cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE INFLUENCE OF LANGUAGE AND EXPERIENCE ON DISCOVERY AND USE OF LOGICAL SYMBOLS

Two non-verbal tasks of logical symbol use (SU) and of symbol discovery (SD) were devised. SU differentiated adults of higher and lower intelligence. Most pupils of chronological age (CA) 12 and older, but not younger, discovered the significance of the logical symbols in learning the paired associate task of SD. SD and SU were given to deaf subjects and to hearing subjects from a rural, lower-class milieu. These experimental subjects (CA around 18) performed similarly to controls on SU, but did not attain the success of 12-year-old controls on SD. On the basis of these results it is proposed that stimulating past experience may be required for success on certain conceptual tasks which are of the discovery type and depend on the initiative of the subject, but that more structured tasks of logical reasoning are not adversely affected by restricted experience or linguistic deficiency.
Relationships after TBI: A grounded research study

AbstractBackground: While study on the emotional effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) for individuals and caregivers has increased dramatically over the years, insufficient research has been performed on TBI’s impact on the coupled relationship or the healing process successful couples go through following injury. As such, couples are left on their own to adjust to the complex challenges that TBI brings.Methods: This qualitative study aims to develop a framework for conceptualizing and assessing couples after TBI. Additionally, it purposes to establish a foundation built upon the practises of successful couples that have subsisted TBI from which methods of treatment can be drawn. Existing personal narratives written by survivors of TBI and their caregivers were analysed. Data triangulation with clinician-authored literature was performed. Constant comparative analysis of the data was then performed through an involving substantive and theoretical coding.Results: Five primary themes emerged: Ambiguous L...
SU-GG-T-108: Optimal Management of Respiratory Motion without Motion Management: A Tomotherapy Phantom Demonstration

Purpose: To demonstrate a potential alternative scenario for accurate dose painting (non‐homogeneous planned dose) delivery at the 1 cm beam width with helical tomotherapy (HT) in the presence of 1 cm, three dimensional, intra‐fraction respiratory motion, but without any active motion management. Method and Materials: A model dose painting experiment was planned and delivered to the average position (proper phase of a 4DCT scan) with three spherical PTV levels to approximate dose painting to compensate for hypothetical hypoxia in a model lungtumor. Realistic but regular motion was produced with the Washington University 4D Motion Phantom. A small spherical Virtual Water™ phantom was used to simulate a moving lungtumor inside of the LUNGMAN™ anthropomorphic chest phantom to simulate realistic heterogeneity uncertainties. A piece of 4 cm Gafchromatic EBT™ film was inserted into the 6 cm diameter sphere. The TomoTherapy, Inc. DQA™ software was used to verify the delivery performed on a TomoTherapy Hi‐Art II™ device. Results: The dose uncertainty in the purposeful absence of motion management and in the absence of large, low frequency drifts (periods greater than the beam width divided by the couch velocity) or randomness in the breathing displacement yields very favorable results. Instead of interference effects, only small blurring is observed because of the averaging of many breathing cycles and beamlets and no other frequency coherence to the modulation, likely in most cases. Conclusion: Dose painting during respiration with helical tomotherapy is feasible in certain situations without motion management. A simple recommendation is to make respiration as regular as possible without low frequency drifting. The blurring is just small enough to suggest that it may be acceptable to deliver without motion management in many situations when registered to the average position.
Infarction of The Right Ventricle Caused by Multiple Coronary Vein Ligation

Ligation of the coronary sinus and all the visible anterior cardiac veins led to death in 5 out of 24 dogs. In 15 out of 17 of these dogs coming to autopsy, varying degrees of infarction of the right ventricle were found. The work emphasizes the importance of the superficial venous system in the drainage of the myocardium and reveals the inadequacy of the intramural system when the latter is forced to assume the entire outflow load.
Structure and function of vasa vasorum.

Vasa vasorum provide an important source of nutrition to arteries and veins. In normal arteries, vasa vasorum from the adventitia grow into the media of large arteries and veins and actively regulate blood flow to the wall of these vessels. In atherosclerotic arteries, vasa vasorum proliferate into the intima-media, where they provide nutrition to the thickened artery. These neovascular channels are thin-walled, however, and may contribute to intraplaque hemorrhage, plaque disruption, and mural thrombosis.
On the mathematical uniqueness of Minkowski space

By using the formalism of Real Clifford Algebras, it is shown that the largest number of dimensions N for which a vector space VNQ (Q=+1 or -1) over the Reals (i.e. one that has a Clifford Algebra CNQ with pseudoscalar i satisfying i2=Q) gives a unique geometry is N=4 with corresponding Q=-1. Moreover, the uniquely defined geometry is the one given by the Minkowski metric.
Implantation of fresh and thawed–warmed embryos in single embryo transfer cycles: interpreting the initial beta-HCG

Abstract Little is known about the effects of human embryo cryopreservation on developmental potential. Initial beta-HCG, indicating embryo implantation, was measured in 322 single embryo transfer cycles (246 fresh and 76 thawed–warmed). Median initial beta-HCG was higher for fresh compared with thawed–warmed transfers (126 versus 100 mIU/ml; P = 0.04). Blastocyst slow cooling resulted in a lower initial beta-HCG compared with vitrification ( P = 0.01). Live birth rates were lower for blastocyst slow cooling (25%) compared with vitrification (71%) and fresh transfer (70%). We conclude that cryopreservation may impair an embryo's ability to produce beta-HCG, but that vitrification does not impair developmental potential.
Attenuation of the effects of punishment by ethanol: Comparisons with chlordiazepoxide

Ethanol (ETOH), like chlordiazepoxide (CDZ), significantly attenuated the suppressive effect of punishment on licking behavior in water-deprived rats and mice. In rats, the greatest effects of ETOH (1.5 g/kg) were observed between 30 and 60 min following IP administration. tert-Butanol also attenuated the effects of punishment, suggesting that acetaldehyde was not contributing to this effect of ETOH. Since a dose of ETOH that increased punished drinking did not increase unpunished drinking, alteration in thirst motivation would not appear to be responsible for its antipunishment action. However, doses of ETOH or CDZ that significantly increased punished responding increased jump thresholds to aversive shock, suggesting that decreased sensitivity to aversive stimulation may contribute to the anti-punishment action of both agents. In addition to these similarities between ethanol and CDZ, several differences were noted in their effects. For example, CDZ decreased serum corticosterone concentration, whereas ETOH did not. Further, ETOH impaired aerial righting reflex and reduced rectal temperature, whereas CDZ had no effect on these parameters at doses that had anti-punishment activity. Finally, specific binding of [3H]flunitrazepam to crude brain cortical membranes was decreased by CDZ, but not ETOH. Although ETOH and CDZ similarly alter punished behavior, results suggest that ETOH does not act through a direct interaction with a benzodiazepine binding site.
Human colon tissue in organ culture: Preservation of normal and neoplastic characteristics

Normal and neoplastic human colon tissue obtained at surgery was used to establish conditions for organ culture. Optimal conditions included an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% O2; tissue partially submerged with mucosa at the gas interface; and serum-free medium with 1.5 mM Ca2+ and a number of growth supplements. Histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical features that distinguish normal and neoplastic tissue were preserved over a 2-d period. With normal tissue, this included the presence of elongated crypts with small, densely packed cells at the crypt base and mucin-containing goblet cells in the upper portion. Ki67 staining, for proliferating cells, was confined to the lower third of the crypt, while expression of extracellular calcium-sensing receptor was seen in the upper third and surface epithelium. E-cadherin and β-catenin were expressed throughout the epithelium and confined to the cell surface. In tumor tissue, the same disorganized, abnormal glandular structures seen at time zero were present after 2 d. The majority of cells in these structures were mucin-poor, but occasional goblet cells were seen and mucin staining was present. Ki67 staining was seen throughout the abnormal epithelium and calcium-sensing receptor expression was weak and variable. E-cadherin was seen at the cell surface (similar to normal tissue), but in some places, there was diffuse cytoplasmic staining. Finally, intense cytoplasmic and nuclear β-catenin staining was observed in cultured neoplastic tissue.
Confusion and Slurred Speech in a 34-Year-Old Woman from India

A 34-year-old woman from India, presented with episodes of confusion and progressive speech deterioration. She also had a painless neck “lump”, which persisted despite antibiotics. She was diagnosed to have a space occupying lesion in the left parietal lobe, which was subsequently biopsied.
Full Mass Spectrometric Characterization of Human Monoacylglycerol Lipase Generated by Large-Scale Expression and Single-Step Purification

The serine hydrolase monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) modulates endocannabinoid signaling in vivo by inactivating 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the main endogenous agonist for central CB1 and peripheral CB2 cannabinoid receptors. To characterize this key endocannabinoid enzyme by mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we first overexpressed recombinant hexa-histidine-tagged human MGL (hMGL) in Escherichia coli and purified it in a single chromatographic step with high yield (≈30 mg/L). With 2-AG as substrate, hMGL displayed an apparent Vmax of 25 µmol/(µg min) and Km of 19.7 µM, an affinity for 2-AG similar to that of native rat-brain MGL (rMGL) (Km = 33.6 µM). hMGL also demonstrated a comparable affinity (Km ≈ 8–9 µM) for the novel fluorogenic substrate, arachidonoyl, 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-4-methylcoumarin ester (AHMMCE), in a sensitive, high-throughput fluorometric MGL assay. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) unequivocably demonstrated the mass (34 126 ...
Double or nothing: The big stakes of hub ports

(1996). Double or nothing: The big stakes of hub ports. Journal of Urban Technology: Vol. 3, Port Trends: Growth, Technology, and Sustainability, pp. 1-10.
Effectiveness of rump-mounted devices and androgenized females for detection of estrus in dairy cattle.

Abstract Detection of estrus was evaluated in 1124 estrous cycles for the effectiveness of rump-mounted devices and androgenized females equipped with chin-ball markers. Estrous number, location, type of detection method (compared with visual observation of estrus), and milk progesterone influenced standing behavior. Rates of disagreement with visual observation of estrus were 13.2, 17.0, and 18.5% for Kamar ® , Hot Flash ® , and the two devices used simultaneously. Frequency of observed standing behavior was greater with fourth and subsequent estrous periods. Percentage of high milk progesterone during suspected estrus for cows inseminated was 3.8% for controls, 11.0% for Kamar ® cattle, 18.5% for Hot Flash ® cattle, and 12.6% when both devices were used. Androgenized cattle equipped with chin-ball markers marked 47% of the cattle observed in estrus but no cows with high milk progesterone. Combination of rump-mounted devices and androgenized females increased the percentage of estrous detection by 1.3 to 6.2% compared with device or androgenized female used alone. Loss rates of rump-mounted devices exceeded 40%. High milk progesterone at estrus was associated with lower fertility.
Use of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors as a tool for labeling bone marrow cells.

Abstract We have tested the feasibility of using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors as a tool for labeling bone marrow (BM) cells in vivo. We infected BM cells of donor FVB mice with rAAV vectors containing the lacZ gene for 2 h. We then injected the rAAV-infected cells to lethally irradiated-recipient FVB mice. Peripheral blood (PB), BM and spleen harvested at 4 weeks after BM transplant (BMT) demonstrated stable engraftment in β-galactosidase (β-gal) expression. In contrast, Dil-labeling displayed only a faint signal 4 weeks after BMT. To analyze the kinetics of BM cells, we injected vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promotes mobilization of BM cells. Administration of VEGF protein significantly increased the rAAV-mediated β-gal expression in PB and BM of recipient mice. Moreover, when myocardial infarction was induced in BMT mice, the ischemic area exhibited significant β-gal staining in rAAV-labeled BMT group. rAAV vectors programmed stable transduction in BM cells in vivo through rapid infection. rAAV appears to represent a useful vector for labeling BM cells ex vivo prior to BMT for analysis of cardiovascular therapeutic purposes.
Differential operators on modular forms associated to quasimodular forms

A quasimodular form $$\phi $$ of depth at most $$m$$ corresponds to holomorphic functions $$\phi _0, \phi _1, \ldots , \phi _m$$ . Given nonnegative integers $$\alpha $$ and $$\nu $$ with $$\nu \le m$$ , we introduce a linear differential operator $$\mathcal D_{\phi }^{\alpha , \nu }$$ of order $$\nu $$ on modular forms whose coefficients are given in terms of derivatives of the functions $$\phi _k$$ . We then show that Rankin–Cohen brackets of modular forms can be expressed in terms of such operators. As an application, we obtain differential operators associated to certain theta series studied by Dong and Mason.
Prevalence of Congenital Deficiency in Serum Cholinesterase

Abstract The most economical blood test for the monitoring of workers who are exposed to organophosphate pesticides is serum cholinesterase; however, serum cholinesterase can be affected by conditions other than pesticide exposure. The results of studies in Europe indicate a 4% prevalence of congenital serum cholinesterase deficiency. Prevalence rates in the United States have not been reported. In this study, 127 workers who were part of an employee health program were evaluated. Workers who had decreased serum cholinesterase levels on baseline testing before pesticide exposure were evaluated for a congenital deficit in serum cholinesterase. Five (3.9%) individuals had baseline measurements below the laboratory normal reference value: 4 (3.1%) were heterozygote for the deficiency, and the remaining individual did not return to test for the genetic deficiency. No one was found to have the homozygote deficiency. The prevalence of congenital deficiency in serum cholinesterase in a midwestern population was ...
Transfer Prices, Tariffs, and Content Restrictions

The efficacy of a local content requirement as an employment enhancing policy in the host country is weakened in the presence of transfer price manipulation by a vertically and horizontally integrated multinational firm. For given host and foreign country tax rates, there is a threshold tariff above which the aggregate real effects of transfer price manipulation are unambiguous and below which these effects are ambiguous. Stricter content restrictions reduce benefits to host country factors, and higher tariffs increase benefits to host country factors in the presence of resale price constraints and endogenous-limit transfer prices.
Activation of the branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex by a broad specificity protein phosphatase

Summary A broad-specificity protein phosphatase, purified from rat liver, can be used to activate the phosphorylated (inactive) branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex of crude tissue extracts. This enables estimation of the proportion of active (unphosphorylated) complex in a given tissue under different physiological states. Practically all (95 percent) of the complex was found in the active form in rat hearts perfused with leucine as the only oxidizable substrate. In contrast, only 13 percent of the complex was found in the active form when the perfusion medium was supplemented with glucose plus insulin. These findings are consistent with previously measured flux rates through the complex in perfused rat hearts.
A new method of space exploration by radar, using incoherent scattering

Incoherent scattering is discussed in the context of the phenomenon of scattering of radio waves by spatial fluctuations in electron density. A review is given of both theoretical and experimental results. Emphasis is placed on the ideas involved in measuring properties of the upper ionosphere, such as the electron density, temperature, electron drifts, and the strength and direction of the magnetic field.
Phase Transitions in Magnesium Nitrate Thin Films: A Transmission FT-IR Study of the Deliquescence and Efflorescence of Nitric Acid Reacted Magnesium Oxide Interfaces

In this study, transmission FT-IR spectroscopy is used to investigate the role of water in nitric acid uptake on MgO(100) and water uptake on nitric acid reacted MgO(100) at 296 K. Under dry conditions, nitric acid uptake is limited to the topmost surface layer and saturates at a nitrate coverage of (2.3 ± 0.1) × 1015 ions cm-2 to form a single layer of magnesium nitrate. In the presence of water vapor at 25% relative humidity (RH), subsurface layers can react and the extent of nitric acid uptake and the formation of magnesium nitrate is significantly enhanced on MgO(100) without evidence of saturation. Following reaction with nitric acid, water adsorption/desorption isotherms have been measured in the presence of 0.2−20 Torr water vapor pressure corresponding to 1−95% RH on surfaces with varying nitrate coverages. The infrared spectra clearly show two phase transitions in these thin nitrate films as a function of increasing RH. One transition occurs at low relative humidity, <10% RH, corresponding to the...
Altruism or Egoism? That Is (Still) the Question

(1991). Altruism or Egoism? That Is (Still) the Question. Psychological Inquiry: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 124-126.
Epithelioid leiomyosarcoma (Malignant leiomyoblastoma) of the colon

A patient with epithelioid leiomyosarcoma of the transverse colon presented clinically with a metastatic left axillary mass, destructive lesion of the glenoid cavity and head of the left humerus, and metastases to the apical region of the left lung and right paravertebral area of the mid-back. The primary tumor was detected eight months after the presentation of metastatic disease.
Heat transfer in a rarefied polyatomic gas. I: plane parallel plates

Abstract The Hanson-Morse model for a polyatomic gas is used to investigate heat transfer between two plane parallel plates. The boundary value problem is transformed into a system of integral equations which is then solved numerically. The dependence of heat transfer, temperature and density profiles on Knudsen number, internal energy, Eucken factor and collision relaxation number is studied. Results are compared with the available experimental data on nitrogen and some previously reported variational results on heat transfer.
Detection of impaired T cell-mediated immune responses to herpesvirus (BHV-1) in cattle

Abstract Interleukin 2 (IL-2) functions in the regulation of cell-mediated immune responses both in vivo and in vitro . Therefore, IL-2 production has been studied in patients with immunological disorders to determine the level of the immune defect. However, the cause(s) of low responses to selected antigens by cells from clinically normal individuals has not been examined. The ability of cells from clinically normal individual cattle to produce and respond to IL-2 was investigated as a measure of specific cell-mediated immune response. Cells from the majority of animals ( 6 7 in a representative experiment) could produce IL-2 in response to mitogen or a specific antigen, Bovine Herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1). Proliferation of lymphocytes from the majority of low responding animals ( 2 3 and 4 4 in separate experiments) could be restored to a level similar to high responders by the addition of exogenous IL-2 after endogenous IL-2 depletion. IL-2 receptor expression was indirectly assessed by the ability of activated cells to absorb IL-2. One individual's cells were incapable of absorbing exogenous IL-2 and failed to proliferate indicating a lack of activation and expression of receptors. In addition, exogenous IL-2 was able to enhance proliferation of both high and low responders in the presence of endogenous IL-2. These results suggest that proliferation of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells is dependent on the presence of IL-2. In addition, IL-2 production can be used to measure specific cell-mediated immune responses.
Effects of mitochondrial uncoupling on adipocyte intracellular Ca2+ and lipid metabolism

Previous data from this laboratory demonstrate that increased intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) coordinately regulates human and murine adipocyte lipid metabolism by stimulating lipogenesis and inhibiting lipolysis. However, recent data demonstrate metabolic uncoupling increases [Ca(2+)]i but inhibits lipogenesis by suppressing fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity. Accordingly, we have evaluated the interaction between mitochondrial uncoupling, adipocyte [Ca(2+)]i, and adipocyte lipid metabolism. Pretreatment of 3T3-L1 cells with mitochondrial uncouplers (DNP or FCCP) amplified the [Ca(2+)]i response to depolarization with KCl by 2-4 fold (p <0.001), while this increase was prevented by [Ca(2+)]i channel antagonism with lanthanum. Mitochondrial uncouplers caused rapid (within 4hr) dose-dependent inhibition of FAS activity (p <0.001), while lanthanum caused a further additive inhibition. The suppression of FAS activity induced by uncoupling was reversed by addition of ATP. Mitochondrial uncouplers increased FAS expression significantly while [Ca(2+)]i antagonism with lanthanum decreased FAS expression (P <0.001). In contrast, mitochondrial uncouplers independently inhibited basal and isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis (20-40%, p <0.001), while this inhibition was fully reversed by lanthanum. Thus, mitochondrial uncoupling exerted short-term regulatory effects on adipocyte [Ca(2+)]i and lipogenic and lipolytic systems, serving to suppress lipolysis via a Ca(2+) -dependent mechanism and FAS activity via a Ca(2+)-independent mechanism.
Passive millimeter-wave image resolution improvement by linear and nonlinear algorithms

Criteria are specified for deciding on whether or not elements of a digital image are resolved, and metrics are defined for the extent of the improvement, if any, in that resolution brought about by image processing. These criteria and definitions enabled a quantitative comparison of the resolution brought about by image processing. These criteria and definitions enabled a quantitative comparison of the resolution improvement in simulated images of a two-squares pattern that were processed by the linear Two-Mu algorithm and the non-linear ML and MAP algorithms. Both non-linear algorithms had identical performances, and yielded a maximum resolution improvement of X2.4 for up to 1000 iterations, compared to an improvement of X1.9 for the Two-Mu linear algorithm. The performance of these algorithms was also compared qualitatively for the more complex, measured, passive millimeter-wave (PMMW) images of a simple metal/radar absorbing material (RAM) pattern and an extremely complex PMMW image of a military vehicle. Just as for the two-squares images, ML and MAP performed identically to each other for the complex images. In the metal/RAM images processed with ML and MAP the three RAM patches were imaged much more clearly than in those of Two-Mu at a range of 382 in. However, none of the algorithms coupled produce clear images of all three RAMs at a range of 512 in, nor did any of them yield satisfactory images of the military vehicle. The processing time for Two-Mu can be extremely short if the appropriate-size inverse filter matrix for the chosen processing parameters and the point spread function are available from a previous computation. The processing time for ML and MAP, however, is governed only by the number of iterations required, which is 1000 for the two-squares pattern image, X2.4 improvement.
Dynamic Movement Patterns of Florida Gar within a Fluctuating Hydroscape

Fish with perennial life histories that inhabit ecosystems where water availability fluctuates seasonally must have movement behavior that accommodates this environmental change. Landscape structure is expected to influence magnitude and direction of these movements by affecting the distribution of water in space and time. Predicting the effects of climate change and restoring historical hydrology in the Florida Everglades, a large wetland that undergoes regular contraction in ecosystem size during seasonal droughts, requires information on how fish movement is affected by spatiotemporal patterns of water availability. We used radio telemetry to quantify spatial scale and direction of displacement of Florida Gar (Lepisosteus platyrhinchus) from focal areas of the Everglades that differ in their seasonal hydrology and position relative to drought refuges. Displacement distances increased during both rising and dropping water levels compared to periods of stable water depth, but increased more and in more d...
Influence of Unrecognized Molecular Heterogeneity on Randomized Clinical Trials

PURPOSE: In solid tumor oncology, decisions regarding treatment and eligibility for trials are governed by histologic diagnosis. Despite this reliance on histology and the assumption that histology defines the disease, underlying molecular heterogeneity likely differentiates among patients’ outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To illustrate how unrecognized molecular heterogeneity might obscure a truly effective new therapy for cancer, we analyzed the planning assumptions and results of a hypothetical randomized controlled trial of chemoradiotherapy for a cancer found to be drug sensitive in preliminary phase II studies. RESULTS: Randomized controlled trials of effective cancer therapies can be falsely negative if therapeutic benefit is overestimated during study design because of enrichment of phase II trials for treatment-sensitive subtypes, a beneficial effect in responding patients is diluted by large numbers of nonresponding patients, or a beneficial effect in responders is reversed by a negative effect i...
Modeling of turning process cutting forces for grooved tools

A mechanistic modeling approach to predicting cutting forces for grooved tools in turning has been developed. The model assumes the existence of an equivalent orthogonal cutting operation for any oblique operation. The effects of tool nose radius and chip flow have been incorporated by defining a set of equivalent groove parameters. Two calibration methods have been presented for the model. A variety of commercial grooved inserts were chosen to validate the model. The workpiece material used was AISI 1018 steel. The force predictions from the model were found in good agreement with the measured forces. The effects of cutting conditions and groove parameters on the cutting forces and their implication in designing grooved tools were also determined.
New applications of electron spin resonance to problems in biochemistry and pharmacology

Abstract Some of the more recent applications of spin labeling to problems in biochemistry, pharmacology and molecular biology are discussed.
Supplemental Reading Help for Kindergarten Students: How Early Should You Start?

ABSTRACT Substantial research supports the need for early intervention efforts for students at risk for failure. Despite the empirically documented importance of early, explicit reading intervention for students who enter school without critical prereading skills, many kindergarten programs delay intensive reading instruction until later in the year. Instead, during the 1st months or semester of kindergarten the emphasis is on teaching readiness skills. The authors compared the progress of kindergarten students who received small-group reading intervention across the full school year with those who began the same intervention midyear. Students with a full year of intervention outperformed those who had only a half year of intervention. Because of the concerns about starting a structured and intensive intervention for students who are transitioning to kindergarten, the authors offer suggestions for helping to address some important readiness skills while providing early reading intervention.
An Empirical Bayes Approach to Estimating the Probability of Correct Selection

In the problem of selecting the best of k populations, Olkin, Sobel, and Tong (1976) have introduced the idea of estimating the probability of correct selection. In an attempt to improve on their estimator we consider anempirical Bayes approach. We compare the two estimators via analytic results and a simulation study.
Quantum probability distributions in the early Universe. IV. Stochastic dynamics in de Sitter space.

Using the Smoluchowski equation, we investigate the stochastic evolution of the horizon-averaged or coarse-grained scalar field (inflaton) in a pure de Sitter background. We clarify the effect quantum fluctuations have on the classical dynamics of relaxation. We consider two types of nonlinear potentials [V(\ensuremath{\varphi})=(1/2\ensuremath{\gamma}${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{2}$+ 1) / 4 g${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ and V(\ensuremath{\varphi})=-(1/2\ensuremath{\lambda}${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{2}$+ 1) / 4 g${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$] with inflaton probability distributions initially displaced from equilibrium. In the former case quantum fluctuations have only a minor effect on the classical inflaton dynamics. In the latter case the situation is different. Quantum fluctuations play a crucial part in the early-time behavior of the inflaton probability distribution. Using techniques borrowed from nonequilibrium statistical mechanics, we show how [for V(\ensuremath{\varphi})=-(1/2\ensuremath{\lambda}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}^{2}$+ 1) / 4 g${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}^{4}$] macroscopic (classical) order originates from stochastic (quantum) initial conditions. We estimate the time scale at which this transition takes place. The work here extends and validates the conclusion of Guth and Pi that the long-time behavior of f(\ensuremath{\varphi};t) can be described by a classical probability distribution.
Young convergent-margin orogens, climate, and crustal thickness—A Late Cretaceous–Paleogene Nevadaplano in the American Southwest?

The N-S–trending Andes surmount South American lithosphere above the east-descending Nazca plate. The highest mountains, underlain by ∼70-km-thick crust, cap the Cordillera at 25°S, an extremely arid region. In contrast, the precipitation-drenched fjordland at 45°S is supported by ∼35-km-thick crust. The Cascade and Sierra Nevada ranges in the western United States display comparable N-S trends and latitudinal rainfall patterns. Westerly winds supply abundant moisture to the northwest, but precipitation diminishes southward, producing increased aridity where the Sierra achieves its maximum regional elevation around Mount Whitney. Overthickened, now delaminating, ∼42–55-km-thick crust of the southern Sierra exceeds that of the ∼35-km-thick northern Sierra and the active Cascade arc. Contrasts in orogenic crustal thickness in California are not as marked as in the Andes because Sierran arc construction ceased near the end of Cretaceous time. Geologic, geochemical, and stable isotopic data suggest that a Nevadaplano occupied central + southern Nevada + western Utah in the rain shadow of the Late Cretaceous–Paleogene arc. The ∼40–45-km-thick Colorado Plateau crust lies well downwind from the southern Sierra, and, depending on when it became elevated, it might represent part of a broader highland that collapsed during Neogene Basin and Range extension.
Physical and Social Adaptations of Families to Promote Learning in Everyday Experiences

The purpose of this study was to inform early intervention practice by exploring the various adaptations families make to promote their child's learning, the supports they perceive as helpful in creating adaptations, and the supports they perceive as still needed. Holistic case studies were developed for 5 families of infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays. Resulting conclusions were that families (a) created adaptations according to their goals, their child's developmental characteristics, and environmental factors; (b) relied primarily on their own knowledge of their child; (c) most frequently used responsive caregiving strategies and adaptations of the requirements of, or instruction for, participation; and (d) applied intervention guidance in various ways. Resulting recommendations for early intervention practices are described.
Influence of microstructure on micro-/nano-mechanical measurements of select model transparent poly(urethane urea) elastomers

Morphology of 4,4 0 -dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanateepoly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO)ediethyl toluenediamine based poly(urethane urea) (PUU) elastomers is investigated by atomic force micros- copy (AFM) and compared with elastic modulus data measured from AFM-enabled indentation, dynamic nanoindentation (nanoDMA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). These measurements highlight the effect of altering the molecular weight (Mw) of PTMO, which is used as a soft segment (SS), on the microstructure. In particular, at SS Mw 2000 g/mol, a strong microphase-separated morphology is observed, whereas a phase-mixed dominated microstructure is noted in PUU with SS Mw of 1000 and 650 g/mol. These observations are also consistent with DMA tan d results. Furthermore, instrumented impact indentation is also utilized for elucidation of dynamic damping characteristics in these PUUs. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Diffuse Giant Inflammatory Polyposis: A Challenging Clinicopathologic Diagnosis

Giant inflammatory polyposis of the colon is an uncommon manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease. We report a unique case of localized diffuse giant inflammatory polyposis in a 58-year-old white man, which was characterized by recurrence following initial surgical resection. The patient presented with symptoms of abdominal pain and passing blood per rectum. Colonoscopic examination revealed a near-obstructing, "fungating" mass in the sigmoid colon, which clinically was thought to represent colon carcinoma. Histology of several colon biopsies revealed marked acute inflammation with microabscess formation of the polyps and the adjacent mucosa. There was no evidence of dysplasia or malignancy. Because malignancy was strongly suspected and to relieve the obstructive symptoms, the patient underwent a segmental colectomy. The histologic features of the resected mass showed giant polyps with acute inflammation diagnostic of giant inflammatory polyposis. Again, there was no evidence of malignancy. Seven months later, following an uneventful initial postoperative recovery, the patient developed a recurrence of the mass with obstructive symptoms and required further surgical resection. The gross and histologic features of the lesion were similar to the previous findings. This case highlights the varied presenting symptoms and deceptive gross colonoscopic and radiologic features of localized diffuse giant inflammatory polyposis. Finally, the presence of inflammation at the resection margins appears to predict recurrence or persistence of the disease.
The involvement of the undergraduate student in academic-industrial projects

The role of the academic institution with respect to the undergraduate student has been changing over the recent years. As technology is advanced, the need for student introduction is amplified. During the last ten, or so, years, there has been a concerted push from academia, society, industry, and the accrediting bodies to introduce more practical applications into the engineering curriculum through academic-industrial projects. This paper deals with the success which Wilkes University (USA) has had in the past in their student involvement in these types of projects, and the types of contributions which the students have made to these projects.
Performance of a virtual adsorber system for removal of lead

Abstract A granular activated carbon (GAC) column is an effective treatment technology for the removal of lead. However, this technology requires time-consuming and expensive bench-and pilot-scale studies to design a full-scale system. A virtual adsorber system (VAS) based on artificial neural network technology was developed from 67 bench-scale experiments as a new tool to optimize the GAC process. In addition, VAS can be used to design a full-scale adsorber system by eliminating the need for further lengthy and costly experiments. Data obtained from the VAS indicated that decreasing the influent lead concentration from 50 to 1 ppm increased the number of bed volumes (BVs) of wastewater treated at breakthrough from 30 to 950 BVs and exhaustion from 200 to 1650 BVs, while the surface loading decreased from 17 to 1.8 g Pb/g carbon. In addition, increasing the empty bed contact time from 1.85 to 12.75 minutes for each influent lead concentration increased the bed volumes of wastewater treated at breakthroug...
Campaign War Chests and Challenger Quality in Senate Elections

This article presents the first comprehensive analysis of the role of war chests in U.S. Senate elections. Using data on races from 1980 to 2000, I demonstrate the effect of an incumbent senator’s war chest on a campaign. War chests do not deter strong general-election challengers and have an insubstantial or insignificant effect on primary elections, challenger spending, and other electoral variables. Also, war chests are not raised in anticipation of a tough electoral battle but are instead the result of money left over from the previous campaign. From the incumbent’s perspective, the easiest way to get reelected is to run without opposition. Incumbents, then, exert effort to prevent anyone else from running and, failing that, try to deter strong opponents from running, because high-quality challengers win more often than low-quality challengers, even in the same circumstances (Jacobson 1989). Krasno (1994) has argued that the reason senators lose more often than representatives in the U.S. Congress is that senators face higher-quality challengers. For this article, I examined whether or not Senate incumbents can use war chests to affect their odds of winning. Specifically, can a war chest be used to deter quality challengers from entering Senate races? Answering this question contributes to an understanding not only of the Senate, but of the electoral process generally. If we expect to find deterrence anywhere, then it should be in costly Senate campaigns. Furthermore, understanding the role of war chests in Senate races can help us determine the efficacy of campaign finance reforms suggesting that incumbents not be allowed to carry money from one election cycle to the next. In the next section, I review the previous literature on war chests. I then compare existing measures of Senate challenger quality and show which measure explains vote outcomes best. Having operationalized challenger quality, I discuss which factors affect challenger quality, including variables previously suggested by other researchers and I
Knowledge and Attitudes of Registered Nurses Toward Perinatal Substance Abuse

Objective To explore the knowledge and attitudes of registered nurses employed in perinatal nursing and to determine the relationships between selected demographic variables and registered nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward perinatal substance abuse. Design Descriptive, using a convenience sample. Setting Perinatal units at 10 hospitals on the west coast of Florida. Participants 392 registered nurses employed on perinatal units. Main Outcome Measure Identification of knowledge and attitudes of registered nurses toward perinatal substance abuse, using the 34-item adapted Attitudes About Drug Abuse in Pregnancy (AADAP) questionnaire. Results Knowledge scores for the sample ranged from 6 to 18 ( M = 12.14) out of a possible score of 20. Attitude scores ranged from 16 to 56 ( M = 35.81) out of a possible range of 14 to 70. Scores at the lower end of the scale indicate punitive, negative attitudes. Significant relationships were found among several demographic variables and knowledge and attitude scores for the total sample. Conclusions Registered nurses demonstrated limited knowledge about substance exposure, addiction, and its effects. They also held attitudes that were more punitive and negative than positive or supportive toward women who abused substances during the perinatal period.
A study on group communication in distributed wide-area measurement system networks in large power systems

Future wide-area measurement and control applications in large electric power systems will require a new decentralized architecture that scales up with the rapidly growing deployment of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). The emerging cloud computing paradigm that allows dynamic creation of virtual machines to form virtual data centers would help better support this new architecture through more efficient and flexible use of the networking and computing resources. However, this paradigm shift poses new technical challenges to the underneath communication and computing infrastructure leading to new problem formulations and solution approaches. Given that the primary communication pattern in the decentralized system will consist of various types of real-time group communication methods, in this paper we present a preliminary study on two problems, namely communication group formation and routing, that are fundamental to the envisioned new communication architecture.
Ambient pressure superconductivity at 4–5 K in β-(BEDT-TTF)2AuI2

Abstract Crystals of β-(BEDT-TTF) 2 AuI 2 , derived from the sulfur-based organic donor bis(ethylenedithio) tetrathiafulvalene [BEDT-TTF or “ET”] have been synthesized by electrocrystallization and studied by rf penetration depth measurements at ambient pressure and at temperatures down to 0.45 K. The crystals were found to be superconducting at ambient pressure with T c = 3.93–4.98 K, which represent the highest values of T c thus far observed at ambient pressure for an organic superconductor. Measurements of the upper critical field anisotropy are reported.
Antibiotics for community-acquired pneumonia in children: is intravenous delivery necessary?

Evaluation of: Atkinson M, Lakhanpaul M, Smyth A et al. A multicentre randomised controlled equivalence trial comparing oral amoxicillin and intravenous benzyl penicillin for community acquired pneumonia in children PIVOT Trial. Thorax DOI: 10.1136/thx.2006.074906 (2007) (Epub ahead of print) .Children with radiologically confirmed community-acquired pneumonia are frequently admitted to hospital and treated with parenteral antibiotics, yet oral antibiotics are well absorbed and are effective against the main bacterial agent, Streptococcus pneumoniae. The current randomized study evaluates for equivalence of oral versus intravenous antibiotics in previously healthy children admitted to hospital with moderate/severe pneumonia. Oral antibiotic treatment was found to be equivalent and associated with a shorter duration of hospital stay.
Red Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Populations in Texas Highway Rights-of-Way and Adjacent Pastures

Abstract Do disturbed habitats along highway rights-of-way encourage the establishment and spread of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, in Texas? The objective of this study was to determine if highway rights-of-way harbored S. invicta populations that were significantly different from those in adjacent pastures. Data on S. invicta populations were collected from three transects along highways within S. invicta-infested areas of Texas. One north–south transect, a southern east–west transect, and a northern east–west transect were established in Texas and extended 1,678 km. Twenty-eight sites, ≈80 km apart along transects, were visited between 14 May and 1 June 1996. Numbers of S. invicta mounds, mound vitality ratings, ants collected in bait cups, and vegetative characteristics were measured in rights-of-way and in adjacent pastures at each site. No significant differences in pooled (n = 28) mean numbers or vitality of S. invicta mounds were detected in rights-of-way as compared with tho...
Nonoperative techniques for tissue diagnosis in the management of thyroid nodules and goiters

As only 10% of thyroid nodules are malignant, the surgical oncologist is faced with the challenge of selecting for thyroidectomy only those patients likely to benefit therapeutically from surgery. Demonstration of nonfunction on scintigraphic thyroid scan increases the yield of cancer only by 15% to 20%. Aspiration cytology and needle biopsy are potent aids in selecting patients for thyroidectomy. In 1,504 patients for whom a benign or malignant cytological diagnosis was made prior to thyroidectomy, the sensitivity of this technique was 92.0%, specificity was 97.3%, and overall diagnostic accuracy 95.7%. Morbidity is minimal. The reliability of these techniques is dependent on proficient specimen procurement and the cytopathologist's expertise and experience. Differentiation of benign from malignant follicular and lymphocytic lesions is not possible with conventional cytology preparations; 28% of such "indeterminant" lesions prove to be cancer at thyroidectomy. Aspiration cytology is a simple, reliable technique for selection of patients with thyroid nodules for surgery.
Contribution of head position, standing surface, and vision to postural control in community-dwelling older adults

Postural control requires the integration of sensorimotor information to maintain balance and to properly position and orient the body in response to external stimuli. Age-related declines in peripheral and central sensory and motor function contribute to postural instability and falls. This study investigated the contribution of head position, standing surface, and vision on postural sway in 26 community-dwelling older adults. Participants were asked to maintain a stable posture under conditions that varied standing surface, head position, and the availability of visual information. Significant main and interaction effects were found for all three factors. Findings from this study suggest that postural sway responses require the integration of available sources of sensory information. These results have important implications for fall risks in older adults and suggest that when standing with the head extended and eyes closed, older adults may place themselves at risk for postural disequilibrium and loss of balance.