cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Porphyrin–DNA conjugates: porphyrin induced adenine–guanine homoduplex stabilization and interduplex assemblies

DNA has found widespread uses as a nanosized scaffold for assembly of patterned multichomophoric nanostructures. Herein we report the synthesis, self-assembly, stability, and spectroscopic studies of short alternating non-self-complementary DNA sequences 5′-(dGdA)4 and 5′-(dAdG)4 with non-charged tetraarylporphyrins covalently linked to the 5′ position of deoxyadenosine or deoxyguanosine via a phosphate or amide linker. The linker, the metal in the porphyrin coordination center, and the neighboring nucleobase have very distinct effects on the duplex formation of porphyrin–deoxyguanosine–deoxyadenosine oligodeoxynucleotides. At ionic strength between 5 mM and 40 mM, free base trispyridylphenylporphyrin appended to the 5′ termini of 5′-(dAdG)4 oligonucleotide via short non-polar amide linker served as a hydrophobic molecular cap inducing deoxyadenosine–deoxyguanosine antiparallel homoduplex. At ionic strength of ≥60 mM, the free base porphyrin functioned as a molecular ‘glue’ and induced the formation of porphyrin–DNA inter-homoduplex assemblies with characteristic tetrasignate CD Cotton effects in the porphyrin Soret band region. When the porphyrin cap was covalently attached to 5′ position of deoxyguanosine or deoxyadenosine via charged phosphate linker, no significant deoxyadenosine–deoxyguanosine hybridization was observed even at elevated ionic strengths.
Effects of nose bluntness and angle of attack on slender bodies in hypersonic flows

The effects of angle of attack and nose bluntness on the flow field and wall quantities are investigated for hypersonic flows of air over slender bodies. The bodies considered are slender cones and straight biconic configurations. The numerical procedures used are based on the solution of complete Navier-Stokes equations in the nose region and parabolized Navier-Stokes equations in the downstream region. Results are obtained for a wide range of free stream conditions in which the gas behind the shock is treated as perfect. The flow field variables and surface quantities show significant differences when the angle of attack and nose bluntness are varied. The postshock flow field is studied in detail from the contour plots of Mach number, density, and temperature. Flow separation is observed on the leeward plane for an on-axis, 12.84 deg/7 deg (fore-cone and aft-cone angles) biconic geometry at 12 deg angle of attack. Also, the windward and leeward heating rates for the fore-cone section decrease by a factor of four and five, respectively, when the nose bluntness is increased by an order of magnitude. The effect of nose bluntness for slender cone persists as far as 200 nose radii downstream.
Crystals of Lumbricus erythrocruorin

Abstract Lumbricus terrestris erythrocruorin, a 3.9 × 10 6 M r respiratory protein, has been crystallized in four different forms. Despite the high molecular symmetry apparent from images in electron micrographs, only one crystal form expresses any molecular symmetry as crystallographic symmetry. The lattice parameters provide upper limits on the molecular dimensions of 267 A × 308 A × 172 A (1A = 0.1 nm), which agree well with dimensions obtained from electron micrographs of negatively stained molecules. We have collected diffraction data to 5.5 A from type III crystals and have begun a structural analysis.
TUBERCULIN SKIN TESTING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND. OPERATION SKIN TEST.

SUMMARY 1.A five-year summary of tuberculin skin testing among tenth graders in Baltimore County public and Catholic high schools is presented. 2.All students having a skin reaction measuring 5 mm. or more were considered positive, and all reactors were followed by periodic chest x-ray films. 3.There was 87.0 per cent participation by the students, and 7.3 per cent positive reactors were found. 4.The largest number of reactors was found in the non-white boys, and the lowest in the white girls with the total non-white reactors outnumbering the total white reactors by 3 to 1. 5.Catholic high schools had a higher rate of participation and a lower incidence of reactivity than public high schools. 6.Of the students tested, 93.6 per cent cooperated for the first post-tuberculin chest x-ray film with only 14 of these films showing any significant changes. 7.Although 45.7 per cent of the reactions measured 10 mm. or more and about half of these were 15 mm. or more, only 17.7 per cent of all reactors could give a reliable tuberculosis contact history. 8.Because only two new cases of tuberculosis were discovered by this program, it is felt, in Baltimore County, that tuberculin skin testing has served its purpose for epidemiology and health education rather than for case-finding.
Capacitive desalination with flow-through electrodes

Capacitive desalination (CD) is a promising desalination technique as, relative to reverse osmosis (RO), it requires no membrane components, can operate at low (sub-osmotic) pressures, and can potentially utilize less energy for brackish water desalination. In a typical CD cell, the feed water flows through the separator layer between two electrically charged, nanoporous carbon electrodes. This architecture results in significant performance limitations, including an inability to easily (in a single charge) desalinate moderate brackish water feeds and slow, diffusion-limited desalination. We here describe an alternative architecture, where the feed flows directly through electrodes along the primary electric field direction, which we term flow-through electrode (FTE) capacitive desalination. Using macroscopic porous electrode theory, we show that FTE CD enables significant reductions in desalination time and can desalinate higher salinity feeds per charge. We then demonstrate these benefits using a custom-built FTE CD cell containing novel hierarchical carbon aerogel monoliths as an electrode material. The pore structure of our electrodes includes both micron-scale and sub-10 nm pores, allowing our electrodes to exhibit both low flow resistance and very high specific capacitance (>100 F g−1). Our cell demonstrates feed concentration reductions of up to 70 mM NaCl per charge and a mean sorption rate of nearly 1 mg NaCl per g aerogel per min, 4 to 10 times higher than that demonstrated by the typical CD cell architecture. We also show that, as predicted by our model, our cell desalinates the feed at the cell's RC timescale rather than the significantly longer diffusive timescale characteristic of typical CD cells.
Numerical Simulation on Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer of Film Cooling With Backward Injection

Film cooling has been used in gas turbine engines for many years. In film cooling, the relatively cold air blankets the blade surface so that heat transfer between the hot working gas flow and blades is reduced. The main issues related to film cooling are its poor coverage, aerodynamic loss, and increase of heat transfer coefficient due to strong mixing. To overcome these problems, film cooling with backward injection is investigated in this paper, while the coolant air in the existing designs is injected with a forward angle in the mainstream direction. The focus of this paper is on the simple cylindrical hole with different blowing ratios and angles. Numerical simulation is carried out to explore the detailed flow structure and heat transfer behavior of the backward cooling scheme, and its performance is compared with that of the existing design.© 2010 ASME
Human genetics and politics as mutually beneficial resources: The case of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Anthropology, Human Heredity and Eugenics during the Third Reich.

This essay analyzes one of Germany’s former premier research institutions for biomedical research, the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Anthropology, Human Heredity and Eugenics (KWIA) as a test case for the way in which politics and human heredity served as resources for each other during the Third Reich. Examining the KWIA from this perspective brings us a step closer to answering the questions at the heart of most recent scholarship concerning the biomedical community under the swastika: (1) How do we explain why the vast majority of German human geneticists and eugenicists were willing to work for the National Socialist state and, at the very least, legitimized its exterminationist racial policy; and (2) what accounts for at least some of Germany’s most renowned medically trained professionals’ involvement in forms of morally compromised science that wholly transcend the bounds of normal scientific practice? Although a complete answer to this question must await an examination of other German biological research centers, the present study suggests that during the Nazi period the symbiotic relationship between human genetics and politics served to radicalize both. The dynamic between the science of human heredity and Nazi politics changed the research practice of some of the biomedical sciences housed at the KWIA. It also simultaneously made it easier for the Nazi state to carry out its barbaric racial program leading, finally, to the extermination of millions of so-called racial undesirables.
BIPOLARITY IN CHILDREN

Bipolar disorders in children and adolescents have been less studied than adult-onset bipolar illness. The incidence and validity of the diagnosis of mania in this age group, particularly in prepubertal children, remain unsettled. Most reports on mania in childhood have small samples, lack control groups, do not use standardized assessments, or are retrospective in design. Existing reports suggest that mania in childhood (1) is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed; (2) is a severe illness frequently associated with mixed or rapid-cycling features, psychotic features, and comorbid disruptive disorders; and (3) is associated with greater familial loading for affective illnesses than adult-onset bipolar disorder.
By the Numbers Structure-Seeking Individuals Prefer Quantitative Over Qualitative Representations of Personal Value to Compensate for the Threat of Unclear Performance Contingencies

What combination of dispositional and situational factors leads people to represent their personal value in quantitative terms (e.g., salary) rather than qualitative terms (e.g., virtue)? Integrating research on quantitative information seeking, dispositional epistemic motivation, and learned helplessness, the current article hypothesized that individuals high, but not low, in uncertainty avoidance (measured with the Personal Need for Structure Scale [PNS]) would prefer quantitative (over qualitative) value representations to compensate for the diminished self-esteem certainty caused by exposure to unclear performance contingencies. Accordingly, in Study 1 high-PNS participants exposed to unclear (vs. clear) performance contingencies in one domain (visual intelligence) preferred a quantitative value representation in another domain (verbal intelligence). Study 2 showed that this effect is mediated by self-esteem certainty, not self-esteem level. Study 3 included a failure feedback condition to further isolate the role of epistemic motivation, as distinct from self-enhancement motivation, in driving the tendency to quantify personal value.
Normalizing Dirty Work: Managerial Tactics For Countering Occupational Taint

Dirty work refers to occupations that are viewed by society as physically, socially, or morally tainted. Using exploratory, semistructured interviews with managers from 18 dirty work occupations, we investigated the challenges of being a manager in tainted work and how managers normalize taint--that is, actively counter it or render it less salient. Managers reported experiencing role complexity and stigma awareness. Four types of practices for countering taint were revealed: occupational ideologies, social buffers, confronting clients and the public, and defensive tactics. We discuss links between these practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Academy of Management Journal is the property of Academy of Management and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Novelising the Arab revolutions: 'The Knights of Assassinated Dreams'

In this paper, I examine the quest for freedom in Ibrahim Al-Koni's novel The Knights of Assassinated Dreams. I argue that the novel introduces freedom as the main catalyst of the Arab revolutions that have swept the Middle East and North Africa since Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation in December 2010. Through the study of the actions of the main characters in this novel, I illustrate how freedom is achieved in the midst of war and disorder during the Libyan Revolution-turned-civil-war. Moreover, I engage the question of the novelisation of the revolution and how The Knights of Assassinated Dreams is a fresh contribution to the ongoing debate about novelisation and aesthetisation of current events. Ṭāha Ḥussein was probably the first Arab literary critic to have discussed the relationship between literature and the revolution as early as 1954. Ḥussein was writing in the aftermath of the Egyptian revolution and his opinion has come to shape the discussion of the literary depiction of the Arab revolutions....
Recommendations for post-polypectomy surveillance in community practice.

Background After colon cancer screening, large numbers of persons discovered with colon polyps may receive post-polypectomy surveillance with multiple colonoscopy examinations over time. Decisions about surveillance interval are based in part on polyp size, histology, and number.
Radioiodine remnant ablation: current indications and dosing regimens.

ABSTRACT Objective To review and comment on current indica tions for radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. Methods The stratification of patients as potential candidates for RRA, the benefits and risks of RRA, and the optimal preparation and administered doses of iodine 131 for RRA are discussed. Results When RRA for patients with low and inter mediate-risk differentiated thyroid cancer is being consid ered, the benefits—including survival, influence on mor bidity and recurrence, and ease of monitoring—should be weighed against the potential risks. RRA should have limited use in many low-risk patients, particularly those with stage I disease who are young and have small pri mary tumors, no lymph node involvement, and no extrano dal invasion. Measurement of serum thyroglobulin 6 to 8 weeks after thyroidectomy during levothyroxine suppres sion can be used for further stratification of risk in these patients. RRA should be used only selectively in low to intermediate-risk patients and reserved primarily for older patients with large tumors, extensive lymph node involve ment, and high-risk (tall cell, insular) subtypes of differ entiated thyroid cancer. Most low-risk to intermediate-risk patients who do warrant RRA can be prepared with recom binant human thyroid-stimulating hormone and given the smallest dose possible (30 to 50 mCi of iodine 131) for successful remnant ablation. Single-photon emission com puted tomography-computed tomographic imaging and dosimetry are new tools that can help in the management of many patients with thyroid cancer. Conclusion Although a large database study has shown a trend of increased use of RRA after thyroidectomy between 1990 and 2008 in the United States, recent studies and guidelines suggest a more limited use in patients with low-risk disease, which may change this trend. (Endocr Pract. 2012;18:604-610)
Harmonic generation in the free-electron laser. II. cw calculation for the linearly polarized wiggler

Harmonic generation in the free-electron laser offers a possible means to extend the wavelength range of the device towards high frequency. Numerical solutions to the basic equations describing this process are shown for cw operation using a linearly polarized wiggler. Higher harmonic emission becomes enhanced as the magnetic field is increased and as the energy spread in the electron beam is reduced.
Crystallite size dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation rates of protons in a paramagnetic salt with phonon bottleneck

Abstract Proton spin-lattice relaxation times were measured at 4.2 K for varying sample thicknesses in the copper tutton salt CuK 2 (SO 4 ) 2 ·6H 2 O. The relaxation of protons through electrons possessing position dependent phonon bottleneck properties gives rise to a size effect.
Therapy with un-engineered naïve rat umbilical cord matrix stem cells markedly inhibits growth of murine lung adenocarcinoma

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality despite continuous efforts to find effective treatments. Data from the American Cancer Society indicate that while the overall incidence of lung cancer is declining, it continues to rise in women. Stem cell-based therapy has been an emerging strategy to treat various diseases. The purpose of this paper is to determine the efficacy of an intrinsic anti-cancer effect of rat umbilical cord matrix stem cells (UCMSCs) on lung cancer. A mouse syngeneic lung carcinoma model was used to test the basic ability of UCMSCs to control the growth of lung cancer. Lung tumors were experimentally induced by tail vein administration of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells derived from the lung of C57BL/6 mouse. Rat UCMSCs were then administered intratracheally five days later or intravenously on days 5 and 7. The tumor burdens were determined by measuring lung weight three weeks after the treatment. Co-culture of rat UCMSCs with LLC significantly attenuated the proliferation of LLC cells as monitored by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), a tetrazole cell proliferation assay, thymidine uptake, and direct cell counts. In vitro colony assays with rat UCMSCs as feeder layers markedly reduced LLC colony size and number. Co-culture of rat UCMSCs with LLCs causes G0/G1 arrest of cancer cells. This is evident in the decrease of cyclin A and CDK2 expression. The in vivo studies showed that rat UCMSC treatment significantly decreased tumor weight and the total tumor mass. Histological study revealed that intratracheally or systemically administered rat UCMSCs homed to tumor areas and survived for at least 3 weeks without any evidence of differentiation or adverse effects. These results indicate that rat UCMSCs alone remarkably attenuate the growth of lung carcinoma cells in vitro and in a mouse syngeneic lung carcinoma graft model and could be used for targeted cytotherapy for lung cancer.
Multi-document summarization using off the shelf compression software

This study examines the usefulness of common off the shelf compression software such as gzip in enhancing already existing summaries and producing summaries from scratch. Since the gzip algorithm works by removing repetitive data from a file in order to compress it, we should be able to determine which sentences in a summary contain the least repetitive data by judging the gzipped size of the summary with the sentence compared to the gzipped size of the summary without the sentence. By picking the sentence that increased the size of the summary the most, we hypothesized that the summary will gain the sentence with the most new information. This hypothesis was found to be true in many cases and to varying degrees in this study.
Revisiting the Dialogue on the Transition from Coteaching to Inservice Teaching: New Frameworks, Additional Benefits and Emergent Issues.

In this rejoinder, we respond to the major points made by Gallo-Fox (this forum), Beers (this forum), Carambo and Stickney (this forum), and Murphy, Carlisle and Beggs (this forum). We focus primarily on the benefits and considerations that stem from employing additional theoretical frameworks for analyzing research in coteaching. We also address some of the future directions that should be explored in coteaching research.
Two glucose-signaling pathways in S14 gene transcription in primary hepatocytes: a common role of protein phosphorylation.

Transcription of the rat S14 gene is induced in response to increased carbohydrate metabolism in the liver. Because carbohydrate-induced changes in lipogenesis are mediated in part by changes in phosphorylation of multiple proteins, we investigated the role of protein phosphorylation on transcriptional regulation of the two carbohydrate response elements, a thyroid hormone receptor-independent carbohydrate response element and a thyroid receptor-dependent glucose response element located up-stream of the S14 gene. S14 reporter constructs were transiently transfected into rat primary hepatocytes and incubated with the protein or phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid calyculin-A, or one of several protein kinase activators. Low dose okadaic acid blocked glucose induction from both elements without inhibiting glucose metabolism. Calyculin-A, a preferential phosphatase-1 inhibitor, only blocked the glucose response when glucose metabolism was inhibited. The protein kinase-C activator, 12-myristate 13-acetate, di...
Gender differences in parent-child conversations about past emotions

In this study, we examined the emotional content of parents’ conversations about past events with their 40-month-old children. Subjects were 24 white middle-class children and their mothers and fathers. At separate home visits, each parent independently engaged the child in conversation about three events that parent and child had experienced together only once before. Mothers and fathers talked about emotional aspects of events in similar ways, but they both used a greater number and variety of emotion words with daughters than with sons. Parents also mentioned sad aspects of events more with daughters than with sons. Implications of the differential socialization of emotion for boys and girls are discussed.
Studies on wire coating extrusion. II. The rheology of wire coating coextrusion

An experimental and theoretical study of wire coating coextrusion through a pressure-type die was carried out. For the experimental study, the wire coating apparatus employed was the same as that described in Part I of this series (14), except for the newly constructed coextrusion die. The die was provided with three melt pressure transducers along the axial direction, which permitted us to determine the pressure gradient in the die. It was found that a reduction in pressure gradient was realized when a lower viscosity polymer was coextruded with a high viscosity polymer. The materials used for the coextrusion were combinations of low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polystyrene, and two different commercially available thermoplastic rubbers (UniRoyal TPR-1900 and Shell Kraton G 2701). The use of a high shrinking (crystalline) polymer inside a low shrinking (amorphous) polymer was found to give rise to distorted coatings (non-circular cross section of the coated wire). The interface between the coextruded layers was examined under a magnifying lens, and it was found that under certain processing conditions, the interface was highly irregular. Experimental correlations were obtained to explain the onset of an unstable interface in terms of the rheological properties of the individual components being coextruded, and of the processing variables. It was found that interfacial instability occurs when the shear stress and the viscosity ratio (also elasticity ratio) of the two components at the interface exceed certain critical values. For the theoretical study, using a power-law model, the equations of motion were solved numerically to predict the volumetric flow rate as functions of the pressure gradient in the die and the rheological properties of the polymers being coextruded. Solution of the system of equations permitted us to predict the velocity profile and shear stress distributions of two molten polymers inside a pressure-type wire coating coextrusion die. Comparisons were made between the experimental and theoretically predicted volumetric flow rates. The comparison was found to be reasonably good with certain systems. The discrepancy between the experimentally obtained and the theoretically predicted volumetric flow rates was attributed to interface migration and interfacial instability.
Environmental and Mutation Effects on the Folding and DNA-Binding of the Primary DNA Recognition Subdomain of Sleeping Beauty Transposase

The reaction of DNA transposition begins when the transposase enzyme binds to the transposon DNA. Sleeping Beauty (SB) is a member of the mariner family of DNA transposons. Although it is an important tool in genetic applications and has been adapted for human gene therapy, its molecular mechanism remains obscure. Here, we use a combination of NMR and CD spectroscopy and molecular modeling to show that the primary DNA recognition domain of the Sleeping Beauty transposase, the PAI subdomain, is well folded at low temperatures, but the presence of unfolded conformation gradually increases at temperatures above 15°C. Furthermore, we show that only the folded conformation of the PAI subdomain binds to the transposon DNA, suggesting that the choice of temperature may be important for the optimal transposase activity. To gain insight into the mechanism of hyperactive mutations K14R and K33A located in the PAI subdomain of SB transposase, we determine the effects of mutations on its folding and DNA-binding properties. Overall, the results provide a molecular-level insight into the DNA recognition by the PAI subdomain of SB transposase.
Growth and survivorship of clonal fragments in Zoanthus solanderi Lesueur

Abstract Modular growth in clonal organisms results in aggregated groups of related individuals. Environmental disturbances can alter this underlying dispersion pattern by breaking apart clones and dispersing fragments into aggregations of conspecifics or to locations outside aggregations. I have evaluated the consequences of fragment dispersal and aggregation in a clonal animal which experiences turbulent conditions during storms and undergoes fragmentation. Over a 1-yr period, the fate of experimentally dispersed fragments (i.e., implants and explants) depended on initial fragment size and location. As in most clonal organisms, fragment survivorship was size-dependent; large fragments had higher survivorship than small fragments. Outside aggregations, unattached explants had low survivorship while artificially stabilized explants had high survivorship and grew rapidly. Fragments implanted within a large aggregation were stabilized by the growth of neighboring conspecifics onto the rubble substratum bearing each fragment. These implants survived better than unattached explants, but grew more slowly than artificially attached explants. I conclude that enhanced survivorship and growth inhibition are consequences of the aggregation of zoanthid fragments. Enhanced survivorship within aggregations should reinforce underdispersion in this clonal species and promote the formation of polyclonal aggregations of conspecifics. The benefits of such mixed aggregations may involve the enhancement of external fertilization, outcrossing, and cooperative, rather than aggressive, intraspecific interactions.
Explaining Traditions: Folk Behavior in Modern Culture

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Simon J. Bronner Year: 2011 Pages: 544 Publisher: University Press of Kentucky ISBN: 978-0-8131-3406-2 (hard cover).
Traditional Music of East Africa: Experiencing "Ngoma" in Tanzania.

The concept of ngoma is present throughout Eastern and Southern Africa. Ngoma refers to the tradition of expression via music, drumming, dance, and storytelling. History, values, education, and eve...
Large-aperture wide field of view optical circulators

We demonstrate a free-space optical circulator for large-aperture directional beam separation at 1.55 /spl mu/m. The devices utilize a magnetless Faraday rotator and polymer true zero-order wave-plate to enable an 11-mm clear aperture, high-power handling up to 100 W/cm/sup 2/, and a /spl plusmn/10/spl deg/ field of view.
Laser-Induced Stabilization in Atomic and Molecular Systems

We present a short account of the recent progress in the study of a novel strong-field phenomenon recently uncovered: atoms and molecules may be stabilized by intense laser fields. The laser-induced atomic and molecular stabilization arises from quite different origins. We present a complex-scaling Fourier-grid Hamiltonian method for the discretization and solutior of the Schrodinger equation within the non-Hermitian Floquet Hamiltonian formalism. The method provides a simple, yet accurate and highly efficient, new technique for the determination of the complex quasienergies (ERT −Γ/2) of atoms and molecules. The real parts, ERT provide the a.c. Stark shifts, and the imaginary parts, Γ, give rise to multiphoton ionization rates of atoms or multiphoton dissociation rates of molecules. The method is applied to the studies of (i) stabilization and ionization suppression of negative ions in high-frequency superintense laser fields; (ii) laser-induced molecular stabilization and chemical bond hardening in strong laser fields.
Probabilistic application modeling for system-level performance analysis

The objective of this paper is to introduce the Stochastic Automata Networks (SANs) as an effective formalism for application modeling in system-level analysis. More precisely we present a methodology for application modeling for system-level power/performance analysis that can help the designer to select the right platform and implement a set of target multimedia applications. We also show that, under various input traces, the steady-state behavior of the application itself is characterized by very different 'clusterings' of the probability distributions. Having this information available, not only helps to avoid lengthy profiling simulations for predicting power and performance figures, but also enables efficient mappings of the applications onto a chosen platform. We illustrate the benefits of our methodology using the MPEG-2 video decoder as the driver application.
Nonaversive Procedures in the Treatment of Classroom Behavior Problems

Athough a number of previous narrative reviews have found reinforcement to be effective in the management of classroom behavior problems, lack of a statistical methodology for analyzing singe-case design has prevented precise comparisons of many of the parameters of reinforcement. This investigation uses a regression approach to generate effect sizes for a quantitative synthesis of single-case studies. Five parameters of reinforcement approaches in classroom behavior management were investigated: type of treatment, topography of behavior treated, administrative arrangements, agent administering the treatment, and setting. Although few main effect differences were found within any one parameter, significant, robust interaction effects were found between the presence of reinforcement and topography, reinforcement and setting, and setting and administrative arrangements. Implications for both practice and research methodology are discussed.
Optimal Dialog in Consumer-Rating Systems using POMDP Framework

Voice-Rate is an experimental dialog system through which a user can call to get product information. In this paper, we describe an optimal dialog management algorithm for Voice-Rate. Our algorithm uses a POMDP framework, which is probabilistic and captures uncertainty in speech recognition and user knowledge. We propose a novel method to learn a user knowledge model from a review database. Simulation results show that the POMDP system performs significantly better than a deterministic baseline system in terms of both dialog failure rate and dialog interaction time. To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first to show that a POMDP can be successfully used for disambiguation in a complex voice search domain like Voice-Rate.
Graft-associated hemorrhage from femoropopliteal vein grafts.

Objective The femoropopliteal vein (FPV) graft has been used extensively for large-caliber vascular reconstructions. To date, there have been no reports of anastomotic dehiscence or rupture leading to graft-associated hemorrhage (GAH). In the present report, we review our experience with GAH from FPV grafts to determine the incidence of this problem, to better understand the etiology, and to determine potential methods to prevent this complication. Methods All patients undergoing arterial reconstructions with FPV grafts were entered into a registry that included demographics, operative details, complications, and follow-up information. Episodes of GAH that occurred during the period from 1990 to 2004 were studied to determine etiologic factors and outcomes. Results During the study period, 574 FPV grafts were used for arterial reconstructions in 364 patients. GAH occurred in 11 patients (3%). Onset of GAH ranged from 1 hour to 180 days after operation. The mean blood transfusion requirement for GAH was 10 ± 4 units. In three patients, the etiology of GAH was purely technical, resulting in a slipped or "popped" tie from a large side branch. In eight patients, the etiology was due to graft disruption secondary to uncontrolled infection and failure of anastomotic healing. Most of these patients were being treated for aortic graft infection. Special risk factors for this complication included malnutrition, ongoing polymicrobial and fungal infections, immunocompromised state, active cancer, steroid treatment, and ongoing graft contamination from gastrointestinal or pharyngeal leaks. Outcomes included four deaths and one stroke. Conclusions GAH is a serious complication with high morbidity, mortality, and transfusion requirements. Although technical problems are preventable, FPV grafts, like all biologic grafts, can develop disruption with GAH from ongoing infection, especially in severely immunocompromised patients who are malnourished and have poor healing ability. Strategies for prevention and alternative treatment modalities are appropriate in patients at high risk for GAH.
Influence of Ionic Liquid Selection on the Properties of Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Diacrylate‐Supported Ionogels as Solid Electrolytes

Three room-temperature ionic liquids (ILs), differing only in anion identity [1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate (EMI FAP), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (EMI TFSI), and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetracyanoborate (EMI TCB)], are employed to directly compare the mechanical and electrical responses of cross-linked, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA)-supported ionogel solid electrolytes. It is observed that the choice of IL influences the minimum amount of polymer required to create a non-flowing gel, but not the value of the Young’s modulus for a given weight fraction of PEGDA above the gelation point. Furthermore, the relative decrease in ionic conductivity above the gel point is also found to be IL-independent. These observations suggest that IL contributions to the character of these ionogels can be distinguished from the contributions of the supporting polymer scaffold. In addition, an extremely large ionic conductivity value (13.1 mS cm−1) is achieved at room temperature using EMI TCB at its gelation point (7.2 wt % PEGDA).
An Improved Method for Detection of Hemagglutination Using an Automated Microplate Reader

Several new automated microplate readers which can take multiple readings in each well have, been commercially developed. Data gathered from one of these readers have been analyzed to determine a parsimonious algorithm for discriminating positive hemagglutination reactions from negative ones. The resulting classification algorithm provides more accurate classification of weak positive reactions than the one point measurements normally used with only a moderate increase in computational complexity.
Simplest Chaotic Flows with Involutional Symmetries

A chaotic flow has an involutional symmetry if the form of the dynamical equations remains unchanged when one or more of the variables changes sign. Such systems are of theoretical and practical importance because they can exhibit symmetry breaking in which a symmetric pair of attractors coexist and merge into one symmetric attractor through an attractor-merging bifurcation. This paper describes the simplest chaotic examples of such systems in three dimensions, including several cases not previously known, and illustrates the attractor-merging process.
A project-based approach to competitive analysis

While comprehensive, ongoing competitive intelligence systems generate valuable input for broad strategic decisions, they often fail to provide the specific actionable information needed by managers operating in a project-oriented environment. This paper proposes a project-based framework for competitive analysis. The framework was developed from field reseach involving 16 projects. A comparison of project-based and comprehensive competitive analysis systems is made to illustrate their differences. A case example from field research is utilized to illustrate concepts central to this approach and its practical utility. A set of guidelines regarding pitfalls to avoid in project-based competitive analysis is presented.
New Mexico votes for strong science education standards

On 28 August, the New Mexico State School Board voted unanimously to adopt science education standards which keep biological evolution as a centerpiece of scientific knowledge. The school board voted 13-0 for the standards, which were strongly endorsed by scientific and educational organizations. This defeated efforts by intelligent design creationists to insert alternate language downplaying the treatment of evolution in the curriculum. Scientists in New Mexico helped develop the standards and stayed active in defending them against the creationists. Numerous scientific organizations, including AGU, signed letters in support of the standards, and urged the school board members to cast a skeptical eye on a recent poll conducted by creationists purporting to show New Mexico scientists' support for intelligent design.
Investigations of active interrogation techniques to detect special nuclear material in maritime environments: Standoff interrogation of small- and medium-sized cargo ships

In this work, several active interrogation (AI) sources are evaluated to determine their usefulness in detecting the presence of special nuclear material (SNM) in fishing trawlers, small cargo transport ships, and luxury yachts at large standoff distances from the AI source and detector. This evaluation is performed via computational analysis applying Monte Carlo methods with advanced variance reduction techniques. The goal is to determine the AI source strength required to detect the presence of SNM. The general conclusion of this study is that AI is not reliable when SNM is heavily shielded and not tightly coupled geometrically with the source and detector, to the point that AI should not be considered a via interrogation option in these scenarios. More specifically, when SNM is shielded by hydrogenous material large AI source strengths are required if detection is based on neutrons, which is not surprising. However, if the SNM is shielded by high-Z material the required AI source strengths are not significantly different if detection is based on neutrons or photons, which is somewhat surprising. Furthermore, some of the required AI source strengths that were calculated are very large. These results coupled with the realities of two ships moving independently at sea and other assumptions made during this analysis make the use of standoff AI in the maritime environment impractical.
Pneumatic retinopexy: case selection, success rates and complications

Since its introduction in 1986, pneumatic retinopexy (PR) has become a highly popular and cost-effective outpatient treatment for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD). The major advantages of PR include reduced tissue trauma, no hospitalization and reduced expense. The major disadvantages are the restrictive selection criteria and the need for postoperative positioning. Single-operation success rates of PR for the primary treatment of rhegmatogenous RD range from 53 to 100% in the worldwide literature, with an average of approximately 80%. After reoperation, PR has a final success rate of approximately 98%. A randomized clinical trial has demonstrated that the anatomical success rate with PR is comparable to scleral buckling and that visual outcomes may be superior with PR. This article will review the literature regarding the results and complications of this procedure, as well as provide an overview of current and future concepts for success with PR in the treatment of rhegmatogenous RD.
Effects of thin metal outer case and top air gap on thermal IR images of buried antitank and antipersonnel land mines

A numerical simulation is carried out to study the effect of the thin metal outer case of an antitank mine and the top air gap of an antipersonnel mine on the passive infrared imaging signature. In addition, an antipersonnel surface mine is also analyzed in the present investigation to show its effect on the soil thermal content. The effect of short- and long-wavelength radiation as well as the convective heat transfer is incorporated in this analysis. The temporal development of the temperature distribution over a diurnal cycle is presented for both buried mines. The results show that the thin metal outer case of a buried antitank mine and the top air space of a buried antipersonnel mine have a pronounced effect on the depthwise temperature through the soil. Also, the results show that both buried mines have a noticeable effect on the intensity of the landmine signature on the soil-top surface over a diurnal cycle. A nonexisting mine signature on the soil-top surface is established for an antitank mine with a thin metal outer case. An almost nonexistent signature is also in evidence for the antipersonnel mine with or without an air gap. The results of the present investigation show that the thermal signature of a surface mine produces much larger temperature extremes than the thermal signature of a buried mine. These results play an important role in producing more effective techniques for mine imaging detection.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a malignant tumor with a deceptively benign histologic appearance characterized by indolent, locally invasive growth with high propensity for local recurrence and distant metastasis. The tumor is composed of basaloid cells with small, angulated, and hyperchromatic nuclei and scant cytoplasm arranged into 3 prognostically significant patterns: cribriform, tubular, and solid. Some tumors undergo dedifferentiation into a high-grade form. Numerous studies have attempted to elucidate accurate histologic prognostic features but have often yielded conflicting results. Microarray analysis and gene expression profiling have provided new potential diagnostic and prognostic markers. However, tumor grade, stage, lymph node metastasis, invasion of major nerves, and margin status remain the most consistent predictors of prognosis. The combination of surgery and postoperative radiation therapy has improved locoregional control of the disease. Despite this achievement, late local recurrence and distant metastasis rates remain high and may occur decades after initial diagnosis.
Brain weight differences associated with induced focal microgyria

Background: Disrupting neural migration with bilateral focal freezing necrosis on postnatal day 1 (P1) results in the formation of 4-layered microgyria. This developmental injury triggers a pervasive neural reorganization, which is evident at the electrophysiological, behavioral, and anatomical levels. In this experiment, we investigated changes in brain weight as an index of global disruption of neural systems caused by focal damage to the developing cortical plate. Results: We found a dramatic reduction in overall brain weight in microgyric subjects. This reduction in brain weight among animals with microgyria is reflected in decreased total brain volume, with a disproportionate decrease in neocortical volume. This effect is so robust that it is seen across varied environments, at variable ages, and across the sexes. Conclusions: This finding supports previous work suggesting that substantial reorganization of the brain is triggered by the induction of bilateral freezing damage. These results have critical implications for the profound re-organizational effects of relatively small focal injuries early in development to distributed systems throughout the brain, and particularly in the cerebral cortex.
Benzo[a]pyrene phenols are more potent inducers of CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and COX-2 than benzo[a]pyrene glucuronides in cell lines derived from the human aerodigestive tract.

Taghreed Almahmeed, Jay O.Boyle, Erik G.Cohen, John F.Carew, Baoheng Du, Nasser K.Altorki, Levy Kopelovich, Jia-Long Fang, Philip Lazarus, Kotha Subbaramaiah and Andrew J.Dannenberg Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Head and Neck Service, Department of Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Department of Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, New York, NY 10021, USA, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA, CADRG, DCP, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Divisions of Cancer Control and Molecular Oncology, Tampa, Florida, USA and Strang Cancer Prevention Center, New York, NY 10021, USA To whom correspondence should be addressed Email: ajdannen@med.cornell.edu
Time-Selective Sampling Receiver for Interference Rejection

The use of time-selective sampling is presented as a way to significantly reduce the effect of large interferers on the sensitivity of receivers operating in a crowded spectrum. The concept assumes a discrete-time analog front end, where large distorted samples are discarded and small undistorted samples are retained for use in estimating the desired message signals. Since the retained samples are not uniform in time, signal processing is a challenge. The signal processing is described in cases in which 1) the frequencies of the interferers are known and 2) the frequencies are not known.
The networked sensor tapestry (NeST): a privacy enhanced software architecture for interactive analysis of data in video-sensor networks

This paper details the architecture of a test-bed under development for secure sharing, capture, distributed processing, and archiving of surveillance data called the Networked Sensor Tapestry (NeST). The test-bed consists of core software modules including a centralized server, client interface library, a layered XML messaging scheme. Mobile hardware clients are interfaced to the NeST using a Tiny-OS based microcontroller with sensor data collected over a 1-wire data bus. Maintaining subject privacy in video and other sensor monitoring scenarios can be imperative for the successful deployment of surveillance networks. Subject privacy is integrated into the architecture and can (if desired) operate as a buffer to the server core, denying access to identity specific information to any or all modules or operators. We introduce 3 fundamental privacy concepts: The privacy buffer: is a core component of the NeST server and utilizes programmable plug-in privacy filters operating on incoming sensor data to prevent access to or transform data to remove personally identifiable information. These privacy filters are developed and specified using a privacy grammar that can connect multiple low-level data filters and features to create arbitrary data-dependent privacy definitions. The utility of the architecture is demonstrated with a connection to a variety of hardware/software clients including PDA based client hardware, remote sensor interface devices, software modules for sensor data inferencing, data visualization, sensor control and data archival applications.