cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal body size in bumblebees

It is hypothesized that the body size of a bumblebee will be that size which maximizes its average net rate of energy intake while collecting nectar. A mathematical model is developed with the result that the net rate of energy intake of a nectar-collecting bumblebee is expressed as a function of the body size of the bumblebee. From this model the body size which maximizes the net rate of energy intake (i.e., optimal body size) is found (as the solution of an implicit equation). In this situation the advantage of large size is that larger bumblebees fly faster and hence take less flight time than smaller bumblebees. The disadvantage of larger size is greater energetic costs. The parameters of the model are estimated using data obtained from the foraging behavior of bumblebees on monkshood (Aconitum columbianum). The optimal body size is then calculated for workers of Bombus appositus which obtained almost all their nectar from monkshood. The observed and expected (i.e., optimal) body size are found to be close and not significantly different. The model also predicts that, from the bumblebee's point of view, there should be a positive correlation between the size of the bumblebee and the average amount of nectar obtained per flower. Evidence of this correlation is presented and the possible significance of the correlation from the plant's point of view is discussed. A possible extension of the model to general relationships between predator body size, prey size and prey density is discussed.
Bitmask aware compression of NISC control words

It is not always feasible to implement an application specific custom hardware due to cost and time considerations. No instruction set compiler (NISC) architecture is one of the promising directions to design a custom datapath for each application using its execution characteristics. A major challenge with NISC control words is that they tend to be at least 4-5 times larger than regular instruction size, thereby imposing higher memory requirement. A possible solution to counter this is to compress these control words to reduce the code size of the application. This paper proposes an efficient bitmask-based compression technique to drastically reduce the control word size while keeping the decompression overhead in an acceptable range. The main contributions of our approach are (i) smart encoding of constant and less frequently changing bits, (ii) efficient do not care resolution for maximum bitmask coverage using limited dictionary entries, (iii) run length encoding to significantly reduce repetitive control words and (iv) design of an efficient decompression engine to reduce the performance penalty. Our experimental results demonstrate that our approach improves compression efficiency by an average of 20% over the best known control word compression, giving a compression ratio of 25-35%. In addition, our technique only requires 1-3 on-chip RAMs, thus making it suitable for FPGA implementation.
Stabilizing canonical-ensemble calculations in the auxiliary-field Monte Carlo method

Abstract Quantum Monte Carlo methods are powerful techniques for studying strongly interacting Fermi systems. However, implementing these methods on computers with finite-precision arithmetic requires careful attention to numerical stability. In the auxiliary-field Monte Carlo (AFMC) method, low-temperature or large-model-space calculations require numerically stabilized matrix multiplication. When adapting methods used in the grand-canonical ensemble to the canonical ensemble of fixed particle number, the numerical stabilization increases the number of required floating-point operations for computing observables by a factor of the size of the single-particle model space, and thus can greatly limit the systems that can be studied. We describe an improved method for stabilizing canonical-ensemble calculations in AFMC that exhibits better scaling, and present numerical tests that demonstrate the accuracy and improved performance of the method.
The pathology of autoimmune thyroid disease: a review.

Lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid gland is the pathologic hallmark of autoimmune thyroid disease. Lymphoid cells are seen in the stroma of glands affected by Graves' disease. However, large lymphoid infiltrates are characteristic of that spectrum of diseases conveniently termed chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. In this review, the pathology of the various subtypes of chronic thyroiditis is enumerated, including recently defined lesions, i.e., painless thyroiditis, thyroiditis associated with interleukin chemotherapy, and peritumor thyroiditis are reviewed. The unifying morphologic characteristics seen in these conditions are discussed.
In Vitro Activities of a Novel Cephalosporin, CB-181963 (CAB-175), against Methicillin-Susceptible or -Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Glycopeptide-Intermediate Susceptible Staphylococci

We examined the activity of CB-181963, a novel cephalosporin, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (n = 200), methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) (n = 50), glycopeptide-intermediate Staphylococcus species (GISS) (n = 47), and VRSA (n = 2) isolates. CB-181963 exhibited MIC profiles similar to those of linezolid against MRSA and GISS; however, activity against MSSA was similar to that of vancomycin. Time-kill study results of investigations of activity against MRSA, MSSA, and GISS at 24 h were as follows: CB-181963 activity = vancomycin activity > linezolid activity (P linezolid (P linezolid (P = 0.003); and CB-181963 = quinupristin-dalfopristin = vancomycin. CB-181963 may provide an alternative treatment for multidrug-resistant staphylococci.
Cannabinoid Modulation of Backpropagating Action Potential-Induced Calcium Transients in Layer 2/3 Pyramidal Neurons

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) play a prominent role in regulating synaptic signaling throughout the brain. In layer 2/3 of the neocortex, eCB-mediated suppression of GABA release results in an enhanced excitability of pyramidal neurons (PNs). The eCB system is also involved in spike timing-dependent plasticity that is dependent on backpropagating action potentials (bAPs). Dendritic backpropagation plays an important role in many aspects of neuronal function, and can be modulated by intrinsic dendritic conductances as well as by synaptic inputs. The present studies explored a role for the eCB system in modulating backpropagation in PN dendrites. Using dendritic calcium imaging and somatic patch clamp recordings from mouse somatosensory cortical slices, we found that activation of type 1 cannabinoid receptors potentiated bAP-induced calcium transients in apical dendrites of layer 2/3 but not layer 5 PNs. This effect was mediated by suppression of GABAergic transmission, because it was prevented by a GABAA receptor antagonist and was correlated with cannabinoid suppression of inhibitory synaptic activity. Finally, we found that activity-dependent eCB release during depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition enhanced bAP-induced dendritic calcium transients. Taken together, these results point to a potentially important role for the eCB system in regulating dendritic backpropagation in layer 2/3 PNs.
Chronic ethanol or nicotine treatment results in partial cross-tolerance between these agents.

Female DBA/2Ibg mice were treated chronically (21 days) with ethanol- or dextrin-containing liquid diets or infused chronically with nicotine (8 mg/kg/h) or saline for 10 days. The responses of these animals to challenge doses of ethanol (2.5 g/kg) or nicotine (1 or 2 mg/kg) were measured using a test battery consisting of respiration rate, acoustic startle response, Y-maze crosses and rears, heart rate and body temperature. Chronic ethanol-treated animals were tolerant to the effects elicited by a challenge dose of ethanol on four of the six measures and were cross-tolerant to nicotine's effects on the acoustic startle test. Chronic nicotine-treated animals were tolerant to nicotine's effects on five of the six measures and cross-tolerant to ethanol's effects on heart rate and body temperature. Thus, partial cross-tolerance between ethanol and nicotine exists. Chronic nicotine treatment resulted in significant increases in l-[3H]-nicotine binding in six of seven brain regions and in α-[125I]-bungarotoxin binding in three of seven brain regions. Chronic ethanol treatment failed to alter the binding of either ligand. Therefore, the cross-tolerance that develops between ethanol and nicotine is not totally dependent on alterations in the number of brain nicotinic receptors.
Long-term storage stability of biodiesel and biodiesel blends

Abstract Longer-term storage stability of biodiesel and blends was studied in experiments simulating up to one year for 100% biodiesel (B100) and three years for blends. Aging was simulated by holding samples at 43 °C to accelerate oxidation (ASTM D4625). Biodiesels were treated with antioxidants before and after aging, with continued aging after antioxidant treatment. Treating aged biodiesel was effective at restoring stability; however, antioxidant effectiveness was decreased relative to fresh biodiesel. Blends were prepared at B5 (5 vol.%) and B20 (20 vol.%) with biodiesel having either 3- or 6-hour Rancimat induction time and low or high polyunsaturated ester content with two diesels produced from hydrocracked or hydrotreated feedstocks. All B5s were stable for the entire storage time regardless of B100 induction time. B20s were unstable if prepared from high polyunsaturated ester biodiesel with a 3-hour induction time. Base diesel stability had considerable effect on blend stability. All but the lowest-stability B20s remained within specification, indicating that long-term storage of biodiesel blends is possible if the biodiesel has high oxidative stability and storage conditions are clean. Induction time decreases indicated loss of stability (consumption of antioxidant) prior to blend degradation; therefore, induction time monitoring is recommended for predicting quality changes during storage.
Maps of linear systems on blow-ups of the projective plane

Abstract Let X be the blow-up of P 2 at n points p1,…,pn in linearly general position, let F be a numerically effective divisor on X, and let L be the total transform on X of a line on P 2 . The natural multiplication map Γ(X, O X (F))⊗Γ(X, O X (L))→Γ(X, O X (F+L)) is shown to be surjective for a particular subset of numerically effective divisors. This result implicitly determines minimal free resolutions of ideals defining fat point subschemes supported at six or fewer general points of P 2 . All work is over an algebraically closed field k.
Embryotoxicity of Corexit 9500 in mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos).

Embryotoxicity of the oil dispersant Corexit 9500 was examined using fertilized mallard duck eggs. Corexit 9500 was topically applied below the air cell to eggs in volumes ranging from 0 to 100 μL on day 3 of incubation. The highest incidence of mortality occurred at developmental stage 4, one day post-Corexit 9500 application. Hatching success was significantly decreased among eggs treated with ≥20 μL of Corexit 9500 as compared to controls (P ≤ 0.047). No egg treated with ≥40 μL successfully hatched. The application volume resulting in 50% mortality (corrected for control survival) was determined to be 15.5 μL. Developmental stage at embryo death was also significantly decreased compared to controls in eggs exposed to 40 μL (P = 0.0042) and above.
Multiparametric MRI in the PSA Screening Era

Prostate cancer remains significant public health concern amid growing controversies regarding prostate specific antigen (PSA) based screening. The utility of PSA has been brought into question, and alternative measures are investigated to remedy the overdetection of indolent disease and safeguard patients from the potential harms resulting from an elevated PSA. Multiparametric MRI of the prostate has shown promise in identifying patients at risk for clinically significant disease but its role within the current diagnostic and treatment paradigm remains in question. The current review focuses on recent applications of MRI in this pathway.
Length-tension properties of ankle muscles in chronic human spinal cord injury.

Contracture, or loss of range of motion (ROM) of a joint, is a common clinical problem in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). In order to measure the possible contribution of changes in muscle length to the loss of ankle ROM, the active force vs. angle curves for the tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius⧹soleus (GS) were measured in 20 participants, 10 with SCI, and 10 gender and age matched, neurologically intact (NI) individuals. Electrical stimuli were applied to the TA and GS motor nerves at incremented angles of the entire ROM of the ankle and the resulting ankle and knee torques were measured using a multi-axis load cell. The muscle forces of the TA and GS were calculated from the torque measurements using estimates of their respective moment arms and the resulting forces were plotted against joint angle. The force–angle relation for the GS at the ankle (GSA) was significantly shifted into plantar flexion in SCI subjects, compared to NI controls (t-test, p<0.001). Similar results were obtained based upon the GS knee (GSK) force–angle measurements (p<0.05). Conversely, no significant shift in the force–angle relation was found for the TA (p=0.138). Differences in the passive ROM were consistent with the force–angle changes. The ROM in the dorsiflexion direction was significantly smaller in SCI subjects compared to NI controls (p<0.05) while the plantar flexion ROM was not significantly different (p=0.114). Based upon these results, we concluded that muscle shortening is an important component of contracture in SCI.
Nitrogen fertilization of conservation-tilled wheat. II. Timing of application of two nitrogen sources

ABSTRACT Nitrogen (N) applications to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) need to be timed for accelerated N uptake by the plant if highest yields and highest N use efficiency are to be attained. Applying N before accelerated uptake may allow soil losses while applications after accelerated uptake may restrict plant N utilization both of which may restrict yields. Research was conducted between 1997 and 2000 on Collins silt loam (Aquic Udifluvents). Pioneer 2552 was planted in 1997, Pioneer 2580 was planted in 1998, and Pioneer 2684 was planted in 1999. The experimental design was a split plot with treatments replicated five times. Main plots were N application timing (Feekes' growth scale of 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10) with ammonium nitrate (AN) and urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) applied at 101 kg N ha−1 the sub-plots. Spring N application timing affected yields, test weights and disease severity. Yields over the three years were higher for broadcasting AN than UAN. Early N application at GS 5 lowered yields one of the th...
The contributions of kinship and conditioning to nest recognition and colony member recognition in a primitively eusocial bee, Lasioglossum zephyrum ( Hymenoptera: Halictidae )

1. In the primitively social halictine bee, Lasioglossum zephyrum, colony unity is maintained through an interplay of both nest recognition and nest mate recognition, using odor cues. 2. Nests have odors which are attractive to members of their colonies and also to bees from other colonies. Bees are, however, usually able to distinguish between their own nest and a foreign nest if given a choice. 3. Bees from colonies which are relatively homogeneous genetically and in which the bees share a common larval environment recognize their own nest with less difficulty than bees from genetically heterogenous colonies in which a common early environment is lacking among member bees. 4. A significant component of nest recognition behavior is based on genetic homogeneity, and/or larval conditioning, perhaps a form of imprinting to chemical cues. 5. Recognition of nestmates by guards, essential for intraspecific nest defense, seems not to be based on the aphrodisiac secreted by females. 6. Guards apparently learn individual odors of residents or a combination of the odors of several residents, providing a mechanism for distinguishing between nest mates and intruders attempting to enter the nest. 7. Though adult learning is important in nest mate recognition, an overriding contribution from genetic similarity or early conditioning also occurs.
A Less Toxic Feminism: Can the Internet Solve the Age Old Question of How to Put Intersectional Theory into Practice?

The need for unity is often misnamed as a need for homogeneity. (Audre Lorde 1984, 119)In late January of 2014, United States magazine The Nation published a piece online titled “Feminism's Toxic T...
Synthesis and immunostimulatory activity of 8-substituted amino 9-benzyladenines as potent Toll-like receptor 7 agonists.

Abstract Several 9-benzyl adenine derivatives bearing various substituted amines at the 8-position have been prepared and evaluated for interferon induction in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy human donors. The 8-bromoadenine derivative 5 was used as a versatile intermediate for all substitutions. The most active 8-substituted amino compound was found to be the 8-morpholinoethylamino derivative 19 which had an EC 50 in the submicromolar range.
X-ray photo-electron spectromicroscopy

Abstract We report on the design implementation performances and experience of usage of the X-ray microscope system MAXIMUM. The project that began in 1987 culminated in 1992, achieving the design goal of a spatial resolution of sub 0.1 μm at the same time as an energy resolution of better than 250 meV. The system is based on the use of Schwarzschild optics coated with multilayers. We discuss the design implementation and alignment techniques used in achieving the design goals. We also clarify some issues related to the ultimate resolution of scanning systems in the presence of signal noise.
An Assessment of Probability Encoding Using a Probabilistic, Noninteractive Management Game

This study illustrates the usefulness of a probabilistic, noninteractive management game as a research instrument. Employing an inventory-control game, it was found that practicing managers are cap...
Nondiffracting images under coherent illumination.

The focal depth of an arbitrary image is extended by optimization of the amplitude and phase distributions over the entire image. We propose a general method that takes advantage of a detector’s (possibly nonlinear) response to incident intensity. We demonstrate the method by computer simulations and experimentally, using computer-generated holograms.
(iv) Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a brief review of its pathophysiology, presentation, assessment, natural history and management

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a debilitating condition associated with spinal cord dysfunction. It frequently occurs in the elderly and accounts for the majority of non-traumatic spastic paraparesis and quadriparesis. Cervical myelopathy refers to the clinical syndrome of long-tract aberrations in both upper and lower extremities arising from cervical spinal cord compression. It is most commonly caused by degenerative spondylosis leading to circumferential compression of the cervical spinal cord, often in a congenitally narrowed spinal canal. This article summarizes the current evidence surrounding the pathophysiology, presentation, assessment, natural history, and management of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
Mono-atomic tips for scanning tunneling microscopy

By field-ion microscopy techniques, we have been able to create stable tips whose very ends are made up of just one individual atom, deposited from the gas phase onto an upper terrace of a pyramidal (111)-oriented tungsten tip. The first three layers of the tip consist of one, three, and seven atoms, respectively. Consequences of these observations for the understanding of energy transfer between gas-phase atoms and a solid surface are also discussed.
An Approach to Photolabile, Fluorescent Protecting Groups

The photolabile and fluorescent system 1 was prepared via a convergent route which involved thymidine 3‘-functionalized with a proline residue. Photodecomposition of 1 was examined using 360 nm irradiation. Without any additives, 5‘-silylated thymidine was not formed, but the Nα-deprotected cyclization precursor II accumulated instead. However, in the presence of ethanolamine, 5‘-silylated thymidine formed at a rate which increases with the concentration of ethanolamine.
Preparation of mercury targets

Abstract Stable accelerator targets of mercury were prepared by coating gold amalgam foils with a thin bismuth layer.
THE EFFECT OF HETEROGENEITY ON WOOD DRYING, PART II: EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

ABSTRACT Experimental measurements of drying rate, moisture distribution, surface moisture content, and temperature distribution are reported for softwood dried in the radial, tangential, and mixed (between radial and tangential) directions. The effects of both the heterogeneous and the anisotropic structure of wood are observed. The drying curves for tangential drying exhibit two distinct transition points - one when the surface reaches the fiber saturation point and one when the surface becomes completely dry. These transitions are not observed consistently for drying in the radial and mixed directions. For mixed drying, as a result of anisotropy, the drying rate is always higher at the side of the sample to which the growth rings point at die surface. Measurements of the surface mass transfer coefficient indicate that the theoretical value which is analogous to the convective heat transfer coefficient agrees well with that measured experimentally at both very high and very low values of the surface moi...
Ion beam studies of atomic ion collisions with C60: chemistry at surface, substitutional, and endohedral sites

Abstract Results are presented for scattering of B+, F+, Fe+, and C+2 from C60, and comparisons are made with similar results for other atomic ion−C60 systems. The experiments were carried out in a guided-ion beam tandem mass spectrometer, over a collision energy range from 2 to 80eV. All these species undergo efficient charge transfer with C60, but their tendecy toward chemical reaction was observed to vary dramatically. For B+, C+, C+2, and O+, no activation barrier is observed for formation of AC+60 adducst (A = B, C, C2, etc), which are stable enough to survive our millisecond time. N+ reacts to form abstraction and substitutional products, but with a substantial activation barrier. Aside from charge transfer, F+ does not react at all. Fe+ appears to form two distinct FeC+60 complexes, with different activation energies and stabilities. At higher collision energies, a variety of both chemical and dissociative charge transfer products are observed.
Alzheimer's Disease and Transmissible Virus Dementia (Creutzfeldt‐Jakob Disease)

Ample justification exists on clinical, pathologic, and biologic grounds for considering a similar pathogenesis for AD and the spongiform virus encephalopathies. However, the crux of the comparison rests squarely on results of attempts to transmit AD to experimental animals, and these results have not as yet validated a common etiology. Investigations of the biologic similarities between AD and the spongiform virus encephalopathies proceed in several laboratories, and our own observation of inoculated animals will be continued in the hope that incubation periods for AD may be even longer than those of CJD.
Surface plasmon resonance study of vesicle rupture by virus-mimetic attack.

Frank and coworkers [N. J. Cho, S. J. Cho, K. H. Cheong, J. S. Glenn and C. W. Frank, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2007, 129, 10050] investigated what happens when lipid vesicles made of POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), which serves as a mimic for cell membranes, are exposed to the amphipathic helix peptide, PEP1, which is of the same type found in hepatitis C virus. Using atomic force field microscopy and quartz crystal microbalance measurements they presented evidence that the vesicle is transformed into a lipid bilayer. We use surface plasmon resonance (SPR) microscopy to follow this process in real time. We find an induction period (intermediate state) of ∼10-min duration between the time of membrane binding and membrane rupture. The SPR data support the interpretation that a lipid bilayer is formed and allow us to put forward a mechanism for the vesicle-rupture event. As a side benefit, we demonstrate how to build two-dimensional lipid patterns on a gold surface using this vesicle-rupture process.
A 61-year-old with bipolar disorder and cognitive impairment: dementia or polypharmacy?

He reports poor concentration, using wrong words, forgetting names, and sleepiness. What is the cause?
Tibial tubercle fractures in children with intra-articular involvement: surgical tips for technical ease

Tibial tubercle fractures often occur in athletic adolescents close to skeletal maturity. These fractures can present with marked displacement of the apophysis, intra-articular extension, and associated soft tissue injuries, such as tibial meniscal ligament tears. Here, we present our surgical technique which focuses on recreating the meniscal–articular relationship (using suture anchors) in severely displaced fractures. We retrospectively reviewed all tibial tuberosity fractures treated with this technique over the last 2.5 years. Fractures with a minimum of a 12-month follow-up post-fixation were identified. Clinical records and radiographs were reviewed. Data included patient age, gender, involved side, injury classification (modified Ogden), mechanism of injury, treatment, return to activity, and complications. Six patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age at time of surgery was 14.9 (range 13.2–16.8) years. All patients were male and the mean follow-up period was 14 (12–26) months. Range of motion was started at 4 weeks post-operatively in a hinged knee brace, and return to sports occurred at an average of 3.75 months postoperatively (range 3–5 months). No evidence of growth disturbance of the proximal tibia or recurvatum at final follow-up was evident. We speculate that patients who sustain a tibial tubercle avulsion fracture types III or V will likely have intra-articular pathology, specifically capsular avulsion or coronary ligament disruption. By utilizing suture anchors, our technique emphasizes renewing the anatomic articular environment to ensure better long-term results and maintaining these active individuals in sports.
Capstone Teaching Models: Combining Simulation, Analytical Intuitive Learning Processes, History and Effectiveness

For the past decade teaching models have been changing, reflecting the dynamics, complexities, and uncertainties of today's organizations. The traditional and the more current active models of learning have disadvantages. Simulation provides a platform to combine the best aspects of both types of teaching practices. This research explores the history of including simulation into a teaching plan and outlines an empirical method to test the effect that including a simulation can have in the classroom.
Viability of human umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells in G-rich and M-rich alginates

In this study, the effect of pharmaceutical-grade alginates on the cell viability of human mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord was examined and their use in tissue engineering applications was evaluated. The effects of the ratio of the copolymer building blocks (guluronic and mannuronic acids) and their interactions with divalent calcium, the purity of alginates (proteins and polyphenol content), and gelation factors (calcium concentration and sol content) were examined. The high guluronic acid content in the alginates improved the viability of the human mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord and supported cell growth significantly. It was confirmed that the sol fraction of alginate reduced cell viability. Cells in the presence of alginate beads cross-linked with 50 and 100 mM calcium chloride showed maximum viability; the protein and polyphenol content of the alginates did not affect the viability of the human mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord, while the monome...
Fatigue Microdamage in Bovine Cortical Bone Imaged by Micro-Computed Tomography Using a Barium Sulfate Contrast Agent

Accumulation of microdamage during fatigue can lead to increased fracture susceptibility in bone. Current techniques for imaging microdamage in bone are inherently destructive and two-dimensional. A non-destructive, three-dimensional technique is needed to measure the spatial density of microdamage accumulation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to image microdamage accumulation in cortical bone during fatigue using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) with a barium sulfate (BaSO4) contrast agent. Bovine cortical bone beams were loaded under four-point bending fatigue. Two symmetric notches were machined on the tensile surface in order to generate damage at the stress concentrations during loading. Specimens were loaded to a specified number of cycles or until one notch fractured, such that the other notch exhibited accumulated microdamage just prior to fracture. Microdamage ahead of the notch was stained by precipitation of BaSO4 and imaged using micro-CT. Reconstructed images showed a distinct region of bright voxels around the notch tip or along propagating cracks due to the presence of BaSO4, which was verified by backscattered electron imaging and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The stained region exhibited a characteristic kidney shape perpendicular to the notch tip, which was correlated to principal strain contours calculated by finite element analysis. The area of stained regions was positively correlated with the number of loading cycles.
Perceptions of Education, Engineering, and Nursing Faculty Members Regarding their Role in Helping Students Develop Professional Behavior

In conducting this study, we used qualitative and quantitative research techniques to determine, faculty members' perceptions of (a) their role in teaching professional behavior, (b) the professional behaviors that are most important for students to develop, and (c) the methods used to help education, engineering, and nursing students develop professional behavior. Differences were identified between the three groups of faculty members. Overall, results indicated the majority of educators believed they had a role in teaching students professional behavior. However, most faculty members did not acknowledge specific coursework or methods employed to help students develop professional behavior, suggesting instead they tried to help students develop professional behavior by acting as role models. Implications for these and other findings are reported in this article.
Factors influencing the recovery of dopamine sulfate in the assay of phenol sulfotransferase

Phenol sulfotransferase activity is often measured by incubating dopamine with a source of the enzyme and the sulfate donor 35S-3'-phosphoadensine-5'-phosphosulfate and then separating the product, 35S-dopamine sulfate, from the substrates using precipitation with barium hydroxide and zinc sulfate. Using dopamine sulfate standards and high performance liquid chromatography with dual-electrode electrochemical detection, we investigated the effects of several parameters on product recovery obtained with this procedure. Amounts of precipitants needed to produce maximal sample-to-blank ratios were determined using crude enzyme preparations from rat brain and human platelets incubated under conditions generating approximately 3 nM dopamine sulfate. Under these conditions, recovery of 3H-DAS standards was 70-80%. Increasing either the concentration of dopamine sulfate or the amounts of precipitants used resulted in concentration-dependent decreases in dopamine sulfate recovery. These data indicate that the recovery of product in this assay may vary with assay conditions, and should be carefully monitored and optimized. Caution should be exercised when using substrates other than dopamine in this assay procedure, since similar factors might also contribute to variable recovery of other products.
Phosphine from Rocks: Mechanically Driven Phosphate Reduction?

Natural rock and mineral samples released trace amounts of phosphine during dissolution in mineral acid. An order of magnitude more phosphine (average 1982 ng PH3/kg rock and maximum 6673 ng PH3/kg rock) is released from pulverized rock samples (basalt, gneiss, granite, clay, quartzitic pebbles, or marble). Phosphine was correlated to hardness and mechanical pulverization energy of the rocks. The yield of PH3 ranged from 0 to 0.01% of the total P content of the dissolved rock. Strong circumstantial evidence was gathered for reduction of phosphate in the rock via mechanochemical or “tribochemical” weathering at quartz and calcite/marble inclusions. Artificial reproduction of this mechanism by rubbing quartz rods coated with apatite−phosphate to the point of visible triboluminescence, led to detection of more than 70 000 ng/kg PH3 in the apatite. This reaction pathway may be considered a mechano chemical analogue of phosphate reduction from lightning or electrical discharges and may contribute to phosphine ...
Chemical synthesis and immunological evaluation of the inner core oligosaccharide of Francisella tularensis.

Francisella tularensis, which is a Gram negative bacterium that causes tularemia, has been classified by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a category A bioweapon. The development of vaccines, immunotherapeutics, and diagnostics for F. tularensis requires a detailed knowledge of the saccharide structures that can be recognized by protective antibodies. We have synthesized the inner core region of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of F. tularensis to probe antigenic responses elicited by a live and subunit vaccine. The successful preparation of the target compound relied on the use of a disaccharide which was modified by the orthogonal protecting groups diethylisopropylsilyl (DEIPS), 2-naphthylmethyl (Nap), allyl ether (All), and levulinoyl (Lev) ester. The ability to remove the protecting groups in different orders made it possible to establish the optimal glycosylations sequence to prepare a highly crowded 1,2,3-cis configured branching point. A variety of different methods were exploited ...
Probabilistic structural analysis methods for improving Space Shuttle engine reliability

Probabilistic structural analysis methods are particularly useful in the design and analysis of critical structural components and systems that operate in very severe and uncertain environments. These methods have recently found application in space propulsion systems to improve the structural reliability of Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) components. A computer program, NESSUS, based on a deterministic finite-element program and a method of probabilistic analysis (fast probability integration) provides probabilistic structural analysis for selected SSME components. While computationally efficient, it considers both correlated and nonnormal random variables as well as an implicit functional relationship between independent and dependent variables. The program is used to determine the response of a nickel-based superalloy SSME turbopump blade. Results include blade tip displacement statistics due to the variability in blade thickness, modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio or density. Modulus of elasticity significantly contributed to blade tip variability while Poisson's ratio did not. Thus, a rational method for choosing parameters to be modeled as random is provided.
Gene therapy by and for muscle cells

P A X 1 could operate as part of an evolutionarily more primitive X-linked sex-determining system. In marsupials, where X inactivation appears to be less stringent, some sexual characteristics such as male or female determination of the scrotum versug the pouch occur before the initiation of gonadal development, and are regulated by a system of sexual differentiation based on the ratio of X chromosomes to autosomes 23. Perhaps the marsupial is an appropriate animal in which to investigate the function of P A X 1 . Direct evidence that P A X 1 is the gene in Xp21 responsible for dosage-dependent sex reversal awaits the production of transgenic mice carrying multiple copies of the gene. Many exciting experimental possibilities lie ahead as more players in the sex-determination affair come out of the closet. References 1 Goodfellow, P. and Lovell-Badge, R. (1993) Anna. Rev. Genet. 27, 71-92 2 Tommemp, N. (1993)J. Med. Genet. 30, 713-727 3 Foster, J. et aL (1994) Nature 372, 525-529 4 Wagner, T. etal. (1994) Ce1179, 1111-1120 5 Muscatelli, F. et al. (1994) Nature 372, 672-676 6 Zanaria, E. etaL (1994) Nature372, 635441 7 Stern, H. etal. (1990) Am.J. Hum. Genet. 47, A41 8 Ferrari, S. etal. (1992) F~gIBOJ. 11, 4497-4506 9 Harley, V.R. el al. (1992) Science 225, 453-456 10 Wright, E. et al. (1995) Nature Genet. 9, 15-20 11 Koopman, P. et al. (1991) Nature 351, 117-121 12 Capel, B. et al. (1993) Nature Genet. 5, 301-307 1J Capel, B. and Lovell-Badge, R. (1993) Adv. Dev. Bfol. 2, 1-35 14 Koopman, P. et al. (1990) Nature 348, 45(5452 15 Eicher, E.M., Washbum, L.L., Whitney, I.J. and Morrow, K.E. (1982) Science 217, 535-537 16 Palmer, S. and Burgoyne, P. (1991) Development 113, 709-714 17 Burgoyne, P. and Palmer, S. (1993) Gonadal Development and Function (Hillier, S.G., ed.), Raven Press 18 Buehr, M., Gu, S. and McLaren, A. (1992) Development 117, 273-281 19 Bardoni, B. et al. (1994) Nature Genet. 7, 497-501 20 Hodgkin, J. (1990) Nature 344, 721-728 21 Luo, X., Ikeda, Y. and Parker, K. (1994) Celi77, 481-490 22 Cline, T. (1993) Trends Genet. 9, 385-390 23 Sharman, G.B., Hughes, R.L. and Cooper, D.W. (1990) Aust.J. Zool. 37, 451-466
Host Country Managers of Multinational Firms: An Evaluation of Variables Affecting Their Managerial Thinking Patterns

This article reports the results of an exploratory study comparing the managerial beliefs and needs of Mexican nationals employed by U.S. subsidiaries in Mexico and those of U.S. and Mexican managers employed by U.S. and Mexican-owned firms. It concludes that the managerial belief and need patterns of local Mexican subsidiary managers fall between those of U.S. and Mexican managers of local firms where the belief and need patterns of these latter two groups of managers differ significantly. Industry, enterprise, and personal characteristics influence belief and need patterns and the extent that they differ. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Parametric Effects of Radiation on a Plasma

The parametric excitation of the modes of an infinite plasma by intense incident radiation is studied on the basis of the Vlasov equation. It is found that the modes can be driven into unstable oscillations for incident frequencies in the three regions ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}\ensuremath{\simeq}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pe}}$, ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pe}}+{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{i}$, and $2{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pe}}$, where ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pe}}$ is the electron plasma frequency, and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{i}$ is the ion acoustic frequency. In the limit of weak intensities, the features of the two resonances ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}\ensuremath{\simeq}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pe}}+{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{i}$ and $2{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pe}}$ are found to be in substantial agreement with the results of DuBois and Goldman. For larger intensities it is found that the resonance ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}\ensuremath{\simeq}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pe}}+{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{i}$ is restricted to frequencies ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$ which are not more than $4{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pi}}$ above or ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{i}$ below this value, and has a maximum growth rate of $0.05{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pe}}$. The resonance near ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}\ensuremath{\simeq}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pe}}$ is found to be dominated by collisional damping if $\frac{\ensuremath{\gamma}}{{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pe}}}g{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, and limited to a range of frequencies ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$ of only $\frac{{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pi}}}{100}$. The present results do not generally agree with the results obtained by Silin. These results indicate that the usual harmonic approximation for the plasma is justified except in the above-mentioned frequency regions.
High-resolution soft x-ray microscopy

The XM-1 is a soft x-ray full-field microscope that uses zone plates for the condenser and objective lenses. One of the main features of XM-1 is the high spatial resolution, which is made possible by the fine features of the objective zone plate. At present, the microscope uses a zone plate with an outer zone width of 25 nm. Several test patterns containing periodic lines and spaces were fabricated to measure the resolution of the microscope. Experimental data shows that the microscope can resolved 25 nm features. As simulations indicate that good contrast can be observed with even smaller features, test patterns with finer features are being fabricated to actually determine the resolution limit of the microscope.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Price of Social Norms: Towards a Licensing Regime for File-Sharing

The paper starts by asking whether P2P file-sharing of music can be stopped. Based on a discussion of (a) the interaction among law (regulation), technology and the market and (b) relevant social norms, the paper takes the view that it may not be possible to stop file-sharing. The paper then turns to an analysis of the economics and structure of a viable licensing model that could be implemented now without legislative or technological changes. The paper argues that P2P licensing could be good business. The paper ends with a brief look at (a) whether the licensing model could be exported to media other than music and (b) international issues.
Phase-stable, microwave FEL amplifier

Free-electron laser (FEL) amplifiers have demonstrated high efficiency and high output power for microwave wavelengths. However, using present technology, microwave FEL amplifiers are not phase stable enough to be suitable for driving linear accelerators, where several such amplifiers need to be phase locked. The growing wave's phase sensitivity to the beam voltage in the small-signal regime is responsible for the largest contribution to this phase instability. We discuss a scheme that reduces the phase sensitivity to the beam voltage by operating off synchronism and matching the phase variation resulting from the desynchronism to the phase variation from the reduced plasma wavenumber as the beam voltage changes.
The Supreme Court of India

legislature and the executive. Each walks a tightrope between rights as a transformative force capable of sheltering and assisting the weak, and rights as a preservative force deployed in defense of the status quo. The editors have selected the Supreme Court of India to inaugurate the series. The Supreme Court of India has generated more than a half-century of constitutional jurisprudence in the world’s most populous democracy. It has wielded considerable formal power, including the exceptional power to strike down constitutional amendments.3 It serves an immensely complex society with an unequaled array of difficult problems and conflicts. We presently intend the next profile to focus on the Constitutional Court of South Africa. The editors will welcome readers’ comments on the project and on specific profiles. 476 CONSTITUTIONAL COURT PROFILE
52-Year-Old Man With Liver Enzyme Abnormalities and Elevated Ferritin Level

94 Mayo Clin P A 52-year-old man presented for a general medical examination. His medical history included hypertriglyceridemia, obesity (body mass index of 32 kg/m), and impaired fasting blood glucose levels. Laboratory studies 4 years previously had shown persistent elevation of aminotransferase levels (reference ranges shown parenthetically)—aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 51 U/L (8-48 U/L) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 64 U/L (7-55 U/L)— and an elevated serum ferritin level of 675 g/L (24-336 g/L). At that time, he consumed alcohol regularly (2 drinks nightly). Additional laboratory abnormalities included hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride level of 186 mg/dL). Testing for chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections yielded negative results. The patient failed to return for appointments over the next 4 years. At the current appointment, he stated that he had no symptoms and had come to the clinic only at his wife’s suggestion. Vital signs included an elevated blood pressure of 170/90 mm Hg. Physical examination revealed hepatomegaly characterized by a 17-cm liver span in the midclavicular line with a firm, nontender liver edge palpable 2 fingerbreadths below the right costal margin. There was notable absence of cutaneous stigmata of chronic liver disease and splenomegaly. Further review of the medical record showed an elevated blood pressure over the past several years consistent with hypertension. His liver enzyme and ferritin values remained elevated despite cessation of alcohol intake, with AST of 55 U/L, ALT of 88 U/L, and ferritin of 885 g/L. Hydrochlorothiazide treatment was initiated and follow-up scheduled with repeated laboratory testing.
Pharmacological preconditioning with resveratrol: role of CREB-dependent Bcl-2 signaling via adenosine A3 receptor activation

Recent studies demonstrated that resveratrol, a grape-derived polyphenolic phytoalexin, provides pharmacological preconditioning (PC) of the heart through a NO-dependent mechanism. Because adenosin...
The stability of primary language disorder: four years after kindergarten diagnosis.

The rates of change in the language status of children with language impairment unaccompanied by other developmental or sensory disorders (primary language disorder) were studied in a longitudinal ...
Boron adsorption by maize cell walls

Boron adsorption by cell walls isolated from corn (Zea mays) roots was investigated as a function of solution pH and ionic strength. Adsorption increased with increasing solution pH from pH 4.5 to 10, exhibited an adsorption maximum at pH 10–10.5, and decreased with increases in pH above 10.5. Boron adsorption increased with increasing solution ionic strength indicating the formation of strong inner-sphere surface complexes. A surface complexation model, the constant capacitance model was well able to describe the B adsorption data, optimizing two B surface complexes and the dissociation constant for the surface functional group, XOH. The large absolute value of the dissociation constant is consistent with phenolic functional groups.
Conventional Politics for Unconventional Drilling? Lessons from Pennsylvania's Early Move into Fracking Policy Development

The emergence of hydraulic fracturing techniques is generating a dramatic expansion of the development of domestic natural gas resources in the United States and abroad. Fracking also poses a series of environmental protection challenges that cut across traditional medium and program boundaries. Formal constraints on federal government engagement thus far devolve considerable latitude to individual states for policy development. This provides an important test of whether recent scholarly emphasis on highly innovative state environmental and energy policies can be extended to this burgeoning area. Pennsylvania has moved to the epicenter of the fracking revolution, reflecting its vast Marcellus Shale resource and far-reaching 2012 legislation. This article examines the Pennsylvania case and notes that the state’s emerging policy appears designed to maximize resource extraction while downplaying environmental considerations. The case analysis generates questions as to whether this experience constitutes an influential state early mover that is likely to diffuse widely or is instead an aberration in a rapidly diversifying state policy development process.