cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coexistence of DSRC and Wi-Fi: Impact on the performance of vehicular safety applications

To adequately support high-throughput applications in next-generation WLANs, more spectrum will be needed to accommodate wider channels. To address this issue, spectrum regulators and stakeholders from the wireless industry and the intelligent transportation system communities are exploring possible band sharing approaches in the 5.9 GHz band. Such approaches include techniques that enable the harmonious coexistence of Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) networks and IEEE 802.11ac networks. In this paper, we provide in-depth discussions on how the coexistence of DSRC and 802.11ac impacts the performance of DSRC applications, with a particular focus on vehicular safety applications. We propose an analytical model that provides valuable insights on DSRC network performance and its vulnerability to interference induced by other DSRC nodes as well as 802.11ac nodes. Using the analytical results derived from the model and extensive simulation results, we also propose a methodology for adjusting 802.11ac parameters that enables a DSRC network to meet the performance requirements of safety applications. Using simulations, we also analyze the throughput of the coexisting 802.11ac network.
Monolithic Stationary Phases. Place of Birth: Prague

It is not generally known that monoliths, which are now the fastest growing segment of HPLC column technologies, were invented in Prague as early as the late 1960s. Although these early monoliths comprising a block of swollen hydrophilic gel did not perform flawlessly, the concept has been demonstrated. Unfortunately, after a few more approaches were unsuccessfully tested, this technology was almost forgotten until the late 1980s. At that time, two groups developed simultaneously synthetic polymer monoliths with an excellent performance in the separation of proteins. Interestingly enough, one of them was again in Prague. This new generation of monoliths triggered a broad interest in this technology and has led to development of a wide variety of formats and materials. This review also describes in some detail the current most successful monolithic formats such as discs and columns as well as a plethora of materials that were used for their preparation.
FDTD in Cartesian and Spherical Grids

The numerical dispersion relation is derived for the finite-difference time-domain method when implemented on spherical grids using Maxwell’s equations in spherical coordinates. Derivation is appropriately based on elementary spherical functions which renders the resulting numerical dispersion relation valid for all spherical FDTD space including near the singular regions at the origin and along the z-axis. Accuracy of this relation is verified through convergence tests to the continuous-space limit and the Cartesian FDTD limit far from the origin. Numerical dispersion analyses are carried out to demonstrate numerical wavenumber error bounds and their dependence on absolute position as well as on spherical solutions’ modes. The chapter is concluded by visiting the existing challenges of designing absorbing boundary conditions for spherical FDTD when the grid truncation is in the near vicinity of the origin. Such a design challenge can be effectively studied in the future with the aid of the derived spherical FDTD numerical dispersion relation.
A Spatial Analysis of Linkages between Health Care Expenditures, Physical Inactivity, Obesity and Recreation Supply

Rates of physical inactivity and obesity in the United States have reached epidemic proportions. This study estimates the linkages between health care expenditures for treatments of circulatory pro...
A mutually induced conformational fit underlies Ca2+-directed interactions between calmodulin and the proximal C terminus of KCNQ4 K+ channels

Calmodulin (CaM) conveys intracellular Ca2+ signals to KCNQ (Kv7, “M-type”) K+ channels and many other ion channels. Whether this “calmodulation” involves a dramatic structural rearrangement or only slight perturbations of the CaM/KCNQ complex is as yet unclear. A consensus structural model of conformational shifts occurring between low nanomolar and physiologically high intracellular [Ca2+] is still under debate. Here, we used various techniques of biophysical chemical analyses to investigate the interactions between CaM and synthetic peptides corresponding to the A and B domains of the KCNQ4 subtype. We found that in the absence of CaM, the peptides are disordered, whereas Ca2+/CaM imposed helical structure on both KCNQ A and B domains. Isothermal titration calorimetry revealed that Ca2+/CaM has higher affinity for the B domain than for the A domain of KCNQ2–4 and much higher affinity for the B domain when prebound with the A domain. X-ray crystallography confirmed that these discrete peptides spontaneously form a complex with Ca2+/CaM, similar to previous reports of CaM binding KCNQ-AB domains that are linked together. Microscale thermophoresis and heteronuclear single-quantum coherence NMR spectroscopy indicated the C-lobe of Ca2+-free CaM to interact with the KCNQ4 B domain (Kd ∼10–20 μ m ), with increasing Ca2+ molar ratios shifting the CaM-B domain interactions via only the CaM C-lobe to also include the N-lobe. Our findings suggest that in response to increased Ca2+, CaM undergoes lobe switching that imposes a dramatic mutually induced conformational fit to both the proximal C terminus of KCNQ4 channels and CaM, likely underlying Ca2+-dependent regulation of KCNQ gating.
National Institute of Health (NIH) funding patterns in Schools of Nursing: Who is funding nursing science research and who is conducting research at Schools of Nursing?

Abstract Background Developing the next generation of nurse researchers must be a priority to advance the discipline's science. A comprehensive description of the current federally-funded research is useful for understanding the research enterprise in Schools of Nursing. Purpose To describe the past 5 years of National Institute of Health (NIH) funding patterns in US Schools of Nursing. Method Data were extracted from NIH RePORTER for years 2014–2018. The total number of award types (F, K, R, U, P and T) granted to a School of Nursing in the US was summarized and organized by Institute. Grants were then characterized according to whether the Principal Investigator had a nursing degree (yes or no). Finally, the total funding from each NIH Institute/Center that was awarded to a School of Nursing was assessed. Findings Nearly 50% of the National Institute of Nursing Research's (NINR) extramural budget is awarded through grants to Schools of Nursing in the US. NINR funds 80% of training grants and >70% of Center grants, which support the education and infrastructure for research, respectively, at Schools of Nursing. Among top ranked research-intensive Schools of Nursing, awards to non-nurse Principal Investigators (PIs) averaged 34.5% across all years. The percentage of NIH funds awarded to non-nurse PIs ranged from 0% at 3 Schools to as high as 97% at 1 School of Nursing. Over the past 5 years, the following Institutes have consistently been the largest funders (total dollars) to Schools of Nursing: NINR, National Institute of Aging, National Institute of Minority and Health Disparities, National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Conclusion These findings highlight the current funding streams for Schools of Nursing as well as opportunities for expansion. Preparing a cadre of nurse scientists who can generate new knowledge to advance our health care is critical to the success of our profession and to ensuring the health of the people for whom we provide care.
Minimizing the Number of Tardy Jobs on Identical Parallel Machines Subject to Periodic Maintenance

Abstract This paper considers the problem of scheduling n independent jobs on m identical parallel machines in order to minimize the number of tardy jobs (ηT) considering the periodic preventive maintenance to avoid machine breakdowns. It assumes that there are several maintenance periods during the scheduling process and that each maintenance time is scheduled after a working time interval. Job preemption is not allowed. In this regard, a heuristic procedure and a mathematical model are proposed to minimize ηT. The S-B-C 1 heuristic is used to tackle the identical parallel machine scheduling problem. The suggested heuristic follows several steps to solve the problem. It depends on scheduling jobs with several batches based on the working time interval, where the total processing time of jobs for each batch should not exceed the working time interval. The first step uses the S-B-C 1 heuristic to determine the initial schedule for minimizing ηT. The second step calculates the slack time for each working time interval for each machine, which equals to the unscheduled time in the batch. Then, the tardy jobs are rescheduled in the system to minimize ηT considering scheduling jobs during the slack time for each batch. The results obtained show the effectiveness of the proposed heuristic to minimize ηT subject to periodic maintenance requirements. The heuristic procedure results show that the heuristic is able to find the optimal solution in 19 out of 54 instances. In the remaining cases, the ηT increases on the average 8.43%.
The fine structure of the cysticercoid of Hymenolepis diminuta. I. The outer wall of the capsule.

Electron microscopy of the outer wall of the capsule of the eight-day old Hymenolepis diminuta cysticercoid shows it to be part of a syncytium. The surface cytoplasm is a continuous layer connected by arm-like projections to a nucleated cytoplasm lying beneath the surface. The free surface of the outer cytoplasm is greatly increased by numerous branched microvilli. In addition to the syncytium, a separate cell type is described and evidence is presented for its involvement in the formation of the basement layer and other fibrous components of the cystic wall. The possible functions of branched microvilli are commented upon.
Protocolization as a method of addressing heterogeneity in electroconvulsive therapy delivery

Abstract Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has proven efficacy in the treatment of multiple psychiatric disorders, and there is growing evidence for its use as a maintenance treatment. However, there is substantial heterogeneity in ECT administration with respect to treatment parameters plus frequency of continuation and maintenance therapy. This renders confusion to clinicians seeking best practice guidelines as well as patients who transfer between institutions with different ECT practices. Protocolization is a potential method to address these discrepancies leading to more homogeneous treatment and a narrower standard of care. An ECT treatment protocol influenced by contemporary evidence and guidelines is presented. Strengths and weaknesses of the protocol are discussed.
The Euthyphro Problem Revisited

It is a fairly consensual view that Plato’s Euthyphro is the “urtext” of metaethics. And yet, standard specifications of this view go astray. The Euthyphro is often thought to illustrate the concerns of Divine Command Theory. It is also thought to be the ancestor of metaethical realism, the view that value is attitude-independent. Katja Maria Vogt’s fresh analysis of Plato’s text reveals that the Euthyphro is neither concerned with Divine Command Theory nor is it a defense of realism in today’s sense. Instead, the Euthyphro argues that there is realist value, anti-realist value, and value that is both. What often leads to mistaken views of the Euthyphro is something overlooked in it: Plato’s account of value is fundamentally shaped by his analysis of value disagreement. Plato’s proposal should strike us as radically revisionist, to the extent that it is not clear whether today’s philosophical “map” can accommodate it. Therefore, the Euthyphro should not be understood to be a straightforward manifesto for value realism. On Vogt’s reading, the dialogue offers a refutation of relativism, finds a place for anti-realism, sketches the beginnings of realism about the good, and envisages a kind of value that is realist and yet constituted by attitudes.
Effects of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation on Phase Angle and Physical Function in Patients with Prostate Cancer on ADT.

Purpose Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is commonly used to treat patients with advanced prostate cancer but is associated with functional decline. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-derived phase angle may reflect frailty and functional decline in cancer patients. High-dose vitamin D supplementation may improve phase angle values and physical function. Methods We conducted an exploratory analysis from a phase II randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of high-dose vitamin D supplementation in prostate cancer patients (age ≥ 60 yrs). Fifty-nine patients were randomized to high-dose vitamin D (600 IU/day plus 50,000 IU/week) or low-dose: RDA for vitamin D (600 IU/day plus placebo weekly) for 24 weeks. Phase angle was measured by BIA. Physical function measures included handgrip strength, 6-minute walk test, Short Performance Physical Battery and leg extension. All testing was completed at baseline, week 12 and week 24. Results Phase angle values were wider over the entire study in the high-dose vitamin D arm indicating healthier muscle cells. The low-dose vitamin D arm had phase angle values consistent with frailty cutoffs in older men ( Conclusion Patients in the high-dose vitamin D arm experienced wider phase angle values over the course of the study which may indicate less frailty. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02064946.
The effects of medical malpractice tort reform on physician supply an analysis of legislative changes from 2009 to 2016

Advocates of tort reform blame medical malpractice lawsuits for rising healthcare costs, prompting politicians in some states to pass tort reform capping noneconomic damages. In this analysis, I examine the effects of caps on noneconomic damages between 2009 and 2016 on the supply of physicians. I use multiple model specifications, examine physicians in high-risk specialties, young physicians, and physicians in state-border counties, and explore the potential for asymmetric effects using instances where tort reform has been declared unconstitutional and removed. I find few statistically significant effects. Supplemental analyses show that this may be because the noneconomic damage caps do not significantly affect malpractice insurance premiums, payouts, or claims in the first place.
Occupancy-collection models: Towards bias-corrected modeling of species' distributions using unstructured occurrence data from museums and herbaria

The digitization of museum collections as well as an explosion in citizen science initiatives has resulted in a wealth of data that can be useful for understanding the global distribution of biodiversity, provided that the well-documented biases inherent in unstructured opportunistic data are accounted for. While traditionally used to model imperfect detection using structured data from systematic surveys of wildlife, occupancy-detection models provide a framework for modelling the imperfect collection process that results in digital specimen data. In this study, we explore methods for adapting occupancy-detection models for use with biased opportunistic occurrence data from museum specimens and citizen science platforms using 7 species of Anacardiaceae in Florida as a case study. We explored two methods of incorporating information about collection effort to inform our uncertainty around species presence: (1) filtering the data to exclude collectors unlikely to collect the focal species and (2) incorporating collection covariates (collection type and history of previous detections) into a model of collection probability. We found that the best models incorporated both the background data filtration step as well as the incorporation of collector covariates associated with the probability of collection. We found that month, method of collection and whether a collector had previously collected the focal species were important predictors of collection probability. Efforts to standardize meta-data associated with data collection will improve efforts for modeling the spatial distribution of a variety of species.
How the Anticipation Can Be as Great as the Experience: Explaining Event Sponsorship Exhibit Outcomes Via Affective Forecasting

Via field surveys of attendees at a multiday professional sporting event (n = 1,089), the authors contribute an interesting finding—that the anticipation of participating in an event sponsor's exhibit area is just as great as the experience itself when it comes to evaluating the sponsor. The study's results suggest that the mere presence of event marketing activities (in addition to sponsorship communications) improves sponsorship outcomes. Affective forecasting theory is introduced to the advertising/event marketing literature here, and is used to explain the study's findings and provide implications for advertisers who engage in sponsored event marketing.
ESG ETFs and the COVID-19 Stock Market Crash of 2020: Did Clean Funds Fare Better?

Abstract This study adds to the literature on sustainable investment performance by assessing the risk-adjusted returns of ESG ETFs before and during the COVID-19 market crash. Employing five factor models and post-expense returns before and after the market crash caused by the pandemic, it is determined that during the pre-COVID crash period, lower-rated sustainable ETFs tend to outperform the market and higher-rated ESG ETFs. During the crash period, the models’ alphas are found to be negative and insignificant. Overall, higher sustainability ratings of ESG ETFs did not protect the ETFs ETFs from losses during the downturn, but they did not perform worse than the market.
Implementation of an Automated Text Message-Based System for Tracking Patient Reported Outcomes in Spine Surgery: An Overview of the Concept and Our Early Experience.

ABSTRACT Objective Text message-based interventions have been demonstrated to be a valuable monitoring tool across various conditions. Here, we aimed to describe our early experience using a newly-developed text message-based platform designed to track symptoms in spine surgery patients. Methods We used the Informed Mindset Medical (IMM) platform to automatically send text messages with secure and encrypted hyperlinks to enrolled patients. Patient symptoms were monitored using well-standardized functional assessments. Limited patient data and responses were stored on a HIPAA-compliant SQL cloud-based server database. Results In 3 months, 101 patients scheduled for elective spine surgery accepted participation in our pilot study. Overall, 71.2% of the enrolled patients responded to at least one preoperative baseline questionnaire. The response rates were similar across attendings, questionnaire bundles (cervical vs. thoracolumbar), genders, and age groups. The overall preoperative IMM pain scores were found to correlate positively with the preoperative electronic medical record (EMR) pain rates. Similarly, the overall preoperative IMM and EMR pain scores correlated positively with the IMM-collected NDI/ODI scores. From an initial 71.2%, the response rate decreased to 54.9% for the 6-week follow-up questionnaires. Conclusions Our preliminary findings support the reliability of this text message-based strategy to monitor symptoms in spine surgery patients. Further studies are warranted to explore strategies to increase the response rate and expand this platform’s clinical and research applicability.
Berry’s Phases in Optics

Berry’s discovery of a topological phase in quantum mechanics has led to a unified view of many seemingly disconnected topological phenomena in physics, both at the quantum and classical levels. In analogy with the wavefunction of an electron, the wavefunction of a photon can also acquire this topological phase. Here we review four recent optical manifestations of this Aharonov-Bohm-like phase. A distinction is made between classical and nonclassical Berry’s phases in optics. One example of a nonclassical phase is the one associated with a cycle of Von Neumann projections. Other nonclassical phases will be discussed. A group-theoretical analysis of classical Berry’s phases for Maxwell’s equations expressed as a Schrodinger-like equation for a six-component spinor is introduced.
Racial Malleability and the Sensory Regime of Politically Conscious Brazilian Hip Hop

Resumo Ao examinar as praticas corporais de jovens pobres do sexo masculino afiliados ao hip hop politicamente consciente no Brasil na virada do Seculo XXI, esse artigo revisa os conhecimentos atuais sobre a “flexibilidade racial” no Brasil. Primeiro, discuto uma variedade de exemplos globais e historicos que mostram como o corpo e percebido como racialmente flexivel, incluindo teorias eugenicas do Seculo XX e estudos dos contextos coloniais, nos quais as populacoes brancas e de cor foram submetidas a regimes sensoriais que potencialmente tiveram o poder de alterar sua aparencia fisica. Logo, sugiro que os rappers brasileiros demonstram flexibilidade racial a medida que eles alteram a estetica dos seus corpos, seus padroes de consumo e praticas linguisticas. Em uma era de alto intercâmbio comercial com os Estados Unidos e influencia cultural norte americana jovens brasileiros pobres do sexo masculino utilizam da construcao de conexoes (contestadas) com os Estados Unidos e com a modernidade global para mudar sua aparencia racial em uma escala onde a branquitude e a falta de branquitude se encontram em posicoes relativas entre si.
Probabilistic validation of computer system survivability

There is a growing need for systems whose survivability in a specified use and/or attack environment can be assured with confidence. Many techniques have been proposed to validate individual components (e.g., formal methods) or a system as a whole (e.g., red teaming). However, no single technique can provide the breadth of evidence needed to validate a system with respect to high-level survivability requirements. To accomplish this, we propose an integrated validation procedure (IVP) that begins with the formulation of a specific survivability requirement R and determines whether a system is valid with respect to R. The IVP employs a top-down approach that methodically breaks the task of validation into manageable tasks, and for each task, applies techniques best suited to its accomplishment. These efforts can be largely independent, and the results, which complement and supplement each other, are integrated to provide a convincing assurance argument. We then illustrate the IVP by applying it to an intrusion-tolerant information system being developed by the U.S. Department of Defense. In addition to validating the system against high-level survivability requirements, we demonstrate the use of model-based validation techniques, as a part of the overall validation procedure, to guide the system’s design by exploring different configurations and evaluating tradeoffs.
An Architectural Style for Data-Driven Systems

Data-driven systems and applications are specialized software solutions for acquisition, management, and presentation of information. These systems are usually developed using the same software tools, technologies, and processes used for creating any other type of software. Not only is this approach inefficient, but also it results in extreme redundancies due to the inherently repetitive nature of these applications. However, data-driven systems exhibit characteristics which can be exploited for extensive reuse across a single application or a family of applications. In this paper, we present XPage, an architectural style which is especially designed for building data-driven systems. We also provide several case studies from real-world deployments of XPage to help evaluate its efficiency and flexibility for developing real-world solutions.
Compartment Syndrome of the Arm: A Complication of Noninvasive Blood Pressure Monitoring during Thrombolytic Therapy for Myocardial Infarction

We report a rare case of tricep compartment syndrome caused by a hematoma which resulted from noninvasive blood pressure monitoring (NIBPM) during thrombolytic therapy. Clinicians administering thrombolytic agents should be aware of the risk of bleeding and compartment syndrome at the site of NIBPM. Appropriate preventative measures should be instituted when using automated pneumatic cuffs. An understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of an arm compartment syndrome will allow for prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment.
Ibutilide Increases the Variability and Complexity of Atrial Fibrillation Electrograms: Antiarrhythmic Insights Using Signal Analyses

Introduction: Intravenous ibutilide is used to convert atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm (SR) due to its Class III antiarrhythmic mechanisms. However, the effects of ibutilide on local electrograms (EGMs) during AF have not been elucidated. Methods and Results: We used EGM analysis techniques to characterize how ibutilide administration changes the frequency, morphology, and repeatability of AF EGM signals, thereby providing insight into ibutilide’s antiarrhythmic mechanism of action. AF recordings were collected from 21 patients with AF, both before and after ibutilide administration. The effects of ibutilide on the following AF EGM parameters were assessed: (1) dominant frequency (DF), (2) variations in EGM amplitude and overall morphology, (3) repetition of EGM patterns, and (4) complexity of the AF frequency spectra. When comparing pre- versus post-ibutilide administration EGMs, DF decreased from 5.45 Hz to 4.02 Hz (P < 0.0001). There was an increase in the variability of both AF EGM amplitudes (P = 0.003) and overall AF EGM morphologies (P = 0.003). AF EGM pattern repetitiveness decreased (P = 0.01), and the AF frequency spectral profile manifested greater complexity (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Novel EGM signal analysis techniques reveal that ibutilide administration causes increased complexity in the atrial electrical activation pattern with decreasing rate. These findings may be explained by the progressive destabilization of higher frequency, more homogeneous primary drivers of AF over the course of ibutilide administration, and/or less uniform propagation of atrial activation, until AF maintenance becomes more difficult and either transforms to atrial tachycardia or terminates to SR. (PACE 2013; 36:1228‐1235)
Variable block rate and blockwise spectral adaptation in cosine transform image coding

A block discrete-cosine transform coding scheme is implemented with a different rate assignment to each block for the purpose of maintaining a constant distortion per block. A spectral estimate is calculated for every block. Overhead rate and computation for adaptation are kept to a reasonable level through characterization of the block's estimated spectrum by a one-dimensional autoregressive model. Simulations with natural and multimodality medical images provide reconstructions with nearly uniform block distortion and very high visual and measurable quality at low rates. >
A symbolic model checker for testing ASTRAL real-time specifications

ASTRAL is a high-level formal specification language for real-time (infinite state) systems. It is provided with structuring mechanisms that allow one to build modularized specifications of complex real-time systems with layering. In this paper, the methods and techniques used in the prototype implementation of the ASTRAL symbolic model checker, which is a component of the ASTRAL software development environment (SDE), are presented. The model checking procedure uses the Omega library to represent a subset of states, and model checking is carried out on the execution tree of an ASTRAL process. The tree is further trimmed by the execution graph of the process. The model checker combines both explicit state exploration and symbolic state calculation in order to reduce the number of variables needed, by dynamically resolving their values as well as their histories along a path of execution. Based upon the ASTRAL proof theory, the model checker is modularized, in the sense that each time it checks only one process instance of each process type that is globally declared. A limited window size technique is further proposed to encode the history of an imported variable when the history of the variable is referenced. The model checker is run on several earlier versions of the railroad-crossing ASTRAL specification, which contained errors, as well as on the final version, which has been proved correct. The results show that it is effective for detecting bugs in an ASTRAL specification, which is extremely important in our use of the model checker as a specification debugger. The model checker is fully automated without manual abstractions.
Wireless ATM network architectures

Emulated LAN technology supports mobile hosts in wireless ATM networks. This paper introduces virtual LAN lVLANr services using ATM LAN emulation technology which operates on a clientsserver model. One of the attractive features of the VLAN is the capability to group users into a broadcast domain. The focus of this paper is the issue of supporting quality of service to mobiles in a wireless ATM network. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What's Class Got to Do with It? American Society in the Twenty‐First Century

What's Class Got to Do with It? American Society in the Twenty-First Century. Michael Zweig, ed. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2004. 211 pp.
Distributed control of simulated autonomous mobile robot collectives in payload transportation

A behavior-based control paradigm that allows a distributed collection of autonomous mobile robots to control the lifting and lowering processes of payload transportation is proposed and then tested with computer simulations. This control paradigm, which represents an approach to solving the cooperative load-bearing problem inherent in multi-agent payload transportation, is based upon a control structure we term thebehavior pathway controller. The behavior pathway controller emphasizes simple, feasible methodologies over complex, optimal methodologies, although we show that with some global self-organization of the collective, the feasible solutions approach and become optimal solutions. Using this controller in simulated environments, our robots demonstrate an ability to function with inaccurate sensor data, which is an important consideration for real world implementations of an autonomous mobile robot control paradigm. The simulated robots also demonstrate an ability to learn their place, or role, within the collective. They must learn their relative roles because they possess no predetermined knowledge about pallet mass, pallet inertia, collective size, or their positions relative to the pallet's center of gravity.
Tier 2 Reading Interventions: Comparison of Reading Mastery and Fundations Double Dose

With the emergence of response to intervention as a key element for supporting school success for all students, there is a need for teachers to know which interventions have been found to be effective. Some interventions have been validated with a number of research studies, but new interventions also need such validation. This study was a program evaluation that compared a well-known and scientifically validated reading program, Reading Mastery, with a new program called Fundations. The study used single-subject case study methods with 6 matched dyads of first-grade students at risk for reading problems. The efficacy of each program for individual students was evaluated by evaluating the students’ progress monitoring scores on the Nonsense Word Fluency test of the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills. Results showed that all the students made progress toward winter benchmarks of the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills; however, the amount of growth varied across the students. O...
The Relationship Between Exposure to Sexual Music Videos and Young Adults' Sexual Attitudes

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between exposure to sexual music videos and young people's sexual attitudes (i.e., premarital sexual permissiveness and endorsement of the sexual double standard). Items gauging exposure to 75 music videos ranging in sexual explicitness were used to measure sexual video viewing among a sample of 266 undergraduate students. As expected, exposure to more sexually explicit music videos was associated with more permissive attitudes toward premarital sex and stronger endorsement of the sexual double standard, regardless of gender, overall television viewing, and previous sexual experience. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Restoration of Catalytic Activity by Replacement of a Coordinated Amide Group: Synthesis and Laser-Induced Luminescence Studies of the Phosphate Diester Transesterification Catalyst [Eu(NBAC)]3+

Here the authors report the preparation, solution characterization, and catalytic properties of the Eu(III) complex of the NBAC ligand (NBAC = 1-(4-nitrobenzyl)-4,7,10-tris-(carbamoylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane). The nitrobenzyl group was chosen as a precursor to an isothiocyanate group for conjugation of the complex to a modified oligonucleotide. Such catalysts may be useful for the sequence-specific cleavage of RNA.
Soft curd homogenized milk in infant feeding

Summary Pasteurized milk homogenized by means of (a) the sonic homogenizer,(b) the low pressure homogenizer, and (c) the high pressure homogenizer in accordance with sound principles of milk technology has been compared with boiled pasteurized milk as a base for infant formulas, using both laboratory and clinical techniques of observation. Each of these milks containing added carbohydrate was fed unboiled and undiluted to over 200 infants for from two to twelve months. There was a low incidence of constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and kindred gastrointestinal upsets in all groups, and the babies grew and thrived normally. In digestibility and safety the homogenized milks proved as satisfactory as the control boiled milk. Laboratory studies demonstrated that by use of holding pasteurizationtemperatures of from 150 to 160° F. for thirty minutes, the bacterial counts of homogenized milks can be kept at low levels, usually below 2,000 per milliliter, with resulting high sanitary quality and without the introduction of an objectionable heated flavor. The curd tension and related values fluctuated with the seasons andwere at different levels with each type of homogenized milk, but the changes and differences did not give rise to detectable clinical disturbances. In the light of this finding and related observations recorded in the literature, the suggestion is made that there exists a threshold or dividing zone which delimits readily digested or soft curd milks from less thoroughly processed milks or from plain pasteurized milk.
Safety and effectiveness of a fixed-dose phenobarbital protocol for inpatient benzodiazepine detoxification

Benzodiazepine dependence is a common problem. However, there is limited data on safe and effective detoxification protocols for benzodiazepine-dependent patients. We reviewed the medical records of 310 patients treated with a 3-day fixed-dose phenobarbital taper for benzodiazepine dependence over a 5-year period between 2004 and 2009. We recorded the incidence of seizures, falls, delirium, and emergency department (ED) visits or readmission to our institution within 30 days as markers for safety; we also recorded how many patients had doses held because of sedation. The taper was well tolerated, although one quarter of the patients had at least one dose held because of sedation. There were no seizures, falls, or injuries reported. Six percent had a readmission, and 7% had an ED visit at our institution within 30 days of discharge, but only 3 patients required readmission for withdrawal symptoms. Overall, this protocol appears to be safe and effective.
Creating Psychological and Legal Contracts Through HRM Practices: A Strength of Signals Perspective

We integrate the concept of signaling theory to propose that organizations create psychological and legal contracts through their human resource management practices (HRM). Focusing on the strength of the signal generated by HRM practices, we develop a framework for contract creation. Specifically, we define and outline how weak signals generate psychological contracts and strong signals develop legally binding contracts. We provide several examples of HRM hiring practices, the weak and strong signals which they emit and the psychological and legal contracts which they create. Our key contribution is to provide a precise model for understanding the distinction between a psychological and legal contract.
Miocene sea-level falls related to the geologic history of Midway Atoll

A period of atoll emergence results in the development of a karst surface on the atoll. Upon resubmergence, this surface is preserved as a subsurface solution unconformity that can be identified by petrographic characteristics and a distinctive stable isotope signature imprinted by subaerial or phreatic diagenesis. Determination of the magnitude of Miocene sea-level falls by considering subsidence rates and depths to solution unconformities must take into account the lowering of the emergent atoll surface by dissolution. Previously, the depth to a Miocene solution unconformity below Midway Atoll was assumed to record a maximum highstand of sea level that preceded a period of island emergence. However, because of surface dissolution, the solution unconformity must represent some elevation between a past highstand and a subsequent lowstand. The subsurface stratigraphy of Midway Atoll shows that a late Miocene sea-level fall of 75–125 m below present sea level took place. The magnitude of this fall is greater than that previously determined, on the basis of stable isotope data, from Midway Atoll but approximates Miocene sea-level falls determined by seismic stratigraphic methods.
Response Time of a-Si:H Photosensors in Optically Addressed Spatial Light Modulators

A successful application for a-Si:H is as the photosensor in a liquid crystal optically addressed spatial light modulator (OASLM). We analyze the response time of an a-Si:H p-i-n photodiode in a ”pseudo-OALSM,” in which the liquid crystal is replaced by an equivalent capacitor, under both forward and reverse bias. Under reverse bias the two important effects are the photocurrent response time, and residual trapped charge. Under forward bias the mechanism shifts from double injection regimes to ohmic transport as a function of voltage. We relate these characteristics to the operation of an OASLM.
Cervical presentations of thymic anomalies in children

Objective: To better define the clinical manifestations, radiologic imaging and the surgical management of cervical thymic lesions in children. Study design: Multi-center retrospective case review. Methods: The charts of all children with pathologically confirmed thymic lesions at six children’s hospitals (1990–2002) were reviewed for demographics, physical findings, X-ray findings, operative outcomes and pathology. Results: There were a total of 15 children, 2 of whom had ectopic cervical thymus and 13 who had thymic cysts. They ranged in age from 1 month to 18 years. Thymic lesions were more common in males. Ectopic cervical thymus was best defined by MRI whereas thymic cyst had a more consistent appearance on CT. All children had successful surgical resection with no recorded complications or recurrences. Conclusions: Cervical thymic lesions are rare. Ectopic cervical thymus tends to be found primarily in infants whereas thymic cysts occur in a wider age range. Radiologic imaging is important but is not histologically specific. Definitive diagnosis and cure requires complete surgical excision.
Cord blood and adult T cells show different responses to C1q-bearing immune complexes☆

Abstract We have previously shown that T cells can be activated through cell-surface C1q receptors, resulting in secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), further demonstrating the intimate linkage between innate and adaptive immunity. In this current report, we sought to determine whether: (1) T cell responses to C1q-bearing immune complexes are dependent on the maturational status of the T cells and (2) whether signaling through the C1q receptor on T cells modulates conventional activation mediated through the conventional T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 signaling complex. We first examined the capacity of neonatal T cells to respond to C1q-bearing immune complexes using IFNγ, IL-2, and MIF secretion as measures of activation (MIF was chosen because of its crucial role in coordinating innate and adaptive immunity). Neonatal T cells produced significantly less IFNγ but not IL-2, when stimulated by C1q immune complexes compared with adult T cells. MIF levels did not exceed background levels in these experiments. Next, we examined the capacity of C1q-bearing immune complexes to regulate signaling through the conventional TCR/CD3 signaling complex. Pre-incubating adult T cells with C1q-bearing immune complexes significantly reduced IFNγ secretion when those same cells were subsequently stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies. Pre-incubation of neonatal T-cells with C1q-bearing immune complexes had no effect on IFNγ secretion, although IFNγ secretion was lower than that found in adult T cells for each experimental condition. We speculate that reduced IFNγ secretion after pre-incubation with C1q immune complexes may be due to IL-10 secretion, which was observed in C1q-stimulated adult (but not neonatal) T cells. Conclusions : C1q-bearing immune complexes exert complex effects on mature T cells that include both pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. Immunologic maturation is required for these effects, as cord blood T cells are relatively hyporesponsive to C1q-bearing immune complexes compared with adult T cells.
A Review Of Computer-Assisted Photo Interpretation Research At USAETL

A program in computer-assisted photo interpretation research (CAPIR) was initiated at the U.S. Army Engineer Topographic Laboratories (USAETL) in 1979. The primary objective was to develop and implement concepts to increase the productivity of the human photo interpreter tasked with extracting terrain data from aerial imagery. Early efforts focused on implementation of interactive software for direct capture of digital map data from stereo mapping and reconnaissance photography. The development of a hardcopy stereo workstation with integral computer graphic superposition has been essential to provide a suitable interactive, closed-loop environment for the photo interpreter. This paper provides a brief introduction to the problem domain of terrain analysis and outlines the evolution of the CAPIR program emphasizing the special requirements for an effective man-machine interface. The application of current CAPIR technology to typical terrain data capture problems is discussed with selected examples of technology transfer and examples of new commercial photogrammetric instrumentation incorporating graphic superposition capabilities. Opportunities to extend CAPIR concepts to softcopy terrain analysis based on adaptation of digital image processing technology are then presented. Digital image source materials and potential softcopy processing advantages are discussed and key requirements for effective softcopy terrain analysis are summarized.
Thermodynamics of mixing in molten sodium-potassium silicates at 1100°C: The effect of a calcium oxide addition

A Knudsen cell-mass spectrometer technique has been used to study the thermodynamics of mixing of liquid sodium and potassium metasilicates containing calcium oxide at the composition 0.15 CaO:0.85 (K2O + Na2O). It is shown that the CaO addition reduces the maximum excess free energy of mixing of the metasilicates from about 1.9 kJ to about 1.1 kJ per mole of alkali cations. Measurements have been made at the tetrasilicate composition in the absence of CaO, and these results have been combined with previous measurements and a recent thermodynamic relationship due to Wagner to yield the variations in the activities of silica and the alkaline oxides across the disilicate section. All the results are considered to be consistent with cation size effects being the principal cause of positive deviations from ideal silicate mixing in these systems.
Hydrocarbons and fatty acids in two cores of Lake Huron sediments

Abstract Compositions of aliphatic hydrocarbons and of fatty acids were analyzed in two half-meter cores of postglacial Lake Huron sediment. One core represents a continuous record of the past 450 yr of sediment accumulation; the other consists of a surficial layer of modern sediment overlying 40 cm of 11,000–12,000 yr-old sediment. Concentrations of hydrocarbons are higher in the younger core than in the older one. Based upon n-alkane distributions, this reflects a smaller input of terrigenous material to Lake Huron 11,000 yr ago rather than diagenetic losses. Most of the hydrocarbons present in the 450 yr-old core are allochthonous while half are autochthonous in the older core. Fatty acids are primarily of aquatic character in both cores, and their concentrations decrease rapidly with depth. Unsaturated acids disappear more quickly than do their saturated analogs. Fatty acid degradation occurs mostly in the biologically active zone of these sediments, and little further alteration of fatty acids appears to happen over times as long as 12,000 yr.
Vertebral osteomyelitis and prosthetic joint infection due to Staphylococcus simulans.

Staphylococcus simulans, a coagulase-negative staphylococcus, is a common animal pathogen that is rarely encountered in human infections. We describe a 70-year-old man who developed multifocal vertebral osteomyelitis and late prosthetic joint infection caused by this pathogen. The patient was a farmer who had daily contact with cows and drank unpasteurized milk, although the portal of the pathogen's entry remains speculative. Culture of the vertebral disk biopsy specimen and cultures during resection arthroplasty yielded S simulans. A review of the literature suggests that S simulans may be more virulent than other species of coagulase-negative staphylococci. Accurate identification of S simulans isolates would facilitate studies to further define its pathogenic role in human infections.
Immunological characterization of lignocellulose degradation

Abstract Polyclonal antibodies produced to the brown-rot fungus Poria placenta have been used with fluorescence microscopy to detect fungal hyphae colonizing wood. In addition, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been used to detect and quantify the extent of fungal decay in wood. ELISA values correlated with percent weight loss associated with fungal degradation and the assay was able to detect fungal colonization ten days after inoculation in solid wood. Monoclonal antibodies to extracellular metabolites of P. placenta have been produced and are being characterized. Monoclonal antibodies have also been produced to native and partially deglycosylated Mn2 peroxidase. The use of immunological probes to monitor and characterize the decay process is discussed.
Reactive extrusion of polymers: A review

During the last 30 years the plastics industry has experienced enormous rates of growth. Due to an increasing demand for high performance plastic materials, the use of extruders as continuous flow reactors for polymers has attracted considerable attention in polymerization and polymer modification applications. This paper is an attempt to present a survey of recent literature on the reactive extrusion of polymers. Experimental and modeling studies for various polymer systems are reviewed and some rheological, modeling, and design aspects of reactive extrusion systems are addressed.