cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Economic returns from enhancing loblolly pine establishment on two upland sites: Effects of seedling grade, fertilization, hexazinone, and intensive soil cultivation

On two well drained Coastal Plain sites, early (4-year) and mid-rotation (12-year) performance of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) was examined in relation to mechanical site preparation, herbaceous weed control, and fertilization with diammonium phosphate (DAP). In addition, seedling grade as determined by groundline diameter (GLD) was a fourth factor evaluated. Of the four factors examined, seedling grade was the only factor to consistently improve fourth-year survival. In Alabama, seedlings with a 2.5 mm GLD averaged 62% survival while 5.1 mm seedlings averaged 83% survival. In Virginia, 1.3 mm seedlings had 73% survival and 5.1 mm seedlings had 79% survival. Calculated volume gains from increasing seedling grade suggest that a 1 mm increase in GLD could amount to an additional 7 to 12 m3/ha at age 12. Seedling size and mechanical site preparation were partly exchangeable in influencing survival and growth. Use of hexazinone on late planted seedlings increased mortality at both sites. Applications of hexazinone increased volume/ha when combined with DAP fertilization. Fertilization with DAP increased 12-year volume/ha only when weeds were controlled with hexazinone or disking.
Effects of morphine or naloxone on kainic acid neurotoxicity.

Abstract Intraperitoneal or subcutaneous administration of kainic acid (KA) (5–15 mg/kg) to adult rats included a syndrome of wef wet dog shakes (WDS), convulsions and brain damage. Components of the syndrome were evoked in a dose-related manner with low doses inducing WDS only and progressively higher doses being associated with an increasing incidence of naloxone (4 mg/kg) 5 minutes prior to KA (12 mg/kg) resulted in a moderate reduction in the incidence of WDS, convulsions and brain damage. Administering morphine (5 or 10 mg/kg) 10 minutes prior to KA (7 mg/kg) markedly enhanced the neurotoxicity of KA as was evidenced in an increase in the incidence of convulsions and brain damage from 7% (KA alone) to 100% (morphine + KA). KA, a structural analog of the putative excitatory transmitter glutamate (Glu), is thought to exert its excitotoxic activity through Glu excitatory receptors. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism by which morphine and naloxone respectively enhance and suppress KA neurotoxicity and to clarify whether interaction of these agents at either opioid or Glu receptors plays a role in such phenomena.
Association of Human Serum Parathormone-like Activity with Pre-albumin Electrophoretic Zones

Reichart and L'Heureux1 reported that, by ethanol fractionation of plasma, parathyroid hormone-like activity could be found in fractions II and III, the β and γ fractions. The quantity of circulating hormone was estimated at about 40 U.S.P. units per 100 ml. in blood-bank plasma, using a parathyroidectomized rat bioassay sensitive to the serum calcium-raising activity of 10–15 units.
Total‐electron‐content signatures of plasmaspheric motions

Measurements of fluctuations in total electron content made with a radio interferometer reveal weak but frequent outbursts of total-electron-content disturbances, with trace azimuths roughly westward, with trace speeds up to ∼2 km/s, and with temporal periods in the range 100–500 seconds. Statistical tests of the dataset suggest that these disturbances are due to drift of plasmaspheric irregularities past the radio lines-of-sight. The phenomenon is likely to provide a new passive tracer of zonal convection in the inner magnetosphere.
Finding the Observed Information Matrix When Using the EM Algorithm

A procedure is derived for extracting the observed information matrix when the EM algorithm is used to find maximum likelihood estimates in incomplete data problems. The technique requires computation of a complete-data gradient vector or second derivative matrix, but not those associated with the incomplete data likelihood. In addition, a method useful in speeding up the convergence of the EM algorithm is developed. Two examples are presented.
Human action and its place in theories of aging

Abstract Beginning from the premise that a primary task of a science is to be true to the character of its subject matter, this article argues the study of aging in the human sciences has not paid sufficient attention to the distinct features of human aging. Specifically, the role of intentional human action (involving purposefulness and selfhood) in producing age-related phenomena has largely been ignored. Paradigmatic concepts of psychology (development), sociology (socialization), and economics (choice) are analyzed with reference to the study of aging. These concepts focus on organism, environment, and behavior, and deflect attention from the task of analyzing the role of intentionality in relation to aging. This circumstance can be viewed as a special instance of the more general modem literary practice of rendering the subject silent, passive, and “objective, ” as reflected in Barthes' concept of “white writing. ” Some possibilities for developing alternative conceptual approaches for the study of aging are briefly discussed.
Hematologic Manifestations of Long-Term Valproate Therapy

Sixty patients receiving long-term valproate (VPA) monotherapy were studied for hematologic side effects. All were patients in a long-term care facility and ranged in age from 2 to 29 years (mean 14.6 years). Twenty developed at least one prominent hematologic abnormality. Thrombocytopenia and macrocytosis were the most common findings. In patients with macrocytosis, platelet counts were inversely related to VPA levels. Serum B12 levels were increased in 51 of the patients. In 12 patients with macrocytosis who were extensively studied, no etiology for the increased MCV could be identified. An increased number of Pelger-Huet-like cells was noted in these 12 patients. None of the patients demonstrated hepatic dysfunction. Hematologic toxicity was never severe enough to discontinue therapy and always responded to small decrements in VPA therapy. VPA was discontinued in only 1 patient, owing to poor seizure control.
Late-Quaternary Landscape Response to Environmental Change in South-Central Kansas

The central Great Plains is an excellent place to study late-Quaternary geomorphic responses to climatic fluctuations because the landscape is easily disturbed and deposits contain abundant paleoenvironmental information. Although much research has already been conducted, studies are needed that correlate a variety of geomorphic responses to environmental change at specific sites. This paper presents a paleoenvironmental and geomorphic reconstruction for the Great Bend Sand Prairie, a mosaic of sand sheets and dune fields in south-central Kansas. Results indicate that two stratigraphic units dominate the upland geology. Late-Wisconsin deposits consist of poorly sorted sand, silt, and clay that probably accumulated in a low-energy fluvial environment. Eolian deposition of loess also occurred, but most silt was integrated with the alluvium. Intact deposits of loess are widely scattered. All sediments contain well developed soils, indicating extended surface stability. Macrofossil and isotopic (δ13C) evidenc...
Faster Reaction Time through Increasing Intent to Respond

The RT of 50 college men was measured under normal (N) and artificial (E) limb mass conditions. It was hypothesized that RT in condition E would be significantly faster than in N because the heavier mass would encourage a stronger conscious and willful intent, during the response foreperiod, to trigger the simple learned RT response stored in the memory motor drum. The results (t = 4.202, p < .05) substantiated this hypothesis. Even though the relationship of RTs in N and E conditions was moderately large (r = .56), the specificity was very high, 69%; thus the possibility that two separate neuromotor programs are involved cannot be excluded. It is concluded that in a simple RT experiment the creation of a situation during the response foreperiod which increases S's conscious and willful intent to respond, will result in a faster RT. Also, the results support the known specificity of individual differences in performance of simple discrete motor acts.
PERSONALITY FACTORS, MONEY ATTITUDES, FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE, AND CREDIT-CARD DEBT IN COLLEGE STUDENTS

The issue of credit-card debt among college students has received increasing attention. This study explored factors hypothesized to be causes and effects of credit-card debt in 448 students on five college campuses. Students reported an average of $1,035 (SD 5 $1,849) in debt, including students without credit cards or credit-card debt. Lack of financial knowledge, age, number of credit cards, delay of gratification, and attitudes toward credit-card use were related to debt. Sensation seeking, materialism, the Student Attitude Toward Debt scale, gender, and grade point average were not unique predictors of debt. Students reporting greater debt reported greater stress and decreased financial well being. Results highlight the need for comprehensive financial literacy education among college students.
Performance model for optical extraction from a Q-switched chemical oxygen-iodine laser.

A comprehensive time-dependent model for optical extraction from a Q-switched supersonic oxygen–iodine laser is described. Gas flow is treated by using an unsteady, premixed, quasi-one-dimensional model that accounts for gas motion and expansion as well as heat release in the cavity. The model uses a simplified, temperature-dependent, chemical kinetics package that consists of several reactions among the 3Σ, 1Δ, and 1Σ states of oxygen, atomic and molecular iodine, water, and helium. Hyperfine relaxation effects on the gain and optical extraction from the 3 → 4 line are treated by using a simple four-level laser model. An efficient algorithm for solving the coupled medium and optical extraction equations is described. This gain model, in conjunction with a geometric model of an unstable confocal resonator, is used to examine optical extraction from the medium as a function of pulse repetition rate, duty cycle, and optical mode width. It is shown that the output power may exhibit flow-induced relaxation oscillations, and the conditions under which these oscillations occur are discussed.
Multiplexed single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping by oligonucleotide ligation and flow cytometry.

BACKGROUND We have developed a rapid, high throughput method for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping that employs an oligonucleotide ligation assay (OLA) and flow cytometric analysis of fluorescent microspheres. METHODS A fluoresceinated oligonucleotide reporter sequence is added to a “capture” probe by OLA. Capture probes are designed to hybridize both to genomic “targets” amplified by polymerase chain reaction and to a separate complementary DNA sequence that has been coupled to a microsphere. These sequences on the capture probes are called “ZipCodes”. The OLA-modified capture probes are hybridized to ZipCode complement-coupled microspheres. The use of microspheres with different ratios of red and orange fluorescence makes a multiplexed format possible where many SNPs may be analyzed in a single tube. Flow cytometric analysis of the microspheres simultaneously identifies both the microsphere type and the fluorescent green signal associated with the SNP genotype. RESULTS Application of this methodology is demonstrated by the multiplexed genotyping of seven CEPH DNA samples for nine SNP markers located near the ApoE locus on chromosome 19. The microsphere-based SNP analysis agreed with genotyping by sequencing in all cases. CONCLUSIONS Multiplexed SNP genotyping by OLA with flow cytometric analysis of fluorescent microspheres is an accurate and rapid method for the analysis of SNPs. Cytometry 39:131–140, 2000 © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Films of omega-branched fatty acids

Abstract This investigation deals with the effect of terminal branching upon the behavior of long-chain aliphatic acids. Monomolecular layers of these compounds, spread on buffer solutions, are characterized by determination of the force/area relationship. On the basis of their minimum molecular area in condensed films, the tilt of the molecule against the surface was computed and various possibilities for the conformation of the terminal groups were evaluated. The capability of building up polylayer films on a solid surface and the character of such films reflects the shape of the molecule and its deviations from the prismatic form. A number of surface phenomena such as contact angles, surface reflection, and skeletonization by dissolving the free fatty acids in the film are treated. Although films of branched fatty acids resemble those of normal fatty acids in several points, a striking difference is revealed by their enormous surface volatility. Molecular Sublimation of branched fatty acids across blankets of stearic acid, several hundred Angstrom units thick, is an important manifestation of the dynamic state prevailing in crystalline polymolecular films.
Cultivating Moral Imagination through Meditation

The purpose of this article is to show how moral imagination can be cultivated through meditation. Moral imagination was conceived as a three-stage process of ethical development. The first stage is reproductive imagination, that involves attaining awareness of the contextual factors that affect perception of a moral problem. The second stage, productive imagination, consists of reframing the problem from different perspectives. The third stage, creative imagination, entails developing morally acceptable alternatives to solve the ethical problem. This article contends that moral imagination can be cultivated through three kinds of meditation: non-discursive, semidiscursive, and discursive meditation. Part one shows how the seed of reproductive moral imagination is planted during sessions of nondiscursive meditation. Productive moral imagination, as will be shown in part two, is nurtured through semidiscursive meditation. Part three will demonstrate the flowering of creative moral imagination through discursive meditation. Reflection and small group discussion on each form of meditation will help to show business people how to cultivate moral imagination.
Direct test of static stress versus dynamic stress triggering of aftershocks

[1] Aftershocks observed over time scales of minutes to months following a main shock are plausibly triggered by the static stress change imparted by the main shock, dynamic shaking effects associated with passage of seismic waves from the main shock, or a combination of the two. We design a direct test of static versus dynamic triggering of aftershocks by comparing the near-field temporal aftershock patterns generated by aseismic and impulsive events occurring in the same source area. The San Juan Bautista, California, area is ideally suited for this purpose because several events of both types of M ∼ 5 have occurred since 1974. We find that aftershock rates observed after impulsive events are much higher than those observed after aseismic events, and this pattern persists for several weeks after the event. This suggests that, at least in the near field, dynamic triggering is the dominant cause of aftershocks, and that it generates both immediate and delayed aftershock activity.
Analysis of energy sources for Mycoplasma penetrans gliding motility

Mycoplasma penetrans, a potential human pathogen found mainly in HIV-infected individuals, uses a tip structure for both adherence and gliding motility. To improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism of M. penetrans gliding motility, we used chemical inhibitors of energy sources associated with motility of other organisms to determine which of these is used by M. penetrans and also tested whether gliding speed responded to temperature and pH. Mycoplasma penetrans gliding motility was not eliminated in the presence of a proton motive force inhibitor, a sodium motive force inhibitor, or an agent that depletes cellular ATP. At near-neutral pH, gliding speed increased as temperature increased. The absence of a clear chemical energy source for gliding motility and a positive correlation between speed and temperature suggest that energy derived from heat provides the major source of power for the gliding motor of M. penetrans.
Performance analysis of mobile agents for filtering data streams on wireless networks

Wireless networks are an ideal environment for mobile agents, because their mobility allows them to move across an unreliable link to reside on a wired host, next to or closer to the resources they need to use. Furthermore, client-specific data transformations can be moved across the wireless link, and run on a wired gateway server, with the goal of reducing bandwidth demands. In this paper we examine the tradeoffs faced when deciding whether to use mobile agents to support a data-filtering application, in which numerous wireless clients filter information from a large data stream arriving across the wired network. We develop an analytical model and use parameters from our own experiments to explore the model's implications.
Efficacy of anidulafungin, caspofungin and fluconazole in the early phase of infection in a neutropenic murine invasive candidiasis model

Abstract In this study, we investigated the in vivo efficacy of anidulafungin during the early phase of disseminated candidiasis in a neutropenic murine model and compared the results with those obtained for fluconazole. Antifungal efficacy was evaluated by reduction of fungal burden in the tissues of infected animals at periodic intervals during the first day of treatment. The fungal burden in tissues of drug-treated mice was reduced compared with controls in a time-dependent manner. At 24 h after drug treatment, a >2 log10 reduction of fungal burden in the kidney was obtained in the anidulafungin- and caspofungin-treated mice compared with a ca. 1.2 log10 reduction in fluconazole-treated mice (P
Periurethral colonization and urinary leukocytes as markers for bacteriuria in children with neurogenic bladder

Bacteriuria and associated renal damage is common in children with a neurogenic bladder, but the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection (UTI) is undefined. We examined the association between periurethral bacterial colonization and the presence of urinary leukocytes in 76 catheter urine specimens from children with neurogenic bladders. Although all the children were asymptomatic, 38/76 (50%) of the urine cultures were positive. Periurethral colonization was significantly more common with positive than with negative urine cultures, suggesting a pathogenetic role for periurethral bacteria in infection of the neurogenic bladder. Urinary leukocytes were present in 24/38 (63%) with positive cultures, as against none (0/38) of those with negative urine cultures, and their presence represents a host response to bladder bacteriuria.
Forensic assessment: Ethical and clinical practice issues for the pain clinician

Issues of forensic assessment are encountered on a daily basis by pain practitioners.This article acquaints the pain specialist with the differences among types of forensic cases, and addresses the ethical issues involved in providing assessment and testimony for the court. Particular focus is placed on issues relating to forensic work by the mental health specialist. Levels of assessment are reviewed with reference to the complexity of needed involvement with the legal system, as well as the suggested role of the pain specialist with each type of forensic work. Finally, special assessment issues are addressed, such as reference evaluation of malingering, presentation of data in court, and other specific issues for the practitioner required to make a court appearance.
Synthesis and study of hexanuclear molybdenum clusters containing thiolate ligands.

Four hexanuclear molybdenum chloride cluster complexes containing terminal thiolate ligands have been synthesized and fully characterized. (Bu4N)2[Mo6Cl8(SEt)6] was prepared by reacting Na2[Mo6Cl8(OMe)6] with an excess of ethanethiol in refluxing tetrahydrofuran. (PPN)2[Mo6Cl8(SBu)6], (Bu4N)2[Mo6Cl8(SBn)6], and (Bu4N)2[Mo6Cl8(SNC8H6)6] (C8H6NS− = 3-indolylthiolate) were subsequently prepared in the reaction of [Mo6Cl8(SEt)6]2− with an excess of HSR (R = Bu, Bn or 3-indolyl). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses were performed on two of these complexes: (PPN)2[Mo6Cl8(SEt)6]·Et2O, crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 12.3894(11), b = 13.7651(12), c = 15.0974(13), α = 103.975(2), β = 99.690(2), γ = 98.062(2), and Z = 1; (PPh3Me)2[Mo6Cl8(SBn)6]·2NO2CH3, also crystallizes in the P1 space group with a = 12.1574(16), b = 13.4441(17), c = 14.2132(18), α = 89.654(2), β = 88.365(2), γ = 71.179(2), and Z = 1. Our studies demonstrate that [Mo6Cl8(SEt)6]2− displays luminescent properties and th...
A microwave-optical double resonance spectroscopic study of TiO and TiN

Abstract The J = 2 ← J = 1 and J = 3 ← J = 2 pure rotational transitions of TiO ( X 3 Δ) and the N = 2 ← N = 1 pure rotational transition of TiN ( X 2 Σ + ) have been recorded using the technique of microwave-optical double resonance (MODR) spectroscopy. There was no evidence of Λ-doubling in the spectra of TiO and no evidence of hyperfine splitting in the spectra of TiN. An improved set of spectroscopic parameters for the ground state of these two molecules is given and are used to predict the pure rotational transition frequencies associated with low-lying rotational levels.
Tax incentives and charitable giving: evidence from a panel of taxpayers

There has been a great deal of interest among students of tax policy in the effect of individual income tax on the level and distribution of charitable giving in the United States. The empirical work on this question has focused on the elasticity of charitable contributions with respect to the tax-defined ‘price’ of giving, where the price is the net cost to the taxpayer per dollar of giving. Beginning in 1975, Martin Feldstein and his associates published a number of studies suggesting that this elasticity is generally greater than one in absolute value.’ These findings imply that the level of charitable giving is quite sensitive to tax policy. As an illustration, Feldstein and Taylor (1976, p. 1218) calculated that charitable giving in 1970 would have been 26 percent less had contributions not been deductible in that year. In addition, these elasticity estimates imply that charities will gain more in contributions from tax incentives than the Treasury will lose in revenues. Subsequently, other econometric studies have produced estimates that are of the same order of magnitude.2 To date, all of the econometric studies on this question using samples of individuals3 have had to rely on cross-section data. The purpose of the current paper is to present estimates of the price and income elasticities of
Delinquency and learning disabilities: Evidence for compensatory behaviors and adaptation

There has been a great deal of debate as to whether or not there is a direct relationship between learning disabilities and delinquent behavior. While the relationship was well established for adjudicated youth, it was more uncertain for adolescents not actively involved with the juvenile justice system. There are indications, however, that the relationship is more complex, with learning disabled (LD) adolescents more likely to develop severe delinquent behaviors than are their nondisabled peers, but unlikely to exhibit a middle ground between delinquent and nondelinquent behavior. It is hypothesized that this difference is due to the ability of most LD children and adolescents to adapt through developing skills that allow them to compensate for their handicapping conditions. Implications for future research are discussed.
The Status Attainment Paradigm: An Application of a Kuhnian Perspective*

A Kuhnian approach to the structure of scientific research is used to examine the historical development of the status attainment paradigm in sociology. A content analysis of applications, critiques, and alternatives to the status attainment model over the last decade illustrates the “life-cycle” phases of a scientific research area that are suggested by Kuhn. The analysis reveals an extension or elaboration of the paradigmatic research effort throughout early years of the decade. However, the perception of “anomalies” by critics of the research tradition, coupled with the increasing exploration of alternative approaches, suggests the onset of a crisis stage for status attainment research.
Commentary on review by gash et al. A clinical perspective on neural transplantation and potential applications to the aged brain

Abstract The recent advances in the transplantation of CNS tissues to mammalian brain are potentially of great clinical significance, especially as treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. A number of issues must be resolved however, before the full clinical potential of CNS transplants can be evaluated. From the clinical perspective, it will be essential for future studies to compare the relative efficacy of transplant “therapy” to more conventional treatment strategies. It will also be important to discover the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying transplant-induced restoration of function.
The IUE Spectrum, Electron Density, and Terminal Wind Velocity of the “O VI Sequence” Planetary Nebula NGC 5315

Extensive archival and new IUE data obtained during the last (19th) year episode of the "O VI sequence" planetary nebula NGC 5315 and its central star have been analyzed. A large number of high-excitation emission lines have been identified, and their fluxes were determined. These yield electron densities from C III], Si III], and N III], and terminal wind velocities from C IV λ1549 low- and high-dispersion spectra. The values are quite high, in the range of log Ne = 4.9 ± 0.1 cm-3 from C III] and Si III] diagnostics, and terminal wind velocities are in the range of -3600 ± 100 km s-1.
Two-stage Kondo effect in a four-electron artificial atom

An artificial atom with four electrons is driven through a singlet-triplet transition by varying the confining potential. In the triplet, a Kondo peak with a narrow dip at drain-source voltage ${V}_{\mathit{ds}}=0$ is observed. The low energy scale ${V}_{\mathit{ds}}^{*}$ characterizing the dip is consistent with predictions for the two-stage Kondo effect. The phenomenon is studied as a function of temperature $T$ and magnetic field ${\mathrm{B}}_{\ensuremath{\Vert}}$, parallel to the two-dimensional electron gas. The low energy scales ${T}^{*}$ and ${\mathrm{B}}_{\ensuremath{\Vert}}^{*}$ are extracted from the behavior of the zero-bias conductance and are compared to the low energy scale ${V}_{\mathit{ds}}^{*}$ obtained from the differential conductance. Good agreement is found between ${k}_{B}{T}^{*}$ and $\ensuremath{\mid}g\ensuremath{\mid}{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}{\mathrm{B}}_{\ensuremath{\Vert}}^{*}$, but $e{V}_{\mathit{ds}}^{*}$ is larger, perhaps because of nonequilibrium effects.
Application of Police Proactive Patrol Staffing Methodologies to Nurse Rounding and Surveillance

Rounding and surveillance are terms emerging with greater frequency in the nursing literature. Both interventions are linked to improved outcomes such as patient satisfaction and decreased failure ...
the defeat of hierarchy: gambling as exchange in a Sepik society

Along with the anthropological neglect of negative reciprocal exchange, scant attention has been given to Melanesian exchange systems that work to defeat the construction of hierarchy. Sahlins' classical model of reciprocity is critically examined and a more logically consistent approach offered. Wape gambling is identified as generalized negative reciprocity and interpreted as complementary to the Wape traditional exchange system in the preservation of male egalitarianism from the erosive changes of a capitalist market system. A dialectical model of exchange systems is offered that acknowledges the processual interrelationship between positive and negative reciprocity in the formation of exchange scenarios.
Persistence of radiation-induced translocations in rat peripheral blood determined by chromosome painting.

In this article, we address the issue of persistence of chromosome exchanges following acute in vitro exposure of rat peripheral blood to 137Cs. Irradiation occurred 24 hr after culture initiation, and metaphase chromosomes were prepared 2, 3, 4, and 5 days later. Chromosomes 1, 2, and 4 were painted in unique colors and scored for structural aberrations. Dicentric chromosomes and acentric fragments diminished rapidly with time, as expected. Translocations exhibited greater persistence, but still showed a reduction in frequency, reaching a plateau of approximately 65 and 55% of their initial values, 4 days after exposure to 1 and 2 Gy, respectively. An exponentially declining model was fit to the combined dicentric, acentric fragment, and translocation frequencies, which showed that all three aberration types declined at equivalent rates. The frequencies of dicentrics and fragments declined to a plateau of zero, while translocations reached a plateau at frequencies significantly greater than zero. The decline in translocations with time is inconsistent with prevailing theoretical expectations, but is consistent with a model where some translocations are fully stable (persistent) and some are unstable (not persistent) through cell division. These results may have implications for radiation biodosimetry in humans. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 30:264–272, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Work in progress - initial evaluation of an introductory course in programming that assists in career choices

We present initial results from an effort to investigate the effectiveness of programming-centric computer literacy courses at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). UTEP is an urban university serving a largely Hispanic student population principally drawn from the sister cities of El Paso, TX, USA, and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, MX. This course is based on the creatively engaging ldquomedia programmingrdquo approach of Dr. Mark Guzdial of Georgia Tech. In this course, which was designed for Liberal Arts students, students are introduced to the Jython programming language. Class projects implement and extend algorithms that directly manipulate multimedia and expose students to digital representations of images and sounds in a sequence of aesthetically focused projects. We are investigating whether (1) there is value in modifying this curriculum to complement common occupational traits for student cohorts enrolled in engineering and computer-science programs and (2) such courses can assist students in career choices and improve long-term student success.
A Note On Transfer Lines With Unreliable Machines, Random Processing Times, and Finite Buffers

Abstract We comment on a recent paper by Gershwin and Herman, with particular attention to their interpretation of the blocking phenomenon in transfer lines with finite buffers.
Reframing Collaborations with Informal Science Institutions

Understanding how people learn science demands consideration of a variety of factors such as interests, opportunities, and interactions that potentially influence learning across the lifespan and throughout multiple contexts (see also Anderson chapter 2). Facilitating such a process, through different settings and different situations, is not really the sole responsibility of an individual or single organization; rather, it likely involves a conglomeration of entities affording connections across and between ideas and interests, past and present (see also Rahm, chapter 7). In some cases, collaborations span several organizations that explicitly support such learning activities across different environments (see Ash & Lombana, chapter 3), including both formal and informal learning environments. In these cases, it becomes critical to understand how (and even whether) different institutions can actually work together to achieve a shared goal of science teaching and learning.
An efficient building block layout methodology for compact placement

In this paper, a new efficient methodology for building block layout is presented by using synthesis placement and compaction. The synthesis placement part of the methodology is based on a formal language called GEOMETRIA. The compaction part is based on geometric reshapings (gs) of blocks and the merging of the communication channels. Both reshaping and merging follow the VLSI regulations for legal layout placement and improve the overall functional performance of the integrated system, by reducing the average length of the connection lines and the size of the occupied chip area by retaining the functionality and the neighboring relations of the blocks. The main goal of the blocks' geometric reshaping is minimization of the wasted area (or dead space among the blocks) called "open holes". The channels merging process of compaction is based on the legal overlapping of the blocks' communication channels by reducing the layout placement at the local and global routing.
To Do or to Have? That Is the Question

We live in a world of unprecedented abundance. Although few of us can live up to the advertising slogan that invites us to “have it all,” a growing swath of the population in developed countries has more discretionary income than ever before. We devote a considerable portion of our resources to the pursuit of “the good life”— one of contentment, pleasure, and happiness. For many of us, deciding how to invest our resources to maximize happiness is a challenge: We wonder whether we are as happy as we might be, given the resources at our disposal. We wonder whether more money, more leisure, or more stuff would make us happier. These queries may not apply to everyone, of course; individuals with severely limited resources may (rightfully) worry more about satisfying basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing (Maslow, 1943). But for the fortunate majority in developed countries who enjoy a substantial measure of discretionary income, one can ask whether there is a simple, empirically grounded strategy to guide the allocation of resources in the pursuit of happiness. The thesis examined in this article is that happiness is advanced more by allocating discretionary income toward the acquisition of life experiences than toward the acquisition of material possessions. “The good life,” in other words, may be better lived by doing things than by having things.
Amorphous carbon antireflective coatings in the 10 to 50 μm region of the far-IR

The efficiency of far-IR germanium photoconductive detectors can be markedly improved by antireflective coatings. Recently, there has been an effort to develop several micrometer thick, low stress, amorphous carbon films for this purpose. To date, films of no more than 1 to 2 μm have been reported in the literature. In this paper we report the deposition of low stress carbon films which are over 5 μm thick and are effective antireflective coatings at wavelengths of up to Λ = 43 μm. Minimal stress, a requirement for good adhesion, was achieved with a chemical vapor deposition process (CVD) by controlling the hydrocarbon partial pressure (2.2 mTorr) and by doping the carbon film with nitrogen.
Contesting the deviant other: Discursive strategies for the production of homeless subjectivities:

This article analyzes the discursive strategies deployed in the linguistic production of homelessness and homeless persons in the context of city-level policies on urban camping in a major urban ce...
A microfluidic approach to study the effect of bacterial interactions on antimicrobial susceptibility in polymicrobial cultures

Polymicrobial infections are caused by more than one pathogen. They require antimicrobial dosing regimens that are different from those prescribed for monomicrobial infections because these interactions are predicted to influence the antimicrobial susceptibility of the individual pathogens. Here we report on a microfluidic approach to study the effect of bacterial interactions in polymicrobial cultures on the antimicrobial susceptibility. The use of microfluidics enables real-time quantification of bacterial growth dynamics in the presence and absence of antimicrobials, which is challenging to achieve using current methods. We studied microbial interactions between Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. A key observation was that in co-cultures with relatively high initial cell numbers of P. aeruginosa, the co-cultured partner bacteria exhibited initial growth followed by lyses or growth stasis. In addition, we observed a significantly higher antimicrobial tolerance of P. aeruginosa in polymicrobial cultures, as evident by up to 8-fold increases in the minimum inhibitory concentration of the antimicrobials, compared to those observed in monomicrobial cultures. This work demonstrates the potential of microfluidics to study bacterial interactions and their effect on antimicrobial susceptibility, which in turn will aid in determining appropriate antimicrobial treatment for polymicrobial infections.
Finding the best path in a binary Block Interference network

A binary block interference channel (BIC) is model of binary channels with memory that allows for a mathematically tractable computation of channel capacity. One can easily imagine interconnecting such channels into a network that allows point-to-point communication between any two nodes in the network. Given a pair of network nodes, finding the path with the highest capacity is quite trivial if we can assume that all participating nodes in any path connecting the two nodes can perform coding at arbitrary complexity such that at each link capacity is achieved. However, even if the complexity assumption is not taken into account, in most real-life networks (such as the current Internet), only a minimum amount of coding is performed at the link layer. In most networks, coding is performed five or six layers up in the OSI network model, i.e., on either the presentation or the application layer. Under such realistic circumstances, finding the path with the highest capacity is no longer trivial. In this paper, we propose a solution based on a modified version of the Dijkstrapsilas Algorithm.
2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid influence on 2,6-dinitrotoluene-induced urine genotoxicity in Fischer 344 rats: effect on gastrointestinal microflora and enzyme activity.

Abstract 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) and 2,6-dinitrotoluene (2,6-DNT) are hazardous chemicals that have potential harmful effects. 2,6-DNT is recognized as a hepatotoxicant while 2,4,5-T, a component of Agent Orange, is also suspect. 2,6-DNT requires both oxidative and reductive metabolism to elicit genotoxic effects. To determine what effect 2,4,5-T had on 2,6-DNT metabolism, intestinal enzymes, microbial populations, and urine mutagenicity were examined during 2,4,5-T treatment. Weanling Fischer 344 male rats were treated daily with 54.4 mg/kg 2,4,5-T by gavage for 4 weeks. One, two, and four weeks after the initial 2,4,5-T dose, rats were administered (po) 2,6-DNT (75 mg/kg) and urine was collected for 24 hr in metabolism cages. Azo reductase, nitroreductase, β-glucuronidase, dechlorinase, and dehydrochlorinase activities were examined concurrently. Treatment of rats for 1 week reduced the transformation of 2,6-DNT to mutagenic urinary metabolites. This was accompanied by a decrease in the fecal anaerobic microorganisms. The elimination of Lactobacillus fermentum from the small intestine and cecum of treated animals accompanied a significant increase in oxygen-tolerant lactobacilli and other unidentified aerobic microorganisms. However, there were no significant alterations in the intestinal enzyme activities examined. By 2 weeks of 2,4,5-T treatment, microbiota and urine genotoxicity returned to the levels observed in control animals. This trend continued for the duration of the experiment. After 2 weeks, while cecal nitroreductase and azo reductase activities increased, small intestinal β-glucuronidase activity decreased. By 4 weeks, treated and untreated animal intestinal enzyme activities were indistinguishable. The transient increase in azo reductase and nitroreductase after treatment with 2,4,5-T for 2 weeks may have been counteracted by the reduced β-glucuronidase activity, thus resulting in no change in 2,6-DNT-derived urine mutagenicity. However, other enviromental chemicals, unaffectd by β-glucuronidase, potentially could be activated by 2,4,5-T exposure.
Life cycle GHG emissions from Malaysian oil palm bioenergy development: the impact on transportation sector's energy security.

Abstract Malaysia's transportation sector accounts for 41% of the country's total energy use. The country is expected to become a net oil importer by the year 2011. To encourage renewable energy development and relieve the country's emerging oil dependence, in 2006 the government mandated blending 5% palm-oil biodiesel in petroleum diesel. Malaysia produced 16 million tonnes of palm oil in 2007, mainly for food use. This paper addresses maximizing bioenergy use from oil-palm to support Malaysia's energy initiative while minimizing greenhouse-gas emissions from land-use change. When converting primary and secondary forests to oil-palm plantations between 270–530 and 120–190 g CO2-equivalent per MJ of biodiesel produced, respectively, is released. However, converting degraded lands results in the capture of between 23 and 85 g CO2-equivalent per MJ of biodiesel produced. Using various combinations of land types, Malaysia could meet the 5% biodiesel target with a net GHG savings of about 1.03 million tonnes (4.9% of the transportation sector's diesel emissions) when accounting for the emissions savings from the diesel fuel displaced. These findings are used to recommend policies for mitigating GHG emissions impacts from the growth of palm oil use in the transportation sector.
Racial Profiling? A Multivariate Analysis of Police Traffic Stop Data

Despite the significance of racial profiling as an issue of national concern, little empirical research exists on whether police traffic stop practices disproportionately impact minority drivers. Using data from 2,673 traffic stops conducted by the Richmond, Virginia, Police Department in 2000, this article explores the treatment by police of motorists of different races and ethnic backgrounds. Minority citizens in general, and African Americans in particular, were disproportionately stopped compared with their percentage in the driving-eligible population. However, they were searched no more frequently than Whites; in fact, Whites were significantly more likely than minorities to be the subjects of consent searches. Compared with Whites, and after controlling for variables, minority drivers were more likely to be warned, whereas Whites were more likely to be ticketed or arrested. Examining officer race as a predictor revealed White officers were no more likely than minority officers to stop, search, or a...
Using human rights in maternal mortality programs: from analysis to strategy.

This article describes an approach to maternal mortality reduction that uses human rights not simply to denounce the injustice of death in pregnancy and childbirth, but also to guide the design and implementation of maternal mortality policies and programs. As a first principle, programs and policies need to prioritize measures that promote universal access to high quality emergency obstetric care services, which we know from health research are essential to saving women’s lives. With that priority, human rights principles can be integrated into programs at the clinical, facility management, and national policy levels. For example, a human rights ‘audit’ can help identify ways to encourage respectful, non-discriminatory treatment of patients, providers and staff in the clinical setting. Human rights principles of entitlement and accountability can inform mechanisms of community participation designed to improve responsiveness and functioning of health facilities. Human rights principles can inform analysis of health sector reform and its impact on access to emergency obstetric care. Whether applied to the intricacies of human relationships within a facility or to the impact of international financial institutions on health systems, the ultimate role of human rights is to identify the workings of power that keep unacceptable levels of maternal morality as they are and to use the human rights vision of dignity and social justice to work for the re-arrangements of power necessary for change. 2001 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. All rights reserved.
LMP2, a novel immunohistochemical marker to distinguish renal oncocytoma from the eosinophilic variant of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma

LMP2 is a subunit of the immunoproteasome that is overexpressed in oncocytic lesions of the thyroid gland. This study was designed to assess the expression profile and diagnostic utility of LMP2 in two renal oncocytic tumors that share similar morphologic features but have different clinical outcomes: renal oncocytoma (RO) and the eosinophilic variant of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (CHRCC-EO). A total of 56 RO, 38 classic CHRCC, and 7 CHRCC-EO cases, as well 84 normal kidney controls, were selected from the Johns Hopkins surgical pathology archive and stained for LMP2 using a standard immunohistochemical protocol. Sections were scored for cellular location (nuclear versus cytosolic), intensity (from 0 to 3), and percent of area involved (from 0 to 100%), and an H score was calculated multiplying the intensity by the extent of the staining signal. The cytoplasmic expression of LMP2 was similar among the renal lesions, being present in 44 of 56 (79%) ROs, 27 of 38 (71%) CHRCCs, and 7 of 7 (100%) CHRCC-EO cases. The nuclear expression of LMP2, however, was more informative. All CHRCC-EO cases (7 of 7, 100%) strongly showed nuclear LMP2 staining, as opposed to only 2 of 56 (4%, P<0.0001) ROs and 9 of 38 (24%, P=0.0001) classic CHRCCs. These results suggest that the nuclear LMP2 expression can be used in clinical scenarios where histological distinction between RO and CHRCC-EO remains challenging.
Health-related quality of life, lifestyle behaviors, and intervention preferences of survivors of childhood cancer

Purpose Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) are at increased risk for poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and chronic health conditions—both of which can be exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. Developing a clearer understanding of the associations between HRQOL, lifestyle behaviors, and medical and demographic variables (e.g., age/developmental stage at time of diagnosis) is an important step toward developing more targeted behavioral interventions for this population.
Experience with cefazolin: an overall summary of pharmacologic and clinical trials in man.

A new parenterally administered semisynthetic cephalosporin with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, cefazolin, has been shown to be effective in adults and children against infections caused by a variety of gram-positive and gramnegative bacteria. Levels of cefazolin in serum are two to three times higher than those following equal doses of cephaloridine or cephalothin. Cefazolin is generally well.tolerated when administered by the im or iv route and, thus far, has proved to be relatively free from significant side effects.
A design space exploration of transmission-line links for on-chip interconnect

With increasing core count, chip multiprocessors (CMP) require a high-performance interconnect fabric that is energy-efficient. Well-engineered transmission line-based communication systems offer an attractive solution, especially for CMPs with a moderate number of cores. While transmission lines have been used in a wide variety of purposes, there lack comprehensive studies to guide architects to navigate the circuit and physical design space to make proper architecture-level analyses and tradeoffs. This paper makes a first-step effort in exploring part of the design space. Using detailed simulation-based analysis, we show that a shared-medium fabric based on transmission line can offer better performance and a much better energy profile than a conventional mesh interconnect.