cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Buddha in the Crown: Avalokitesvara in the Buddhist Traditions of Sri Lanka

This book offers a case study in religious and cultural change. Sri Lanka is the home of one of Asia's most pluralistic religious cultures; four major religions - Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity - have found a permanent home within its boundaries. This makes it an ideal laboratory for the study of how religious traditions mix. John Holt here examines the career of a single deity, who began as the Indian Mahayana Buddhist bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, was assimilated to the indigenous Sinhala god Natha, and ultimately became identified with the bodhisattva Maitreya - the next Buddha of the future, expected by virtually all Buddhist traditions of Asia.
The variable separated ODE and the tanh methods for solving the combined and the double combined sinh–cosh-Gordon equations

Abstract Exact travelling wave solutions for the combined sinh–cosh-Gordon and the double combined sinh–cosh-Gordon equation are formally derived. The Painleve property v = eu will be used to back up the tanh method to derive a first set of solutions. The newly developed variable separated ODE method is also used to derive a second set of solutions. Each method provides travelling wave solutions of distinct physical structures.
DETERMINATION OF THIRTY-TWO MAJOR AND TRACE ELEMENTS IN THREE NIST SOIL SRMS USING ICP-AES AND WDXRF

The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) has recently released three soil standard reference materials that are uncontaminated (SRM 2709), moderately contaminated (SRM 2711), and highly contaminated (SRM 2710) with metals. The SRMs were analyzed at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for thirty two major, minor and trace elements using a combination of wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (WDXRF) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Good agreement is observed between NIST certified values and USGS results. The wide concentration ranges for most transition metals should make these SRMs useful in assessing the accuracy of methods used in geochemical exploration and environmental studies.
Glaucoma risk factor assessment and prevention: lessons from coronary heart disease.

Abstract Purpose To determine whether multivariable risk factor assessment can be as successful in developing disease prevention strategies in patients with ocular hypertension as it has been in patients at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Design From a literature review of the evolution of the global risk assessment model for CHD, parallels are drawn to the evolution of a global risk assessment methodology for glaucoma. Methods This article summarizes the literature on global risk assessment and prevention of CHD in clinical practice, discusses the development of glaucoma risk assessment based on available trial and population data, and reviews the potential for prevention strategies founded on the cardiovascular disease model. Results To improve risk assessment in glaucoma and develop disease management strategies for patients with ocular hypertension, it is first necessary to identify and quantify levels of risk associated with factors that predict disease progression. In addition, the incidence of glaucoma and the average person's life expectancy based on his or her age are needed. Finally, it is necessary to quantify how long it takes to develop a visual defect that affects quality of life once a person develops glaucoma. Conclusion The systematic application of epidemiologic data to CHD risk factor models provides insights into how global risk assessment can be incorporated into treatment recommendations for managing individuals with glaucoma. It is hoped that ophthalmologists can use the results of future clinical trials and long-term studies to develop disease prevention strategies in patients with ocular hypertension based on multivariable risk assessment.
In the company of men: quality of life and social support among the Ariaal of northern Kenya.

To determine the age-related pattern of well-being among men and its predictors in a subsistence society, we collected anthropometric and questionnaire data among Ariaal pastoral nomads of northern Kenya. The sample consisted of 102 settled and 103 nomadic men ages 20 to 60+ stratified by 10 year age groups. Measures included questions from the WHO quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL), anthropometrics, and hand grip strength, as well as questions about the number of friends and kin who gave material and emotional support. Results show that while reported quality of life declined significantly across age groups in both sub-populations, nomadic males reported significantly higher overall quality of life than did settled males. Support from other males, but not marital status, was a significant predictor of quality of life, controlled for age group and residence. Among the physical measures, % body fat was positively related to quality of life among the nomads, while grip strength was not related to quality of life. In a multivariate model, male support was the strongest predictor of quality of life. These results provide the first clear demonstration of age-related declines in male quality of life and the importance of social support to men’s quality of life in a subsistence population.
Effects of alprazolam on complex human functioning

Benzodiazepines can reduce anxiety, can have favorable effects upon sleep, and may diminish problems that interfere with patients' quality of life. On the other hand, these drugs can generate transient anterograde amnesia and may diminish aspects of task performance. Research on the impact of alprazolam and other “tranquilizing” drugs has generally focused on tasks that remain below the complex efforts of managerial or professional personnel. Alprazolam-induced reduction of anxiety under challenging conditions might aid complex task performance, yet anterograde amnesia might interfere. In the present research, managers participated in validated complex simulation tasks. In a double-blind, dual crossover design, placebo, 0.5 mg, or 1.0 mg alprazolam was administered on 2 occasions during the task day. Drug treatment diminished performance on measures that require sequential actions but improved performance on measures less subject to short term memory but more determined by long-term style of functioning. Thus, depending on task requirements, positive or negative alteration of performance might occur.
Brief paper: Recursive maximum likelihood parameter estimation for state space systems using polynomial chaos theory

This paper combines polynomial chaos theory with maximum likelihood estimation for a novel approach to recursive parameter estimation in state-space systems. A simulation study compares the proposed approach with the extended Kalman filter to estimate the value of an unknown damping coefficient of a nonlinear Van der Pol oscillator. The results of the simulation study suggest that the proposed polynomial chaos estimator gives comparable results to the filtering method but may be less sensitive to user-defined tuning parameters. Because this recursive estimator is applicable to linear and nonlinear dynamic systems, the authors portend that this novel formulation will be useful for a broad range of estimation problems.
Cholinergic stimulation of the caudate nucleus in rats: a model of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract Unilateral injection of cholinergic drugs into the caudate nucleus of the rat caused a complex behavior pattern which included contralateral limb tremors and dystonia. The behavior pattern was blocked by anticholinergic drugs. Limb tremor was quantitatable and reversible at low doses of cholinomimetic drugs. Carbachol-induced tremor activity was dose dependent if injections were made into the caudate nucleus and rats were rested for one week between injections. Inhibition of carbachol-induced forelimb tremors is a potentially useful screen for new antiparkinsonism drugs. The injection of cholinomimetic drugs into the caudate nucleus of rats or cats causes a complex behavior pattern which partially resembles Parkinson's disease (Conner, Rossi and Baker, 1966; Dill, Nickey and Little, 1968). Presented here are data which confirm and expand these findings for the rat along with a preliminary description of a method for quantifying limb tremor activity which can be used as a model of parkinsonism tremor.
The Link between Metabolism and Active Transport of Sodium in Human Red Cell Ghosts

Reconstituted human red blood cell ghosts have been used to assay various metabolic intermediates for their role in driving the Na∶K pump. ATP was identified as the primary substrate of the pump. The main evidence was based on 1) the finding that the only requirement for activation of the pump was the presence of ATP, whether incorporated directly or generated by an ATP-yielding reaction; 2) the discriminating effects of various metabolic inhibitors; 3) the competition between the pump and the hexokinase reaction for ATP; and 4) the difference in effects of adenosine and inosine in activating the pump in energy-depleted ghosts. ADP was found to affect the Na∶K pump due to the presence of an adenylate kinase and perhaps because of an effect on the phosphoryl potential. The sidedness of action of the cardiotonic steroid, strophanthidin, was evaluated and found to inhibit the Na∶K pump only from the outside of the membrane. Inhibition of the pump by strophanthidin was also found to spare ATP in reconstituted ghosts provided the nonspecific phosphatase activity was suppressed.
In vivo, high-resolution analysis of yeast and mammalian RNA–protein interactions, RNA structure, RNA splicing and ribozyme cleavage by use of terminal transferase-dependent PCR

We have investigated the analysis of RNA by use of terminal transferase-dependent PCR (TDPCR), a procedure previously used for the analysis of DNA and chromatin [J. Komura and A.D.Riggs, Nucleic Acids Res.,26, 1807-1811 (1998)]. When preceded by reverse transcription (RT), TDPCR provides an extremely sensitive, versatile, quantitative and nucleotide-level assay for detecting RNA lesions or structures that block primer extension during the RT step. The procedure is: (i) RT using a gene-specific oligonucleotide; (ii) ribo-tailing of the single-stranded cDNA product by use of terminal deoxy-nucleotidyl transferase; (iii) ligation of a DNA linker to the tailed cDNA by use of T4 DNA ligase; and (iv) PCR using a nested, gene-specific primer and a linker-specific primer. This procedure combines the versatility of a primer extension assay with nucleotide-level resolution, the specificity of nested primers and the sensitivity of PCR. Band patterns obtained are reproducible and quantifiable. We successfully used the technique for the study of yeast RNA structure, splicing intermediates and ribozyme cleavage. Also, in vivo footprint experiments, using mammalian cells and RNase T1, revealed the binding of iron-responsive element binding protein to iron responsive elements in the mRNAs of transferrin receptor and ferritin H-chain.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Acitretin Versus Placebo in Patients at High Risk for Basal Cell or Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin (North Central Cancer Treatment Group Study 969251)

BACKGROUND: Chemoprevention with systemic retinoids has demonstrated promise in decreasing the incidence of new primary nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) in immunocompromised post-transplantation recipients. There is limited evidence for the use of systemic retinoids in the nontransplantation patient. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of acitretin as a chemopreventive agent in nontransplantation patients at high-risk for NMSC. METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. To test the possible skin cancer-preventing effect of a 2-year treatment with acitretin, 70 nontransplantation patients aged ≥18 years who had a history of ≥2 NMSCs within 5 years of trial onset were randomized to receive either placebo or acitretin 25 mg orally 5 days per week. The primary outcome measure was the rate of new NMSC development. RESULTS: Seventy patients were randomized to receive either acitretin alone (N = 35) or placebo (N = 35). During the 2-year treatment period, the patients who received acitretin did not have a statistically significant reduction in the rate of new primary NMSCs (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-1.13; 54% vs 74%; P = .13). However, using the incidence of new NMSC, the time to new NMSC, and total NMSC counts, an umbrella test indicated a significant trend that favored the use of acitretin (chi-square statistic, 3.94; P = .047). The patients who received acitretin reported significantly more mucositis and skin toxicities compared with the patients who received placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was not a statistically significant benefit observed with the use of acitretin, this may have been the result of low statistical power. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Erythropoietin action in rat marrow cell cultures in complete absence of dna synthesis. II. Long term effects on macromolecular synthesis.

Abstract Rat marrow cells were preincubated for 45 hours with 5.5 × 10 −4 M sodium hexachloroiridate. This treatment abolished DNA synthesis whilst improving cell survival over that of controls. The synthesis of RNA, protein and glycoprotein continued and could be further increased by the addition of erythropoietin for up to 44 more hours. Heme synthesis also continued in the absence of DNA synthesis but could not be stimulated by erythropoietin.
Fourth United States computer chess championship from ACM-73 news release

A record field of between twelve and sixteen teams will participate in the Fourth United States Computer Chess Championship. The tournament will be held as a Special Event at the ACM's Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The first two rounds of play will be held on Sunday, August 26, the third round on the evening of August 27, and the final round on the evening of August 28.
Phase relationships in Cu-O thin films prepared by sputtering

The conditions for deposition of Cu and Cu‐oxide thin films by reactive dc sputtering have been investigated by characterizing the crystal structure of growing films both during and immediately following deposition using an in situ x‐ray diffraction technique. The relationship between sputtering conditions and the phases deposited was established for a variety of conditions. At each temperature studied, increasing the oxygen pressure in the system resulted in a systematic change in the phases deposited. Of significant importance was the identification of temperature‐pressure regimes in which CuO was stable during deposition but reverted to Cu2O after the sputtering plasma was extinguished, suggesting a shift in the oxidizing potential in the plasma environment. These results also suggest that the in situ analysis technique may be ideally suited for the investigation of phase relationships and phase diagrams in other systems.
The role of memory in attenuations of the suffix effect.

Various properties attenuate the auditory suffix effect. These properties may improve recall by allowing the suffix to be excluded from the auditory store (or stores) used for immediate ordered recall, or they may improve recall even though the suffix is included in the auditory store. Nine items were presented, with the last item being either a suffix or another item to be recalled. In Experiment 1, the impairment in recall of the previous items produced by presenting a to-be-recalled last item in a different voice was the same as the impairment produced by presenting a suffix in a different voice. The same result was found in Experiment 2 for presenting the last item in a different spatial location and in Experiment 3 for delaying the presentation of the last item. Apparently the attenuating properties improve recall through memorial factors, and not by allowing the suffix to be excluded from the auditory store.
High density growth of ZnO nanorods on cotton fabric enables access to a flame resistant composite

We report a simple method for the high-density growth of radially aligned ZnO nanorods on cotton. In this hydrothermal growth strategy, a polytetrafluoroethylene frame is used to support the flexible cotton fabric throughout the ZnO crystallization process. The resulting ZnO–cotton composite contains the highest ZnO content reported to date for such materials and was discovered to have greater resistance to open flame than unmodified cotton. Prospects in fire-resistant fabrics are discussed.
Hypoxia influences the vascular expansion and differentiation of embryonic stem cell cultures through the temporal expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in an ARNT-dependent manner.

Adaptive responses to low oxygen (O2) tension (hypoxia) are mediated by the heterodimeric transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor (HIF). When stabilized by hypoxia, bHLH-PAS α- and β- (HIF-1β or ARNT) HIF complex regulate the expression of multiple genes, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). To investigate the mechanism(s) through which hypoxia contributes to blood vessel development, we used embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation cultures that develop into embryoid bodies (EBs) mimicking early embryonic development. Significantly, low O2 levels promote vascular development and maturation in wild-type (WT) ESC cultures measured by an increase in the numbers of CD31+ endothelial cells (ECs) and sprouting angiogenic EBs, but refractory in Arnt−/− and Vegf−/− ESC cultures. Thus, we propose that hypoxia promotes the production of ECs and contributes to the development and maturation of vessels. Our findings further demonstrate that hypoxia alters the temporal expression of VEGF receptors Flk-1 (VEGFR-2) and the membrane and soluble forms of the antagonistic receptor Flt-1 (VEGFR-1). Moreover, these receptors are distinctly expressed in differentiating Arnt−/− and Vegf−/− EBs. These results support existing models in which VEGF signaling is tightly regulated during specific biologic events, but also provide important novel evidence that, in response to physiologic hypoxia, HIF mediates a distinct stoichiometric pattern of VEGF receptors throughout EB differentiation analogous to the formation of vascular networks during embryogenesis. STEM CELLS 2010;28:799–809
A computer based application of non-linear multiple objective optimization

Abstract Multiple Objective Optimization Theory (MOOT) techniques are receiving increasing attention due to their ability to incorporate salient non-commensurate and conflicting objectives of a situation into the choice making process. This effort describes the modeling and optimization of an application which utilizes computer aided MOOT for candidate policy evaluation prior to a production process. The specific application discussed is an airborne tactical missile where the pre-production decision depends on such attributes as reliability, cost, technical performance, and survivability. A modeling and analysis effort produced non-linear performance indicers of the aforementioned attributes, and a set of constraints. This vector optimization problem is solved by implementing a constraint optimization technique on a digital computer. The resulting non-dominated solution set provides the information needed to proceed to a production stage.
An investigation of the validity of scores on locally developed performance measures in a school assessment program

A multitrait-multimethod approach was used to investigate the validity of scores on locally prepared performance assessments. The multiple traits were reading, language arts, and mathematics, and the multiple methods were the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills/4, locally developed multiple-choice tests, and locally prepared performance assessments. The results offer very limited evidence of convergence and discrimination for scores on the performance assessments. A partial explanation for the lack of construct validity evidence for the performance assessment scores is the probable low reliability of scores on the performance measures due largely to their limited content sampling and relatively low objectivity of scoring.
Hyperfine magnetic fields at thorium and uranium nuclei in iron metal

Abstract The perturbation of the α-γ angular correlation after recoil implantation has been measured for the 2 + states of 228 Th and 234 U implanted into copper and iron metals. Substantial precessions and attenuations are observed in time-integral measurements. Assuming theoretical g -factors and the applicability of the Abragam-Pound theory for combined interactions, the hyperfine magnetic fields in iron are H Th (Fe) = − 0.31 ± 0.06 MOe and H U (Fe) = −0.56 ± 0.16 MOe.
A game theoretic framework for heterogenous information network clustering

Heterogeneous information networks are pervasive in applications ranging from bioinformatics to e-commerce. As a result, unsupervised learning and clustering methods pertaining to such networks have gained significant attention recently. Nodes in a heterogeneous information network are regarded as objects derived from distinct domains such as 'authors' and 'papers'. In many cases, feature sets characterizing the objects are not available, hence, clustering of the objects depends solely on the links and relationships amongst objects. Although several previous studies have addressed information network clustering, shortcomings remain. First, the definition of what constitutes an information network cluster varies drastically from study to study. Second, previous algorithms have generally focused on non-overlapping clusters, while many algorithms are also limited to specific network topologies. In this paper we introduce a game theoretic framework (GHIN) for defining and mining clusters in heterogeneous information networks. The clustering problem is modeled as a game wherein each domain represents a player and clusters are defined as the Nash equilibrium points of the game. Adopting the abstraction of Nash equilibrium points as clusters allows for flexible definition of reward functions that characterize clusters without any modification to the underlying algorithm. We prove that well-established definitions of clusters in 2-domain information networks such as formal concepts, maximal bi-cliques, and noisy binary tiles can always be represented as Nash equilibrium points. Moreover, experimental results employing a variety of reward functions and several real world information networks illustrate that the GHIN framework produces more accurate and informative clusters than the recently proposed NetClus and state of the art MDC algorithms.
Improved preoperative definitive diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma in FNAs prepared with both ThinPrep and conventional smears compared with FNAs prepared with ThinPrep alone

BACKGROUND: ThinPrep (TP) liquid-based preparations are increasingly being used in nongynecologic specimens. Few studies have evaluated TP as a sole diagnostic modality in the setting of thyroid fine-needle aspiration (T-FNA). Herein, the authors evaluate the usefulness of TP as a sole diagnostic modality in a nonsplit sample. METHODS: Consecutive T-FNAs were identified at 2 tertiary care institutions; 1 institution processed thyroid FNA entirely with TP, and the other used a combination of TP and conventional preparations (CP). Cytodiagnoses, surgical pathology, and/or clinical follow-up were recorded. Performance parameters for the 2 settings were compared. RESULTS: A cytologic diagnosis of positive for malignancy was correct in 98.8% of TP + CP cases and in 100% of TP cases. Papillary thyroid carcinoma cases were definitively diagnosed in 53.1% of T-FNAs prepared by TP + CP compared with 34.4% of T-FNAs prepared with TP alone (P = .0015 by Fisher 2-tailed exact test). Of patients ultimately diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma, 89% were initially treated by total thyroidectomy in the TP + CP group compared with 79.5% in the TP-only group (P = .027 by Fisher exact test). CONCLUSIONS: TP as a sole preparatory technique does not improve the usefulness of T-FNA as a screening test. However, combining CP and TP increases the rate of definitive cytologic diagnosis of malignancy in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Thus, combining TP and CP enhances the diagnostic component of T-FNA. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
The lipoamide dehydrogenase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis permits the direct observation of flavin intermediates in catalysis

Lipoamide dehydrogenase catalyses the NAD(+)-dependent oxidation of the dihydrolipoyl cofactors that are covalently attached to the acyltransferase components of the pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and glycine reductase multienzyme complexes. It contains a tightly, but noncovalently, bound FAD and a redox-active disulfide, which cycle between the oxidized and reduced forms during catalysis. The mechanism of reduction of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis lipoamide dehydrogenase by NADH and [4S-(2)H]-NADH was studied anaerobically at 4 degrees C and pH 7.5 by stopped-flow spectrophotometry. Three phases of enzyme reduction were observed. The first phase, characterized by a decrease in absorbance at 400-500 nm and an increase in absorbance at 550-700 nm, was fast (k(for) = 1260 s(-)(1), k(rev) = 590 s(-)(1)) and represents the formation of FADH(2).NAD(+), an intermediate that has never been observed before in any wild-type lipoamide dehydrogenase. A primary deuterium kinetic isotope effect [(D)(k(for) + k(rev)) approximately 4.2] was observed on this phase. The second phase, characterized by regain of the absorbance at 400-500 nm, loss of the 550-700 nm absorbance, and gain of 500-550 nm absorbance, was slower (k(obs) = 200 s(-)(1)). This phase represents the intramolecular transfer of electrons from FADH(2) to the redox-active disulfide to generate the anaerobically stable two-electron reduced enzyme, EH(2). The third phase, characterized by a decrease in absorbance at 400-550 nm, represents the formation of the four-electron reduced form of the enzyme, EH(4). The observed rate constant for this phase showed a decreasing NADH concentration dependence, and results from the slow (k(for) = 57 s(-)(1), k(rev) = 128 s(-)(1)) isomerization of EH(2) or slow release of NAD(+) before rapid NADH binding and reaction to form EH(4). The mechanism of oxidation of EH(2) by NAD(+) was also investigated under the same conditions. The 530 nm charge-transfer absorbance of EH(2) shifted to 600 nm upon NAD(+) binding in the dead time of mixing of the stopped-flow instrument and represents formation of the EH(2).NAD(+) complex. This was followed by two phases. The first phase (k(obs) = 750 s(-)(1)), characterized by a small decrease in absorbance at 435 and 458 nm, probably represents limited accumulation of FADH(2).NAD(+). The second phase was characterized by an increase in absorbance at 435 and 458 nm and a decrease in absorbance at 530 and 670 nm. The observed rate constant that describes this phase of approximately 115 s(-)(1) probably represents the overall rate of formation of E(ox) and NADH from EH(2) and NAD(+), and is largely determined by the slower rates of the coupled sequence of reactions preceding flavin oxidation.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies: Current treatment strategies

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy (CIDP), considered an immune-mediated disease, is likely under-recognized and under-treated due to its heterogeneous presentation and the limitations of clinical, serologic, and electrophysiologic diagnostic criteria. Despite these limitations, early diagnosis and treatment is important in preventing irreversible axonal loss and improving functional recovery. Primary treatment modalities include intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis, for which there is randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled evidence. In addition, despite less definitive published evidence of efficacy, corticosteroids are considered standard therapies because of their long history of use. Studies have failed to demonstrate a difference in efficacy among these three treatments; consequently, the choice is usually based on availability and side-effect profile. A number of chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agents have also shown to be effective in treating CIDP but significant evidence is lacking; therefore, these agents are primarily used in conjunction with other modalities. Regardless of the treatment choice, long-term therapy is required to maintain a response and prevent relapse.
Traube-Hering Waves in the Pulmonary Circulation of the Dog

Although the pulmonary blood vessels receive an ample supply of nerves, it has been difficult to prove that these nerves operate in the regulation of the pulmonary circulation. In the present study, using the isolated lobe of the lung perfused in situ, waves in pulmonary arterial pressure were induced and were shown, as in the case of Traube-Hering waves in the systemic circulation, to be nervous in origin.
EQUITABILITY AND TROPHIC LEVELS IN AN EOCENE FISH POPULATION

A collection of fossil fish from Fossil Lake, Wyoming (Eocene) was compared with samples from three modern natural lakes and an artificial fish pond. All fish were divided into predators or planktivores. The predators all had higher equitabilities than did the planktivores from the same locality. This suggests that the predators are resource limited (food) and that if migration to and from the lakes is not excessive, the equitability of the predatory forms will eventually stabilize at a higher level than that of the planktivorous forms. The paleontological sample follows this pattern, probably from the same causative factors.
Compromise in Collaborating With Families: Perspectives of Beginning Special Education Teachers

This qualitative study evaluated the belief systems and professional practice of program graduates of an early childhood special education teacher preparation program regarding collaboration with families of children with disabilities. Eleven graduates were interviewed over the course of a school year to identify perceived challenges to their implementation of family-centered practices on the job. Results revealed that (a) underpreparation, (b) attitudinal barriers, (c) workload issues, and (d) language and cultural differences inhibited teachers' collaboration with families of children with disabilities. Implications concerning the role and challenges of teacher preparation and the importance of job design for early childhood teachers are addressed.
Utilization and excretion of organic nitrogen by the silverfish, Ctenolepisma lineata

Abstract Conversion efficiencies of organic nitrogen to live weight have been determined for the silverfish, Ctenolepisma lineata. These efficiencies vary from 0·014 to 0·13 mg N/mg live weight between animals and vary similarly within the same animal depending on the diet. The rate of weight gain by animals feeding on a complete diet ranged from 0·25 to 0·67 mg live weight per week. The silverfish can also live for extended periods on a diet of cellulose alone but requires a source of organic nitrogen for growth and other vital processes. Conservation of nitrogen seems to be accomplished by an inherent low turnover of tissue nitrogen when the animal is metabolizing carbohydrates. C. lineata may lose from 8 to 20 per cent of its total body nitrogen before expiring.
Effect of collateral and peripheral resistance on blood flow through arterial stenoses

Abstract A relatively simple analytical model is developed to investigate the interaction between blood flow through an arterial stenosis and the corresponding collateral and peripheral vascular beds. The model utilizes a realistic non-linear pressure-flow relationship for the stenosis. Two specific examples are studied in detail: the first relates to the hind limb of the dog, and the second to the human coronary system. Results indicate how normal resting flow can be maintained to the peripheral beds, even in the presence of a relatively severe stenosis, due to collateral flow and autoregulation of peripheral bed resistance. Whereas, under conditions of increased flow, the stenosis becomes the limiting element in the system and the vascular bed reserve is significantly reduced, even for a moderate stenosis. Predictions based on the model compare favorably with the limited in vivo data available. A discussion of the concept of the “critical stenosis” is included.
Feeling grateful to God: A qualitative inquiry

Research on feelings of gratitude to God has not kept pace with research on feelings of gratitude to other people. The purpose of this study was to address this gap in the knowledge base by conducting a series of individual in-depth qualitative interviews. Four main themes emerged from these qualitative interviews. The first has to do with the interface between feelings of gratitude to God and stress, the second involves the ways in which feelings of gratitude to God are expressed, the third theme is concerned with whether God rewards the grateful and punishes the ungrateful, and the fourth theme deals with the perceived benefits of feeling grateful to God. An emphasis is placed throughout on showing how the findings can inform research on the relationships between feeling grateful to God and health.
Congenital Budd-Chiari Syndrome

Budd-Chiari syndrome, due to thrombotic occlusion of hepatic veins or ostia, is unusual in infants. Review of the literature reveals no documented case symptomatic at birth. We describe a male infant with ascites present at birth. A liver biopsy at 7 weeks of age showed sinusoidal dilatation, but the diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome was made only at autopsy, 4 months later. The cause was not determined although maternal drug abuse was suspected.
DEK expression in melanocytic lesions

The diagnosis of malignant melanoma presents a clinical challenge and relies principally on histopathological evaluation. Previous studies have indicated that increased expression of the DEK oncogene, a chromatin-bound factor, could contribute to the development of melanoma and may be a frequent event in melanoma progression. Here, we investigated DEK expression by immunohistochemistry in a total of 147 melanocytic lesions, including ordinary nevi, dysplastic nevi, Spitz nevi, melanoma in situ, primary invasive melanomas, and metastatic melanomas. Most benign nevi (ordinary, dysplastic, and Spitz nevi) were negative or exhibited weak staining for DEK, with only 4 of 49 cases showing strong staining. Similar to benign nevi, melanoma in situ also demonstrated low levels of DEK expression. In contrast, the expression of DEK in primary invasive melanomas was significantly higher than benign nevi (P 1 mm) and metastatic melanomas as compared with superficial melanomas (Breslow depth ≤1 mm) (P < .05). Our findings indicate that DEK overexpression may be a frequent event in invasive melanomas, and further augmentation of DEK expression may be associated with the acquisition of ominous features such as deep dermal invasion and metastasis. These data suggest a role of DEK in melanoma progression.
A bound on the number of periodic orbits of certain piecewise linear maps

Abstract Let f: [0, 1] → [0, 1] be a piecewise-linear continuous map. Let the slopes mi, i = 1, …, n, satisfy the condition that miϵ {±mj}j = 0∞, MϵN, ¦m¦ >1 . Let θ N = { a bp N : (a, p) = 1, p is prime a bp N ϵ [0, 1]} , N ⩾ 1 , where we assume (p, m) = 1. The main result states that f¦ θ N has a bounded number of periodic orbits independent of N.
Scaling and the renormalization group in the kondo effect

Abstract Applying renormalization group techniques, scaling laws in terms of the invariant exchange coupling are derived for the Kondo effect. The effective energy dependent coupling strength goes to unity at small energies. This medium strong invariant coupling is the likely origin of the difficulties in working out the low temperature Kondo scattering, and is the reason why comparison between low temperature experimental results and the predictions of the standard theories is not very meaningful.
Limiting distribution of sums of nonnegative stationary random variables

Let {X n,j,−∞<j<∞∼,n≧1, be a sequence of stationary sequences on some probability space, with nonnegative random variables. Under appropriate mixing conditions, it is shown thatS n=Xn,1+…+X n,n has a limiting distribution of a general infinitely divisible form. The result is applied to sequences of functions {f n(x)∼ defined on a stationary sequence {X j∼, whereX n.f=fn(Xj). The results are illustrated by applications to Gaussian processes, Markov processes and some autoregressive processes of a general type.
Hydrogenation of Aromatic Compounds with a Rhodium Catalyst in Biphasic Systems

The reaction conditions for the catalytic reduction of single-ring aromatic compounds such as tetralin with chloro(1,5-hexadiene)rhodium(I) dimer in a biphasic mixture of hexane and an aqueous buffer containing a surface active agent have been investigated. The reaction proceeds most effectively in a dilute alkaline buffer with a low concentration of a surfactant. Under these conditions, the hydrogenation of tetralin provided cis- and trans-decalin in high yield with no apparent decrease in the catalytic activity after eight catalyst cycles. The reaction rate increases as the pressure and the temperature are increased. The reaction system is effective for the reduction of tetralin in the presence of coal liquids.
The Effect of Neighborhood Characteristics on Traffic Citation Practices of the Police

Prior research on traffic citation practices has focused largely on the influence of situational factors on officer behavior. Recent research, however, has called for a more contextualized framework for studying traffic enforcement activities. Using multilevel and spatial modeling procedures, the current study examined the role that both immediate and surrounding neighborhood characteristics played on citation issuance within a large, metropolitan department. Findings indicated that neighborhood structural characteristics were significantly related to the number of citations written during traffic encounters, independent of situational factors. Furthermore, the effect of a neighborhood's racial composition on citation issuance extended beyond the immediate neighborhood. The results lend further support to the larger body of research highlighting the importance of neighborhood context on officer behavior.
Living cationic polymerization of isobutylene with mixtures of titanium tetrachloride/titanium tetrabromide

The effect of ligand of Lewis acid on the cationic polymerization of isobutylene (IB) using TiCl4/TiBr4-mixed co-initiator is reported. The polymerization proceeds in a living fashion; however, the polymerization rate decreases with decreasing TiCl4/TiBr4 ratio. The active co-initiator in this polymerization system is the mixed dimer, Ti2ClxBr(8-x), not the dimer of TiCl4 or TiBr4. From the molecular weight distribution vs conversion plots, the rate constant of deactivation, k-i, and ionization, , the apparent equilibrium constant of ionization, , and the thermodynamic parameters are calculated and discussed. By the stepwise replacement of Cl to Br the Lewis acidity decreases, which results in a decreased ionization rate constant while the deactivation rate constant remains essentially unchanged. Therefore, the decreasing overall rates of polymerization with decreasing TiCl4/TiBr4 ratio are exclusively due to the lower equilibrium constant of ionization, which results in lower ion pair concentration.
Rat thoracic duct cells as a substitute for T cells and carrier in the antibody response of mouse spleens deficient in thymus cells.

The immune response of mouse spleen cells to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in vitro depends on the presence of thymus derived helper lymphocytes (T cells). This has been demonstrated by depleting spleen cells of T cells by treatment with complement and anti-θ serum1 and showing that the in vitro immune response can be restored by addition of antigen sensitized syngeneic or allogeneic T cells2. Although un-sensitized syngeneic T cells usually fail to restore the immune response of spleens deprived of T cells (B spleens), unsensitized allogeneic thymus cells do so3. This “allogeneic effect” can act through factors released in the culture supernatant of allogeneic lymph cell mixtures4. We show here that xenogeneic (rat) thoracic duct cells (RTDC), whether antigen sensitized or not, can restore an in vitro immune response of thymus-depleted mouse spleen cells. They stimulate antigen specific T cell responses by two mechanisms. In one, they substitute both for the carrier and the carrier-specific T cells and thus stimulate T cell response to a low molecular weight hapten. In the other, they stimulate T cells through amplification of the effect of a small number of carrier-specific mouse T cells.
Culture and mediation: A contemporary processual analysis from southwestern Gambia

Abstract This paper draws on archival sources and data gleaned from over two years of intensive fieldwork in The Gambia to provide a processual analysis of culture in mediation. The literature on the salience of culture in facilitated dispute settlement includes several purported cross-cultural models, and, in some cases, these have been used to support assertions about the widespread applicability of generic approaches of conflict resolution. The results of this study uncovered remarkable variance in societal preferences for structuring mediation, thereby problematizing the notion of widespread cross-cultural process similarities in the process. The idea of an intrinsic structure to the mediation process was further contravened by the remarkable diversity found at lower levels of analysis. Gambian mediators—even those sharing many similar attributes—exhibited remarkable diversity in their approaches. Significant variation occurred in relation to all mediation activities except setting the stage and ritualization. In fact, individual mediators often reacted to situational constraints by employing divergent process structures in different cases. The project findings suggest that theorizing about peacemaking behaviors must delve much further than the meta-level of comparison and that constructs such as individualism versus collectivism and high- and low-context societies must be used cautiously. Societal perspectives are highly uneven and culture operates on multiple levels and is continually at work, although its effects may not always be observable. Mediators are impacted by structural constraints such as socio-cultural patterning, but they are also agents who are able to adjust their behaviors in reaction to contextual factors and according to their personal preferences.
Plates of the Dinosaur Stegosaurus: Forced Convection Heat Loss Fins?

It is suggested that the plates along the arched back and tail of Stegosaurus served an important thermoregulatory function as forced convection "fins." Wind tunnel experiments on finned models, internal heat conduction calculations, and direct observations of the morphology and internal structure of stegosaur plates support this hypothesis, demonstrating the comparative effectiveness of the plates as heat dissipaters, controllable through input blood flow rate, temperature, and body orientation (with respect to wind).
Bulk Band Gap and Surface State Conduction Observed in Voltage-Tuned Crystals of the Topological Insulator Bi 2 Se 3

We report a transport study of exfoliated few monolayer crystals of topological insulator Bi2Se3 in an electric field effect geometry. By doping the bulk crystals with Ca, we are able to fabricate devices with sufficiently low bulk carrier density to change the sign of the Hall density with the gate voltage V(g). We find that the temperature T and magnetic field dependent transport properties in the vicinity of this V(g) can be explained by a bulk channel with activation gap of approximately 50 meV and a relatively high-mobility metallic channel that dominates at low T. The conductance (approximately 2×7e2/h), weak antilocalization, and metallic resistance-temperature profile of the latter lead us to identify it with the protected surface state. The relative smallness of the observed gap implies limitations for electric field effect topological insulator devices at room temperature.
Exploring the Yo-Yo: Filipino Physics Fun

ABSTRACT The yo-yo is a scientific toy that has fascinated young and old for thousands of years. According to yo-yo experts, the yo-yo is the second oldest toy in the world, after the doll. Yo-yo activities can be an excellent tool to help students explore many important physics concepts related to energy and motion. The rich history of the yo-yo offers opportunities to connect science with different cultures. Filipino culture in particular is very important in the history of the yo-yo, as it was a Filipino who introduced the toy in the United States and who also made key contributions to the toy's later success.
Ocular Neoplastic Disease

Ocular neoplasms, both primary and metastatic, may present with visual disturbance or vision loss and often are asymptomatic. Clinical ophthalmologic examination may demonstrate leukocoria, abnormal pupillary light reflex, or a mass lesion with or without retinal detachment or hemorrhage. Retinoblastoma in children and uveal melanoma and ocular metastases in adults are the most important ocular malignant neoplasms referred for imaging to aid with diagnosis and staging. Familiarity with their common imaging appearances, the common patterns of spread, and the diagnostic findings of greatest concern to the ocular oncologist will enhance accuracy of imaging interpretation. Clinical ophthalmologic examination and imaging using B-scan ultrasound, A-scan ultrasound, fluorescein angiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have complementary roles in ocular tumor staging and treatment assessment.
Caregivers of long-term ventilator patients: physical and psychological outcomes.

Study objectives: The physical and psychological effects of caregiving have been examined in several populations. To date, no one has examined the effects of caregiving on caregivers of patients receiving long-term mechanical ventilation (LTV) [patients who required > 4 days of continuous in-hospital mechanical ventilation] who reside in a home or institutional setting after hospital discharge. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics and examine depression, burden, overload, and physical health in this caregiver population over a 6-month period after hospital discharge. Design: This was a prospective longitudinal descriptive study of posthospital outcomes for patients receiving LTV and their caregivers. Setting and participants: Caregivers of 135 patients receiving LTV admitted to the ICUs of a university medical center, a Veterans Administration hospital, and small community hospital were enrolled. Measurements and results: Interviews of caregivers were conducted at hospital discharge and 6 months later. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Established tools were used to assess caregiver depression, burden, overload, and physical health. Caregivers reported a drop in physical health scores from hospital discharge to 6 months after discharge (p = 0.0001). Caregivers of patients residing in an institution reported higher depression (p = 0.039) and overload scores (p = 0.002) than did caregivers of patients residing at home 6 months after discharge; 51.2% of caregivers at discharge and 36.4% at 6 months after discharge reported symptoms consistent with some degree of depression. In addition, 12.2% of caregivers at hospital discharge and 15.6% at 6 months after discharge were classified as having symptoms consistent with severe depression. Caregiver physical health (p = 0.025) and overload (p = 0.006) made statistically significant contributions to explaining caregiver depression. Conclusions: Caregivers of patients receiving LTV in our sample have similar characteristics to other caregiving populations. However, our sample had higher depression scores than those reported for many other caregiver groups.