cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incentive design to boost health for juveniles with Medicaid coverage: Evidence from a field experiment.

Abstract Augmenting incentives for juveniles with separate incentives for parents could boost juvenile efforts to reduce BMI. However, financing a parent incentive by reducing the incentives offered to adolescents could attenuate the juvenile response. In a field experiment, Medicaid-covered juveniles enrolled in a cardiac wellness program were randomly assigned to two groups: juveniles in the focused-incentive group received all earned points; juveniles in the split-incentive group split earned points with a parent. The focused-incentive group was 12.8 percentage points more likely to achieve their stipulated goals compared to the split-incentive group at the end of the 3-month active phase of the program. In contrast, members of the split-incentive group outperformed their peers in the focused-incentive group during the second quarter, and the two incentives structures were equally effective at the year-end session. Additional quasi-experimental data indicates that members of both incentivized groups significantly outperformed (focused-incentive group by 8.48 percentage points and split-incentive group by 11.0 percentage points) a pre-experiment (non-incentivized) set of juveniles enrolled in the same program at year-end.
Computational phase-change memory: beyond von Neumann computing

The explosive growth in data-centric artificial intelligence related applications necessitates a radical departure from traditional von Neumann computing systems, which involve separate processing and memory units. Computational memory is one such approach where certain tasks are performed in place in the memory itself. This is enabled by the physical attributes and state dynamics of the memory devices. Naturally, memory plays a central role in this computing paradigm for which emerging post-CMOS, non-volatile memory devices based on resistance-based information storage are particularly well suited. Phase-change memory is arguably the most advanced resistive memory technology and in this article we present a comprehensive review of in-memory computing using phase-change memory (PCM) devices.
Impact of out-of-class science and engineering activities on physics identity and career intentions

The extent to which a student perceives that a parent, teacher, or peer sees them as a ``physics person'' is more important than that of interest in physics for physics identity development and career choice.
Obstetrical outcomes are unchanged after hysteroscopic myomectomy in women with submucosal fibroids.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated increased rates of poor obstetrical outcomes including preterm delivery, placental abruption, and intrauterine growth restriction in women with uterine leiomyomas. Currently, preconception myomectomy has not been reported to improve pregnancy rates or pregnancy outcomes in women with subserosal leiomyomas, and the data remain inconclusive for intramural fibroids. Pregnancy rates have been found to improve after the removal of submucosal fibroids. However, the effect of preconception myomectomy for submucosal fibroids on birth outcomes has yet to be examined. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether hysteroscopic excision of submucosal leiomyomas affects the rate of preterm delivery, among other obstetrical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN We performed a retrospective case-control study of women who underwent hysteroscopic resection of leiomyomas (cases) and controls of women who had submucosal fibroids at the time of their first-trimester ultrasounds. Women were included if they delivered a nonanomalous fetus beyond 20 weeks' gestation. A total of 73 cases were identified and matched with 219 controls (case-to-control ratio, 1:3). Subsequently, owing to multiple-gestation pregnancy, 11 patients were excluded from the case population and 4 patients from the control group. The final analysis included 277 women-62 cases and 215 controls. Our primary outcome was preterm delivery before 37 weeks' gestation. Prespecified secondary outcomes of interest were preterm delivery before 34 weeks' gestation, placental abruption, fetal malpresentation, intrauterine growth restriction, and rate of cesarean delivery. Data analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate statistics. RESULTS Cases and controls were similar with respect to age, race, body mass index, and mode of delivery. Cases were more likely to be primiparous (66% cases [42 of 62] vs 37% controls [80 of 215]; P=.00) and use assisted reproductive technology to conceive (22.6% cases [14 of 62] vs 7.0% controls [15 of 215]; P<.001). No differences were found in the rate of preterm delivery at <37 weeks' gestation (12.9% cases [8 of 62] vs 13.5% controls [29 of 215]; P=.89), preterm delivery at <34 weeks' gestation (4.84% cases [3 of 62] vs 6.97% controls [15 of 215]; P=.77), or other obstetrical outcomes. CONCLUSION Overall, women with submucosal uterine leiomyomas who undergo hysteroscopic removal have similar birth outcomes to those who do not.
Saan a Maymaysat’ Aldaw: Education in Democracy, Social Justice, and Inclusion in Ilokano Life

The essay argues that there has been a cognitive dissonance between the country’s formal education system (adal) and the Ilokano people’s vocation to knowledge (sursuro). Unless this dissonance is addressed, fundamental problems relative to education in democracy, social justice, and inclusion will never be solved. The Ilokano people’s sense of education—sursuro—shows us the way to correct that dissonance.
A Simple Contact Mechanics Model for Highly Strained Aqueous Surface Gels

Soft, biological, and bio-inspired materials are often compositionally heterogeneous and structurally anisotropic, and they frequently feature graded or layered organizations. This design complexity enables exceptional ranges in properties and performance yet complicates a fundamental understanding of the contact mechanics. Recent studies of soft gel layers have relied on Hertzian or Winkler foundation (“bed-of-springs”) models to characterize the mechanics but have found neither satisfactory. The contact mechanics of soft gel layers are not yet fully understood. The aim of this work is to develop a simple contact mechanics model tailored for compositionally-graded materials with soft surface layers under high strains and deformations. Concepts from polymer physics, fluid draining, and Winkler foundation mechanics are combined to develop a simple contact mechanics model which relates the applied normal force to the probe radius of curvature, elastic modulus, and thickness of soft surface layers subjected to high strains. This simple model was evaluated with two examples of graded surface gel layers spanning multiple length-scales, including commercially available contact lenses and stratified hydrogels. The model captures the nonlinear contact mechanics of highly strained soft aqueous gel layers more closely than either Hertz or Winkler foundation theory while simultaneously enabling a prediction for the thickness of the surface gel layer. These results indicate that this simple model can adequately characterize the contact mechanics of highly strained soft aqueous gel layers.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection Related Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: SARS-Cov-2 (severe acute respiratory distress syndrome- coronavirus 2) viral infection has a predilection for pancreatic beta cells causing insulin deficiency. Studies from the SARS-CoV outbreak in 2003 highlighted the relationship between SARS-CoV and ACE-2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptors in pancreatic islet cells. We describe a pediatric patient who developed Diabetes Mellitus after exposure to the Sars-CoV-2 virus. Case Report: A previously healthy 13-year-old female of Mexican descent was found to be hyperglycemic at her annual visit. The patient endorsed polyuria and polydipsia for 3 weeks, and weight loss for 3months. 3 months prior to presentation, her mother became ill and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR analysis. The patient had no SARS-CoV-2 associated symptoms. Her exam was notable for a BMI was in the 78%ile for age with no acanthosis nigricans. She had no family history of diabetes or autoimmune disease. Initial blood glucose was 729 mg/dL, with bicarbonate of 20.6 mEq/L, pH 7.45, and anion gap of 14 mEq/L. Large ketones were present in the urine. Her concomitant C-peptide level of 1.0 ng/ml was low in the setting of hyperglycemia. Her HbA1c was 14.3%. Diabetes-related autoantibodies, celiac, and thyroid antibodies were negative. Her Sars-CoV-2 antibody titer was positive with a negative PCR. The patient was treated with a basal-bolus regimen of subcutaneous insulin at a maximal total daily dose of 0.7 u/kg/day. 5 weeks later, her insulin requirement and HbA1C were both lower; at 0.5 u/kg/day and 9.3% respectively. Discussion: This patient’s symptoms of hyperglycemia started shortly after her exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. She had no features consistent with Type 2 DM. She similarly had no serological evidence of DM related autoimmunity, thus being different from reports of new-onset Type 1 DM with confirmed autoimmunity presenting during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic. Although Type 1B DM without evidence of humoral islet autoimmunity and monogenic DM could not be fully excluded, we postulate that the patient developed SARS-CoV-2 associated DM given her time course and documented exposure to SARS –CoV-2 with the presence of SARS-CoV antibodies. One similar case has previously been reported By Holstein et al. 1 While we share the lack of direct evidence of causation, we postulate that more patients with similar presentations will be reported during the current pandemic. Reference: 1.Hollstein, T et al. Autoantibody-negative insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus after SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report [published online ahead of print, 2020 Sep 2]. Nat Metab. 2020;10.1038/s42255-020-00281-8. doi:10.1038/s42255-020-00281-8
2 Dissecting host-pathogen molecular interactions with microarrays

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on dissecting host-pathogen molecular interactions with microarrays. Microarrays are a powerful tool for measuring Deoxyribo-nucleic acid (DNA) or Ribo-nucleic acid (RNA) content and become increasingly available and cost-effective. The chapter describes methods for using bacterial cDNA microarrays to explore new territory in pathogen-host interactions. The chapter includes basic protocols for isolating bacterial RNA and for labeling and hybridizing DNA and RNA to microarrays. In addition, the references provide examples of experimental rationale and design. Microarrays can be used to detect genomic differences between strains or closely related pathogens. For example, pathogen arrays can be used to profile DNA isolated from a variety of environmental or clinical sources with the aim of identifying genomic regions that correlate or anti-correlate with virulence. Microarrays also are used to examine changes in mRNA levels in bacterial grown in broth under conditions that are relevant to infection. To obtain high quality data, it is important to conduct a time course experiment or to titrate the condition of interest.
Elementary framework for cold field emission from quantum-confined, non-planar emitters

For suitably small field emitters, the effects of quantum confinement at the emitter tip may have a significant impact on the emitter performance and total emitted current density (ECD). Since the geometry of a quantum system uniquely determines the magnitude and distribution of its energy levels, a framework for deriving ECD equations from cold field electron emitters of arbitrary geometry and dimensionality is developed. In the interest of obtaining semi-analytical ECD equations, the framework is recast in terms of plane wave solutions to the Schrodinger equation via the use of the Jeffreys-Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin approximation. To demonstrate the framework's consistency with our previous work and its capabilities in treating emitters with non-planar geometries, ECD equations were derived for the normally unconfined cylindrical nanowire (CNW) and normally confined (NC) CNW emitter geometries. As a function of the emitter radius, the NC CNW emitter ECD profile displayed a strong dependence on the Fermi energy and had an average ECD that exceeded the Fowler-Nordheim equation for typical values of the Fermi energy due to closely spaced, singly degenerate energy levels (excluding electron spin), comparatively large electron supply values, and the lack of a transverse, zero-point energy. Such characteristics suggest that emitters with non-planar geometries may be ideal for emission from both an electron supply and electrostatics perspective.
Gradual typing for objects

Static and dynamic type systems have well-known strengths and weaknesses. In previous work we developed a gradual type system for a functional calculus named Λ→?. Gradual typing provides the benefits of both static and dynamic checking in a single language by allowing the programmer to control whether a portion of the program is type checked at compile-time or run-time by adding or removing type annotations on variables. Several object-oriented scripting languages are preparing to add static checking. To support that work this paper develops Ob
Axium MicroFX Coil for the Completing Endovascular Aneurysm Surgery Study (ACCESS): A Prospective Evaluation of the Safety and Durability of Axium MicroFX PGLA Coils

Recanalization of previously coiled aneurysms remains a major drawback of endovascular aneurysm therapy. We performed a prospective single arm trial to provide early initial data regarding the safety and angiographic durability of a new coil technology, the Axium MicroFX Polyglycolic/polylactic acid (PGLA) coil, which was designed to lower recanalization rates. Fifteen patients (16 aneurysms) were prospectively enrolled. Demographic and peri-procedural data were collected. Angiographic images of the initial coil embolization and three to six month follow-up angiographic images underwent blinded evaluation. Seven (47%) SAH and eight (53%) elective patients were enrolled. Blinded evaluation of the initial embolization demonstrated that 5/16 (31%) aneurysms achieved Raymond grade 1, 5/16 (31%) grade 2 and 6/16 (38%) grade 3. Three to six month angiography was obtained in 12/15 patients (80%); two patients expired (1 SAH, 1 elective) and one was lost to follow-up (SAH). All patients who underwent follow-up angiography had a mRS ≤1. Blinded evaluation of embolization demonstrated 7/13 aneurysms (54%) improved in Raymond grading, five (38%) were stable and one aneurysm (8%) worsened. One patient developed an asymptomatic peri-aneurysmal parent vessel stenosis. Axium MicroFX coils appear to be safe, though the small number of patients in this series obviates comparative analysis with other series. Further studies are needed with more patients to compare the angiographic durability of Axium MicroFX coils to other coils.
Operational and Training Issues Related to Facility Start-Up

Proton and other ion beam centers are few in number, but hold great promise that is driving widespread demand for more facilities. Such facilities are expensive and complex. This chapter discusses special considerations in planning, staffing, and operating a full-scale proton therapy (PT) unit.
MESSENGER detection of electron-induced X-ray fluorescence from Mercury's surface

[1] The X-Ray Spectrometer (XRS) on the MESSENGER spacecraft measures elemental abundances on the surface of Mercury by detecting fluorescent X-ray emissions induced on the planet's surface by the incident solar X-ray flux. The XRS began orbital observations on 23 March 2011 and has observed X-ray fluorescence (XRF) from the surface of the planet whenever a sunlit portion of Mercury has been within the XRS field of view. Solar flares are generally required to provide sufficient signal to detect elements that fluoresce at energies above ∼2 keV, but XRF up to the calcium line (3.69 keV) has been detected from Mercury's surface at times when the XRS field of view included only unlit portions of the planet. Many such events have been detected and are identified as electron-induced X-ray emission produced by the interaction of ∼1–10 keV electrons with Mercury's surface. Electrons in this energy range were detected by the XRS during the three Mercury flybys and have also been observed regularly in orbit about Mercury. Knowledge of the energy spectrum of the electrons precipitating at the planet's surface makes it possible to infer surface composition from the measured fluorescent spectra, providing additional measurement opportunities for the XRS. Abundance results for Mg, Al, and Si are in good agreement with those derived from solar-induced XRF data, providing independent validation of the analysis methodologies. Derived S and Ca abundances are somewhat higher than derived from the solar-induced fluorescence data, possibly reflecting incomplete knowledge of the energy spectra of electrons impacting the planet.
Fructose: incomplete intestinal absorption in humans.

Fructose is an increasingly important commercial sweetener. However, some patients report abdominal symptoms after ingesting fructose-containing foods. The completeness of fructose absorption by the small intestine was assessed by breath hydrogen analysis in 16 healthy volunteers and incomplete absorption was defined as a peak rise in breath hydrogen of >20 parts per million. Fructose, 50 g as a 10% solution, was incompletely absorbed in 6 of 16 subjects (37.5%). Incomplete absorption was associated with symptoms of cramps or diarrhea, or both, in 5 of these 6 individuals. Incomplete absorption was both concentration- and dose-related. Three subjects incompletely absorbed 37.5 g of fructose. In comparison, all 15 subjects who were studied after ingestion of sucrose, 50 g as a 10% solution, completely absorbed this sugar load. Incomplete absorption of fructose should be considered as a possible cause of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Electron Microscope Observations on Intact Cells, Protoplasts, and the Cytoplasmic Membrane of Bacillus stearothermophilus

Abram, Dinah (Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind.). Electron microscope observations on intact cells, protoplasts, and the cytoplasmic membrane of Bacillus stearothermophilus . J. Bacteriol. 89: 855–873. 1965.—Negatively stained preparations of protoplasts and fragments of cytoplasmic membranes from cells of Bacillus stearothermophilus ruptured by treatment with sonic oscillation, partial lysis with lysozyme, autolysis, or phage infection were examined electron microscopically. Specimens of intact cells also were examined by the same technique. The following structural details were revealed. Intact or nearly intact, partially swollen, elongated protoplasts and their ghosts have a characteristic differentiated surface texture and can easily be distinguished from the cell wall. Infoldings of the cytoplasmic membrane can be observed in these protoplasts, to which flagella are attached; the latter originate via hooks from “basal structures” that are in close association with the cytoplasmic membrane or part of it. Abundant intracytoplasmic membranous elements, which appear to be tubular or vesicular, can be seen in whole cells of three of the strains studied. The fine structure of the cytoplasmic membrane and probably that of its intracytoplasmic infoldings was observed on flattened and folded membrane fragments, one layer thick. Structural units, roughly spherical, 65 to 85 A in diameter, were present on one side of the cytoplasmic membrane, facing the cytoplasm. They were attached loosely to the membrane by fine stalks, 40 to 60 A long, and were easily detached, probably leaving the stalks behind them on the membrane. While the greater stability of membranes from thermophiles made this study of the fine structure possible, the structural units described were demonstrated also on cytoplasmic membranes from mesophiles. Images
Reduced expression of GDF‐15 is associated with atrophic inflammatory lesions of the prostate

BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that chronic prostatic inflammation may lead to prostate cancer development. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is highly expressed in the prostate and has been associated with inflammation and tumorigenesis. METHODS To examine the relationship between GDF-15 and prostatic inflammation, GDF-15 expression was measured by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in human prostatectomy specimens containing inflammation. The relationship between GDF-15 and specific inflammatory cells was determined using non-biased computer image analysis. To provide insight into a potential suppressive role for GDF-15 in inflammation, activation of inflammatory mediator nuclear factor of kappa B (NFκB) was measured in PC3 cells. RESULTS GDF-15 expression in luminal epithelial cells was decreased with increasing inflammation severity, suggesting an inverse association between GDF-15 and inflammation. Quantification of IHC staining by image analysis for GDF-15 and inflammatory cell markers revealed an inverse correlation between GDF-15 and CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD68+, and inos+ leukocytes. GDF-15 suppressed NFκB activity in luciferase reporter assays. Expression of the NFκB target, interleukin 8 (IL-8), was downregulated by GDF-15. CONCLUSIONS The inverse relationship between GDF-15 and inflammation demonstrates a novel expression pattern for GDF-15 in the human prostate and suppression of NFκB activity may shed light on a potential mechanism for this inverse correlation. Prostate 75:255–265, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deep crustal growth of quartz, kyanite and garnet into large‐aperture, fluid‐filled fractures, north‐eastern Connecticut, USA

A petrographic and petrological analysis of exceptionally well-preserved hydrothermal veins from the Merrimack synclinorium, north-eastern Connecticut, has been carried out in order to place new field-based constraints on fracture aperture dimensions and porosity in the lower continental crust. The veins preserve substantial open space today in outcrop, and contain mineral assemblages including subhedral to euhedral crystals of quartz, kyanite and almandine-rich garnet. Textural evidence indicates unequivocally that the vein minerals grew into macroscopic (mm- to cm-scale) open space between the vein walls. The veins are interpreted to have been large-aperture fractures along which significant advective fluid infiltration and chemical reaction occurred. The porosity of the rock mass due to open space between fracture walls today is c. 0.3%, but it could have been as large as several percent when the flow system was active. Quantitative thermobarometry results from vein mineral assemblages indicate that the fractures formed at pressures and corresponding crustal depths of c. 0.8 GPa and c. 30km, and temperatures of 550–600° C. The depth of fracture formation corresponds to published estimates of the maximum burial depth of the Merrimack synclinorium during the Acadian orogeny. The formation of large-aperture fractures could increase significantly the transient permeability of the deep crust, and therefore influence metamorphic heat and mass transfer.
An Evaluation of Distributed Datastores Using the AppScale Cloud Platform

We present new cloud support that employs a single API -- the Datastore API from Google App Engine (GAE) -- to interface to different open source distributed database (DB) technologies. We employ this support to ``plug in'' DB technologies to the API so that they can be used by web applications and services without modification. The system facilitates an empirical evaluation and comparison of these disparate systems by web software developers, and reduces the barrier to entry for their use by automating their configuration and deployment.
Lordosis response components can be elicited in decerebrate rats by combined flank and cervix stimulation

Abstract Previous research has indicated that chronically decerebrate adult female rats are incapable of exhibiting lordosis in response to lumbosacral somatic stimuli, suggesting a dependency of this response on forebrain influence. Since vaginocervical stimulation facilitates lordosis to lumbosacral stimuli in rats, the present study investigated the possibility that chronically decerebrate rats could show lordosis in response to flank palpation if vaginocervical pressure was applied concurrently. Six of nine ovariectomized, decerebrate rats exhibited a coordinated display of lordosis-like responses to flank palpation of this stimulus was accompanied by vaginocervical stimulation, but not in response to flank and perineal pressure alone. Estradiol-progesterone treatment increased the magnitude of the response in five of six animals. As in intact rats, cervix pressure in the decerebrates also produced immobilization and blocked responses to nociceptive stimuli. Thus, the caudal neuraxis can mediate expression of essential components of the lordosis response in the absence of forebrain influence.
Excitotoxicity in perinatal brain injury.

Excitotoxicity is an important mechanism involved in perinatal brain injuries. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter, and most neurons as well as many oligodendrocytes and astrocytes possess receptors for glutamate. Perinatal insults such as hypoxia-ischemia, stroke, hypoglycemia, kernicterus, and trauma can disrupt synaptic function leading to accumulation of extracellular glutamate and excessive stimulation of these receptors. The activities of certain glutamate receptor/channel complexes are enhanced in the immature brain to promote activity-dependent plasticity. Excessive stimulation of glutamate receptor/ion channel complexes triggers calcium flooding and a cascade of intracellular events that results in apoptosis and/or necrosis. Recent research suggests that some of these intracellular pathways are sexually dimorphic. Age dependent expression of different glutamate receptor subtypes with varying abilities to flux calcium has been associated with special patterns of selective vulnerability at different gestational ages. For example, selective injury to the putamen, thalamus and cerebral cortex from near total asphyxia in term infants may be related to excessive activation of neuronal NMDA and AMPA type glutamate receptors, while brain-stem injury may be related primarily to stimulation of neuronal AMPA/kainate receptors. In contrast, periventricular leukomalacia in premature infants has been linked to expression of AMPA/kainate receptors on immature oligodendrocytes. Insight into the molecular pathways that mediate perinatal brain injuries could lead to therapeutic interventions.
TrajMetrix: a trajectory compression benchmarking framework

Trajectory compression algorithms enable efficient transmission, storage, and processing of trajectory data by eliminating redundant information. While a large number of compression algorithms have been developed, there is no comprehensive and convenient benchmarking system for evaluating these algorithms. We will demonstrate TrajMetrix, our system that meets the above need. We will show how TrajMetrix can be used to gain insights into the benefits and drawbacks of various compression algorithms given different compression requirements. From the knowledge attained by using TrajMetrix, we developed SQUISH-E (Spatial QUalIty Simplification Heuristic - Extended). This algorithm uses a priority queue to preferentially remove points based on the error introduced by their removal. Through live demonstrations that use both synthetic and real data sets, we will show the ability of SQUISH-E to effectively bound compression error with low computational overhead.
Scanning tunneling microscopy of silver, gold, and aluminum monomers and small clusters on graphite

We have deposited small numbers of atoms of silver, gold, and aluminum onto cleaved graphite substrates in ultrahigh vacuum. Using a scanning tunneling microscope, we have observed monomers, groups of monomers, dimers, and a trimer. The adsorption sites and atomic spacings are determined by direct observation.
Comparing farmer-based and satellite-derived deforestation estimates in the Amazon basin using a hybrid classifier

The Amazon basin remains a major hotspot of tropical deforestation, presenting a clear need for timely, accurate and consistent data on forest cover change. We assessed the utility of a hybrid classification technique, iterative guided spectral class rejection (IGSCR), for accurately mapping Amazonian deforestation using annual imagery from the Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) from 1992 to 2002. The mean overall accuracy of the 11 annual classifications was 95% with a standard deviation of 1.4%, and z-score analysis revealed that all classifications were significant at the 0.05 level. The IGSCR thus seems inherently suitable for monitoring forest cover in the Amazon. The resulting classifications were sufficiently accurate to assess preliminarily the magnitude and causes of discrepancies between farmer-reported and satellite-based estimates of deforestation at the household level using a sample of 220 farms in Rondonia mapped in the field in 1992 and 2002. The field-and satellite-derived estimates were significantly different only at the 0.10 level for the 220 farms studied, with the satellite-derived deforestation estimates 8.9% higher than estimates derived from in situ survey methods. Some of this difference was due to a tendency of farmers to overestimate the amount of forest within their property in our survey. Given the objectivity and reduced expense of satellite-based deforestation monitoring, we recommend that it be an integral part of household-level analysis of the causes, patterns and processes of deforestation.
Theory of the Work Functions of Monovalent Metals

The factors which determine the work function of a metal are described in a qualitative way. The work function is defined as the difference in energy between a lattice with an equal number of ions and electrons, and the lattice with the same number of ions, but with one electron removed. The work function is then found by first calculating the energy of a lattice with n i ions and n e electrons. The final formula gives the work functions of monovalent metals in terms of the heats of sublimation. This formula is approximate, and can claim validity only in a qualitative way, as one of the important factors, the electric double layer on the surface, is omitted entirely, and it is assumed that the Fermi energy is as great as if the electrons were entirely free. The values obtained from this formula check very closely with the experimental values for the alkalis, so that it can be concluded that the double layer is probably small for these metals. Finally, the deviations to be expected for other than monovalent metals are considered. A more exact calculation of the work function of one substance (Na) will be given by one of us in an ensuing paper.
In vitro response of the rat pituitary to gonadotrophin-releasing factors and to ions.

Short-term incubations of rat anterior pituitary glands in Krebs-improved Ringer I (KR) media with varied concentrations of K+ showed that [K+] of 60 mm or more increased LH and FSH release from the glands, while with a [K+] of 30 mm the stimulatory effect was minimal. The effect of high [K+] on hormonal release was reversible, and there appeared to be an additive effect between high [K+] and releasing factors. The action of high [K+] on LH and FSH release was completely abolished in Ca++-free media, while the effect of releasing factors was only partially inhibited. EDTA-Na in Ca++-free media completely inhibited the effect of releasing factors. EDTA had some inhibitory effect on the action of LRF by a mechanism other than by immobilization of Ca++. High concentrations of Mg++ also inhibited the action of both high [K+] media and releasing factors, while Mg++-free media enhanced their action very slightly, which supports the important role of Ca++ in the secretory mechanism. Na-free Locke’s solution caus...
Coaching Teachers' Use of Social Behavior Interventions to Improve Children's Outcomes: A Review of the Literature.

Children with social behavior problems need teachers who are prepared to use evidence-based interventions to increase their likelihood of success. However, it is clear that teachers do not feel prepared to support children in this area. One approach for supporting teachers in using more effective interventions for children with behavior needs is the use of coaching. The purpose of this review of the literature is to explore the research to date that specifically targets coaching teachers on the use of social behavior interventions to improve children’s social behavior outcomes. Criteria were established to increase the generalizability of the results of the review and 29 studies met inclusionary criteria. Of these studies, 86% documented positive findings and the remaining documented neutral findings. Only 31% of studies documented a measure of integrity for the coaching process. Main findings and implications for future research are discussed.
SEMOLINA AND HYDRATION LEVEL DURING EXTRUSION AFFECT QUALITY OF FRESH PASTA CONTAINING FLAXSEED FLOUR

ABSTRACT Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an emerging food ingredient because of its several health benefits. Research was conducted to determine the effects of semolina, hydration level during extrusion and flaxseed flour concentration on the physical and cooking characteristics of freshly extruded pasta. The appearance of fresh pasta reflected the appearance of the ingredients. Fresh pasta became darker and redder as flaxseed flour concentration increased. Flaxseed flour did not affect cooking loss or water absorption during cooking of fresh pasta. However, flaxseed flour reduced the cooked firmness of fresh pasta by decreasing the dough strength. The cooked firmness of fresh pasta containing flaxseed flour was improved by using a semolina that makes a strong dough rather than a weak dough, and by extruding at a low (29%) compared to high (31%) hydration level. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Research results reported in this article would be useful in the development of a processing protocol for fresh pasta containing flaxseed flour and possibly other nontraditional ingredients. The results provide support for the need to use a strong dough-forming semolina and to extrude the semolina–flaxseed flour mixture at a low hydration level (29%) in order to produce a fresh pasta that has desirable cooking/cooked properties.
Journalists and the Character of Public Officials/Figures

Political character, the dynamic intersection of personality and public performance within a cultural and historical context, is appropriately the subject of news reports. The article provides journalists with an ethical rationale for covering political character while acknowledging the human need for privacy and then outlines a set of characterrelated issues that journalists should explore. It concludes with the suggestion that journalists should once again begin to cover the public record of political figures in-depth and that this public record be linked with deeper, psychologically based explorations of character.
Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty and coronary angioplasty for the treatment of calcific aortic stenosis and obstructive coronary artery disease in an elderly patient.

An 81-year-old man with severe calcific aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease who refused surgical therapy was treated with sequential percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty (PBAV) and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Before percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty, the mean aortic gradient was 76 mmHg, and the aortic valve area was .45 cm2. The aortic valve was dilated using 15-mm and 18-mm balloons. The mean gradient decreased to 40 mmHG, and the aortic valve area increased to .62 cm2. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was performed 2 weeks later, and an 85% proximal left circumflex stenosis was successfully dilated to 20%. No complications were noted during either procedure. At 6-month follow-up, the patient had returned to normal activities and was asymptomatic. Thus, combined therapy with PBAV and PTCA is technically feasible in selected elderly patients with calcific aortic stenosis and anatomically suitable coronary artery disease. This nonsurgical therapeutic approach may be useful in the treatment of selected patients who refuse or who are deferred from cardiac surgery.
Dry Matter Assimilation and Partitioning in Pepper Cultivars Differing in Susceptibility to Stress-induced Bud and Flower Abscission

Stress-induced abscission of buds and flowers is a constraint to the production of peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). Susceptibility of pepper cultivars to stress-induced abscission may be related to assimilate levels and partitioning. Growth analysis experiments were conducted in the field to determine whether cultivars differing in susceptibility to stress-induced abscission showed corresponding differences in growth rates and dry matter partitioning when subjected to low light stress. With the stress susceptible cultivar 'Shamrock', reduction in net assimilation rate (NAR) and relative growth rate (RGR) was greater under low light stress than with the more tolerant cultivar 'Ace'. Compared to 'Ace', 'Shamrock' partitioned a smaller proportion of dry matter into reproductive organs and a larger proportion into expanded leaves. Cultivars did not differ in the amount of dry matter partitioned to young leaves or in the extent to which accumulation of dry matter by young leaves was reduced by low light stress. Other experiments conducted in growth chambers and greenhouse examined the effect of removal of leaves less than 3 cm long on high temperature and low light stress-induced bud and flower abscission. For both 'Ace' and 'Shamrock', abscission was not altered by removal of these leaves. Preferential partitioning of assimilate to young leaves does not appear to be involved in stress-induced abscission in these pepper cultivars.
Antifungal dynamics of LY 303366, an investigational echinocandin B analog, against Candida ssp.

Abstract Two isolates each of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis , and Candida glabrata were selected for time-kill curve testing against LY 303366 at concentrations ranging from 0.125 × MIC to 16 × MIC. RPMI 1640 buffered with morpholinepropanesulfonic acid (MOPS) was utilized as growth medium. Samples were obtained at predetermined time points over 24 hours and streaked for colony count determination. Against C. albicans (one strain) and C. glabrata isolates, LY 303366 exhibited fungicidal (≥three log 10 reduction in CFU) activity. In contrast, fungistatic activity was observed with LY 303366 against C. albicans (one strain) and C. tropicalis isolates at all of the multiples of the MIC tested. With the exception of one C. glabrata strain, the rate and extent of activity against test isolates was not enhanced with concentrations exceeding the MIC. Our data indicate that maximal antifungal activity with LY 303366 may be achieved by optimizing the time of fungal exposure to the drug. Additionally, these data suggest that use of the current interpretive endpoint for MICs in RPMI may underestimate the antifungal activity of LY 303366. Thus, the MIC endpoint may need to be re-evaluated, or perhaps an alternative media, such as antibiotic medium #3, should be utilized for determination of LY 303366 MICs.
Expression, purification and characterization of the recombinant ribonuclease P protein component from Bacillus subtilis.

Ribonuclease P is a ribonucleoprotein complex that catalyzes the essential 5' maturation of all precursor tRNA molecules. The protein component both alters the conformation of the RNA component and enhances the substrate affinity and specificity. To facilitate biochemical and biophysical studies, the protein component of Bacillus subtilis ribonuclease P (RNase P) was overproduced in Escherichia coli using the native amino acid sequence with the initial 20 codons optimized for expression in E.coli . A simple purification procedure using consecutive cation exchange chromatography steps in the presence and absence of urea was developed to purify large quantities of P protein without contaminating nucleic acids. The identity of the recombinant protein as a cofactor of RNase P was established by its ability to stimulate the activity of the RNA component in low ionic strength buffer in a 1:1 stoichiometry. Circular dichroism studies indicate that P protein is a combination of alpha-helix and beta-sheet secondary structures and is quite stable, with a T m of 67 degrees C. The described methods facilitated the large scale purification of homogeneous, RNA-free P protein required for high resolution crystallographic analyses and may be useful for the preparation of other RNA binding proteins.
Grand challenges in extreme microbiology

As the microbiological exploration of our home planet intensifies, we discover that an ever-growing range of extreme environments harbors novel types of microorganisms. Wherever we look, previously unknown bacteria, archaea, and protists appear into view. Scientific perceptions of the microbial world and its “extreme” fringes have changed with increasing pace and with unforeseen consequences – and lead directly toward the grand research challenges for the future.
The induction of an injury reaction in cultured haemocytes from saturniid pupae

Abstract The plasmatocytes of diapausing saturniid pupae are round or spindle-shaped cells floating free in the haemolymph. Upon injury to the pupa, these haemocytes become amoeboid and adhesive. A technique is described for the isolation and short-term culture of pupal haemocytes in their inactive state and for their conversion in vitro into the active, ‘injured’ form. The activation of ‘uninjured’ haemocytes was stimulated by fragments of epidermal tissue or by plasma from previously activated blood samples. A fraction capable of stimulating the activation of haemocytes was partially purified from both plasma and epidermal tissue and has been called haemokinin . Haemokinin from either source has a molecular weight in the range of 50,000. The intensity of the haemocyte injury reaction in vitro changes systematically during diapause; the nature and significance of the changes are discussed.
Effect of electric field on domain formation in relaxor based Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 - PbTiO3 single crystals

Abstract Domain switching has been observed in 0. 9PZN - 0. 1PT single crystals under the influence of electric field. The crystal being near the morphotropic phase boundary contains two phases - rhombohedra1 and tetragonbal. The electric field was applied along two principal directions [001] and [111]. Their formation as the temperature is reduced with the electric field is discussed here. For electric field along [001]. it was found that a single domain could be induced in tetragonal phase. When the electric field was applied along [111], the formation of domains as temperature is reduced are shown to be remarkably similar to those formed when the temperature is fixed and the concentration of IT varied. This type of domain hierarchy may be a contributing factor for the high k (electromechanical factor) observed in these crystals.
The colutron, a zero deflection isotope separator

Abstract On the isotope separator described, the conventional sector magnet has been replaced by a velocity filter. This reduces the size and weight of the analyzing system by at least a factor of 50. Other features are: Shorter beam path, adjustable mass dispersion and stigmatic as compared to astigmatic ion optics. The isotope separator is designed to be a portable unit for a nuclear physics laboratory. It has a maximum dispersion power DM / ΔM of 210 cm which is equivalent to a 90° sector magnet system with a radius and extended image plane of 210 cm.
Pneumoperitoneum following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Does the timing of panendoscopy matter

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has had a significant impact on enteral alimentation in patients unable to maintain adequate oral caloric intake. PEG avoids the morbidity and mortality associated with the traditional feeding gastrostomies placed by celiotomy. Several authors have documented benign, self-limiting pneumoperitoneum following PEG placement. No study has addressed whether the timing of panendoscopy in relation to gastric puncture has an effect on the incidence of post-PEG pneumoperitoneum. The authors prospectively studied 30 patients undergoing PEG. Panendoscopy was either performed before or after gastric puncture, and each patient then had abdominal radiographs to determine the presence of pneumoperitoneum. Four of 16 patients (25%) having panendoscopy prior to gastric puncture had radiographic evidence of pneumoperitoneum compared to three of 14 patients (23%) having panendoscopy following gastric puncture. The authors conclude that the timing of panendoscopy in relation to gastric puncture does not significantly effect the incidence of post-PEG pneumoperitoneum.
Neuroradiology therapeutic workstation

Two types of workstation are being developed at UCLA for neuroradiology a display workstation and a therapeutic workstation. The display station is used for review of images derived from neuroradiology examinations whereas the therapeutic station is for image analysis. The therapeutic workstation will be used to compare angiograms with CT and MR images and to calculate quantitative information from image sets. Parameters obtained by image analysis will be useful for planning and evaluation of interventional procedures. Current emphasis is on development of analysis tools for digital subtraction angiography. Digital densitometry and parametric imaging routines are being developed for analysis of DSA images of blood flow (with contrast injection) taken with a GE Digital Flouricon 5000 system. These routines include determination of vessel geometry regional blood volume flow rate and velocity. The starting point for software development is the CALIPSO (CALifornia Image Processing SOftware) package developed at UCLA for the Macintosh II. A Stellar GS2000 graphics mini-supercomputer will ultimately be used to allow rapid manipulation of images. The workstation will be connected to various imaging modalities through an Ethernet network. 1.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
MEASUREMENT OF THE TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF THE FLUORESCENCE QUANTUM YIELD OF ORGANIC MOLECULES IN SOLUTION

A DETAILED investigation of the temperature dependence of the fluorescence quantum yield φf can yield–directly or indirectly–significant information about behavior of excited states of organic molecules, such as the temperature effect on radiationless transitions and on photochemical reactivity. Variation of the temperature changes the viscosity of the solvent and, in conjunction with measurements of φf(T), allows investigations of diffusion-controlled processes. For example, energy transfer and quenching processes as well as excimer or exciplex formation fall into this category. Recent review articles by Weller (1962) and Birks (1970) deal with this topic. Moreover, Huber and Mantulin (1972) have suggested that restraints placed upon geometric modifications of the excited molecule by temperature-induced changes in the solvent cage (variation of site structure) are reflected in a varying φf. The purpose of this note is to describe and verify a simple procedure, accurate to about ± 5%, for measuring the relative fluorescence quantum yield as a function of temperature. A quantum yield study of 9,10-diphenylanthracene between room temperature and 77°K is employed to demonstrate the capabilities of this method. In addition, we consider an example of diffusion-controlled quenching by oxygen measured over a wide temperature range.