cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Welfare Analysis of Arbitration

The paper compares conventional and final-offer arbitration. One party is supposed to make a payment to another party, whose amount depends on a state. Under one scenario, parties obtain signals about the state, which cannot be recognized by the opponents. If the arbitrator's ability of recognizing signals is high, the frequency of requesting arbitration is lower under conventional than under final-offer arbitration. If this ability is low, final-offer arbitration dominates conventional arbitration in quite a similar sense. Under the second scenario, parties believe that their opponents have wrong signals. Then, conventional arbitration approximates the original outcome better than final-offer arbitration. (JEL C78, D82, D86, J52)
ABSORPTION AND RETENTION OF COPPER, ZINC, CALCIUM, AND PHOSPHOROUS IN PREMATURE INFANTS

72 hour balance studies to determine absorption and retention of copper, zinc, calcium, and phosphorous were done in 2 groups of well, growing, premature infants who were fed one of 2 formulas: Similac Special Care (SSC) with standard concentrations of Cu, (2.1mg/L), Zn, Ca, and PO4 or Clinical Product (CP) identical to SSC, except for a reduced concentration of copper (.8mg/L). Mean gestational age and birth weight of SSC group (GA=30.0 wks., BW=1279gms.) were not significantly different from the CP group (GA=31.2 wks., BW=1478gms.). Weight and post conceptional age (PCA) at time of study were not significantly different between the two groups. (SSC=1522gms. & 34.4 weeks PCA, CP=1576gms. & 33.7 weeks PCA). Although it did not achieve statistical significance, (p=.09) absorption of calcium tended to be slightly higher in the CP group (low Cu); % and absolute absorption of PO4, Cu, and Zn were the same in both groups. The higher copper intake in the SSC group did not increase mean copper absorption. Infants from both groups were in negative copper balance. Zinc balance in all infants was positive and ranged from +9% to +59%. Inutero accretion rates for zinc (>.5mg/kg/d) were achieved in 7 out of 10 infants.
The absence of γglutamyl transpeptidase activity in putative preneoplastic lesions and in hepatocellular carcinomas induced in rats by the hypolipidemic peroxisome proliferator Wy-14,643

Administration of Wy-14,643, a hypolipidemic agent which induces peroxisome proliferation, at a concentration of 0.1% (w/w) in the diet, leads to the development of altered foci, neoplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) in the liver of rats between 21 and 70 weeks. These various lesions in liver were analyzed histochemically for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity. The presence of lipofuscin, a putative indicator of lipid peroxidation was evaluated by autofluorescence. All the altered foci, neoplastic nodules and HCC were consistently negative for GGT, and had small amounts of lipofuscin contrasted to large deposits of this pigment in the surrounding normal liver. These results indicate that GGT is not a phenotypic marker in Wy-14,643 induced hepatic carcinogenesis. Whether the neoplastic alterations induced in liver by other peroxisome proliferators are similarly GGT negative remains to be determined.
Ab initio quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics simulations studies of LiPF6/poly(ethylene oxide) interactions

Ab initio and molecular mechanics studies of LiPF6 and the interaction of the salt with the poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) oligomer dimethylether have been performed. Optimized geometries and energies of Li+/PF6− complexes obtained from quantum chemistry revealed a preference for C3V symmetry structures for Li+–P separations under 2.8 A, C2V symmetry for Li+–P in the range of 2.8–3.3 A and C4V symmetry for Li+–P separations larger than 3.3 A. Electron correlation effects were found to make an insignificant contribution to binding in the Li+/PF6− complex. By contrast, analogous studies of PF6−/PF6− and PF6−/dimethyl ether complexes revealed important contributions of electron correlation to the complex interaction energy. A molecular mechanics force field for simulations of PEO/LiPF6 melts was parameterized to reproduce the geometries and energies of Li+/PF6−, PF6−/PF6−, PF6−/dimethylether complexes. Molecular dynamics simulations of PEO/LiPF6 melts were performed to validate this quantum chemistry-based force field. Accurate reproduction of the increase in solution density with addition of salt was found while the electrical conductivity of PEO/LiPF6 solutions was found to be within an order of magnitude of the experimental values. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 641–654, 2001
On the expected significance probabilities and bahadur efficiencies of tests for comparing two binomial proportions

This work compares four tests of significance for the equality of two binomial proportions. Tests are compared with regard to their expected significance probabilities under H oand their Bahadur efficiencies under various alternatives. Two tests that are advocated by supporters of conditioning on the total number of successes, Fisher's exact and the Yates-corrected X2tests, are outperformed by two less conservative methods, the mid-P-value and the uncorrected X2 tests.
Exploring the relationship between state financial aid policy and postsecondary enrollment choices: a focus on income and race differences

This study explores the relationship between state financial aid policies and postsecondary enrollment for high school graduates (or equivalent diploma holders). Utilizing an event history modeling for a nationally representative sample from the National Education Longitudinal Study (NELS:88/2000) in addition to state-level policy variables, this study examined how state aid policies differentially affect students’ postsecondary enrollment choices depending on their family income and race/ethnicity between the years 1992 through 2000. The findings demonstrate that there is a clear and consistent gap in college enrollment for students who are from different income and race/ethnic groups, and that changes in state financial aid policy are significantly related with the type of institutions a student attends across income and racial groups. The study findings have important implications for state aid policy as well as future research on the role of public financial aid policy in college choice of students from different income and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Synthesis and spectral properties of 3β-hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5α-cholestan-15-one

Abstract 3β-Hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5α-cholestan-15-one (4) has been prepared as part of a program to synthesize 15-ketosterols that are not readily metabolized to cholesterol or side-chain oxygenated species. Saponification of 3β-acetoxy-5α-chola-8(14),23-dien-15-one (5) followed by lithium-ammonia reduction with a bromobenzene quench gave 3β-hydroxy-5α-chol-23-en-15-one (6). Addition of (CF3)2CFI to 6 in the presence of triethylborane gave an iodide preparation, which was reduced to 4 with tributyltin hydride (71% overall yield of 4 from 5). The 23-iodide preparations consisted of 6:1 mixtures of (23R)-3β-hydroxy-23-iodo-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5α-cholestan-15-one (9a) and its C-23 epimer 9b with variable amounts of 4. Compound 4 was also prepared by lithium-ammonia reduction of the Δ8(14) analogs of 4 and iodides 9a and 9b. The presence of small amounts of 6 in the latter product suggested a side reaction involving cleavage of the C24–C25 bond with loss of a (CF3)2CF· radical. Also prepared were 25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5α-cholestane-3β,15α-diol, its 15β epimer, the 7α-methyl analog of 4, 3β-hydroxy-7α-methyl-5α-cholestan-15-one (16), and (25R)-3β,26-dihydroxy-5α-cholestan-15-one. Full 1H and 13C-NMR data of high precision with complete signal assignments are given for all new compounds. Definitive 1H-NMR stereochemical assignments of the C-24 protons were established for most sterols with a C8H17 side chain based on analysis of the downfield H-24 resonance in a 750-MHz spectrum of 16. Detailed electron-impact mass spectral data are presented together with a summary of major fragmentation patterns for 15-hydroxy- and 15-ketosteroids with and without a Δ8(14) bond.
Functional characterization of an active Rag-like transposase

The formation of diverse immunoglobulin genes results in part from Rag protein-mediated DNA double strand breaks at the edges of immunoglobulin gene segments, followed by the combinatorial reassembly of these segments. We report that a Transib transposase from the insect Helicoverpa zea is active in vitro and that its breakage and joining activities mimic those of Rag, providing strong evidence that Rag and Transib transposases were derived from a common progenitor.
Evaluation of MRI issues at 3-Tesla for a hospital identification (ID) wristband

Abstract Background and Purpose A recent report suggested that a serious burn injury was due to the presence of the identification (ID) wristband. As such, in lieu of removing or padding hospital ID wristbands in all patients prior to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), testing may be performed to characterize risks for ID wristbands. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the magnetic field interactions, heating and artifacts at 3 T for a hospital ID wristband. Materials and Methods Standardized test methods were used to evaluate magnetic field interactions, MRI-related heating, and artifacts at 3 T for a hospital ID wristband. Results There were no magnetic field interactions. MRI-related heating evaluated at a relatively high, MR system-reported, whole body-averaged specific absorption rate (2.9 W/kg) did not increase above the background level. The artifacts related to the ink used for printing were “small” for one toner and “large” for the other in relation to the dimensions of the printing. Conclusions Based on the tests performed, this particular hospital ID wristband is considered MR safe and will not pose a hazard to a patient undergoing an MRI examination. Importantly, it is not necessary to remove this item for a patient referred for MRI.
Screening of the Coulomb interaction in two-dimensional variable-range hopping

A Coulomb gap in the density of states is inferred from variable-range-hopping measurements in two dimensions in a gated GaAs/Al${}_{x}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{As}$ heterostructure. For large hopping lengths the Coulomb interaction is screened by a metallic gate, and a universal crossover to Mott hopping at low temperatures is observed. Excellent agreement with theory is achieved by adjusting a single combination of constants associated with variable-range hopping. This change in constants is explained by correlated hopping. The Coulomb interaction is not screened by the two-dimensional electron layer.
Transcriptional Attenuation of PIM-1 Gene

Levels of the mRNA for PIM-1, a protooncogene encoding a cytoplasmic serine threonine kinase show a wide variation among tissues and cell lines, although this gene is transcribed from a GC- rich housekeeping promoter. Previous studies have failed to identify tissue specific elements in the PIM-1 promoter raising the possibility that these elements might reside within the gene. Transient transfections of Luciferase reporter gene constructs into the chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line K562 (which expresses high levels of PIM-1 mRNA) demonstrate that the 1.7kbp PIM-1 promoter sequences alone were three times more efficient than constructs driven by the promoter+PIM-1 genomic sequences. Nuclear run on assays of nascent RNA from K562 cells revealed premature transcriptional termination within the PIM-1 gene. Thus, PIM-1 gene may be constitutively transcribed in all tissues and transcriptional attenuation could be one of the mechanisms regulating the observed differences in steady state levels of mRNA.
Choosing and upgrading financial services dealers in the US and UK

Abstract This paper addresses a gap in the international literature aimed at understanding the impact of the marketing mix on choosing and upgrading business-to-business financial services dealers. This study involves two important financial services markets (foreign exchange and bonds) in two leading countries in financial services (the United States and the United Kingdom). It provides a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of marketing mix variables (“price”, “product”, and “promotion” in this case) in determining (a) choice of dealers and (b) how a utilized dealer may achieve the sought-after status of being among the top three dealers of a customer. The impact of the marketing mix variables on the choice of dealer is significantly greater in the US relative to the UK. However, a two-stage analysis shows no significant country differences in the impact of the marketing mix on how a dealer is upgraded to a top three status with a customer. Further, the effects of the individual marketing mix variables are more nearly equal in the determination of whether a utilized dealer is among the top three dealers relative to the choice stage. Finally, consistent with our hypothesis, the bond market is more price sensitive relative to foreign exchange and the foreign exchange market is more product sensitive than the bond market.
Judging the Book by Its Cover? How Consumers Decode Conspicuous Consumption Cues in Buyer–Seller Relationships

Abstract Little empirical consumer research has focused on the decoding of conspicuous symbolism, that is, the inferences consumers make about others' conspicuous consumption. Grounded in theory on social perception and role congruity, four experiments show that consumer inferences about and behavioral intentions toward conspicuous sellers are moderated by communal and exchange relationship norms. Specifically, conspicuous consumption by a seller decreases warmth inferences and, in turn, behavioral intentions toward the seller under the communal norm; conversely, it increases competence inferences and, in turn, behavioral intentions under the exchange norm. A seller's mere wealth triggers similar inferences, suggesting that conspicuous consumption is a surrogate for actual wealth. Priming consumers with persuasion knowledge inhibits the inferential benefits resulting from conspicuousness under the exchange norm. These findings reveal the theoretically meaningful role of the consumption context by showing ...
Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse and Co-Occurring Infections: Research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse

Substance abuse still remains one of the major problems in the world today, with millions of people abusing legal and illegal drugs. In addition, a billion people may also be infected with one or more infections. Both drugs of abuse and infections are associated with enormous burden of social, economic, and health consequences. This article briefly discusses a few medical consequences of drugs of abuse and infections such as human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, psychiatric complications in hepatitis C infection, pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions among medications used in the treatment of addiction and infections, and new drugs in development for the treatment of infections. Research is encouraged to study interactions between infections, drugs of abuse, and underlying pathophysiologic and molecular/genetic mechanisms of these interactions.
Physiological-ecological impacts of flooding on riparian forest ecosystems

Riparian forest ecosystems are important for their high productivity of biomass, their biodiversity, and ecological services including control of floods and erosion, removal of nutrients from agricultural runoff, alleviation of pollution effects, and as habitats for birds and mammals. Intermittent cycles of flooding by meandering streams followed by soil drainage are essential for regeneration, optimal growth, preservation of biodiversity, and sustainability of these valuable ecosystems. The straightening of river channels and disruption of intermittent river flow by dams lead to decreases in downstream forest productivity and ecological services, reflecting arrested forest regeneration, suppression of tree growth, and early tree mortality. These responses result from inadequate seed supplies and poor seedbeds, as well as deficiencies of ground water and mineral nutrients. Water deficits in downstream forest trees induce dysfunctions in photosynthesis and mineral nutrition, which lead to growth inhibition and plant mortality. Very few bottomland forest species can withstand extended soil inundation. Hence, prolonged upstream flooding by interruption of river flow is followed by massive losses of biomass as a result of poor seed germination, arrested plant growth, and accelerated mortality of trees. The adverse impacts of flooding on upstream forests are associated with physiological dysfunctions induced by soil anaerobiosis. These include changes in respiration, photosynthesis, protein synthesis, mineral nutrition, and hormone relations, together with increased exposure to a variety of phytotoxic compounds. There is urgent need for developing more integrated and holistic flood-management policies that will recognize the need for protecting and restoring valuable riparian forests while also meeting other flood-control objectives.
RECENT RESULTS FROM HADRONIC EXPERIMENTS AT THE NATIONAL ACCELERATOR LABORATORY

A summary is presented of recent data on the elastic scattering of protons and the inelastic production of pions, kaons, and protons in proton-proton collisions at high energies. Measurements obtained using counter and bubble chamber techniques at the National Accelerator Laboratory are compared with similar data available at lower energies. Final-state multiplicities and single-particle production cross sections at all values of transverse momentum appear to be changing in a systematic manner with the scattering energy. These variations are discussed within the framework of available models.
A Relative-Entropy Algorithm for Genomic Fingerprinting Captures Host-Phage Similarities

The degeneracy of codons allows a multitude of possible sequences to code for the same protein. Hidden within the particular choice of sequence for each organism are over 100 previously undiscovered biologically significant, short oligonucleotides (length, 2 to 7 nucleotides). We present an information-theoretic algorithm that finds these novel signals. Applying this algorithm to the 209 sequenced bacterial genomes in the NCBI database, we determine a set of oligonucleotides for each bacterium which uniquely characterizes the organism. Some of these signals have known biological functions, like restriction enzyme binding sites, but most are new. An accompanying scoring algorithm is introduced that accurately (92%) places sequences of 100 kb with their correct species among the choice of hundreds. This algorithm also does far better than previous methods at relating phage genomes to their bacterial hosts, suggesting that the lists of oligonucleotides are “genomic fingerprints” that encode information about the effects of the cellular environment on DNA sequence. Our approach provides a novel basis for phylogeny and is potentially ideally suited for classifying the short DNA fragments obtained by environmental shotgun sequencing. The methods developed here can be readily extended to other problems in bioinformatics.
Low Birth Weight and Very Low Birth Weight Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease: Timing of Surgery, Reasons for Delaying or not Delaying Surgery

Conventional management of low birth weight and very low birth weight neonates was composed of deferring corrective surgery by aggressive medical management or palliative surgery which does not require cardiopulmonary bypass. However, while waiting for weight gain, these neonates are at risk for various comorbidities. In the current era, this "wait and let the baby grow" approach has not been shown to result in better clinical outcomes. Early primary repair hence has become the standard strategy for congenital heart disease requiring surgery in these neonates. However, there still exist some circumstances, which are considered to be unfavorable for corrective surgery due to medical, physiologic, surgeon's technical and institutional-systemic factors. We reviewed the recent literature and examined the reasons for delaying or not delaying surgery.
“Modernization Effect” upon Exports of Agricultural Produce: South Korea

The "demand deficiency" hypothesis, which has been used to explain the post-1945 "export lag" of agricultural produce from non-industrial areas, is irrelevant to the "export lag" of foodstuffs from overpopulated countries. South Korean experiences strongly suggest that a relatively high marginal propensity to consume food, combined with a relatively high price inelasticity of demand for food, makes the income redistribution consequent upon modernization a forceful factor in determining the export pattern of an underdeveloped country. Misleading export projections of foodstuffs during early stages of economic development result if income distribution effects are not taken into account.
Using point process models to describe rhythmic spiking in the subthalamic nucleus of Parkinson's patients

Neurological disease is often associated with changes in firing activity in specific brain areas. Accurate statistical models of neural spiking can provide insight into the mechanisms by which the disease develops and clinical symptoms manifest. Point process theory provides a powerful framework for constructing, fitting, and evaluating the quality of neural spiking models. We illustrate an application of point process modeling to the problem of characterizing abnormal oscillatory firing patterns of neurons in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). We characterize the firing properties of these neurons by constructing conditional intensity models using spline basis functions that relate the spiking of each neuron to movement variables and the neuron's past firing history, both at short and long time scales. By calculating maximum likelihood estimators for all of the parameters and their significance levels, we are able to describe the relative propensity of aberrant STN spiking in terms of factors associated with voluntary movements, with intrinsic properties of the neurons, and factors that may be related to dysregulated network dynamics.
The impact of osteitis on disease severity measures and quality of life outcomes in chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND The significance of osteitis in the management of recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has yet to be clearly understood and clinical outcomes data for these patients is lacking. Osteitis has been characterized by inflammatory infiltrate, osteoneogenesis, and bony sclerosis with remodeling. In this study we sought to determine if osteitis negatively impacts quality-of-life (QOL) or clinical outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
Combination of chemotherapy with dual antagonists and radiotherapy in the treatment of neoplastic disease

The theoretical justification for combination chemotherapy and for the combination of radiation and chemotherapy in the treatment of neoplastic diseases is discussed, literature on the synthesis and biological activity of the ‘dual antagonist’ group of drugs is reviewed. Studies on the radiation-potentiating effect of certain members of this group of drugs are reviewed, and prospects for therapeutic applications are discussed.
The SAH Score: a comprehensive communication tool.

Background: The Hunt and Hess grade and World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) scale are commonly used to predict mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Our objective was to improve the accuracy of mortality prediction compared with the aforementioned scales by creating the ‘‘SAH score.’’ Methods: The aSAH database at our institution was analyzed for factors affectingin-hospital mortality using multiple logistic regressionanalysis. Scores were weighted based on relative risk of mortality after stratification of each of these variables. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was subdivided into groups of 3-4 (score51), 5-8 (score 5 2), 9-13 (score 5 3), and 14-15 (score 5 4). Age was categorized into 4 subgroups: 18-49 (score 5 1), 50-69 (score 5 2), 70-79 (score 5 3), and 80 years or more (score 5 4). Medical comorbidities were subdivided into none (score 5 1), 1 (score 5 2), or 2 or more (score 5 3). Results: In total, 1134 patients were included; all-cause SAH hospital mortality was 18.3%. Admission GCS, age, and medical comorbidities significantly affected mortality after multivariate analysis (P , .05). Summated scores ranged from 0 to 8 with escalating mortality at higher scores (0 5 2%, 1 5 6%, 2 5 8%, 3 5 15%, 4 5 30%, 5 5 58%, 6 5 79%, 7 5 87%, and 8 5 100%). Positive predictive value (PPV) for scores in the range 7-8 was 88.5%, whereas 6-8 was 83%. Negative predictive value (NPV) was 94% for range 0-2 and 92% for 0-3. The area under the curve (AUC) for the SAH score was .821 (good accuracy), compared with the WFNS scale (AUC .777, fair accuracy) and the Hunt and Hess grade (AUC .771, fair accuracy). Conclusions: The SAH score was found to be more accurate in predicting aSAH mortality compared with the Hunt
Temperature pulses in dielectric solids

Abstract We discuss the criteria for second sound propagation in dielectric solids and apply these criteria to solid helium and LiF crystals. Second sound should be observed in solid helium and LiF crystals free from dislocations and chemical and isotopic impurities. The best LiF crystal of Thacher will not exhibit second sound. We critically discuss several second sound experiments which have achieved null results. Only the experiments of Rogers and Rollefson have been done with sufficient care to warrant attention. We report the result of an extensive investigation of temperature pulse propagation in helium crystals and demonstrate that a variety of information may be found from such an experiment. 1. (1) Temperature pulse data taken at temperatures above that of the thermal conductivity peak at T Θ ⋍ 0.025 yield values of thermal conductivity in agreement with those obtained by steady state measurements. 2. (2) At temperatures below T Θ ⋍ 0.025 the pulse transits the chamber with a shape and velocity consistent with the requirements for second sound. In this temperature region the observed pulse velocity is approximately that calculated for second sound using the experimentally determined first sound velocities. Multiple reflections of the heat pulse are seen, a phenomenon which indicates the temperature pulse obeys a wave equation, a further requirement for second sound propagation. 3. (3) In the second sound region, the finite N-process collision rate causes a broadening of the temperature pulse. The magnitude of broadening is temperature dependent and this effect is used to calculate τN. We find the N-process relaxation time is given by T N=2×10 −12 T Θ −3 sec for ΘD between 27.5° and 43.0°K. The values of τN found are in good agreement with the results of Poiseuille flow experiments. They suggest that the lifetime of phonons in solid helium is about an order of magnitude shorter than those in LiF. The phonons are still a very well-defined excitation.
Minimal arterial in-flow protects renal oxygenation and function during porcine partial nephrectomy: confirmation by hyperspectral imaging.

Objectives To examine the potential for renal protection through incomplete renal artery (RA) occlusion with both assessments of creatinine changes and the use of hyperspectral imaging to monitor tissue oxygenation. Renal ischemia during partial nephrectomy can have adverse consequences on renal function. Methods Fourteen pigs with a solitary kidney underwent open partial nephrectomy with warm ischemia. The RA flow was measured and reduced to 25%, 10%, and 0% of baseline for 60 minutes. Hyperspectral imaging was used to assess the percentage of oxyhemoglobin (%HbO 2 ) at baseline, during ischemia, and during reperfusion. The %HbO 2 and change in the serum creatinine level from baseline were compared. Results The baseline RA flow and %HbO 2 were similar in all groups, and, as expected, RA occlusion resulted in decreasing %HbO 2 . The reduction of RA flow to 25% and 10% improved the nadir tissue oxygenation compared with 0% flow ( P = .01 and P = .04, respectively) and 25% flow also appeared to prolong the interval to reach the nadir %HbO 2 . Reperfusion resulted in a swift return to the baseline %HbO 2 in all 3 groups. The change in the serum creatinine from baseline to postoperative day 7 showed significantly improved renal preservation in the 25% RA flow group. Conclusions Incomplete RA occlusion during porcine partial nephrectomy resulted in favorable renal oxygenation profiles with as little as 10% blood flow and appeared to be renoprotective when 25% of the baseline RA flow is preserved. Hyperspectral imaging is a sensitive, noninvasive tool for real-time monitoring of renal oxygenation and, thereby, blood flow, which could facilitate intraoperative decision-making to protect kidney function.
Design experimentation as a theoretical and empirical tool for developmental pedagogical research

This paper contributes to theorizing about issues of pedagogy through elaborations on the idea of design experimentation as a methodological and analytical tool within the cultural–historical activity theory (CHAT) perspective. Our aim is to show that whereas it is analytically possible to separate people and implementations of pedagogical procedures from what are referred to as ‘contexts’ and ‘learning ecologies’, in practice, these moments of activity are co-constituted. To illustrate this process of co-constitution, we present five iterative studies aimed at replicating Vivian Paley's educational activity of storytelling/story-acting in a wide variety of settings. Our results highlight the dynamic complexity of the learning ecology and help us appreciate that Paley's pedagogical activity cannot be reduced to a discrete set of mechanically combined procedures. Our results also make clear that the learning ecology, as currently conceptualized by many design-based researchers, needs to be revisited in lig...
Relaxational Dynamics and Strength in Supercooled Liquids from Impulsive Stimulated Thermal Scattering

Impulsive stimulated thermal scattering (ISTS), a time-domain light scattering technique, provides a more than 6-decade time range from sub-ns to many ms. It permits characterization of the structural relaxation dynamics and determination of the relaxation strength or Debye-Waller factor in supercooled liquids, and thus allows testing of the mode coupling theory of the liquid-glass transition. ISTS experiments were performed on glass formers salol, butylbenzene, and the molten salt [Ca(NO3)]0.4[KNO3]0.6. The relaxational dynamics and the Debye-Waller factor fq=0 were obtained. A square-root anomaly was observed in fq=0(T) at a crossover temperature TC for all three materials, consistent with the prediction of mode coupling theory.
Safety measures in gynecological laser surgery

The advantages of the laser have been extolled in the literature but, in contrast, there is a paucity of information on the hazards involved in its surgical use. Recognition and prevention of risks is a mandatory requirement. The experience by encounter is described with counsel as to the prerequisite of taking precautionary measures prior to and during any operative procedure. Although safety features are incorporated in the equipment by the manufacturer, failure to peruse the operating manual has led to unnecessary errors in application and control. The operator and assisting personnel must be disciplined to concentrate on every use of the laser. Granting professionals surgical laser privileges with minimal training is an error in administration. A safety officer should be designated from the nursing or technician staff who will be responsible for knowing all the federal rules and regulations, setting up equipment, and constantly exercising safety surveillance during a laser surgical procedure.
Microsatellite Primer Development for Post Oak, Quercus stellata (Fagaceae)

Premise of the study: The American Cross Timbers forest ecosystem runs from southeastern Kansas to Central Texas and is primarily composed of post oak (Quercus stellata). This old-growth forest currently occupies only about 2% of its ancestral range. To facilitate genetic research on this species, we developed microsatellite primers specific to post oak from reduced genomic libraries. Methods and Results: Two Q. stellata individuals, sampled from the northern and southern range of the post oak forest, were subject to genomic reduction and 454 pyrosequencing. Bioinformatic analysis identified putative microsatellites from which 12 polymorphic primer sets were screened on three populations. The number of alleles observed ranged from five to 20 across all populations, while observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.05 to 0.833 and 0.236 to 0.893, respectively, within individual populations. Conclusions: We report the development of microsatellite markers, specific to post oak, to aid the stud...
Leading change through an international faculty development programme.

Aims The purpose of the study was to evaluate the modification of an American model of academic leadership training for utilization in an African university and to pilot test the efficacy of the resulting model. Background Traditionally many educators have moved into administrative positions without adequate training. Current world standards require leadership preparation for a wide array of persons. However, this opportunity did not yet exist in the study setting. Method University leaders from the University of the Western Cape and the University of Missouri collaborated on revising and pilot testing a successful American academic leadership programme for use among African faculty. Cross-cultural adaptations, participant satisfaction and subsequent outcomes were assessed during the 2-year ‘train-the-trainer’ leadership development programme. Results African faculty successfully modified the American training model, participated in training activities, and after 2 years, began to offer the service to other institutions in the region, which has increased the number of nurses in Africa who have had, and who will continue to have, the opportunity to move up the career ladder. Conclusion The impact of the project extended further than originally expected, as the original plan to utilize the training materials at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) for the in-house faculty was expanded to allow UWC to utilize the modified materials to serve leadership development needs of faculty in other African universities. Implications for nursing management Study findings will inform those interested in university policy and procedure on leadership training issues. The successful development of a self-sustaining leadership programme in which values of multiple cultures must be appropriately addressed has a significant impact for nursing administration. With the severe nursing shortage, health care institutions must develop cost effective yet quality development programmes to assure the succession of current staff into leadership positions. We no longer have the luxury of recruiting broadly and we must identify those talented nurses within our own institutions and prepare them for advanced leadership roles. This succession plan is especially important for the next generation of nurse leaders representing minority populations. In particular, nurse managers will find the overview of the literature for middle managers enlightening, and may find links to key resources that could be revised to be more culturally relevant for use in a wide array of settings.
Ultraviolet radiation sensitivity of photosynthesis in phytoplankton from an estuarine environment

We have studied temporal variation in the sensitivity of phytoplankton photosynthesis to inhibition by ultraviolet radiation (UV; 280‐400 nm) using biological weighting functions (BWFs) that quantify the biological effect of different wavelengths of UV. Variations in irradiance-dependent BWFs were evaluated for natural phytoplankton assemblages from the Rhode River, a shallow subestuary of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, from October 1994 to July 1996. Phytoplankton assemblages were sensitive to UV throughout the year. Rhode River assemblages are inhibited more strongly in the UV-B (280‐320 nm), particularly below 300 nm, but there is a significant influence well into the UV-A (320‐400 nm). There was no inhibition of phytoplankton photosynthesis by photosynthetically available radiation (400‐700 nm), but there was significant seasonal variation in the saturated rate of photosynthesis (P ) and in the light saturation parameter (Es). There was little variation in seasonal average BWFs through the B s year, but there was considerable variation in BWFs during each season. Individual BWFs varied both in absolute values of the weightings (reciprocal [mW m 22 ]) and in the spectral shape or relative effect of UV-B versus UV-A, which may be due to changes in species composition, light, temperature, and nutrient availability. Comparison of the most sensitive assemblage (spring) with the least sensitive assemblage (winter) indicates that these BWFs are close to the upper and lower bounds in sensitivity for irradiance-dependent BWFs from all natural and cultured phytoplankton populations. The average, absolute spectral weightings for inhibition of photosynthesis in assemblages from the Rhode River are similar to an average BWF for Antarctic assemblages.
Discretizing delta functions via finite differences and gradient normalization

In J.D. Towers, Two methods for discretizing a delta function supported on a level set, J. Comput. Phys. 220 (2007) 915-931] the author presented two closely related finite difference methods (referred to here as FDM1 and FDM2) for discretizing a delta function supported on a manifold of codimension one defined by the zero level set of a smooth mapping u : R n ? R . These methods were shown to be consistent (meaning that they converge to the true solution as the mesh size h ? 0 ) in the codimension one setting.In this paper, we concentrate on n ≤ 3 , but generalize our methods to codimensions other than one - now the level set function is generally a vector valued mapping u ? : R n ? R m , 1 ≤ m ≤ n ≤ 3 . Seemingly reasonable algorithms based on simple products of approximate delta functions are not generally consistent when applied to these problems. Motivated by this, we instead use the wedge product formalism to generalize our FDM algorithms, and this approach results in accurate, often consistent approximations. With the goal of ensuring consistency in general, we propose a new gradient normalization process that is applied before our FDM algorithms. These combined algorithms seem to be consistent in all reasonable situations, with numerical experiments indicating O ( h 2 ) convergence for our new gradient-normalized FDM2 algorithm.In the full codimension setting ( m = n ) , our gradient normalization processing also improves accuracy when using more standard approximate delta functions. This combination also yields approximations that appear to be consistent.
Bat3 facilitates H3K79 dimethylation by DOT1L and promotes DNA damage-induced 53BP1 foci at G1/G2 cell-cycle phases.

The methyltransferase DOT1L methylates histone H3 at K79 to facilitate specific biological events. H3K79 dimethylation (H3K79-2Me) by DOT1L influences the DNA damage response by promoting 53BP1 recruitment to DNA damage sites; however, it is unclear if this methylation is required as 53BP1 interacts with dimethylated H4 (H4K20-2Me) with a much higher affinity. We demonstrate that H3K79-2Me, while negligible during S-phase, is required for ionizing radiation (IR)-induced 53BP1 foci formation during G1/G2-phases when H4K20-2Me levels are low. Further, we describe an essential role for HLA-B-associated transcript 3 (Bat3) in regulating this process in U2OS cells. Bat3 co-localizes with DOT1L at histone H3, and Bat3 knockdown results in decreased DOT1L–H3 interaction and H3K79-2Me, leading to a reduction in IR-induced 53BP1 foci formation, defects in DNA repair and increased sensitivity to IR. We demonstrate that a conserved Bat3 ubiquitin-like motif and a conserved DOT1L ubiquitin-interacting motif promote DOT1L–Bat3 interaction to facilitate efficient H3K79-2Me and IR-induced 53BP1 foci formation during G1/G2-phases. Taken together, our findings identify a novel role for Bat3 in regulating DOT1L function, which plays a critical role in DNA damage response.
Simulation of Current Free Double layers in highly electronegative plasma using Monte Carlo Collision in OOPIC Pro and XOOPIC

The existence of Current Free Double Layers (CFDL) in high electronegativity plasmas has not been experimentally verified, and the validation of theoretical predictions of these structures is required. As part of this experimental verification a numerical simulation of electronegative plasma using OOPIC Pro and XOOPIC was developed to determine the required experimental apparatus and plasma parameters. Electronegative plasma in this context is defined as a high ratio of negative ions as the charge carriers versus electrons, with theory predicting a required ratio of 3 for CFDL formation. Monte Carlo Collision (MCC) features in OOPIC Pro were configured to produce negative SF6 ions from background gas after collisions with low-energy electrons using cross-section data for attachment. Positive ion formation was also modeled using the existing MCC code, along with secondary electron emission from surfaces. Steady-state conditions were achieved in the simulation allowing analysis of plasma electronegativity, positive ion velocity profiles, electron energy distribution functions, and other plasma parameters for various conditions. Introduction of conductors into the simulation at various potentials allowed analysis of the potential profile in a search for the expected CFDLs. The experimental parameters required to produce electronegative plasmas at a sufficiently high ratio in a physical machine, and achieve experimental verification of CFDLs, were determined.
Hochenantioselektive Alkylierung von Tetrahydroisochinolinen mit einem Valinolderivat als Hilfsreagens: asymmetrische Synthese von (S)-Isochinolinalkaloiden

Avec le derive N-dimethylamimethylene du L-valinol, N-alkylation de la tetrahydro-1,2,3,4 isoquinoleine ou de son derive dimethoxy-6,7; apres lithiation, alkylation par RX en 1 puis hydrazinolyse des derives t-butoxymethyl-1' methyl-2' propyliminomethyl-2 obtenus, on obtient les (S)-alkyl-1 tetrahydro-1,2,3,4 isoquinoleines ou leurs derives dimethoxy-6,7
Methods for improved update performance of disk arrays

A disk array is a set of disk drives (and controller) which can automatically recover data when one (or more) disk drives in the set fails. One method used by disk arrays to achieve high availability at lower cost than mirroring is a parity technique. The main drawback of such arrays are that they need four disk accesses to update a data block-two to read old data and parity, and two to write new data and parity. The authors describe four new methods to improve the update performance of disk arrays that use the parity technique from four accesses to three and, in some cases, to two. All the schemes sacrifice disk storage efficiency for improved update performance by relaxing the requirement that the modified data and parity blocks be written back into their original locations. The best technique, called 'floating parity track', achieves much improved update performance while using only 1% more disk space than traditional arrays. >
Can Strong Back Extensors Prevent Vertebral Fractures in Women With Osteoporosis

Objective To determine the influence of back extensor strength on vertebral fractures in 36 women with osteoporosis. Design We conducted a cross-sectional study of female patients with osteoporosis by assessing anthropometric variables, bone mineral density, muscle strength, level of physical activity, and radiographic findings in the spine. Material and Methods The 36 study subjects with osteoporosis, who ranged from 47 to 84 years of age, satisfied specific inclusion and exclusion criteria that minimized confounding factors related to pathophysiologic features, diet, and medications. A physical activity score was determined for each subject on the basis of daily physical activities relating to homemaking, occupation, and sports. Results The range of the physical activity scores—from 2 to 13—indicated that no subject was involved in unusually demanding physical activities. Bone mineral density values ranged from 0.49 to 0.92 g/cm 2 . Thoracic kyphosis ranged from 31.0 to 84.0°. Isometric strength of the back extensor muscles ranged from 7.3 to 34.0 kg. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant negative correlation between the strength of the back extensor muscles and thoracic kyphosis. Significant negative correlations were also found between back extensor strength and the number of vertebral compression fractures and between bone mineral density and the number of vertebral fractures. Conclusion The negative association between back extensor strength and both kyphosis and number of vertebral fractures suggests that increasing back strength may prove to be an effective therapeutic intervention for the osteoporotic spine. In persons with stronger back muscles, the risk of vertebral fractures will likely decrease.
The Impacts of Hierarchy and Stigma in International Society

After Defeat: How the East Learned to Live with the West. By Zarakol Ayse. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2011. 291 pp., $33.99 paperback (ISBN-13: 978-0-521-14556-5). Hierarchy has become a hot topic in international relations scholarship over the past few years, and Ayse Zarakol's new book may be the best first place to go to understand how a global cultural hierarchy came to be, how it operates, and how it affects those on the receiving end of its pressures. This is a very important book that pulls together a coherent, convincing narrative about how stigma and the particular social status of three key countries—Turkey, Japan, and Russia—affect so much of their international behavior after their “defeat” in confrontations with the West. After two engaging theory chapters, Zarakol's three case study chapters cover Turkey between 1918 and 1938, Japan between 1945 and 1974, and Russia between 1990 and 2007. The book draws broadly from several key sociological thinkers who have written about in- and out-groups, social stigma, and modernity's practices of othering: Erving Goffman, Norbert Elias, and Zygmunt Bauman, in particular. From international relations, Zarakol pulls together ideas from the English School and constructivism primarily, though fashioning a new amalgam that produces a far better approach to “international society” than either approach does independently. The book could also be read as a foundational statement in a new “postcolonial constructivism” (see the concluding Chapter 6 in particular), an approach whose outlines have emerged in recent years. One fine contribution …
Restrictive Chest Bellows Disease and Frontometaphyseal Dysplasia

We describe a patient with frontometaphyseal dysplasia (FMD), restrictive chest bellows disease, hypercapnic respiratory failure, and cor pulmonale. Treatment with intermittent supplemental oxygen, nocturnal nasal volume ventilation, and posture modification was successful in partial resolution of chronic hypoventilation and excessive daytime somnolence.