cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use of interspersed test items in measuring mediated response transfer

A method for evaluating response transfer by the use of interspersed test items was proposed. The technique was applied in three different experimental settings in a replication of Ryan's (1960) study of response transfer which used more traditional techniques. The situation which made use of a teaching machine with unpaced learning and unpaced test trials was found to yield maximum transfer and replicated the Ryan experiment with respect to degree of transfer. Two experiments with paced learning and paced test trials on the memory drum yielded results similar to the Ryan experiment but showed weaker transfer. Response availability appeared to affect the amount of transfer to Similars but not to Associates or Controls, where Associates were always found to be more effective. It was concluded that the technique of interspersed test items is effective in demonstrating response transfer to stimuli selected on extraexperimental grounds for association or similarity.
Currents in connectionism

This paper reviews four significant advances on the feedforward architecture that has dominated discussions of connectionism. The first involves introducing modularity into networks by employing procedures whereby different networks learn to perform different components of a task, and a Gating Network determines which network is best equiped to respond to a given input. The second consists in the use of recurrent inputs whereby information from a previous cycle of processing is made available on later cycles. The third development involves developing compressed representations of strings in which there is no longer an explicit encoding of the components but where information about the structure of the original string can be recovered and so is present functionally. The final advance entails using connectionist learning procedures not just to change weights in networks but to change the patterns used as inputs to the network. These advances significantly increase the usefulness of connectionist networks for modeling human cognitive performance by, among other things, providing tools for explaining the productivity and systematicity of some mental activities, and developing representations that are sensitive to the content they are to represent.
Determining the Significance of Standardized Tests Administered to Entering Interior Design Majors

The Interior Design Program at Texas Christian University utilizes three differential aptitude tests and one art judgment test to measure a student's perceptual, mechanical, and art reasoning skills. The results of these texts are then used to illustrate strengths and weaknesses for each student. The purpose of this research was to statistically analyze the results of the test scores collected over the period of 1980-84 to determine if they could serve as predictors of those individuals who successfully entered the Interior Design Program. The results indicated that only the Art Judgement Test and an individual's GPA were significant predictors of entrance into the Interior Design Program. These findings support previous research that theorizes that perceptual and art ability can be taught to an individual regardless of previous experience in these skills.
Sensor location optimization for fault diagnosis in multi-fixture assembly systems

The effectiveness of fault diagnosis in assembly is contingent on the effectiveness of the sensor measurement of assembled parts. Using a diagnosability enhancement methodology for a single fixture, a means to achieve an optimal sensor configuration for a multi-fixture assembly of sheet metal parts is proposed. A Hierarchical Group description of the assembly is used to build a State-Transition representation which, with fixture CAD information, is used in multi-level hierarchical optimization to arrive at the optima. A defined Coverage Effectiveness Index quantifies fault isolation performance. The index also serves to evaluate the performance effectiveness of the measurement station location and change in the sensor number. The approach has significant utility in automotive body assembly where system complexity makes the choice of sensor location vital to fault isolation performance. Examples using multi-fixture simulated and industrial automotive body assembly sequences are provided to illustrate the methodology.
Activity of some 6- (substituted) purines on the development of the moss Tortella caespitosa.

Summary Of twenty-five 6-(substituted)purines tested for ability to increase the number of buds formed in the moss T. caespitosa , the following were the most active: 6-(2-furfuryl)aminopurine, 6-(2-thenyl)aminopurine, 6-benzylaminopurine, and 6- n -pentylaminopurine.
Leukocytic invasion of the ovine cervix at parturition.

Objective:The aim of this study was to use the activity of a leukocyte-specific enzyme, myeloperoxidase, to quantify changes in leukocyte concentration in the ovine cervix during pregnancy.Methods:Cervical tissue was collected under halothane general anesthesia from 26 sheep at different stages of gestation, in the nonpregnant state, and postpartum. Myeloperoxidase activity was used to assess the degree of leukocytic infltration of the tissue.Results:Myeloperoxidase activity was low in cervices from nonpregnant ewes and did not increase during pregnancy until the onset of labor. Myeloperoxidase activity decreased after parturition.Conclusion:Labor in sheep is associated with leukocytic invasion of the cervix. This observation suggests that leukocytes could participate in cervical connective-tissue reorganization during dilatation at parturition and in postpartum involution of the cervic in this species.
Citizen concerns and public awareness : Metrication examples

The United States is in the process of implementing the metric system. U.S. highway agencies are among the leaders in this effort. One troublesome aspect of being in the lead is that there appears to be no coordinated national public relations program to set the stage for the conversion. Several metric conversion experiences, those in Canada, Australia, and Great Britain, an Ohio research project, and the recent FHWA rule making for sign conversion, are reviewed to determine public awareness and citizen concerns. The conclusions drawn from those studies reinforce the need for an overall, well-coordinated, strong national public education program. Examples illustrate that success is possible (Canada and Australia) with such a program, but without it metrication can grind to an incomplete halt (Great Britain). Currently, the U.S. experience seems to most closely resemble the British metric conversion experience.
Numerical Investigations with a Hybrid IsentropicσSigma Model. Part II: The Inclusion of Moist Processes

Abstract The main goals of this paper are 1) to demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating a prognostic equation for water vapor and diabatic processes in the University of Wisconsin θ−σ model discussed in Part I, 2) to document methods applied to overcome difficulties stemming from the inclusion of moist processes and 3) to present results illustrating the effects of latent heat release on baroclinic development. The results confirm earlier studies that a prognostic equation for water vapor and the diabatic component of latent heat release may be included in a hybrid model. However, the modifications made in this study were important for eliminating spurious supersaturation and release of latent heat within grid volumes emerging and submerging through the interface between sigma and isentropic model domains. The results demonstrate the hybrid model's robust nature and potential for use in prediction. For this demonstration, model simulations of an analytically specified synoptic-scale wave that amplifi...
Simulation of first wall damage: Effects of the method of gas implantation

Cavity formation in an austenitic alloy of similar composition to Type 316 stainless steel has been explored with regard to various methods of gas implantation. Irradiations were conducted at 900 K to doses of 1, 10, and 70 dpa with helium injection levels of 20 appm/dpa. Highest swelling (18%) was exhibited by the unimplanted reference material; a lesser amount by simultaneous helium injection (11%). Greatly reduced swelling due to profuse cavity nucleation was the results of the preinjection of 1400 appm He, either at room temperature (S = 1%) or at 900 K (4%). The dislocation density was not sensitive to helium injection technique. Simultaneous injection of 50 appm H/dpa, along with the He, may have caused a modest increase in the cavity and dislocation concentrations at higher doses. The observations are compared with a theory of void growth kinetics to estimate the relative influence of voids and dislocations as point defect sinks.
Monetary-fiscal policy assignment under floating exchange rates

This paper examines the use of monetary and fiscal policy in a small country model under floating exchange rates. The government attempts to achieve a target level of economic activity and either an investment spending (output composition) or current account target. However, a choice may have to be made between the latter two objectives because a trade-off exists between them as the monetary-fiscal policy mix changes. It is shown that either monetary or fiscal policy can be assigned to the GNP target, and the second policy to one of the other targets, although the path may be oscillatory.
Exploring determinants of state employee union density in the United States

Purpose – To explore state employee union density, this paper discusses determinants of state sector union density and then empirically examines the linkages of the determinants and state union membership in the USA. Design/methodology/approach – After operationalizing and measuring the indicators of the crucial determinants of state employee union density, this study conducts a cross-sectional analysis on state sector union density. The dependent variable used in this study is state employee union density in the USA. The independent variables used in this study are the presence of a liberal state government, the presence of collective bargaining laws, the size of a budget deficit, and an unemployment rate which could determine state sector union density. Findings – This study finds that state union density is not determined by the size of budget deficits and the presence of liberal governors but by the presence of collective bargaining laws and liberal state legislatures and unemployment rates. Additiona...
Some Aspects of Quasilinearization

Abstract : Many of the fundamental nonlinear differential equations of mathematical physics and engineering can be written in the form L(u) = max (M(u,x,q) + a(x,q)), where L and M are linear differential operators on u, a scalar function of the vector x, and q is a decision variable. Among these equations are the Riccati equation, which plays a role in studies of wave propagation, neutron transport, and filter theory; the Emden-Fowler equation, of importance in astrophysical and nuclear studies; the Hamilton-Jacobi equation of mechanics; the eikonal equation of optics; and others. In addition, it is a basic equation of dynamic programming. In this paper a formula giving a representation for the solution of the above type of equation is presented. It involves use of 'max' operators applied to solutions of associated linear equations. In turn, this representation formula leads to the construction of quadratically convergent and monotonic sequences of functions which are of utility in the computational solution of nonlinear boundary value problems. Results of some numerical experiments involving both ordinary and partial differential equations are presented. (Author)
Gas-solid contact in fluidized beds

According to the concept of two-phase fluidization, a part of the gas in a fluidized reactor passes through the uniform dispersed solid-gas phase in the form of bubbles, channels, and slugs. Material transport by mixing or diffusion takes place at the phase boundaries. A mass transfer coefficient between the two phases may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of contact between the gas and solid. The reaction rate for the catalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide was determined in a fluidized bed of impregnated alumina particles and compared with the corresponding rate in a fixed bed. Simultaneous rate equations were established based on the assumption that the continuous phase is either completely unmixed or uniformly mixed, and the discontinuous phase passes without mixing. The effects of the velocity of the gas, the particle size, and the bed depth on the transfer coefficient were investigated. Applications to heat transfer in fluidized beds and equipment design are discussed.
Differences in ionic currents between canine myocardial and Purkinje cells

An electrophysiological analysis of canine single ventricular myocardial (VM) and Purkinje (P) cells was carried out by means of whole cell voltage clamp method. The following results in VM versus P cells were obtained. INa3 was present, had a threshold negative to the fast activating–inactivating INa1, its slow inactivation was cut off by INa1, and contributed to Na + influx at INa1 threshold. INa1 was smaller and had a less negative threshold. There was no comparable slowly inactivating INa2, accounting for the shorter action potential. Slope conductance at resting potential was about double and decreased to a minimum value at the larger and less negative IK1 peak. The negative slope region of I-V relation was smaller during fast ramps and larger during slow ramps than in P cells, occurred in the voltage range of IK1 block by Mg 2+ , was not affected by a lower Vh and TTX and was eliminated by Ba 2+ , in contrast to P cells. ICa was larger, peaked at positive potentials and was eliminated by Ni 2+ .I to was much smaller, began at more positive values, was abolished by less negative Vh and by 4-aminopyridine, included a sustained current that 4-aminopyridine decreased but did not eliminate. Steeper ramps increased IK1 peak as well as the fall in outward current during repolarization, consistent with a time-dependent block and unblock of IK1 by polyamines. During repolarization, the positive slope region was consistently present and was similar in amplitude to IK1 peak, whereas it was small or altogether missing in P cells. The total outward current at positive potentials comprised a larger IK1 component whereas it included a larger Ito and sustained current in P cells. These and other results provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the action potential of VM and P cells under normal and some abnormal (arrhythmias) conditions.
Online Resources for Understanding Outbreaks and Infectious Diseases

Disease outbreaks can be a powerful topic for teaching about science and health. This Feature reviews resources for bringing up up-to to-date information on this hot topic into the classroom.
Homeostasis of N-α-Terminal Acetylation of EsxA Correlates with Virulence in Mycobacterium marinum

The mycobacterial Esx-1 (ESAT-6 system 1) exporter translocates virulence factors across the cytoplasmic membrane to the cell wall, cell surface, and the bacteriological medium in vitro. The mechanisms underlying substrate targeting to distinct locations are unknown. Several Esx-1 substrates are N-α-terminally acetylated. The role of this rare modification in bacteria is unclear. We sought to identify genes required for Esx-1 substrate modification, transport, and localization. Pathogenic mycobacteria lyse Acanthamoeba castellanii in an Esx-1-dependent manner. We conducted a genetic screen to identify Mycobacterium marinum strains which failed to lyse amoebae. We identified a noncytotoxic M. marinum strain with a transposon insertion in a predicted N-α-terminal acetyltransferase not previously linked to mycobacterial pathogenesis. Disruption of this gene led to attenuation of virulence, failure to induce a type I interferon response during macrophage infection, and loss of hemolytic activity. The major Esx-1 substrates, EsxA and EsxB, were exported to the cell surface, but only low levels were released into the bacteriological medium. The balance of EsxA N-α-terminal acetylation was disrupted, resulting in a mycobacterial strain in which surface-associated EsxA was hyperacetylated. Genetic complementation completely restored Esx-1 function and the levels of N-α-terminally acetylated EsxA on the surface but restored only low levels of Esx-1 substrates in the bacteriological medium. Our results reveal a novel gene required for mycobacterial Esx-1 export. Our findings indicate that maintaining the homeostasis of Esx-1 substrate N-α-terminal acetylation is essential for Esx-1-mediated virulence. We propose an inverse correlation between EsxA acetylation and virulence.
Improved purification of 1-phosphofructokinase from Bacteroides symbiosus and some properties of the enzyme.

Abstract 1-Phosphofructokinase from Bacteroides symbiosus was purified by acid precipitation, streptomycin treatment, and column chromatography. The most purified enzyme preparations still showed traces of contaminating proteins. The sedimentation coefficient of the enzyme was 4.38 S, and its optimal activity was at pH 8.8. The Michaelis constants for ATP and fructose 1-P were 2 × 10−4 and 6 × 10−5 m , respectively, and the calculated Vmax at pH 8.0 was 230 μmoles/min/mg enzyme protein. Fructose 1-P was inhibitory at concentrations greater than about 2 × 10−4 m .
Stigma and Suicide Warning Signs

The current study explored the relationship between stigma and suicide warning signs using a case vignette methodology. Three comparable vignettes were used varying only the essential warning signs, including heart attack, suicidality without specific mention of suicidal thinking, and suicidality with specific mention of suicidal thoughts and associated intent to die. After reading the vignette, participants responded to questions gauging urgency of response, along with their appraisal of the situation across six domains including: seriousness, time (how quickly should they respond), comfort 1 (how comfortable they were with the situation in general), sureness (how sure they were in their response), comfort 2 (how comfortable they were in implementing their response), and hopefulness (how hopeful they were that their response would be helpful). Consistent with study hypotheses, results indicated that participants were significantly less comfortable, less sure, and less hopeful when responding to a suicidal crisis when compared to a heart attack. In addition, participants were significantly less likely to access emergency services for a seriously suicidal individual in comparison to someone suffering a heart attack, instead choosing to talk with family and friends first. The potential moderating effects of family and individual history of psychiatric illness and treatment, along with current individual psychological symptoms, were also explored and discussed, with no significant impact uncovered. The importance of more targeted efforts to train individuals to not just recognize suicide warning signs, but on how to specifically respond, is emphasized.
Self-monitoring of physical activity: effects on self-efficacy and behavior in people with type 2 diabetes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the effect of keeping daily activity records on physical activity levels and self-efficacy for physical activity in adults with type 2 diabetes, and to examine the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention from the perspective of the participants.Methods: This intervention study included 58 individuals with type 2 diabetes aged 40 to 65 years. Participants were randomly assigned: individuals in the intervention group kept daily activity records for 6 weeks, mailed to the researcher every 2 weeks. Data collection was completed at the beginning of the study and 6 weeks later, using the habitual physical activity index and the self-efficacy for exercise scale. Participants in the intervention group also completed the perceived feasibility checklist.Results: The intervention resulted in enhanced self-efficacy. Physical activity improved in both the intervention and control groups. Activity recording was judged to be acceptable and feasible.Conclusions: D...
The Immunology of Composite Tissue Transplantation

Composite tissue allotransplantation holds great potential for reconstructive surgery. That these procedures can be successful has been clearly demonstrated by the success of hand, face, and larynx transplants around the world. Although the immunology of composite tissue allotransplantation mirrors that of any allogeneic organ transplant, there are several unique aspects to these grafts. This article reviews the immunology of transplantation, histocompatibility testing for composite tissue allotransplantation, graft rejection, immunosuppression, and specific immunologic considerations of composite tissue allotransplantation.
Toxicity of Mercury to Young Chickens 1. Effect on Growth and Mortality

Abstract Mercury in the form of mercuric chloride when added to the drinking water at the level of 250 p.p.m. or greater significantly depressed the growth and livability of young broiler cockerels as well as increased the feed and water efficiency-ratios of these chicks. Doses lower than 250 p.p.m. (5, 25, and 125 p.p.m.) did not depress growth, cause mortality, or increase feed and water efficiencies. It would appear that doses of mercury of 250 p.p.m. or greater causes toxic symptoms in young chicks.
Slant Transform Image Coding

A new unitary transform called the slant transform, specifically designed for image coding, has been developed. The transformation possesses a discrete sawtoothlike basis vector which efficiently represents linear brightness variations along an image line. A fast computational algorithm has been found for the transformation. The slant transformation has been utilized in several transform image-coding systems for monochrome and color images. Computer simulation results indicate that good quality coding can be accomplished with about 1 to 2 bits/pixel for monochrome images and 2 to 3 bits/pixel for color images.
Pulmonary Function and Hypoxic Ventilatory Response in Subjects Susceptible to High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema

To determine if spirometric changes reflect early high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) formation, we measured the FVC, FEV 1 , and FEF25–75 serially during the short-term period following simulated altitude exposure (4,400 m) in eight male subjects, four with a history of HAPE and four control subjects who had never experienced HAPE. Three of the four HAPE-susceptible subjects developed acute mountain sickness (AMS), based on their positive Environmental Symptom Questionnaire (AMS-C) scores. Clinical signs and symptoms of mild pulmonary edema developed in two of the three subjects with AMS after 4 h of exposure, which prompted their removal from the chamber. Their spirometry showed small decreases in FVC and greater decreases in FEV 1 and FEF25–75 after arrival at high altitude in the presence of rales or wheezing on clinical examination and normal chest radiographs. One of the two subjects had desaturation (59 percent) and tachycardia during mild exercise, and excessive fatigue and inability to complete the exercise protocol developed in the other at 4 h. The six other subjects had minimal changes in spirometry and did not develop signs of lung edema. Further, we measured each subject's ventilatory response to hypoxia (HVR) prior to decompression to determine whether the HVR would predict the development of altitude illness in susceptible subjects. In contrast to anticipated results, high ventilatory responses to acute hypoxia, supported by increased ventilation during exposure to high altitude, occurred in the two subjects in whom symptoms of HAPE developed. The results confirm that HAPE can occur in susceptible individuals despite the presence of a normal or high ventilatory response to hypoxia.
Vascular perfusion in horses with chronic laminitis

Vascular perfusion casts were used to define and characterise the macroscopic perfusion defects present in the distal digit of 11 horses affected by chronic laminitis. Five clinically normal horses were used as controls. Based on clinical history and clinical status, horses with chronic laminitis were classified as being potentially treatable or clinically refractory. Eleven macroscopic vascular defects were noted in the casts from horses with laminitis. Four types of lesions were identified in the submural laminar circulation, 3 in the coronary bed and 4 were associated with the solar circulation. Multiple defects were present and a definite trend was noted for the perfusion defects to be worse in the casts of clinically refractory subjects than in those considered treatable. This information suggests that evaluation of circulatory status should add significantly to the ability to separate treatable from clinically refractory patients. Results also indicated that ventral displacement of the third phalanx (sinkers) and compression of the solar vasculature are more prevalent than is presently thought.
CD44 expression is associated with increased survival in node-negative invasive breast carcinoma.

Purpose: CD44 is a multifunctional cell surface receptor with many known splice variants, some of which have been reported to play a role in tumor progression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of CD44 isoforms in early-stage, lymph node–negative invasive breast carcinoma. Experimental Design: Immunohistochemical staining for CD44 isoforms was done on archival paraffin tissue sections of invasive breast carcinoma from a cohort of lymph node–negative patients who received no adjuvant tamoxifen or chemotherapy and who had a mean clinical follow-up period of 15 years. Immunohistochemical staining was done with antibodies to CD44s, the standard isoform of CD44, and to isoforms containing variant exon 6 (CD44v6); levels of staining were correlated with clinical outcome data. Results: There was a trend towards increased disease-free survival for patients whose tumors had high anti-CD44s positivity ( P = 0.05), and a significant association was observed between anti-CD44s positivity and disease-related survival ( P = 0.04). Expression of CD44v6 isoforms did not correlate with clinical outcome. Conclusion: CD44 expression, as assessed by immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD44s, may be a favorable prognostic factor in patients with node-negative invasive breast carcinoma.
THE NORTH AMERICAN FLEAS OF THE GENUS MEGABOTHRIS JORDAN, 1933 (SIPHONAPTERA: CERATOPHYLLIDAE)

Abstract The nine named North American species of the flea genus Megabothris Jordan, 1933 (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae), are discussed with respect to their distribution and host preferences. Four subgenera designated by Smit (1983) are recognized and redescribed in greater detail. Keys to the subgenera and species are provided, and the diagnostic taxonomic features are described and illustrated. A limited bibliography for each species and name combination, including junior synonyms, is included.
Consequences of climate change for biotic disturbances in North American forests

About one-third of North America is forested. These forests are of incalculable value to human society in terms of harvested resources and ecosystem services and are sensitive to disturbance regimes. Epidemics of forest insects and diseases are the dominant sources of disturbance to North American forests. Here we review current understanding of climatic effects on the abundance of forest insects and diseases in North America, and of the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of biotic disturbances. We identified 27 insects (6 nonindigenous) and 22 diseases (9 nonindigenous) that are notable agents of disturbance in North American forests. The distribution and abundance of forest insects and pathogens respond rapidly to climatic variation due to their physiological sensitivity to temperature, high mobility, short generation times, and high reproductive potential. Additionally, climate affects tree defenses, tree tolerance, and community interactions involving enemies, competitors, and mutualists of insects ...
Power without wires (POWOW)-a SEP concept for space exploration

Electric propulsion has emerged as a cost-effective solution to a wide range of satellite applications. Deep Space 1 successfully demonstrated electric propulsion as the primary propulsion source for a satellite. The POWOW concept is a solar-electric propelled spacecraft capable of significant cargo and short trip times for traveling to Mars. It would enter aerosynchronous orbit and from there, beam power to surface installations via lasers. The concept has been developed through industrial partner expertise in high efficiency solar cells, advanced concentrator modules, innovative arrays, and high power electric propulsion systems. The latest version of the spacecraft, the technologies used, and trip times to Mars are presented. The POWOW spacecraft is a general purpose solar electric propulsion system that uses new technologies that are directly applicable to commercial and government spacecraft with power levels ranging from a LEO power level of 4 kW up to GEO spacecraft about 1 MW. The system is modular and expandable and amenable to learning curve cost projection methods.
The Impact Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002 On The Business And Accounting Curriculums

Business and accounting curriculums are designed to educate and train future business professionals and leaders. When Congress passed SOX in 2002, it dramatically impacted the responsibilities of corporate executives and CPAs and consequently required corresponding changes in the business schools prepare students to assume these roles. Because the Act changed the manner in which corporate decisions are made and how corporate organizations are governed and because of its impact on corporate business and CPA firms, it required business schools to modify the curriculums in business and accounting. This paper demonstrates the impact on the undergraduate business and accounting programs. In most cases, it is suggested that SOX material be integrated into existing courses because of the various constraints on undergraduate programs.
Influence of Wildland Fire Along a Successional Gradient in Sagebrush Steppe and Western Juniper Woodlands

Abstract Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis Hook. var. occidentalis) has been expanding into sagebrush (Artemisia L. spp.) steppe over the past 130 yr in Idaho, Oregon, and California. Fuel characteristics and expected fire behavior and effects change as sagebrush steppe transitions into juniper woodlands. Little is currently known about how wildfire influences burn severity and ecosystem response in steppe altered by woodland conversion. In 2007, the Tongue-Crutcher Wildland Fire burned 18 890 ha along a successional gradient ranging from sagebrush steppe to mature juniper woodlands, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate the effects of prefire vegetation on burn severity and ecosystem response across spatial scales. Plot-scale burn severity was evaluated with the composite burn index (CBI) in locations where prefire vegetation data were available, and landscape-scale burn severity was estimated via remotely sensed indices (differenced normalized burn ratio [dNBR] and relative differenced normal...
Work in progress - Cyber Discovery camp — Integrated approach to cyber studies

The Cyber Discovery camp was developed by a collaboration of math, science, engineering, and liberal arts faculty. The primary goal of the camp was to help teachers and students become better cyber-citizens who help rather than hinder security efforts by making them aware of the benefits and dangers of cyberspace. The residential camp exposes student participants to multiple topics of cyberspace including: history of cyberspace, ethical and social issues, applications, and the need for and use of security in cyberspace. Faculty members from the College of Engineering and Science teamed up with the College of Liberal Arts to develop a residential camp experience aimed at high school teachers and students. During the summer of 2008, 30 high school students and 10 teachers, from throughout the region participated in the summer camp. The camp consisted of discussion sessions, hands on engineering and computer science labs, a cryptographic treasure hunt, film sessions, and a final cyber challenge each of which integrated the history, ethical issues, applications, and theory behind cyberspace, security, and cryptography.
Monitoring Terrestrial Salamanders: Biases Caused by Intense Sampling and Choice of Cover Objects

Arrays of wood cover boards are useful tools for studying and monitoring plethodontid salamander populations. However, little is known about the biases inherent in monitoring data collected from such arrays. We used Red-Backed Salamanders, Plethodon cinereus, to test for two potential biases associated with use of wood cover board arrays. First, we tested whether frequent sampling of arrays can cause reduced counts of salamanders, resulting in the appearance of population declines where none exist. Second, we tested whether salamanders found under wood cover boards differed from salamanders found under natural cover objects in terms of sex ratios, stage class ratios, and snout-vent length. We found that sampling cover boards daily substantially reduced salamander counts under cover objects and that this result was pronounced for adults but not for juveniles. We found no decrease in counts with sampling cover boards weekly as compared to sampling every three weeks. With respect to differences between salamanders found underneath cover boards versus natural cover objects, we found that samples from under cover boards contained higher proportions of adults and lower proportions of juveniles and hatchlings than did natural cover objects. This was true in both the spring and fall. There were no differences in sex ratios or in snout-vent length within stage classes for salamanders in cover boards versus natural cover objects. These results suggest that cover boards used for monitoring or for studies of ecology and behavior should be sampled no more than once per week if natural levels of movement and territoriality are desired. Additionally, although cover board arrays may be suitable for tracking relative changes in overall population size, bias among size classes may make cover boards less than ideal tools for studies of salamander demography.
Preliminary imaging studies of MRC-SPECT: An ultrahigh resolution MR-compatible small animal SPECT system using highly pixelated CdTe detectors

491 Objectives Dual-modality imaging systems, such as PET/CT and SPECT/CT, could provide anatomical and functional information, having a wide application in the pre-clinical and clinical imaging. Compared with MRI, CT does not have a good contrast for soft tissue and induces extra radiation dose. Combining MRI with PET and SPECT shows great potential and is drawn extensive research and commercial effort. An ultrahigh resolution stationary MR compatible SPECT (MRC-SPECT) system for small animal imaging using second generation ERPC detectors has been developed in UIUC. To evaluate the system performance, a series of imaging studies have been carried on. Methods a) MRC-SPECT consisted of 40 small-pixel CdTe detector modules (10 detectors, each had 4 modules) assembled in a fully ring, coupling with 40 inserted pinhole (diameter 300um or 500um) aperture. Each module had an active area of 2.2 cm × 1.1 cm, divided into 64 × 32 pixels with size of 350μm. The system was installed on a 25cm diameter non-metal gantry constructed with 3D printing using nylon powder. b) The Co-57 point source projections of the 3D grid scanning were used for deriving accurate geometry information. c) System response matrix was pre-calculated by detailed modeling of the transport of photons through the aperture and detector d) Jaszczak phantom filled with 1 mCi Tc-99m (30 min acquisition) and mice skull scan with 1.9mCi(whole body injection) Tc-99m MDP were carried on. e) MLEM and MAP reconstruction algorithm was used. Results For Jaszczak phantom study, the 500 µm hot rods features are clearly resolved. For mice skull experiment, detailed bone structure could be seen. Conclusions A stationary MR compatible small animal imaging SPECT system and preliminary imaging performance was presented. Preliminary imaging studies of Jaszczak phantom and mice brain skull scan have demonstrated the ultrahigh resolution imaging capability of the system.
Sickle Cell Hematuria Controlled by Intrarenal Oxychlorosene Irrigation

Therapy for prolonged renal bleeding related to sickle cell disease can be challenging. We review the treatment of a woman with a 4-week history of renal bleeding thought to be due to sickle cell trait. The hemorrhage ceased immediately following irrigation of the involved kidney with oxychlorosene. Before radical surgery is performed for this problem this relatively simple approach should be considered. Further documentation of the efficacy and safety is necessary before advocating this modality for routine use.
Cold injury of the extremities.

Cold injuries may be classified into two broad groups: (1) frostbite, which is due to the cytotoxic effect of intense cold, and (2) the trench foot syndrome which is due to capillary damage, thrombosis and vasospasm following exposure to less than cytotoxic cold. Frostbite is the only cold injury of significance seen in nonmilitary medical practice. It is best treated by rapid thawing and therapeutic nihilism. When amputation is necessary, the stump should be conized and the skin flaps, if viable, should be preserved and used to cover the end of the stump.
The presence of primary sclerosing cholangitis in patients with ileal pouch anal- anastomosis is associated with an additional risk for vitamin D deficiency

Objective: Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC). Whether vitamin D levels are further lowered in patients with concomitant IPAA and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of PSC as a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency in patients with UC and IPAA. Methods: In this case control study, 74 patients with concurrent IPAA and PSC were included in the study group, and 79 patients with IPAA, but without PSC, served as controls. Forty-four variables were analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis with stepwise logistic regression were performed. Results: A total 153 eligible patients were included, with 74 (48.4%) in the study group and 79 (51.6%) in the control group. Vitamin D level in the study group was 18.9 ± 1.4 ng/dL compared with 30.3 ± 1.7 ng/d in the control group (P = 0.011). Vitamin D deficiency (≤ 20 ng/dL) was present in 65 (42.5%) patients. PSC occurred in 49 (75.4%) of the 65 patients with vitamin D deficiency. In the multivariate analysis, only the presence of PSC (odds ratio [OR]: 7.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.39–24.08; P = 0.001) and vitamin D supplementation (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.57–9.19; P = 0.018) remained associated with vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: The presence of PSC was found to be an independent risk factor for vitamin D deficiency in UC patients with IPAA. These patients should be routinely screened and closely monitored for vitamin D deficiency.
Comparative Analysis of Human Nucleoside Kinase-Based Reporter Systems for PET Imaging.

Radionuclide-based reporter gene imaging has the sensitivity to monitor gene- and cell-based therapies in human subjects. Potential immunogenicity of current viral transgenes warrants development of human-based reporter systems. We compared human nucleoside kinase reporters to a panel of nucleoside analogs of FEAU, FMAU, and FIAU, including the first in vivo assessment of l-[18F]FEAU. Human isogenic U87 cell lines were transduced to express different human reporter genes including dCK-R104M/D133A (dCKDM), dCK-R104Q/D133N (dCKep16A), dCK-A100V/R104M/D133A (dCK3M), and TK2-N93D/L109F (TK2DM), and wild-type dCK (dCK) and herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSVTK) reporter gene as references. In vitro cell uptake assays were performed with [18F]FEAU, l-[18F]FEAU, [14C]FMAU, l-[18F]FMAU, and [124I]FIAU. Micro-positron emission tomography/X-ray computed tomography imaging of xenograft-bearing nu/nu mice was conducted with [18F]FEAU, l-[18F]FEAU, l-[18F]FMAU, and [124I]FIAU on consecutive days. A cell viability assay was also performed to assess sensitivities to gemcitabine and bromovinyldeoxyuridine (BVdU). In vitro, dCKep16A and dCKDM with [18F]FEAU exhibited the highest sensitivity and selectivity of the human reporters, second only to HSVTK/[18F]FEAU. l-[18F]FEAU biodistribution in mice was on par with [18F]FEAU and l-[18F]FMAU. l-[18F]FMAU uptake in isogenic xenografts was highest for all human reporter genes. However, [18F]FEAU was the most selective of the short half-life reporter probes due to its minimal recognition by human dCK and relative sensitivity, whereas [124I]FIAU permitted imaging at a later time point, improving signal-to-background ratio. Of the human reporter genes, dCKep16A consistently outperformed the other tested reporters. Reporter genes of interest increased potency to the nucleoside analog prodrugs gemcitabine and BVdU. We demonstrate that human nucleoside kinase reporter systems vary significantly in their sensitivity and selectivity for in vivo imaging. The sufficiently high signal-to-background ratios and enhanced suicide gene potential support clinical translation.
Factors associated with delayed hepatitis B viral suppression on tenofovir among patients coinfected with HBV-HIV in the CNICS cohort.

BACKGROUND Despite widespread use in HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the effectiveness of tenofovir (TDF) has not been studied extensively outside of small cohorts of coinfected patients with HBV-HIV. We examined the effect of prior lamivudine (3TC) treatment and other factors on HBV DNA suppression with TDF in a multisite clinical cohort of coinfected patients. METHODS We studied all patients enrolled in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort from 1996 to 2011 who had chronic HBV and HIV infection, initiated a TDF-based regimen continued for ≥ 3 months and had on-treatment HBV DNA measurements. We used Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox-proportional hazards to estimate time to suppression (HBV DNA level 10,000 IU/mL, and lower nadir CD4 count were independently associated with decreased likelihood of HBV DNA suppression on TDF. CONCLUSIONS These results emphasize the role of prior 3TC exposure and immune response on delayed HBV suppression on TDF.
The Forms of Recognition

Governments ready to recognize a new regime face two subsidiary questions. The first, common to all, is how to convey that decision to the regime concerned. International law provides for a choice between express and tacit ways of conveying the decision. The second question, faced only by governments that accept the distinction between ‘de facto’ and ‘de jure’ recognition, is which degree of recognition to accord. They might proceed immediately to the full ‘de jure’ form, or they might decide to start with the more limited or provisional ‘de facto’ form and await further developments before according ‘de jure’ recognition. Governments choosing to start with ‘de facto’ recognition have to convey that decision expressly because the legal scholars and governments using the distinction have agreed that recognition is ‘de jure’ unless otherwise specified.
Pride and Prejudice: Towards a Common Language

The secret of Pride and Prejudice’s popularity lies in the dynamics between its hero and heroine. The spark of their relationship depends on their equality of intelligence and perception, for Elizabeth and Darcy are more fully equal in this sense than any other of Austen’s protagonists. Each is both protagonist and antagonist; that is, their struggle is as much against each other as it is against the pressures of society or family. The novel presents a balance of power not only between two characters but between two conflicting modes of judgment, and, by extensioh, between two conflicting systems of language which both reflect and shape these judgments.1 Pride and Prejudice resolves these conflicts in a compromise; Darcy and Elizabeth both change, though in different directions. Furthermore, in Pride and Prejudice, the resolution of the romance does not hinge on the capitulation of either lover to the other, as it does in some other Austen novels. For instance, in Northanger Abbey,. Catherine Morland resolves to think and judge as Henry Tilney does. Edmund comes round to Fanny at the end of Mansfield Park, acknowledging his past errors and Fanny’s wisdom; the heroine of Emma renounces her role as imaginist and binds herself to Mr. Knightley. And in Persuasion, Wentworth finds at the novel’s conclusion that he owes his happiness less to his own efforts than to Anne’s. However, at the end of Pride and Prejudice, though both lovers gallantly assume a more than equal share of the blame, the true portion of responsibility for their initial misery and later happiness is in equilibrium. Equality of errors lead to equality of education.
Risk guided use of the direct thrombin inhibitor bivalirudin: insights from recent trials and analyses

During percutaneous coronary intervention, dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor antagonist are combined with one of three major strategies for antithrombotic therapy: heparins, bivalirudin, or heparin with an intravenous IIb/IIIa platelet receptor antagonist. Economic constraints in the United States are increasingly driving the choice between these therapies.
18 F-FLT PET/CT imaging in patients with advanced solid malignancies treated with axitinib on an intermittent dosing regimen

Purpose This study utilizes FLT PET/CT imaging to characterize changes in tumor cell proliferation and vasculature during intermittent treatment with VEGR-TKI axitinib.
A Review with a Case History on the Effect of Renal Failure

Although the majority of individuals medicated with diphenylhydantoin require doses in the range of 4–6 mg/kg/day (300–400 mg/day), there are many people who are known to deviate from this average ...
Guidance on Frequency and Location of Environmental Sampling for Acinetobacter baumannii

We assessed various locations and frequency of environmental sampling to maximize information and maintain efficiency when sampling for Acinetobacter baumannii. Although sampling sites in closer proximity to the patient were more likely positive, to fully capture environmental contamination, we found value in sampling all sites and across multiple days. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:339-342.
Dr. Deming: The American who Taught the Japanese About Quality

(1999). Dr. Deming: The American who Taught the Japanese About Quality. Quality Management Journal: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 81-82.