cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social Influences on Self-Esteem

This is a series of reviews within the literature to explore the notion of self-esteem and the influence of social pressure. So much of our moral makeup is designed within the early stages of personal development. This review will explore theoretical constructs that are found to review how self-esteem is developed. Concluding that the impact of society on self-esteem and identity is becoming more influential in our society and becoming the way in which a person is developing. Revisiting social theory is becoming apparent.
Application of JC Method on Risk Analysis of Flood Control Safety of Cascade Reservoir

In order to solve water allocation and flood control issues of the composition of the most disadvantageous flood areas of the downstream cascade reservoir downstream under certain flood control standards,the paper describes the JC method to solve the composition of magnanimity allocation and risk analysis for cascade reservoir flood areas and calculate based on the Liujiaxia reservoir and Longyangxia reservoir,which bears the flood control function of Lanzhou on the upstream of Yellow River.The results show that the maximum instantaneous flow of Lanzhou station calculated by the typical method and JC method are 8 591 m3/s and 7 690 m3/s respectively.Lanzhou natural peak flow of once in one hundred years is 8 110 m3/s,which is greater than 7 690 m3/s.The Lanzhou section flood risk of the design calculated by JC method is 0.302%,so that the calculated results by the JC method belong to the safety design.
Combined Biomarker and Computed Tomography Screening Strategies for Lung Cancer: Projections of Health and Economic Tradeoffs in the US Population.

Background: Lung cancer screening with computed tomography (CT) of individuals who meet certain age and smoking history criteria is the current standard-of-care. Methods: Using a published simulation model, we compared outcomes associated with seven biomarker + CT screening strategies to CT screening alone using Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services eligibility criteria. We assumed that the biomarker had conditionally independent performance; was used for first-line screening in some, or all, individuals screened; and could be extended to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services–ineligible smokers. Strategies differed by inclusion criteria (e.g., pack-years) and proportion of individuals for whom CT remained the first-line test. Each model run simulated a combined cohort of one million men and one million women born in 1950. Primary outcomes were cancer-specific mortality reduction and screening costs; biomarker costs were measured relative to CT. Efficiency frontiers identified optimal health and econ...
Bicarbonate dependency of betaine synthesis in cultured LLC-PK1 cells

Betaine, one of the major renal organic osmolytes, is synthesized from choline by choline dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.99.1) and betaine-aldehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.8) in the kidney. A recent in vitro study has shown that betaine synthesis by renal cortical homogenate is dependent on millimolar amounts of bicarbonate. The present study was aimed to investigate the bicarbonate dependency of betaine formation in cultured LLC-PK1 cells. The data show that betaine formation increases in accordance with a rise in extracellular bicarbonate levels. The measured quantities of [14C]betaine synthesis ranged from 13.4 +/- 1.5 (4.6 mM HCO3-) to 38.0 +/- 1.4 pmol.micrograms protein-1.h-1 (24 mM HCO3-). The carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide, added to the incubation medium to block bicarbonate transport, reduced betaine synthesis from choline by 41-49%. We conclude that betaine synthesis in LLC-PK1 cells is dependent on extracellular bicarbonate levels and is reduced by the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase. Because betaine accumulates in renal medulla during antidiuresis, our observations suggest a possible link between acid-base homeostasis and concentration mechanisms in the kidney.
Raynaud’s Mimics

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a common feature among many autoimmune conditions and is often used to support the diagnosis of a rheumatic disease. Temperature sensitivity and digital discoloration, two key features of Raynaud’s, are shared by several other conditions which may complicate a clinical evaluation. An accurate diagnosis of Raynaud’s is critical in risk stratifying patients with early rheumatic disease and determining appropriate management. Physicians and other health care providers must be aware of these “mimics” and clearly distinguish them from Raynaud’s. This chapter begins with a detailed review of each of these conditions which include frostbite, primary pernio/chilblains, chilblain lupus, acrocyanosis, livedo reticularis and racemosa, and erythromelalgia.
The Impact of a Youth Development Program on Secondary Students’ Career Aspirations

This study’s purpose determined the extent to which adolescents’ participation in a youth development program may be linked to the participants’ post-secondary education and career aspirations. One hundred and seven adolescents, ages 14-19 in grades 8-12 completed Holland’s Vocational Interest Survey and the 4-H Career Decision Survey. Ordinal regression analysis indicated participation in 4-H had a positive impact on career decisions for students who participated in 4-H for two years (p< .038) and six years (p< .001). Significant differences were apparent with 80% of the racial/ethnic groups surveyed concerning a college fair’s impact on career choice and college major determination.
AIDS dementia complex and HIV-1 brain infection: a pathogenetic framework for treatment and evaluation.

This review focuses on three aspects of prevention and treatment of the AIDS dementia complex (ADC) and central nervous system (CNS) human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1) infection: (1) a pathogenetic framework for classification and development of therapies, (2) derivative therapeutic strategies and (3) evaluation methodologies. While preventing initial exposure and systemic HIV-1 infection is clearly the most important approach to eliminating the morbidity and mortality of AIDS and its diverse manifestations, this review considers only approaches to treatment of neurologically symptomatic patients and prevention of neurological diseases in those already infected, so called secondary prophylaxis.
Placental Pathology in Neonatal Stroke: A Retrospective Case-Control Study (S42.006)

Objective: Understand the relationship between placental abnormalities and neonatal stroke. Background: Arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) and venous infarction (VI) affect 1 in 4,000 newborns. While maternal and fetal/neonatal factors exist, placental risk factors have not been well described. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with neonatal stroke at three academic medical centers from 2005-2015 and identified 46 cases with placental specimens, including 26 AIS and 18 VI. We identified 100 control newborns matched for gestational age and year with placentas collected for any indication. One pathologist reviewed all specimens. Stroke type was determined by consensus neuroimaging review. Results: Forty-five of 46 cases (98[percnt]) and 95/100 controls had any abnormal finding; cases had significantly more by number and severity, as follows. Fifteen cases (33[percnt]) met pathologically defined criteria for two or more major categories of placental abnormality, compared to 8/100 controls (OR 5.56, Χ² p<0.0001). Uteroplacental malperfusion occurred in 30[percnt] of cases and 20[percnt] of controls. Fetal vascular flow restriction occurred in 50[percnt] of cases and 17[percnt] of controls (OR 5.25, Χ² p<0.0001). Amniotic fluid inflammation with maternal- and fetal-side response occurred in 32[percnt] of cases and 20[percnt] of controls; of cases, it occurred in 11 with AIS (39[percnt]) and 4 with VI (22[percnt]). There was evidence of non-acute stress (meconium plus many nucleated red blood cells) in 24[percnt] of cases and 1[percnt] of controls (OR 5.25, Fisher’s t-test p<0.0001), including 29[percnt] of AIS and 17[percnt] of VI. Conclusions: Major placental abnormalities were common in stroke cases relative to controls, with trends towards different patterns in arterial versus venous stroke. Many findings were subacute to chronic and reflect intrauterine stressors that may predispose to acute stroke in the perinatal period. We are continuing to investigate these abnormalities and their implications for screening, monitoring, and even prevention of neonatal stroke. Disclosure: Dr. Bernson-Leung has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boyd has nothing to disclose. Dr. Danehy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Meserve has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rivkin has nothing to disclose.
Ventriculoatrial versus ventriculoperitoneal shunt complications in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Abstract Background Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a devastating condition that affects the elderly population. Although ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts can be used to manage iNPH, concerns for associated cardiopulmonary and renal complications have decreased their use. However, the rate of these complications is not well understood within this population of patients. Patients and methods A retrospective review of the electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with iNPH by the senior author between 1993 and 2015 was performed. Demographic information and baseline symptoms were assessed. Complications including infection, shunt obstruction, overdrainage, cardiopulmonary events, renal dysfunction, and shunt revision were recorded. Complication rates were compared between VA and VP shunted patients. Statistical analysis using Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, logistic regression, Wald t -test, Poisson regression, ANOVA, and ANCOVA was performed. Results 496 Patients, including 150 receiving VA shunts and 346 receiving VP shunts, were included in the study. The median age was 74 and 73 for VA and VP shunted patients, respectively, with slight male predominance in both (58.0% and 58.4% for VA and VP groups, respectively). A total of 36.0% of VA shunted patients and 42.5% of VP shunted patients experienced at least one post-operative complication. Overdrainage was the most commonly experienced complication in both VA (27.4%) and VP patients (19.9%). Infection occurred in only 2.0% of patients, and renal complications occurred in 1.3%. No patients had cardiopulmonary complications. VA shunted patients were significantly less likely to experience shunt obstruction and require shunt revision compared to VP shunted patients ( p = 0.008 and p = 0.002 for both). Conclusion Although cardiopulmonary and renal complications are serious concerns associated with VA shunt placement, they were uncommon in patients with iNPH. VA shunted patients were less likely to experience shunt obstruction and require shunt revision compared to VP shunted patients. Therefore, VA shunts should be considered as an alternative primary treatment option in the iNPH population.
Click to Enter: Comparing Graphical and Textual Passwords for Children

This work outlines a study comparing graphical and textual passwords. A study was conducted with 13 children between the ages of six and twelve years old. These participants created their own textual and graphical passwords for fictional Web sites and after two weeks, participants returned and attempted to recall the usernames and passwords that they created. Our preliminary results showed that graphical passwords had a lower success rate and participants were less likely to access their accounts when using graphical passwords. Whether using graphical or textual passwords, children succeeded with generalities, but struggled with specifics.
Fire ants perpetually rebuild sinking towers.

In the aftermath of a flood, fire ants, Solenopsis invicta, cluster into temporary encampments. The encampments can contain hundreds of thousands of ants and reach over 30 ants high. How do ants bu...
Application of Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Techniques in Studies of Chemistry of Radical Anions and Dianions

In this chapter I intend to review some of the approaches that utilize electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques to provide information about the nature of ionic aggregates, such as ion pairs, triple ions, etc. I shall also show how these approaches can be employed in studies of labile and short-lived species.
Nomogram for preoperative prediction of nodal extracapsular extension or positive surgical margins in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Introduction Extracapsular extension (ECE) in regional lymph nodes and positive surgical margins (PSM) are considered high-risk adverse pathologic features in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) that each constitute an indication for postoperative adjuvant chemoradiation. We identify pre-operative clinical factors that can predict post-operative ECE and/or PSM and create a nomogram to help clinical decision making. Methods Adult patients with non-metastatic OPSCC with initial surgical treatment and confirmed HPV status diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 were selected from the National Cancer Database. Clinical staging was modified to American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition parameters. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis to identify predictors of pathologic ECE and/or PSM. Results 5065 patients were included. 47.5% of the 3336 HPV-positive (HPV+) patients had ECE/PSM. 40.4% of the 1729 HPV-negative (HPV−) patients with had ECE/PSM. A model was built that included age, clinical ECE, tumor grade, and clinical T and N staging for HPV+ patients. Increasing N-classification was highly predictive of pathologic ECE and/or PSM (N1 OR = 3.6, N2 OR = 7.0, N3 OR = 11.2, p Conclusions These are the first nomograms designed to help predict ECE or PSM for both HPV+ and HPV− OPSCC. The nomograms can facilitate shared decision-making between clinicians and patients as they consider upfront treatment selection for OPSCC.
Isometric Cervical Muscle Strength Does Not Affect Head Impact Kinematics in High School Boys’ Lacrosse

A growing topic in research is that of cervical strength to potentially mitigate head impact kinematics (HIK) and concussion risk. The purpose of this research was two-fold: (a) Assess the effects ...
Predictors of Surgical Intervention in Dialysis Patients With Infective Endocarditis.

Background The use of valve surgery for infective endocarditis (IE) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients may be different than in the general population. We assessed predictors of early surgery in ESRD patients with IE. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study among dialysis patients with left-sided IE between 2005 and 2015. Indications for surgery were based on current endocarditis guidelines. Patients were categorized as early valve replacement surgery or delayed/no surgery. We used logistic regression to determine independent predictors of early surgery. Results Among 229 patients, 67 (29.3%) underwent early surgery. New congestive heart failure was the only high level of evidence indication independently associated with early surgery (odds ratio [OR], 12.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.4-43.6). Transfer from outside hospital (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 2.2-13.3), valve rupture (OR, 6.9; 95% CI, 2.6-17.9), coagulase-negative staphylococcus etiology (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.4-10.6), and presence of any low level of evidence indication (OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 2.2-15.5) predicted early surgery. Preexisting valve disease (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.12-0.82) and surgical contraindications (OR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.005-0.4) predicted nonsurgical treatment. Conclusions Among ESRD patients with IE, most surgical indications are not predictive of early surgery.
Approximation and Wasserstein distance for self-similar measures on the unit interval

Abstract We study the Wasserstein distance between self-similar measures associated to two non-overlapping linear contractions of the unit interval. The main theorem gives an explicit formula for the Wasserstein distance between iterations of certain discrete approximations of such measures. Our argument extends to two non-overlapping contractions with different contraction ratios and our result allows us to recover the formula for the Wasserstein distance between self-similar measures previously obtained.
High sensitivity SLIM imaging to correlate sperm morphology and fertility outcomes (Conference Presentation)

Fluorescence-based cell sorting instruments are capable of classifying sperm for desired characteristics such as gender. It is not surprising that, as these techniques are approaching clinical use, closer scrutiny has revealed that the sorting process introduces a signification increase in oxidative stress in addition to an undesired selection bias due to fragmented DNA. Although some of the damage can be attributed to rough mechanical handling, from studies on adherent cells, it is well known that these defects are also associated with the intrinsic toxicity of the fluorescence labels. In effect, fluorescence-based markers reduce viability, motivating the use of intrinsic contrast methods. Here we present recent progress on evaluating reproductive outcomes using Spatial Light Interference Microscopy (SLIM) for high sensitivity phase imaging. We compared our label-free markers to existing staining techniques. We show how the compatibility of our system with fluorescence/color image acquisition allows our techniques to be used concurrently rather than as an alternative, to conventional methods.
Analysis of vibrational autoionization of CaF Rydberg states.

We report calculations of vibrational autoionization rates of CaF Rydberg states, based on the results of a global multi-channel quantum defect theory (MQDT) fit. Our goal is to use intuitive physical models to interpret and extend the results from the MQDT calculations and, in particular, to characterize the physical mechanisms for the interaction between the Rydberg electron and the ion-core. The calculations indicate that, among the six strongly l-mixed core-penetrating (CP) Rydberg series of CaF, the n.36 p^Π Rydberg series has the fastest Δv = 1 vibrational autoionization rate, which is at least four times larger than that for the other CP Rydberg series, in agreement with experimental results. We first demonstrate that the rotational level dependence of the vibrational autoionization rate of the n.36 p^Π series is satisfactorily explained by l-uncoupling interactions, which differ for the positive and negative Kronig symmetry levels. Next, we interpret the relative vibrational autoionization rates of all six CP Rydberg series in the context of a valence-precursor (VP) model. The VP model is a consequence of Mulliken’s rule, which states that the innermost lobe of the Rydberg wavefunction remains invariant in both the nodal position and shape for members of the same Rydberg series. The electronic properties of the six VP states, which are the terminus states (lowest-n) of each of the six CP Rydberg series, are further characterized in terms of a ligand-field model, providing insight into the intimate relationship between the Rydberg electron density in the ion-core region and the vibrational autoionization rate.
14-Step Synthesis of (+)-Ingenol from (+)-3-Carene.

The efficient, highly stereocontrolled title synthesis of (+)-ingenol (I) uses a two-phase (cyclase phase, oxidase phase/rearrangement) design.
Improving Utilization of Aspirin for Prevention of Preeclampsia in a High-Risk Urban Cohort: A Prospective Cohort Study

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the utilization of aspirin for preeclampsia prevention before and after implementation of a screening tool during nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound. Study Design One-year prospective cohort study of patients at high risk for preeclampsia after the implementation of a screening tool (postscreen) administered to all patients at check in for NT (11–13 weeks) ultrasound. Prospective cohort was compared with one-year retrospective cohort (prescreen) the year prior (2017). All patients who presented for NT ultrasound in both cohorts were evaluated for the presence of one or more risk factor for preeclampsia with screening tool collected prospectively and chart review retrospectively. Provider recommendation for aspirin determined by documentation in prenatal record. Primary outcome was rate of provider recommendation for aspirin pre versus post screening tool, compared by Chi-square test and adjusted for potential confounders with multiple regression analysis. Results Pre- (n = 156) and postscreen (n = 136) cohorts were similar except for race and multifetal gestation. Prescreen, rate of provider recommendation for aspirin was 74%. Of those with prior preeclampsia, 96% were recommended aspirin, compared with 64% of patients with other risk factors (p Conclusion Prior to implementation of a simple screening questionnaire, approximately 25% of high risk patients did not receive the recommendation of aspirin for preeclampsia prevention. High-risk patients who lack a history of preeclampsia were less likely to be advised of aspirin prophylaxis. Use of a simple universal screening tool at time of NT ultrasound significantly improved utilization of aspirin for preeclampsia prevention and may improve patient outcomes. Key Points
Optical Oxygen Sensors With Improved Lifetime Incorporating Titania Beads and Polydimethylsiloxane Coatings

The use of optical sensors for oxygen measurement is becoming more important because of their capability for low-cost and direct measurement, but as yet, little has been reported about their long-term performance. Phosphorescent sensors based on platinum octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) embedded in polymer matrices tend to degrade with time. To reduce the rate of degradation, sensor films were fabricated and then coated with a layer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and tested in a six-month study. The PDMS-coated sensors showed an average degradation rate of ~0.073 %/day, compared to ~0.18 %/day for uncoated sensors. Titania beads were also incorporated into the films to increase light scattering and improve the response; these beads compensated to some degree for the absorption due to the PDMS films. The films with titania beads improved the response significantly (about 40%) compared to the films without titania beads. Incorporation of titania beads also moderately improved the aging characteristics.
The Lingua Franca: Contact-Induced Language Change in the Mediterranean

Whose name is hidden behind the anonymity of the key publication on Mediterranean Lingua Franca? What linguistic reality does the label 'Lingua Franca' conceal? These and related questions are explored in this new book on an enduringly important topic. The book presents a typologically informed analysis of Mediterranean Lingua Franca, as documented in the Dictionnaire de la langue franque ou petit mauresque, which provides an important historical snapshot of contact-induced language change. Based on a close study of the Dictionnaire in its historical and linguistic context, the book proposes hypotheses concerning its models, authorship and publication history, and examines the place of the Dictionnaire's Lingua Franca in the structural typological space between Romance languages, on the one hand, and pidgins, on the other. It refines our understanding of the typology of contact outcomes while at the same time opening unexpected new avenues for both linguistic and historical research.
Endovascular Removal of Thrombus and Right Heart Masses Using the AngioVac System: Results of 234 Patients from the Prospective, Multicenter Registry of AngioVac Procedures in Detail (RAPID).

PURPOSE To assess device and procedural safety and technical success associated with the use of the AngioVac System to remove vascular thrombi and cardiac masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Registry of AngioVac Procedures in Detail (RAPID) study prospectively collected data for 234 patients receiving treatment with AngioVac at 21 sites between March 2016 and August 2019: 84 (35.9%) with caval thromboemboli (CTEs), 113 (48.3%) with right heart masses (RHMs), 20 (8.5%) with catheter-related thrombi (CRTs), and 4 (1.7%) with pulmonary emboli (PEs). Thirteen patients had a combination of procedures during the same admission. RESULTS Using the AngioVac system, 70%-100% thrombus or mass removal was achieved in 73.6% of patients with CTEs, 58.5% of patients with RHMs, 60% of patients with CRTs, and 57.1% of patients with PEs. Extracorporeal bypass time was < 1 hour for 176 (75.2%) procedures. Estimated blood loss was < 250 mL for 179 procedures (76.5%). Mean hemoglobin decreased from 10.4 g/dL ± 2.9 preoperatively to 9.4 g/dL ± 2.6 postoperatively. Transfusions were administered in 59 procedures (25.2%) with 47 transfusions (78.2%) being ≤ 2 U. There were 36 procedure-related complications, including 1 death. CONCLUSIONS The RAPID registry data demonstrate that the AngioVac System can be safely and effectively used to remove vascular thrombi and cardiac masses across a broad range of patient populations. The limited use of the device to remove pulmonary emboli in the present series precludes recommending the use of the AngioVac device for this indication.
Platform-Based Embedded Software Design for Multi-vehicle Multi-modal Systems

In this paper, we present a methodology for the design of embedded controllers for multi-vehicle multi-modal systems. Our methodology is predicated upon the principles of platform-based design, which uses layers of abstraction to isolate applications from low-level system details and yet provides enough information about the important parameters of the lower layers of abstraction, to modularize the system design and to provide predictable system performance. An essential layer of abstraction in our methodology is the software platform provided by the programming language Giotto, which allows a clean implementation of a time-based controller application. Our methodology includes a hardware-in-the-loop simulation framework, in which system components can be replaced by actual implementation for high-fidelity simulation. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our design methodology, a helicopter-based unmanned aerial vehicle system is presented. We present simulation results which validate the quality of our embedded control system implementation.
Reactions of gaseous pollutants with solids

Many desulfurization processes involve the pickup of H2S by a solid absorbent, but the surface chemistry is not understood. Consequently, IR spectra were recorded of H2S chemisorbed at 25°C by a calcined dolomite, CaO, and MgO in order to provide information about the nature of the molecular species formed on the solid's surfaces. H2S was sorbed even at low pressures, forming a layer of hydroxyls and a half-layer of S−; further reaction led to H2O formation and the conversion of the oxide surfaces into sulfide surfaces. SH− groups were detected only with MgO. Heating the H2S-treated adsorbents in O2 led to the oxidation of the sulfides to sulfites and to sulfates.
Preventable injury deaths: a population-based proxy of child maltreatment risk in California.

OBJECTIVE: This study used group variations in child injury fatality rates to assess racial bias in the population of children identified as victims of maltreatment. METHODS: Injury fatality and maltreatment data from California were compiled for the years 1998-2007. Death and maltreatment risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed by race and age. Rates of excess child injury mortality by race were derived from three different baseline rates of death. Substantiations per excess injury death were calculated. RESULTS: Compared with white children, black children faced a risk of substantiated maltreatment that was more than twice as great (black RR: 2.39, 95% CI 2.37, 2.42) and were fatally injured at nearly twice the rate (black RR: 1.89, 95% CI 1.68, 2.12). Per excess death, however, black children had rates of substantiated maltreatment allegations that were equivalent to or lower than the rates for white children. CONCLUSIONS: These data support claims that, at least in California, black-white racial disparities observed in maltreatment rates reflect real group differences in risk. These data provide no evidence of systematic racial bias in the child protective services' substantiation process. Language: en
Basic Topology of R

What follows is a fascinating mathematical construction, due to Georg Cantor, which is extremely useful for extending the horizons of our intuition about the nature of subsets of the real line. Cantor’s name has already appeared in the first chapter in our discussion of uncountable sets. Indeed, Cantor’s proof that R is uncountable occupies another spot on the short list of the most significant contributions toward understanding the mathematical infinite. In the words of the mathematician David Hilbert, “No one shall expel us from the paradise that Cantor has created for us.”
Culturally Relevant Teaching in Science Classrooms: Addressing Academic Achievement, Cultural Competence, and Critical Consciousness

This article provides classroom examples and commentaries for extending and deepening culturally relevant science teaching efforts in classrooms. It examines instructional efforts used by one of the authors with high school and university students. Together, the three authors rethink and reconsider several aspects against a culturally relevant pedagogical backdrop. The commentary points out considerations for focusing on student achievement, cultural competence, and critical and sociopolitical consciousness. The necessity and difficulty of centering culture, equity, and power relations are emphasized.
Fragile X syndrome: An aging perspective

Cognitive and behavioral correlates of molecular variations related to the FMR1 gene have been studied rather extensively, but research about the long-term outcome in individuals with fragile X spectrum disorders remains sparse. In this review, we present an overview of aging research and recent findings in regard to cellular and clinical manifestations of aging in fragile X syndrome, and the FMR1 premutation.
Indirect Generation of a Large-Volume Diffuse Plasma by an Ionization Wave From a Plasma Jet

Low temperature plasma jets are the product of fast ionization waves that are guided within a gas channel. Here, we present a novel way to use an ionization wave from an external plasma jet to remotely produce a large-volume diffuse low pressure plasma inside an electrodeless Pyrex chamber.
Access to care in post-economic reform rural China: results from a 1994 cross-sectional survey.

The purpose of this paper is to assess the current level of access to care in rural China based on results from a 1994 random, cross-sectional survey of three rural counties in China. A total of 72. people were interviewed. The results of the study indicate there is currently a significant gap among rural Chinese communities in terms of access to health care, particularly with regard to availability (e.g., cooperative health plan or other insurance plans) and acceptability (e.g., health care spending burden). Less developed rural communities are placed in double jeopardy: not only are residents paying a higher amount for health care, they have to do so with significantly less income.
Heat recovery from automotive engine

Heat recovery from automotive engines has been predominantly for turbo-charging or for cabin heating. Studies relative to application of the recovered heat to run absorption chillers is scarce. In this project, a 10.55 kW (three ton) absorption chiller was modified for hot gas intake and matched to a 2.8 L V6 internal combustion engine. Mathematical model and experimental test results suggest that the concept is thermodynamically feasible and could significantly enhance system performance depending on part-load of the engine. However, possible challenges during transient operations as well as issues related to scalability and reliability require further investigation.
The ν4 state inversion spectra of 15NH3 and 14NH3

Abstract The frequencies and assignments of 45 inversion transitions of 15 NH 3 and 15 additional inversion transitions of 14 NH 3 in the ν 4 state are reported. The J = 0 inversion frequency and K -type doubling constant for K , l = 2, −1 are 31 602.72 MHz and 2.000 MHz for 15 NH 3 . The expression containing the effective l -type doubling constant, q 0 - 5 q J - Δ η …, is calculated from the ( J , K , l ) = (1,1,1), (1,1,−1), (2,1,1), and (2,1,−1) transitions as 10 166.022 MHz. The contribution to this expression from the Coriolis coupling with 2 ν 2 is estimated for 14 NH 3 .
Biased π-Shifted Low-Coherence Interferometry for Measuring Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD)

Abstract Conventional low-coherence interferometry (LCI) has been employed in the measurement of polarization mode dispersion (PMD) of fiber-optic components and fibers. However, the smallest PMD, which can be measured using this technique, is limited by the coherence length of the source. We propose and study a biased π-shifted Michelson interferometer where a birefringent crystal (biasing crystal) is inserted in front of the interferometer to introduce a bias differential group delay larger than the coherence time of the source. In this way, the limitation imposed by the source coherence time is overcome and PMDs much smaller than the source coherence time, in the order of several femtoseconds, can be measured. A theoretical model of the biased π-shifted LCI is developed based on Jones calculus. Experimental observations have been demonstrated to agree well with the theoretical model. Measurements for the PMD have been shown and compared with those obtained through the Jones matrix eigenanalysis.
A Three-Dimensional Wiener-Hopf Technique for General Bodies of Revolution: Part 2—Numerical Results

This study numerically demonstrates a new Wiener-Hopf technique for a generic family of straight finite cylinders capped by hemispheres [1]. The approach uses a three-dimensional Wiener-Hopf technique with Fourier transforms to calculate the radiated noise. A discussion of validity of the solution method through an energy conservation analysis is included. All of the cylinders investigated had the same extent of acoustically illuminated (hemispherical) area. Although the structure in the development is general the numerical results presented consider only locally reacting surfaces with uniform properties in a mass-controlled sense. The calculations are actually the result of a zeroth-order version of the theory that becomes increasingly valid with rising values of the basic cylinder’s aspect ratio. Lastly, using a function-splitting procedure we show that the Wiener-Hopf’s canonical essential singularity and square-root branch point generate the Fresnel integral as a fundamental function.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Isometries and isometric equivalence of hermitian operators on A1,p(X)

Let X be a separable complex Banach space with no nontrivial L1-projections and not isometrically isomorphic to Lp([0,1],X), where 1<p<∞, p≠2. The space A1,p(X) is defined to be the set of all absolutely continuous functions f:[0,1]→X such that dfdx exist a.e. on (0,1) and belongs to Lp([0,1],X). If f∈A1,p(X), the norm of f on this space is defined to be |||f|||=‖f(0)‖X+‖f′‖Lp([0,1],X). We prove that if T is a surjective isometry T of A1,p(X), then T is given by Tf(x)=T0f(0)+∫0xU(f′)(t)dt, where T0 is a surjective isometry of X and U is a surjective isometry of Lp([0,1],X). We also give the form of a hermitian operators on A1,p(X). In addition, if we assume that X is not the lp-direct sum of two nonzero Banach spaces (for the same p), we obtain the conditions of isometric equivalence of two hermitian operators on A1,p(X).
Characteristics of a Miniature Compartment-less Glucose-O2 Biofuel Cell and Its Operation in a Living Plant

We report the temperature, pH, glucose concentration, NaCl concentration, and operating atmosphere dependence of the power output of a compartment-less miniature glucose-O(2) biofuel cell, comprised only of two bioelectrocatalyst-coated carbon fibers, each of 7 micro m diameter and 2 cm length (Mano, N.; Mao, F.; Heller, A. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 12962). The bioelectrocatalyst of the anode consists of glucose oxidase from Aspergillus niger electrically "wired" by polymer I, having a redox potential of -0.19 V vs Ag/AgCl. That of the cathode consists of bilirubin oxidase from Trachyderma tsunodae "wired" by polymer II having a redox potential of +0.36 V vs Ag/AgCl (Mano, N.; Kim, H.-H.; Zhang, Y.; Heller, A. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 6480. Mano, N.; Kim, H.-H.; Heller, A. J. Phys. Chem. B 2002, 106, 8842). Implantation of the fibers in the grape leads to an operating biofuel cell producing 2.4 micro W at 0.52 V.
A Combined AVO Analysis of P-P And P-S Reflection Data

instead of RPS where is the incident angle By do ing so we avoided dealing with the absence of converted S waves at small angles and we enhanced the existing similarities between RPP and R PS as well as their di er ences For instance we have used the linear behavior of both re ection coe cients for angles smaller than de grees to simultaneously estimate the contrasts of P and S wave velocities and of density and the VP VS ratio
Extracorporeal Membranous Oxygenation and Left Atrial Decompression: A Fast and Minimally Invasive Approach

Left atrial decompression for patients under extracorporeal membranous oxygenation is sometimes mandatory, but it may be technically difficult. We describe a safe and minimally invasive technique to perform this while placing a small cannula antegradely in the pulmonary artery trunk.
Solution and Crystal Structures of a Sugar Binding Site Mutant of Cyanovirin-N: No Evidence of Domain Swapping

Summary The cyanobacterial lectin Cyanovirin-N (CV-N) exhibits antiviral activity against HIV at a low nanomolar concentration by interacting with high-mannose oligosaccharides on the virus surface envelope glycoprotein gp120. Atomic structures of wild-type CV-N revealed a monomer in solution and a domain-swapped dimer in the crystal, with the monomer comprising two independent carbohydrate binding sites that individually bind with micromolar affinity to di- and trimannoses. In the mutant CVN mutDB , the binding site on domain B was abolished and the protein was found to be completely inactive against HIV. We determined the solution NMR and crystal structures of this variant and characterized its sugar binding properties. In solution and the crystal, CVN mutDB is a monomer and no domain-swapping was observed. The protein binds to Man-3 and Man-9 with similar dissociation constants (∼4 μM). This confirms that the nanomolar activity of wild-type CV-N is related to the multisite nature of the protein carbohydrate interaction.
Electron microscopy of plasticity in rat olfactory cortex

Abstract Electron microscopy (EM) is being used to study the ultrastructural basis for the age-dependent reorganization of afferents in the olfactory cortex (OC) of rat after deafferentation of the area by removal of the ipsilateral olfactory bulb (OB). The double-lesion technique was used with a primary lesion of the OB at various postnatal (PN) ages between PN 0 and 30 and in the adult (PN 100). After appropriate survival times to remove initial lesion-degenerated terminals from the OB lesion, a second lesion was placed in the ipsilateral OC. One to 3 days later the tissue is prepared for EM with emphasis on a study of changes in the superficial and deep dendritic layer (Ia and Ib respectively) rostral to the lesion. In control litter mates with both OBs intact, but with a single OC lesion only, degenerating synaptic terminals occur onto dendritic spines and branches only in deeper Ib. However, in adults with OB lesions at PN 0–9, OC lesions produce degenerating terminals throughout Ia and Ib including immediately subjacent to the pia. In Ia degenerating terminals are greatly reduced in the PN 13 group and rare to absent in experiments with OB lesions at older ages (PN 30–100). Electron-dense debris within glia occurs throughout layer I in each double-lesion group but is greatest in experiments with OB lesions at older ages. Some transynaptic alterations are seen throughout, especially in the PN 30–100 group even at a distance from the OC lesion. The results support earlier light microscopic (LM) findings, suggesting PN 9–13 as critical ages for developmental plasticity and prove that at least in the younger ages, synapses are involved in the phenomenon. This may be explained by either reinnervation of deafferented sites or persistence of synapses that would otherwise have been eliminated by afferents from the OB. In addition, some of the LM degeneration particles probably are engulfed masses of debris and not synaptic structures, especially in cases which were operated at older ages and survived for 3 days. The various afferent pathways involved in the events as well as factors that limit the phenomenon in older ages are discussed.
A Mutant Search—Caenorhabditis elegans and Gene Discovery

With ∼36,000 students enrolled, the University of North Texas is the fourth largest state university in Texas. To provide each of the >1800 undergraduate Biology majors the opportunity to participate in a discovery-based project, we developed “Worm Mutants,” a worm mutant screen module for the required genetics laboratory, where students apply approaches used by geneticists to identify genes that regulate biological processes.
Expanded Very Large Array Detection of 36.2 GHz Class I Methanol Masers in Sagittarius A

We report on the interferometric detection of 36.2 GHz Class I methanol emission with the new 27–40 GHz Ka-band receivers available on the Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA). The brightness temperatures of the interferometric 36 GHz detections unambiguously indicate for the first time that the emission is maser emission. The 36 GHz methanol masers are not co-spatial with 1720 MHz OH masers, indicating that the two species trace different shocks. The 36 GHz and 44 GHz methanol masers, which are collisionally pumped, do not necessarily co-exist and may trace different methanol gas. The methanol masers seem correlated with NH3(3,3) density peaks. We favor an explanation in which the 36 GHz Class I methanol masers outline regions of cloud–cloud collisions, perhaps just before the onset of the formation of individual massive stars. The transition of the Very Large Array (VLA) to the EVLA is well under way, and these detections demonstrate the bright future of this completely renewed instrument.
The 2004 US Presidential campaign: Impact of hybrid offline and online ‘meetup’ communities

In his run for the 2004 Democratic Party presidential nomination, Howard Dean demonstrated the potential of a new type of hybrid online-offline community-building phenomenon, Meetup.com. It facilitates the process of consumers/citizens with similar interests — on almost any topic, not just marketing or politics — finding each other and organising online so that they can get together as a group or ‘meet up’ offline. The authors classify this type of group as an e2f (electronic-to-face) community. In a study of 820 people who attended meetups (ie Meetup events) for presidential candidates between 22 January and 10 March 2004, meetup attendance was found to be positively related to important marketing measures of campaign effectiveness, such as donations, volunteering and candidate support and advocacy.
Cell changes in sensory ganglia following proximal and disal nerve section in the monkey

Ganglion cell changes were studied in 25 monkeys following systematic section of spinal and cranial sensory nerves proximal or distal to the ganglion. Ganglion cells were studied in Nissl preparations while central degeneration was studied in Nauta-Gygax stained sections. Morphological characteristics of normal ganglia were studied in unoperated controls. In normal ganglia three categories of cells were identified: (1) A predominant largecelled group (ranging from 20 to 100 μ), (2) small dark cells, and (3) a small number of “atypical” cells. Division of nerves proximal to ganglia produced no cellular changes in most cases; changes attributed to relative ischemia occurred in a few ganglia. Centrally projecting fibers of sectioned nerves were degenerated. Division of sensory nerves distal to ganglia produced profuse chromatolytic changes in cells of all sizes and types within ganglia but no central degeneration. Cervical section of the vagus produced chromatolytic cell changes in the inferior ganglion and a small portion of the superior ganglion unrelated to the auricular nerve. Section of the facial nerve distal to the geniculate ganglion produced chromatolysis in approximately half of the ganglion cells. An accessory trigeminal ganglion, composed of cells of autonomic type, was found distal to the trigeminal ganglion in association with the third division of the nerve. Severance of nerve fibers distal to sensory ganglia eliminates peripheral neurotrophic influences necessary for the growth and maintenance of the ganglion cell. It is postulated that the integrity of this influence is sufficient to sustain sensory ganglion cells after their central processes have been sectioned.
On estimating the reliability of a component subject to several different stresses (strengths)

This paper is concerned with estimating p = P(X1 < Y …, Xn < Y) or q =P (X < Y1, …, X < Yn) where the X's and Y's are all independent random variables. Applications to estimation of the reliability p from stress-strength relationships are considered where a component is subject to several stresses X1, X2, …, XN whereas its strength, Y, is a single random variable. Similarly, the reliability q is of interest where a component is made of several parts all with their individual strengths Y1, Y2 …, YN and a single stress X is applied to the component. When the X's and Y's are independent and normal, maximum likelihood estimates of p and q have been obtained. For the case N = 2 and in some special cases, minimum variance unbiased estimates have been given. When the Y's are all exponential and the X is normal with known variance, but unknown mean (or uniform between 0 and θ, θ being unknown) the minimum variance unbiased estimate of q is established in this paper.
Action and Interaction of Gibberellic Acid and B995 on Datura innoxia

Thirty-three-day-old Datura innoxia seedlings were treated weekly for a period of 4 weeks with 50 mcg. of GA, 100 to 1000 p.p.m. solutions of B995, or combinations of both. The GA-treated plants indicated significantly increased height, increased stem dry weight, and generally decreased alkaloid concentration. Plants treated with the combination of the growth factors closely paralleled those treated with GA. Plants treated with B995 closely resembled controls, except for a decrease in alkaloid concentration in the roots at the last harvest. The results of a modified Dragendorff analysis are reported.
Innervation of guinea pig heart by neurons sensitive to capsaicin.

Abstract To determine the origin of non-vagal afferent fibers innervating the heart of guinea pigs, capsaicin was injected into the ventricular myocardium to induce depletion of substance P (SP). The lower cervical, upper thoracic and lumbar spinal ganglia, as well as the left atrium and base of ventricles, were assayed for SP depletion by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemical procedures. Capsaicin affected spinal ganglia from the 3 regions differently. The substance P level in lumbar spinal ganglia remained fairly constant, while the level of SP from cervical and thoracic regions declined significantly. At the maximal depletion dosage (173 μg of capsaicin/kg), SP concentration decreased 72.3% in cervical spinal ganglia, 45.5% in thoracic ganglia and 56.1% in the atrium. The lack of SP depletion in lumbar ganglia indicates that capsaicin acted locally on cardiac afferents rather than systemically. Data from this study suggest that capsaicin-sensitive neurons of the heart have cell bodies in the lower cervical spinal ganglia as well as in the upper thoracic spinal ganglia.