cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Schools, Academic Motivation, and Stage-Environment Fit

An Ecological View of Schools and Their Impact on Development During Adolescence Level 1: Classrooms Level 1: Summary Level 2: School Buildings Summary of School-Level Effects Level 3: School Districts and Secondary School Transitions Level 4: Schools as Embedded Organizations in the Larger Community Secondary School Reform Efforts Summary and Conclusions Keywords: schools; teachers; achievement; motivation; social contexts
An Upstream Oct-1- and Oct-2-Binding Silencer Governs B29 (Igβ) Gene Expression

The B cell-specific B29 (Igβ) gene is activated in the earliest B cell precursors and is expressed throughout B cell development. Tissue-specific expression of the murine B29 gene is controlled by a B cell-specific promoter whose activity is governed by a cassette of upstream transcriptional silencers. This study describes a potent new silencer that is located 5′ of the previously identified B29 silencer elements, FROG and TOAD. Like these known elements, the new B29 silencer is not restricted to the B29 promoter. Nuclear proteins from all cell lines tested interacted with this A+T-rich sequence, which closely resembled a noncanonical octamer binding motif and also conformed to the consensus sequence for nuclear matrix attachment regions. Interaction of Oct-1 and Oct-2 with the B29 A+T-rich sequence was confirmed using octamer-specific Abs. Oct-1/Oct-2 binding was required for the inhibitory activity of this sequence because mutations that blocked Oct-1/Oct-2 binding also eliminated inhibition of the B29 promoter. This B29 A+T-rich sequence specifically interacted with isolated nuclear matrix proteins in vitro, suggesting that it may also function as a matrix attachment region element. Maintenance of the level of B29 gene expression through the interaction of the minimal promoter and the upstream silencer elements FROG, TOAD, and the A+T-rich Oct-1/Oct-2 binding motif may be essential for normal B cell development and/or function.
Online appropriations: collaborative technologies, digital texts, and Shakespeare’s authority

This article considers the impact of digital technologies on Shakespeare's status as author. Digital technology encourages a more democratic engagement with literature which privileges the reader and thereby moderates the author's powerful hold over their text. As a result, it is to be expected that with the increased availability of digital tools, Shakespeare's status and conventional, universalist readings of his works might decline. Technologies have the potential to open up Shakespeare's works to new kinds of readers: these include academics studying Shakespeare's works perspectives outside the traditional disciplines of literary and performance studies, but also the general public who appropriate Shakespeare when shaping their online identities, or contribute to digital repositories of Shakespeare references. My paper considers the contradiction that while, in theory, digital technologies invite the reader to wrest control from the author, in practice those tools are sometimes used to bolster Shakespeare's universal value and genius. I consider the ultimate effect on Shakespeare's author status when digital technologies are applied to his works, and suggest that one way to measure this might be to explore appropriations of Shakespeare's characters online by individual internet users.
Low-voltage Si-Ge avalanche photodiode

Here we report a Si-Ge avalanche photodiode (APD) with a breakdown voltage of only −9.8V. The highest measured bandwidth is 12GHz at gain of 15 giving a 180GHz gain-bandwidth product at 1550nm wavelength.
Some Evidence on the Ethical Disposition of Accounting Students: Context and Gender Implications

Research into the ethical disposition of students hasbeen popular in recent years. However, research intothe ethical disposition of accounting students inparticular has been sparse. Because of the uniquecharacteristics of those who choose to enter the fieldof accounting, generalizing findings of businessstudents to accounting students may not be valid. Consequently, additional studies of accountingstudents are useful.
Distribution and form of uranium-containing deposits in chickens treated with uranyl nitrate.

The kidneys of chicks treated with uranyl nitrate were examined by electron microscopy. Most deposits of electron-dense material containing uranium were found in the lumina of distal tubules and collecting ducts of kidneys collected 12–24 hours post-treatment. Some deposits were present in extracellular spaces between adjacent cells. Only occasionally were deposits found intracellularly where they were associated with localized cellular degeneration. A generalized cellular degeneration over the whole kidney was seen 72–96 hours post-treatment, but this was not directly associated with the deposits of electron-dense material.
Differentiating thrombus from pannus formation in obstructed mechanical prosthetic valves: An evaluation of clinical, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic parameters

Abstract Objectives. We sought to determine the clinical and echocardiographic parameters that differentiate thrombus from pannus formation as the etiology of obstructed mechanical prosthetic valves. Background. Distinction of thrombus from pannus on obstructed prosthetic valves is essential because thrombolytic therapy has emerged as an alternative to reoperation. Methods. We analyzed clinical, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) data in 23 patients presenting with 24 obstructed prosthetic valves and compared the findings to pathology at surgery. Results. Fourteen valves had thrombus and 10 had pannus formation. Patients with thrombus had a shorter duration from time of valve insertion to malfunction, shorter duration of symptoms, but similar New York Heart Association functional class at the time of operation. Patients with thrombus had a lower rate of adequate anticoagulation (21% vs. 89%; p = 0.0028). Pannus formation was more common in the aortic position (70% vs. 21%; p = 0.035). Abnormal prosthetic valve motion was detected by TEE in all cases with thrombus formation but in 60% with pannus (p = 0.0198). Thrombi were larger than pannuses (total length 2.8 ± 2.47 cm vs. 1.17 ± 0.43 cm; p = 0.038). This was mostly due to extension of thrombi into the left atrium in prosthetic mitral valves. Thrombi appeared as a soft mass on the valve in 92% of cases, whereas 29% of pannuses had a soft echo density (p = 0.007). Ultrasound video intensity ratio, derived as the videointensity of the mass to that of the prosthetic valve, was lower in the thrombus group (0.46 ± 0.14 vs. 0.71 ± 0.17, p = 0.006). A videointensity ratio of Conclusions. Duration of symptoms, anticoagulation status and qualitative and quantitative ultrasound intensity of the mass obstructing a mechanical prosthetic valve can help differentiate pannus formation from thrombus and may therefore be of value in refining the selection of patients for thrombolytic therapy of prosthetic valve obstruction.
DESIRE AND SACRIFICE: SEEKING COMPLIANCE IN DESIGNATED DRIVER TALK

Media campaigns introduced the term designated driver to United States discourse in an effort to persuade people to not drink and drive. This study explores implementation of the media campaign's objective in social interactions. We describe cultural premises related to drinking and driving, facework issues in designated driver talk, and relational resources relevant to designating a driver. Although people routinely attempt to designate a driver, interpretations of the term often diverge from the goal of eliminating drunk driving. The findings emphasize that designated driver talk is constructed through interaction sequences, and that problematic issues around face threats and cultural assumptions about drinking and driving should be addressed.
Equipment process layout & inventory management

Volvo Logistics North America is currently seeking to consolidate 16 United States distribution centers into one center in Radford Virginia. Included in the scope of this project, was determining an equipment process layout and designing an inventory management tool. The overall objective was to determine the most efficient layout of process lines for receiving, sorting, inspection, and storing of customer owned equipment and develop a useable inventory tool. Deliverables requested were flow charts on processes and the inventory tool, with the only constraint being limited facility space. A visual of the current warehouse and a database capable of obtaining information from 5 of the 16 distribution centers were supplied by the sponsor. Extending the scope of the project, the team delivered a safety inspection checklist as well as packaging instructions.
Effect of Environmental Factors on Development of Rotifer and Copepod Nauplii Populations in Sunshine Bass Morone chrysops×M. saxatilis Nursery Ponds without Fish

Knowledge of the effect of environmental factors on timing and production of zooplankton populations would enable sunshine bass Morone chrysops×M. saxatilis farmers to stock fry when live food is most available and thereby increase fry survival. Relationships of morning water temperature, morning and average daily air temperature, day length, number of rain days and daily rain fall, and dissolved oxygen concentrations to time required for rotifer and copepod nauplii populations to peak in freshly filled freshwater nursery ponds was determined. Relationships of the same independent variables to concentrations of rotifers and copepod nauplii at the peak were also determined. For rotifers, day length, dissolved oxygen, and water and air temperatures were highly correlated with time to the peak density, but not concentration of rotifers. Time required for copepod nauplii densities to peak was associated with rain events; whereas, nauplii concentration was related to day length, dissolved oxygen levels and, to a lesser extent, water and air temperatures. Regression equations of the independent variables had very low predictive value for rotifer or nauplii densities or time to reach initial peak nauplii populations. Regressions of day length, morning water temperature, morning and average daily air temperature had moderate values (r2 > 0.7) for predicting time to initial peak rotifer densities.
Interactions dominate the dynamics of visual cognition

Many cognitive theories have described behavior as the summation of independent contributions from separate components. Contrasting views have emphasized the importance of multiplicative interactions and emergent structure. We describe a statistical approach to distinguishing additive and multiplicative processes and apply it to the dynamics of eye movements during classic visual cognitive tasks. The results reveal interaction-dominant dynamics in eye movements in each of the three tasks, and that fine-grained eye movements are modulated by task constraints. These findings reveal the interactive nature of cognitive processing and are consistent with theories that view cognition as an emergent property of processes that are broadly distributed over many scales of space and time rather than a componential assembly line.
Oscillations and stability of a discrete delay logistic model

Pielou's interest was to show that the tendency to oscillate is a property of the populations themselves and is independent of any extrinsic factors. The blow-fly, Lucilia cuprina, is an example of a biological population, which, according to the laboratory studies of Nicholson [3], behaves in the manner of (i) with m = i. The line of our investigation in this paper is parallel to that in [4] where the special case of (i) with m = i was studied. Let k = max{ki: i = i, 2 .... , m}. If a-k .... , a0 are k + 1 given constants, then Eq. (i) has a unique solution satisfying the initial conditions
The effect of an externally imposed magnetic field on buoyancy driven flow in a rectangular cavity

Abstract A numerical solution has been presented, describing the transient development of the fluid flow field and the temperature distribution in a rectangular cavity in the presence of an imposed magnetic field. This system is a somewhat idealized representation of physical phenomena in crystal growth in the presence of a magnetic field. It was found that the magnetic field can suppress natural convection and that the strength of the magnetic field is one of the important factors. The extent to which natural convection can be suppressed depends on the size of the system and on its geometry. Convective mass transfer may be inhibited but its total suppression would be very difficult.
Modeling Residential Exposure to Secondhand Tobacco Smoke

We apply a simulation model to explore the effect of a house's multicompartment character on a nonsmoker's inhalation exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS). The model tracks the minute-by-minute movement of people and pollutants among multiple zones of a residence and generates SHS pollutant profiles for each room in response to room-specific smoking patterns. In applying the model, we consider SHS emissions of airborne particles, nicotine, and carbon monoxide in two hypothetical houses, one with a typical four-room layout and one dominated by a single large space. We use scripted patterns of room-to-room occupant movement and a cohort of 5000 activity patterns sampled from a US nationwide survey. The results for scripted and cohort simulation trials indicate that the multicompartment nature of homes, manifested as inter-room differences in pollutant levels and the movement of people among zones, can cause substantial variation in nonsmoker SHS exposure.
An experimental technique for the direct measurement of N 2 O 5 reactivity on ambient particles

Abstract. An experimental approach for the direct measurement of trace gas reactivity on ambient aerosol particles has been developed. The method utilizes a newly designed entrained aerosol flow reactor coupled to a custom-built chemical ionization mass spectrometer. The experimental method is described via application to the measurement of the N2O5 reaction probability, γ (N2O5). Laboratory investigations on well characterized aerosol particles show that measurements of γ (N2O5) observed with this technique are in agreement with previous observations, using conventional flow tube methods, to within ±20% at atmospherically relevant particle surface area concentrations (0–1000 μm2 cm−3). Uncertainty in the measured γ (N2O5) is discussed in the context of fluctuations in potential ambient biases (e.g., temperature, relative humidity and trace gas loadings). Under ambient operating conditions we estimate a single-point uncertainty in γ (N2O5) that ranges between ± (1.3×10-2 + 0.2×γ (N2O5)), and ± (1.3×10-3 + 0.2×γ (N2O5)) for particle surface area concentrations of 100 to 1000 μm2 cm−3, respectively. Examples from both laboratory investigations and field observations are included alongside discussion of future applications for the reactivity measurement and optimal deployment locations and conditions.
Transmission of 32 channels at 10 Gbit/s over 450 km of dispersion managed cable using LEAF™ and sub-LS™ fibres

The transmission of 32 dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) channels at 10 Gbit/s over 450 km of dispersion managed cable using LEAF/sup TM/ and sub-LS/sup TM/ fibres, is demonstrated. The use of LEAF/sup TM/ fibre in the high power region of transmission effectively reduces any nonlinear effects. Q values ranging from 7.5 to 11.1 (bit error rate (BER) between 2/spl times/10/sup -14/ and 6.3/spl times/10/sup -29/) were obtained for all channels without any extra dispersion compensation at the transmitter or receiver.
Highly restricted specificity of the serine proteinase aspergillopeptidase B.

Abstract The oxidized A- and B-chains of bovine insulin were hydrolyzed with a homogeneous preparation of Aspergillopeptidase B and the resulting peptides were determined by amino acid analysis after separation by column chromatography. The enzyme showed a remarkably narrower specificity than previously reported. At 0°C the enzyme cleaved essentially only the bond Glu-Asn (position 17–18) in the A-chain and the bond Leu-Tyr (position 15–16) in the B-chain. The enzyme, therefore, would appear useful in producing limited proteolysis for structure-function studies.
Intermarriage and Impurity in Ancient Jewish Sources

Does a principle of Gentile ritual impurity motivate Israelite and late antique Jewish prohibitions of intermarriage? The answer to this question turns upon the answer to an even more basic question: is a principle of Gentile ritual impurity found in ancient Israelite and Jewish texts? Some suppose ritual impurity of Gentiles to be an ancient halakah dating perhaps to early biblical times (Schurer, Alon) and serving as the rationale for laws regulating or reducing Jewish and Gentile interactions of various kinds. Others suppose ritual impurity of Gentiles to be a legal reality only in the Second Temple or Tannaitic period (Buchler, Klawans). On such a view, Gentile ritual impurity did not serve as the rationale for older laws regulating or reducing various forms of Jewish-Gentile interaction, including intermarriage.
An investigation of the IBM 3380-K slider using laser Doppler interferometry

The dynamic characteristics of IBM 3380-K sliders are investigated using laser Doppler vibrometry, and the dependence of air bearing frequency on disk velocity, load, and yaw angle is studied. It is shown that vertical and pitch resonant modes are closely coupled and that the power in each of the modes changes with velocity or load. The measured resonant frequencies agree well with reported numerical predictions. A comparison is made with the dynamic behavior of conventional narrow-rail Winchester-type sliders. The comparison shows that the dynamic behaviors of both slider designs are very similar except for the substantially better damping properties of the IBM 3380-K slider. >
A training procedure for remediating WCST deficits in chronic psychotic patients: An adaptation of errorless learning principles

Although a number of studies have demonstrated that psychiatric patients' performance deficits on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) can be modified through intervention, relatively little evidence exists to support the long-term durability of training effects. The present study tested the effectiveness and durability of a training procedure based on errorless learning principles, and in addition sought to determine the effect of previously committed errors on training and post-training performance. Twenty-three chronic psychotic inpatients were randomly assigned to an Initial Error (n = 11) or No Initial Error (n = 12) group. The Initial Error group received two standard administrations of the WCST prior to training (where they were expected to commit many errors); the No Initial Error group had no prior exposure to the WCST. All subjects received training on the WCST which was followed by immediate, 1-, 2-, and 4-week post-tests. Results supported the effectiveness of training and the durability of effects, but previous error history showed no clear relationship to post-training performance.
Shielding of Radiation from a Plane Circular Source

The angular distribution of radiation intensity emitted from a plane circular source is altered by an attached cylindrical shield. Under the assumption of cylindrical symmetry, explicit expressions are obtained for the angular intensity distribution of the radiation emerging from the mouth of the shield. The source is characterized by an intensity which is a function of the point of emission and the direction of emission. The shield is characterized by its length-to-diameter ratio and by the reflectivity of its inner surface. The reflectivity is not necessarily uniform. The general result is an infinite series of integrals over subregions of the source area. For certain cases these integrals are evaluated in terms of elementary mathematical functions.
Gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in childhood.

Inflammation of the gastric and duodenal mucosa is the end result of an imbalance between mucosal defensive and aggressive factors. The degree of inflammation and imbalance between defensive and aggressive factors can then result in varying degrees of gastritis and/or frank mucosal ulceration. Gastritis and ulcers of the duodenum or stomach can be classified either as primary or secondary. The majority of children with chronic active or chronic gastritis and ulcers in the stomach or duodenum have secondary inflammation or mucosal ulceration. These ulcers generally occur due to a systemic condition like head trauma or overwhelming sepsis, or, as sequelae to drug ingestion (i.e., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents), but secondary gastroduodenal ulcers can also occur in specific disease conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or Crohn's disease. The different causes of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease will be discussed in this paper.
Health Promotion and the “Ideology of Choice”

AbstractAssessment and intervention in public health nursing are intricately linked to health promotion. Health promotional strategies in turn focus attention on life-style modifications. A broad base of research warns of the dangers of the “ideology of choice” that currently accompany such lifestyle-change attempts. The “ideology of choice” is inherent in pervasive views that individuals are “responsible for” and “choose” their disease. The rhetoric of individual responsibility pervades the discourse around both health promotion and health care reform. Without continual awareness of both the complex and multifaceted nature of such life-style “choices,” and the balancing of a compassionate stance toward human frailty, health promotion attempts easily degenerate into a victim-blaming stance. Public health nurses need to be particularly aware of these dangers during this period when cost constraints are generating more pervasive “ideology of choice” rhetoric, targeting those with the scarcest resources and the most profound needs.
Discovery in translation: near-infrared fluorescence imaging

When translating new imaging modalities into the clinic, one can expect new discoveries. Owing to the high photon count rates, near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) offers exquisite sensitivity and high temporal resolution that enable new insights into human disorders. Herein, the physics of NIRF are highlighted and compared to those involved in nuclear medicine techniques. The initial application of investigational NIRF involving characterization of the lymphatics in humans and animal models of human disease yields discoveries not otherwise attainable with conventional imaging.
Comparison of the unloading and reversed loading behavior of three viscoplastic constitutive theories

Abstract The predictions of three constitutive theories of viscoplasticity are compared in uniaxial homogeneous reversed loading. Previously each theory has been fitted to the same set of tensile data (E.P. Cernocky, Technical Report, University of Colorado, 1981), and here both analytical and numerical methods are used to highlight similarities and differences in the predictions of the theories. None of the theories use yield surfaces, and unloading is shown to be both inelastic and rate-dependent. Suitable combinations of strain- (stress-) rates are shown to produce unloading which appears elastic. Relaxation is examined in the unloading region, and the responses of the theories are shown to be qualitatively different. A bias is shown to exist between each theory's prediction in stress- and strain- control. A new cyclic test is demonstrated which highlights differences in the history-dependence modeled by the theories, and they are shown to have different memories for the same prior plastic deformations.
Lack of Effect of Io on Jovian 3.75-cm Emission

A RECENT investigation by Bigg1 has shown that the recording of decameter wave-length radiation from Jupiter depends not only on the Jovian longitude which faces the Earth but also on the relative position of the satellite Io in its orbit. Since the decameter bursts are probably associated with the magnetic field of the planet, I decided to see if Io had any effect on the synchrotron emission generated within the radiation belts in Jupiter's magnetosphere.
Pineal and habenula calcification in schizophrenia.

Animal data indicate that melatonin secretion is stimulated by the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and that lesions of the PVN mimic the endocrine effects of pinealectomy. Since the PVN lies adjacent to the third ventricle, I propose that periventricular damage, which is found in schizophrenia and may account for the third ventricular dilatation seen on computed tomographic (CT), may disrupt PVN-pineal interactions and ultimately enhance the process of pineal calcification (PC). To investigate this hypothesis, I conducted CT study on the relationship of PC size to third ventricular width (TVW) in 12 chronic schizophrenic patients (mean age: 33.7 years; SD = 7.3). For comparison, I also studied the relationship of PC size to the ventricular brain ratio and prefrontal cortical atrophy. As predicted, there was a significant correlation between PC size and TVW (r pbi =. 61, p <. 05), whereas PC was unrelated to the control neuroradiological measures. The findings support the hypothesis that ...
Effect of prolactin on growth, development, and epidermal cell proliferation in the hindlimb of the Rana pipiens tadpole.

Abstract Bovine prolactin (NIH) at doses of 10 or 20 μg/day significantly retarded the hindlimb growth and development of Stages V–VIII (premetamorphic) Rana pipiens tadpoles after 12 to 16 days of treatment. Prolactin also decreased proliferation in the basal cells (and in the intermediate cells in one experiment) of the hindlimb epidermis. In the tail fin, an increase in height following prolactin treatment was accompanied by a rise in the labeling index of the basal epidermal cells. The results indicate that prolactin antagonizes metamorphic changes of young tadpoles not generally considered to be at the thyroid-dependent stages of development.
Diagnosis of extracavitary primary effusion lymphoma by urine cytology

![Figure][1] A 46-year-old man with HIV, not on HAART (highly active anti-retroviral therapy), presented with abdominal pain and urinary retention. A large, suprapubic mass and inguinal lymphadenopathy was palpated on examination. Laboratory data showed renal failure, hyperuricemia, anemia,
Long-term outcome of renal transplantation in light-chain deposition disease

Abstract Background: Light-chain deposition disease (LCDD) is a monoclonal gammopathy characterized by nonamyloid deposition of light chain in various organs. A small number of kidney transplantations have been performed on LCDD patients in whom end-stage renal disease (ESRD) developed. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical and histologic findings and outcome of 7 patients with LCDD who underwent kidney transplantation at our institution. Results: Renal insufficiency, hypertension, and proteinuria were present in all 7 patients. Proteinuria level was greater than 3.5 g/24 h in 3 patients. Three patients had microscopic hematuria. Monoclonal protein was detected in the serum in 3 patients, urine in 5, and was undetectable in 2. Median age at presentation was 42.7 (range, 33 to 58) years. The most common renal biopsy findings were mesangial expansion, mesangial nodules, tubular basement membrane thickening, and tubular atrophy. Kappa light chain was detected in all 7 renal biopsy results. Five patients were on dialysis before transplantation. LCDD recurred after a median of 33.3 (range, 2 to 45) months in 5 of the 7 patients. One patient remains on dialysis, whereas the other 4 have died. One patient died of progression of multiple myeloma 3 months after kidney transplantation without evidence of recurrence. Only 1 patient remains recurrence free after 13 years with normal renal allograft function. Conclusion: Although long-term benefits are occasionally seen, renal allograft survival is reduced significantly in LCDD patients. Kidney transplantation should not be an option for LCDD patients unless measures have been taken to reduce light chain production.
The Strain Rate- and Temperature-Dependent Mechanical Behavior of Veriflex-E in Tension

In this study, the inelastic deformation behavior of Veriflex-E, a thermally-triggered shape memory polymer resin, was investigated. The experimental program was designed to explore the influence of strain rate on monotonic loading at various temperatures. In addition, the creep behavior of specimens at various temperatures was evaluated. The time-dependent mechanical behavior of the Veriflex-E resin is strongly influenced by the temperature as well as the deformation rate. Thermally-actuated shape memory polymers can be thought of as having two phases separated by the glass transition temperature (Tg ). At temperatures well below the Tg (room temperature), the Veriflex-E exhibits a high elastic modulus and positive, nonlinear strain rate sensitivity in monotonic loading. Likewise, the room temperature creep response is significantly influenced by the prior strain rate. The Poisson’s ratio at room temperature is independent of the strain rate, but dependent upon the strain magnitude. As the temperature is increased, the strain rate sensitivity in monotonic loading decreases. Well above the Tg , the elastic modulus drops by several orders of magnitude, and strong strain rate sensitivity is no longer observed in the path of the stress-strain curve. In this high temperature region, the material achieves strain levels well above 100% and the Poisson’s ratio is constant at 0.5 regardless of strain rate or strain magnitude. The creep strain, on the other hand, is significantly influenced by the prior strain rate at the elevated temperature. A slight hysteresis is observed during unloading, while recovery following unloading shows a permanent strain.
The human beta-defensin-3, an antibacterial peptide with multiple biological functions

A group of interesting molecules called defensins exhibit multiple functions but have been primarily recognized to possess a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities. Studies have reported two different types of defensins (alpha and beta) from human and animals, a cyclic theta defensin from rhesus, and several defensin-like peptides from plants. There is no amino acid sequence homology between these peptides, but they all contain three Cys-Cys disulfide linkages while the connectivities are different. Human beta-defensin-3 (HbetaD-3) is the most recently discovered member of the host-defense peptide family that has attracted much attention. This molecule is expressed either constitutively or induced upon a challenge, and a growing evidence indicates the involvement of such molecules in adaptive immunity as well. It has been shown to exhibit antibacterial activities towards Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as well as an ability to act as a chemo-attractant. Analysis of NMR structural data suggested a symmetrical dimeric form of this peptide in solution, which consists of three beta strands and a short helix in the N-terminal region. While the disulfide linkages are known to provide the structural stability and stability against proteases, the biological relevance of this dimeric form was contradicted by another biological study. Since there is considerable current interest in developing HbetaD-3 for possible pharmaceutical applications, studies to further our understanding on the determinants of antibacterial activities and immunomodulatory function of HbetaD-3 are considered to be highly significant. The knowledge of its biosynthetic regulation will also help in understanding the role of HbetaD-3 in immunity. This article presents an overview of the expression and regulation of HbetaD-3 in humans, and the structure-function correlations among HbetaD-3 and its modified peptides are discussed emphasizing the functional importance. The future scope for studies on HbetaD-3 and design of short potent antimicrobial peptides, based on the native HbetaD-3 molecule, that do not interfere in the immunomodulatory function is also outlined.
The coefficient of variation.

TEXT-BOOKS of statistics generally cite the coefficient of variation (or variability) as a measure of relative variability. While the coefficient (abbreviated to CV) is usually defined by the equation CV = 100/AM (which is the form to which these notes refer), the more general definition is of a specified measure of dispersion expressed as a percentage of some appropriate measure of central location. Simpson and Rowe1 give a list of seven formulae which by no means exhausts the logical possibilities.
Computer Face Scale for Measuring Pediatric Pain and Mood

Abstract This investigation determined the psychometric properties and acceptability of an animated face scale presented on a hand-held computer as a means to measure pediatric pain and mood. In study 1, 79 hospitalized, pediatric patients indicated their levels of pain by adjusting the expression of an animated cartoon face. The first objective was to determine feasibility, concurrent validity, and acceptability of the method. All patients were tested both with the Computer Face Scale and the poster format of the Wong-Baker Faces Scale. A second objective was to evaluate test-retest reliability of the method. In study 2, 50 hospitalized, pediatric patients were tested on 2 occasions, but in this case the patients used the Computer Face Scale to indicate both their pain (how much they hurt) and their mood (how they felt). Children in study 1 were able to use the Computer Face Scale to express relative amounts of pain/hurt; the method showed concurrent validity with the Wong-Baker Face Scale; and most children expressed a preference for the Computer Face Scale. The method also showed adequate test-retest reliability. In study 2, adequate test-retest reliability was demonstrated for ratings of both pain and mood. Perspective The Computer Face Scale allows the health provider to obtain reliable and valid measures of pediatric pain and mood. The method can be understood and used by children as young as 3 years and is appropriate for use with adults.
Experimental evaluation of a beamforming array calibration system

We have developed an automatic calibration system for arbitrary shaped array. A signal generator drove a horn antenna to provide a signal source and a spectrum analyzer was connected to the output of an 8 - channel beamformer to collect data. The entire interface was automated using LabVIEW, which included a program to upload the weights to the beamformer, control system for the signal generator, spectrum analyzer and a rotator. Our calibration method involved connecting each of the eight channels on the beamformer to an eight to one relay that would select one channel to pass through to the output of the relay. Then we connected one port of a vector network analyzer (VNA) to the output of the 1 to 8 relay and the other port of the VNA to the output of the beamformer. The algorithm for calibration would have the VNA apply a weight to one of the channels at a time, and the VNA would read the output. A LabVIEW program would switch through all eight channels storing the applied weights and the outputted weights. Then it would compare all eight weights and find the channel with the largest error and correct that channel. The program would loop until the total error was within a user set threshold. After calibration we ran beamforming and nullsteering tests in the anechoic chamber at various angles to test the accuracy of the beam or null point angle, the side lobe level and the depth of null. The test results show that the calibrated array has a much improved beam pattern comparing with the one without calibration and it is very close to the simulated pattern. We improved the general accepted approaches by introducing an automatic system with a properly defined calibration procedure, thus freeing people from tedious, time consuming calibration process.
Inhibitory beta adrenergic receptors in the human distal esophagus.

Intraesophageal manometry was performed on 14 healthy male volunteers divided into two groups. Group 1, composed of 4 subjects, received first phenylephrine (an alpha adrenergic stimulating drug) and then phentolamine (an alpha adrenergic blocking drug) intravenously. No effect on esophageal motility was observed following administration of either drug; however, adequate alpha stimulation or blockade of esophageal adrenergic receptors was probably not accomplished. Group 2 was composed of 10 subjects who received first isoproterenol (a beta stimulating drug) and then alprenolol (a beta blocking drug) intravenously. A significant decrease in resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was observed in all of 9 subjects following isoproterenol. No effect was observed in the body of the esophagus. Following beta blockade with alprenolol, changes were observed in the body of the esophagus and in the LES. In the body of the esophagus, a rise in amplitude of contraction occurred in 9 of 10 subjects and prolongation of contraction was noted in 7 of 10 subjects. Changes in the LES were the most striking. Increase in amplitude of sphincteric contraction following deglutition was seen in 9 of 10 subjects. Prolongation of sphincteric contractions was most dramatic and was recognized in all 10 subjects. These data suggest an inhibitory beta receptor in the human distal esophagus. Stimulation of these receptors results in decreased LES resting pressure, while blockade of the receptors produces an increase in smooth muscle contraction—probably by removing inhibitory control.
Pilot evaluation of wearable tactile biofeedback system for gait rehabilitation in peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a significant public health concern, giving rise to abnormal gait biomechanics, diminished postural stability, and increased risk of falls. A wearable tactile feedback system previously developed for sensory augmentation of prosthetic limbs has been adapted for individuals with PN and evaluated in a pilot group of four subjects with idiopathic bilateral PN. Subjects were assessed both for their abilities to perceive and distinguish tactile stimuli, and for the effect of tactile biofeedback on gait, using optical motion capture and embedded force plate technology. Preliminary data indicate that participants could adequately perceive and localize tactile stimuli, as well as make meaningful modifications to their gait in real time, with minimal training. Observed gait modifications with feedback active included increases in walking speed, step cadence, step length, and peak joint powers. However, the variability of biofeedback's effect on gait from subject to subject demands further investigation with the peripheral neuropathy patient population.
Retinohypothalamic pathway in the dove demonstrated by anterograde HRP

The hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the ring dove was demonstrated by the presence of labeled retinal processes. Horseradish peroxidase or tritiated proline were injected into the vitreous of the eye and were transported in an anterograde manner to label the SCN. After identifying the retinorecipient area of the hypothalamus by anterograde tracing procedures, a diffusely organized nucleus corresponding to this region was noted in Nissl material.
The Watering of Trade

Abstract The proliferation of Preferential Trading Arrangements, especially of Free Trade Areas, has been characteristic of recent trade liberalization. In turn, many are based on the defining critereon of member countries sharing common waters: oceans, in particular, and now seas. It is suggested playfully that this ‘watering of trade’ also shows the superiority of multilateral over preferential freeing of trade because the WTO would be host to the ‘largest water of all’.
Colorectal surveillance interval assignment based on in vivo prediction of polyp histology: impact of endoscopic quality improvement program

Background Validated training methods are needed before in vivo optical diagnosis can be used to guide colorectal cancer surveillance interval assignments. Objectives To assess the impact of endoscopist training on accuracy of surveillance intervals based on in vivo optical diagnosis. Design Prospective, randomized study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients A total of 1231 patients with colorectal polyps (before training, n=577; after training, n=654). Interventions Endoscopists were randomized to either participate or not participate in two 1-hour training sessions. Endoscopists' in vivo pathology predictions were recorded for all resected polyps. The accuracy of in vivo prediction–guided surveillance intervals were compared with pathology-guided intervals as the criterion standard. Surveillance interval accuracy before and after training were analyzed. Main Outcome Measurements Surveillance interval accuracy based on in vivo polyp predictions with pathology-guided intervals as criterion standard before and after a training intervention. Results Optically predicted surveillance intervals for the trained group of endoscopists had an overall accuracy of 84% (242/287) before training and 82% (261/317) after training. There was little evidence to suggest that training had a meaningful impact on the accuracy of optically predicted surveillance intervals (odds ratio 1.20; 95% CI, 0.76-1.89, P = .44). Limitations Limitations include small sample size, lack of endoscopist prediction confidence levels, and optional use of narrow-band imaging. Conclusions Surveillance interval accuracy did not meet published thresholds (>90%) to use in vivo optical diagnosis without pathologic confirmation. Larger studies, focused specifically on the impact of training, are needed to validate methods to improve polyp diagnosis and surveillance predication accuracy.
"They're Not All Like Me!": The Role of Educational Psychology in Preparing Teachers for Diversity

(2005). 'They're Not All Like Me!': The Role of Educational Psychology in Preparing Teachers for Diversity. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 78, No. 5, pp. 202-206.
A Walk on the Human Side of Industrial Ecology

Industrial ecology is fundamentally a social and organizational construct. The article explores the centrality of human decision, imagination, skill, and process in effective industrial ecology app...
The Bla2 β-lactamase from the live-vaccine strain of Francisella tularensis encodes a functional protein that is only active against penicillin-class β-lactam antibiotics

Francisella tularensis ssp. tularensis is a category A select agent and the causal organism for the zoonotic disease tularemia. The vast majority of F. tularensis isolates are beta-lactamase-positive. beta-lactamase production is widely believed to be responsible for the inefficacy of beta-lactams in the treatment of tularemia. In this study, we report the cloning and characterization of the two chromosomally encoded F. tularensis ssp. holarctica live-vaccine strain (LVS) beta-lactamases. The two LVS beta-lactamases were homologous to F. tularensis Schu S4 open reading frames FTT0681c and FTT0611c and have been named bla1 (LVS) and bla2 (LVS), respectively. Recombinant expression in Escherichia coli suggested that bla1 (LVS) did not encode a functional beta-lactamase, whereas bla2 (LVS) encoded a functional beta-lactamase that hydrolyzed penicillins but was inactive against third-generation cephalosporins, including cefprozil. As both LVS and Schu S4 were susceptible to cefprozil, we developed three new shuttle vectors based on selection for the production of the Bla(shv-2) extended-spectrum beta-lactamase with cefprozil. The resulting shuttle vectors were suitable for recombinant gene expression and complementation studies in LVS and Schu S4.
A quantitative treatment of the forgotten effect in liquid thermal diffusion

The influence of the concentration gradient on the density gradient in a thermal-diffusion column is called the forgotten effect. A modification of the theory developed by Furry, Jones, and Onsager is proposed to include the effect of the horizontal concentration gradient. A sample calculation with the system toluene-cyclohexane shows that the equations predict the proper behavior for a forgotten-effect system.
Rhabdomyolysis Precipitated by Clopidogrel Hyponatremia with Duloxetine Duloxetine Again - Excessive Disturbing and Disabling Yawning Testicular Pain Attributed to Statin Therapy Life-Threatening Sensitivity Reaction to Riluzole Choroidal Detachment Associated with Latanoprost Therapy Pseudomembranous Colitis Associated with Rifampicin Long-Term PPI Therapy and the Risk for Hip Fracture

RHABDOMYOLYSIS PRECIPITATED BY CLOPIDOGREL A 58-year-old female who had undergone heart transplantation 14 years earlier was on a stable drug regimen that included cyclosporine, azathioprine, prednisone, aspirin, lisinopril, and atorvastatin. She was found to have developed a “reversible ischemic defect” in her left circumflex coronary artery. Her cardiologists performed a stent procedure, and clopidogrel was added as a 4week course to prevent stent thrombosis. Twenty-seven days later, she was hospitalized because of proximal limb weakness and general muscle weakness. She complained of soreness in her large muscles and her exercise tolerance had gradually decreased. She was now unable to climb stairs. She stated that her soreness started about a week after she had the procedure and began the clopidogrel treatment. On admission, her serum creatinine increased to 2.9 mg/dL (normal 0.5 to 1.4 mg/dL). Her renal function had been stable between 1.58 and 2.04 mg/dL for many years. The creatine kinase level Hospital Pharmacy Volume 42, Number 3, pp 184–19
62.4: Flexible Paper‐Like Display Using Charged Polymer Particles

We have developed flexible and reflective paper-like display (PLD) using charged polymer particles. These particles are composed of polymer, pigment and charge control agent (CCA). In this paper, we demonstrated flexible display with PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) film substrate, which had 320 × 240 pixels, 5.7 inch size panel with bending radius of 5cm. This panel achieved reflectivity of 32% and bi-stability over 6 months.
HOPF BIFURCATIONS AND DEGENERACIES IN CHUA'S CIRCUIT — A PERSPECTIVE FROM A FREQUENCY DOMAIN APPROACH

In the present work explicit formulas for analyzing the birth of limit cycles arising in the Chua’s circuit through a Hopf bifurcation is provided. A local amplitude equation is derived using a frequency domain approach and harmonic balance approximations. Furthermore, the rst Lyapunov index used to detect degenerate Hopf bifurcations is derived in terms of the parameters of the nonlinear circuit. A perspective for analyzing other bifurcations using this frequency domain approach is discussed.