cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teachers As Learners and Practitioners: Shifting Teaching Practice through Havruta Pedagogy

AbstractThis study presents the cases of two teachers in a Jewish supplementary school whose experiences as learners in a year-long professional development (PD) program shaped their teaching practice. The PD program, based in a theory of havruta text learning, immersed the faculty in the very pedagogy they were being encouraged to use in their teaching and gave them tools to enact it to meet their classroom learning goals. In one case, the teacher learned to share “control” and give students a direct encounter with biblical texts; in another case, the teacher supported students to engage in interpretive play with the text. This study demonstrates the potential of the pedagogy of havruta learning to harness the religious educator's role as both learner and teacher and how the continuity between these roles can affect teaching practice in multiple ways.
Phosphorylation‐Dependent Immunoreactivity of Neurofilaments Increases During Axonal Maturation and β,β′‐Iminodipropionitrile Intoxication

The immunoreactivity of the high-molecular-weight neurofilament (NF) subunit toward antibodies that react with phosphorylation-related epitopes was determined at different anatomic sites in the PNS of rats during normal maturation and after intoxication with beta,beta'-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN). A maturational increase in the relative binding of phosphorylation-dependent antibodies compared to phosphorylation-inhibited antibodies occurred from age 3 to 12 weeks. An increase in phosphorylation-related immunoreactivity with increasing distance from the cell bodies was present in ventral and dorsal roots at all ages. The degree of phosphorylation-related immunoreactivity was greater for centrally directed axons in the dorsal roots of the L5 ganglion than for peripherally directed axons. IDPN, a toxin that impairs NF transport, caused a marked increase in reactivity toward the phosphorylation-dependent antibody. NFs from IDPN-treated rats also bound less of an antibody that is normally phosphorylation independent and this inhibition of binding was sensitive to phosphatase digestion. In each instance, greater degrees of phosphorylation-dependent immunoreactivity correlate with conditions known to exhibit slower net rates of axonal transport of NF proteins.
CHORIZOS: A χ2 Code for Parameterized Modeling and Characterization of Photometry and Spectrophotometry

We have developed CHi-square cOde for parameterRized modeling and characterIZation of phOtometry and Spectrophotmetry (CHORIZOS). CHORIZOS can use up to two intrinsic free parameters (e.g., temperature and gravity for stars, type and redshift for galaxies, or age and metallicity for stellar clusters) and two extrinsic parameters (amount and type of extinction). The code uses χ2 minimization to find all models compatible with the observed data in the model N-dimensional (N = 1, 2, 3, 4) parameter space. CHORIZOS can use either correlated or uncorrelated colors as input and is specially designed to identify possible parameter degeneracies and multiple solutions. The code is written in IDL and is available to the astronomical community. Here we present the techniques used, test the code, apply it to a few well-known astronomical problems, and suggest possible applications. As a first scientific result from CHORIZOS, we confirm from photometry the need for a revised temperature-spectral type scale for OB stars previously derived from spectroscopy.
Does the location of the touch from the contralateral finger application affect grip force control while lifting an object

It was recently shown that the magnitude of grip force used to lift and transport a hand-held object decreased if a light finger touch from the contralateral arm was provided to the wrist of the target arm [A.S. Aruin, Support-specific modulation of grip force in individuals with hemiparesis, Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 86 (2005) 768-775]. In this study, we investigated whether the location of the finger touch along the target arm affects the way grip force is reduced. Subjects performed the same task of lifting and transporting an instrumented object with no involvement of the contralateral arm and when an index finger touch of the contralateral arm was provided to the wrist, thumb, mid-forearm, and the hand-held object. Grip force was reduced by approximately the same amount in all conditions with the finger touch compared to the no touch condition suggesting that its reduction was not associated with a particular point of contact of the finger with the target arm. The results of the study provide additional evidence to support of the use of a second arm in the performance of activities of daily living and stress the importance of future studies investigating contralateral arm sensory input on grip force control.
The Experiences of African American Grandmothers in Grandparent-Headed Families

Grandparents raising their grandchildren in parent-absent homes are an increasing family structure. A myriad of family and societal problems create the need for the grandparent to assume caregiving responsibilities, including child maltreatment, parental substance abuse, and poverty. Although grandparent-headed families (GHF) are represented across racial, gender, and socioeconomic groups, single, low-income African American grandmothers from urban environments experience this family structure in disproportionately higher rates. Due to their higher prevalence, and the relative lack of attention in the existing literature, African American grandmother caregivers are the focus of this research. The present study is an exploratory study of the qualitative experiences of African American grandmothers who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren. Individual interviews were conducted with 6 grandmother caregivers, revealing 5 major themes. Results are discussed, and directions for future research and implications for counselors working with GHF are presented.
Click-fraud monetizing malware: A survey and case study

Malware monetization via fraudulent ad traffic is lucrative and relatively easy. Not surprisingly, there is a higher incidence of malware that monetizes in this way today than in the past. Although this type of attack is not new, current methodologies to make malware-generated ad traffic appear organic, at such large scales, while remaining virtually undetected are novel.
Four Fictional Views of the Future of Learning.

Abstract We are at a critical moment in the history of human learning, and in the history of humans. Learning is very important in our future. With 6 billion people on Earth, going to 9 billion by the middle of the century, current educational systems everywhere at all levels have major problems, probably not solvable with present approaches. In many areas, little education is available. We need new learning modes and structures, and we need them quickly and globally. Creating new learning materials and systems will require great imagination. We need approaches that go beyond current situations. Learning should be greatly improved, less expensive, and available lifelong for all in all subjects. We need a society that focuses on learning, where everyone loves to learn. Solving many of the world's problems, including population, water, violence, health, and environmental destruction, will depend on improving learning. One neglected source of future ideas is fictional accounts of the future of learning. I have long found them helpful in my own thinking and have written about them before. I keep finding new sources of this kind. Some, not mentioned here, are negative views.
An implicit finite-difference method for solving the Navier-Stokes equation using orthogonal curvilinear coordinates

Abstract Orthogonal curvilinear mesh networks are generated numerically between the wavy walls of two-dimensional peristaltic channels. A dual iterative procedure is developed to facilitate the conformal mapping, as well as to adjust mesh dimensions when necessary to fit the boundaries of the flow region. An implicit finite-difference technique is employed to obtain transient solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations. The effects of initial conditions on the flow establishment are discussed, along with considerations of numerical accuracy. The effects of certain nonconservative difference forms of the governing equations are explored. A calculated velocity field for a two-dimensional nonlinear peristaltic flow is supported by laboratory flow observation. The present method is applicable for laminar flow in a nonuniform channel with or without wall peristalsis.
Evaluation of China's local enforcement of energy efficiency standards and labeling programs for appliances and equipment

Abstract Aims This paper aims to evaluate local enforcement of China's mandatory appliance and equipment energy efficiency standards and labeling programs, two increasingly important policies for meeting national energy and carbon reduction targets. The expected energy savings of efficiency standards and labels can be fully realized only with strong enforcement to ensure compliance for all products sold. This paper provides comprehensive retrospective evaluation of the methodologies, results, progress and remaining challenges in pilot enforcement projects initiated in the absence of consistent national check-testing focused on energy efficiency. Scope This paper's scope is focused on 2006–2009 pilot local check-tests conducted to verify appliance and equipment compliance with China's mandatory energy label and efficiency standards. Conclusions This paper finds both improvement and some backsliding in compliance rates over time. Compared to earlier efforts, 2009 check-tests covered a wider regional and product scope but demonstrated greater variation in compliance rates. Labeling display and energy efficiency compliance was generally high across regions and most products, but lower compliance rates were observed in less economically developed regions and for lighting and industrial products. Based on these findings, areas for improvement in local awareness, product sampling methodology, check-testing tools and procedures are identified.
On differentiating embarrassment from shame

Four experiments were conducted to demonstrate that embarrassment and shame are distinct emotions that result from violations of different types of internalized standards. Embarrassment results from violating one's particular persona; shame results from violating a shared, objective ideal. Subjects vividly imagined themselves in situations and indicated their emotional reactions. In Experiment I, we demonstrate that people differentiate between embarrassment and shame systematically (F(1,27) = 74.4, p < 0.001). In Experiments 2 and 3, we demonstrate that embarrassment results from violating a persona (n = 34, p < 0.001; n = 23, p < 0.001), and shame results from violating an objective ideal (n = 34, p < 0.001; n = 23, p < 0.001). In Experiment 4, we demonstrate that it is the type of standard that is violated (n = 30, p < 0.001), not whether or not the violation was intentional, that determines whether one experiences embarrassment or shame. We argue that both shame and embarrassment play an important role in maintaining personal identity.
Review of the Shockley–Ramo theorem and its application in semiconductor gamma-ray detectors

Abstract The Shockley–Ramo theorem is reviewed based on the conservation of energy. This review shows how the energy is transferred from the bias supplies to the moving charge within a device. In addition, the discussion extends the original theorem to include cases in which a constant magnetic field is present, as well as when the device medium is heterogeneous. The rapid development of single polarity charge sensing techniques implemented in recent years on semiconductor γ-ray detectors are summarized, and a fundamental interpretation of these techniques based on the Shockley–Ramo theorem is presented.
An ecoinformatics tool for microbial community studies: Supervised classification of amplicon length heterogeneity (ALH) profiles of 16S rRNA

Abstract Support vector machines (SVM) and K-nearest neighbors (KNN) are two computational machine learning tools that perform supervised classification. This paper presents a novel application of such supervised analytical tools for microbial community profiling and to distinguish patterning among ecosystems. Amplicon length heterogeneity (ALH) profiles from several hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA gene of eubacterial communities from Idaho agricultural soil samples and from Chesapeake Bay marsh sediments were separately analyzed. The profiles from all available hypervariable regions were concatenated to obtain a combined profile , which was then provided to the SVM and KNN classifiers. Each profile was labeled with information about the location or time of its sampling. We hypothesized that after a learning phase using feature vectors from labeled ALH profiles, both these classifiers would have the capacity to predict the labels of previously unseen samples. The resulting classifiers were able to predict the labels of the Idaho soil samples with high accuracy. The classifiers were less accurate for the classification of the Chesapeake Bay sediments suggesting greater similarity within the Bay's microbial community patterns in the sampled sites. The profiles obtained from the V1 + V2 region were more informative than that obtained from any other single region. However, combining them with profiles from the V1 region (with or without the profiles from the V3 region) resulted in the most accurate classification of the samples. The addition of profiles from the V9 region appeared to confound the classifiers. Our results show that SVM and KNN classifiers can be effectively applied to distinguish between eubacterial community patterns from different ecosystems based only on their ALH profiles.
Geostrophic adjustment in a baroclinic atmosphere

The classical geostrophic adjustment problem is reexamined in a baroclinically unstable atmosphere. After the geostrophic balance is disturbed by either adding mass or momentum to the atmosphere, the resulting evolution of the mass and momentum fields is found by using Laplace and Fourier transforms. In general, the results from classical geostrophic theory hold in the baroclinically unstable atmosphere. Although the most unstable modes eventually dominate, in certain situations the perturbations may actually decay before they begin to grow. This may be a key mechanism which explains a portion of the spinup problem commonly encountered in numerical models.
Assessment of online continuing dental education in North Carolina.

Background: Dental professionals are discovering the unique advantages of asynchronous lifelong learning through continuing dental education (CDE) opportunities offered online. The purpose of this study was to evaluate both the process and outcomes of online CDE in North Carolina. The assessment was designed to provide a better understanding of practicing dental professionals experiences with online CDE and to determine the effectiveness of this learning strategy. Methods: Dental professionals from four North Carolina Area Health Education Centers regions evaluated two pilot online CDE modules in 1998. Thirty-one participants were recruited and subsequently enrolled with 23 completing at least one module. Each module included objectives, a multiple-choice pretest, interactive core material, and a post-test. Participants completed three online surveys measuring individual demographics and computer skill level, module design, and use and overall reaction to online learning. Results: Most participants agreed that the modules were comprehensive, were pleasing in appearance, provided clear instructions, provided adequate feedback, and were easy to navigate. Most participants agreed that knowledge of the material increased. This was validated by a significant increase in mean pre- to post-test scores (p =.0001). Participants agreed that convenience was a definite advantage, and they would choose online courses again to meet their CDE needs. The least-liked aspects included technical and formatting issues. Implications: Participants were enthusiastic about online learning and learned effectively with this teaching strategy, but desired much more interactivity than existed in the current design.
ANALOG OF THE AC JOSEPHSON EFFECT IN SUPERFLUID HELIUM.

When a chemical potential difference exists between the superfluid helium on two sides of an orifice, superfluid flow takes place at a critical velocity accompanied by the creation of quantized vortices. The frequency with which vortices are created is expected to be equal to the chemical potential difference (the analog of the ac Josephson frequency in superconducting tunneling). An experiment is described in which this frequency condition is verified by a method analogous to that used in superconductors. Experimental conditions were selected such that the gravitational head difference $\mathrm{mgZ}$ was the dominant contribution to the chemical potential difference. $Z$ was measured by a capacitance technique. An ultrasonic transducer was used to modulate the flow through the orifice at the frequency $\ensuremath{\omega}$ so that the rate of creation of vortices was synchronized with the modulation frequency. The system was observed to exhibit dynamic stability at values of head difference $Z=\frac{n\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}}{{n}^{\ensuremath{'}}\mathrm{mg}}$ corresponding to $n$ quantized vortices created every ${n}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ cycles of the modulation. The correspondence between theory and experiment is most convincing under experimental conditions such that the strength of the stability decreases rapidly with increasing values of the integer ${n}^{\ensuremath{'}}$. This was found to occur with small orifices and with moderate modulation amplitude, in agreement with the results of the analogous experiments in superconductors.
Assessing the prospect of donepezil in improving cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia

Introduction: Even though cognitive impairment is manifested in almost all patients with schizophrenia, the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials for Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) study showed no significant difference between first- and second-generation psychotropic drugs in improving cognitive abilities. Discovering new drugs that can improve impaired cognition, thus, is an attractive treatment target for patients with schizophrenia. Areas covered: This article briefly reviews about donepezil, a highly selective (IC50 = 6.7 nM) centrally acting reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that has been approved by FDA for treating cognitive deficit states such as in Alzheimer's disease and its uses in clinical trials for the treatment of schizophrenia. The literature search included PubMed and Cochrane library with the following words: donepezil, schizophrenia and cognitive impairments. Expert opinion: The results of several clinical trials utilizing donepezil as an adjunct to second-generation antipsychotic...
Gender’s Effect on the Relationships Linking Older Americans’ Resources and Financial Satisfaction

This article tests the assumptions that the effect of resources on the financial satisfaction of older Americans is consistent (1) for different measures of income and wealth and (2) for men and wo...
Local Studies Collection Management

This book aims to provide practical guidance on various aspects of local studies work and to report on developing areas of local study activity. “Local studies” is an umbrella term commonly used in...
Control of Bone Mass and Remodeling by PTH Receptor Signaling in Osteocytes

Osteocytes, former osteoblasts buried within bone, are thought to orchestrate skeletal adaptation to mechanical stimuli. However, it remains unknown whether hormones control skeletal homeostasis through actions on osteocytes. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates bone remodeling and may cause bone loss or bone gain depending on the balance between bone resorption and formation. Herein, we demonstrate that transgenic mice expressing a constitutively active PTH receptor exclusively in osteocytes exhibit increased bone mass and bone remodeling, as well as reduced expression of the osteocyte-derived Wnt antagonist sclerostin, increased Wnt signaling, increased osteoclast and osteoblast number, and decreased osteoblast apoptosis. Deletion of the Wnt co-receptor LDL related receptor 5 (LRP5) attenuates the high bone mass phenotype but not the increase in bone remodeling induced by the transgene. These findings demonstrate that PTH receptor signaling in osteocytes increases bone mass and the rate of bone remodeling through LRP5-dependent and -independent mechanisms, respectively.
Can a packet walk straight through a field of randomly dying location-unaware wireless nodes?

A protocol, dubbed BeSpoken, steers data transmissions along a straight path called a spoke through a wireless sensor network with many location-unaware nodes. BeSpoken implements a simple, spatially recursive communication process, where a set of control packets and a data packet are exchanged among daisy-chained relays that constitute the spoke. It directs data transmissions by randomly selecting relays from crescent-shaped areas along the spoke axis created by intersecting transmission ranges of control and data packets. To specify design rules for protocol parameters that minimize energy consumption while ensuring that spokes propagate far enough and have a limited wobble with respect to the spoke axis, our model of the spoke propagation matches the protocol parameters to the density of network nodes, assuming that nodes are spatially distributed as a Poisson point process of known uniform intensity. To avoid this requirement, we propose and characterize an adaptive mechanism that ensures desired spoke propagation in a network of arbitrary density. This necessitates a qualitatively new protocol model used to evaluate the spoke propagation under both the basic and the adaptive protocol. The introduced adaptive mechanism repairs the spoke when the crescent-shaped area is empty which may occur in the case of network thinning and as a result of random or arbitrary sensor death. Our analytical and simulation results demonstrate that the adaptive BeSpoken creates longer spokes both in networks with uniform distribution of nodes and in networks with holes. In addition, the adaptive protocol is significantly less sensitive to changes in the distribution of network nodes and their density.
The development of an environmentally benign synthesis of sildenafil citrate (Viagra™) and its assessment by Green Chemistry metrics

The process development and scale-up of the sildenafil citrate process is reviewed. Key environmental metrics are reported at several time points during the development process. Significant achievements during the development of sildenafil citrate were (i) discovering a convergent, efficient synthetic route (ii) designing 7 process steps so that there was no extractive work-up in any step (iii) implementing efficient solvent recovery early in the product's commercial lifetime. The result of this work is that the E-factor for the process is very low with just 6 Kg of waste per kilogram of product compared with an industry average of 25–100 Kg. Pfizer received the 2003 UK Award for Green Chemical Technology (Best Process category) for the sildenafil citrate process.
Leber congenital amaurosis linked to AIPL1: A mouse model reveals destabilization of cGMP phosphodiesterase

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA4) has been linked to mutations in the photoreceptor-specific gene Aryl hydrocarbon interacting protein like 1 (Aipl1). To investigate the essential role of AIPL1 in retina, we generated a mouse model of LCA by inactivating the Aipl1 gene. In Aipl1–/– retinas, the outer nuclear layer develops normally, but rods and cones then quickly degenerate. Aipl1–/– mice have highly disorganized, short, fragmented photoreceptor outer segments and lack both rod and cone electroretinogram responses. Recent biochemical evidence indicates that AIPL1 can enhance protein farnesylation. Our study reveals that rod cGMP phosphodiesterase, a farnesylated protein, is absent and cGMP levels are elevated in AIPL1–/– retinas before the onset of degeneration. Our findings demonstrate that AIPL1 enhances the stability of phosphodiesterase and is essential for photoreceptor viability.
Pituitary Follistatin Gene Expression in Female Rats: Evidence That Inhibin Regulates Transcription

Follistatin (FS), along with the members of the transforming growth factor b family activin and inhibin, are important regulators of FSH secretion and messenger RNA production. While activin and inhibin appear to function as tonic modulators of FSH (stimulatory and inhibitory, respectively), dynamic changes in FS are noted through the estrous cycle and under varying physiological experimental paradigms. This suggests that FS is a major contributor to the precisely coordinated secretion of FSH that maintains reproductive function. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in FS, in particular the early (,12 h) rise observed after ovariectomy (OVX), and to determine whether these changes were as a consequence of variations in gene transcription rates. FS primary transcript (PT) and mRNA were found to increase 3-fold 12 h post-OVX, indicating increased gene transcription during this time period. Replacement with estradiol and/or blockade of GnRH had only modest effects on FS PT concentration. Inhibin immunoneutralization of intact rats resulted in a 3-fold increase in FS PT 12 h after administration of inhibin a antisera. Significant increases in FS mRNA at both 2 and 12 h also suggested that inhibin also may have effects on message stability. After administration of recombinant human inhibin A, there was a prompt decline in both FS PT and mRNA. These results indicate that inhibin is a major regulator of FS, both by transcriptional and nontranscriptional mechanisms. follicle-stimulating hormone, follistatin, gene regulation, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, inhibin
Becoming a Field Instructor

Abstract This paper, based on a qualitative study of 19 MSW field instructors immediately following their first year supervising graduate social work students, investigates their supervisory experiences and developmental processes through their own perspectives. This experience presented field instructors with unique challenges and opportunities to grow through analysis and reflection on their own practice, deeper self-awareness, working through and integrating their own student experiences, and appreciating their own competence and value. A supervision and parenting analogy and the theme of the student as selfobject, which emerged from the interviews, are described. Supervision of interns, a key experience which may deepen the development of the professional self of clinicians, should be encouraged and supported.
Model cationic flocculants from the Mannich reaction of polyacrylamide

14C-Labeled cationic derivatives of polyacrylamide were prepared by the reaction of polyacrylamide with 14C-labeled formaldehyde and dimethylamine hydrochloride. The resulting Mannich base was reacted with dimethyl sulfate. Both reactions produced a yield of about 50% and the final product was a substituted polyacrylamide with tertiary and quaternary amine groups. Extensive dialysis removed the tertiary groups to give a stable radio-labeled polymer that was an effective flocculant. Treatment with mixed-bed ion exchange resin was effective in purifying polyacrylamide derivatives; however, counterions for the quanternary amine groups were not quantitatively exchanged for hydroxide groups.
Production of volatile fatty acids in the rumen and cecum-colon of steers as affected by forage:concentrate and forage physical form.

Abstract Contribution of cecal and ruminal VFA to metabolizable energy was investigated in steers with cannulas in both the rumen and cecum. Animals were fed ad libitum so that data would be applicable to the lactating dairy cow. Diets assigned within a 4×4 Latin square were: 20% long alfalfa hay and 80% concentrate; 15% pelleted alfalfa, 5% hay and 80% concentrate; 80% hay and 20% concentrate; 60% pellets, 20% hay and 20% concentrate. Intake of DM was unaffected by diet. Cecal fluid pH, osmolality, and concentrations of valerate and isovalerate were unaffected by diet. Concentrations of total VFA, acetate, propionate, butyrate, and lactate in the cecum increased with proportion of grain in the diet. The high grain diets depressed cecal ammonia concentration and acetate to propionate ratio. Acetate production in the cecum was higher with the high grain diets whereas that in the rumen was lower. Production of propionate and butyrate in both the cecum and rumen was unaffected by diet. Cecal VFA provided 8.6% of metabolizable energy intake, on average. Contribution of ruminal VFA to total metabolizable energy was affected by diet, accounting for 72, 51, 74, and 52% of metabolizable energy from the 20% hay, 20% pelleted alfalfa, 80% hay, and 80% pelleted alfalfa, respectively. Cecal VFA were an important source of energy for ad libitumfed steers; this contribution would undoubtedly increase with increasing feed intake.
Level-Surface Profiles across the Puerto Rico Trench

Preliminary observations have been made from a ship of the warping of the geoid across the Puerto Rico Trench. Astrogeodetic and grevimetric measurements of the deflections of vertical and the corresponding levelsurface profiles are compared for this site. The accuracies at which levelsurface topography would provide a useful datum at sea are mentioned with reference to oceanographic requirements. ments.
DELIVERY SYSTEM USING SODIUM ALGINATE VIRUS LOADED PELLETS TO RED IMPORTED FIRE ANTS (,SOLENOPSIS INVICTA, HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)

ABSTRACT Microencapsulation as a delivery mechanism of SINV-1 and other molecules such as dsRNA, offers an approach to Solenopsis invicta Buren management that is target specific and fits current approaches to baiting ants with toxins and/or RNA-interference. The delivery method presented here targets ground dwelling, foraging ants with an ant-infecting virus which is specific to the genus, Solenopsis. Endemic ant-infecting viruses, like S. invicta viruses (SINV-1, SINV-2, and SINV-3) are being evaluated for efficacy in S. invicta population suppression. In this study, SINV-1 (TX5 strain) was extracted from S. invicta colonies and microencapsulated in sodium alginate pellets. Pellets containing extracted whole virions were offered to confirmed non-infected S. invicta colonies. Colonies were sampled every 5 d and tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for presence of viral RNA. The longevity of control and viral pellets were also evaluated. Within 30 d, post-feeding of virus, 35...
The prophylactic use of an antiepileptic drug in intracerebral hemorrhage.

a b s t r a c t Objective: Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are at increased risk for both early seizures and later epilepsy. There is a common, but unproven, practice of prescribing a prophylactic antiepileptic drug (PAED) to prevent seizures, but the safety and efficacy of this practice is unclear, as is the optimal drug for this purpose. The objective of the study is to evaluate whether patients presenting with acute, spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) benefit from prescription of prophylactic antiepileptic drug (PAED). Method: All patients with a discharge diagnosis of acute, spontaneous ICH admitted to our institution in the calendar years 2004 and 2007 were included. We retrospectively reviewed the records for baseline characteristics, hospital course, PAED use, early seizures, length of stay, discharge disposition, and death. Results: 157 patients met our criteria for review. 46 (29%) patients were placed on a PAED. 12 (7.6%) had early seizures. 11% of patients placed on a PAED had an early seizure versus 6.3% who not placed on a PAED. Death or hospice discharge was less common in patients prescribed a PAED, while length of stay was longer, however neither of these differences were significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Interpretations: Our study confirms previous reports that patients with acute, spontaneous ICH are at an increased risk for early seizures. PAED use in our series was not significantly associated with the risk of early seizures, long-term epilepsy, disability, or death. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Design of vertical cavity lasers with intracavity photodetectors

The magnitude of photocurrent generated in a resonant cavity enhanced pin photodetector embedded within the top or bottom distributed Bragg reflector of a vertical cavity laser is predicted using a characteristic matrix formalism. Modelling results for an example device emitting at 650 nm are presented and discussed.
Disturbed Blood Flow Acutely Induces Activation and Apoptosis of the Human Vascular Endothelium

There is strong and consistent evidence from in vitro studies that disturbed blood flow produces a proatherogenic vascular endothelial phenotype. However, data from human studies are lacking. To address this, a 220 mm Hg occlusion cuff was placed on the distal forearm of 10 young, healthy men to induce a localized region of disturbed blood flow in the proximal vasculature for 20 minutes. We hypothesized that disturbed blood flow would induce endothelial activation and apoptosis as indicated by increases in local concentrations of CD62E(+) and CD31(+)/CD42b(-) endothelial microparticles, respectively. Distal cuff occlusion induced reductions in mean blood flow, mean shear, and antegrade shear, and increases in retrograde flow, retrograde shear, and oscillatory shear stress, confirming that our protocol produced a disturbed blood flow stimulus in the experimental arm. Relative to baseline (0 minutes), CD62E(+) endothelial microparticles increased by ≈3-fold at 10 minutes and ≈4-fold at 20 minutes in the experimental arm (P<0.05). CD31(+)/CD42b(-) endothelial microparticles were elevated by ≈9-fold at the 20 minutes time point (P<0.05). There were no changes in the concentrations of either endothelial microparticle population throughout the experiment in the contralateral arm, exposed to normal resting blood flow (no cuffs). These findings indicate that disturbed blood flow acutely induces endothelial activation and apoptosis in humans, as reflected by release of microparticles from activated (CD62E(+)) and apoptotic (CD31(+)/CD42b(-)) endothelial cells. These data provide the first in vivo experimental evidence of disturbed blood flow-induced endothelial injury in humans.
A computational model for message-passing

The article develops a framework for message-passing architectures consisting of a machine model called communicating random access machine (CRAM) and a programming paradigm. The CRAM model serves as a vehicle for the design and analysis of message-passing algorithms. The message-passing paradigm makes the mapping of algorithms that fit this paradigm onto message-passing architectures more natural. >
The Impact of the Accelerated Filing Deadline on Timeliness of 10-K Filings

We examine the determinants of late filings of the Form 10-K and assess the impact the accelerated filing deadline had on the ability of firms to timely file their 10-K. In response to provisions in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the SEC shortened the filing deadline for the Form 10-K from 90 to 75 days after year end. We compare 103 late-filing firms to a random sample of 82 timely-filing firms. On a univariate comparison, we find that late filers are more highly leveraged, less liquid, and less profitable than timely filers. In addition, late filers have weaker systems of internal control and longer audit completion times. Logistic analyses show that those firms that have higher leverage, are less profitable, have weak internal controls, have longer audit times, and are smaller are more likely to be a late filer. Our analysis of the accelerated filing deadline reveals that firms with weak internal control systems were more likely to miss the shortened deadline.
Origin and magnitude of the large piezoelectric response in the lead-free (1–x)BiFeO3–xBaTiO3 solid solution

Mechanisms and magnitudes of the large piezoelectric response observed in lead-free (1-x) BiFeO3-xBaTiO3 (BFBT) ceramics are investigated. Preceding studies reported significant strain hysteresis and hard ferroelectric behavior in BFBT leading to a small low-field piezoelectric coefficient, instability of the poled domain state, and rapid degradation of piezoelectric properties. The current investigation shows that under application of a suitable direct current (dc) bias to stabilize the ferroelectric phase low- and high-field piezoelectric coefficients (d33) of 150 pC/N and 250 pC/N are observed for the composition 0.67BiFeO3-0.33BaTiO3 + 0.1 wt% MnO with a Curie temperature of 605 °C. Such enhancement of electromechanical properties under dc bias is in contrast to the expected behavior in traditional piezoelectric materials such as soft lead zirconate titanate (PZT). The large piezoelectric coefficients confirm strong intrinsic and extrinsic contributions to the piezoelectric response in BFBT, which coupled with high ferroelectric Curie temperature TC > 500 °C, suggests BFBT-based materials as promising lead-free alternatives to PZT piezoceramics.
Feeding Habitat Characteristics of the Great Blue Heron and Great Egret Nesting Along the Upper Mississippi River, 1995-1998

Abstract The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) and Great Egret (Ardea alba) nested in eight colonies along the Upper Mississippi River, USA, and individual birds were followed by airplane to feeding sites during the nesting seasons in 1995-1998. Both species used braided channel/backwater habitats for feeding more than expected, based on availability, and open pool and main navigation channel less than expected. Most individuals of both species fed 10 km away. Habitat and distance need to be considered simultaneously when assessing habitat quality for herons and egrets. The Great Blue Heron flew farther to feeding sites during the care-of-young period than during incubation and the Great Egret showed the opposite pattern. The Great Blue Heron tended to feed solitarily; only 10% of the feeding flights ended at a location where another heron was already present. About one-third of Great Egret feeding flights ended at a location with another egret already p...
Linearization of an Oceanic General Circulation Model for Data Assimilation and Climate Studies

Abstract A recipe for the linearization and state reduction of a general circulation model (GCM) is evaluated in a North Pacific test basin. The underlying assumption is that modern GCMs are, or will become, sufficiently accurate so that large-scale differences with the real ocean are small and have linear physics. Model Green’s functions are used to construct a reduced-order linear model that compares favorably with the large-scale response of the GCM away from the western boundary. In a numerical example, the linear model is applied to the estimation of the large-scale internal structure of a simulated ocean using pseudotomographic and altimetric measurements. The sensitivity of the solution to a priori statistical assumptions is analyzed. Several algorithmic improvements are explored to render the estimation procedure more efficient, more accurate, and easier to implement than in previous studies.
Beware the Rush to Presumption, Part A: Material Omissions in Regulatory Analyses for the Affordable Care Act's Interim Final Rules

Federal agencies issued eight major interim final regulations in 2010 to quickly implement major provisions of the Affordable Care Act. This paper finds that the regulatory impact analyses for these regulations were seriously incomplete, often omitting significant benefits, costs, or regulatory alternatives. Analysis of equity was cursory at best.
Interleukin-2-Dependent Allergen-Specific Tissue-Resident Memory Cells Drive Asthma

Exposure to inhaled allergens generates T helper 2 (Th2) CD4(+) T cells that contribute to episodes of inflammation associated with asthma. Little is known about allergen-specific Th2 memory cells and their contribution to airway inflammation. We generated reagents to understand how endogenous CD4(+) T cells specific for a house dust mite (HDM) allergen form and function. After allergen exposure, HDM-specific memory cells persisted as central memory cells in the lymphoid organs and tissue-resident memory cells in the lung. Experimental blockade of lymphocyte migration demonstrated that lung-resident cells were sufficient to induce airway hyper-responsiveness, which depended upon CD4(+) T cells. Investigation into the differentiation of pathogenic Trm cells revealed that interleukin-2 (IL-2) signaling was required for residency and directed a program of tissue homing migrational cues. These studies thus identify IL-2-dependent resident Th2 memory cells as drivers of lung allergic responses.
Dynamics of Dilute Polymer Solutions

This paper is intended as an overview of the current status of research on the dynamics of dilute polymer solutions, aimed primarily at the “nonspecialist” who is interested in understanding the origins of drag reduction, and other macroscopically observable effects produced by very small quantities of a high molecular weight polymer in a Newtonian fluid. We do this by attempting to address two fundamental questions: 1. What does a polymer molecule do when a dilute solution is subjected to a flow? (and how does it depend on the flow?) 2. What is the effect of the polymer on the flow? (and how is it correlated with any changes of conformation that the polymer may undergo?)
Liberal International Law Theory and the United Nations Mission in Kosovo: Ideas and Practice (draft paper)

It has become commonplace to say that ideas have real-world consequences. Understanding which ideas have what consequences, though, is a difficult endeavor. Determining which ideas dominated international discourse on an important but theoretically complex topic and how they impacted policy-making can be a virtually impossible task. However, sometimes history is kind to researchers. When the international community is forced by events to make collective decisions, the results can be analyzed to see what ideas were most influential and the role they played in the actual decision-making of people in positions of power. The creation by the international community of a state-like governing apparatus in Kosovo was one of these rare occasions, and the way the United Nations, the North American Treaty Organization, the European Union, important individual states and number of other organizations went about creating a new government from thin air gives important insight into both what ideas dominated international law thinking at the time and, perhaps more importantly, how ideas impact decision-making at the international level. More specifically, this draft paper will argue that the theory of disaggregated sovereignty, and the general corpus of Liberalism in international relations and international law, provided the dominant understanding of state behavior in fin de siecle legal scholarship and that the principles of this legal and international relations literature underlay the design of the U.N. Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). The administrative and legal framework of UNMIK looks exactly like the idea of a modern Liberal State inherent in the disaggregated sovereignty literature. Though this does not prove that the literature directly caused or informed those responsible for designing UNMIK, this correlation provides evidence that the ideas that were dominant in world society - of which the scholarship is both part and representative of - animated international policy-making. The paper also argues that it was the internal structure of the disaggregated sovereignty idea that enabled it to influence the creation of UNMIK. In particular, the claim that non-liberal states could be transformed into liberal ones through links between sub-state institutions, like regulatory agencies and courts, served as the crucial intellectual bridge for the theory to be used as the model for UNMIK. This creates a challenge for those scholars who seek to explain the transfer of legal and political ideas solely through sociological means (i.e., the pressures and lures created by other states and international organizations and interactions of individuals and non-state actors with global culture). The structure of the ideas and whether they are considered by their holders to be universally applicable turns out to be crucial for determinations of whether they will be spread through international institutions and make their way into state practice.
The Competitive Behaviors of Small Retailers: Examining the Strategies of Local Merchants in Rural America

Mass merchandisers, discount chain stores, category killers, and e-commerce are changing the retail industry through innovations in marketing and service. Driven by increased competition and discriminating customers, small, local retailers are searching for ways to gain and sustain competitive advantage. This study examines the competitive behaviors and performances of 236 retailers located in rural Nebraska. The findings indicate that retailers which adopted competitive behaviors with a goal of low cost/low price leadership were most successful. However, retailers using a combination or value-oriented strategy were also successful. Retailers which adopted competitive behaviors that constitute solely a differentiation strategy and those which had no clearly defined strategy were the worst performers. These findings suggest that in order to achieve competitive advantage, rural retailers should follow a value-oriented strategy, being effective at both cost reduction and competitive pricing while offering unique products and services.
How Is the Equity REIT Sector Related to Other Major Equity Sectors in the Presence of Abnormal Returns and Volatilities? A Tail Effect Study

Executive Summary. Using the quantile regression method, this paper investigates the dynamic relationships of the equity real estate investment trust (REIT) sector to S&P 500, S&P 400 Mid Cap, S&P ...
Growth of Salmonella spp. in cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew melons

The ability of Salmonella spp. to grow on the interior tissues of cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew melons was investigated. Pieces of rind-free melons (pH 5.90-6.67) and tryptic soy broth (TSB, pH 5.90) were inoculated with a mixed culture (approximately 100 CFU/g or ml) containing equal proportions of five species of Salmonella ( S. anatum , S. Chester , S. havana , S. poona , and S. senftenberg ). Inoculated melon pieces and TSB were incubated for 24 h at 5 or 23°C. Viable populations of salmonellae were determined by surface plating test portions on Hektoen enteric agar. Results indicated that Salmonella growth was rapid and prolific on the melons and in TSB at 23°C incubation. Final populations on watermelons were approximately 1.0 log10 greater than populations on cantaloupe and honeydew and in TSB. Although viable Salmonella populations on melons and in TSB did not increase during the 24-h incubation at 5°C, little or no decrease in viable populations was observed.