in wild northern watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon)

To facilitate location of mating partners, females of many taxa emit chemical signals (i.e., sex pheromones) to inform male conspecifics of their location and reproductive status. Males subsequently alter their movements to increase their likelihood of encountering females and this movement has been historically viewed as a primary determinant of mate location. However, because of the method of female sex pheromone release, particularly via terrestrial trails, female movement likely contributes to mate location; however, information on this topic is lacking. We monitored the movements of 27 free-ranging radio-equipped adult female northern watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon) during the 2007–2009 mating seasons to determine if females employed movement tactics to facilitate location by males. For a limited period following shedding, female movement increased. During this period, they were approximately five times more likely to be located by a male than during the remainder of the mating period. Further, females experienced maximum male mate location following shedding. Because increased movement is associated with increased costs, females may minimise these costs by restricting this risky behavior to a limited period of time when their attractiveness and/or receptiveness is presumed to peak.
Periosteal Chondrosarcoma of the Maxilla

Primary chondrosarcomas of the head and neck region are exceedingly rare neoplasms. These lesions have clinical and histologic characteristics that make them difficult to discern from benign chondr...
Mars Sample Return using commercial capabilities: Mission architecture overview

Mars Sample Return (MSR) is the highest priority science mission for the next decade as recommended by the recent Decadal Survey of Planetary Science. This paper presents an overview of a feasibility study for a MSR mission. The objective of the study was to determine whether emerging commercial capabilities can be used to reduce the number of mission systems and launches required to return the samples, with the goal of reducing mission cost. The major element required for the MSR mission are described and include an integration of the emerging commercial capabilities with small spacecraft design techniques; new utilizations of traditional aerospace technologies; and recent technological developments.
Dense bodies in silver-stained spermatocytes of the chinese hamster: behavior and cytochemical nature

From the silver staining behavior of various organelles in the nucleus we have divided meiotic prophase (leptotene to the diffuse stage) of the male Chinese hamster into five stages. Components within the nucleus, such as synaptonemal complex (SC), sex bivalent (SB), nucleolus organizer regions (NORs), chromatin and the dense bodies, showed a characteristic feature in each stage of meiotic prophase. The lampbrush chromosome stage was found to be followed by the diffuse stage. The chromatin around SC began to be organized at early pachytene and formed a brush-like structure at late pachytene. During early prophase stages a dramatic change in SB morphology occurred. Three types of morphology of SB were recognized: (1) the XY pair with long synapsis and fusiform or diffuse thickening of the unpaired portions (late zygotene and early pachytene), (2) desynapsed, thread-like axes seen at midpachytene, and (3) multistranded, branched, and anastomosed axes seen at late pachytene.
Communication Disturbances in Relatives Beyond the Age of Risk for Schizophrenia and Their Associations With Symptoms in Patients

This article provides a detailed examination of subclinical disturbances in the natural speech of healthy relatives beyond the age of risk for schizophrenia. Speech samples from 43 stable schizophrenia outpatients, 42 nonschizophrenia parents of patients (pairs only), and 23 control subjects matched to the parents were analyzed for frequencies of six specific types of communication failures. The parents had higher overall communication disturbance ratings than the control subjects. The specific types of failures that occurred more frequently were unclarities caused by (1) language structural breakdown, (2) use of vague, overinclusive words, and (3) use of words with ambiguous meanings. In intrafamilial analyses, higher levels of communication disturbance in parents were associated with greater severity of illness in their patient offspring. These results support the idea that communication disturbances may be one manifestation of a stable genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia. The nature of the failures identified suggests the possible involvement of weaknesses in specific areas of cognitive functioning.
Anomalous magnetic moment of electron and constraint on composite weak-interaction bosons.

We examine the possibility of the existence of composite weak-interaction bosons. Constraints from the anomalous magnetic moment of the electron are used to determine upper limits on the couplings of the bosons, an entire spectrum of which may exist in the composite model. It is found that the coupling of a singlet or triplet pseudoscalar to leptons is very small. This explains the V,A nature of weak interactions. It is assumed that composite bosons have a structure similar to mesons where the constituents are preons instead of quarks. The present experimental status, although in perfect agreement with the standard model, does not rule out composite bosons. We consider the possible signals for compositeness, including the anomalous ${e}^{+}$${e}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$\ensuremath{\gamma} events.
Forecasting medical cost inflation rates

Due to healthcare costs rising faster than overall cost of living, decision makers (i.e., households, businesses, and governments) must cut back on healthcare utilization or spending elsewhere to be fiscally responsible. Accurate forecasts of future medical costs are critical for efficient planning, budgeting and operating decisions at all levels. This research compares the accuracy of the linear autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model and the nonlinear neural network model in producing forecasts of medical cost inflation rates. The analysis focuses on twelve monthly measures of medical costs including the overall medical care price index and eleven (disaggregated) subsectors of medical costs. In addition to standard symmetric measures of forecast accuracy, we utilize two asymmetric error measures designed to capture and penalize preferences for under- and overprediction in model selection. The findings indicate that the neural network model outperforms the univariate ARMA in both 1-step and 12-step ahead forecasts. A number of important practical implications are discussed, such as the use of accurate forecasts in contract negotiations, budgeting and planning. Highlights? It compares ARMA model with neural network model in medical cost inflation rates forecasting. ? We find that the neural network model outperforms the univariate ARMA in both 1-step and 12-step ahead forecasts. ? A number of important practical implications are discussed.
Quantitative Methods in Suicide Research: Issues Associated With Official Statistics

A practical and basic discussion of the nature and use of official statistics reveals strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of such data in understanding and describing deaths by suicide. Specific...
Political Talk Radio: A Stereotype Reconsidered

Despite its popularity and controversial character, few studies of political talk radio have been conducted. Little evidence for the hypothesis that political talk radio leads to alienation, social and political isolation, cynicism, and political withdrawal was found among a population-based sample of 525 adults in San Diego, California. Respondents reported widespread exposure to talk radio, although they often did not discriminate accurately among political, nonpolitical, and other program ming. Exposure was associated with traditional forms of political participation, beliefs in self-efficacy linked to specific political behaviors, and psychological involvement in politics. Increased penetration of the public may have altered the nature of the political talk radio audience so that exposure to talk radio is more closely associated with customary forms of political involvement than with social and political alienation.
A Mechanistic Study of Vanadium-Sorbent Surface Interaction at High Temperature

A mechanistic study of vanadium-sorbent interaction at high temperature was conducted to investigate the underlying mechanisms of sorbent injection for controlling vanadium emissions from combustion systems. Both calcium- and silica-based sorbents successfully reduced the formation of vanadium submicron particles. The capture of vanadium was found to correlate well with sorbent surface area, demonstrating that the dominant mechanism was condensation. Bimodal lognormal modeling based on the experimental conditions verified that condensation on injected sorbents was a very effective means of scavenging vanadium vapor. However, if vanadium vapor quickly nucleated (e.g., through gas phase hydrolysis in the studied system) to form a large number of ultrafine particles, their much larger specific surface area overshadowed that of the sorbent particles and scavenged the rest of the vanadium vapor. Using the residence times employed in this study, intra-coagulation of and condensation onto these ultrafine vanadiu...
Identification by functional proteomics of a deubiquitinating/deNeddylating enzyme in Plasmodium falciparum

Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification implicated in a variety of cellular functions, including transcriptional regulation, protein degradation and membrane protein trafficking. Ubiquitin and the enzymes that act on it, although conserved and essential in eukaryotes, have not been well studied in parasites, despite sequencing of several parasite genomes. Several putative ubiquitin hydrolases have been identified in Plasmodium falciparum based on sequence homology alone, with no evidence of expression or function. Here we identify the first deubiquitinating enzyme in P. falciparum, PfUCH54, by its activity. We show that PfUCH54 also has deNeddylating activity, as assayed by a mammalian Nedd8-based probe. This activity is absent from mammalian homologues of PfUCH54. Given the importance of parasitic membrane protein trafficking as well as protein degradation in the virulence of this parasite, this family of enzymes may represent a target for pharmacological intervention with this disease.
Discussion of “Trade-Offs between Initial and Maintenance Costs of Highways in Cross-Slopes” by Manoj K. Jha and Paul Schonfeld

Jha and Schonfeld’s paper addresses a critical “missing link” between infrastructure management systems and initial design/ construction decisions for a project. Specifically, the authors present a method to optimize highway alignment using trade-offs between initial and maintenance costs, focusing on overall lifecycle cost. They cite statistics to show that maintenance costs are significant over the life cycle of a project and argue that managers and engineers should make more extensive use of life-cycle cost analysis in the initial stages of a project. Their work highlights the difficulty in defining and quantifying maintenance costs for geotechnical infrastructure. We wholeheartedly agree with the authors that making truly effective decisions during design requires consideration of longterm costs, including maintenance costs. In this context, the authors have made a significant contribution by developing an optimization scheme to minimize life-cycle costs for transportation earthworks. We hope that their article will stimulate continued work on this important problem. In addition, we would like to raise several issues regarding the model and the problem in general to contribute to the discussion. First, the authors never define the activities they are including as “maintenance costs.” Terms such as “maintenance,” “repair,” and “rehabilitation” are used loosely in much of the infrastructure management literature. The lack of standard definition of the terms, in addition to the difficulty in tracking many of the costs that could be included, contributes to the difficulty in estimating life-cycle costs and creates confusion in the ongoing dialogue. We believe the paper will be more valuable as an archival record if the authors define the terms as used in their work. We concur that there is a severe lack of data available on these costs with regard to highway embankments and slopes, and we applaud the authors for developing a model for use in estimating these costs. Unfortunately, since it is difficult at present to evaluate the accuracy of the model, we simultaneously hope that transportation agencies will begin to collect and analyze such data so that the model proposed by the authors can be more rigorously evaluated and improved based on real data.
Psychometric properties of the Spanish Version of the Diabetes Self-management Assessment Report Tool

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of a Spanish-language version of the Diabetes Self-management Assessment Report Tool (D-SMART®) for Hispanics with type 2 diabetes. Methods Participants were 174 Hispanics from the Worcester Family Health Center diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Reliability testing was conducted to determine the internal consistency and stability of the newly revised Spanish-language version of the D-SMART. Results Psychometric findings support the reliability of the newly translated Spanish-language version of the D-SMART. Conclusions The newly revised Spanish-language version of the D-SMART provides educators with a culturally relevant measure of diabetes self-management along with a better understanding about how Hispanics perceive their diabetes and self-management practices.
Exit and Entry: Why Parents in Utah Left Public Schools and Chose Private Schools

This study explored the factors that influenced parental decisions to exit a public school and enroll their children in a private school. It also explored why parents chose the specific private school their child attends and the level of satisfaction they have with their private school choice. The key reasons for leaving public education were: (a) quality of the curriculum or the lack thereof, (b) religious values, (c) moral values, (d) quality of instruction, (e) class size, (f) school climate, and (g) disciplined environment. Parents listed the following as the most influential reasons to enter the private education sector: (a) quality of the curriculum or the lack thereof, (b) religious values, (c) moral values, (d) quality of instruction, (e) class size, (f) school climate, and (g) disciplined environment. It is the same rank order of factors that influenced parents to leave public education, with the exception that school climate and class size were reversed in order.
Zero point corrections to vertical excitation energies

Abstract Equations relating the vertical excitation or ionization energy to the average energy of the observed spectrum are derived. For the V–N transition of ethylene, this gives 7.8 eV for the vertical excitation energy. For the vertical ionization of ethylene, the average energy yields 10.73 eV while correction to the observed 0–0 energy suggests that 10.81 eV is a more accurate value.
Inactivation of Dust Mites, Dust Mite Allergen, and Mold from Carpet

Carpet is known to be a reservoir for biological contaminants, such as dust mites, dust mite allergen, and mold, if it is not kept clean. The accumulation of these contaminants in carpet might trigger allergies or asthma symptoms in both children and adults. The purpose of this study is to compare methods for removal of dust mites, dust mite allergens, and mold from carpet. Carpets were artificially worn to simulate 1 to 2 years of wear in a four-person household. The worn carpets were inoculated together with a common indoor mold (Cladosporium species) and house dust mites and incubated for 6 weeks to allow time for dust mite growth on the carpet. The carpets were randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups. Available treatment regimens for controlling carpet contaminants were evaluated through a literature review and experimentation. Four moderately low-hazard, nondestructive methods were selected as treatments: vacuuming, steam-vapor, Neem oil (a natural tree extract), and benzalkonium chlori...
Synthesis of racemic [methyl‐d3]‐iabeled cis‐ and trans‐3′‐hydroxycotinine

A method is described for the synthesis of the racemic [methyl-d3] forms of the nicotine metabolites cis-3′-hydroxycotinine and trans-3′-hydroxycotinine. The key intermediate was [methyl-d3]-N-methylhydroxylamine, obtained from a selective hydrogenation of d3-nitro-methane. This intermediate was converted to [methyl-d3]-α-3-pyridyl-N-methylnitrone, which was condensed with methyl acrylate to give a mixture of isomeric isoxazolidines. The hydrogenolysis of this mixture afforded a 70:30 mixture of [methyl-d3] cis- and trans-3′-hydroxycotinine, from which the pure cis- isomer could be isolated by recrystallization from acetone. [Methyl-d3]-trans-3′-hydroxycotinine could be prepared in high yield from the cis-isomer via chiral inversion utilizing a Mitsunobu reaction, or by chromatographic separation from a mixture of the cis- and trans-3′-benzoyloxycotinine, followed by O-debenzoylation in methanolic NaOH.
1250 CEREBRAL CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN POLYCYTHEMIC LAMBS

Infants with polycythemia are known to have reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF). To determine if this flow reduction is associated with abnormalities in cerebral oxygen and carbohydrate metabolism, we studied eight newborn lambs during a control period and at 60, 180 and 300 minutes after exchange transfusion (ET) with newborn packed red blood cells. Hematocrit (HCT) oxygen content (CaO2), glucose (G), insulin (I), lactate (L) and pyruvate (P) were measured in arterial (A) and sagital sinus (V) blood. CBF was measured by microsphere technique. Cerebral substrate uptake (Q) or production (-Q) = [A-V] x CBF. 60 min post ET, HCT and CaO2 rose while CBF and G delivery (D) fell.* At 180 min A [G] fell resulting in a further decrease in GD.* This resulted in a lowered QG (p = .06) and G/O2. At 300 min a small rise in CBF led to a small increase in GD and return of QG and G/O2 to control levels, [I], -QL, -QP were stable throughout the stuay. We conclude that in the neonatal lamb a polycythemia-induced fall in G and CBF effected a significant depression in G delivery and QG.
Micromechanical coupling between cell surface receptors and RGD peptides

Contact between an adherent cell and the extracellular matrix (ECM) promotes the recruitment of structural and signaling molecules to the cytoplasmic domain of integrins, which mediate cell adhesion, cell migration, and cell growth. It is unclear whether the intracellular recruitment of these cytoplasmic molecules enhances the affinity between the ECM and the extracellular domain of the cell surface receptors (integrins). Using soft microneedles coated with Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides, a sequence commonly shared by ECM proteins, we apply a localized ramp shear stress to the surface of a HeLa cell and measure the cell stiffness and the collective (or apparent) unbinding lifetime of its surface receptors to RGD. These measurements demonstrate that both cell stiffness and the collective cell surface receptor-RGD unbinding lifetime increase with the duration of the pre-shear cell-microneedle contact and with the rate of shear applied to the cell membrane. These parameters are also crucially dependent on the integrity of the actin filament network. Our results are consistent with a model of positive feedback signaling where RGD-mediated initial recruitment of cytoskeletal proteins to the cytoplasmic domain of integrins directly enhances the interaction between the extracellular domain of integrins and the RGD sequence of ECM molecules.
PB-FFD: A Point-Based Technique for Free-Form Deformation

This paper presents PB-FFD, a novel, interactive, point-based technique for performing free-form deformation of polygonal meshes. First, a volumetric deformation space is defined as the linear combination of overlapping, ellipsoidal radial basis functions (EBFs) of compact support. Mesh vertices are then parameterized with respect to local coordinate frames centered over the origins of the EBFs. As in traditional FFD, the mesh vertices are displaced in response to changes in the control-point positions. Hence, PB-FFD presents to the user an interface similar to that of traditional free-form deformation but does not require that a deformation lattice be explicitly constructed. PB-FFD also supports multiresolution control, direct manipulation of meshes, and automatic construction and refinement of the deformation space, among other benefits. This paper covers important implementation issues, discusses special cases that may arise during use of the technique, and offers advice to those who wish to implement ...
STIMULUS CHANGE PROPERTIES OF THE RT READY SIGNAL.

Two studies tested the generality of the Perkins-Logan hypothesis in the reaction-time experiment. Both studies used a parametric design with four ambient (intertrial) intensities of white noise ranging from 0 to 90 dB in all combinations with the same four intensities used as ready signals. The results were consistent with the Perkins-Logan interpretation of stimulus intensity effects as magnitude of change (increase and decrease) produced a highly significant effect in both studies. However, RTs were shorter when ready signals were decreases rather than increases in intensity (significant in one study).
Clinically useful electronic health records: a vision for the future.

Introduction The promise of an effective, clinically useful electronic health record (EHR) has been discussed for decades. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) Report, “To Err Is Human,” discussed the central role of the EHR to reduce errors and promote efficiency while improving quality.1 Significant electronic system development began in the late 1990s but has continued to fall short in producing a system that meets clinical needs. Many systems are little more than an electronic version of the paper record. Decision support functionality may be imbedded, but current systems fail to be clinically useful because they dramatically slow work flow. Despite these flaws, the question is no longer if but when one will adopt an electronic system. In 2004, President Bush, by executive order, set up the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONCHIT) within Health and Human Services (HHS).2 The charge was to promote electronic health record adoption and interoperability. Despite all the hype around the office, little progress occurred.
Innervation of MyoD-converted human amniocytes and fibroblasts by fetal rodent spinal cord neurons.

Abstract MyoD is one member of a gene family involved in the regulation of myogenesis. MyoD transfection induces myogenesis in a variety of non-muscle cells. Human amniocytes and fibroblasts were infected with a MyoD -retrovirus vector, to determine whether the converted cells can mature normally to form functional muscle fibers. MyoD-converted cells were co-cultured with fetal rat spinal cord. After 2–3 weeks of co-culture cross-striated, contracting muscle fibers were observed. Combined acetylcholinesterase cytochemistry and acetylcholine receptor labeling showed prominent staining at nerve-muscle contacts. Approximately half of the total creatine kinase activity was due to the muscle-specific isozyme. Innervated MyoD-converted cells might represent a new source of muscle cells for studying the molecular events leading toward the formation of functional muscle. This system also appears suitable for studying the pathogenesis of hereditary, often rare, myopathies affecting muscle-specific proteins, for which muscle tissue is frequently unavailable for in vitro analysis.
Creating moments that matter: strategies to combat compassion fatigue

Understanding compassion fatigue and devising and implementing interventions to address the subject are important for nurses and patients. However, few literature reports exist that address interventions for nurses who experience compassion fatigue. This article discusses how nurses on a medical-surgical oncology unit in an academic, community Magnet™ hospital adopted these themes as a conceptual framework on which to focus actions to avoid and mitigate compassion fatigue.
Comparisons of formulations of multiphase flow

Abstract Methods of approach toward the formulation of the dynamics of multiphase flow include those of single free particles, continuum mechanics including interfaces with volume and time averaging, and statistical averaging. Unresolved aspects are transfer integrals and stress systems. Basic premises and experimental bases are compared. Physical meanings of mathematical operations are discussed. Challenges in the determination of transfer integrals or sums and transport properties of phases in the mixture are identified.
Comparing civilizations as systems

Comparison of Western, Indian and Chinese civilizations as cultural systems exhibiting persisting ideals constituting important structural differences reveals that two taproots of Western civilization (the Hebraic stressing will and the Greek stressing reason) as characteristics essential to the nature of the world and man, are opposed in Hindu culture idealizing Nirguna Brahman as complete absence of both will (desire) and reason (distinctions) and yogic endeavor designed to eliminate both from persons, are partially integrated as complementary opposites in Chinese taoistic yin-yang ideals about both the universe and man. Opportunities for further research comparing cultural systems seem unlimited.
Epiguruk: A late Quaternary environmental record from northwestern Alaska

Epiguruk, a prominent bluff along the Kobuk River in northwestern Alaska, exposes a rich depositional record of Quaternary eolian and fluvial sand, with associated loess, paleosols, and periglacial features. Three major complexes of alluvial and eolian deposits are separated by two conspicuous organic-rich paleosols which formed during cool-moist interstadial intervals. Sediments between the two paleosols include eolian, channel, and flood-plain deposits that formed during alluviation of the Kobuk River to a height of about 12 m above the present level. The youngest depositional complex, which overlies the upper paleosol, is divisible into late Wisconsinan and Holocene components and into fluvial-channel, flood-plain, eolian-dune, sand-sheet, loess, and pond facies. Eolian sand from the active Kobuk sand sea overloaded the river during late Wisconsinan time, causing it to alluviate to about 13 m above its modern level. The Holocene record reflects erosion and deposition by a small southern tributary to the Kobuk River, downcutting by the Kobuk River toward its modern level, and subsequent erosion across a meander belt nearly 8 km wide. Sixty-six radiocarbon ages, many from rooted shrubs, provide a firm chronology for the past 35 k.y. at Epiguruk. The Kobuk River incised to near its present level by about 35 ka, and the upper paleosol began forming near that level about 33 ka, coincident with the Fox termal event of central Alaska. Although higher-standing sandy facies of this paleosol began forming earlier, thick peat beds did not accumulate until about 33 ka at those sites. Late Wisconsinan loess influx and alluviation began about 24 ka, synchronous with the Itkillik II glaciation of the Brooks Range. The river overlapped progressively higher surfaces of the upper paleosol, attaining its maximum height of about 13 m above modern river level between 20 and 19 ka. It downcut about 18.5 ka and subsequently migrated northward. Deposits at the north end of the bluff show that the river had begun building its modern flood plain by 8.6 ka, and it has varied little in elevation since that time.
Periodontitis and Aging: Reviewing Recent Evidence

A research review concludes that severe periodontitis is not a result of aging. This review critically examines recent research on the relation between age and periodontitis. It concludes that some loss of periodontal attachment and alveolar bone is to be expected in older persons, but age alone in a healthy adult does not lead to a critical loss of periodontal support. Although moderate loss of alveolar bone and periodontal attachment is common in the elderly, severe periodontitis is not a natural consequence of aging.
Energy conversion chemistry: Mechanisms of charge transfer at metal-oxide semiconductor/solution interfaces

Solar energy devices based on semiconductor-liquid junction principles represent an impressive and potentially highly useful application of interrrelated technologies. The synthesis of solid state physics, electrochemistry, photochemistry and materials science has allowed these devices to realize great advances in relatively short periods of time. However, rational design and optimization of these systems has proven to be difficult. Recent transient absorbance, electrochemical and quartz crystal microbalance studies on metal oxide variants of these systems have shed new light on the events taking place during energy conversion. Our interpretation of an important subset of these results suggests a paradigm shift concerning interfacial charge-transfer and the thermodynamics of the semiconductor-liquid interface-key factors in the performance of these devices. Presented here are these results and a description of this new model.