cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emerging Communication Technologies and the Practices of Enhanced Deliberation: The Experience of Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute

A U.S. Department of State funded program, the Ben Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute, has taught hundreds of high-school aged students from Eurasia and the United States practices of democratic deliberation using networked media. A survey of the program’s curricular innovations since 2006, involving integration of YouTube, Facebook, and documentary film, yields insight on how the advent and circulation of “(de-)liberation” technologies present pathways for young students to practice efficacious and convivial forms of cosmopolitan citizenship in our digital age.
Lobular adenocarcinoma of breast metastatic to the mandibular condyle: Report of a case and review of the literature

A case of metastatic breast adenocarcinoma to the condyle in a 55-year-old white woman is reported. Highlights of this case presentation include the rarity of reported metastatic lesions to the condyle, a negative bone scan 2 months before the bone biopsy, the existence of a pathologic fracture as the only persistent symptom of the lesion, initial symptoms suggestive of temporomandibular joint disorder, and the uncommon type of breast carcinoma.
Seed Legislation and Law Enforcement

Seed laws are designed to aid in the orderly marketing of seed. They establish regulations governing the sale of seed, thereby providing legal protection to both buyers and sellers. No country can expect to have a well-developed, effective seed industry without seed control regulations. In the United States, seed legislation exists at both the state and federal levels.
Pan-Galactic puise periods and the pulse window for SETI

It is argued that more attention should be paid in SETI programs to the possibility of finding rationalized, preferred pulse periodicities, in the same sense that many have argued for preferred frequencies. Within the range of detectable pulse periods, which is from 10−6 to 105 sec, the Pulse Window, from ≈0.1 to ≈3.0 sec and defined by the histogram of observed pulsar periods, is suggested as a natural galactic communications channel for pulse-like signals. Within this window, the best candidates for preferred or “Pan-Galactic” periods are the 0.122-sec period associated with the lifetime of hydrogen's 2s state, and the 0.17-sec period of the “Solar Pendulum”. Outside the Pulse Window, the best candidates are periods associated with the lifetimes of the muon (2.19703 μsec) and of the neutron (896 sec), with the solar oscillations mode-splitting (124 min), and with the sidereal day (23 hr 56 min). Many other Pan-Galactic periods are suggested and discussed, some of which are based on the idea of “master” pulsars that serve to establish preferred periods for communications in our locale of the Galaxy.
Identifying Key Components of Teaching and Learning in a STEM School

This study was conducted at an innovative science, technology, engineering, and mathematics high school, providing a rich contextual description of the teaching and learning at the school, specifically focusing on problem solving and inquiry approaches, and students' motivation, social interactions, and collaborative work. Data were collected through interviews with teachers and students, classroom observations, school meetings, school design and planning efforts, student surveys, and student standardized test scores. We saw that the teaching and learning at the school were typically inquiry and problem based and that student motivation, collaboration, and social interactions were strong due to the environment of inquiry and problem-based teaching and learning.
Choline Intake Exceeding Current Dietary Recommendations Preserves Markers of Cellular Methylation in a Genetic Subgroup of Folate-Compromised Men

Severe choline deficiency adversely affects cellular methylation and DNA integrity, with potentially serious implications for disease risk. As part of a 12-wk controlled choline intervention study conducted in folate-compromised Mexican-American men (n = 60; 18-55 y) differing in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T genotype (21 677CC, 29 677TT), this study evaluated the effects of varied choline intakes (300, 550, 1100, and 2200 mg/d) on the change (i.e. wk 12-0) in markers of cellular methylation and DNA integrity. Choline intake affected the change in plasma S-adenosylmethionine (P = 0.044), with decreases tending to be greater (P < or = 0.08) in the 300 and 550 mg/d groups than in the 2200 mg/d group. Choline intake also interacted with the MTHFR C677T genotype to affect the change in genomic DNA methylation and DNA damage. In men with the MTHFR 677CC genotype, choline intake affected (P = 0.007) the change in DNA methylation, with a greater decrease (P < 0.02) in the 300 mg/d group than in the 1100 and 2200 mg/d groups. In men with the MTHFR 677CC genotype, choline intake also affected (P = 0.047) the change in DNA damage, with the increase tending to be greater (P = 0.07) in the 550 mg/d group than in the 2200 mg/d group. Choline intake did not affect these variables in men with the MTHFR 677TT genotype. Overall, these data suggest that choline intake exceeding current dietary recommendations preserves markers of cellular methylation and attenuates DNA damage in a genetic subgroup of folate-compromised men.
Beta Testing the Antioxidant Function of eIF2α Phosphorylation in Diabetes Prevention

In this issue of Cell Metabolism , Kaufman and colleagues (Back et al., 2009) elegantly demonstrate that appropriate regulation of eIF2α phosphorylation improves glucose tolerance and β cell viability by preventing the lethal buildup of oxidative damage due to unregulated synthesis, trafficking, and misfolding of proteins.
Peer-Mediated and teacher-directed social skills training for visually impaired students *

The training of social skills in visually impaired children is critical to their adjustmentin school and the community. The study compared the effectiveness of two types of training packages, peer-mediated and teacher-directed, in elevating the appearance of a variety of social behaviors. Students were assigned at random to one of the two treatment groups or a control group (N=15). The six social behaviors were separately trained in a multiple baseline format. Visual inspection and statistical analysis generally indicated that the peer-mediated group produced significant acquisition, generalization, and maintenance of the social behaviors. While the teacher-directed group displayed the highest acquisition scores, it failed to show substantive generalization or maintenance. The control group, in general, showed no changes in any of the phases of learning. A number of social validity measures, peer questionnaire, teacher observation, and social competence, indicated significant pre- to posttraining changes for the two treatment groups, but not the control group. The superiority of the peer-mediated group was interpreted in terms of the “method of common stimuli,” or the presence of nondisabled peers in both the training and natural environments.
Reactions to the Use of Self-Disparaging Humor by Informative Public Speakers.

This study focuses on audience reactions to the use of direct, personal self‐disparaging humor by informative public speakers. Data, in general, suggest that the use of direct, personal self‐disparaging humor by both high and low status informative public speakers serves to increase ratings of sense of humor, yet decrease ratings of competence, desire to associate with the speaker, and interest in the presentation. Furthermore, there appear to be only minimal differences in reactions to informative public speakers who do or do not attempt to relate their humor to the message topic.
Binge drinking in alcohol-preferring sP rats at the end of the nocturnal period

Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats have been selectively bred for high alcohol preference and consumption using the standard 2-bottle "alcohol (10%, v/v) vs. water" choice regimen with unlimited access; under this regimen, sP rats daily consume 6-7 g/kg alcohol. The present study assessed a new paradigm of alcohol intake in which sP rats were exposed to the 4-bottle "alcohol (10%, 20%, and 30%, v/v) vs. water" choice regimen during one of the 12 h of the dark phase of the daily light/dark cycle; the time of alcohol exposure was changed daily in a semi-random order and was unpredictable to rats. Alcohol intake was highly positively correlated with the time of the drinking session and averaged approximately 2 g/kg when the drinking session occurred during the 12th hour of the dark phase. Alcohol drinking during the 12th hour of the dark phase resulted in (a) blood alcohol levels averaging approximately 100 mg% and (b) severe signs of alcohol intoxication (e.g., impaired performance at a Rota-Rod task). The results of a series of additional experiments indicate that (a) both singular aspects of this paradigm (i.e., unpredictability of alcohol exposure and concurrent availability of multiple alcohol concentrations) contributed to this high alcohol intake, (b) alcohol intake followed a circadian rhythm, as it decreased progressively over the first 3 h of the light phase and then maintained constant levels until the beginning of the dark phase, and (c) sensitivity to time schedule was specific to alcohol, as it did not generalize to a highly palatable chocolate-flavored beverage. These results demonstrate that unpredictable, limited access to multiple alcohol concentrations may result in exceptionally high intakes of alcohol in sP rats, modeling - to some extent - human binge drinking. A progressively increasing emotional "distress" associated to rats' expectation of alcohol might be the neurobehavioral basis of this drinking behavior.
Endoscopist administered sedation during ERCP: impact of chronic narcotic/benzodiazepine use and predictive risk of reversal agent utilization.

Endoscopist Administered Sedation During ERCP: Impact of Chronic Narcotic/Benzodiazepine Use and Predictive Risk of Reversal Agent Utilization
Phosphorylation-dependent prolyl isomerization: A novel signaling regulatory mechanism

Protein phosphorylation on serine or threonine residues preceding proline (Ser/Thr-Pro) plays an essential role for regulating various cellular processes, including cell cycle progression. Although phosphorylation has been proposed to regulate the function of a protein by inducing conformational changes, much less is known about what phosphate additions actually do and how the functions of phosphoproteins are coordinated. Proline is important for determining protein structure because it exists in cis or trans conformation and can put kinks into a polypeptide chain. We have shown that phosphorylation on Ser/Thr-Pro motifs reduces the cis/trans isomerization rate of Ser/Thr-Pro bonds. At the same time, proteins containing phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro motifs are substrates for the prolyl isomerase Pin1. The WW domain of Pin1 acts as a phosphoserine/threonine-binding module binding a defined subset of mitosis-specific phosphoproteins, such as Cdc25 and tau. These interactions target the enzymatic activity of Pin1 close to its substrates. In contrast to other prolyl isomerases (peptidyl-prolyl isomerases, PPlases), Pin1 has an extremely high degree of substrate specificity, specifically isomerizing phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro bonds. Therefore, Pin1 binds and regulates the function of a defined subset of phosphoproteins. Furthermore, inhibiting Pin1 function is lethal for dividing cells. Interestingly, Pin1, which can restore the biological function of phosphorylated tau, is sequestered in the neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's brains. Thus, we have proposed a novel signaling regulatory mechanism, where protein phosphorylation creates binding sites for Pin1, which can then latch on to and isomerize the phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro peptide bond. In turn, this may change the shape of the protein, regulating its activity, dephosphorylation, degradation or location in the cell. This new post-phosphorylation regulatory mechanism appears to play an important role in normal cell function, such as mitotic progression, and in the pathogenesis of some human pathologies, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Structure-activity relationship and comparative docking studies for cycloguanil analogs as PfDHFR-TS inhibitors

Drug resistance acquired by Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) is a major problem in the treatment and control of malaria. One of the major examples of drug resistance is that caused by mutations in the active site of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) of Pf (PfDHFR-TS). A double mutation, A16V+S108T, is specific for resistance to the marketed drug cycloguanil. In this study, we used 58 cycloguanil (2,4-diamino-1,6-dihydro-1,3,5-triazine) derivatives to explore the relationship between various physicochemical properties and reported binding affinity data on wild-type and mutant-type A16V+S108T. Using the Hansch 2D-quantitative structure−activity relationship method, we obtained a parabolic relationship of hydrophobicity of substituents at the N1-phenyl ring with the wild-type binding affinity data. Hydrophobicity being a key property for wild-type binding affinity data, we found steric factors to be crucial for A16V+S108T mutant resistance. We investigated FlexX, GOLD, Glide and Molegro virtual docking programs and 1...
Statistical process monitoring and feedback adjustment: a discussion

Rationales for process monitoring using some of the techniques of statistical process control and for feedback adjustment using some techniques associated with automatic process control are explored, and issues that sometimes arise are discussed. The importance of some often unstated assumptions are illustrated. Minimum-cost feedback schemes are discussed for some simple, but practically interesting, models.
Family Communication as a Mediator of Child Adjustment to Divorce

Abstract Reduced family conflict, consistency in roles and parenting, and limited negative life changes seem to be particularly important variables in promoting children's adjustment to divorce. The impact of family functioning on child adjustment was investigated in a sample of 22 recently separated or divorced families with a total of 32 children. A series of multiple regression analyses using factors on the Family Assessment Device to predict Child Behavior Checklist scores indicated that family functioning is a significant predictor of children's Externalizing behavior problems. The Communication factor accounted for a significant portion of unique variance in the externalizing scores that was unaccounted for by the other factors. When separated parents can communicate with each other to co-parent their children, as well as communicate affective limit-setting messages to their children, the children exhibit less behavioral problems.
Sensitivity of the stationary distribution vector for an ergodic Markov chain

Stationary distribution vectors p/sup infinity/ for Markov chains with associated transition matrices T are important in the analysis of many models in the mathematical sciences, such as queuing networks, input-output economic models and compartmental tracer analysis models. The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the sensitivity of p/sup infinity/ to perturbations in the transition probabilities of T and to understand some of the difficulties in computing an accurate p/sup infinity/. The group inverse A/sup number/ of I-T is shown to be of fundamental importance in understanding sensitivity or conditioning of p/sup infinity/. The main result shows that if there is a state that is accessible from every other state and the corresponding column of T has no small off-diagonal elements, then p/sup infinity/ cannot be sensitive to small perturbations in T. Ecological examples are given. A new stable algorithm for calculating A/sup number/ is described.
The paradigm shift in statistical process control due to the latest developments in computer technology

Statistical Process Control (SPC) is a category of techniques that has been fairly static throughout the years. Although the techniques and theories remain unchanged, the implementation and the characteristics of SPC are changing due to the rapid developments in the software and hardware industry. In this paper, computer applications in SPC are first introduced and some considerations in choosing an SPC package are presented. Subsequently, some paradigm shifts in SPC training and implementation due to the developments in computer technology will be investigated.
The Cost of Breast Cancer Screening in the United States: A Picture Is Worth ... a Billion Dollars?

In this issue, O'Donoghue and colleagues assess the cost of various breast cancer screening strategies in the United States. The editorialists commend the assessment and emphasize the need to inclu...
Mapping quantitative trait loci that regulate sensitivity and tolerance to quinpirole, a dopamine mimetic selective for D2/D3 receptors

Acute sensitivity and tolerance to quinpirole (a dopamine mimetic with selectivity for D(2)/D(3) dopamine receptors) were evaluated in the C57BL/6J and DBA/2J inbred strains of mice, 24 of their BXD recombinant inbred strains, and 233 F(2) mice. Baseline locomotor activity, locomotor activity following 0.03 mg/kg quinpirole (and 0. 01 mg/kg in BXD mice), body temperature following 1 mg/kg quinpirole, and hypothermic tolerance following 2 or 3 days of quinpirole administration were evaluated. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was employed to identify genetic determinants of baseline locomotor activity and five behavioral responses to quinpirole. We examined correlated allelic variation in genetic markers of known chromosomal location with variation in each of these phenotypes. We definitively mapped a QTL on Chromosome (Chr) 9 linked to the D(2) dopamine receptor gene, Drd2, for hypothermic sensitivity to quinpirole, and identify a suggestive QTL in the same chromosomal region for tolerance to quinpirole after repeated treatments. Suggestive QTLs were also identified on Chr 19 for sensitivity and tolerance to quinpirole-induced hypothermia and for baseline locomotor activity; on Chr 15 for locomotor sensitivity to quinpirole; and on Chr 13 and 5 for baseline locomotor activity. Our results indicate that genetic differences in quinpirole sensitivity and tolerance are associated with QTLs near Drd2, and that baseline locomotor activity is associated with a suggestive QTL in proximity to the dopamine transporter gene Dat1. These data suggest that the genes influencing locomotor activity, dopamine mimetic sensitivity, and tolerance do not overlap completely.
Digitally Controlled Optimal Self-Calibration for a Laser-Photodiode Array Based Vehicle Detection System

The Laser-photodiode Based vehicle Detection System (LBDS) is an advanced vehicle detector. Its detection principle is based on projecting laser beams to the road and receiving the echo laser. When the operation environment such as the road surface condition, the weather and the daylight changes, which is likely to happen over the long-term lifespan of the LBDS, the LBDS may require recalibration. To solve this problem, a digitally-controlled optimal self-calibration method for LBDS is presented in the paper. With the calibration, the LBDS has the ability to operate reliably in a wide range of applications, and has the ability to provide correct and accurate detection information over the long term. The field test results of the LBDS using the proposed self-calibration method confirm the effectiveness of the self-calibration method.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Tuning Emissive States in Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence

Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) arising from the reaction of radical ions has previously be shown to arise from a variety of states including excited singlets, triplets, excimers, and exciplexes. In this work we describe two systems that form emissive states in ECL with different properties than those when formed with photoluminescence. The first system involves the reaction of the anthracene radical anion with the radical cation of 4,N,N-trimethylaniline. ECL from this system exhibited an exciplex whose energy and intensity relative to the emission from the anthracene singlet could be tuned by adjusting the solvent permittivity and ionic strength. Under conditions considered extreme for electrochemical experiments, no added electrolyte in dimethoxyethane, the relative intensity of the anthracene-related exciplex, formed from the encounter complex, was 8 times greater and red-shifted from that generated by photoluminescence in the same solution with 100-fold exciplex partner added. In the second system examined, the benzophenone radical anion reacted with the radical cation of either phenoxathiin or 4-methoxythioanisole; the ECL emission was from the benzophenone triplet state and an excimer. The excimer, a species not seen with photoluminescence, predominated as the benzophenone concentration was elevated into the low millimolar range. The results from these two simple systems clearly demonstrate that the radical ion annihilation pathway of ECL can generate different emissive states than those formed following photoexcitation.
Discordant growth hormone and IGF-1 levels post pituitary surgery in patients with acromegaly naïve to medical therapy and radiation: what to follow, GH or IGF-1 values?

New criteria that define acromegaly remission are more stringent: normal (age/sex-adjusted) insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1), growth hormone (GH) random (GHr) <1 μg/L, and a GH nadir (GHn) during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) of <0.4 μg/L. Discordance between GH and IGF-1 values is often attributed to somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs) or radiation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate rates of discordant IGF-1 and GH levels in patients with GH secreting adenomas (after pituitary surgery), who were naive to any other treatment. We retrospectively analyzed data over a 5 year time period (2006–2010), in post-surgery acromegaly patients who had elevated IGF-1 but normal GH levels (per the new cure criteria). Symptoms of acromegaly were scored according to a 4-point scale. Fifty-four patients had post-operative GHr and IGF-1 measurements, 28 patients had GHn during OGTT, and 16 patients had 5-point 2-h GH day curve tests. Thirteen of 54 (24%) patients were found to have intermittent persistent discordant values; high IGF-1 and normal GH at final evaluation (77% of these patients were women). Patients had a median number of IGF-1 evaluations of 7.5 (range: 2–15) over a median of 22 months (range: 3–47 months). Mean elevated IGF-1 in the discordant population was 1.25 × upper limit of normal (ULN) ± 0.17 (range: 1.01–1.6 × ULN). Twelve of the 13 (92%) patients had macroadenomas; 10 of the 13 (69%) patients had mammosomatotroph, mixed lacto/somatotroph tumors or prolactin staining. No patient in the discordant population was on estrogen replacement therapy or had overt cardiac disease. When the relatively asymptomatic discordant population was compared with 35 patients from the concordant population (six were excluded because of preoperative medical treatment for acromegaly), no significant difference between age, gender distribution, body mass index (BMI), presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) or glucose intolerance and adrenal insufficiency between groups was noted. In our study of postoperative patients with acromegaly naive to both SRLs and radiation, using new GH cut-off levels, 24% had intermittent or persistent discordant values. Our results highlight that relying on IGF-1 or GH measurements alone is not adequate for assessing disease control in surgically treated acromegaly patients. Management of such patients needs to be individualized and long-term studies evaluating morbidity and mortality incorporated into treatment decisions. Further studies with larger patient populations and longer follow-up are required to determine the long-term implications of discordant GH and IGF-1 value patterns.
Design and characterization of highly immunogenic heat-stable enterotoxin of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K99+

In this study, STa peptide of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K99(+) was purified and successfully covalently cross-linked to modified bovine serum albumin after thorough evaluation of three different hapten-carrier conjugation protocols. Dimethyformamide (DMF) based STa-conjugation protocol demonstrated higher biological activity (10×10(6) STa Total Mouse Units [MU]) and 100% conjugation efficiency. A range of conjugation ratio of 4-12 STa molecules per one molecule of BSA was achieved and confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight/mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF/MS). This conjugate was used for immunization of ten rabbits for STa antibody production. A high antibody binding titer (10(6)) against STa was obtained with a neutralization capacity of 3×10(4) STa MUs/ml serum. These levels of high STa binding and neutralizing antibodies titers propose the potential use of this conjugate for the development of immunotherapeutic reagents and/or STa-based vaccine against ETEC K99(+).
Antinociceptive profiles of opioid peptide agonists in a rat tooth pulp stimulation procedure.

Abstract The analgesic activity of the prototypic opioid peptides for the mu (D-Ala 2 -Me-Phen 1 -Gly-ol 5 -enkephalin [DAGO]) kappa (Dynorphin 1–13), delta (D-Ala 2 -D-Leu 5 -enkephalin [DADLE]), or epsilon (β-endorphin) receptor was assessed in a rat tooth pulp stimulation procedure. All opioid peptides tested and the opioid alkaloid U50, 488H (kappa receptor agonist) significantly elevated response thresholds. The rank order of potency based on the Minimum Effective Dose values was β-endorphin > DAGO = dynorphin A (1–13) amide > DADLE > dynorphin A (1–13) > U50,488H. Based on absolute magnitude, the rank order of dose response slopes was DAGO > U50,488H > dynorphin A (1–13) amide > β-endorphin > DADLE. Dynorphin A (1–13) produced the shallowest dose response slope and the magnitude of response threshold was the lowest for all compounds tested. Finally, the general conclusion that mu agonists are effective against noxious stimuli derived from thermal, chemical, and mechanical is extended by our data to include electrical sources derived from tooth pulp stimulation; kappa agonists are effective against noxious stimuli derived from chemical, mechanical, and electrical sources (tooth pulp stimulation) and delta agonists are effective analgesics against thermal, chemical and electrical stimuli (tooth pulp stimulation).
Health Behaviors of Health Educators: A National Survey

Abstract Limited research about the specific health behaviors of health educators indicates that their lifestyles are not much different from the general population and that they may not practice the ideal behaviors that might be expected of them. The purpose of this study was to assess the self-reported health behaviors of health educators in terms of generally accepted standards for healthy living set forth by the health education profession. A random sample of 372 members of five health professional organizations was selected. A mail survey consisting of 68 health-related questions was developed and sent to the sample subjects. A response rate of 60 percent was achieved. Sex, age group, and workplace were used as independent variables. All appropriate findings were compared to year 2000 national health goals
The relationship between knee joint loading rate during walking and degenerative changes on magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract Background While animal study and cadaveric study have demonstrated an association between knee joint loading rate and joint degeneration, the relationship between knee joint loading rate during walking and osteoarthritis has not yet been sufficiently studied in humans. Methods Twenty-eight participants (14 transfemoral amputees and 14 age and body mass matched controls) underwent knee MRI with subsequent assessment using the semiquantitative Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Image Score. Each subject also underwent gait analysis in order to determine knee adduction moment loading rate, peak, and impulse and an exploratory measure, knee adduction moment rate ∗ magnitude. Findings Significant correlations were found between medial tibiofemoral joint degeneration and knee adduction moment peak (slope = 0.42 [SE 0.20]; P = .037), loading rate (slope = 12.3 [SE 3.2]; P = .0004), and rate ∗ magnitude (slope = 437 [SE 100]; P P P > .2 in both cases). Interpretation This study suggests an independent relationship between knee adduction moment loading rate and medial tibiofemoral joint degeneration. Our results support the hypothesis that rate of loading, represented by the knee adduction moment loading rate, is strongly associated with medial tibiofemoral joint degeneration independent of knee adduction moment peak and impulse.
A Study of Pre-Service Teachers' Conceptualizations of Academic Freedom and Controversial Issues

This study examines teacher perceptions of academic freedom and how these perceptions relate to the teaching of controversial issues. By drawing on the literature of the field and recent research, we describe threats, challenges, and variables at work that have led to the decline of academic freedom. We then explore the imperative of academic freedom broadly, its necessary connection to teaching controversial issues, and current barriers to this kind of instruction. Finally, we provide the results of a regional survey of pre-service teachers that sought to understand their conceptualizations of academic freedom and the degree to which they are comfortable addressing controversial issues in their classrooms.
Ultralow-power nonlinear optics using tapered optical fibers in metastable xenon

We demonstrate nanowatt-level saturated absorption using a subwavelength diameter tapered optical fiber (TOF) suspended in a gas of metastable xenon atoms. This ultralow-power nonlinearity is enabled by a small optical mode area propagating over a relatively long distance through the Xe gas. The use of inert noble gases in these kinds of TOF experiments may offer practical advantages over the use of reactive alkali-metal vapors, such as rubidium.
Purification and properties of trehalase in Frankia ArI3

Trehalase was purified from cultures of Frankia strain ArI3 grown on media with or without NH4Cl. The purified enzyme was specific for trehalose, exhibited a broad pH optimum of pH 4.5 to 5.3 and had a Km for trehalose of 4.2 mM. The trehalase was inhibited in vitro completely by sucrose, glucose and mannose and partially by mannitol and sorbitol. In addition to the specific trehalase, a mixture of non-specific α- and β-glucosidases which exhibited some activity with α,α-trehalose as a substrate were also partially purified in Frankia extracts made from nitrogen-fixing cells. These enzymes were not detected in the purifications of crude extracts made from non-nitrogen-fixing cells (grown on media supplemented with NH4Cl). Trehalase activity in crude extracts increased over time when cells were induced to fix nitrogen, and the maximum specific activity of trehalase from nitrogen-fixing cultures was 4 times the maximum activity from non-fixing cultures. Trehalase activity was also examined in crude extracts made from Frankia vesicle clusters isolated from Alnus rubra nitrogen-fixing nodules infected with ArI3. The maximum activity of trehalase in these clusters was 6–7 times greater than in the nitrogenfixing pure cultures of ArI3 and 26–33 times greater than the non-fixing pure cultures.
Symbiotic properties of 5-methyltryptophan-resistant mutants of Bradyrhizobium japonicum

The effect that resistance to 5-methyltryptophan (MT) has on the symbiotic properties of B. japonicum was examined in a survey of fourteen clones. Resistance to MT often involves a mutational alteration in the regulation of tryptophan biosynthesis. Resistant clones (MTR) were isolated from agar plates containing MT. In the selection process care was taken to avoid pigmented clones that are likely to accumulate large amounts of indole compounds or show increased tryptophan catabolism. Wild-type control clones (WTc) were isolated from plates containing no selective agent. In greenhouse studies. Tracy-M soybean plants were inoculated with the two types of clones. After six weeks, plants which were inoculated with the MT resistant clones showed a much greater range of symbiotic effectiveness than did plants that received the control clones. While most MT-resistant clones were poor symbionts or unchanged in their symbiotic performance, one clone was obtained that had significantly improved symbiotic properties. The procedure may offer a way of selecting for clones with improved symbiotic performance. These results also indicate a link between tryptophan biosynthesis and symbiotic effectiveness.
Advances in biological decontamination using a direct current steady state atmospheric pressure plasma discharge apparatus

Summary form only given. Recent advances in bioelectronics have made optimal reusable heat sensitive tools and smart materials, a reality in surgical instruments and catheters. Traditional sterilization methods involving high temperature, pressure and long down times renders it ineffective and unsuitable for such newer breed of instrumentation. The paper illustrates the test results of an effective alternative solution, involving the usage of a non thermal atmospheric pressure resistive barrier plasma discharge for biological decontamination. The discharge apparatus was found to be rapid, effective and portable. Its simple design eliminates the need for any operational expertise in plasma or high voltage sciences. The sterilizer was tested extensively with Escherichia coli and the results indicated 100% decontamination within the first four minutes of plasma exposure. The requisite exposure period was dramatically reduced further by 75% to one minute when the water in the resistive barrier electrodes was replaced with a solution of 30% hydrogen peroxide. Simple tests involving electrostatic filters also revealed evidence of presence of charged/activated ingredients in the generated plasma and plasma could also diffuse through sealed business envelopes to decontaminate infected samples. The plasma discharge was found to be effective for reasonable periods even after the electric current was turned off, thereby significantly lowering power consumption levels. Thus the plasma sterilizer was profiled and tested, while adding further value through important findings such as the presence of charged/activated ingredients and effectiveness of the hydrogen peroxide
Establishment of left-right asymmetry in vertebrate development: the node in mouse embryos.

Establishment of vertebrate left–right asymmetry is a critical process for normal embryonic development. After the discovery of genes expressed asymmetrically along the left–right axis in chick embryos in the mid 1990s, the molecular mechanisms responsible for left–right patterning in vertebrate embryos have been studied extensively. In this review article, we discuss the mechanisms by which the initial symmetry along the left–right axis is broken in the mouse embryo. We focus on the role of primary cilia and molecular mechanisms of ciliogenesis at the node when symmetry is broken and left–right asymmetry is established. The node is considered a signaling center for early mouse embryonic development, and the results we review here have led to a better understanding of how the node functions and establishes left–right asymmetry.
Convective ignition of a granular solid propellant bed: Influence of propellant composition

In previous work, the authors designed and built a laboratory apparatus that subjects a confined bed of granular propellant to essentially a planar hot-gas ignition wave. Diagnostics include wall-mounted pressure transducers to monitor the time history of the pressure field, and fast-response thermocouples protected within custom sting-mounted steel holders which protrude into the propellant bed to measure gas temperature. The present investigation examines convective ignition behavior of five different granular solid propellants under nearly identical flow conditions. This was made possible by employing special lots of M 10 (single-base) JA2 (double-base), M30 (triple-base), M43 and XM39 (nitramine composites), each as identical-sized 7-perf grains. Since the initial flow characteristics of these propellant beds are the same, differences in chamber ignition response are the direct result of propellant composition. Ignition delays for M10, JA2, and M30 are essentially within the range of 2.3–6 ms: the response is independent of composition. However, the nitramine composite M43 (energetic binder) exhibits delays of 220–300 ms, during which the gas-phase temperatures within the bed drop from 1100 K to below 400 K before a runaway reaction finally ruptures the shear disc in the chamber. It is more difficult to ignite the nitramine composite XM39 (inert binder): time delays can exceed 600 ms. The data also suggest an inverse dependence on pressure, which is consistent with the hypothesis that gas-phase chemical reactions are controlling chamber response. When the chamber configuration is altered to promote a rapidly rising pressure field, ignition delays for both nitramine propellants are reduced to less than 1 ms.
The effects of extended locational marginal pricing in wholesale electricity markets

In this paper, two pricing mechanisms in electricity markets are studied, the locational marginal price (LMP) and the extended locational marginal price (ELMP). The effects of these two pricing mechanisms are compared with regards to the allocation of the market surplus between generators and loads. The two pricing mechanisms are also analyzed with regards to the required uplift payments. The results confirm that uplift payments are reduced under the ELMP pricing mechanism. However, ELMP does not appropriately represent the marginal market clearing price for the market dispatch solution.
Approach to neurodevelopmental and neurologic complications in pediatric HIV infection

Neurodevelopmental delays in infants and neuropsychologic deficits in older children have been documented in 75% to 90% of children with HIV infection. Common neurologic and/or developmental findings include1"5: 1. Mental and motor delays 2. Loss of previously acquired milestones 3. Acquired microcephaly 4. Progressive bilateral pyramidal tract signs 5. Short-term memory problems and attentional difficulties in older children The neurologic dysfunction in pediatric HIV infection is believed to represent an active and primary infection of the brain by HIV. In addition, factors such as in utero exposure to drugs, long-term hospitalizations, and chaotic social environments have an effect on neurologic function. HIV infection probably occurs early and is persistent. In children with perinatal infection, the clinical signs of neurologic dysfunction may appear as early as 2 months of age and as late as 5 years or longer. Although the clinical picture of progressive encephalopathy most commonly has been noted in children with documented HIV infection and symptomatic disease, it has been reported to be the initial manifestation of AIDS as well. Although the natural history of this finding is not known, longitudinal studies suggest that after a period of normal development, three distinct neurologicdevelopmental courses can be followed1: rapid progression; steady, subacute progression; or stepwise decline with relatively stable periods. In the last category, it has been well documented that some pediatric HIV-infected patients experience an indolent course with variable periods of time during which no new milestones are acquired but without the loss of attained milestones. Other presentations of neurologic disease may be related to opportunistic infection or central nervous system tumors. Reactivated latent or opportunistic infections and primary lymphoma of the brain are not so common in HIV-infected children as in adults. They do occur, however, and should be watched for. Tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus are the most common opportunistic infections. Clinical manifestations are varied; patients often have focal neurologic signs, seizures, or chorioretinitis. Children with HIV infection can develop neurologic illness, as can any other child. Thus clinical suspicion of nonHIV-related neurologic disease should be fully assessed and appropriately managed by accepted pediatric neurology standards. In addition, many of the children at risk for HIV infection are also at risk for developmental delays and deficits by virtue of the fact that they have been exposed to drugs in utero and are growing up in deprived social environments.
Mapping hydrophobicity at the nanoscale: Applications to heterogeneous surfaces and proteins

Approaches to quantify wetting at the macroscale do not translate to the nanoscale, highlighting the need for new methods for characterizing hydrophobicity at the small scale. We use extensive molecular simulations to study the hydration of homo and heterogeneous self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and of protein surfaces. For homogeneous SAMs, new pressure-dependent analysis shows that water displays higher compressibility and enhanced density fluctuations near hydrophobic surfaces, which are gradually quenched with increasing hydrophilicity, consistent with our previous studies. Heterogeneous surfaces show an interesting context dependence – adding a single –OH group in a –CH3 terminated SAM has a more dramatic effect on water in the vicinity compared to that of a single –CH3 group in an –OH background. For mixed –CH3/–OH SAMs, this asymmetry leads to a non-linear dependence of hydrophobicity on the surface concentration. We also present preliminary results to map hydrophobicity of protein surfaces by monitoring local density fluctuations and binding of probe hydrophobic solutes. These molecular measures account for the behavior of protein's hydration water, and present a more refined picture of its hydrophobicity map. At least for one protein, hydrophobin-II, we show that the hydrophobicity map is different from that suggested by a commonly used hydropathy scale.
Mixed Research as a Tool for Developing Quantitative Instruments

In this methodological article, the authors present a meta-framework—comprising several frameworks and models, as well as multiple research approaches—that they call an Instrument Development and Construct Validation (IDCV) process for optimizing the development of quantitative instruments. Using mixed research techniques, the IDCV contains 10 phases that detail the progression from an interdisciplinary review of the literature to the development of the instrument to the evaluation of the instrument development and construct validation process and product(s). Crossover analyses represent a key mechanism in the IDCV, wherein analysis types from one tradition (e.g., quantitative analysis) are used to analyze data from a different tradition (e.g., qualitative data). Finally, the authors provide a heuristic example of a rigorous way to develop a Likert-format scale.
Can Modernization Explain the Consumption of Durables in Emerging Markets

Abstract The study investigated the penetration of six consumer durables in twenty emerging economies during a 24-year period (1977-2000) using correlation, regression and factor analysis. Findings show that modernization significantly influences the consumption of durables in emerging markets. The dimensions of modernization, as revealed from the factor analysis, are industrialization, openness, and quality of life in the country. All three factors, at varying degree, affect the consumption of durables. Marketers need to consider the level of modernization and the above socioeconomic factors in designing their marketing strategy in emerging/developing markets.
A study on hydrogen adsorption behaviors of open-tip carbon nanocones

Hydrogen adsorption behaviors of single-walled open-tip (tip-truncated) carbon nanocones (CNCs) with apex angles of 19.2° at temperatures of 77 and 300 K were investigated by the molecular dynamics simulations. Four nanomaterials (including three CNCs with different dimensions and a reference CNT) were analyzed to examine the hydrogen adsorption behaviors and influences of cone sharpness on the behaviors of the CNCs. Physisorption of hydrogen molecules could be observed from the distribution pattern of the hydrogen molecules adsorbed on the nanomaterials. Because of the cone geometry effect, the open-tip CNCs could have larger storage weight percentage and less desorption of hydrogen molecules (caused by the temperature growth) on their outer surfaces, as compared with those of the reference CNT. The hydrogen molecules inside the CNCs and the reference CNT, however, were noted to have similar desorption behaviors owing to the confinement effects from the structures of the nanomaterials. In addition, the sharper CNC could have higher storage weight percentage but the cone sharpness does not have evident enhancement in the average adsorption energy of the CNC. Combination of confinement and repulsion effects existing near the tip region of the CNC would be responsible for the non-enhancement feature.
Micro-electrospray mass spectrometry: Ultra-high-sensitivity analysis of peptides and proteins

A “micro-electrospray” ionization source has been developed that markedly increases the sensitivity of the conventional electrospray source. This was achieved by optimization of the source to accommodate nanoliter flow rates from 300 to 800-nL/min spraying directly from a capillary needle that, for the analysis of peptides, contained C18 liquid chromatography packing as an integrated concentration-desalting device. Thus, a total of 1 fmol of methionine enkephalin was desorbed from the capillary column spray needle, loaded as a 10-μL injection of 100-amol/μL solution. The mass spectrum showed the [M + H]+ ion at m/z 574.2 with a signal-to-noise ratio of better than 5:1 from a chromatographic peak with a width of about 12 s. A narrow range (15-u) tandem mass spectrum was obtained for methionine enkephalin from the injection of 500 amol, and a full-scan tandem-mass spectrum was obtained from 50 fmol. For proteins, the average mass measurement accuracy was approximately 100–200 ppm for the injection of 2.5 fmol of apomyoglobin and 20–40 ppm for 200 fmol. Carbonic anhydrase B and bovine serum albumin showed similar mass measurement accuracies.
Position-sensitive diffractive imaging in STEM by an automated chaining diffraction algorithm.

The diffractive imaging process used for retrieval of an aberration-free exit-wave function of a complex-valued object is optimized with a newly developed automated chaining diffraction (ACD) algorithm. Our algorithm enables automatic recovery of the amplitude and phase of the complex-valued objects with diffraction-limited resolution, starting from selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns recorded from partially overlapping regions in STEM/CTEM. Based on a 'differential map' (DM) approach, the ACD algorithm meets very general requirements and, similar to 'hybrid input-output' (HIO) algorithm, can be applied to non-periodic, real or complex structures. In contrast to many other algorithms, it is not limited by the object's finite size or tight object support. Wide-field-of-view reconstructions for the complex-object-wave amplitude and phase made with ACD algorithm from SAED patterns down to sub-Angstrom resolution show the potential of diffractive imaging for quantitative analysis of functional materials at different length scales in terms of absorption and scattering mechanisms. The method can be applied also for imaging magnetic properties of samples by the electron or neutron microscopy and/or imaging of non-periodic objects with X-ray microscopy.