cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fostering Critical Thought Alongside the Common Core State Standards

This thesis evaluates a segment of the second grade English language arts and literacy (ELA) curriculum presently utilized in Portland Public Schools (PPS) school district in Portland, Oregon, using five principles for evaluation. These principles address the extent to which lessons are hands-on, engage home life, integrate the academic disciplines, encourage student autonomy, and are relevant to society today. These criteria were established following a review of John Dewey’s ideas and philosophies, and of two practices that model Deweyan principles: ProjectBased Learning (PBL) and progettazione in the Municipal Infant/Toddler Centers and Preschools of Reggio-Emilia, Italy. This analysis of the ELA curriculum in place today makes many recommendations to strengthen its alignment with these five principles, but ultimately notes time-constraints and the necessity for desk-work to be its most limiting factors. CRITICAL THINKING AND THE COMMON CORE 3
The Margery Bailey memorial lectures

These essays are an attempt to cope with the highly disparate—and often disparaging—positions taken with respect to two of Shakespeare's plays, and to produce a balanced view of what the author believes to be major dramatic achievements. Henry IV, Part Two is seen as a play making use of morality effects to indicate the depth of England's sickness and to show the pattern of life against which Hal arrives at the kingship; Hal is seen not as a man in whom the human touch dwindles as the hero emerges (Traversi's view) but as a king who is also a complex and moving human figure.Troilus and Cressida is seen not as a set of contrasts between Trojans and Greeks but as a tapestry in which both camps suffer from a perversion of both will and judgment; Troilus and Cressida both, in this view, emerge as more than usually sympathetic characters.
Memory Self-Efficacy in Its Social Cognitive Context

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the present status of the memory self-efficacy (MSE) research in social cognitive context and suggests new research directions. MSE refers to a dynamic, self-evaluative system of beliefs and judgments regarding one's memory competence and confidence. MSE has evolved since the mid-1980s to its present identity and status in the cognitive aging and adult developmental research literature. Self-efficacy theory and methods provide a rich theoretical network of testable, falsifiable hypotheses. Some hypotheses have received strong empirical support, such as those applied to achievement domains, including mathematics, and writing. Research on mediational effects supports the reciprocal nature of self-efficacy and goal setting/attainment, although not equivocally. The theoretical strengths and empirical yield of mainstream self-efficacy research have guided the MSE research efforts. This chapter presents MSE research from the lab that has been conducted from the orienting framework of self-efficacy theory and methodology. To realize the full potential of MSE as an important adult developmental and cognitive aging research constructs, MSE researchers need to move beyond their emphases on measurement and modeling.
Genetic sensitivity to emotional cues, racial discrimination and depressive symptoms among African-American adolescent females

Psychosocial stress, including stress resulting from racial discrimination (RD), has been associated with elevated depressive symptoms. However, individuals vary in their reactivity to stress, with some variability resulting from genetic differences. Specifically, genetic variation within the linked promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) is related to heightened reactivity to emotional environmental cues. Likewise, variations within this region may interact with stressful life events (e.g., discrimination) to influence depressive symptoms, but this has not been empirically examined in prior studies. The objective of this study was to examine whether variation in the 5-HTTLPR gene interacts with RD to predict depressive symptoms among a sample of African-American adolescent females. Participants were 304 African-American adolescent females enrolled in a sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention trial. Participants completed a baseline survey assessing psychosocial factors including RD (low vs. high) and depressive symptomatology (low vs. high) and provided a saliva sample for genotyping the risk polymorphism 5-HTTLPR (s allele present vs. not present). In a logistic regression model adjusting for psychosocial correlates of depressive symptoms, an interaction between RD and 5-HTTLPR group was significantly associated with depressive symptomatology (AOR = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.20-11.98, p=0.02). Follow-up tests found that high RD was significantly associated with greater odds of high depressive symptoms only for participants with the s allele. RD and 5-HTTLPR status interact to differentially impact depressive symptoms among African-American adolescent females. Efforts to decrease depression among minority youth should include interventions which address racial discrimination and strengthen factors (e.g., coping, emotion regulation, building support systems) which protect youth from the psychological costs of discrimination.
A Practical Synthesis of Isocyanates from Isonitriles: Ethyl 2‐Isocyanatoacetate

Ethyl 2-isocyanoacetate Ethyl 2-isocyantoacetate Keywords: Isocyanates; Isonitriles; Dimethyl sulfide; DMSO; Trifluoroacetic anhydride; Catalyst; Diisocyanates; Waste disposal; Safety
Paul M. Leonardi, Car Crashes without Cars: Lessons about Simulation Technology and Organizational Change from Automotive Design

In Car Crashes Without Cars: Lessons About Simulation Technology and Organizational Change From Automotive Design, Paul M. Leonardi draws from the communication, sociology, engineering, and management disciplines to offer three distinct contributions. First, he advances a theory of imbrication. Second, he compares and contrasts his theory with past theorizing about the interaction of communication and technology. Third, Leonardi reports on the analysis of various data that he collected on more than 10 years of development, implementation, and use of simulation technology at a U.S. automobile manufacturer. Through his case, the author introduces the imbrication perspective to analyze material and social agency during the organizing process.
Rapid kinetics of second messenger production in bitter taste

The tasting of bitter compounds may have evolved as a protective mechanism against ingestion of potentially harmful substances. We have identified second messengers involved in bitter taste and show here for the first time that they are rapid and transient. Using a quench-flow system, we have studied bitter taste signal transduction in a pair of mouse strains that differ in their ability to taste the bitter stimulus sucrose octaacetate (SOA); however, both strains taste the bitter agent denatonium. In both strains of mice, denatonium (10 mM) induced a transient and rapid increase in levels of the second messenger inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) with a maximal production near 75-100 ms after stimulation. In contrast, SOA (100 microM) brought about a similar increase in IP3 only in SOA-taster mice. The response to SOA was potentiated in the presence of GTP (1 microM). The GTP-enhanced SOA-response supports a G protein-mediated response for this bitter compound. The rapid kinetics, transient nature, and specificity of the bitter taste stimulus-induced IP3 formation are consistent with the role of IP3 as a second messenger in the chemoelectrical transduction of bitter taste.
A routing algorithm for PEC networks

A routing algorithm is shown which can route in O( square root log N*2/sup square root 2logN/) steps in an N node packed exponential connections (PEC) network. It is also shown that semigroup operations can be performed in O(log N*2/sup square root 2logN/) parallel steps. >
Building New Agricultural Universities in Africa

There is an urgent need to create a new generation of innovation-oriented agricultural that efficiently bring together agricultural research, training, commercialization, and extension. This paper calls for upgrading the training, extension, and commercialization functions of existing national agricultural research institutes (NARIs). This would build on a strong research tradition, ongoing training efforts, connections with the private sector and farmers, and extensive international partnerships. Upgrading NARIs in this manner would also lay the foundation for the emergence of the first generation of research universities in Africa with an initial focus on agriculture. The creation of agricultural innovation universities would serve as a starting point for broader efforts in Africa to strengthen the role of science, technology, and innovation in economic transformation. The paper provides a roadmap that can be used to guide the proposed reform efforts.
NATURALISM AND THE SURREPTITIOUS EMBRACE OF NECESSITY

: In this article, two philosophical positions that structure distinct approaches in the history of metaphysics and epistemology are briefly characterized and contrasted. While one view, “naturalism,” rejects an a priori commitment to necessity, the other view, “transcendentalism,” insists on that commitment. It is shown that at the level of the fundamentals of thought, judgment, and reason, the dispute dissolves, and the naturalists' employment of “necessity for all practical purposes” is at best only nominally distinct from the transcendentalists' use of the same concept.
Calmodulin Activation of Red Blood Cell (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase and Its Antagonism by Phenothiazines

Plasma membranes prepared from human red blood cells exhibit a Ca2+-activated, Mg2+-dependent adenosine triphosphatase activity which is a biochemical expression of the Ca2+ pump. The activity of this (Ca2++Mg2+-ATPase was increased severalfold by the Ca2+-binding protein, calmodulin, whether purified or present in a crude red blood cell hemolysate. The phenothiazines chlorpromazine (CPZ) and trifluoperazine (TFP) antagonized calmodulin activation of (Ca2++Mg2+-ATPase in an apparently competitive manner. CPZ and TFP were less effective in antagonizing (Ca2++Mg2+)-ATPase activity in the absence of added calmodulin. TFP antagonized the calmodulin-dependent portion of (Ca2++Mg2+)-ATPase activity relatively specifically at 10 and 30 µM. Up to 100 µM neither haloperidol nor d - or l-butaclamol significantly antagonized calmodulin-induced activation of the (Ca2++Mg2+-ATPase. Basal ATPase activity was also not inhibited. In contrast to the lack of inhibition by nonphenothiazine neuroleptics, ruthenium red nonspecifically antagonized both basal and calmodulin-activated (Ca2++Mg2+)-ATPase activity. It was concluded that phenothiazines antagonize activation of the (Ca2++Mg2+)-ATPase by binding to calmodulin. Ruthenium red appears to have a different mechanism of action. Because the potent neuroleptic nonphenothiazines, haloperidol and butaclamol, fail to antagonize calmodulin activation of red blood cell (Ca2++Mg2+-ATPase it appears that general anti-calmodulin activity does not correlate with neuroleptic activity.
For COPD a combination of ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate is more effective than albuterol base.

Background A combination metered-dose inhaler aerosol containing ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate has been reported to be more effective than either of its components in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The dose of albuterol sulfate is equal in moles per liter to the dose of albuterol base used in the commercially available metered-dose inhalers. Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of the combination of ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate with a commonly prescribed albuterol metered-dose inhaler containing albuterol base alone. Methods Investigators at different sites performed a double-blind, 29-day trial involving 357 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Efficacy measurements were taken at 15, 30, and 60 minutes after treatment with study medication and then hourly up to 6 hours on days 1 and 29 of the trial. The primary end point was improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Clinical status was followed up and safety monitoring was also performed. Results The combination produced a significantly greater peak and mean improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second over albuterol base alone on both test days. Similar changes were seen with forced vital capacity. Evaluations of clinical status were better for patients receiving combination therapy, and some improvements were statistically significant. The overall incidence of adverse effects was similar in the 2 treatment groups. Conclusion We conclude that a combination of ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate is more effective at improving pulmonary function than albuterol base alone, with no potentiation of adverse effects.
Regular public good economies

Abstract This paper defines three concepts of regularity for economies with private and pure public goods, corresponding to the Lindahl, ratio, and balanced linear cost share equilibrium concepts. Each of these regularity properties is shown to be generic.
Interventional magnetic resonance imaging-guided cell transplantation into the brain with radially branched deployment.

Intracerebral cell transplantation is being pursued as a treatment for many neurological diseases, and effective cell delivery is critical for clinical success. To facilitate intracerebral cell transplantation at the scale and complexity of the human brain, we developed a platform technology that enables radially branched deployment (RBD) of cells to multiple target locations at variable radial distances and depths along the initial brain penetration tract with real-time interventional magnetic resonance image (iMRI) guidance. iMRI-guided RBD functioned as an “add-on” to standard neurosurgical and imaging workflows, and procedures were performed in a commonly available clinical MRI scanner. Multiple deposits of super paramagnetic iron oxide beads were safely delivered to the striatum of live swine, and distribution to the entire putamen was achieved via a single cannula insertion in human cadaveric heads. Human embryonic stem cell–derived dopaminergic neurons were biocompatible with the iMRI-guided RBD platform and successfully delivered with iMRI guidance into the swine striatum. Thus, iMRI-guided RBD overcomes some of the technical limitations inherent to the use of straight cannulas and standard stereotactic targeting. This platform technology could have a major impact on the clinical translation of a wide range of cell therapeutics for the treatment of many neurological diseases.
Segmentation and Recognition of Highway Assets Using Image-Based 3D Point Clouds and Semantic Texton Forests

AbstractEfficient data collection of high-quantity and low-cost highway assets such as road signs, traffic signals, light poles, and guardrails is a critical element to the operation, maintenance, and preservation of transportation infrastructure systems. Despite its importance, current practice of highway asset data collection is time-consuming, subjective, and potentially unsafe. The high volume of the data that needs to be collected can also negatively impact the quality of the analysis. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a new algorithm for semantic segmentation and recognition of highway assets using video frames collected from a car-mounted camera. The proposed set of algorithms (1) takes the captured frames and using a pipeline of structure from motion and multiview stereo reconstructs a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud model of the highway and surrounding assets; (2) using a Semantic Texton Forest classifier, each geo-registered two-dimensional (2D) video frame at the pixel-level ...
Control of Size and Permeability of Nanocomposite Microspheres

This work reports on progress in controlling the size and porosity of spontaneously assembled composite polyelectrolyte microspheres for their potential use in targeted drug delivery applications. ...
The vitreous protein concentration is increased prior to neovascularization in experimental ROP.

PURPOSE. To test the hypothesis that the vitreous protein content is altered prior to the development of neovascularization in an experimental model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS. Newborn rats underwent either a variable oxygen exposure or room air exposure following birth. On day 13 or 14, two days prior to neovascularization, the steady state vitreous and plasma total protein levels in room-air controls or variable-oxygen-exposed newborn rats were determined; similar measurements were also made for control adult rats. RESULTS. There was a significant difference (P 0.05) different from that in the age-matched control animals. The vitreous-to-plasma-protein ratios of both the control and ROP new- born animals were significantly greater (P < 0.05) than that in the adults. CONCLUSIONS. The resu...
A method for the determination of energy gaps in hydrogen-metal systems

Abstract A technique for estimating the energy increment between bands of hydrogen in metals is proposed. Two limiting cases are projected: one for narrow bands and the other for wider bands where overlap might be expected.
Berry-phase contribution to the anomalous Hall effect in gadolinium

When conduction electrons are forced to follow the local spin texture, the resulting Berry phase can induce an anomalous Hall effect (AHE). In gadolinium, as in double-exchange magnets, the exchange interaction is mediated by the conduction electrons and the AHE may therefore resemble that of chromium dioxide and other metallic double-exchange ferromagnets. The Hall resistivity, magnetoresistance, and magnetization of single crystal gadolinium were measured in fields up to 30 T. Measurements between 2 K and 400 K are consistent with previously reported data. A scaling analysis for the Hall resistivity as a function of the magnetization suggests the presence of a Berry's-phase contribution to the anomalous Hall effect.
Variability of Airway Responses in Mice

We examined the effect of animal strain, type of spasmogen, and mode of spasmogen administration on the pattern of lung mechanical responses in intubated and mechanically ventilated mice. We determined the response in inspiratory respiratory system resistance (Rrs) and inspiratory static respiratory system compliance (Crs) to increasing doses of inhaled or intravenous carbachol or serotonin in Balb/C and C57BL/6 mice. Rrs responsiveness was quantitated by calculating, by interpolation, the inhaled spasmogen concentration (PC150) and intravenous spasmogen dose (PD150) causing an increase in Rrs to 150% of baseline. Crs responsiveness was calculated similarly for a decrease in Crs to 85% of baseline (PC85 for inhaled and PD85 for intravenous spasmogen). Baseline Rrs and Crs were similar in all groups. Rrs responsiveness to inhaled and intravenous carbachol and serotonin tended to plateau and was not different in the two strains. In contrast, Crs responses were variable and had a greater mean PC85 for inhaled serotonin than carbachol in both strains and a greater fall in mean Crs at PC150 for carbachol in Balb/C mice; no interstrain and interdrug differences in PD85 were noted for intravenous spasmogens. Intravenous atropine attenuated the Rrs response to high-dose inhaled and intravenous serotonin, suggesting the involvement of a vagal reflex. In contrast, atropine attenuated Crs responses only for intravenous serotonin in Balb/C mice. These results suggest that animal strain, spasmogen, and mode of administration determine the extent to which induced airflow resistance is accompanied by increases in elastic recoil.
Conductive Anodic Filament Failures in Fine-Pitch Through-Via Interconnections in Organic Package Substrates

Failures due to conductive anodic filament (CAF) formation in copper-plated through-vias have been a concern in printed wiring boards since the 1970s. With the continuous reduction in through-via pitch to meet high circuit density demands in organic packages, the magnitude of CAF failures is expected to be significantly higher. In this study, an accelerated test condition [130°C, 85% relative humidity (RH), and 100 V direct current (DC)] was used to investigate CAF in two organic package substrates: (1) cyclo-olefin polymer–glass fiber composite (XR3) and (2) epoxy–glass fiber composite (FR4). Test coupons with through-via spacing of 100 μm and 200 μm were investigated in this study. CAF failures were not observed in either substrate type with spacing of 200 μm. With spacing of 100 μm, insulation failures were observed in FR4, while XR3 exhibited stable insulation resistance during the test. The substrates were characterized using gravimetric measurement, and XR3 was found to exhibit significantly lower moisture absorption compared with FR4. The CAF failures in FR4 were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The results suggest a strong effect of moisture sorption of organic resins on CAF failure at smaller through-via spacing in package substrates.
Contrast-enhanced MRI of right ventricular abnormalities in Cx43 mutant mouse embryos.

Imaging of the mammalian cardiac right ventricle (RV) is particularly challenging, especially when a two-dimensional method such as conventional histology is used to evaluate the morphology of this asymmetric, crescent-shaped chamber. MRI may improve the characterization of mutants with RV phenotypes by allowing analysis of the samples in any plane and by facilitating three-dimensional image reconstruction. MRI was used to examine the conditional knockout Cx43-PCKO mouse line known to have RV malformations. To help delineate the cardiovascular system and facilitate identification of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), embryonic day (E) 17.5 embryos were perfusion fixed through the umbilical vein followed by a gadolinium-based contrast agent mixed in 7% gelatin. Micro-MRI experiments were performed at 7 T and followed by paraffin embedding of specimens, histological sectioning and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Imaging of up to four embryos simultaneously allowed for higher throughput than traditional individual imaging techniques, while intravascular contrast afforded excellent signal-to-noise characteristics. All control embryos (n=4) and heterozygous Cx43 knockout embryos (n=4) had normal-appearing right ventricular outflow tract contours by MRI. Obvious abnormalities in the RVOT, including abnormal bulging and infiltration of contrast into the wall of the RV, were seen in three out of four Cx43-PCKO mutants with MRI. Furthermore, three-dimensional reconstruction of MR images with orthogonal projections as well as maximum-intensity projection allowed for visualization of the relationship of infundibular bulging segments to the pulmonary trunk in Cx43-PCKO mutant hearts. The addition of MRI to standard histology in the characterization of RV malformations in mutant mouse embryos aids in the assessment and understanding of morphologic abnormalities. Flexibility in the viewing of MR images, which can be retrospectively sectioned in any desired orientation, is particularly useful in the investigation of the RV, an asymmetric chamber that is difficult to analyze with two-dimensional techniques.
Beer and bongs: differential problems experienced by older adolescents using alcohol only compared to combined alcohol and marijuana use

Alcohol and other drug problems experienced by adolescents who use only alcohol compared to those who use both alcohol and marijuana (A + M) is studied. Using the national longitudinal survey of youth 1994 data, forward multiple regression analyses revealed that impulsivity, A + M use (compared to alcohol-only use), age, sex, religiosity, frequency of substance use were associated with a higher number of behavioral problems. Youth with more alcohol problems were found to be binge drinkers, impulsive, more frequent alcohol users, and nonHispanic. Implications and future research needs are discussed.
Increasing base-station anonymity in wireless sensor networks

Nodes in a wireless sensor network (WSN) probe their surroundings and report their findings to a base-station over multi-hop paths. Given the important role of the base-station, an adversary who likes to disrupt the network operation would eagerly look for where the base-station could be and target it with attacks in order to inflict maximum damage. Unfortunately, the continuous flow of traffic towards the base-station creates a pronounced pattern of wireless links that may expose the base-station position and thus make the network more vulnerable. This paper investigates means for boosting the anonymity of the base-station. First, we adapt three models - entropy based model, GSAT test and evidence theory model, to quantify anonymity of the base-station. Then, two novel approaches for boosting the anonymity of the base-station are proposed. One is for the base-station to disguise itself by transmitting some of the data packets it receives with varying intensity. The goal is to create a perception that the base-station node is just another sensor node sending some information and thus confuse the adversary. The second approach is for the base-station to relocate itself to a more concealed position within the network. Relocating the base-station completely scraps/nullifies the adversary's efforts to track it down and forces him to start his search from scratch. This paper investigates the problem of base-station relocation with respect to when to relocate, where to relocate and how to relocate. These approaches are validated through simulation. Our results show that the proposed measures not only safeguard base-station but also increases the lifetime of the WSN due to uniform energy depletion of sensor nodes.
Distribution of radioactivity among total myelin protein amino acids following administration of labeled glycine, leucine, or methionine

This paper analyzes the distribution of radioactivity in the different amino acids of brain myelin protein for up to 6-7 weeks after an intracranial pulse administration of radioactive leucine, glycine, or methionine. Results show that there is no significant accumulation or reutilization of protein radioactivity in any form other than the one administered.
The stomatocyst of Mallomonas acaroides v. muskokana (Chrysophyceae)

The stomatocyst of Mallomanas acaroides v. muskokana is described based on observations made from both live populations and surface sediment remains. The cyst is slightly ovate in shape, covered with evenly spaced, ornamented spines and has a short cylindrical collar with a variable apex and internal annulus surrounding the pore. The spines have a thickened base, a cylindrical middle section and a flattened apex with a ring of finger-like projections. Several immature stages of development are described and the stomatocyst is compared to those described for phylogenetically similar species. Complementary investigations of stomatocysts from both living (planktonic) and sediment collections can greatly facilitate the identification of stomatocyst morphotypes.
Zebrafish Dapper1 and Dapper2 play distinct roles in Wnt-mediated developmental processes

Wnt signaling pathways in vertebrates use the phosphoprotein Dishevelled (Dvl). The cellular responses to Wnt signaling may in part be modulated by Dvl-associated proteins, including Dapper (Dpr). We have cloned and characterized the zebrafish Dpr paralogs Dpr1 and Dpr2. Loss-of-function studies reveal that endogenous Dpr1 but not Dpr2 is required to enhance Wnt/β-catenin activity in zebrafish embryos that are hypomorphic for Wnt8. Conversely, Dpr2 but not Dpr1 is required for normal convergence extension movements in embryos that are hypomorphic for Stbm or Wnt11, supporting a functional interaction of Dpr2 with Wnt/Ca2+-PCP signaling. In gain-of-function experiments, Dpr1 but not Dpr2 induces Wnt/β-catenin target genes. Dpr1 synergizes with zebrafish Dvl2, and with the Dvl-interacting kinases CK1ϵ, Par1 and CK2, in activating target genes. We conclude that two Dvl-associated paralogs, Dpr1 and Dpr2, participate in distinct Wnt-dependent developmental processes.
Optimum Design of High-Speed 4-Bar Mechanisms Using a Bi-Level Game Theoretic Approach

This paper considers the design of a high speed mechanism as a multi objective optimization problem wherein the kinematic and dynamic criteria are optimized simultaneously. The kinematic criteria include minimization of the structural error and a minimization of deviation of the transmission angle from its ideal value. The dynamic criteria include minimization of input driving torque and shaking forces transmitted to the ground link. A Stackelberg (leader-follower) game theoretic approach is proposed to solve the multiobjective problem. Two variants, wherein both the kinematic and the dynamic criteria are treated as the leader, are considered. The design variables include mechanism dimensions and counterweight parameters. A partitioning of the design variables amongst the leader and follower objective functions is discussed. A computational procedure using sensitivity information is used for approximating rational reaction sets needed for capturing exchange of information between the leader and the follower problems. A numerical example dealing with the design of a path generating 4-bar mechanism is presented.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Intensification of tropical‐cyclone‐like vortices in uniform zonal background‐flows

The effect of uniform zonal background-flows on the intensification of tropical-cyclone-like vortices is investigated using a numerical three-layer shallow-water model that includes parametrizations of convection, sea-surface energy-exchange, and boundary-layer friction. Calculations on an f -plane showed that during the developing stage, an initially weak vortex intensified more rapidly in the presence of a uniform zonal background-flow. Compared to an environment at rest, the uniform zonal background-flow resulted in increased boundary-layer convergence collocated with increased boundary-layer mixing ratio (as a result of surface moisture fluxes), producing stronger convection and more rapid intensification. After the vortex achieved hurricane strength in the presence of an easterly (westerly) background-flow, a region of convectively stable air formed to the south (north) of the vortex centre as a result of small values of surface moisture flux and the downward transport of relatively dry middle-layer air. This convectively stable air penetrated slowly into regions of boundary-layer convergence, thereby weakening convection and reducing the maximum intensity of the vortex compared to the case without background flow. This effect was more pronounced for stronger background-flows. Calculations on a β-plane showed that a westerly background-flow is more favourable for intensification than an easterly background-flow of the same strength. In the former, the vortex always moved into a region of convectively unstable air, whereas, in the latter, the vortex progressively moved into a region of convectively stable air produced by subsidence and drying of the boundary layer. Because of the relatively high vortex drift speed in the easterly background-flow case, there was not sufficient time for surface moisture fluxes to moisten the boundary-layer air rapidly enough to eliminate the convectively stable region ahead of the vortex, resulting in the overall weakening of convective activity and a less intense storm than in the westerly flow case. The foregoing calculations suggest that the imposed background-flow affects the development of the vortices in the shallow-water model by establishing an environment in which boundary-layer convergence and surface moisture fluxes may interact to produce stratifications that either enhance or suppress convection, the occurrence of which is necessary for the intensification of the vortices in the model.
Directing Misperceptions: Researching the Issues Facing Manual‐Based Treatments

This article addresses the issues facing manual-based treatments by considering six of the common misperceptions regarding flexibility, clinical judgment, creativity, reification, comorbidity, and research versus practice applicability. Each misperception is followed by a recommendation for research directions to discover the facts surrounding manual-based treatments.
A splitting method for incompressible flows with variable density based on a pressure Poisson equation

A new fractional time-stepping technique for solving incompressible flows with variable density is proposed. The main feature of this method is that, as opposed to other known algorithms, the pressure is determined by just solving one Poisson equation per time step, which greatly reduces the computational cost. The stability of the method is proved and the performance of the method is numerically illustrated.
Recent SRMs for organic and inorganic nutrients in food matrices

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has recently introduced several reference materials for organic and inorganic nutrients in food matrices to assist the food industry in complying with nutrition labeling laws; the food industry and other government agencies have collaborated with NIST in this endeavor. Two food-matrix SRMs were issued in 1996: SRM 1544, Fatty Acids and Cholesterol in Frozen Food Composite; and SRM 1846, Infant Formula. Concentration values in SRM 1544 are provided for six fatty acids, cholesterol, and proximates (fat, protein, carbohydrate, etc.). Values are assigned for proximate and caloric content as well as the concentrations of sixteen vitamins and nine minerals and trace elements in SRM 1846. In 1997, NIST expects to issue two additional food-matrix SRMs: SRM 1548a, Typical Diet, and SRM 2383, Baby Food Composite. SRM 1548a will replace SRM 1548, Total Diet, and will have values assigned for proximates, major and minor inorganic nutrients, and toxic trace elements. SRM 2383 will have values assigned for proximates, vitamins, carotenoids, and inorganic nutrients.
Evaluation of Percutanous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Elderly Patients with Silicosis and Co-morbidities

To clarify the indications and usefulness of Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in patients with Silicosis and some co-morbidities, we analyzed eight cases of silicosis, who suffered from dysphagia and had received a PEG for tube feeding during the period from 1998 to 2002. The characteristics, and clinical course, of each case were statistically analyzed before and during PEG usage. All cases were bed-ridden males, with a mean age of 80 years. The profusion rate (PR) grade of silicosis was for five cases in category 2, and for three cases in category 4. Most of the co-morbidities were dementia (five cases), and chronic heart failure (four cases). There were no significant improvements in the measured nutrition criteria (albumin, lymphocytes) nor in respiratory function (arterial O2) between before and during PEG usage. Tube feeding through the PEG was not performed in three cases because of repeated aspiration pneumonia. The mean duration of PEG usage was 9 months, ranging from 5 to 20 months. Five cases died of the co-morbidities. Furthermore, there was significant deterioration in the bacteriological data (p = 0.001), suggesting a worsening of the swallowing disturbances during PEG usage, or the emergence of more resistant organisms as a result of empirical antibiotic therapy. The present results suggest that the indications of PEG in cases of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as silicosis, associated with other morbidities, and with dysphagia, are somewhat limited. The patient's general condition should be an important factor in deciding whether or not this technique should be used.
Cost-effectiveness of measuring fractional flow reserve to guide coronary interventions

Abstract Background Most patients come to the catheterization laboratory without prior functional tests, which makes the cost-effective treatment of patients with intermediate coronary lesions a practical challenge. Methods We developed a decision model to compare the long-term costs and benefits of 3 strategies for treating patients with an intermediate coronary lesion and no prior functional study: 1) deferring the decision for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to obtain a nuclear stress imaging study (NUC strategy); 2) measuring fractional flow reserve (FFR) at the time of angiography to help guide the decision for PCI (FFR strategy); and 3) stenting all intermediate lesions (STENT strategy). On the basis of the literature, we estimated that 40% of intermediate lesions would produce ischemia, 70% of patients treated with PCI and 30% of patients treated medically would be free of angina after 4 years, and the quality-of-life adjustment for living with angina was 0.9 (1.0 = perfect health). We estimated the cost of FFR to be $761, the cost of nuclear stress imaging to be $1093, and the cost of medical treatment for angina to be $1775 per year. The extra cost of splitting the angiogram and PCI as dictated by the NUC strategy was $3886 by use of hospital cost-accounting data. Sensitivity and threshold analyses were performed to determine which variables affected our results. Results The FFR strategy saved $1795 per patient compared with the NUC strategy and $3830 compared with the STENT strategy. Quality-adjusted life expectancy was similar among the 3 strategies (NUC-FFR = 0.8 quality-adjusted days, FFR-STENT = 6 quality-adjusted life days). Compared with the FFR strategy, the NUC strategy was expensive (>$800,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained). Both screening strategies were superior to (less cost, better outcomes) the STENT strategy. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the NUC strategy would only become attractive ( 25% better than FFR. Our results were not altered significantly by changing the other assumptions. Conclusion In patients with an intermediate coronary lesion and no prior functional study, measuring FFR to guide the decision to perform PCI may lead to significant cost savings compared with performing nuclear stress imaging or with simply stenting lesions in all patients.
Malawi polyomavirus is a prevalent human virus that interacts with known tumor suppressors

Malawi polyomavirus (MWPyV) is a recently identified human polyomavirus. Serology for MWPyV VP1 indicates that infection frequently occurs in childhood and reaches a prevalence of 75% in adults. The MWPyV small T antigen (ST) binds protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), and the large T antigen (LT) binds pRb, p107, p130, and p53. However, the MWPyV LT was less stable than the simian virus 40 (SV40) LT and was unable to promote the growth of normal cells. This report confirms that MWPyV is a widespread human virus expressing T antigens with low transforming potential.
Determinants of survival in patients with calciphylaxis: a multivariate analysis.

Background Our study aims to assess the factors affecting survival in patients with calciphylaxis. Methods We identified 26 patients with biopsy-proven calciphylaxis treated between 1995 and 2007. Clinical and follow-up data were obtained from medical records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the factors affecting survival. Results The study group consisted of 23 women and 3 men with a mean age of 56.4 ± 12.9 years. All patients had multiple comorbidities/risk factors including coronary artery disease (58%), diabetes mellitus (58%), and peripheral vascular disease (23%). Mean laboratory values were: calcium, 9.0 mg/dL (range, 6.8–11.6); albumin, 2.8 mg/dL; phosphate, 4.5 mg/dL (range, 2.5–7.5); Ca∗phosphate, 35.9; and parathyroid hormone, 320.9 pg/mL (range, 4.6–2,419). Parathyroidectomy was performed in 9 of 26 patients (35%). Of our patients, 19% underwent revascularization procedures and 58% underwent debridement. In multivariate analyses, factors associated with poor survival were female gender ( P = .01), increased weight ( P = .01), and need for vascular procedures ( P = .06). Improved survival was associated with operative debridement ( P = .01). Parathyroidectomy alone did not emerge as a determinant of patient survival, although there was a trend to improved survival when debridement and parathyroidectomy were combined ( P = .09). Conclusion Rather than a single intervention such as parathyroidectomy, a multidisciplinary approach involving early diagnosis, aggressive medical management, operative debridement, and parathyroidectomy may improve survival in calciphylaxis.
Impact of the changing epidemiology of fungal infections in the 1990s.

The increase in fungal infections over the past decade is striking. This is particularly true for hospitalized patients where the rate of candidal bloodstream infection has increased by as much as 487 % over the decade of the 1980s. This increase in fungal infections is accompanied by a significant excess mortality and excess length of stay in hospital. The emergence of “new” fungal pathogens such asCandida krusei, Torulopsis glabrata, Fusarium andTrichosporon beigelii is now recognized as a significant problem in many patient populations. The documentation of nosocomial transmission of fungal pathogens and the recognition of resistance to both new and established antifungal agents poses a significant problem entering the 1990s. Continued effort is needed to develop new and better therapeutic agents and more effective strategies for prophylaxis of endogenous infections and prevention of transmission within the hospital setting.
Fluid mechanics of the laminar flow aerosol impactor

Abstract A study has been made of the fluid mechanics of laminar flow aerosol impactors of both the rectangular and round geometry. Streamlines in a rectangular impactor were obtained theoretically by solving the Navier-Stokes equations on a computer. The results were found to be in good agreement with experimentally generated streamlines in a water model using an electrolytic flow visualization technique. Further theoretical studies of the impactor using the computer solution technique showed that the flow field in the impaction region above the impaction plate is influenced only to a very limited extent by the impactor throat length while the effect due to variations in the jet-to-plate distance and the jet Reynolds number is somewhat larger. The boundary layer thickness along the impaction plate was found to be nearly constant, but the thickness was dependent on the jet Reynolds number and affected to a very slight extent by the jet-to-plate distance.
Is the Antarctic ice sheet growing

A brief review is presented of recent observations of surface accumulation on Antarctica. It is concluded that it is as yet too early to say with confidence whether the ice sheet has recently been growing or shrinking, given the variability in accumulation pattern and the larger uncertainties in melting and calving.
Building routing overlays in disrupted networks: inferring contacts in challenged sensor internetworks

Current routing approaches in Delay-Tolerant Networks (DTNs) focus on the exchange of information across homogenous addressing domains without addressing DTNs constructed from a set of cooperating networks using different protocols and mobility models. We present inference-based Contact Graph Routing (iCGR), a logical-level routing method for DTN internetworks that comprise heterogeneous data link and/or network layers. iCGR constructs a time-variant 'Contact Graph' at each node in the network to describe logical contact opportunities regardless of underlying physical media access. The iCGR approach extends the established approach of graph based routing beyond static networks and provides a mechanism for multiple data link protocols to co-exist in an internetwork. This overlay-routing approach allows otherwise routing-protocol-incompatible networks to join an internetwork with little overhead. iCGR is validated through NS3 simulation of a DTN internetwork comprising manually asserted contact opportunities, a non-DTN routing protocol, and probabilistic DTN routing protocol.
Studies Utilizing the Portable Electromagnetic Ballistocardiograph IV. The Clinical Significance of Serial Ballistocardiograms Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

One hundred patients, who had survived their first episode of myocardial infarction, were studied by serial ballistocardiograms which provided a reliable index in determining myocardial functional recovery. The degree of ballistocardiographic reversion toward normal, as judged by an 18-month or longer follow-up period, has proved to be a valuable standard for prognosis.
Structural acoustics of good and bad violins.

Modal-acoustic radiation measurements on 17 “bad-to-excellent” quality-rated violins—including three-dimensional modal analyses of Titian and Willemotte Stradivari and Plowden Guarneri del Gesu violins to investigate extensional as well as flexural motions—were examined for quality-related trends, generally by contrasting the properties of “excellent” and “bad” violins. All violins tested showed the same five “signature” modes below 600Hz, with no obvious quality trends for mode frequencies or total damping. Bad–excellent comparisons of band-/modal-averaged damping (total, radiation and internal), mobility, radiativity, directivity, fraction-of-vibrational-energy radiated, effective critical frequency, and radiativity profiles up to 4kHz generally showed no significant difference; the only “robust” quality differentiator was the ∼280Hz, Helmholtz-type A0 cavity mode radiativity where excellent violins were significantly higher. Radiation and total damping of two old Italian violins appeared slightly highe...
Review of the K-ABC: Reflecting the Unobservable:

In response to Dr. Randy Kamphaus' paper on the theoretical origins of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (Kaufman & Kaufman, 1983), an argument is made that relates to the lack of factor analytic support for the independence of simultaneous and sequential mental processing, the tenuous claim that the K-ABC's mental processing and achievement scales are measuring different constructs, and that meaningful measures of intelligence can be considered as content free.