cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age-related changes in muscle fiber types in the human thyroarytenoid muscle: An immunohistochemical and stereological study using confocal laser scanning microscopy

A decline in motor performance contributes to laryngeal dysfunction in the elderly, but the pathogenetic mechanisms are unknown. Quantitative 3-dimensional, age-related changes in the muscle fiber content of the human thyroarytenoid muscle were estimated from geometric probability (stereology) by use of a technique that provided a statistically unbiased sample of all possible section orientations and locations in the entire muscle volume. There was a preferential 27% age-related loss in the length density (L(V type, muscle)) of type 1 (slow) fibers in contrast to the selective type 2 (fast) fiber loss typical of aging limb muscles. In type 2 fibers there was no significant loss in the L(V), but there was an age-related decrease (P < 0.05) in the surface density (S(V type, muscle)) and an increase (P < 0.05) in the atrophy factor, an index of the content of very small, atrophic fibers. There was also an age-related increase in the length fraction (L(L type, all fibers)) of muscle fibers that coexpress both fast and slow myosin heavy-chain isoforms (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate a type-specific fiber loss and atrophy that differs from that in aging limb muscles and an age-related increase in motor unit remodeling.
Repeat organic dust exposure-induced monocyte inflammation is associated with protein kinase C activity

Background Organic dust exposure results in an inflammatory response that attenuates over time, but repetitive exposures can result in chronic respiratory diseases. Mechanisms underlying this modulated response are not clear. Objective This study investigated the effects of repeat versus single organic dust exposure–induced inflammatory mediators and protein kinase C (PKC) activity in monocytes. Methods Settled organic dust was obtained from swine confinement facilities. Promonocytic THP-1 cells and human peripheral blood monocytes were pretreated with or without dust extract and then restimulated. Culture supernatants were evaluated for TNF-α, IL-6, CXCL8, and IL-10. Responses were compared with endotoxin-depleted dust, LPS, and peptidoglycan. PKC isoform (α, δ, ɛ, ζ) activation was evaluated by direct kinase activity. PKC isoform inhibitors' effects on TNF-α secretion were studied. Results Single exposure to organic dust stimulated monocyte secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, CXCL8, and IL-10 compared with unstimulated cells. TNF-α and IL-6 were diminished in pretreated cells restimulated with dust. Secretion of CXCL8 and IL-10 remained persistently elevated. TNF-α responses were retained after marked depletion of endotoxin. Dust exposure induced significant PKC α, δ, ɛ, and ζ activation, peaking at 30 to 60 minutes. PKC isoform activation was attenuated in repeat exposed cells. Inhibition of PKCα and PKCɛ reduced dust-induced TNF-α secretion. Conclusion Repeat organic dust exposure modulated inflammatory mediator production in monocytes independent of endotoxin. The inability of PKC to be reactivated may account for this observation. Clinical implications Targeting PKC and specific mediators associated with repetitive organic dust exposure may result in novel therapeutic strategies.
Making Sense of Sensor Data

Sensors pervade our high-tech world - they link available computational power with physical applications. Sensors are rapidly catching up with computing devices in popularity and widespread use. As they become more varied and easy to use, the need to analyze sensor data grows. Scientists must understand sensor data for an extremely varied range of tasks, such as diagnosing automobiles, programming robots, analyzing traffic patterns, detecting terrorist threats, assuring the well-being of elderly persons living at home, and monitoring wildlife habitats.
An upper bound on the size of a largest clique in a graph

A graph is point determining if distinct vertices have distinct neighborhoods. The nucleus of a point-determining graph is the set GO of all vertices, v, such that G–v is point determining. In this paper we show that the size, ω(G), of a maximum clique in G satisfies ω(G) ⩽ 2|π (G)O|, where π(G) (the point determinant of G) is obtained from G by identifying vertices which have the same neighborhood.
An effective continuous quality improvement approach to the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia

In 1989, our medical center used continuous quality improvement concepts in the creation of a Nosocomial Pneumonia Prevention Team whose aim was to significantly reduce nosocomial ventilator-associated pneumonia. The team included representatives from nursing, respiratory therapy, pulmonary medicine, internal medicine, anesthesiology, education and training, and infection control. Because the majority of mechanically ventilated patients were located in the intensive care unit, this unit became the focus of the prevention efforts. Team meetings were held regularly, with all representatives brainstorming barriers, possible interventions, methods of outcome measurement, and frequency of evaluation. Policies and procedures were reviewed, surveillance was increased, handwashing practices were surveyed, periodic feedback to staff was begun, and an educational program was developed and presented. During 1990, we observed a 57% reduction in ventilator-associated pneumonia from the baseline years, 1987 and 1988. Statistical comparison of proportions by z test indicated a p value less than 0.05. Fifteen cases of nosocomial ventilator-associated pneumonia were prevented and a cost saving of $105,000 was realized. Performance of traditional surveillance for outliers, coupled with literature-based thresholds, can lead to tolerance of inordinately high endemic rates. Infection control programs can significantly reduce endemic rates of nosocomial ventilator-associated pneumonia through continuous quality improvement methods and multidisciplinary interventions, with standard infection control procedures used for improvement.
Sensory Gating-Out and Gating-In in Normal and Schizophrenic Participants:

In contrast to sensory gating, the brain's ability to re-respond to relevant stimuli and the potential differences between healthy and schizophrenic participants have not been studied in great detail. Here, we explore what auditory paradigms are useful to measure this re-responding ability. Evoked potentials (EPs) were obtained from the Cz channel using 3 paired stimulus paradigms (pairs with equal stimuli {PE}, the second stimulus being lower {PL} or higher {PH} in frequency) and 2 short-train paradigms in which 5 identical stimuli were followed by a lower frequency stimulus (train lower {TL}) or higher frequency stimulus (train higher {TH}). Data were collected from 17 healthy control participants (NC) and 17 age and gender-matched patients with schizophrenia (SZ). Up to 4 data sets obtained on 4 different days were available for each participant. Ensemble averages were computed for each session, from which the P50, N100, and P200 latencies and amplitudes were obtained. No significant differences in amplitude or latency of the various EP components were found between the responses to the second stimulus obtained with the 5 paradigms. Neither did the responses to the fifth and sixth stimuli differ for the TL and TH paradigm, with the exception of the N100 latency of the fifth stimulus, which was longer for TH than TL for NC. Healthy participants had larger amplitudes and shorter latencies than the patients with schizophrenia for the responses to the first stimuli, with the latency differences continuing for the fifth and sixth response. Also, the amplitude and latency of the first response was larger than for the second response in both populations. In conclusion, none of the paradigms studied here, with the employed parameters, are useful to measure the re-responding ability of the brain. Also, the shorter latencies for the repeated stimulus suggest that the neural mechanism underlying attenuation of repeated stimuli is of a facilitating nature.
PHERMEX Electron Gun Development

The PHERMEX facility is a 50 MHz standing wave linear accelerator which injects, accelerates, and transports electrons to a tungsten target where Bremsstrahlung x-rays are generated for flash radiography of hydrodynamic systems. The goal of the electron gun program is to generate and transport a 200 ns, 1 MeV, 1 kA beam into the first PHERMEX accelerating cavity. The standard gun is operated at a pulse voltage of 550 keV; this limit is determined by internal breakdown in the vacuum insulator. This insulator has been redesigned and the gun has been pulsed at 750 keV without breakdown. At present, the current output is not limited by voltage but by a phenomenon called pulse shortening, which occurs at a voltage of ca. 650 keV. This paper discusses the results of an investigation into this phenomenon, describes the development program, design, and experimental arrangement of the injector, and presents an array of measured performance data.
Impact of a Multimedia e-Learning Module on Colon Cancer Literacy: A Community-Based Pilot Study

Background We aimed to determine if an e-learning module could improve colon cancer literacy in a community-based cohort, while obtaining variability estimates for subsequent study. Methods A convenience sample of subjects attending a health-education fair was surveyed to determine colon cancer literacy before-and-after viewing a colon cancer e-learning module. The difference in cancer literacy scores was assessed for significance using univariate analysis. Results Twenty-two eligible subjects completed the survey: mean age 77.2 ± 7.5 y, 55% women; 67% had at least some graduate-level education. Baseline colon cancer literacy was 72.6% ± 11.6%; after the e-learning module, the mean colon cancer literacy score was 75.5% ± 12.2%, representing a 3% improvement ( P = 0.33). After excluding a single problematic item identified by item analysis, the adjusted improvement was 7% ( P = 0.04). Invasiveness, malignant, and metastatic remained poorly understood concepts, while a large improvement (45%) was seen regarding the role of routine lymphadenectomy. Subject satisfaction with the module was universally (100%) high or very high. Conclusions Use of an e-learning module is associated with high patient satisfaction, and has potential to improve colon cancer literacy in laypersons. Randomized study is warranted to determine the incremental impact of this and other multimedia educational interventions.
Chemistry on the Edge: A Microscopic Analysis of the Intercalation, Exfoliation, Edge Functionalization, and Monolayer Surface Tiling Reactions of α-Zirconium Phosphate

The intercalation and exfoliation reactions of α-zirconium phosphate, Zr(HPO4)2·H2O (α-ZrP), were studied microscopically by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The reaction of α-ZrP with tetra(n-butylammonium) hydroxide (TBA+OH-) initially produces intercalation compounds, which then transform to unilamellar colloids. The rate-determining step in intercalation is the opening of the interlamellar galleries. Subsequent diffusion of TBA+ ions into the opened galleries is rapid. The hydrolysis reaction of α-ZrP colloids proceeds from the edges inward, forming ∼4-nm hydrated zirconia particles that decorate the edges of the sheets. The reaction does not go to completion, as it is limited by equilibrium associated with the release of phosphate into the solution. The hydrolysis reaction is negligible at 0 °C, which permits the synthesis of hydrolysis-free unilamellar colloids. Remarkably, these colloids form monolayer films on amine-derivatized silicon surfaces with a high ...
The nature of simplicity of Johnson's algorithm

This note presents a simple proof and a graphical illustration for the optimality of the famous algorithm of Johnson which minimizes the makespan in two-machine flow shops.
Modeling class hierarchies with contradictions

One characteristic feature of object-oriented systems and knowledge bases (semantic data models, conceptual modeling languages, Al frames) is that they offer as a basic paradigm the notion of objects grouped into classes, which are themselves organized in subclass hierarchies. Through ideas such as inheritance and bounded polymorphism, this feature supports the technique of “abstraction by generalization”, which has been argued to be of importance in designing Information Systems [11, 2].We provide in this paper examples demonstrating that in some applications over-generalization is likely to occur an occasional natural subclass may contradict in some way one if its superclass definitions, and thus turn out not to be a strict subtype of this superclass. A similar problem arises when an object is allowed to be a member of several classes which make incompatible predictions about its type. We argue that none of the previous approaches suggested to deal with such situations is entirely satisfactory.A language feature is therefore presented to permit class definitions which contradict aspects of other classes, such as superclasses, in an object-based language. In essence, the approach requires contradictions among class definitions to be explicitly acknowledged. We define a semantics of the resulting language, which restores the condition that subclasses are both subsets and subtypes, and deals correctly with the case when an object can belong to several classes. This is done by separating the notions of “class” and “type”, and it allows query compilers to detect type errors as well as eliminate some run-time checks in queries, even in the presence of “contradictory” class definitions.
Product state correlations in the reaction of O(1D) and H2O in bimolecular collisions and in O3H2O clusters

Measurements of the translational and internal state distributions of OH products produced in the biomolecular reaction 16O(1D) + H218O yields 16OH + 18OH are reviewed. These detailed measurements reveal relationships between the states of geminate fragments produced in individual reaction events. Preliminary measurements on the same reaction initiated in O3(DOT)H2O clusters formed in free jet expansions are reported. The dynamics of the cluster reaction are dramatically different than those of the biomolecular reaction. The results indicate that the third body present in the cluster (O2), carries a significant amount of the energy produced in the reaction.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Changing Minds? Implications of Conceptual Change for Teaching and Learning about Biological Evolution

Learning about biological evolution presents particular challenges for students. Barriers to learning come in the form of students’ prior conceptions that conflict with the scientific perspective of biological change. Theory and research from developmental and educational psychology provide insight into these barriers. Helping students understand evolution is not simply a matter of adding to their existing knowledge, but rather, it means helping them to see the world in new and different ways. Theoretical perspectives on creating change in students’ conceptions have implications for teaching about biological evolution.
EXPLORING STRATEGIC ASPECTS OF EXPORT MARKETING

Introduction In approaching the field of export marketing, the practitioner and the academic researcher face the same dilemma — a host of unanswered questions about the “best” policy decision in any given situation. Each one looks for answers in different areas. The practitioner reflects on past experience, either within his own company or within his industry. He substitutes “hunches” and informed guesses where past experience is lacking, and works with the constant realization that his information will probably never be optimal. Satisficing is a way of life in the export business. Multiple market environments and geographic separation often render potentially useful information out‐of‐date by the time it is received and processed.
Abstract IA29: Functional genomics, experimental models and cancer

Large scale characterization of cancer genomes has led to information regarding the identify, number, and types of alterations found in human tumors. However, the large number of mutations identified to date require complementary approaches to understand the function of these mutated genes and to elucidate pathways involved in cancer initiation and progression. Over the past several years, we have developed genome scale RNAi libraries and open reading frame expression libraries that permit a systematic evaluation of genes involved in cancer initiation and maintenance. We have used these tools to dissect known and novel pathways involved in malignant transformation. In particular, we have dissected the signaling pathways related to beta catenin and KRAS, two well-known cancer drivers that have proven difficult to target therapeutically. These approaches have identified new components of these pathways, which may provide a foundation for therapeutic strategies. Citation Format: William C. Hahn. Functional genomics, experimental models and cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr IA29.
Structures, binding energies, and charge distributions for two to six atom Ti, Cr, Fe, and Ni clusters and their relationship to nucleation and cluster catalysis

In a low spin molecular orbital approximation, binding energies and optimized structures for various two to six atom clusters of Ti, Cr, Fe, and Ni are calculated. Ti, with few d electrons, shows a preference for tightly packed clusters with positively charged corner atoms while Ni favors open and ringlike clusters with negatively charged corner atoms; Cr and Fe, with nearer to half‐filled d shells, prefer tightly packed configurations, but charge distributions are less predictable. The parameterization and spin models used in the theoretical procedure are considered. The binding energies, structures, and charge distributions are discussed in relation to transition metal cluster catalysis and experimental Fe nucleation studies. The photoemission spectra for O and CO on a nine atom Fe (100) model cluster are calculated and are found to be similar, within calculational and experimental resolution, to those for the Fe(100) surface.
Observation of itinerant 5f states in thorium metal

Normal-incidence reflectivity measurements between 0.5 and 6 eV on thorium metal reveal the existence of bandlike (or itinerant) f states several electron volts above the Fermi energy. The predictions of relativistic band- structure determinations are in qualitative agreement with experiment. This study provides the first direct observation and characterization of 5f electrons in metals as being itinerant in nature and unlike the 4f states in the rare earths. (auth)
Legislatures in the Gulf Area: The Experience of Kuwait, 1961–1976

In the summer of 1976 Kuwait, after more than thirteen years of legislative experience, suspended its constitution, abolished the legislature, and embarked on what it called an “evaluation” of its democratic experience. After the Iranian revolution of 1979 and the downfall of the shah, Kuwait set up a special advisory committee to study, evaluate, and recommend the political system most appropriate for Kuwait. In 1980 the committee recommended a return to representative institutions. In March 1981, a legislative assembly was elected and was entrusted with the responsibility of drafting a new constitution and ratifying the basic statutes of the country.
Dimuon production in an unconfined-heavy-fermion model of the new particles

We attempt to understand the gross features of neutrino-induced dimuon-production data in the framework of an unconfined-heavy-fermion model of the new particles. We calculate the total cross section and spectra for single-${F}^{+}$ production via the reaction ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{F}+{F}^{+}+X$. Assuming that the ${F}^{+}$ has a leptonic decay mode ${F}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}+{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}+{\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{F}$, we conclude that the model fails to fit the present experimental data because the cross section is far too small and the production mechanism is not sufficiently inelastic.
Anemia in IBD: The overlooked villain

During the past decade relevant progress has been made in the understanding and treatment of IBD-associated anemia. Effective replacement of iron deficits has become safe by using novel intravenous iron preparations such as iron sucrose. The ability of erythropoietin to interfere with key mechanisms of myelosuppression in anemia of chronic diseases also benefits patients with IBD-associated anemia. Concerns about cost effectiveness have been raised and weighed against the potential improvement in quality of life. Gastroenterologists who are caring for IBD patients should be concerned with low hemoglobin levels, since the quality of life in these patients can be as low as in anemic patients with advanced cancer. Also provided is a structured approach to cost-effective therapy.
Expression of hGC-1 is correlated with differentiation of gastric carcinoma.

Aims: The human G-CSF-stimulated clone-1 (hGC-1) gene encodes a 510-amino acid olfactomedin-related glycoprotein whose exact in vivo localization and function still remain elusive. The aim of this study was to demonstrate hGC-1 protein localization in the normal human gastrointestinal tract and to explore further a potential relationship between hGC-1 expression and gastric carcinoma. Methods and results: A specific hGC-1 polyclonal antibody raised against purified hGC-1 protein was developed and characterized. Using immunohistochemistry, it was demonstrated that hGC-1 is expressed in the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon. The expression pattern of hGC-1 protein in 173 cases of gastric carcinoma was investigated and a striking correlation was demonstrated between hGC-1 expression and histological type and differentiation of gastric carcinoma. Enhanced hGC-1 expression was more frequently seen in intestinal-type adenocarcinoma, whereas loss of expression tended to occur in the diffuse type. hGC-1 was highly expressed in well or moderately differentiated cancers and was remarkably reduced or lost in poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumours. Conclusions: These investigations have defined for the first time the expression pattern of hGC-1 in the normal human gastrointestinal tract and provide a novel and sensitive marker for the differentiation of gastric carcinoma.
4-Arylflavan-3-ols as Proanthocyanidin Models: Absolute Configuration via Density Functional Calculation of Electronic Circular Dichroism

Density functional theory/B3LYP has been employed to optimize the conformations of selected 4-arylflavan-3-ols and their phenolic methyl ether 3-O-acetates. The electronic circular dichroism spectra of the major conformers have been calculated using time-dependent density functional theory to validate the empirical aromatic quadrant rule applied to the assignment of the absolute configuration of this class of compounds. The modest 6-31G* basis set was sufficient to produce reasonable spectra. The calculated Cotton effects at 220−240 nm, crucial for the assignment of the C-4 absolute configuration, result from electronic transitions of the molecular orbitals involving the π-electrons of the spatially close aromatic A-ring and 4-aryl moieties. The sign of this Cotton effect is determined by the orientation of the 4-aryl substituent: the negative and positive Cotton effects are associated with 4α- and 4β-aryl substituents, respectively.
Copper in Dairy Products and Its Solution under Various Conditions. II

This work is a continuation of the investigation conducted by Rice and Miscall.' Quam, Soloman and Hellwig 2 have published data on the copper dissolving power of milk. They find the temperature of maximum copper solubility between 85 ° and 90°C. They used thirty minutes as the time of exposure of the milk to the metal. They attribute the decrease in the copper solubility curve above 90°C. to the decreasing solubility of oxygen.
Optimizing for success: a new score function for distantly related protein sequence comparison

The exponential growth of the sequence data produced by the genome projects motivates the development of better ways of inferring structural and functional information about those newly sequenced proteins. Looking for homologies between these probe protein sequences and other protein sequences in the database has proved to be one of the most useful current techniques. This procedure, known as sequence comparison, relies on the use of an appropriate score function that discriminates homologs from non-homologs. Current score functions have difficulty identifying distantly-related homologs with low sequence similarity. As a result, there is an increased demand for a new score function that yields statistically-significant higher scores for all the pairs of homologous protein sequences including such distantly-related homologs. We present a new method for generating a score function by optimizing it for successful discrimination between homologous and unrelated proteins. The new score function (OPTIMA) out-performs other commonly used substitution matrices for the detection of distantly related protein sequences.
A study of the enhanced oxidation of poly-N-vinylimidazole films on copper

The degradation of poly-N-vinylimidazole films on copper substrates was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Infrared measurements on samples heated at 300°C for 15 minutes revealed that the oxidation of the polymer was accelerated by the copper. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that a layer of copper oxide was formed on top of the oxidized film. Copper ions were also detected within the polymer layer.
Real options as an incentive scheme for managing revenues in transportation infrastructure projects

Revenue management for transportation infrastructure projects is challenging due to the huge amount of capital involved and the deep uncertainty inherent in long service lifetimes. Publicprivate partnerships (PPPs) provide a way for the public sector to acquire financial resources and transfer risks in such projects. This paper proposes a real options (ROs) incentive to improve revenue management for PPPs. In addition to the initial concession, the public sector offers an RO incentive to the private sector at a premium. Designed in an option game framework, the RO incentive captures the behaviour dynamics of option owner and writer, thus producing an optimal strategy for revenue management that cannot be derived from the standard RO valuation. The RO incentive stimulates the private sector to increase its investment in quality improvement, makes a short concession attractive to the private sector and allows both parties to better manage revenues under high uncertainty.
Biochemical and evolutionary aspects of arthropod predation on ferns.

The widely held assumption that very few arthropods feed on ferns was questioned following field observations of arthropod damage on ferns in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. The extent and type of damage was recorded and it was found that in a measured locality, ferns were no less attacked than the angiospermous flora. As chemistry and arthropod host relationships have been shown to be so closely intertwined, plants collected in the field were analysed for both condensed tannins and cyanogenic glycosides, compounds known to be effective deterrents in temperate climates. Although all ferns tested contained tannins these did not appear to inhibit predation. Cyanogenic glycosides were present in only 3% of the fern species analysed, and it is, therefore, unlikely that they play a significant role as defensive compounds in the ferns examined.
New surface and down-hole sensors needed for oil and gas drilling

The history of oilwell drilling includes a number of innovative techniques to infer the conditions down-hole and their impact on drilling performance. Surface and down-hole sensors have been deployed to measure related physical phenomena that can be generally associated with the actual environment. Some direct measurements have been made after drilling using sensors suspended on a wire line, and this evolved into near real-time measurements using Measurement While Drilling (MWD) and Logging While Drilling (LWD) equipment that use low bandwidth pulse telemetry communications. With the advent to high speed wired drillpipe, new sensors are needed to take advantage of the improved telemetry capabilities to produce true real-time measurements. New surface sensors are needed that employ smart technologies and enhanced data processing. By combining these high-speed, high quality measurements with predictive models, set points and limits can be directly connected to the latest generation of open-architecture rig control systems to improve drilling safety and efficiency. This paper briefly outlines the shortcomings of a wide variety of existing sensor designs and identifies emerging technologies that could provide better measurements if the harsh environmental constraints can be met. The authors then call to non-industry participants to adapt sensor technologies used in other commercial applications to help automate the process of drilling for oil and gas. They discuss where the oil and gas industry needs accurate, real-time measurements of chemical, rheological and physical properties, and how these measurements could be used. They also address the need for power generation and/or storage to overcome challenges encountered today. The paper ends with a look ahead as the industry seeks new sensors, perhaps based upon a very different set of physical measurements that will improve our ability to safely produce oil and gas until alternate energy sources become commonplace.
Learning to teach computer programming

What does recent research in the learning sciences have to offer computing education researchers and course designers? Over the past 50 years, course designers have learned a great deal about how to teach computer programming. Programming courses have motivated imaginative instructional innovations including microworlds, case studies, programming patterns, peer critiques, and lab-based courses. Early courses often employed collaborative learning by default--due to limited access to personal computers--and invented solutions to common dilemmas such as imbalances in the contributions to a group product. In addition, many of the innovators in computer programming instruction were themselves self-taught, bringing intriguing insights to the design of new courses.Recent work in the learning sciences offers some fresh ideas while also drawing on this promising tradition of innovation. In this talk I will integrate the research of the Technology-Enhanced Learning in Science (TELS) center with my experiences in design of computer programming courses to identify some fruitful directions for the field.
Social Information Processing and the Verbal and Physical Abuse of Women

This study examined the relationship between personality and the abuse of women. Relatively unexplored variables such as authoritarianism, private self-consciousness, and adversarial sexual beliefs were examined along with sex-role attitudes. It was predicted that personality variables with a social information processing orientation (i.e., private self-consciousness and adversarial sexual beliefs) would be more closely associated with abuse than generalized, attitudinal variables (i.e., sex-role attitudes and authoritarianism). One hundred forty-nine men completed a questionnaire containing the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS), Right-Wing Authoritarianism Scale, Self-Consciousness Scale, Adversarial Sexual Beliefs Scale (ASB), and the Attitudes Toward Women Scale. The results show that scores on the ASB are most closely associated with the CTS scores. Also, there was a borderline significant effect of private self-consciousness on verbal abuse scores. The results suggest that aspects of social information pr...
Survival of cool and warm freshwater fish following chloramine-T exposure

Abstract Chloramine-T is presently available in the USA to control mortalities associated with bacterial gill disease or external columnaris only through an Investigational New Animal Drug Permit authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Its US approval hinges on FDA's acceptance of several key data, including those describing animal safety. Chloramine-T is presently applied in US aquaculture, by permit only, once daily on consecutive or alternate days for 1 h at 10 to 20 mg/L to control mortalities associated with bacterial gill disease or external columnaris. Our objective was to determine the safety of chloramine-T bath exposures at multiples of the proposed maximum treatment concentration (i.e., 0, 20, 60, 100, and 200 mg/L) administered on four consecutive days at 20 °C to lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens, northern pike Esox lucius, and walleye Sander vitreum, or at 27 °C to channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, and largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides. All fish were tested as five to eight week old fry except for walleye and channel catfish which were tested as both fry and fingerling (fingerlings were at least four weeks older than the fry tested). Walleye and channel catfish were selected to evaluate the effects of life stage (fry vs. fingerling), temperature (walleye — 15, 20, or 25 °C; channel catfish — 22, 27, or 32 °C), exposure duration (60 vs. 180 min), and water chemistry (walleye only — reconstituted soft water vs. well water). Except for channel catfish fry, survival was significantly reduced only when fish were treated at 100 or 200 mg/L. Channel catfish fry survival was significantly reduced when exposed at 60 mg/L for 180 min at 27 °C. Based on our mortality data, chloramine-T administered once daily for 60 min on four consecutive days at concentrations of up to 20 mg/L is not likely to adversely affect survival of cool or warmwater fish cultured in freshwater.
Reduction of fertility in female rabbits and mice actively immunized with a germ cell antigen (GA-1) from the rabbit.

Female rabbits and mace were actwely immumzed against germ cell antigen (GA-1) of 63 kDa molecular mass isolated from rabbit sperm and testis There was a significant (P < 0 05) reduction of fertlhty in rabb~ts actively immumzed wxth GA-1 as compared to controls, as seen by the percentage of 9-day implants/corpora lutea ratio (GA-1, 36 3%; controls, 85.7%). In mice, there was again a slgmficant (P < 0.01) reducuon in fertility as seen by mean 7-9 day implants+S.D per mated mouse actavely immunized with GA-1 whether through the intrapentoneal route (GA-1, 1.2+ 1 6; controls, 8 0+3 4) or through the subcutaneous/intramuscular route (GA-1, 3 8 ___ 3.4; controls, 10.1 + 3.9). The antasera from these actively immunized ammals were negaUve for sperm agglutinating and lmmobdazang antibodms In the Western blot enzyme-immunobindmg procedure, the antasera showed specific binding to a single protein of 63 kDa The incidence of fertilization of eggs recovered from rabbits mseImnated with anti-GAd antiboches-treated sperm was not significantly different from control rabbits The percentage of fertilized eggs obtaaned from rabbits inseminated with antl-GA-1 antibodies-treated sperm that reached the blastocyst stage upon m vatro incubation, however, was significantly less than that for embryos obtained from rabbits inseminated w~th control serum-treated sperm Incubataon of normal fertihzed eggs in vitro with the antibodies did not affect development. 'Neither antaserum nor immune uterine fluid reacted with 4-day blastocysts m the m&rect ammunofluorescence technique It is concluded that active lmmumzation with GA-1 results in post-fertilization reductaon of fertlhty m rabbits and rmce by inhibiting early embryomc development
A Residual Structure in Unfolded Intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein Consists of Amino Acids That Are Neighbors in the Native State

Much of the recent effort in protein folding has focused on the possibility that residual structures in the unfolded state may provide an initiating site for protein folding. This hypothesis is difficult to test because of the weak stability and dynamic behavior of these structures. This problem has been simplified for intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) by incorporating fluorinated aromatic amino acids during synthesis in Escherichia coli. Only the labeled residues give signals by (19)F NMR, and the 1D spectra can be assigned in both the native and unfolded states by site-directed mutagenesis. One of the two tryptophans (W82), one of the four tyrosines (Y70), and at least four of the eight phenylalanines (including F68 and F93) of IFABP are involved in a structure that is significantly populated at concentrations of urea that unfold the native structure by fluorescence and CD criteria. These residues are nonlocal in sequence and also contact each other in the native structure. Thus, a template of nativelike hydrophobic contacts in the unfolded state may serve as an initiating site for folding this beta-sheet protein.
Comparison of the folding processes of T. thermophilus and E. coli ribonucleases H.

Abstract In order to examine how the stabilization of thermophilic proteins affects their folding, we have characterized the folding process of Thermus thermophilus ribonuclease H using circular dichroism, fluorescence, and pulse-labeling hydrogen exchange. Like its homolog from Escherichia coli , this thermophilic protein populates a partially folded kinetic intermediate within the first few milliseconds of folding. The structure of this intermediate is similar to that of E. coli RNase H and corresponds remarkably well to a partially folded form that is populated at low levels in the native state of the protein. Proline isomerization appears to partly limit the folding of the thermophilic but not the mesophilic protein. Lastly, unlike other thermophilic proteins, which unfold much more slowly than their mesophilic counterparts, T. thermophilus RNase H folds and unfolds with overall rates similar to those of E. coli RNase H.
TrkB/BDNF Signaling Regulates Photoreceptor Progenitor Cell Fate Decisions

Neurotrophins, via activation of Trk receptor tyrosine kinases, serve as mitogens, survival factors and regulators of arborization during retinal development. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and TrkB regulate neuronal arborization and survival in late retinal development. However, TrkB is expressed during early retinal development where its functions are unclear. To assess TrkB/BDNF actions in the early chick retina, replication-incompetent retroviruses were utilized to over-express a dominant negative truncated form of TrkB (trunc TrkB), or BDNF and effects were assessed at E15. Clones expressing trunc TrkB were smaller than controls, and proliferation and apoptosis assays suggest that decreased clone size correlated with increased cell death when BDNF/TrkB signaling was impaired. Analysis of clonal composition revealed that trunc TrkB over-expression decreased photoreceptor numbers (41%) and increased cell numbers in the middle third of the inner nuclear layer (INL) (23%). Conversely, BDNF over-expression increased photoreceptor numbers (25%) and decreased INL numbers (17%). Photoreceptors over-expressing trunc TrkB demonstrated no increase in apoptosis nor abnormalities in lamination suggesting that TrkB activation is not required for photoreceptor cell survival or migration. These studies suggest that TrkB signaling regulates commitment to and/or differentiation of photoreceptor cells from retinal progenitor cells, identifying a novel role for TrkB/BDNF in regulating cell fate decisions.
Production of laser radiation in aligned crystal targets

A number of proposals for the generation of short-wavelength laser radiation by high-energy particles in crystals are examined. Calculation of the gain for each of these proposals indicates that the prospect for observing coherent radiation in such a system is not large.
Project summary: natural language understanding: integrating syntax, semantics, and discourse

Technical Summary: The focus of the UNISYS research is on integrating multiple knowledge sources, including syntax, semantics, pragmatics, a domain model, and both domain-specific and domain-independent knowledge sources, to produce a system capable of understanding messages in a restricted domain.
Research note: immunity to Eimeria in broilers reared on nicarbazin and salinomycin.

Abstract The incidence of oocysts was monitored in the litter at two broiler farms where birds were reared to 8 wk of age using a shuttle program involving nicarbazin (from 0 to 21 days of age) and salinomycin (from 21 to 44 days of age). Some birds from these farms were challenged with three species of Eimeria to see whether immunity had developed as a result of prior exposure to infection. Oocysts of at least three species of Eimeria were present in small numbers in the litter. Birds from both farms were immune to Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria maxima (judged by weight gain) although the immunity was incomplete as evidenced by oocyst production. Birds from one farm were immune to Eimeria tenella (judged by weight gain) but birds from the other farm were susceptible to this species.
Archaeology in the Context of War: Legal Frameworks for Protecting Cultural Heritage during Armed Conflict

International law provides for a framework for protecting cultural heritage during armed conflict and for punishing those who transgress these principles. If understood within its limitations of dependence on state ratification and enforcement, international law protects cultural heritage by providing guidelines to those who wish to conform and by punishing after the fact those who deliberately destroy cultural heritage. Recent movement toward ratification of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its protocols by the major military powers should afford greater protection to cultural heritage in future conflicts.
The change in orientation of subsidiary shears near faults containing pore fluid under high pressure

Abstract Byerlee, J., 1992. The change in orientation of subsidiary shears near faults containing pore fluid under high pressure. In: T. Mikumo, K. Aki, M. Ohnaka, L.J. Ruff and P.K.P. Spudich (Editors), Earthquake Source Physics and Earthquake Precursors. Tectonophysics, 211: 295–303. The mechanical effects of a fault containing near-lithostatic fluid pressure in which fluid pressure decreases monotonically from the core of the fault zone to the adjacent country rock is considered. This fluid pressure distribution has mechanical implications for the orientation of subsidiary shears around a fault. Analysis shows that the maximum principal stress is oriented at a high angle to the fault in the country rock where the pore pressure is hydrostatic, and rotates to 45° to the fault within the fault zone where the pore pressure is much higher. This analysis suggests that on the San Andreas fault, where heat flow constraints require that the coefficient of friction for slip on the fault be less than 0.1, the pore fluid pressure on the main fault is 85% of the lithostatic pressure. The observed geometry of the subsidiary shears in the creeping section of the San Andreas are broadly consistent with this model, with differences that may be due to the heterogeneous nature of the fault.
The Compatibility Between State Eligibility Criteria for Developmental Delays and Available Early Childhood Assessment Instrumentation

The purpose of this study was to survey the 50 state consultants in early childhood special education in the U.S. to evaluate whether they perceived available developmental assessment instrumentation to be satisfactory for the identification of children with developmental delays in the 3- through 5-year-old age range. The survey questions were organized into four main themes: (a) a description of eligibility criteria used to identify children with developmental delays; (b) the general operational characteristics of the early childhood handicapped identification system; (c) satisfaction with the available assessment instrumentation for the identification of developmental delays given state eligibility criteria; and (d) demographic information on the respondents. Results showed a need for assessment instruments that facilitate parent involvement and a need for special norms for minorities and children with physical disabilities. The significance and implications of these and other findings for early childho...
Efficacy of Coherence Therapy in the Treatment of Procrastination and Perfectionism

This study tested the efficacy of Coherence Therapy, compared with a self-help, bibliotherapy intervention, for people with procrastination and perfectionism problems. A total of 37 adults (65% mal...
Multiobjective tuning of a multitarget tracking algorithm using an evolutionary algorithm

Multitarget tracking MTT algorithms have been tuned by a variety of optimization methods using a single objective, but only recently have they been tuned with multiobjectives techique. The desire to compare single-objective MTT algorithms using numerous metrics is well documented in the literature for over a decade. We discuss an experiment to quantify the need or lack of need for Monte Carlo (MC) runs in tuning the parameters of a MTT algorithm using some of these metrics. The extreme computational requirement of running a MTT MC experiment for each individual evaluation function drives the need to determine the worth of doing so. The results of using a single run are compared to that of using a MC evaluation with multiple runs as compared to a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm approach. Additional analysis is performed on the search space demonstrating other useful information the decision maker may use to select an optimal operating point from a calculated Pareto Front.
Police-Citizen Encounters that Lead to Citizen Complaints

Most interactions, even between strangers, are completed without altercations; however, encounters between policemen and citizens are often tense and sometimes violent. Complaints of alleged police misconduct filed by citizens with the Philadelphia Police Advisory Board are examined as instances of strained or disruptive interaction. Included among the characteristics describing these encounters are circumstances under which the interaction began, the social status of the citizen, and the social context of the incident. Certain combinations of these conditions seem likely to lead to tense encounters and subsequent altercations. The associations suggested by the complaint data provide hypotheses for testing when information becomes available on a representative sample of police-citizen encounters.