cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationships between high-stakes testing policies and student achievement after controlling for demographic factors in aggregated data.

With the mandate of No Child Left Behind, high-stakes achievement testing is firmly in place in every state. The few studies that have explored the effectiveness of high-stakes testing using NAEP scores have yielded mixed results. This study considered state demographic characteristics for each NAEP testing period in reading, writing, mathematics, and science from 1992 through 2002, in an effort to examine the relation of high-stakes testing policies to achievement and changes in achievement between testing periods. As expected, demographic characteristics and their changes were related significantly to most achievement outcomes, but high-stakes testing policies demonstrated few relationships with achievement. The few relationships between high-stakes testing and achievement or improvement in reading, writing, or science tended to appear only when demographic data were missing; and the minimal relationships with math achievement were consistent with findings in previous research. Considering the cost and potential unintended negative consequences, high-stakes testing policies seem to provide a questionable means of improving student learning.
Heterocyclic monomers via reissert chemistry

An AA bisphenolic monomer (13), an AB activated fluoro-phenolic monomer (14), and an AB2 alcohol-diester monomer precursor (17), all based on the isoquinoline nucleus, were prepared using Reissert compound chemistry. Additionally, model reactions established the efficiency of condensation of isoquinoline Reissert compounds with dihaloalkanes, providing evidence of the potential of this reaction to produce high molecular weight polymers, which was subsequently realized. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Reactivity of sulfhydryl and disulfide groups in serum of man.

Reactivity of sulfhydryl and disulfide groups in normal and camcerous sera was studied under the influence of UV radiation, detergents, and electrolysis. We were able to demonstrate that serum as such contains reactive -- S-S-groups, and that the reactivity of - SH and - S-- S- differs according to age and for normal end cancerous serum. The greater amount of - SH and - S -S - found after irradiation could be due to unfolding of the spiral structure of the protein and consequent release of the residual bonds. The energy required for normal serum is greater in the case of younger people (up to 25 years) than for older people (aging effect) and also greater for normal serum than for cancerous ones. Sodium laurylsulfate also greatiy increased the -SH and -S-S- content, which can be expiained by the unfolding property of the molecule. The electrolysis of serum in acid medium made it possible to reduce -S--S-- groups in proteinss the response of serum to this treatment is described. The possible relation of these results to the protective action of -SH against irradiation is discussed. (auth)
Liquid-Crystal Electro-Optical Modulators For Optical Processing Of Two-Dimensional Data

In the face of the increasing need to be able to process two-dimensionally organized data, the present electronic digital processing and coherent optical data processing techniques have proven inadequate. The potential advantage of coherent optical data processing (CODP) is that, as opposed to the serially organized electronic digital computers, it can simultaneously process data on a very large number of parallel channels. The limitation to the usefulness of CODP has been the lack of a high-speed, high-spatial-bandwidth input device. This paper describes the development of a new CODP input device capable of the required speed and spatial bandwidth. The device employs an integral CCD input to accept serial electronic signals and a liquid-crystal light valve output for CODP.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cartesian displays of many interval estimates

We consider the problem of constructing static graphical representations of a large number of interval estimates. Because of clutter, traditional graphical summaries are visually ineffective for representing more then a few intervals. The Cartesian displays introduced in this article overcome the limitations stemming from visual clutter and can represent effectively very many intervals. The construction of a Cartesian display for symmetric intervals is first presented in the context of a multiple comparisons application. Generalizations involving the representation of asymmetric intervals are then introduced and used to summarize aspects of the posterior distributions of numerous parameter contrasts in two hierarchical Bayes models.
The congressional black caucus and vote cohesion: Placing the caucus within house voting patterns

Roll-call votes of African American representatives are explored to dis cern more explicitly the ideological cohesiveness of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and factors that affect vote choice. We use adjusted Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) scores. The adjustment corrects for changes in the ADA's scale from year to year. The analysis is carried out focusing on CBC coherence with respect to ideological voting and potential influences on Caucus unity We pool the CBC data from the period under investigation (1971-1996) to address the impact of vari ables identified as affecting roll call voting. The findings suggest that while there is considerably more diversity within the CBC than we some times imagine, African American representatives are more cohesive with the Black Caucus on roll call behavior than they are with either their regional or state party delegations. In addition, analyses suggest that sen iority, correspondence between the president's party and the CBC, presi dential policy prefer...
Dependence of electroosmotic flow in capillary electrophoresis on Group I and II metal ions

The effect of Group I and II metal ions on electroosmotic flow in capillary electrophoresis in fused-silica capillaries is characterized. The electroosmotic mobility of aqueous mobile phases of lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium and barium acetates in fused-silica capillaries is measured as a function of pH at constant voltage. Cross contamination is avoided by using separate columns for each study and pH control is maintained with the aid of He sparging. The shape of a plot of pH vs. electroosmotic mobility depends on the particular cation used which in turn depends on the surface sorption properties of the ions. Column history is demonstrated to have an effect on electroosmotic flow and therefore retention times. The resolution of a test mixture is optimal in the lithium-based buffer.
Loss of Interferon Activity from the Medium of Cell Cultures producing Interferon

THE time course for the production of interferon in various types of cell cultures has been reported before1–4. For example, Heller3 found that chick embryo fibroblast-like (CEF) cell cultures infected with chikungunya virus began producing detectable amounts of interferon 3 h after infection. Thereafter, the concentration of interferon increased linearly for the next 21 h, reaching maximum yield 24 h after infection. We have followed the time course of interferon production in CEF cell cultures infected with chikungunya virus, but were more interested in the ultimate fate of the newly synthesized interferon after the maximum yield had been reached.
Millimeter and submillimeter wave electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

The state of the art and sub-mm EPR instrumentation is discussed in terms of radiation generation, propagation and detection as well as existing magnets. Possibilities of improving currently prevailing techniques are suggested. Examples are given illustrating the capabilities of the mm and sub-mm EPR spectrometer presently in operation at the NHMFL.
Tryptophan Emission from Trypsin and Polymer Films

THE sensitivity of the fluorescence and phosphorescence of the aromatic amino-acids to variations in their immediate environment1–6 provides one of the few tools for probing the interior of proteins in a wide range of conditions. The present studies show that for the interval 200°–300° K the phosphorescence from the tryptophans in the enzyme trypsin more closely resembles that from tryptophan in polyvinyl alcohol films (PVA) than that from tryptophan in aqueous systems. This conclusion is based on comparisons of the wavelengths at which the maxima for fluorescence and phosphorescence are observed as well as the quantum yields for emission in the various systems. Two of the most significant observations leading to this conclusion are that: (a) phosphorescence is observed at room temperature from tryptophan in either PVA or trypsin; and (b) temperature has many similar effects on the phosphorescence from tryptophan in PVA and from trypsin. In the range 77°–170° K, however, the trypsin interior seems to be less “rigid” than either a water or PVA matrix.
Minimum fluidization velocity in a 3D fluidized bed modified with an acoustic field

Abstract Fluidized beds are used in a variety of process industries because they provide uniform temperature distributions, low pressure drops, and high heat/mass transfer rates. Minimum fluidization velocity is an important factor in understanding the hydrodynamic behavior of fluidized beds, and this characteristic may be modified through high frequency (sound) vibrations. The effects caused by sound wave frequency and sound pressure level on the minimum fluidization velocity in a 3D fluidized bed are investigated in this study. Experiments are carried out in a 10.2 cm ID cold flow fluidized bed filled with either glass beads or ground walnut shell, and particle sizes ranged between 212 and 600 μm. In this study, four different bed height-to-diameter ratios are examined: H/D = 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2. Moreover, the sound frequency of the loudspeaker used as the acoustic source ranged between 50 and 200 Hz, and the sound pressure level ranged 90–120 dB. Results show that the minimum fluidization velocity is influenced by the frequency change. As the frequency increases, the minimum fluidization velocity decreases until a specific frequency is reached, beyond which the minimum fluidization velocity increases. With increasing sound pressure level, the minimum fluidization velocity decreases because the additional vibration forces imparted to the bed particles helps to loosen the bed, reducing the interparticle forces, which reduces the required energy for particle fluidization. Thus, acoustic fields provide an improvement in the ease of fluidization of these particles.
Atomic-scale bases for several properties of apatites

Abstract Differences in physical and chemical properties of fluorapatite, hydroxyapatite, and chlorapatite are discussed in the light of detailed knowledge of atomic positions provided by X-ray and neutron diffraction. For the differences in lattice constants a model has been presented which may also be applicable to substitutions of certain other atoms. Considerations of bond lengths and the newly observed monoclinic space group for synthetic chlorapatite lead to the conclusion that antiferroelectric character may be possible in both chlorapatite and hydroxyapatite. It is suggested that the lack of a local polar moment associated with Ca and F in fluorapatite may contribute to its chemical stability over hydroxyapatite (and, presumably, chlorapatite) where such polar moments do occur. The reason for preferential replacement of OH − , F − and Cl − by one another is considered in relation to statistical disorder in atomic positions, heats of formation and elastic energy. The probable role of impurities in inhibiting diffusion and in stabilizing the hexagonal space group is suggested.
Effect of three polychlorinated biphenyls on f-met-leu-phe-induced degranulation in rat neutrophils.

Abstract It has been known that polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixtures and individual congeners produce degranulation of rat neutrophils. Structure–activity relationships for congeners PCB 8 (2,4′-dichlorobiphenyl), PCB 126 (3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl) and PCB 128 (2,2′,3,3′,4,4′-hexachlorobiphenyl) were examined by correlating the extent of degranulation and cytotoxicity with molecular and physico-chemical parameters. Neutrophils were exposed to PCB congeners and then to the neutrophil activator f-met-leu-phe (fmlp). Degranulation and cytotoxicity were quantified by measuring released myeloperoxidase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, respectively. Degranulation in the absence of fmlp, that is in quiescent neutrophils, was detected only for PCB 8. Inhibition of fmlp-induced degranulation was observed for both PCB 8 (50 μ M) and PCB 128 (10 and 50 μ M). PCB 126 did not affect degranulation of quiescent or fmlp-stimulated neutrophils. Thus, effects on degranulation were observed only for ortho -substituted congeners. Cytotoxicity was observed under all conditions with PCB 8, in quiescent neutrophils with PCB 128, and in activated neutrophils with PCB 126. Structure–activity relationships revealed that effects of PCBs on neutrophil degranulation correlate with the energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital but not with torsional angle 2,1,1′,2′. This study demonstrates the importance of molecular, electronic parameters in PCB-induced effects on neutrophil degranulation.
The Accuracy of RASS Temperature Measurements

Abstract Temperature measurements obtained using radiosondes and Radio Acoustic Sounding Systems (RASS) are compared to assess the utility of the RASS technique for meteorological studies. The agreement is generally excellent; rms temperature differences are about 1.0°C for comparisons during a variety of meteorological conditions. Observations taken under ideal circumstances indicate that a precision of about 0.2°C is achievable with the RASS technique. A processor being designed for RASS should allow routine temperature measurements approaching this precision.
Analysis of cell cycle characteristics and course of the disease in ANLL.

The cell cycle characteristics of a newly diagnosed patient with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) were studied by using intravenous bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and our previously described “double-label” technique. The percentage of S-phase cells in the bone marrow (BM) biopsy were 25 % compared to 7 % from the simultaneously obtained BM aspirate. The duration of S-phase (Ts) was determined to be 4 hr and the total cell cycle time (Tc) was 16 hr. We demonstrated that the actual clinical course of this patient's illness corresponded well with the course predicted on the basis of these cell cycle measurements. Although he achieved aplasia in response to two successive courses of induction chemotherapy, leukemic cells repopulated the marrow, producing a rapidly rising PB white blood cell (WBC) count with a T1/2 of approximately 20 hr each time. It is likely that the resistance of this patient's leukemia to therapy was a result of the rapid proliferative rate of his leukemic cells and not due to the inability of chemotherapeutic agents to kill a large number of cells. Since the measurements can be completed within 48 hr, measuring Ts and Tc will provide a better understanding of the biological differences that exist between patients with ANLL.
Temporal separation of two fin whale call types across the eastern North Pacific

Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) produce a variety of low-frequency, short-duration, frequency-modulated calls. The differences in temporal patterns between two fin whale call types are described from long-term passive acoustic data collected intermittently between 2005 and 2011 at three locations across the eastern North Pacific: the Bering Sea, off Southern California, and in Canal de Ballenas in the northern Gulf of California. Fin whale calls were detected at all sites year-round, during all periods with recordings. At all three locations, 40-Hz calls peaked in June, preceding a peak in 20-Hz calls by 3–5 months. Monitoring both call types may provide a more accurate insight into the seasonal presence of fin whales across the eastern North Pacific than can be obtained from a single call type. The 40-Hz call may be associated with a foraging function, and temporal separation between 40- and 20-Hz calls may indicate the separation between predominately feeding behavior and other social interactions.
Identification of altered function alleles that affect Bacillus subtilis PerR metal ion selectivity

Bacillus subtilis PerR is a Fur family repressor that senses hydrogen peroxide by metal-catalyzed oxidation. PerR contains a structural Zn(II) ion (Site 1) and a regulatory metal binding site (Site 2) that, upon association with either Mn(II) or Fe(II), allosterically activates DNA binding. In addition, a third less conserved metal binding site (Site 3) is present near the dimer interface in several crystal structures of homologous Fur family proteins. Here, we show that PerR proteins with substitutions of putative Site 3 residues (Y92A, E114A and H128A) are functional as repressors, but are unexpectedly compromised in their ability to sense H2O2. Consistently, these mutants utilize Mn(II) but not Fe(II) as a co-repressor in vivo. Metal titrations failed to identify a third binding site in PerR, and inspection of the PerR structure suggests that these residues instead constitute a hydrogen binding network that modulates the architecture, and consequently the metal selectivity, of Site 2. PerR H128A binds DNA with high affinity, but has a significantly reduced affinity for Fe(II), and to a lesser extent for Mn(II). The ability of PerR H128A to bind Fe(II) in vivo and to thereby respond efficiently to H2O2 was restored in a fur mutant strain with elevated cytosolic iron concentration.
Spin-lattice relaxation time of solid mixtures of O-H2 and HD

Abstract The statistical method is used to calculate the spin-lattice relaxation time T1 of solid mixtures of O-H2 and HD. The results fit the experimental data of Hardy and Gaines very well for concentration, c, greater than 1%, but deviate from the data as c becomes smaller. A possible explanation of the fast increasing T1 as a function of concentration for c
A World-Wide Web interface to an NMR spectrometer

The architecture of a multiuser World-Wide Web NMR system has been described. The essential element of the system is the hardware and software interface between the NMR spectrometer and the user on the World-Wide Web. The hardware is a UNIX computer equipped with an S-Bus digital input-output adapter and an external analog-digital converter. Software is a World-Wide Web server and a Common-Gateway Interface program written in C language. By employing the client/server paradigm, many near-simultaneous NMR sessions can take place via the well-known environment of the modern WWW browsers. The interface can be viewed as an inexpensive migration path to upgrading older instrumentation offering much improved capabilities, e.g., faster sampling rates.
Model Blacks or “Ras the Exhorter”: A Quantitative Content Analysis of Black Newspapers’ Coverage of the First Wave of Afro-Caribbean Immigration to the United States

This article examines the depiction of first-wave West Indian immigrants to the United States in Black print culture in the early 20th century. The authors conduct a series of content analyses of four newspapers that had wide circulation in the Black community between 1910 and 1940. Each content analysis serves as an empirical test one of four common hypotheses about ethnic differentiation between West Indians and African Americans: (a) the group consciousness hypothesis, (b) the racial nationalism hypothesis, (c) the radical politics hypothesis, and (d) the model minority hypothesis. The authors find very little empirical support for either the group consciousness hypothesis or the racial nationalism hypothesis and find only a modicum of support for the radical politics hypothesis. Finally, the authors find evidence confirming the model minority hypothesis. They also find that the Black press presented an accurate portrayal of the West Indian immigrants’ socioeconomic advantages to native-born Blacks.
Developmental Regression and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in a Child With Autism

Autistic spectrum disorders can be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. We present a singleton case of developmental regression and oxidative phosphorylation disorder in a 19-month-old girl. Subtle abnormalities in the serum creatine kinase level, aspartate aminotransferase, and serum bicarbonate led us to perform a muscle biopsy, which showed type I myofiber atrophy, increased lipid content, and reduced cytochrome c oxidase activity. There were marked reductions in enzymatic activities for complex I and III. Complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase) activity was near the 5% confidence level. To determine the frequency of routine laboratory abnormalities in similar patients, we performed a retrospective study including 159 patients with autism (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV and Childhood Autism Rating Scale) not previously diagnosed with metabolic disorders and 94 age-matched controls with other neurologic disorders. Aspartate aminotransferase was elevated in 38% of patients with autism compared with 15% of controls (P <.0001). The serum creatine kinase level also was abnormally elevated in 22 (47%) of 47 patients with autism. These data suggest that further metabolic evaluation is indicated in autistic patients and that defects of oxidative phosphorylation might be prevalent.
Pure‐Tone Octave Masking in Normal‐Hearing Listeners

Octave masking in normal‐hearing listeners was investigated at four different primary masker frequencies (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz) as a function of intensity and phase. Slopes of phase‐locked octave masking functions were found to increase with frequency of the primary masker, from less than 1.0 dB/dB at 250 Hz to greater than 3.0 dB/dB at 2000 Hz. The monaural octave masking phase effect was considerably larger at low primary frequencies (as large as 30 dB) than at high primary frequencies (no larger than 15 dB), and the phase effect decreased or disappeared entirely at intense primaries. Maximum and minimum masking were found at phase angles of 90° and 270°, respectively, irrespective of frequency and intensity of the primary masker. Implications of these results about distortion in the auditory system are discussed.
Geophysical Surveys in the Vicinity of Sanitary Landfills in Northeastern Illinoisa

Electrical earth resistivity and soil temperature surveys have been conducted in the vicinity of four sanitary landfills in northeastern Illinois to test the possibility of detecting and tracing any chemical or temperature alteration of ground water by leachates from buried refuse. Reference data on water quality, levels, and movement were provided by a system of monitor wells drilled for a hydrogeologic study of the landfills. The resistivity survey, which was in homogeneous silty sand outwash, traced mineralized water from the landfill for a distance of more than 1000 feet. Apparent resistivity values were one fourth those obtained from unaffected areas. Interpretations of direction of ground-water flow and location of discharge boundaries from the geophysical data agree vith interpretations based on the monitor well data. The soil temperature survey indicated the presence of a halo of higher temperatures around the landfill and indicated areas of surface recharge. The geophysical surveys show, in general, that chemically altered water is traceable in uniform earth materials where the depth of the water table is constant.
Synchronization of oscillating reactions in an extended fluid system.

We present experiments on the synchronization of a dynamical, chemical process in an extended, flowing, fluid system. The oscillatory Belousov-Zhabotinsky chemical reaction is the process studied, and the flow is an annular chain of counterrotating vortices. Azimuthal motion of the vortices is controlled externally, enabling us to vary the type of transport. We find that oscillations of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction synchronize throughout the extended fluid system only if transport in the flow is superdiffusive, with tracers in the flow undergoing rapid, distant jumps called Levy flights.
Superconducting contacts for top-loading dilution refrigerators

Abstract Superconducting contacts made of niobium capillary supported by a brass sleeve were made for use in top-loading dilution refrigerators. The critical current of the joints produced in this manner varied between 3 and 40 mA, with a lower limit of 0.7 mA.
Duplex ultrasonography detects clinically significant anomalies of penile arterial vasculature affecting surgical approach to penile straightening.

Abstract Objectives To determine the frequency of aberrant penile arterial anatomy in men with Peyronie’s disease (PD) and the potential impact on the surgical approach to penile straightening. Methods A retrospective analysis of 63 consecutive men undergoing penile duplex ultrasonography in preparation for penile straightening surgery was performed. They were compared with a group of 61 men with erectile dysfunction (ED) undergoing penile duplex ultrasonography during the same period. Results Arterial anomalies distal to the pubic symphysis were noted in 44% of men with PD and 46% of men with ED. The most common anomaly observed was crossing cavernosal arteries seen in 37% of the men with PD and 39% of the men with ED. Distal perforators of the dorsal artery supplying the cavernosal bodies were observed in 10% and 8% of the men with PD and ED, respectively. No difference was found in the overall frequency or type of arterial anomalies between the two groups. Conclusions Men with PD have a high prevalence of arterial anomalies, including distal perforating arteries. Their preoperative evaluation should include duplex ultrasonography with delineation of the penile arterial anatomy. This will aid in surgical planning and potentially prevent maneuvers that may adversely affect the cavernosal blood supply and place the patient at risk of postoperative ED.
The impact of three interfaces for 360-degree video on spatial cognition

In this paper, we describe an experiment designed to evaluate the effectiveness of three interfaces for surveillance or remote control using live 360-degree video feeds from a person or vehicle in the field. Video feeds are simulated using a game engine. While locating targets within a 3D terrain using a 2D 360-degree interface, participants indicated perceived egocentric directions to targets and later placed targets on an overhead view of the terrain. Interfaces were compared based on target finding and map placement performance. Results suggest 1) non-seamless interfaces with visual boundaries facilitate spatial understanding, 2) correct perception of self-to-object relationships is not correlated with understanding object-to-object relationships within the environment, and 3) increased video game experience corresponds with better spatial understanding of an environment observed in 360-degrees. This work can assist researchers of panoramic video systems in evaluating the optimal interface for observation and teleoperation of remote systems.
Functional relationships of the sialyltransferases involved in expression of the polysialic acid capsules of Escherichia coli K1 and K92 and Neisseria meningitidis groups B or C

Polysialic acid (PSA) capsules are cell-associated homopolymers of alpha2,8-, alpha2,9-, or alternating alpha2,8/2,9-linked sialic acid residues that function as essential virulence factors in neuroinvasive diseases caused by certain strains of Escherichia coli and Neisseria meningitidis. PSA chains structurally identical to the bacterial alpha2,8-linked capsular polysaccharides are also synthesized by the mammalian central nervous system, where they regulate neuronal function in association with the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). Despite the structural identity between bacterial and NCAM PSAs, the respective polysialyltransferases (polySTs) responsible for polymerizing sialyl residues from donor CMP-sialic acid are not homologous glycosyltransferases. To better define the mechanism of capsule biosynthesis, we established the functional interchangeability of bacterial polySTs by complementation of a polymerase-deficient E. coli K1 mutant with the polyST genes from groups B or C N. meningitidis and the control E. coli K92 polymerase gene. The biochemical and immunochemical results demonstrated that linkage specificity is dictated solely by the source of the polymerase structural gene. To determine the molecular basis for linkage specificity, we created chimeras of the K1 and K92 polySTs by overlap extension PCR. Exchanging the first 52 N-terminal amino acids of the K1 NeuS with the C terminus of the K92 homologue did not alter specificity of the resulting chimera, whereas exchanging the first 85 or reciprocally exchanging the first 100 residues did. These results demonstrated that linkage specificity is dependent on residues located between positions 53 and 85 from the N terminus. Site-directed mutagenesis of the K92 polyST N terminus indicated that no single residue alteration was sufficient to affect specificity, consistent with the proposed function of this domain in orienting the acceptor. The combined results provide the first evidence for residues critical to acceptor binding and elongation in polysialyltransferase.
Logistic models of structured population growth

Abstract A general model of structured population dynamics with logistic-type nonlinearity is considered. The model consists of a semilinear hyperbolic partial differential equation with a linear boundary condition and an initial value. The logistic nonlinearity corresponds to increased mortality as the population increases. The problem is treated as an abstract semilinear evolution equation. Sufficient conditions are given for the solutions to converge to an equilibrium solution. Applications are made to age-structured populations, size-structured populations, multispecies-structured populations, and cell populations.
Protein synthesis induced by heat in an Ixodes tick

Abstract We determined whether ambient temperature influences the proteins produced by Ixodes dammini ticks. Nonfed adult females were subjected to temperature pulses, and 35 S-labeled methionine was injected into the hemocoel or used as an incubation medium for excised salivary glands. Heat-induced protein synthesis was observed in both whole-body and excised salivary gland preparations from nonattached ticks solely when ambient temperature was raised to 42°C. The approximate M r of each protein was 88 kilodaltons (kDa), 75 and 74 kDa, and between 21 and 27 kDa for a group of lower molecular weight proteins. In another experimental series, ticks were allowed to attach to rabbits and then were subjected to temperature pulses. The 88 and 74 kDa proteins were present in preparations from nonheated ticks that had attached for 1 h. Only small amounts of these proteins were evident in tissues prepared from ticks attached for 2 days or more. Heat-induced proteins became apparent in ticks that were incubated at 42°C, regardless of time of attachment.
Flood Nonstationarity in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions of the United States

AbstractA case study examining aspects of nonstationarity in the estimation of flood magnitudes in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic United States is presented here. The focus is on challenges posed by changes in the number and location of stream gauges over time to assess climate variability and land-use land-cover (LULC) change impacts. The study shows that statistical outliers are spatially aligned with LULC change from urbanization independently of time period and record length across the region with substantial increases (>30%) in the magnitude of the 25-year and 100-year events since 1950. Large amplification (>10) of the ratio of flood magnitude to the mean annual flood was detected in expanding urban areas, but only systematically for the 100-year event, suggesting that existing infrastructure constrains the sensitivity of flood response for events below applied engineering design criteria. Overall, annual streamflows do not exhibit statistically significant trends (98% cfl), except for positive tren...
Charge-symmetry violation in neutron-proton elastic scattering at En=183 MeV.

Measurements of the spin dependence of {ital n}-{ital p} elastic scatteing at {ital E}{sub {ital n}}=183 MeV have been carried out with polarized neutrons and polarized protons. If charge symmetry holds, the two analyzing powers {ital A}{sub {ital n}} and {ital A}{sub {ital p}} must be equal. The measured value of {Delta}{ital A}=={ital A}{sub {ital n}}{minus}{ital A}{sub {ital p}}, averaged over the angular range 82.2{degree}{le}{theta}{sub c.m.}{le}116.1{degree}, is (33.1{plus minus}5.9{plus minus}4.3){times}10{sup {minus}4}. This result represents clear evidence of charge-symmetry violation in the strong interaction. The measurement agrees well with predictions from meson-exchange theory when these include the isospin mixing of the {rho}{sup 0} and {omega}{sup 0} mesons.
Failure Analysis of Cap Screws in a Diesel Engine Front Gear Train

Two failures of the front gear train cap screws of a diesel engine in a marine vessel are investigated. Fractured cap screws were present in both failures. The cap screws’ strength was compared to standards. The thread engagement was also analyzed. In one failure, the cap screws used did not comply with the standard properties and in the other failure, improper thread engagement resulted in fast fracture after few load cycles.
Forum: the prison reentry industry

This forum addresses the emerging Prison Reentry Industry (PRI). It features articles and essays from authors on three continents, and from a variety of perspectives. The authors included here range from ex-prisoners and current prisoners, PRI workers and activists, former prisoners now involved in academic and policy research, critics and practitioners. Together these essays mark a first effort to bring a number of perspectives to bear on a growing and already vast array of programs, in the United States and beyond. From these perspectives, the hope is that the criticism brought forward here will help stimulate debate and reform in future discussions about a processes that affect the lives of millions of people world-wide.
Early Imaging Correlates of Subsequent Motor Recovery after Stroke

There is unexplained variability in the extent to which patients recover after stroke, particularly from the reference point of the first few days after onset. Among studies tracking motor impairment and recovery, only 30–50% of the variance of recovery is explained by the most commonly reported predictors --lesion volume and initial stroke severity 1, 2. We hypothesized that functional imaging early after stroke could provide information over and above initial severity and lesion volume about the degree of subsequent recovery. Several prior functional imaging studies have reported altered brain activation patterns in patients at various stages of motor recovery after stroke3–6. These studies describe brain activation related to concurrent recovered performance at the time of scanning that differs to varying degrees from what is seen in age-matched controls. In this study we used functional imaging to ask a specific and unique question about motor recovery after stroke: can functional imaging in the early period after stroke detect brain activation related to subsequent recovered performance? Should such activation be identified then it could serve as a physiological target for intervention (e.g. non-invasive brain stimulation) in this early time period. To investigate whether brain activation early after stroke can be correlated with subsequent recovery, we scanned patients approximately 48 hours after stroke using fMRI, and defined recovery as the change in motor impairment from the time of scanning to a follow up point 3 months later. We used 3 different statistical tests: 1) a multivariate test, which is most sensitive to spatially diffuse activation, 2) voxel-wise statistical parametric mapping (SPM), which is most sensitive to focal activation, and 3) primary motor cortex (M1) region of interest (ROI) analysis, which is most sensitive to average activation within this region. The ROI analysis was chosen to test existing hypotheses implicating M1 and the corticospinal tract in recovery.7–9 All tests controlled for lesion volume and initial stroke severity, as well as other established clinical variables.
On the determination of the chemical shift anisotropy for protons by liquid crystalline phases

Abstract The chemical shift anisotropy for protons of partially oriented molecules was studied, using p,p′-di-n-hexyloxyazoxybenzene (HAB) and a lyotropic mesophase (D 20 C 10 H 21 SO 4 NaC 10 H 21 OHNa 2 SO 4 system) as liquid crystalline phases. The anisotropic chemical shifts obtained in the lyotropic mesophase were compared with those obtained in the HAB solution. They have nearly the same values, although the two liquid crystalline phases used are quite different. A brief discussion is made of the reference substances. The results obtained in this work are consistent with the orientation of the long axis of the lyotropic mesophase perpendicular to the applied magnetic field.
Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. An improved chemical synthesis of 26-oxygenated delta 8(14)-15-ketosterols having the 25R configuration.

Abstract (25R)-3β,26-Dihydroxy-5α-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (I) was synthesized in four steps from (25R)-3β,26-diacetoxycholesta-5,7-diene (III) in 30% overall yield. Isomerization of III with HCI in chloroform-dichloromethane at −60°C gave (25R)-3β,26-diacetoxy-5α-cholesta-7,14-diene together with the 5 α - Δ 8,14 and 5 β - Δ 8,14 isomers in a 5:1:1 ratio. Epoxidation of the crude diene mixture with m -chloroperbenzoic acid, followed by hydrolysis in acetone containing concentrated HC10 4 (0.1%) gave (25R)-3β,26-diacetoxy-5α-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (VIII), accompanied by numerous minor byproducts, including the 5 α ,14 β - Δ 7 , 5 α , 14 β - Δ 8 and 5 β ,14 β - Δ 8 isomers of VIII. All four 15-ketosterol esters were isolated by chromatography and fully characterized by mass spectrometry and 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance. Treatment of VIII with potassium carbonate in degassed methanol gave I.
Key features of effective citizen–state child welfare partnerships: Findings from a national study of citizen review panels

Abstract Objective This study reports findings from a national study of citizen review panels (CRPs) for child protective services, examining the relationships between previously identified panel characteristics (including information flow between CRPs and states, group cohesion and panel self-governance) and perceptions of CRP effectiveness. Methods Panel members from 32 states and Washington, D.C. ( n = 426) and CRP coordinators in 30 states and D.C. ( n = 42) completed surveys regarding the functioning of their panels, which contained measures of perceived information flow, group cohesion, and self-governance in the panel member survey, and an assessment of CRP federal mandate fulfillment in the coordinator survey. Regression and path analyses were conducted to assess the relationship of these panel characteristics to members' perceived positive impact upon child welfare and to coordinators' assessments of CRP mandate fulfillment. Results Perceived information flow between panels and states, group cohesion and self-governance explained 53% of the variance in CRP members' perceptions of effectiveness. These same characteristics, as well as use of existing citizen volunteer panels (such as foster care review boards) instead of panels created solely for CRP work, explained 21% of the variance in CRP coordinators' assessment of their panels' mandate fulfillment. Conclusions These findings support prior research identifying these group characteristics as important in promoting effective CRP efforts, and help clarify how these characteristics work together to support effective citizen–state partnerships. However, relationships between panel characteristics and coordinators' assessments of CRP mandate fulfillment were not as strong, indicating the presence of other, unknown influences upon their perceptions of CRP efforts. This indicates a need for further study of state agency and other stakeholder perspectives pertaining to CRPs and, likely, to the more general topic of citizen review in child welfare. Practice implications The model suggests that the panels should be as autonomous as possible, that information should be shared consistently with the panels, and that states should establish their CRPs with the intent to build relationships between panel members and state agencies which will lead to authentic collaboration. Recommendations are given for how CRP coordinators and citizen volunteers can use these findings to strengthen CRP efforts.
Play Behaviors of Children Undergoing Bone Marrow Aspiration

A play intervention that focused on the bone marrow aspiration (BMA) procedure was carried out with 15 children who had a diagnosis of leukemia. Each play session was tape recorded. Examination of the process and the content of the play sessions revealed certain commonalities in the children's play behavior. The children tended to play out the BMA as an event in which minimal or no verbal interaction occurred between the child and the adults who were present during the procedure. In addition, inaccuracies in or absence of content related to the procedure was noted. The children's patterns of play were similar to those reported in the literature on play therapy.
FRET from SERCA to Phospholamban is Decreased by Thapsigargin and Anti-PLB Antibody, but not by Calcium

To investigate the regulation of SERCA by phospholamban (PLB) we measured FRET from CFP-SERCA to YFP-PLB. In permeabilized cells, anti-PLB antibody significantly decreased SERCA-PLB FRET consistent with other groups’ chemical crosslinking, immunoprecipitation (IP), and functional assays. However, FRET was not abolished by millimolar calcium, suggesting that PLB still interacts with calcium-bound pump. This result contrasts with crosslinking and IP results, but is in harmony with another lab's in vitro FRET studies. In intact cells, SERCA-PLB FRET was decreased by thapsigargin (TG). This observation is compatible with other studies that reported a loss of PLB-SERCA crosslinking with TG but appears inconsistent with reported IP experiments. We measured FRET in a heterogeneous population of cells displaying a wide range of protein concentrations. We observed a decrease in the apparent affinity of PLB for SERCA in the presence of TG. Thus, PLB-SERCA binding was decreased by TG in cells expressing a low protein concentration, but the interaction persisted at high protein concentration. The present results may help reconcile contrasting results reported in the literature and enhance our understanding of the regulation of SERCA by PLB.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Determination of optimal monopolar coagulation settings for upper GI bleeding in a pig model.

Background Monopolar electrocautery has had a limited role in the endoscopic therapy of nonvariceal upper GI bleeding because of the lack of specifically designed endoscopic instruments and limited data on how to use this technology for endoscopic applications. Objective To determine the optimal power settings and durations of endoscopic monopolar electrocautery for nonvariceal gastric bleeding. Design Twelve pigs underwent creation of cautery lesions by using a novel monopolar electrocautery device designed for endoscopic hemostasis control. The efficacy as measured by the depth of cautery and safety of monopolar electrocoagulation were evaluated in acute and survival phases. Interventions Monopolar electrocautery was applied to the stomach with power settings of 25, 50, and 75 W for durations of 2 to 5 seconds. Main Outcome Measurement The extent of cautery injury was assessed histologically by a blinded pathologist. Results An optimal cautery effect was achieved with 50 W of power and durations of cautery of 2 and 3 seconds. For 25 W, durations of cautery of 4 and 5 seconds resulted in good but often superficial cautery effect. For 75 W, durations of cautery of 2 and 3 seconds resulted in good cautery effect, but with marginal safety. The visual diameter of monopolar cautery lesions correlated with the histological depth of the cautery lesions. No adverse effects were observed. Limitations Study conducted in a nonbleeding pig stomach model; thus, results may not apply to control of GI bleeding in patients. Conclusions Based on a nonbleeding pig model, we suggest that the initial settings for monopolar soft coagulation in clinical use should be 50 W for 2 to 3 seconds.
Intramuscular gene transfer of interleukin-10 reduces neutrophil recruitment and ameliorates lung graft ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has potent anti-inflammatory properties but its direct effects on neutrophil trafficking in lung transplant ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury are unknown. This study was performed to determine if recipient intramuscular IL-10 gene transfer reduces neutrophil infiltration in lung isografts and ameliorates I/R injury. Twenty-four hours before transplantation, recipient rodents received intramuscular injection with 1 × 1010 plaque-forming units (pfu) adenovirus encoding human IL-10 (hIL-10), 1 × 1010 pfu adenovirus control encoding β-galactosidase, or saline. Gene expression in muscle and plasma was confirmed. Lung grafts were harvested, stored at 4 °C for 18 h, and assessed 24 h after transplantation. Peak muscle and plasma expression of hIL-10 was achieved 24 h after gene transfer and returned to baseline by 7 days (p < 0.05 vs. controls). Gene transfer of hIL-10 reduced neutrophil sequestration and emigration in lung grafts as measured by morphometry and myeloperoxidase activity (p < 0.03 vs. controls). Furthermore, hIL-10 improved graft oxygenation and reduced lung edema (p < 0.01 vs. controls). Intramuscular gene transfer of hIL-10 releases hIL-10 protein into plasma and reduces neutrophil sequestration and emigration in lung isografts. This is associated with a reduction in I/R injury with improved isograft oxygenation and reduced tissue edema. Intramuscular gene transfer may be a useful strategy to reduce clinical I/R injury.
Sodium balance in the green turtle,Chelonia mydas, in seawater and freshwater

Sodium balance in the green turtle,Chelonia mydas, has been investigated in both seawater and freshwater. In seawater the unidirectional Na efflux is 131 μM · 100 g−1 · h−1, over 90% of which is via the head region and less than 5% each is via the cloaca and the integument. After 17 days in freshwater the efflux of Na has declined by 97% and the majority is via the cloaca. The integumental efflux in freshwater is less than that in seawater indicating that a change in skin permeability, trans-skin electrical potential or pattern of blood flow has taken place. Although there are indications that Na is actively extracted from freshwater by the green turtle, this species faces a net loss of Na of the medium and the blood Na concentration falls significantly. When transferred from seawater to freshwater the turtle's orbital salt gland is turned off within 25 h after transfer. The salt gland does not become functional until 400 h after transfer from freshwater to seawater.