cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Core beliefs in healthy youth and youth at ultra high-risk for psychosis: Dimensionality and links to depression, anxiety, and attenuated psychotic symptoms

Cognitive theory posits that core beliefs play an active role in developing and maintaining symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychosis. This study sought to comprehensively examine core beliefs, their dimensionality, and their relationships to depression, anxiety, and attenuated psychotic symptoms in two groups of community youth: a group at ultrahigh risk for psychosis (UHR; n = 73, M age = 18.7) and a matched healthy comparison group (HC; n = 73, M age = 18.1). UHR youth reported significantly more negative beliefs about self and others, and significantly less positive beliefs about self and others. HC youth rarely endorsed negative self-beliefs. Exploratory factor analyses found that HC negative self-beliefs did not cohere as a single factor. We hypothesized specific links between core beliefs and symptoms based on cognitive models of each disorder, and tested these links through regression analyses. The results in the HC group were consistent with the proposed models of depression and anxiety. The results in the UHR group were consistent with proposed models of depression and negative psychotic symptoms, somewhat consistent with a proposed model of positive psychotic symptoms, and not at all consistent with a proposed model of anxiety. These findings add to a growing developmental literature on core beliefs and psychopathology, with important clinical implications.
Novel piperidine-derived amide sEH inhibitors as mediators of lipid metabolism with improved stability

We have previously identified and reported several potent piperidine-derived amide inhibitors of the human soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enzyme. The inhibition of this enzyme leads to elevated levels of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which are known to possess anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and anti-fibrotic effects. Herein, we report the synthesis of 9 analogs of the lead sEH inhibitor and the follow-up structure-activity relationship and liver microsome stability studies. Our findings show that isosteric modifications that lead to significant alterations in the steric and electronic properties at a specific position in the molecule can reduce the efficacy by up to 75-fold. On the other hand, substituting hydrogen with deuterium produces a notable increase (∼30%) in the molecules' half-lives in both rat and human microsomes, while maintaining sEH inhibition potency. These data highlight the utility of isosteric replacement for improving bioavailability, and the newly-synthesized inhibitor structures may thus, serve as a starting point for preclinical development. Our docking study reveals that in the catalytic pocket of sEH, these analogs are in proximity of the key amino acids involved in hydrolysis of EETs.
Poisoning Severity Associated with a Range of Medications in Suicide Attempts by Ingestion

There are limited data on the medical severity of suicide attempts by intentional self-poisoning (ISP) associated with ingestion of differing classes of medications and meager data on specific agents. The purpose of the study was to address these gaps. This was an analysis of a consecutive series of ISP cases ages 13 to 65 treated at a U.S. university medical center (N = 671). The outcome, poisoning severity, was dichotomized as "moderate-severe" and "low" (reference) based on a standard measure. Class of medication (e.g., opiate) and specific agents ingested were the predictors of interest. Covariates were age, sex, and the ingestion of multiple classes of medications. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models. At the class level, ingestion of opiate was uniquely associated with increased risk for moderate-severe ISP at a statistically significant level, adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) = 2.97 (1.69, 5.21), p = .0002. Several specific agents were also associated with moderate-severe ISP. Along with the key role of opiate medications in unintentional overdose morbidity and mortality, opiate medications may also play an important and largely unrecognized role in medically serious suicidal behavior. Results also underscore the variability in toxicity of specific agents within drug classes.
Retrieval practice & Bloom’s taxonomy: Do students need fact knowledge before higher order learning?

The development of students’ higher order learning is a critical component of education. For decades, educators and scientists have engaged in an ongoing debate about whether higher order learning can only be enhanced by building a base of factual knowledge (analogous to Bloom’s taxonomy) or whether higher order learning can be enhanced directly by engaging in complex questioning and materials. The relationship between fact learning and higher order learning is often speculated, but empirically unknown. In this study, middle school students and college students engaged in retrieval practice with fact questions, higher order questions, or a mix of question types to examine the optimal type of retrieval practice for enhancing higher order learning. In laboratory and K-12 settings, retrieval practice consistently increased delayed test performance, compared with rereading or no quizzes. Critically, higher order and mixed quizzes improved higher order test performance, but fact quizzes did not. Contrary to popular intuition about higher order learning and Bloom’s taxonomy, building a foundation of knowledge via fact-based retrieval practice may be less potent than engaging in higher order retrieval practice, a key finding for future research and classroom application. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
EFFECT OF ACUTE ADMINISTRATION OF CHLORINATED WATER ON HYPOTHALAMIC NOREPINEPHRINE CONTENT

Rats were treated with 50 mg of chlorine solutions by intragastric intubation and sacrificed at 3 hrs, 24 hrs and 7 days interval after chlorine administration. The hypothalamus norepinephrine (NE) content was significantly lower at 3 and 24 hrs (P<.025) after chlorine treatment and recovered after 7 days. No significant changes were observed with hypothalamus histamine and dopamine content. The effect on NE content may be due to a change at the synaptic membrane site through the action of chlorinated hydrocarbons produced as a result of chlorine treatment.
Unveiling Ideology in Teacher Education: An Agenda for Research into the Selection Process.

The study of ideological influences in American institutions has had a checkered development. Many educators at the university and K-12 levels of schooling have acted as if "ideology" were dead. Since they were not conscious of the role that ideology-via education-played in the "reproduction of culture," they paid little attention to this topic. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to throw light on how the essence of transmitting culture is associated with the evaluation and selection of schoolteachers to make sure their views and cognitive orientations comport with the values of the given social order. Moreover, the intent is to argue for a research agenda to unveil ideology in teacher education, especially as it relates to the selection of minority students. To facilitate this task, four areas needing research are identified: (1) the extent to which teacher selection and evaluation are driven by ideological schemes reflecting the intentions of the community; (2) the ways in which dominant ideas undergird truth claims and render assessment labels and tools, to track and to change human behavior; (3) the relationship between education policies and programs and their deriva-
Graded Superlattice and Resonantly Coupled Quantum Wells for Dilute Nitride Solar Cells with Open Circuit Voltages that Exceed that of the Absorber’s Radiative Limit

The presentation focuses on the use of quantum engineered dilute nitride solar cells to alleviate minority carrier lifetime/ poor carrier collection issues encountered in these devices and aims at identifying novel pathways toward the development of high efficiency tandems. First and within the frame work of 1 to 1.2 eV III-V dilute nitride solar cells we will stress the strength of the carefully designed quantum engineered dilute nitride absorbers for achieving near unity photo-generated carrier collection. We will then show experimentally the possibility of realizing devices with open circuit voltages that approach or surpass the radiative limit (Woc= Eg-Voc∽0.4 eV), The latest is achieved by developing thin barrier GaAsN/GaAs super-lattices in the intrinsic region and here we demonstrate a record open circuit voltage having Woc=Eg/q-Voc∽0.24, that exceed the perceived radiative limit thus set the highest value reported in the literature for dilute nitride solar cells and set a pathway for extending the multijunction solar cell efficiencies to beyond 50%.
Cultural identity, Africultural coping strategies, and depression as predictors of suicidal ideations and attempts among African American female college students

Suicide prevention is a growing health concern in America for many minority groups. Although experts agree suicide is associated with cultural practices and beliefs, there is limited evidence on ho...
de Vries Behavior in Smectics near a Biaxiality Induced Smectic A - Smectic C Tricritical Point

We show that a generalized Landau theory for the smectic A and C phases exhibits a biaxiality induced AC tricritical point. Proximity to this tricritical point depends on the degree of orientational order in the system; for sufficiently large orientational order the AC transition is 3D XY-like, while for sufficiently small orientational order, it is either tricritical or 1st order. We investigate each of the three types of AC transitions near tricriticality and show that for each type of transition, small orientational order implies de Vries behavior in the layer spacing, an unusually small layer contraction. This result is consistent with, and can be understood in terms of, the “diffuse cone” model of de Vries. Additionally, we show that birefringence grows upon entry to the C phase. For a continuous transition, this growth is more rapid the closer the transition is to tricriticality. Our model also predicts the possibility of a nonmontonic temperature dependence of birefringence.
Glomerular Diseases in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: An Underappreciated Epidemic

The prevalence of nondiabetic kidney disease (NDKD) in patients with diabetes reflects the rising incidence of diabetes in the general population. The most current national prevalence of diabetes in United States adults is at a high of 12.2%. A contributing factor is the obesity epidemic, as 87.5% of diabetic adults are overweight or obese. It is well known that CKD and ESKD cause significant morbidity and mortality in obese and diabetic populations, with an estimated 36.5% of diabetics experiencing CKD (1). The relative risk of ESKD is higher in diabetics, ranging from 6.2 in white populations to 62.0 in Native Americans; of patients who start RRT, 51% are estimated to have diabetes (2). The diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is most often made clinically. However, there is growing awareness of the prevalence of NDKD with or without concomitant diabetic nephropathy (DN) in patients with diabetes. In turn, a large proportion of NDKD found on kidney biopsies is glomerular diseases. This knowledge draws attention to the possibility of undiagnosed, potentially reversible lesions in this population. Here, we review the prevalence and presentation of NDKD in diabetic patients, with a focus on glomerular lesions, and discuss the ways in which diabetes can affect the diagnosis and management of these conditions. A review of native kidney biopsies for evidence of NDKD in diabetics performed at the Columbia Renal Pathology Laboratory in 2011 estimated that 23.5% of patients with native kidney biopsies carry a diagnosis of diabetes, roughly double the prevalence of diabetes in United States adults. Of those patients, 37% had DN alone, 36% had NDKD alone, and 27% had concomitant DN and NDKD (3). A retrospective examination of renal biopsies at the Southern California Permanente Medical Group between 1995 and 2005 found larger proportions of patients with NDKD alone (53.2%) …
The chemical convulsant diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) causes persistent neuropathology in adult male rats independent of seizure activity

Organophosphate (OP) threat agents can trigger seizures that progress to status epilepticus, resulting in persistent neuropathology and cognitive deficits in humans and preclinical models. However, it remains unclear whether patients who do not show overt seizure behavior develop neurological consequences. Therefore, this study compared two subpopulations of rats with a low versus high seizure response to diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) to evaluate whether acute OP intoxication causes persistent neuropathology in non-seizing individuals. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats administered DFP (4 mg/kg, sc), atropine sulfate (2 mg/kg, im), and pralidoxime (25 mg/kg, im) were monitored for seizure activity for 4 h post-exposure. Animals were separated into groups with low versus high seizure response based on behavioral criteria and electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings. Cholinesterase activity was evaluated by Ellman assay, and neuropathology was evaluated at 1, 2, 4, and 60 days post-exposure by Fluoro-Jade C (FJC) staining and micro-CT imaging. DFP significantly inhibited cholinesterase activity in the cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala to the same extent in low and high responders. FJC staining revealed significant neurodegeneration in DFP low responders albeit this response was delayed, less persistent, and decreased in magnitude compared to DFP high responders. Micro-CT scans at 60 days revealed extensive mineralization that was not significantly different between low versus high DFP responders. These findings highlight the importance of considering non-seizing patients for medical care in the event of acute OP intoxication. They also suggest that OP intoxication may induce neurological damage via seizure-independent mechanisms, which if identified, might provide insight into novel therapeutic targets.
Educators and Insurance

This chapter shows how insurance decisions can have a major effect on teachers’ financial fitness. Jayden and Alyssa, the subjects of the opening case study, did everything right concerning insurance – or so they thought. In fact, by over-insuring and failing to shop around for coverage they paid too much. Their biggest mistake was buying costly whole-life insurance when term insurance would have been far better for them. This chapter shows how there is risk in everything, so that the challenge is to manage it by assuming, reducing, or sharing risk. Insurance is then explained as a formal risk-sharing mechanism. These principles apply to car insurance, home coverage, life insurance, and health insurance. Teachers are especially vulnerable to bad life insurance decisions because of their exposure to less favorable insurance products informally (or even formally) sponsored by school systems. By insuring against large uncertain losses but managing smaller and more certain losses, teachers can manage risks at a reasonable cost on the way to a financially fit future.
Stepwise Approach to the Medical and Surgical Management of Endometriosis-Related Dysmenorrhea: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Study Objective To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of sequential therapy for the treatment of endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea Design A cost-effectiveness model was created to compare four stepwise treatment strategies for dysmenorrhea. Probabilities, utilities, and costs were derived from the literature. Outcomes included cost, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER). Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate sensitivity analyses were performed. Setting Healthcare payor perspective Patients or Participants Study cohort derived from the estimated number of women, aged 18-45 in the US with endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea Interventions Treatment strategies modeled - (Strategy 1) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) followed by surgery; (Strategy 2) NSAIDs, then short acting reversible contraceptives (SARCs) or long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) followed by surgery; (Strategy 3) NSAIDs, then a SARC or LARC, then a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) modulator followed by surgery; (Strategy 4) proceeding directly to surgery. Measurements and Main Results In this theoretical cohort of 4,817,894 women with endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea, all four treatment strategies were cost-effective at a standard willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 per QALY gained. Strategy 2 was associated with the lowest cost per QALY gained ($1,155). Requiring trial of a GnRH modulator prior to surgery would cost an additional $257 million, compared with proceeding to surgery after failing two medical treatments. The probability of improvement with surgery would need to exceed 83% for this to be the preferred first line approach. Conclusion All modeled management strategies for endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea were cost-effective. A trial of hormonal management after NSAIDs, before proceeding to surgery, may provide cost savings. Delaying surgical management in an individual with pain refractory to more than three medications may decrease quality of life and increase cost.
Speech and the Maxillofacial Complex: A Structural-Functional Perspective for Diagnosis and Management

SUMMARY The development of speech in the growing craniofacial complex is highly dependent on the integrity of the structure and its function. Although development begins in utero, much of the growth for potential communicative language occurs postnatally and is highly dependent on neurologic and cognitive integ-rity. Genetic and acquired deformations often result in severe dental and skeletal malocchi-sions, thus introducing the potential for disturbed speech production. The resulting disturbance may range from minor distortions of specific sounds to significant articulation disorders significantly affecting communicative effectiveness. Assessment of speech disorders in a child presenting with a maxillofacial disorder must be based on principles involving structural growth, timing, and presence of compensatory gestures, in addition to the assessment of speech and language modalities. Treatment of maxillofacial disorders generally requires both orthognathic surgery and orthodontic treatment. Although deformations can negatively affect speech, orthognathic surgery has been known to improve articulatory dis-tortions.5, 13, 17, 20, 22 In more severe cases, such as clefting and syndromic anomalies, orthog-nathic surgery has been shown to have minimal negative effects and to provide the patient with an esthetic and functional mechanism on which to develop articulated speech. A truly interdisciplinary approach is the best means of providing the patient with comprehensive, coordinated care. It is essential that the speech pathologist and the maxillofacial surgeon carefully coordinate treatment efforts so that they can develop a rehabilitative plan and schedule that are both effective and efficient.
Characterizing physician EHR use with vendor derived data: a feasibility study and cross-sectional analysis.

OBJECTIVE To derive 7 proposed core electronic health record (EHR) use metrics across 2 healthcare systems with different EHR vendor product installations and examine factors associated with EHR time. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of ambulatory physicians EHR use across the Yale-New Haven and MedStar Health systems was performed for August 2019 using 7 proposed core EHR use metrics normalized to 8 hours of patient scheduled time. RESULTS Five out of 7 proposed metrics could be measured in a population of nonteaching, exclusively ambulatory physicians. Among 573 physicians (Yale-New Haven N = 290, MedStar N = 283) in the analysis, median EHR-Time8 was 5.23 hours. Gender, additional clinical hours scheduled, and certain medical specialties were associated with EHR-Time8 after adjusting for age and health system on multivariable analysis. For every 8 hours of scheduled patient time, the model predicted these differences in EHR time (P < .001, unless otherwise indicated): female physicians +0.58 hours; each additional clinical hour scheduled per month -0.01 hours; practicing cardiology -1.30 hours; medical subspecialties -0.89 hours (except gastroenterology, P = .002); neurology/psychiatry -2.60 hours; obstetrics/gynecology -1.88 hours; pediatrics -1.05 hours (P = .001); sports/physical medicine and rehabilitation -3.25 hours; and surgical specialties -3.65 hours. CONCLUSIONS For every 8 hours of scheduled patient time, ambulatory physicians spend more than 5 hours on the EHR. Physician gender, specialty, and number of clinical hours practicing are associated with differences in EHR time. While audit logs remain a powerful tool for understanding physician EHR use, additional transparency, granularity, and standardization of vendor-derived EHR use data definitions are still necessary to standardize EHR use measurement.
Is Wheat Bread a Better Choice Than White Bread

Objectives Are wheat bread products healthier than white bread products at sandwich restaurants?
Scale-invariant perturbations in ekpyrotic cosmologies without fine-tuning of initial conditions

Ekpyrotic bouncing cosmologies have been proposed as alternatives to inflation. In these scenarios, the Universe is smoothed and flattened during a period of slow contraction preceding the bounce while quantum fluctuations generate nearly scale-invariant superhorizon perturbations that seed structure in the post-bounce Universe. An analysis by Tolley and Wesley (2007) showed that, for a wide range of ekpyrotic models, generating a scale-invariant spectrum of adiabatic or entropic fluctuations is only possible if the cosmological background is unstable, in which case the scenario is highly sensitive to initial conditions. In this paper, we analyze an important counterexample: a simple action that generates a Gaussian, scale-invariant spectrum of entropic perturbations during ekpyrotic contraction without requiring fine-tuned initial conditions. Based on this example, we discuss some generalizations.
Phase transformation in machining steels

In machining, the main wear mechanism on the flank surface of a tool is commonly held as abrasive wear. Based on this statement, it is reasonable to expect that the flank-wear rate would increase with the content of hard inclusions. However, experiments with a variety of plain carbon steels showed that flank wear did not necessary correspond to the amount of cementite present in the steels. Hence, at least under certain conditions, other predominant phenomena are believed to affect the wear behavior significantly. This paper will provide the experimental evidence that flank wear is affected by the austenization on the machined surfaces. When the cutting temperature in the flank interface is subjected to high enough temperatures, pearlitic structure (ferrite and cementite phases) austenizes. During heating, a new layer of austenitic phase forms and the existing carbons in pearlites are dissolved into the matrix of ferrites as the phase changed into austenite. During cooling, due to the short time involved, the austenite phase transforms into mainly untempered martensite and in some conditions retained austenite. The phase transformation will definitely reduce the abrasive action by the cementite and diminish the flank-wear rate. To verify that the austenitic transformation has occurred, turning tests were conducted with AISI 1045, 1070, and 4340 steels. The machined surface areas are imaged using X-ray diffraction (XRD), the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM).
Land-use Change, Resource Competition, and Conflict: Discussion

While it probably is not possible to cover comprehensively all the major resources issues in the South as we more into the 21st century, these three papers, taken together, give us a fairly good glimpse at some of the resource issues likely to dominate discussion in the next decade.
A SURVEY ON THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN ARITHMETIC MEAN IDEALS, TRACES, LATTICES OF OPERATOR IDEALS, AND AN INFINITE SCHUR-HORN MAJORIZATION THEOREM

The main result in (23) on the structure of commutators showed that arithmetic means play an important role in the study of operator ideals. In this survey we present the notions of arithmetic mean ideals and arithmetic mean at infinity ideals. Then we explore their connections with commutator spaces, traces, elementary operators, lattice and sub- lattice structure of ideals, arithmetic mean ideal cancellation properties of first and second order, and softness properties - a term that we introduced, but a notion that is ubiquitous in operator ideals. Arithmetic mean closure of ideals leads us to investigate majorization for infinite sequences and this in turn leads us to an infinite Schur-Horn majorization theorem that extends recent work by Arveson and Kadison to nonsummable sequences. This survey covers the material announced towards the beginning of the project in PNAS- US (33) and then expanded and developed in a series of papers (34)-(38).
Hyperfine anomaly measurements in francium isotopes and the radial distribution of neutrons

We have performed precision measurements in a magneto-optical trap of the 7P1/2 hyperfine structure of the isotopes 209-210Fr. The ratio of these hyperfine constants to the previously measured 7S1/2 ground state values reveals a significant hyperfine anomaly. This anomaly results from the different radial dependence of the electron density in the two atomic levels. The measurements are sensitive to changes in the radial distribution of the neutron magnetism.
Curcumin Inhibits DLD-1 Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation by Modulating MicroRNA and Tumor Suppressor Gene Expression

Phytochemicals are plant-based, non-toxic compounds that produce health benefits. Curcumin, a major phytochemical in turmeric, inhibits the proliferation of many types of cancer cells, both in vitr...
Inhibitory Effects of Somatostatin Analogue RC-160 and Bombesin/Gastrin-releasing Peptide Antagonist RC-3095 on the Growth of the Androgen-independent Dunning R-3327-AT-1 Rat Prostate Cancer

The effects of somatostatin analogue RC-160 and bombesin/gastrin releasing-peptide (GRP) antagonist RC-3095 were evaluated in Copenhagen rats bearing the anaplastic, androgen-independent Dunning R3327-AT-1 prostatic adenocarcinoma. In the first experiment, RC-160 was given in the form of microcapsules releasing 60 µ g/day/rat. RC-3095 was administered from implanted Alzet osmotic minipumps liberating 100 µ g/day/rat. After 32 days, tumor volumes and weights were significantly reduced by RC-160 as compared with the control group. Tumor doubling time in rats treated with RC-160 was significantly longer than in controls. Bombesin/GRP antagonist RC-3095 also significantly reduced tumor volume after 7 days of treatment, but after 18 days the inhibition in tumor volume was no longer significant. Tumor growth was not suppressed by castration. In the second experiment, 3-mm3 fragments of Dunning R-3327-AT-1 tumor were implanted orthotopically into the prostates of Copenhagen rats in order to evaluate the survival time of animals bearing this cancer during treatment with RC-160 released from Alzet osmotic minipumps at a dose of 100 µ g/day/rat. Treatment with RC-160 significantly ( P < 0.05) prolonged the mean survival time of rats by 5.3 days as compared to control animals. In both experiments, therapy with RC-160 significantly decreased serum growth hormone or insulin-like growth factor I levels. In the first experiment, receptor assays on R-3327-AT-1 tumor membranes showed high affinity binding sites for somatostatin, bombesin, and epidermal growth factor. At the end of the treatment, receptors for epidermal growth factor were significantly down-regulated by treatment with RC-160 but not with RC-3095. The binding capacity of bombesin receptors was reduced to nondetectable levels after the treatment with RC-3095. In cell cultures, high affinity binding sites for bombesin/GRP were found on intact Dunning R-3327-AT-1 cells, but receptors for somatostatin could not be detected. Proliferation of the AT-1 cell line was significantly inhibited by antagonist RC-3095. However, no effect on tumor cell growth in vitro was observed with analogue RC-160. Our results demonstrate that somatostatin analogue RC-160 and bombesin/GRP antagonist RC-3095 can inhibit the growth of the androgen-independent Dunning R-3327-AT-1 prostatic cancer in rats, although the remission produced by RC-3095 may be of short duration due to a down-regulation of bombesin receptors. Our work suggests the merit of further investigation as to whether these analogues can induce a possible delay in relapse and prolong survival in prostate cancer.
Learning from Schools with Restructured Schedules

D uring the past three years we have been consulting at a number of high schools in the Pacific Northwest that are revising their daily schedules. Most of the schools have moved to four ninety-minute "blocks" of classes per day; some schools, especially in British Columbia, have adopted two-period-day schedules (Carroll 1990). Almost unnoticed in professional literature to date, the restructured school day is widespread throughout the region; in the state of Washington alone, over 10 percent of public high schools have already made such a change, and more are planning to do so. To use a term from the field of technology transfer, restructuring the school day is clearly an innovation "with legs." Schools are choosing a variety of ways to assess the effectiveness of the new programs, and they often cite gains in student achievement on several measures, as well as significant improvements in staff morale and in student and parent satisfaction. Teachers, especially, note that block schedules make so much sense they would never want to go back to a traditional mode of operation. None of that should be especially surprising, because the move to block schedules builds on much of what we already know about meaningful educational reform. Making the change begins with a serious conversation about the purposes and practices of public education among the people in schools who eventually will have to enact the reform within classrooms. Block schedules attack the overwhelming student load that Sizer (1984) identified as the root cause of Horace's Compromise.' And the schedule change is usually of such a scope that it requires that school staff members talk with students and parents, a dialogue that occurs too infrequently in our schools. Thus, some of what we have learned from working with schools in this process is confirmation of "received wis-
Formal Induction vs. Informal Mentoring: Comparative Effects and Outcomes.

Abstract This 2-year longitudinal study investigated the comparative effects and outcomes of two models used for the induction of 27 novice teachers in three rural southeastern Idaho school districts. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in the collection of data relating to the teaching skills of the beginning teachers, benefits of the two models, and changes in attitude toward teaching and the culture of teaching experienced by induction program participants. Findings of the study support the need for structured induction programs for beginning teachers.
Use of linear free energy relationship to predict Gibbs free energies of formation of zirconolite phases (MZrTi2O7 and MHfTi2O7)

Abstract In this letter, the Sverjensky–Molling equation derived from a linear free energy relationship is used to calculate the Gibbs free energies of formation of zirconolite crystalline phases (MZrTi2O7 and MHfTi2O7) from the known thermodynamic properties of the corresponding aqueous divalent cations (M2+). Sverjensky–Molling equation is expressed as ΔG0f,MvX=aMvXΔG0n,M2++bMvX+βMvXrM2+, where the coefficients aMvX, bMvX, and βMvX characterize a particular structural family of M v X , r M 2+ is the ionic radius of M2+ cation, ΔGf,MvX0 is the standard Gibbs free energy of formation of MvX, and ΔG0n,M2+ is the standard non-solvation energy of cation M2+. This relationship can be used to predict the Gibbs free energies of formation of various fictive phases (such as BaZrTi2O7, SrZrTi2O7, PbZrTi2O7, etc.) that may form solid solution with CaZrTi2O7 in actual Synroc-based nuclear waste forms. Based on obtained linear free energy relationships, it is predicted that large cations (e.g., Ba and Ra) prefer to be in perovskite structure, and small cations (e.g., Ca, Zn, and Cd) prefer to be in zirconolite structure.
Capillary electrochromatography of proteins with polymer-based strong-cation-exchanger microspheres

Monodisperse poly(glycidyl methacrylate–divinylbenzene) microspheres were functionalized with propyl sulfonic acid moieties to obtain beads negatively charged in a wide pH range. They were packed into fused-silica capillary of 50 μm I.D. in order to separate proteins by capillary electrochromatography (CEC). Baseline separation of four basic proteins as well as three cytochrome c variants with an average column efficiency of 60 000 theoretical plates was obtained under isocratic elution conditions. The high efficiency is attributed to the uniformity of the column packing and the hydrophilic surface coverage of the polymer beads derived from the functionalization process. The effect of pH and salt concentration on protein separations was investigated and the results showed that the CEC separation mechanism is the combination of chromatographic retention and electrophoretic migration. Moreover, the column packed with the strongly acidic poly(glycidyl methacrylate–divinylbenzene) beads was also suitable for protein separations by micro-HPLC with a salt gradient. The comparison between the two kinds of elution modes shows that the column described here exhibited higher peak efficiency with isocratic elution in CEC than with gradient elution in micro-HPLC.
Chronic hypoxia‐induced morphological and neurochemical changes in the carotid body

The carotid body (CB) plays an important role in the control of ventilation. Type I cells in CB are considered to be the chemoreceptive element which detects the levels of PO2, PCO2, and [H+] in the arterial blood. These cells originate from the neural crest and appear to retain some neuronal properties. They are excitable and produce a number of neurochemicals. Some of these neurochemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, are considered to be primarily inhibitory to CB function and others, such as adenosine triphosphate, acetylcholine, and endothelin, are thought to be primarily excitatory. Chronic hypoxia (CH) induces profound morphological as well as neurochemical changes in the CB. CH enlarges the size of CB and causes hypertrophy and mitosis of type I cells. Also, CH changes the vascular structure of CB, including inducing marked vasodilation and the growth of new blood vessels. Moreover, CH upregulates certain neurochemical systems within the CB, e.g., tyrosine hydroxylase and dopaminergic activity in type I cells. There is also evidence that CH induces neurochemical changes within the innervation of the CB, e.g., nitric oxide synthase. During CH the sensitivity of the CB chemoreceptors to hypoxia is increased but the mechanisms by which the many CH-induced structural and neurochemical changes affect the sensitivity of CB to hypoxia remains to be established. Microsc. Res. Tech. 59:168–177, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Chemical and spectroscopic methods for investigating polymer degradation and stabilization: Oxidative degradation of a hydrogenated nitrile rubber

The oxidation of a hydrogenated butadiene-acrylonitrile (2:1 mole ratio) rubber has been examined by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and the use of γ-initiation to give a controlled initiation step. The resolution and sensitivity of the IR technique was enhanced by the use of chemical derivatization in which carboxylic acids were measured as acid fluorides, hydroperoxides as nitrates and alcohols as nitrites. In all of these compounds, their spectra are sensitive to the precise substituents (primary, secondary or tertiary). Oxidation produced hydroperoxides from both tert. H-C-C=N and sec. H-C-H groups (≈1:1.1 mole ratio) as well as chain-end carboxylic acids [-CH2-C(=O)OH]. From a comparison with measurements of peroxyl radicals produced at low temperature, average kinetic chain lengths for the various oxidation products were estimated and compared with these from other ethylene copolymers.
Isovergence surfaces: the conjugacy of vertical eye movements in tertiary positions of gaze

Conjugate gaze is often defined as the equal angle rotation of the two eyes. For fixation at far distances, the optical axes are parallel and conjugacy is defined irrespective of the coordinate system. For nearby or finite fixation distances, the evaluation of conjugacy for many gaze postures depends on the coordinate system used to measure it. For example, if the eye is elevated or depressed and the eye is rotated about a vertical axis, the intersections of lines of sight with a tangent screen will describe either straight lines or arcs depending on whether the vertical axis is fixed with respect to the head or to the eye. Because of the horizontal separation of the two eyes, the binocular fixation of near targets at tertiary positions of gaze will require a vertical vergence component for head-referenced but not eye-referenced measurements. The vertical gaze alignment of three human subjects was measured as they viewed targets placed at secondary and tertiary eye positions at two different distances. Vertical vergence was either held open or closed-loop. The lines of sight were found to intersect (i.e. vertical gaze was aligned) regardless of target position or viewing condition.
Chronic toxicity of copper to fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas, rafinesque)

Abstract Fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas, Rafinesque) were exposed to copper sulfate for 11 months to find the fraction or percentage of the median tolerance limit that does not affect growth and reproduction under prolonged, continuous exposure. Results indicate that the true value lies between approximate limits of 3 and 7 per cent of the 96 hr median tolerance limit. The absolute copper concentration that is toxic will depend on certain characteristics of the water but may be estimated using the above percentages of the acutely toxic concentration as determined in the water of concern.
Renal Involvement in Drug Abuse

Renal changes in 14 drug addicts were studied. Five patients had nephrotic syndrome, five had bacterial endocarditis, and four had acute viral hepatitis. On light microscopy, increase in PAS-positive material in the mesangial area was observed in all patients. Immunofluorescent staining showed IgG, IgM, and β 1 C as discrete focal nodular deposits in the glomerular capillary loops. Electron microscopy disclosed focal basement-membrane thickening and deposition of homogeneous, finely granular electrondense material in all patients. Endothelial cytoplasmic inclusions of tubular structures similar to the "virus-like" particles of lupus erythematosus were present in 12 of the biopsy specimens. In drug addicts, the repeated parenteral introduction of antigenic material of microbial, viral, or pharmacologic origin appears to initiate an immunologic process that results in renal damage secondary to immune complex deposits.
Determination of the natural frequencies of a thin wire elliptical loop

The natural frequencies of a thin wire scatterer formed into an elliptical loop are determined theoretically by solving the homogeneous transform domain electric field integral equation (EFIE). Comparison with frequencies extracted from measurements of the time domain scattered field responses of elliptical and circular loops at various aspects validates the assumption of a natural mode expansion of the late-time response of conducting radar targets.
Experimental Enteric Shigella and Vibrio Infections in Mice and Guinea Pigs.

A method has been devised for inhibiting the normal enteric flora, permitting long term asymptomatic enteric infections of mice and guinea pigs with streptomycin-resistant strains of Shigella flexneri or Vibrio cholerae. Introduction of a streptomycin-resistant strain of E. coli into the intestinal tract of experimental animals resulted in a rapid elimination of the enteric pathogens studied. No in vitro production of antibiotic substances by this coli strain could be demonstrated. Active and oral passive immunization did not noticeably influence the number of Shigella or Vibrio organisms recoverable from the feces of infected animals.
Interodontoblastic collagen (von Korff fibers) and circumpulpal dentin formation: an ultrathin serial section study in the cat.

The collagenous fibers of von Korff pass from the dentin matrix between the odontoblasts into the dental pulp. Although collagen fibrils are known to be present between odontoblasts, the existence of von Korff fibers has remained controversial. This may be because their continuity between the dentin matrix and the pulp has not been demonstrated ultrastructurally. In this study we have examined the odontoblast layer in the middle to apical regions of perfusion-fixed permanent canine teeth of cats by using transmission electron microscopy. Ultrathin sections of demineralized specimens revealed frequent bundles of collagen fibrils 1) entering the odontoblast layer from the predentin, 2) present between odontoblast cell bodies, and 3) passing from between the odontoblasts into the pulp. The question of continuity of these bundles from the predentin, across the odontoblast layer into the pulp was examined in ultrathin serial sections. Unbroken continuity of a collagen bundle from the predentin between the odontoblasts into the pulp was established in a reconstruction of one series of 22 serial sections and was very strongly suggested by a number of other series in which the numbers of available sections restricted their full visibility. This investigation has shown, therefore, that classical von Korff fibers are present and that these fibers are present in fully erupted teeth with closed apices, i.e., at a time when secondary circumpulpal dentinogenesis is in progress. The findings call for a reexamination of the question of von Korff fibers during mantle dentinogenesis and primary circumpulpal dentinogenesis. Resolution of their existence at the earlier stages of dentinogenesis should be possible by using the ultrathin serial-sectioning technique.
Negotiating Interpersonal and Medical Talk: Frame Shifts in the Gynaecologic Exam:

Extending from previous research on code switching and conversational framing, the present study focuses on the interaction between a nurse practitioner and her patients during gynaecologic exams. Specifically, this research found that the nurse practitioner and her patients initiated and responded to cues that shifted the medical encounter from medical to personoriented and then back to medical frames. Further, this research indicates that such frame shifts serve a rhetorical function in the encounter which facilitates the actual medical examination. Finally, these interactions exemplify the efficient and empathic integration of both interpersonal and medical dimensions of the medical examination.
Simple method for image deblurring

A simple method for restoration of linearly blurred images is described utilizing a weak reference beam, coherence spoiling in one dimension, and a provision for scale change. Experimental results are given.
Communication concepts related to perceived organizational support

This study examines the relationship between communication concepts and perceived organizational support using questionnaire data gathered from 113 employees at two engineering consulting firms. Employee perceptions regarding top management's general expressions of support for employees, formal positive feedback directed toward individuals, and decision‐making input were strongly related to perceived organizational support. Employees indicated they talked more frequently about their organization's support of its employees with co‐workers than with superiors. However, conversations with superiors strongly correlated with perceived organizational support. The superior‐subordinate and co‐worker communication concepts did not explain a significant portion of the variance in the perceived organizational support concept.
Finding the Southern Part of Cyberspace: Using the Internet to Teach the South

Abstract This article suggests how teachers can approach the Internet conceptually and use it practically as they teach about the American South. Because of its information, communication, and cultural dimensions, the Internet represents a “place” where students and teachers can appraise the South from multiple, alternative perspectives. The article offers lesson strategies and resources for both on-computer and off-computer classroom settings. By finding the southern part of cyberspace, the authors illustrate that regions can and do have a place in a medium often represented as spaceless and devoid of geographic boundaries.
Fabrication and characterization of polymeric microfiltration membranes using aperture array lithography

Abstract An ion beam aperture array lithography process was employed to fabricate highly ordered polymeric microfiltration membranes with pores that were nearly cylindrical and uniform in size. In this process, a stencil mask, containing a periodic array of circular openings (the aperture array) was irradiated by a broad beam of energetic (30 keV) helium ions. The ions passing through the openings exposed a resist on a substrate that was placed in close proximity thereby faithfully replicating the mask pattern. Over one hundred filters with either 200 or 350 nm diameter pore and pore densities varying from 2.5 × 107 to 4 × 108 # /cm2 were fabricated during the course of this study. Electron microscopy revealed that they all had highly uniform and equally spaced pores without any that overlapped. Additionally, the coefficient of variation of the pore diameter was less than 7% for all samples investigated revealing a very narrow pore size distribution in these membranes as well as a high degree of control of the lithography process. The effective filtration area of individual membranes manufactured in this study was only 0.25 cm2. However, we also show that our current manufacturing process can be scaled-up to fabricate larger areas at high throughput by employing larger masks.
Herpetic stromal keratitis in the absence of viral antigen recognition.

Abstract Herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK), resulting from ocular infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV), is thought to represent a T cell mediated immunopathologic lesion. Antigens recognized by the inflammatory T cells remain unresolved and non-TCR mediated activation of T cells (bystander activation) is considered as also involved. This report documents further evidence for the bystander activation mechanisms using three T cell transgenic RAG−/− mouse strains. Accordingly HSK occurred in PCC RAG−/−, P14 RAG−/−, and OT-1 RAG−/− mice. In none of the models could HSV specific T cell reactivity be demonstrated and animals were unprotected from lesion development by immunization prior to HSV ocular infection. The results support the role of bystander activation as a mechanism of T cell mediated immunopathology and show that CD8 + as well as CD4 + T cells can participate in HSK lesion development.