cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward an aesthetics of natural performance

The recent utilization in performance of texts which arise from everyday activities, such as naturally‐occurring conversation, shares a tradition with performance studies/oral interpretation practice while suggesting a new aesthetics of natural performance. This study describes performance practices which involve the re/performance of ordinary interaction. A model of natural performance situates its aesthetics on the intersection of two continua: one which describes the level of detail available from everyday life events, and one which describes performance choices in relation to everyday life events.
Serotonin2A receptor modulation of D1 dopamine receptor-mediated grooming behavior.

We have previously observed that intracerebroventricular infusion of a 5-HT2A receptor antisense oligonucleotide for 8 days results in an increase in cortical 5-HT2A receptor sites and an increase in central 5-HT2A receptor function as measured by quantitation of 5-HT2A receptor-mediated headshake behavior (28). Because lesioning serotonergic neurons or chronic administration of 5-HT2A receptor antagonists does not result in an increase in 5-HT2A receptor density or function in the brain, we have taken advantage of this unique upregulation of 5-HT2A receptors following 5-HT2A receptor antisense oligonucleotide infusion to study the modulation of D1 receptor-mediated behaviors by 5-HT2A receptors. Grooming behavior, elicited by acute injection of SKF 38393, was attenuated after chronic ICV infusion of a 5-HT2A receptor antisense oligonucleotide. There was also a reduction in vacuous chewing behavior induced by SKF 38393, which did not reach statistical significance. Other oral behaviors (i.e., tongue protrusions and gnawing at the cage bottom) were not attenuated. An increase in the density of cortical, as well as striatal 5-HT2A receptor sites was observed following chronic antisense oligonucleotide administration. There was no change in striatal D1 dopamine receptors following 5-HT2A receptor antisense oligonucleotide administration. SKF 38393-induced grooming behavior was also attenuated in naive rats pretreated acutely with the 5-HT2 receptor agonist DOI. These results suggest a role for the 5-HT2A receptor in the modulation of D1 receptor function.
Relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone in the search for a biochemical definition of vitamin D deficiency in children

Current guidelines use differing definitions of vitamin D deficiency based on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels, which complicates clinical decision making on vitamin D doses used for the prevention and treatment. This study examined the natural relationship between serum 25OHD, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase. Two-hundred and fourteen children routinely admitted without conditions affecting the natural relationship among metabolites, including 17 with radiologically confirmed vitamin D deficiency rickets, were studied. The frequency of abnormal bone metabolites was examined for different 25OHD thresholds. The best fitting intersection point where PTH levels increased was a 25OHD level of 34 nmol/l (R2 = 0.454; 95% confidence interval: 27–41 nmol/l). Seventy-three and 86% of the children demonstrated some biochemical abnormality below 25OHD levels of 41 and 27 nmol/l, respectively. All patients with rickets had 25OHD levels 50 ng/l. Vitamin D deficiency, based on PTH elevation, was best defined by a 25OHD level of < 34 nmol/l. Because deficient calcium supply often coexists with vitamin D deficiency and both can independently cause nutritional rickets, a threshold for the skeletal effects of vitamin D should not be based purely on 25OHD levels.
Density-functional study of interplanar binding in graphite

Density-functional theory is applied to study the structural and elastic properties of the weak interplanar bonding in graphite. Using the Thomas-Fermi plus gradient approximation to the kinetic energy and taking the charge density to be a superposition of isolated C planes permit rapid computation of the graphite total energy as a function of plane separation. Values for the lattice constant, compressibility, cohesive energy, and phonon frequencies are obtained and are shown to be largely independent of the details of the in-plane C bonding. Agreement with experiment is qualitatively good, but quantitative discrepancies exist. It is argued that these discrepancies are not due to the charge-density approximation or to the Thomas-Fermi approach, but rather to the marginal applicability of the local density approximation to the exchange and correlation. We find that using a van der Waals point of view for the exchange and correlation does not quantitatively improve the theory; so some intermediate approach appears to be necessary.
The 1999 Lindberg award. 3% hydrogen peroxide for the gram-positive disinfection of fabrics.

Because of growing concern about the spread of antibiotic-resistant gram-positive bacteria in burn and trauma units, an inexpensive, safe, effective means of spot-disinfecting fabrics (such as privacy curtains) that remain in clinic or patient rooms as various patients use the rooms was sought. From comparisons of cost and safety data, 3% hydrogen peroxide was chosen to be tested for its efficacy in the control of these bacteria. Systematic laboratory testing used 30 antibiotic-resistant and sensitive staphylococci and enterococci and 4 common hospital fabrics: cotton (clothing), terry cloth (towels), cotton-polyester blend (scrub suits), and polyester (curtains). Without disinfection, bacteria survived for many hours to several days. After a single spraying with 3% hydrogen peroxide, all bacteria on all fabrics were dead within 5 to 120 minutes. On-site testing targeted privacy curtains in patients' rooms. Curtain edges that tended to be grabbed when moving the curtain showed a mixture of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (median, 22 bacteria/24cm 2 ). After these areas were sprayed with 3% hydrogen peroxide, no bacteria were found. It was concluded that spraying with 3% hydrogen peroxide is a safe, inexpensive, effective means of spot-disinfecting fabrics in patients' rooms; this simple procedure may limit the spread of potentially pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
All-silicon waveguides and bulk-etched alignment structures on (110) silicon for integrated micro-opto-mechanical systems

We present the first large-area, all-silicon rib waveguides and fiber guiding U-grooves fabricated on (110) silicon substrates. Waveguide rib structures with a height of 6.7 micrometers and widths of 5, 10, and 15 micrometer are RIE etched into lightly doped epitaxial silicon layers deposited on heavily doped silicon substrates. Fiber-guiding U-grooves with unique corner compensation structures are anisotropically etched by a 35 wt% KOH solution at 70 degrees C, with and without ultrasonic agitation of the etching solution. Devices fabricated without ultrasonic agitation have a U-groove bottom surface roughness (Ra) of 5606 angstrom, while devices with ultrasonic agitation have a surface roughness (Ra) of 341 angstrom. Ultrasonic etching improves the surface roughness of the U-groove bottoms by a factor of 16.4. We found that the variation of U-groove etch depth is grater than 1 micrometer across the wafer, even with ultrasonic agitation of the etchant. Examination of the waveguide modal structure indicates that devices with 6.7 micrometer tall and 10 micrometer wide rib structures propagate only one waveguide mode at 1550 nm. The total loss of the straight waveguides was as low as 4.88 dB, and the propagation loss was estimated to be 1.68 dB. These loss values indicate waveguide end-faces fabricated by anisotropic etching of (110) silicon do not need to be polished.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Profiling of structural members using shadow speckle metrology

Abstract This paper describes the application of a computer-based optical method, shadow speckle metrology, for profiling the surface of large structural members. Artificial speckles are projected onto the surface being studied, and the resulting speckle patterns are digitally recorded as the surface changes shape. The apparent in-plane movement of the projected speckles is computed by numerically correlating small subsets extracted from each pattern. These shifts are related to the profile of the surface with respect to a reference shape. The main advantages of the technique are that it can be applied to any surface, it is non-contact and non-destructive, and the analysis is completely automated. Sensitivity can be varied over a wide range, and tests can be conducted in daylight and under field conditions.
Introduction: Toward a new research philosophy for addressing social justice issues: Critical dialectical pluralism 1.0

We introduce a new mixed research paradigm: Critical dialectical pluralism. We describe critical dialectical pluralism with respect to three axiomatic components (i.e., ontological, epistemological, and methodological foundations) and seven issues (i.e., nature of knowledge, knowledge accumulation, goodness or quality criteria, values, ethics, inquirer posture, and training). Critical dialectical pluralists are committed to research that promotes and sustains an egalitarian society; aims to promote both universalistic theoretical knowledge and local practical knowledge; and promotes culturally progressive research. Several exemplars of critical dialectical pluralist research are presented demonstrating that critical dialectical pluralism has the potential to promote social justice more than does any other paradigm.
Multiple global suppressors of protein stability defects facilitate the evolution of extended-spectrum TEM β-lactamases

The introduction of extended-spectrum cephalosporins and β-lactamase inhibitors has driven the evolution of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) that possess the ability to hydrolyze these drugs. The evolved TEM ESBLs from clinical isolates of bacteria often contain substitutions that occur in the active site and alter the catalytic properties of the enzyme to provide an increased hydrolysis of extended-spectrum cephalosporins or an increased resistance to inhibitors. These active-site substitutions often result in a cost in the form of reduced enzyme stability. The evolution of TEM ESBLs is facilitated by mutations that act as global suppressors of protein stability defects in that they allow the enzyme to absorb multiple amino acid changes despite incremental losses in stability associated with the substitutions. The best-studied example is the M182T substitution, which corrects protein stability defects and is commonly found in TEM ESBLs or inhibitor-resistant variants from clinical isolates. In this study, a genetic selection for second-site mutations that could partially restore function to a severely destabilized primary mutant enabled the identification of A184V, T265M, R275Q, and N276D, which are known to occur in TEM ESBLs from clinical isolates, as suppressors of TEM-1 protein stability defects. Further characterization demonstrated that these substitutions increased the thermal stability of TEM-1 and were able to correct the stability defects of two different sets of destabilizing mutations. The acquisition of compensatory global suppressors of stability costs associated with active-site mutations may be a common mechanism for the evolution of novel protein function.
Large market games with demand uncertainty

Abstract We consider a market game with a continuum of consumers, where the measure of each type is stochastic. Nature selects the set of active consumers, who make bids and offers on l−1 spot market trading posts. Existence of type-symmetric Nash equilibrium is proven. When facing price uncertainty, best responses are unique, and a Nash equilibrium to the sell-all game is typically not a Nash equilibrium to the original game. Under plausible circumstances, consumers strictly prefer to be on one side of the market.
Comparison of photorefractive beam fanning using monochromatic and achromatic two-wave mixing in SBN

Abstract Beam fanning is examined as a noise source in monochromatic and achromatic two-wave mixing. We show that fanning acts mainly as a parasitic loss for low beam ratios, whereas it contributes a background noise floor for high beam ratios. In the first regime, fanning loss is much smaller in achromatic two-wave mixing than in the monochromatic case.
Validity and responsiveness of a brief, asthma-specific quality-of-life instrument in children with acute asthma.

Objectives To test the validity and short-term responsiveness to change of a pediatric, asthma-specific, health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) instrument. Methods Children 2 years and older treated in the emergency department (ED) for acute asthma were eligible for this prospective cohort study. A 10-item instrument, the Integrated Therapeutics Group Child Asthma Short Form (ITG-CASF), was administered at the time of the ED visit and again 14 days later (via telephone). At the follow-up call, parents were also asked about the child's current overall asthma status, missed school or limited activities, and persistence of asthma symptoms. Results A total of 121 children were enrolled (mean age, 7.9 years), and follow-up was complete for 96 (79%). Mean ± SD ITG-CASF scores at follow-up were significantly higher among children reported to have improved overall (61.8 ± 19.6) than those not improved (41.9 ± 21.2), and there was a significant correlation between ITG-CASF score at follow-up and the number of days of school missed or limited activities ( r = −0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.24 to −0.66). There was also a significant difference in improvement in ITG-CASF score from ED visit to follow-up among those improved (13.7-point improvement) compared with those not improved (3.3-point improvement; difference=10.4; 95% CI, 1.2 to 19.5). The effect size was 0.68, indicating a large responsiveness to change. Conclusions The ITG-CASF is a valid and responsive measure of HRQL in children with acute asthma and may be a useful outcome measure in evaluating ED treatment.
Managing ecosystem resources

We explore some of the special problems faced in the management of environmental resources, paying particular attention to valuation of ecosystem services, externalities, uncertainty, and nonlinearities characteristic of complex adaptive, highly interconnected systems. Through consideration of case studies drawn from the management of lake and mangrove ecosystems, we develop a theoretical perspective in which we analyze the challenges, suggest approaches to their resolution, and endeavor to derive principles that may guide management more generally.
Acute reduction of renal 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity by several antinatriuretic stimuli

The 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) activity of the kidney prevents access of cortisol or corticosterone to the renal mineralocorticoid receptor. Reduction of 11β-HSD activity by nutritional, hormonal, or pharmacologic factors might enhance the mineralocorticoid effect of these corticosteroids, thus causing sodium retention. To test this concept, we studied the effect on 11β-HSD activity of several antinatriuretic factors given orally to rats or exposed in vitro to rat renal tissue. Renal 11β-HSD activity was higher in fasted than fed rats (P < .05). Glucose, ethanol, and Toradol (Syntex Laboratories, Palo Alto, CA) given orally to fasted rats all reduced renal 11β-HSD activity by 20% to 40% (P < .05-.005) to levels similar to those observed in fed animals. Incubation of renal tissue from fasted rats with physiologic concentrations of insulin, ethanol, and Toradol also reduced 11β-HSD activity by 20% to 40% (P < .05-.01). These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the antinatriuretic actions of these stimuli are due in part to alteration of renal 11β-HSD leading to greater mineralocorticoid effects in kidney.
Implementation of Kentucky Nongraded Primary Program

We examine the development of the Kentucky nongraded primary program at the state level, and in six rural elementary schools from 1991 through 1998 (case studies of four of these schools are included in Appendix A). Data collected from our longitudinal qualitative study reveal that teachers changed their classrooms in response to the primary program mandate, and some positive outcomes occurred for students. Implementation was hampered, however, by rapid implementation timelines, failure to clearly articulate the purpose of the program and how it linked with a larger reform effort, and a firmly entrenched "graded" mindset. Currently, progress toward full implementation of a continuous progress model for primary students has stagnated. To revive the program, policymakers need to make program goals clear, demonstrate how its implementation will facilitate attainment of reform goals, and assist teachers in implementing the program as intended. (Note 1)
Housing Price Inequalities A Comparison of Anglos, Blacks, and Spanish-Origin Populations

This article analyzes data from the Annual Housing Survey on the black and Spanish-origin populations in a sample of U.S. standard metropolitan statistical areas to determine whether these minorities pay more than Anglos for comparable housing. These data demonstrate that both the black and Spanish-origin populations as a whole pay more than Anglos for the same quality housing in the rental market while no group pays significantly more than Anglos in the owners' market. Separate analyses of Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Mexican Americans highlight some differences among the minority groups. Most important is the finding that Cubans are equally or less likely than Anglos to obtain low-quality housing at most levels of rent.
SAND80-0843 a SEM Technique for Experimentally Locating Latch-Up Paths in Integrated Circuits

A technique has been developed which uses the scanning electron microscope in the electron-beam-induced-current mode to delineate latch-up paths in integrated circuits. It is rapid, easy to use, and requires no special sample preparation. The technique is discussed and applied to simple circuits for easy verification of its accuracy. Results on more complicated circuits are then presented. On some complex parts (1K-bit RAMS) multiple latch paths were found which could be active simultaneously and which depended on the history or internal state of the device.
Numerical solution of the acoustic wave equation using Raviart-Thomas elements

In this paper we discuss the numerical approximation of the displacement form of the acoustic wave equation using mixed finite elements. The mixed formulation allows for approximation of both displacement and pressure at each time step, without the need for post-processing. Lowest-order and next-to-lowest-order Raviart-Thomas elements are used for the spatial discretization, and centered finite differences are used to advance in time. Use of these Raviart-Thomas elements results in a diagonal mass matrix for resolution of pressure, and a mass matrix for the displacement variable that is sparse with a simple structure. Convergence results for a model problem are provided, as are numerical results for a two-dimensional problem with a point source.
Tuning payload delivery in tumour cylindroids using gold nanoparticles

Nanoparticles have great potential as controllable drug delivery vehicles because of their size and modular functionality. Timing and location are important parameters when optimizing nanoparticles for delivery of chemotherapeutics. Here, we show that gold nanoparticles carrying either fluorescein or doxorubicin molecules move and localize differently in an in vitro three-dimensional model of tumour tissue, depending on whether the nanoparticles are positively or negatively charged. Fluorescence microscopy and mathematical modelling show that uptake, not diffusion, is the dominant mechanism in particle delivery. Our results indicate that positive particles may be more effective for drug delivery because they are taken up to a greater extent by proliferating cells. Negative particles, which diffuse more quickly, may perform better when delivering drugs deep into tissues. An understanding of how surface charge can control tissue penetration and drug release may overcome some of the current limitations in drug delivery.
Acceptability of dementia screening in primary care patients.

Objectives To determine the acceptability of dementia screening in two populations of older adults in different primary care settings. Methods Cross-sectional study of consecutive patients presenting for primary care appointments in the Duke University Health System (n = 152) or Durham VA Medical Center (n = 193) were evaluated face to face using the Dementia Screening and Perceived Harms (SAPH) questionnaire. Results Overall, 81% of primary care patients indicated that they would want to be screened to determine if they are developing dementia. After exposure to possible risks and benefits of screening, 86% of patients indicated they would like to be screened. The SAPH was easy to use and contained five relevant and cohesive domains. The items most associated with a desire for dementia screening were male gender, acceptance of other types of screening, and a belief that a treatment for dementia exists. Conclusions Primary care patients in two different health care systems indicated they would like to be screened for dementia. The SAPH was easy to use and contains cohesive domains. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved preparation of ammonium hexanitratocerate(IV) and routine analytical testing procedure to prove primary reference standard purity

Abstract Ammonium nitratocerate, (NH 4 ) 2 Ce(NO 3 ) 6 , has been employed over a period of years as a primary standard in oxidimetry. An improved method for its preparation is described. Practical routine control laboratory directions are given for proving the purity of the finished product.
Atrazine Sorption-Desorption In Field-Moist Soils

Abstract Methods commonly used to obtain sorption coefficients require that the soils be above field capacity moisture so that the aqueous phase containing the pesticide to be quantified can be separated from the soil. We have developed a system using supercritical CO2 that can remove the pesticide from soil solution of unsaturated soil without first requiring the separation of the solution from soil. Sorption coefficients increased with soil organic carbon and clay contents for three field-moist soils. Also, sorption significantly increased in a sand as moisture content increased from 4.0 to 16% and in a silt loam as moisture increased from 9.6 to 27%. Isosteric heats of sorption were easily determined with the supercritical fluid system and ranged from −10 to −12 kcal mol−1 and were correlated to organic carbon and clay contents of the soils. Sorption coefficients in field-moist soils were much greater than are typically obtained with the batch slurry system, while heats of sorption were much more negat...
The production of callus capable of plant regeneration from immature embryos of numerous Zea mays genotypes.

In the summer of 1983, immature embryos from 101 selfed inbred lines and germplasm stocks of Zea mays L. were examined for their ability to produce callus cultures capable of plant regeneration (regenerable cultures) using a medium with which some limited success had previously been obtained. Forty-nine of the genotypes (49%) produced callus which visually appeared similar to callus previously cultured and shown to be capable of plant regeneration. After five months, 38 of these genotypes were alive in culture and plants were subsequently regenerated from 35 (92%) of them. No correlation was observed between plant regeneration and callus growth rate, the vivipary mutation (genes vp1, 2, 5, 7, 8 and 9), or published vigor ratings based on K+ uptake by roots. When F1 hybrid embryos were cultured, 97% of the hybrids having at least one regenerable parent also produced callus capable of plant regeneration. No regenerable cultures were obtained from any hybrid lacking a parent capable of producing a regenerable callus culture.
Picosecond ultrasonic measurement of the velocity of phonons in water

We report measurements of the sound velocity as a function of temperature in water using the picosecond acoustic interferometry technique. We show that this method can be used to make velocity measurements on very small sample volumes. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Equilibrium of a tip weighted curved sheet on an inclined plane

One end of a long, naturally curved elastic sheet is clamped onto an inclined plane. The other end is acted on by a constant vertical force which tends to open the curved sheet. This nonlinear large deflection problem is studied by series perturbation, numerical integration and exact analytic solution. The occurrence of roll-up depends on the angle of the inclined plane an a nondimensional parameter representing the importance of curvature and flexural rigidity to that of the end load.
How Subgroup Interests and Reputations Moderate the Effect of Organizational Identification on Cooperation

Two experiments tested the effects of organizational identification on individual decisions to cooperate. These decisions occurred in the context of a nested social dilemma in which individuals, subgroups, and the larger collective each held distinct and incompatible interests. In Study 1, when the two subgroups in the dilemma were from different real organizations, higher organizational identification caused lower cooperation with the collective (and higher cooperation with the subgroup) when the opposing organization had a purportedly individualistic culture and reputation. The results of Study 2 supported this interpretation by showing that organizational identification had a negative effect on collective cooperation, and a corresponding positive effect on subgroup cooperation, when decision makers perceived the opposing department to have an individualistic reputation. I discuss the implications of these results for organizations that try to elicit cooperation by fostering members’ organizational iden...
The synthesis of 14C‐trans‐3‐methyl‐2‐hexenoic acid labeled in various positions

The Emmons reaction was used for the synthesis of 14C-trans-3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid. This compound is found in human sweat. 1-14C-2-pentanone was prepared by the reaction at room temperature of 14C-methyl-magnesium iodide and butyronitrile.
Constituents of the cotton bud

Abstract The investigation of the alcohol fraction of the essential oil of cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L. var. Deltapine Smoothleaf) with an integrated gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry system resulted in the identification of 17 additional alcohols and β-ionone. Tentative assignments were made for 4 other alcohols. None of these has previously been reported in cotton.
HIVEing: the effect of a semantic web technology on inter-indexer consistency

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the Helping Interdisciplinary Vocabulary Engineering (HIVE) system on the inter-indexer consistency of information professionals when assigning keywords to a scientific abstract. This study examined first, the inter-indexer consistency of potential HIVE users; second, the impact HIVE had on consistency; and third, challenges associated with using HIVE. , – A within-subjects quasi-experimental research design was used for this study. Data were collected using a task-scenario based questionnaire. Analysis was performed on consistency results using Hooper's and Rolling's inter-indexer consistency measures. A series of t-tests was used to judge the significance between consistency measure results. , – Results suggest that HIVE improves inter-indexing consistency. Working with HIVE increased consistency rates by 22 percent (Rolling's) and 25 percent (Hooper's) when selecting relevant terms from all vocabularies. A statistically significant difference exists between the assignment of free-text keywords and machine-aided keywords. Issues with homographs, disambiguation, vocabulary choice, and document structure were all identified as potential challenges. , – Research limitations for this study can be found in the small number of vocabularies used for the study. Future research will include implementing HIVE into the Dryad Repository and studying its application in a repository system. , – This paper showcases several features used in HIVE system. By using traditional consistency measures to evaluate a semantic web technology, this paper emphasizes the link between traditional indexing and next generation machine-aided indexing (MAI) tools.
A comparative investigation of the presence of psychological conditions in high achieving eighth graders from TIMSS 2007 Mathematics

This study is a second analysis of Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2007 background questionnaires to investigate high achieving eighth-grade students’ possession of three elements of Krutetskii’s (The Psychology of Mathematical Abilities in Schoolchildren, The University of Chicago, 1976) psychological conditions. Analyses were made between high achieving eighth graders and their lower achieving counterparts, and between Korean high achievers and their high achieving peers across ten high performing TIMSS participating countries. After reviewing 44,643 students across selected countries, we conclude that a larger percentage of students with mathematical talent demonstrate positive attitudes toward mathematics, value mathematics, and have self-confidence in their ability to learn mathematics than their peers without high achievement in mathematics. However, a larger portion of high achieving Korean students displayed low self-confidence and valued mathematics less than their peers from other high performing countries. Findings from this study will provide insight into some educational issues in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
Linear combination of bulk bands method for large-scale electronic structure calculations on strained nanostructures

A {open_quotes}strained linear combination of bulk bands{close_quotes} method is introduced for calculating the single-particle electronic states of strained, million-atom nanostructure systems, within an empirical pseudopotential Hamiltonian. This method expands the wave functions of a nanostructure (superlattice, wire, and dot) as linear combinations of bulk Bloch states of the constituent materials, over band indices {ital n} and wave vectors {ital k}. This allows one to use physical intuition in selecting the {ital n} and {ital k} that are most relevant for a given problem. This constitutes a useful approximation over the {open_quotes}direct diagonalization{close_quotes} approach where the basis is complete (individual plane waves) but unintuitive. It also constitutes a dramatic improvement upon the {bold k}{center_dot}{bold p} approach, where the continuum model Hamiltonian is used, losing the atomistic details of the system. For a pyramidal InAs quantum dot embedded in GaAs, we find electronic eigenenergies that are within 20 meV of the exact direct diagonalization calculation, while the speed of the current method is 100{endash}1000 times faster. The sublinear scaling of the current method with the size of the system enables one to calculate the atomistic electronic states of a million-atom system on a personal computer in about 10 h. Sufficient detail ismore » provided in the formalism, so that the method can be promptly implemented. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}« less
Selective effects of ethanol exposure on metabotropic glutamate receptor and guanine nucleotide stimulated phospholipase C activity in primary cultures of astrocytes.

Abstract The effects of acute and chronic ethanol exposures on the stimulation of inositol specific phospholipase C by metabotropic glutamate receptor activation were determined in primary cultures of rat cortical astrocytes. Phospholipase C activity was monitored by the formation of [ 3 H]inositol phosphates in the presence of lithium in cells prelabelled with [ 3 H]inositol. Acute exposure to 200 mM ethanol had no significant effect on either basal or l-glutamate stimulated [ 3 H]inositol phosphate formation. In cells chronically exposed to ethanol for 4 days, the [ 3 H]inositol phosphate responses to l-glutamate, quisqualate, and the selective metabotropic receptor agonist, 1S,3R-1-amino-cyclopentane-1,3 dicarboxylic acid (trans-ACPD), were significantly inhibited when compared to control (untreated) cells. In contrast, chronic ethanol exposure had no significant effect on the [ 3 H]inositol phosphate response to endothelin-1, a peptide structurally and functionally unrelated to l-glutamate. Similarly, the stimulation of [ 3 H]inositol phosphate formation by the stable GTP analog, guanine 5′-(γ-thiotrisphosphate), was also unaffected by chronic ethanol exposure. The results suggest that chronic ethanol exposure does not affect the coupling of GTP binding proteins to phospholipase C, but rather acts in a selective manner to either alter the metabotropic receptor number or to disrupt the normal coupling of this receptor to its GTP binding protein, which may in turn affect receptor affinity.
A commercial software approach to workstation security

Uses the experience of Western Michigan University to consider ways of eliminating deliberate misuse of public library systems. Outlines the use of Fortes 101, an Integrity Kiosk, WinBatch and WinU covering both cost and staff resources. Covers the changes made as the university introduces Windows 95 to its network.
Enzymatic formation of a cholic acid derivative of isethionic acid.

Abstract Evidence is presented that preparations of rat liver microsomes are capable of conjugating isethionic acid with cholic acid. Thin-layer chromatography experiments indicate that this newly described conjugated bile acid migrates with the same R f value as taurocholic acid, a structurally similar analogue. Dilution experiments utilizing both labeled cholic acid (tritium) and isethionic acid (sulfur-35) demonstrate the incorporation of both isotopes into a cholyl-conjugate of isethionic acid. Acid hydrolysis of enzymatically synthesized cholyl[ 35 ]isethionic acid and subsequent thin-layer chromatography of the degradation products also indicate that isethionic acid is conjugated with cholic acid. Formation of the cholyhydrazide derivative of cholyl-isethionic acid confirms an ester linkage between the carboxyl moiety of cholic acid and the hydroxyl moiety of isethionic acid. Rats receiving radioactive isethionic acid by stomach tube synthesized approximately 28 nmoles cholyl-isethionic acid compared with 980 nmoles taurocholic acid when radioactive taurine was administered under similar conditions.
Multicore photonic crystal fiber anemometers with large core spacing

A three-core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) bend sensor with fast response times (<30µs) suitable for small-scale (<10cm) spatial resolution is presented. The PCFs featured in this paper have varied periodicity, which includes the special case of a water-filled lattice. The novelty of this work is demonstrated by the use of image based sensing techniques to support intensity modulated PCF sensors. Bend information is recovered from the intensity profile using an image processing script and ImageJ™. The sensor response agreed with theoretical predictions. The featured PCF deflection sensor is capable of being the basis for a compact, rugged, and sensitive anemometer. This device may be useful in the detection of minimum displacements for wind speeds <30m/s. The results of this investigation are relevant to urban sensing technologies that involve the monitoring of air composition, velocity, and temperature.
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 treatment decreases macrophage accumulation in the CNS of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Abstract Sunlight, which is required for vitamin D biosynthesis, may be protective in multiple sclerosis (MS), due to the immunoregulatory functions of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 ), the hormonally active vitamin D metabolite. This hypothesis provided the impetus for the experiments reported here investigating mechanisms whereby 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 may inhibit murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Severe EAE was induced, 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 or mock treatment was administered, and clinical disease, histopathological disease, and encephalitogenic cells in the central nervous system (CNS) were analyzed within 24–72 h of the treatment. The mock-treated mice remained paralyzed (stage 3 EAE) while most hormone-treated animals regained the partial use of both hind limbs (stage 2 EAE) within 72 h of treatment. A histopathological examination showed the hormone-treated mice had a 50% decrease in white matter and meningeal inflammation at 72 h post treatment. A flow cytometric analysis of cell surface markers on spinal cord cells recovered 24 h post treatment showed the mock-treated mice with EAE had about 7.0±2.3 million Mac-1 + cells/cord, whereas the hormone-treated mice had about 2.1±2.6 million Mac-1 + cells/cord, which was not significantly different from the unmanipulated control mice. Otherwise, the flow cytometric analysis detected no significant differences between the groups with respect to CD4 + or CD8 + T cells or B cells or macrophages in draining lymph nodes or spinal cords. These results are discussed with regard to possible fates for the 5 million Mac-1 + cells that were rapidly lost from the inflamed CNS in the 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 -treated mice, and the possible beneficial effect of hormone treatment in resolving acute MS.
Preparation Of Small Diameter Sensors For Continuous Clinical Monitoring

We have prepared fluorescence-based fiber optic sensors which give rapid and reversible responses. Other investigators have previously prepared sensors in which a membrane, tubing, or a hollow fiber is used to contain a specific reagent near the distal end of the fiber. Such an approach produces fibers with limited signal magnitudes and slow response times. Furthermore, these sensors are cumbersome to assemble, and are difficult to miniaturize and calibrate. We have developed a technique for the covalent chemical modification of the fiber's distal surface which is easily adapted to the smallest diameter glass optical fiber (100 μm). The sensing layer is attached directly to the fiber surface. The layer is extremely thin and highly porous and provides high fluorescence intensity with nearly instantaneous response times. The fibers are moderately stable against bleaching and have long shelf-lives. Our initial efforts have concentrated on the preparation of pH-sensitive optical sensors that are useful in the pH range 4.0 to 8.0. These sensors are reversible in response to pH variation and possess signal-to-noise ratios over 250/1. The fibers are prepared using a glass surface modification followed by a polymerization step for dye immobilization. Both fluorescence and absorbance-based sensors have been prepared using this technique. The absorbance-based pH sensors have 100% response times of less than 3 seconds, are sensitive in the region of pH 6.0 to 8.0, and provide reliable measurement of pH with precision of better than 0.03 pH units.
Point of Reductant Attack in Electron Transfer through Carboxylate Mediators

MUCH attention has been given to electron transfer between metal ions through organic ligands, particularly the chromium(II)–cobalt(III) reduction1–5. Experiments have shown that conjugated dicarboxy ligands such as fumarate may provide two paths for the electron transfer: the ligand may be attacked by the reductant at either of the two COO groups. Attack at the remote carboxyl is evidenced by both an acid-independent and an acid-dependent term in the rate laws, while attack at the carboxyl group co-ordinated to the oxidant is acid-independent. The role of the proton in the acid-dependent reaction is to increase conjugation between the remote carboxyl and the cobalt(III) centre, for example: and an examination of the induced ester hydrolysis in experiments with vanadium(II) and half-ester complexes6 has shown that the remote attack involves bond formation between the reductant and the carbonyl oxygen of the carboxyl group:
Non-Western Perspectives On Learning and Knowing

This book introduces readers to systems of knowing and learning different from our familiar Western educational tradition. As with other areas of education, the knowledge base that has developed around adult learning and education has been firmly lodged in Western values and culture. But we need only look beyond our borders as well as to our own indigenous Native Americans to find major systems of thought and beliefs embedded in entirely different cultural values. Chapters on Native American Indigenous Knowledge, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Maori, Latin American Perspectives and African Indigenous Knowledge will acquaint readers with alternative understandings of learning, leading, it is hoped, to a more holistic understanding of adult learning.
Three-dimensional computational study of inspiratory aerosol flow through the larynx: the effect of glottal aperture modulation

In this paper surrogate geometry models for the larynx under sedentary, light, and heavy breathing conditions are used as the basis of a finite element model to assess the effect of glottal aperture modulation on inspiratory laryngeal fluid mechanics. It is found that the glottal aperture can have a profound effect on laryngeal jets, recirculation zones, and circumferential flow. It would be expected that these flow characteristics have an effect on particle deposition within the larynx. Pressure and velocity distributions are given. The results from this study will be used for the calculation of particle trajectories.
The AASHTO Accreditation Program: Serving the Hot Mix Asphalt Industry

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has been accreditig hot mix asphalt testing laboratories under the AASHTO Accreditation Program since 1988. Laboratories must satisfy many quality system criteria, as well as participate in the AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) on site assessment and proficiency sample programs, in order to receive accreditation from AASHTO. Analysis of AMRL proficiency sample data indicates that accreditation is beneficial to the construction industry and that the AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP) meets its objective of promoting uniformity in the testing of construction materials.
Can the FCC Still Ignore the Public? Interviews With Two Commissioners Who Listened

Recent events in the broadcast policy-making system of the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have raised the question: can public voices effectively participate in the broadcast policy-making process? This paper examines the factors working against public involvement, as well as those that have made recent intervention possible, especially the growth of the internet and its ability to facilitate more public activity. The authors conducted private in-depth interviews with FCC Commissioner Michael Copps and former FCC Commissioner Nicholas Johnson to discuss their exceptional efforts to better involve the public in the policy-making process during their service with the agency. Our analysis shows that the factors facilitating greater public involvement have developed to the point where, at least sometimes, the public and civil society organizations can either block, or at least modify, the demands of entrenched corporate interests.
Prediction of thermal crack spacing

When the thermally induced stress in a shrinking pavement layer reaches the tensile strength of asphalt, regularly spaced thermal cracks form across the width of the pavement. A one-dimensional analytical solution for the stress distribution in a thermally shrinking elastic pavement layer placed on an elastoplastic, cohesive–frictional base is developed and validated by comparison with a 2D numerical solution. From the analytical model, a prediction of a length parameter that provides bounds on the thermal crack spacing is obtained. Predicted bounds on crack spacing are validated by comparison with field observations. It is demonstrated that the proposed formulation can also be applied to estimate the average crack density observed in thin ceramic films subjected to the application of an axial strain; in the latter system, the crack spacing is six decades smaller than that observed in pavement systems. 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Rationalizing the Solution Properties of Zwitterions by Means of Computational Chemistry

This short review describes our computational studies of carnitine, acetylcarnitines, and betaines over the past two decades. Interspersed among the three computational studies – a molecular mechanics study of the conformer population of carnitine and acetylcarnitine, an AM1 study of the energetics of hydrolysis of acetylcarnitine, and an HF 6-31G* study of the solvation energies and structures of a homologous series of betaines – are brief overviews of our research in designing and testing new therapeutic agents for non-insulin dependent diabetes and for protection against sexually transmitted diseases. The three studies also show how computational chemistry has evolved during this time to enable an evaluation of the structure and energetics of zwitterions in aqueous solution.
THE MARXIST APPROACH TO THE GEOGRAPHICAL ENVIRONMENT

ABSTRACT The geographical environment and its influence on the development of society has remained a dominant theme in Soviet geography for several decades. The ideas of the 19th century Russian historians, such as Mechnikov, on the role of the geographical environment influenced early Marxist scholars, in particular Plekhanov, whose theories formed the basis for Baranskiy's early philosophy of geography. Attemps by Baranskiy and others to develop a balanced assessment of the relationship between man and the physical environment were negated in the 1930's by a dogmatic pronouncement by Stalin which denied any environmental influence on the development of society. However, since the end of World War II a group of geographers led by Baranskiy, Saushkin and Anuchin have attempted to reintroduce the theme of the geographical environment as an object of study for geography, while opposing the Stalinist underemphasis on the natural environment. The arguments of this group have been strengthened by a pronounceme...
Binding in agrammatic aphasia: Processing to comprehension.

Background: Theories of comprehension deficits in Broca's aphasia have largely been based on the pattern of deficit found with movement constructions. However, some studies have found comprehension deficits with binding constructions, which do not involve movement. Aims: This study investigates online processing and offline comprehension of binding constructions, such as reflexive (e.g., himself) and pronoun (e.g., him) constructions in unimpaired and aphasic individuals in an attempt to evaluate theories of agrammatic comprehension. Methods & Procedures: Participants were eight individuals with agrammatic Broca's aphasia and eight age-matched unimpaired individuals. We used eyetracking to examine online processing of binding constructions while participants listened to stories. Offline comprehension was also tested. Outcomes & Results: The eye movement data showed that individuals with Broca's aphasia were able to automatically process the correct antecedent of reflexives and pronouns. In addition, their...