cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 7 – Cuprates

Publisher Summary This chapter emphasizes on the overall characteristics of cuprates. The general features arise from the layered structure involving the alternation between binding slabs and conduction slabs, with each slab consisting of one or more individual layers of atoms. All of the cuprates have the same ordered arrangement of slabs parallel to each other, and stacked along the c axis. There are alternating conduction slabs where the super current flows, and there are binding slabs that hold together the conduction slabs. The conduction slabs consist of copper oxide layers with each copper ion surrounded by four oxygen ions, and each oxygen atom bonded to two copper atoms. Each particular cuprate compound has its own specific binding slab consisting mainly of layers of metal oxides. The different types of cuprates are Bismuth, Thallium, Thallium, and Mercury. Some cuprates are tetragonal and others are orthorhombic because of either rectangular or rhombic distortion. In normal-state cuprates, holes carry the electric current, and hence in the superconducting state the Cooper pairs are positively charged. This is in contrast to classical superconductors, in which the electrical transport is by negative electrons.
Asymmetric Catalytic Meerwein–Ponndorf–VerleyReduction of Ketones with Aluminum(III)-VANOL Catalysts

We report herein an efficient aluminum-catalyzed asymmetric MPV reduction of ketones with broad substrate scope and excellent yields and enantiomeric inductions. A variety of aromatic (both electro...
The role of surgical experience in patient selection, surgical quality, and outcomes in robot-assisted radical cystectomy.

Abstract Background Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) remains one of the most complex urological procedures. Due to regionalization of bladder cancer care, there is likely an imbalance in experience among urologists performing RARC. We sought to describe changes in patient selection, surgical quality surrogates and rates of complications in relation to surgical experience. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 409 consecutive patients with bladder cancer who underwent RARC between 2006 and 2017 by a single surgeon. The cohort was divided into 4 quartiles (Q1–Q4) according to surgical experience, based on the chronologic order at which RARC was performed. Baseline, perioperative and pathologic characteristics of patients were compared among the 4 groups. 30-day and 90-day complications were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo system. The association between surgical experience (quartile) and complications was assessed using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results Median age (interquartile range [IQR] from 70–73 years), body mass index (IQR from 25 to 27 kg/m2) and preoperative glomerular filtration rate (IQR from 59 to 65 ml/min) were similar among all quartiles (all P > 0.05). Patients in Q4 had higher rates of previous abdominopelvic surgery (46.1% vs. 30.4%, P = 0.031) and American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 to 4 (72.3% vs. 47.1%, P = 0.003) compared to patients in Q1. Patients who underwent RARC in Q4 compared to Q1, had less estimated blood loss (250 ml vs. 350 ml, P 0.05), but higher among patients in Q4 compared to Q1 within 90 days (74% vs. 54%, P = 0.01). On multivariable analysis, patients in Q4 were more likely to experience any 90-day complication (OR 2.03, 95%Cl 1.11–3.70) compared to Q1. Conclusion Our results show that with surgical experience, more complex cases can be performed while continuing to improve surgical quality. Nonetheless, there appears to be a trade-off between the increase in complexity of cases performed with experience and accepting higher rates of complications.
Beyond abstinence and relapse II: momentary relationships between stress, craving, and lapse within clusters of patients with similar patterns of drug use

Given that many patients being treated for opioid-use disorder continue to use drugs, identifying clusters of patients who share similar patterns of use might provide insight into the disorder, the processes that affect it, and ways that treatment can be personalized. We applied hierarchical clustering to identify patterns of opioid and cocaine use in 309 participants being treated with methadone or buprenorphine (in a buprenorphine–naloxone formulation) for up to 16 weeks. A smartphone app was used to assess stress and craving at three random times per day over the course of the study. Five basic patterns of use were identified: frequent opioid use, frequent cocaine use, frequent dual use (opioids and cocaine), sporadic use, and infrequent use. These patterns were differentially associated with medication (methadone vs. buprenorphine), race, age, drug-use history, drug-related problems prior to the study, stress-coping strategies, specific triggers of use events, and levels of cue exposure, craving, and negative mood. Craving tended to increase before use in all except those who used sporadically. Craving was sharply higher during the 90 min following moderate-to-severe stress in those with frequent use, but only moderately higher in those with infrequent or sporadic use. People who share similar patterns of drug-use during treatment also tend to share similarities with respect to psychological processes that surround instances of use, such as stress-induced craving. Cluster analysis combined with smartphone-based experience sampling provides an effective strategy for studying how drug use is related to personal and environmental factors.
Light at Night and Disrupted Circadian Rhythms Alter Physiology and Behavior

Life on earth has evolved during the past several billion years under relatively bright days and dark nights. Virtually, all organisms on the planet display an internal representation of the solar days in the form of circadian rhythms driven by biological clocks. Nearly every aspect of physiology and behavior is mediated by these internal clocks. The widespread adoption of electric lights during the past century has exposed animals, including humans, to significant light at night for the first time in our evolutionary history. Importantly, endogenous circadian clocks depend on light for synchronization with the external daily environment. Thus, light at night can derange temporal adaptations. Indeed, disruption of natural light-dark cycles results in several physiological and behavioral changes. In this review, we highlight recent evidence demonstrating how light at night exposure can have serious implications for adaptive physiology and behavior, including immune, endocrine, and metabolic function, as well as reproductive, foraging, and migratory behavior. Lastly, strategies to mitigate the consequences of light at night on behavior and physiology will be considered.
Value chain analysis of fish in Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia

This study aims to identify value-chain actors, estimating the profit share of each actor in the chain and identifying constraints and opportunities along the fish value chain. Data from 120 sample...
Individuals with and without normal tension glaucoma exhibit comparable performance on tests of cognitive function.

Aim To evaluate aspects of cognition impacted by individuals with and without normal tension glaucoma. Methods Fifty normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and 50 control patients ≥50y of age were recruited from the UCSF Department of Ophthalmology. Demographic data and glaucoma parameters were extracted from electronic medical records for both groups. Tests of executive function [Executive Abilities: Measures and Instruments for Neurobehavioral Evaluation and Research (EXAMINER)] and learning and memory [California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition (CVLT-II)] were administered to both NTG and controls. Race, handedness, best-corrected visual acuity, maximum intraocular pressure, optic nerve cup-to-disc ratio, visual field and optic nerve optical coherence tomography parameters, and a measure of general health (Charlson Comorbidity Index) were compared between NTG and controls as well as within NTG subgroups. Multivariate linear regression was used to compare group performances on the EXAMINER battery and CVLT-II while controlling for age, sex, and years of education. Results NTG and controls were comparable with respect to age, sex, race, education, handedness, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (P>0.05 for all). Performance on the EXAMINER composite score and the CVLT-II did not differ between NTG and controls (P>0.05 for both). Conclusion This is the first prospective study in which the cognitive function of subject with NTG were evaluated using a comprehensive, computerized neurocognitive battery. Subjects with NTG do not perform worse than unaffected controls on tests of executive function, learning, and memory. Results do not support the hypothesis that individuals with NTG are at higher risk for cognitive dysfunction and/or dementia.
An Option-Based Partial Credit Item Response Model

Multiple-choice (MC) tests have been criticized for allowing guessing and the failure to credit partial knowledge, and alternative scoring methods and response formats (Ben-Simon et al., Appl Psychol Meas 21:65–88, 1997) have been proposed to address this problem. Modern test theory addresses these issues by using binary item response models (e.g., 3PL) with guessing parameters, or with polytomous IRT models. We propose an option-based partial credit IRT model and a new scoring rule based on a weighted Hamming distance between the option key and the option response vector. The test taker (TT)’s estimated ability is based on information from both correct options and distracters. These modifications reduce the TT’s ability to guess and credit the TT’s partial knowledge. The new model can be tailored to different formats, and some popular IRT models, such as the 2PL and Bock’s nominal model, are special cases of the proposed model. Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis was used to estimate the model parameters and it provides satisfactory estimates of the model parameters. Simulation studies show that the weighted Hamming distance scores have the highest correlation with TTs’ true abilities, and their distribution is also less skewed than those of the other scores considered.
Plant Turnover and Demand Fluctuations in the Ready-Mix Concrete Industry

Fluctuations in demand cause some plants to exit a market and other to enter. Would eliminating these ‡uctuations reduce plant turnover? A structural model of entry and exit in concentrated markets is estimated for the ready-mix concrete industry, using plant level data from the U.S. Census. The Nested Pseudo-Likelihood algorithm is used to …nd parameters which rationalize behavior of …rms involved in repeated competition. Due to high sunk costs, turnover rates would only be reduced by 3% by eliminating demand ‡uctuations at the county level, saving around 20 million dollars a year in scrapped capital. However, demand ‡uctuations blunt …rms’incentive to invest, reducing the number of large plants by more than 50%.
Gender differences in irritable bowel syndrome: the interpersonal connection.

Background While irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects women more than men, the reasons are unclear. Research on the female preponderance of IBS has focused on gender differences in sex-linked biological processes; much less attention has been paid to the role of psychosocial factors. Interpersonal difficulties may be one source of stress that may significantly impact on women with IBS. Because of the importance that women attach to relationships, we suspected they would be more reactive to interpersonal stress. Methods A total of 283 (M age = 41 years, F = 80%), Rome III-diagnosed IBS patients completed a test battery that included the IBS Symptom Severity Scale, McGill Pain Questionnaire, Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP), interpersonal support evaluation list (social support), Negative Interactions Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory (distress), Beck Depression Inventory, Anxiety Sensitivity Inventory, and IBS-Quality of Life as part of baseline assessment of an NIH trial. Key Results Males scored higher on two IIP scales reflecting a hostile-dominant interpersonal pattern, and reported less social support. The quality of relationship problems (more interpersonal difficulties, lower support) correlated with IBS symptom severity as measured mainly by gastroenterologists. Conclusions & Inferences Male, not female, IBS patients reported more interpersonal difficulties. Male patients—a population for whom little is known—are characterized by hostile-dominant interpersonal problems. This finding has clinical importance, given that relationship problems may influence MDs' estimation of IBS symptom severity and undermine the physician–patient relationship.
Making in the 21st Century

In this special issue, we peer into the Maker Movement and explore its potential impact on engineering and technology.
Environmentally dependent host–pathogen and vector–pathogen interactions in the Barley yellow dwarf virus pathosystem

Summary Understanding environmentally dependent variation in interspecific interactions is needed for evaluating how agroecosystems respond to abiotic stressors, including climate change. Both biotic and abiotic conditions shape crop responses to stress events, but interactions between environmental conditions and insect borne plant pathogens remain poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that drought stress, as applied by experimental water deprivation, drives conditional outcomes in host–pathogen and host–vector interactions using a cereal–aphid–virus association and greenhouse experiments. Under conditions of ample water supply, infection of wheat plants with Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) resulted in reduced above-ground growth, seed set, seed yields and seed germination compared with plants exposed only to non-infected (non-viruliferous) aphids or control plants not subjected to aphid infestation. However, when water was chronically limiting, infection with Barley yellow dwarf virus did not significantly affect plant performance. When wheat was subjected to acute drought stress, plants infected with Barley yellow dwarf virus surpassed both control plants and plants exposed to non-infected aphids in all measured performance traits. Feeding experiments with aphid vectors (Rhopalosiphum padi) and subsequent life table analysis revealed that aphid fecundity improved by 47% when feeding on Barley yellow dwarf virus-infected plants when water inputs were chronically low. However, when plants received ample water, aphid fecundity was enhanced by only 23% from feeding on BYDV-infected plants. Synthesis and applications. Collectively, our experiments suggest that wheat– Barley yellow dwarf virus interactions shift along gradients of water stress severity and duration. When Barley yellow dwarf virus infection preceded water deprivation, plant performance was not reduced from virus infection, and infected plants recovered from severe stress events more readily than non-infected plants. However, vector–pathogen mutualism resulting in enhanced reproduction of aphids on virus-infected plants is likely to amplify direct plant injury from herbivory in the field. Our findings indicate that during periods of drought, management of Barley yellow dwarf virus infection may not be needed and infection could benefit wheat under conditions of acute water stress.
Electronic structure of metallocenes—II: Mossbauer measurements and molecular orbital descriptions of ferrocene☆

Abstract Mossbauer studies on single crystals of ferrocene confirm results obtained by magnetic perturbation techniques. These show that the molecular orbital theory in general give correct sign for the electric field gradient and is superior to a crystal field description.
Multiple antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli meningitis in a premature neonate

We present a case of multiple antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli meningitis in a premature neonate. He developed subdural empyema, hydrocephalus and seizures and was treated with six weeks of meropenem therapy, phenobarbital and serial lumbar punctures to relieve hydrocephalus. He was discharged home in stable condition.
PAVEMENT SURFACE INFORMATION NEEDS IN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

This paper summarizes some needed information on pavement surface characteristics for in-depth multidisciplinary traffic accident investigation, with emphasis on the variations and confounding effects of factors which are either not sufficiently researched or not properly appreciated and controlled in accident investigation.
The integrated data analysis and management system - A generator for enduser systems

The Integrated Data Analysis and Management System (IDAMS) was developed at the Heidelberg Scientific Center to support enduser application specialists in interactive non-routine usage and manipulation of large data collections. It evolved into an Enduser System Generator which allows to conceive, design and build applications exploiting the system's facilities for interactive data manipulation and for creation of application specific procedures.
THE IMPACT OF THE OLYMPIC MARMOT ON SUBALPINE VEGETATION STRUCTURE

A B S T R A C T The impact of Olympic marmots on subalpine meadow vegetation was examined by descriptive methods. Differential grazing and various earth moving activities of marmots produce marked vegetational contrasts between mound vegetation and the surrounding meadows, between heavily impacted and lightly impacted vegetation immediately surrounding mounds, and between vegetation in the central portion of a colony and that on its periphery. The patterns differed in degree between a dry meadow with lower production and a wet meadow with higher production. In dry meadows, marmots forage over greater distances and their impacts are less concentrated near mounds. In wet meadows, impacts are intense near mounds. Differences were documented in structural features such as species richness, equitability, and percent vegetation cover and in shifts of species composition. As marmot impact increased, graminoid species declined somewhat, palatable species declined markedly, and both ruderal and unpalatable species increased greatly. Moderate marmot activity reduced the dominance of common species and thereby enhanced community diversity. These observations emphasize that much of the natural landscape, seemingly in harmonious equilibrium with its physical environment, is strongly molded by the activities of native animals.
Screen for mutations affecting development of zebrafish neural crest

The neural crest provides a useful model to learn how cell fate diversification is regulated during vertebrate development. Our approach is to isolate zebrafish mutations in which the development of neural crest derivatives is disrupted, in order to learn about the underlying genetic mechanisms. We describe a screen in which parthenogenetic diploid embryos are examined both for visible phenotypes and for cellular defects in neural crest-derived sensory neurons recognized immunohistochemically. We present preliminary results from this screen and briefly describe a few representative mutations. We also discuss the general utility of our strategy and comment on the future directions of this approach.
The effect of low birthweight on the school performance and behavior of school-aged children

Abstract This study examines the school performance and behavior of children aged six to fifteen years who were born weighing less than 2500 g, compared with a group of normal birthweight children, holding constant socio-economic characteristics of the child and family. Data on 7733 children from families responding to the nationally representative 1988 National Health Interview Survey are analyzed. Overall, we find that low birthweight children are more likely to repeat a grade in school and are more likely to attend special education classes, even when holding constant the current health status of the child. We find little evidence, however, that low birthweight children have more behavioral problems than their normal birthweight peers.
Development: twists of fate in the brain.

How does the complex array of cell types and functions in the mammalian brain develop? Tracking cells by gene expression shows how their fates derive from organization within the simple embryonic neural tube.
Role of external beam radiotherapy in patients with advanced or recurrent nonanaplastic thyroid cancer: Memorial Sloan-kettering Cancer Center experience.

Purpose External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) plays a controversial role in the management of nonanaplastic thyroid cancer. We reviewed our institution's outcomes in patients treated with EBRT for advanced or recurrent nonanaplastic thyroid cancer. Methods and Materials Between April 1989 and April 2006, 76 patients with nonanaplastic thyroid cancer were treated with EBRT. The median follow-up for the surviving patients was 35.3 months (range, 4.2–178.4). The lesions were primarily advanced and included Stage T2 in 5 (7%), T3 in 5 (7%), and T4 in 64 (84%) patients. Stage N1 disease was present in 60 patients (79%). Distant metastases before EBRT were identified in 27 patients (36%). The median total EBRT dose delivered was 6,300 cGy. The histologic features examined included medullary in 12 patients (16%) and nonmedullary in 64 (84%). Of the 76 patients, 71 (93%) had undergone surgery before RT, and radioactive iodine treatment was used in 56 patients (74%). Results The 2- and 4-year overall locoregional control rate for all histologic types was 86% and 72%, respectively, and the 2- and 4-year overall survival rate for all patients was 74% and 55%, respectively. No significant differences were found in locoregional control, overall survival, or distant metastases-free survival for patients with complete resection, microscopic residual disease, or gross residual disease. Grade 3 acute mucositis and dysphagia occurred in 14 (18%) and 24 (32%) patients, respectively. Late adverse toxicity was notable for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube use in 4 patients (5%). Conclusion The results of our study have shown that EBRT is effective for locoregional control of selected locally advanced or recurrent nonanaplastic thyroid malignancies, with acceptable acute toxicity.
LOCAL RATES OF RESPONDING AND REINFORCEMENT DURING CONCURRENT SCHEDULES

The literature was searched for information about the local rates of responding and reinforcement during concurrent schedules. The local rates of reinforcement obtained from the two components of a concurrent schedule were equal when a long-duration changeover delay was used and when many sessions were conducted, except when the two components provided different simple schedules. The local rates of responding were equal under some conditions, but they differed when one component provided a ratio and the other an interval schedule. Across schedules, local rates of reinforcement changed with changes in the schedule of reinforcement. Local rates of responding did not change with changes in change-over-delay duration but did with changes in the changeover ratio and with changes in the programmed rates of reinforcement. The results generally conform to the Equalizing and Melioration Principles and help to clarify current statements of the Matching Law. The results also suggest that changes in the local rates of responding and reinforcement may be orderly across schedules.
Directions for security and privacy for semantic e-business applications

Developing secure semantic e-business applications requires focusing first on securing the Semantic Web, knowledge management, and e-business processes.
Sediment failure and sedimentary framework of the wilmington geotechnical corridor, U.S. atlantic continental margin

Abstract Seaward of New Jersey and the Baltimore Canyon Trough, a 7500 km2 corridor across the continental margin was studied in detail using geotechnical and geophysical techniques. The objective of the study was to identify the sedimentary pattern and bottom processes which have occurred and are active on the continental margin. Delineation of a mid-Pliocene unconformity, present throughout most of the corridor, permits an evaluation of the Quaternary sedimentation pattern and its variability. Sediment failure characterized by large slide blocks and thin layer slide deposits was found on the continental slope and rise within the Quaternary sediments. Spencer and Wilmington Submarine Canyons have been active in channeling large volumes of sediment to the lower slope and rise. An increase in sediment thickness near Wilmington Canyon indicates the importance and activity of the Delaware Bay drainage system during the Pleistocene. Although both Spencer and Wilmington are as old as late Tertiary the Wilmington Valley on the lower slope and rise is a recent topographic feature. Based on geophysical data the numerous valleys that dissect the continental slope and rise appear to be active periodically in the seaward transport of sediment to the deep sea.
Equations of Camassa-Holm type and Jacobi ellipsoidal coordinates

We consider the integrable Camassa-Holm (CH) equation on the line with positive initial data rapidly decaying at infinity. On such a phase space we construct a one-parameter family of integrable hierarchies that preserves the mixed spectrum of the associated string spectral problem. This family includes the CH hierarchy. We demonstrate that the constructed flows can be interpreted as Hamiltonian flows on the space of Weyl functions of the associated string spectral problem. The corresponding Poisson bracket is the Atiyah-Hitchin bracket. Using an infinite dimensional version of the Jacobi ellipsoidal coordinates, we obtain a one-parameter family of canonical coordinates linearizing the flows. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computationally Efficient IFFT/FFT Approximations for OFDM

Both the modulation and demodulation of an OFDM signal involves a Fourier transform in which the implementation requires several multiplications. These multiplications require significant hardware resources in FPGA and ASIC devices. Significant cost and speed improvements would follow if the number of multiplications could be reduced. Our approach eliminates the multiplications and is based on three observations that are somewhat independent of each other. First, the subcarrier modulation must be QAM, including QPSK and BPSK. Secondly, an approximation of the sin/cos basis waveforms by square type pulses transforms the multiplications by sin/cos to simple additions. Thirdly, over sampling of the signals puts the harmonics of the square type pulses outside the bandwidth of the OFDM signal. Limiting the scope to QAM signals has the benefit of the input signal having only N levels which can be decomposed into binary pulses. Hence, the Fourier transform can be transformed into simple multiplies of type +/-2n, which are further reduced to logic shifts and additions. Since most practical OFDM systems use QAM modulation, this restriction is of little concern. The proposed method can be used to approximate any OFDM modulation to any degree of precision and it can be used both in transmitters and receivers.
College Education and Motherhood as Components of Self-concept: Discrepancies between Implicit and Explicit Assessments

Three studies examined the explicit and implicit self-concepts of college women. Participants completed self-report measures and implicit association tests measuring identification with the concepts “college education” and “motherhood.” Explicitly, participants identified more with college education than with motherhood. Implicitly, however, participants identified more with motherhood than with college education. The dissociation between mean levels of explicit and implicit identifications was more pronounced for students without children than for mothers (Study 2). In line with principles of affective – cognitive consistencies, the more motherhood was linked to the self, the stronger the correlation between attitude toward motherhood and self-esteem (Study 3). The findings show a clear discrepancy between explicit and implicit self-knowledge and reveal that motherhood plays a more important role in the self-concept of undergraduate women than self-reports would suggest.
Stimulating Exchange in International Joint Ventures: An Attachment-based View

This study distinguishes between personal and structural attachments and examines how these two types of attachments stimulate exchange in IJVs. Analysis of archival and survey data from 255 IJVs in China suggests that both personal and structural attachments contribute to IJV performance, but the rates of contribution of these attachments to IJV profitability diminish as the attachments increase. Moreover, personal and structural attachments strengthen each other in their respective influences on IJV performance.
Murine atrial HL-1 cells express highly active peptidylglycine α-amidating enzyme

Abstract Peptidylglycine-α-hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHM; EC 1.14.17.3) catalyzes the rate limiting step in peptide α-amidation, a posttranslational modification that is essential for receptor recognition and signal transduction. Secretory granules of the cardiac atrium contain the highest natural concentration of PHM and clearly demonstrate regulation of PHM expression and activity. The HL-1 atrial myocyte cell line faithfully maintains the differentiated phenotype of native atrial cells and thus provides an in vitro model system for investigating the mechanisms that regulate PHM. We observed that the specific activity of PHM expressed in HL-1 cells is five times higher than that found in rat atrium. The increased activity of HL-1 cell PHM was not reflected by a difference in K m for peptide substrate, change in copper optimum, altered sensitivity to inactivation by suicide inhibitor or variance in response to limited proteolysis by trypsin. Additionally, mixing experiments indicated that the increased activity in HL-1 cells versus rat atrium was not due to a diffusible factor. Based upon these findings we propose that the increased V max of HL-1 cell PHM results from a structural or conformational difference that involves either differential posttranslational modification and/or a high affinity chaperone that serves to regulate enzymatic activity by protein–protein interaction. The mechanism involved may participate in physiologic regulation of PHM.
Separate RNA-binding surfaces on the multifunctional la protein mediate distinguishable activities in tRNA maturation

By sequence-specific binding to 3' UUU-OH, the La protein shields precursor (pre)-RNAs from 3' end digestion and is required to protect defective pre-transfer RNAs from decay. Although La is comprised of a La motif and an RNA-recognition motif (RRM), a recent structure indicates that the RRM beta-sheet surface is not involved in UUU-OH recognition, raising questions as to its function. Progressively defective suppressor tRNAs in Schizosaccharomyces pombe reveal differential sensitivities to La and Rrp6p, a 3' exonuclease component of pre-tRNA decay. 3' end protection is compromised by mutations to the La motif but not the RRM surface. The most defective pre-tRNAs require a second activity of La, in addition to 3' protection, that requires an intact RRM surface. The two activities of La in tRNA maturation map to its two conserved RNA-binding surfaces and suggest a modular model that has implications for its other ligands.
From Invisible Child to Abject Maternal Body: Crises of Knowledge in Edna O'Brien'sDown by the River

Edna O'Brien's novel Down by the River describes the crises of knowledge engendered by Ireland's 1992 X case, in which a fourteen-year-old rape victim was forbidden to leave the country for an abortion. The novel focuses in particular on the crisis of knowledge provoked when the invisible Irish female child enters the symbolic order as a newly-gendered subject who is required to identify with an abject maternal body.
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis as Long-Term Treatment for End-Stage Renal Disease

There was a signifi­ cant increase in death rates among center HD pa­ tients of 6 % per year during the course of the study. Death rates for CAPD patients decreased by 1 % per year (although this small rate of decline was not significant). Absolute death rates for CAPD patients were below those of center HD af­ ter 1985, although these differences did not achieve statistical significance. These trends were seen consistently in several analytical models and were not highly sensitive to adjustment 'methods for patient characteristics. Others have noted in­ creasing mortality rates in center HD patients in the United States. 7 Whether this relates to the ac­ ceptance of higher-risk patients or, at least in part, conversion to very short dialysis treatment times and higher mortalities related thereto in some cen­
Leading the Learner-Centered Campus

For those who advocate for greater attention to the development of the whole student, promoting a climate of student-centered learning on our campuses should be a major component of our endeavors. In Leading the Learner-Centered Campus, Harris and Cullen provide some concrete proposals for achieving student-centered learning as central to the academic enterprise. Student success in the learning process is directly linked to developing an intrinsic motivation to learn, clearly a change in emphasis from our current approach to teaching, which focuses primarily on conveying knowledge. Rather, to promote student development in this area requires adoption of learner-motivated teaching.
Old farmers, invisible farmers: Age and agriculture in Jamaica:

Increases in both the percentage and absolute numbers of elders, originally observed in industrialized countries, are now a concern for a growing number of developing countries. At present, most elders are found in rural areas where many remain active in agriculture to very advanced years. There is concern that the rural concentration of elders may have negative consequences for agricultural production. This paper presents ethnographic material from Jamaica, where agriculture occupies an important place in the life course of many elders. Contrary to popular perceptions, farming is not exclusively the domain of elderly Jamaicans, but rather occurs at various stages in the life course in ways which make such activity 'invibible" to farm surveys and agricultural development policy. Such policies fail to account for the special abilities and needs of elder farmers.
The RF Program for LAMPF II

The rf program is chosen to maintain a bucket/ bunch area ratio of at least two during rf capture, acceleration, injection, and extraction. At 0.797 GeV the beam bunch area is 0.0635 eVs. We show the behavior of the rms bunch length and dp/p during acceleration. The rf system must provide a voltage of 1.59 MV/turn for the booster and 5.0 MV/turn for the main ring.
Diffusion-limited growth of single- and double-octahedral voids in silicon and the effect of surface oxygen monolayer

The density of grown-in voids produced in silicon is controlled by a diffusion-limited flux of vacancies to the voids. This flux was computed for both single- and double-octahedral voids. It was found that if a void is initially formed as a double octahedron it would evolve into stable shape which is different from that which is observed experimentally. It is concluded that voids are initially of single-octahedral shape, but can become double-octahedral at a later stage of evolution. This morphological change is most likely caused by an oxygen monolayer at the void facets. Initially this monolayer covers only a fraction of the void surface but gradually spreads over the whole surface. The remaining spot of non-covered surface is the source of growth steps produced by 2D nucleation. When the non-covered spot becomes small, the steps may pile-up at the boundary between the non-covered and covered parts of a facet, thus giving rise to a new void. The criterion for the single-to-double transition includes oxygen concentration, cooling rate and vacancy concentration.
Comparisons of 1,3-butanediol and glycerol on several behavioral measures.

Experiments employing rats as Ss were performed to determine the behavioral effects of a prototypic synthetic nutrient, 1,3-butanediol (BD), and to compare these effects with those of glycerol. The following results were obtained: a) When administered intragastrically to semi-deprived and non-deprived rats, moderate levels of both BD and glycerol depressed voluntary running activity more than did isocaloric and isovolumetric control substances. b) For both compounds this depression increased monotonically with increasing dose level, but the effects of BD became relatively more profound than those of glycerol as dose size increased. c) Both compounds monotonically depressed food intake as a function of dose level in tests conducted 3 hr after intubation. d) The depression of food intake also occurred in restrained Ss, thus was not simply an artifact of depressed activity. e) Increasing doses of BD monotonically depressed water intake for a 3-hr period following intubation, but Ss under BD could be induced to drink extensively by administering hypertonic salt solutions. f) Increasing glycerol loads had no effect on water intake when running was permitted but increased water intake when running was not permitted. g) At the highest dose level tested BD profoundly disrupted equilibrium, but glycerol had no effect. These findings suggest that BD may act as a CNS depressant or muscle relaxant but that glycerol most probably is neither.
The Metrology of a Rastered Spot of X Rays used in Security Screening

In recent times, ionizing radiation has been used around the world to screen persons for non-medical purposes, namely to detect bulk explosives or other contraband hidden on the body including materials not registered by metal detectors. In contrast to conventional transmission or projection imaging, backscatter and forward-scatter systems employ a “flying spot” of x rays and large-area detectors. A small spot is rastered across an individual and the Compton scatter signal collected by these detectors is quickly integrated and assigned to a pixel value in an image corresponding to the transient location of the small flying spot. These systems have been controversial due in part to possible radiation health risks, and lack of independent and accurate measurements of radiation exposures to the subjects, bystanders, and operators of such systems. In this paper we will outline the techniques and instrumentation used at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to accurately determine the incident air kerma from a swept beam of x rays. We discuss in detail the response of a large-area free-air ionization chamber under the unusual temporal and spatial radiation fields delivered by commercial scanning systems and report typical values for air kerma levels as well as estimates of air kerma rates.
Aprotinin modulation of platelet activation in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass operations

Background. Aprotinin significantly decreases postoperative blood loss, yet its exact mechanism of action remains unproven. Methods. To study the cytoprotective effect on platelets, we collected blood samples from patients during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) operations performed with or without aprotinin. Analysis included whole-blood flow cytometry. Results. The highest percentages of activated platelets (positive for GMP-140 expression) were bound to leukocytes and erythrocytes in all CPB patients. Platelet-platelet activation did not reveal any marked differences between groups. However, in the platelet-cell bound region, increased ristocetin-stimulated platelet activation was observed from 30 minutes on CPB to 90 minutes after CPB with aprotinin (11.9% ± 5.1% to 33.1% ± 8.6%; p Conclusions. This study demonstrates that in the presence of aprotinin, platelets remain unstimulated during CPB and the von Willebrand GPIb-mediated activatability of platelets is preserved, thus maintaining a viable platelet population. Most important, this study reveals that these mechanisms are more related to platelet-leukocyte than to platelet-platelet interactions.
Grafting of acrylamide onto cellulosic fibers via dielectric-barrier discharge

Fully bleached kraft pulp (BKP) and thermomechanical pulp (TMP) fibers were grafted with acrylamide via dielectric-barrier discharge treatment at various treatment dosages. The results indicate that increased dielectric-barrier discharge treatment leads to the increased polymerization and incorporation of acrylamide onto fiber surfaces. Greater incorporation of poly(acrylamide) occurs on the BKP fibers than the TMP at the same treatment conditions. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicate that dielectric-barrier discharge initiated modifications to fiber surface topo-chemistry occur across the fiber such that the sheet is randomly peppered with modified areas; however, it occurs in patches on individual fibers as opposed to occurring as an evenly distributed thin film. SEM and elemental analysis also showed that the incorporation of acrylamide onto the fiber surface increases with increased treatment dosages.
Outcomes of Guided Imagery (GI) in Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer.

Background: There is an emerging recognition of the importance of Integrative Medicine in cancer care. We initiated a study evaluating the impact of GI on patients undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer.Materials and Methods: A prospective, IRB-approved study evaluating the efficacy of GI among patients receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer was completed. Eligible patients had GI sessions with an Integrative Oncology Nurse (ION) and were given the tools and were trained techniques for self practice. The study endpoints include evaluating relaxation response to GI sessions using clinical variables that represent the level of an individuals stress and anxiety. These biofeedback measures included blood pressure (BP), respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), and skin temperature (temp.) before and after the GI exercise. Further, the EQ-5D questionnaire, an established and validated tool for measuring health outcomes, was used for the subjective assessment. Patients completed the EQ-5D questionnaire prior to their first GI session (baseline data) and again at completion of radiation treatment. Patient feedback on their overall experience was collected at the end of the planned RT treatment through a satisfaction survey.Results: In all, 68 breast cancer patients have completed the protocol. The median age is 57 years. Median number of GI sessions with the ION was 4 (range: 1-6). In all cases, the parameters measured statistically significant improvement from baseline; median RR decreased from 19.6 per minute to 17.5 per minute; the mean drop of 4 beats/ minute in the pulse rate was observed. The mean drop in the systolic BP was 8.6mmHg, and the mean drop in the diastolic BP was 3.6 mmHg, and the mean skin temperature increased from 84.70F to 89.40F indicating increase in peripheral capillary flow secondary to a decrease in the sympathetic response. Results are summarized in Table 1. Overall 86% described the GI sessions as helpful, and 100% would recommend this intervention to others.Conclusion: The results of this study illustrate the positive impact of GI as measured through subjective and objective parameters. In improving the overall care of breast cancer patients there may be value to incorporating practices of Integrative Medicine. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 5039.
Fiber optic Fabry-Perot interferometric sensor interrogated by the amplified spontaneous emission of an erbium-doped fiber amplifier for geothermal applications

As a clean, reliable, and comparatively inexpensive alternative to fossil fuels, geothermal electricity generation could provide energy for fifty years or more if properly managed. Real-time and remote measurement of some key parameters of the geothermal well as well as their temporal and spatial variations can provide critical information to improve plant efficiency and optimize plant operation to accommodate a resource that is declining with time. A hermetically sealed single mode fiber extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (EFPI) sensor was developed for in-situ monitoring the temperature of geothermal wells. The amplified spontaneous emission of an erbium doped fiber amplifier was investigated as the broadband source to interrogate the fiber EFPI temperature sensor. Real-time compensation of the source spectrum distortion was investigated to improve the measurement accuracy and extend the sensor lifetime.
Uncovering Our Feminist Pedagogy: A co/autoethnography

What does it mean to be a feminist educator? How would we know if we were? We call ourselves feminist teachers and yet we have not focused on this identification and its influence on our teaching in some time. In this self-study, we set out to look at our practice-using co/autoethnography. As our study progressed, we began to realize that our research methodology seemed to align more with feminist principles than did our teaching. We became increasingly aware of how our methodology illuminated areas of our practice that may well have remained hidden. With our attention now on co/autoethnography itself, with its embrace of the autobiographical notion in sociopolitical context and an evolving epistemology, we were attentive to how co/autoethnography is itself a feminist research methodology. As we retrace our journey to this realization, we share this co/autoethnographic self-study.
A convenient cell for angle tuned nonlinear optical crystals

The performance of a convenient cell for angle tuning of nonlinear optical crystalS, in which the crystal is rotated inside an index matching fluid, is described. Using a new fluid, the cell greatly reduces beam deviation, astigmatism, and transmission loss.
Injury risk in children with asthma.

Background. Asthma is the most common chronic illness in American children. Injury is the most common acute medical condition and also the leading cause of mortality. Previous research examining possible links between pediatric asthma and injury is inconclusive. Objective. This study investigates the relationship between pediatric asthma and injury. Methods. Asthma diagnosis and multiple child, parent, and family characteristics were assessed from 878 families when children were 54 months. Parents reported child injuries regularly over the next 2.5 years. Results. Children with asthma had more injuries than children without asthma, even after controlling for child, parent, and environmental covariates. Conclusions. Four-year-old children diagnosed with asthma appear to have increased risk of injury over their peers as they enter the early elementary school years, and the authors discuss the possible causes of this relationship.
An abstract matrix model:the column model

In this paper we introduce an abstract model for matrix theory, The Column Model. We investigate some properties of the special class of partially ordered linear algebras that satisfy the conditions of the Model. We use the order structure of the Model to obtain some results on:idempotents in the Model and nonnegative elements of the Model having nonnegative generalized inverses. Since the set of m× mmatrices belongs to the special class of partially ordered linear algebras that satisfy the conditions of the Model, the results obtained hold for the set of m× mmatrices.