cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induction of sperm abnormalities in mice by quercetin.

Sperm abnormalities in mice induced by IP injection of quercetin at total cumulative doses of 16, 32, 80, and 160 mg/kg b. wt. administered fractionally on 5 successive days were quantitated by assessing the percent of sperm with abnormal heads or tails. Five weeks after the final injection a maximum of 14.8% abnormal sperm were observed with a total quercetin dose of 80 mg/kg b. wt. compared to the spontaneous control of 0.98%. Concomittantly, a 32.1% reduction in testicular weight occurred compared to control mice which was coincident with a reduction in sperm count of 28 %.
PCB congener analysis of water and caddisfly larvae (Insecta:Trichoptera) in the upper Hudson River by glass capillary chromatography.

The separation and analysis of the constituents of industrially produced polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been almost exclusively performed using techniques involving packed gas chromatographic columns. However, the packed column chromatograms proved to be inadequate with regard to the separation of the many congeners which compose the complex PCB mixtures. Unlike the packed column methods, a separation technique based upon gas capillary technology produces chromatograms with sharp peaks, and hence accurate analysis is possible according to individual congener concentrations. This capability permitted more precise analysis of macroinvertebrates - specifically aquatic insects in the polluted water of the upper Hudson River. This study examines the presence and relative concentration of 74 congeners in water and caddisfly larvae collected from 3 sites in the Hudson River. Caddisfly larvae (Insecta:Trichoptera) usually dominate the macroinvertebrate communities in riffle habitats of the study area. Their relatively large size and abundance facilitated the acquisition of sufficient biomass for analysis (200 mg wet weight). The sampling was carried out on July 6, 1983 and August 15, 1983.
Spectroscopic and model studies of the Ni-Fe hydrogenase reaction mechanism

Ni-Fe H2ases exhibit a number of states that have been spectroscopically characterized. The structural information arising from these spectroscopic studies are compared with predictions from theoretical calculations and are used to address aspects of hydrogenase reaction mechanism.
A Role for Kisspeptins in the Regulation of Gonadotropin Secretion in the Mouse

Kisspeptins are products of the KiSS-1 gene, which bind to a G protein-coupled receptor known as GPR54. Mutations or targeted disruptions in the GPR54 gene cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in humans and mice, suggesting that kisspeptin signaling may be important for the regulation of gonadotropin secretion. To examine the effects of kisspeptin-54 (metastin) and kisspeptin-10 (the biologically active C-terminal decapeptide) on gonadotropin secretion in the mouse, we administered the kisspeptins directly into the lateral cerebral ventricle of the brain and demonstrated that both peptides stimulate LH secretion. Further characterization of kisspeptin-54 demonstrated that it stimulated both LH and FSH secretion, at doses as low as 1 fmol; moreover, this effect was shown to be blocked by pretreatment with acyline, a potent GnRH antagonist. To learn more about the functional anatomy of kisspeptins, we mapped the distribution of KiSS-1 mRNA in the hypothalamus. We observed that KiSS-1 mRNA is expressed in areas of the hypothalamus implicated in the neuroendocrine regulation of gonadotropin secretion, including the anteroventral periventricular nucleus, the periventricular nucleus, and the arcuate nucleus. We conclude that kisspeptin-GPR54 signaling may be part of the hypothalamic circuitry that governs the hypothalamic secretion of GnRH.
Platelet adenylyl cyclase activity: a biological marker for major depression and recent drug use.

Background Adenylyl cyclase (AC) is an enzyme that can regulate the physiologic effects of numerous drugs and hormones through the production of cyclic adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP). Some studies suggest that certain measures of AC activity are lower among depressed subjects. We examined the relationship between various measures of AC activity and major depression, taking into account potential confounders, such as drug use and gender. Methods We assessed the relationship between platelet levels of AC activity and lifetime diagnosis of major depression among 1481 participants (226 subjects with a history of major depression and 1255 control subjects) in an international, cross-sectional study initiated by the World Health Organization and the International Society on Biomedical Research on Alcoholism. Results After accounting for recent drug use, subjects with a history of major depression had markedly lower mean levels for all measures of platelet AC activity compared with control subjects. The adjusted odds ratios for major depression comparing the bottom to the top quartile of AC activity were 2.69 for basal (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–5.56), 3.72 for cesium fluoride-stimulated (95% CI 1.54–8.98), 6.20 for forskolin-stimulated (95% CI 2.04–18.80), and 2.20 for Gpp(NH)p-stimulated (95% CI 1.03–4.70). Conclusions Subjects with major depression have lower platelet AC activity levels, and this relationship is dramatically attenuated by various types of drug use.
Inheritance and segregation of virus and herbicide resistance transgenes in sugarcane

Transgenic sugarcane parents containing multiple copies of herbicide resistance (bar) and Sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV) resistance (hut) genes were crossed with non-transgenic sugarcane varieties. Segregation of the transgenes in the progeny was determined using Southern blot analysis; herbicide resistance and SrMV resistance were assessed using bioassays. The segregation data were used to infer linkage relationships between transgenes in the parent plants. In two of the parents, all transgene insertions were linked in one position in the genome, although some recombination between insertion events did occur. In the third parent, insertion had occurred in two independent, unlinked loci. Analysis of progeny of this parent indicated that rearrangement or mutation occurred in both loci, resulting in non-parental transgene DNA fragments in some progeny. Most transgenic progeny containing the bar gene showed resistance to herbicide. SrMV inoculation indicated that a fairly high proportion of the transgenic progeny showed susceptibility. As the post-transcriptional gene silencing mechanism responsible for the virus resistance phenotype may be reset during meiosis, phenotypic screening of older plants may be a more reliable indication of virus resistance than screening young seedlings. This is the first report of transgene segregation in sugarcane, and we have demonstrated that transgenic sugarcane parents showing stable inheritance of transgenes can be effectively used in breeding programs.
Voltage and temperature dependence of single K+ channels isolated from canine cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum

The temperature and voltage dependence of gating and conductance of sarcoplasmic reticulum K+ channels (S-R K+) isolated from adult canine hearts were studied using the reconstituted bilayer technique. Fusion of vesicles from this preparation frequently resulted in the incorporation of a single channel. Only bilayers into which a single S-R K+ channel had fused were studied. The three conductance states of the channel, fully open (O2), substate conductance (O1), and closed (C) were studied as a function of voltage (-50 to +50 mV) and temperature (16 to 37 degrees C). Permeation through the O1 state showed the same temperature dependence as the O2 state corresponding to an enthalpy of permeation of 4.1–4.2 kcal/mol, which is similar to that for K+ diffusion through water. As expected, increased temperature increased the frequency of gating transitions and shortened the average dwell time spent in any conductance state. Over the range of 25 to 37 degrees C, the average dwell time spent in the O1, O2, and C states decreased by 44 +/- 11, 36 +/- 13, and 78 +/- 7% (n = 3 to 4 channels), respectively. The ratio of probabilities between the various conductance states was not strongly temperature sensitive. Analysis of the voltage dependence of this channel was carried out at 37 degrees C and revealed that the dwell times of the O1 and O2 states were voltage insensitive and the probability ratio (PO2:PO1) was approximately 7 and was voltage insensitive.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The 1997 AAP guidelines for prevention of early-onset group B streptococcal disease

Representatives from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) participated in the develop ment of the 1996 consensus guidelines for the prevention of early-onset group B streptococcal (GBS) disease with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), and the American Academy of Family Physicians.1 In March 1997, these guidelines were formally endorsed and the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases and the Committee on Fetus and Newborn provided additional recommendations for the management of infants born to mothers receiving intrapartum prophylaxis.2 Gotoff and Boyer3 in a recent commentary were apparently unaware of the change in AAP guidelines and they incorrectly referred to the 1992 policy as current policy. They also incorrectly indicated that the ACOG guidelines differed from those of the CDC and the AAP. The consensus between obstetric and pediatric physicians in the development of the CDC guidelines is an important accomplishment, one that has been associated with a reduction in the incidence of early-onset GBS disease in areas of active surveillance (Figure).4 …
Comparison of [13C]urea blood test to [13C]urea breath test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori

Abstract OBJECTIVE: It has been determined that the [13C]urea breath test (UBT) is a safe and effective way of detecting Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Some individuals may have difficulty performing the exhalation component of the test, possibly due to age, or mental or physical compromise. Our aim was to determine if a commercially developed [13C]urea blood test could be utilized as a substitute for the UBT to detect H. pylori infection. METHODS: Patients who were referred by their physicians for UBT were offered study inclusion. Patients underwent baseline and 30-min UBT. A simultaneous blood sample of 3 cc was drawn into a heparinized vacutainer at the 30-min period of the UBT. [13C]urea levels in both blood and breath samples were analyzed using isotope ratio mass spectrometry. UBT ≥ 6 delta per mil over baseline and urea blood tests > (−17 delta per mil) were considered positive. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-one patients (68 men/93 women) with average age of 47.0 ± 14.2 yr were tested. Agreement between breath and blood test results occurred in 153/161 (95%) cases. Using the UBT as the diagnostic standard, the urea blood test resulted in 44 true positive, 109 true negative, four false positive, and four false negative results, giving a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 96%, positive predictive value of 92%, and negative predictive value of 96%. CONCLUSIONS: The urea blood test was found to be comparable to the urea breath test in the detection of H. pylori infection. The urea blood test will be accurate in the diagnosis of active H. pylori infection.
The Influence of Surgical Approach and Intraoperative Venography on Successful Varicocelectomy in Adolescents

AbstractPurpose: We evaluated the importance of intraoperative venography and surgical approach on varicocele recurrence after surgical varicocelectomy in male adolescents.Materials and Methods: The analysis was done using local data and composite data from the literature. We reviewed the records of patients undergoing varicocele ligation between 1986 and 1995 at our institution. Data were stratified by surgical approach and performance of venography, and compared by cross table analysis. Data were then compiled from the literature from series that included cases stratified according to surgical approach and/or performance of venography. The impact of these parameters on recurrence rates was assessed by computing success rates and cross table analysis.Results: At our institution 33 boys underwent ligation via a suprainguinal (27) or inguinal (8) approach. Intraoperative post-ligation venography was performed in 16 cases and omitted in 19. Neither surgical approach nor performance of venography influenced ...
Menstrual Function and Pregnancy in Narcotics Addicts treated with Methadone

CHRONIC opiate addiction in women is generally considered to be associated with amenorrhoea, anovulation and infertility1, but the number of observed pregnancies in drug addicts, as well as case reports of pregnancy in women with chronic addiction2,3, casts doubt on this belief. The irregular life of these women and the clouded sensorium make it difficult to define the effects of opiates on the hormonal state. A unique opportunity to observe gynaecic function in women maintained on large doses of a narcotic drug under close medical supervision was provided by the methadone maintenance treatment programme4. This is a programme for the voluntary rehabilitation of the “hard core” addict. The patients are given gradually increasing doses of methadone to induce a state of tolerance and then are maintained on a constant dose of 60–120 mg/day. It is thought that such large doses induce “narcotic blockade”, so that heroin becomes neither necessary nor desirable and the addict can return to a normal, useful life5.
Mediators and moderators of young adults' drinking.

Direct effects of modeling and indirect effects of social perception processes have been implicated in the acquisition and maintenance of alcohol use. Parental and peer drinking behavior (assessed from self-reports), and student perceptions about parent and peer drinking (assessed from student estimates of their parents' and friends' alcohol use) were examined through surveys of college students, their parents, and a same-sex best friend. Results showed that students' perceptions about their parents' drinking and parents' self-reported quantity of alcohol consumed were significant correlates of students' own drinking. Perceptions about their friends' alcohol use were found to mediate the strong correlation between student and friend drinking. Perceived similarity to parents, but not perceived similarity to their friend, moderated the relation between students' alcohol use and their perceptions about the alcohol use of significant others. When parents were asked to estimate the alcohol use of their sons, daughters, and the average college student, they consistently estimated lower consumption for their offspring than for the average student. Language: en
Challenges and Opportunities in Marine Chemical Ecology

Where We Started Marine chemical ecology is only a few decades old. Prior to the 1980s, chemists were discovering novel, bioactive molecules and hinting at their ecological function via bioassays with minimal ecological reality, while ecologists were conducting experiments that suggested chemically-mediated mechanisms, but they lacked the expertise to address the chemical underpinnings. This has changed and progress is now rapid due to critical collaborations between chemists and ecologists and to younger scientists being trained across boarders of the old disciplines.
Metal dioxide supported heteropolyacid/Nafion® composite membranes for elevated temperature/low relative humidity PEFC operation

Abstract Organic/inorganic composite membranes with different inorganic heteropolyacid (HPA) additives maintain sufficient proton conductivities for elevated temperature (>100 °C) low relative humidity ( 2 crossover currents of 0.7 mA/cm 2 for a 25 μm thick membrane. The decomposit ion onset temperature of the composite membrane was extended by 30 °C over Nafion ® . Membrane electrode assemblies prepared using the stabilized composite membranes were evaluated at high temperatures and low relative humidities in an operating fuel cell. The conductivities of the composite membranes at 120 °C and 35% relative humidity were on the order of 1.6 × 10 −2 S/cm.
Clinical and in vitro film quality comparison of manual and automatic exposure control in panoramic radiography.

Abstract Objective. Automatic exposure control has been used successfully in medicine to improve image quality and reduce the number of retakes necessitated by inadequate operator selection of exposure factors. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of automatic exposure control on panoramic image quality. Study design. A total of 352 patients were imaged with either the OP 100 or the Orthophos Plus panoramic machine. An expert consensus panel judged film quality using a 5-point scale. Differences in quality that would have resulted from the use of operator-determined exposures were calculated through use of an algorithm validated with test images of a human phantom. Results. McNemar’s test demonstrated significant improvements in quality with automatic exposure control (P = .001) in comparison with manual exposure control. No quality difference was found between the 2 machines (P = .9661). Manual exposure selection by oral and maxillofacial radiology residents was better than selection by technologists and assistants (P = .006). Conclusions. This study confirms the utility of automatic exposure control for panoramic radiography. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;87:518-23)
Brushland fire-management policies: A cross-impact simulation of southern California

A cross-impact simulation computer language, UW-KSIM, is presented as a potentially useful technique for assessing the consequences of resource policies. Cross-impact simulation is used to estimate trends in a set of variables that result from interactions produced from hypothesized relationships among the members of the set. This technique is illustrated with an example that simulates the likely impacts of a 20-year rotation burn policy in southern California's brushland watersheds and that compares the results to a simulated representation of the observed effects of the fire-exclusion policy. Simulated losses under the fire-exclusion policy were up to 300% higher than those produced by the rotation burn policy. Similarly, the simulated average area burned per year was reduced from 5.6% of the study area under the fire-exclusion policy to 2% of the study area under the rotation burn policy. A corresponding reduction in simulated appropriations for fighting wildfires was also demonstrated.
Dimensions of impulsivity among heavy drinkers, smokers, and heavy drinking smokers: singular and combined effects.

Alcohol use and cigarette smoking commonly co-occur. The role impulsivity may play as a common underlying mechanism in alcohol use and cigarette smoking is of particular interest due to emerging evidence of it being a critical component across multiple forms of addiction. Impulsivity can be examined through several constructs including, risky decision-making, response inhibition, and delay reward discounting. Impulsivity and each of these specific constructs play significant roles in the initiation of drug use, continued use despite negative consequences, and potential to relapse. This study used three behavioral tasks to measure risky decision-making (Balloon Analog Risk Test; BART), response inhibition (Stop Signal Task; SST), and delay reward discounting (Delay Discounting Task; DDT). This study advances research on impulsivity and substance use by parsing out the various components of impulsivity and examining them across three groups, heavy drinkers only (HD) (N=107), smokers only (S) (N=67), and heavy drinking smokers (HDS) (N=213). Participants completed questionnaires, interviews, and neurocognitive tasks including the SST, BART, and DDT. Analyses supported an additive effect of alcohol and nicotine use in delay reward discounting. Heavy drinking smokers displayed steeper delay discounting of small rewards than did smokers only (p Language: en
Moment coefficients of skewness in the femoral neck cortical bone distribution of BAR 1002'00

Abstract The cortical bone distributions in the femoral necks of apes and humans differ as a result of different loading environments caused by the realignment of the hip abductor apparatus. Femoral neck cortical bone in extant humans is very thin superiorly and thicker inferiorly, while the cortical bone in apes tends to be more uniformly thick. The unique internal anatomy of extant humans allows inferences to be made about primary locomotor function from incomplete femora. Here the differences in cortical bone distributions are quantified using moment coefficient of skewness. Skewness coefficients at two locations along the neck of the 6 million years old African femoral specimen BAR 1002’00 were compared to samples of 9 extant adult humans and 10 adult chimpanzees. The skewness coefficients of cortical bone in the femoral neck of BAR 1002’00 are more similar to those of chimpanzees than to humans, although the contrast is less pronounced in the region closer to the neck–shaft junction than more proximally toward the femoral head; this pattern indicates that in at least one respect this specimen attributed to Orrorin tugenensis manifests structural features suggesting influences of a hip abductor apparatus that had not yet evolved to the same extent as in extant humans.
Slip Casting of ZrB2-SiC Composite Aqueous Suspensions

Slip casting of concentrated aqueous suspensions was set up as forming technique for the production of crucibles from ZrB 2 -SiC composite powder. The dispersion effectiveness and the effect on the final microstructures of two commercial ammonium polyacrylates (Duramax D3005 and Dolapix PC33) used as dispersants were investigated. The first goal was pursued by evaluating the zeta potential of the powders in water at different concentrations of additives, while the second one was assessed by analyzing the microstructure. Duramax D3005 resulted more effective than Dolapix PC33 in electrostatically stabilize the suspensions. Correspondently, almost homogeneous microstructures and lower final porosity of the sintered crucibles were obtained with Duramax D3005, while ZrB 2 layers on the vertical surfaces initially in contact with the plaster molds were observed using Dolapix PC33. Moreover, the use of this latter dispersant did not allow the preparation of thick crucible walls due to the sample rupture during the binders pyrolysis stage.
The anodic behaviour of zinc in aqueous solution—-III. Passivation in mixed KF-KOH solutions☆

Abstract Results on active dissolution of zinc in KOH solutions are presented. The effect of the ionic concentration on the transition time was studied. At constant ionic concentration, increase in [KOH] increases the transition time; at constant [KOH], increase in ionic concentration decreases the transition time. These two effects satisfactorily account for the maximum observed in transition-time/[KOH] correlations.
Interannual Variability of the Southem Hemisphere Circulation: Representativeness of the Year of the Global Weather Experiment

Abstract An analysis has been made of the interseasonal and interannual variability of mean circulation and eddy statistics for both summer and winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Total variance fields of geopotential height, the noith-wuth and east-west wind components and poleward transient eddy momentum fluxes at 500 mb are analyzed along with their contributions from two broad frequency bands covering 2-8 day and 8-64 day period fluctuations. Largest interannual variability occurs between 40-60°S in association with the main jet stream in summer or the polar jet stream in winter and the main belt of eddy activity within each season. The circulation and eddy statistics during the year of the Global Weather Experiment (GWE) are compared with the means and standard deviations over all years from 1972–80, and contrasted with individual years The GWE summer of 1978–79 is contrasted with 1976–77, and the 1979 winter is contrasted with 1980. The year of the GWE was charactrized by an exceptionally deep circum...
Rapid scanning cavity ring-down spectroscopy at the quantum noise limit

We present an ultrasensitive cavity-enhanced technique for probing weak molecular absorptions. Recently, we have implemented heterodyne detection, which allowed for quantum-noise-limited detection and noise-equivalent absorption coefficients as low as 6t10-14 cm-1Hz-1/2.
BLITZ V, a computer chess program

BLITZ V is a chess playing computer program that differs significantly from other chess programs. Specifically, it searches a much smaller tree of moves than most current programs. Running on the University computer, it normally examines fewer than 500 nodes to select a move where the current United States champion examines over one million nodes per move.The techniques used to select moves for evaluation are based on processes similar to human analysis and account for the current strength of the program.The second major feature of the program concerns the small tree it examines. The program again uses "human-like" processes during the search. As a position is evaluated and problems discovered, moves at previous levels in the tree are analyzed in an effort to avoid the problem. In this manner, a small tree can be examined while allowing the program to expand the search as needed to avoid blunders.BLITZ V has played many games and the conclusions reached by the results are presented in this paper.
Bipedal stance exercise enhances antiresorption effects of estrogen and counteracts its inhibitory effect on bone formation in sham and ovariectomized rats

In this study we employed a raised cage model in combination with estrogen to observe their effects on the proximal tibial metaphysis (PTM) and tibial shaft (TX) in sham-operated or ovariectomized rats. A total of 105 6-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study. Bilateral sham ovariectomy or ovariectomy was performed at day 0 and the rats were housed in normal height or raised cages (RCs) and injected subcutaneously twice per week with 10 microg/kg of 17beta-estradiol (E2) or vehicle for 4 and 8 weeks. Because the time course of bone loss or bone gain distribution was not uniform in the metaphyses of the tibia, we subdivided the PTM into three zones (medial, central, and lateral) to observe the different bone loss or bone gain patterns after ovariectomy and/or raised cages. We found that: (1) E2 alone did not alter bone area or architecture in sham rats, whereas RC alone increased trabecular thickness and area of PTM, but had no effects on TX; (2) Ovx induced most bone loss from the central zone of the PTM and endocortical surface of TX, accompanied by decreased trabecular number and increased bone resorption; (3) E2 alone prevented ovx-induced bone loss by preserving trabecular number and depressing bone resorption; (4) RC alone partially compensated for bone loss following ovx by thickening the surviving trabeculae in lateral and medial zones, and tended to stimulate bone formation and decrease bone resorption; and (5) RC plus E2 increased trabecular bone area by having an additive effect on bone resorption and bone turnover. RCs helped to prevent the depressive effect of estrogen on periosteal bone formation. In conclusion, early and rapid bone loss occurred in the central zone of the metaphysis and endocortical surface after ovx. Estrogen replacement therapy prevented this loss. Raised cages partially compensated for bone loss following ovx by thickening the trabeculae in the lateral area of the metaphysis and decreased endocortical erosion. Combination treatment added bone to the PTM and prevented the decrease of periosteal bone formation after estrogen administration.
Two dimensional discontinuous deformation analysis

This paper explains a novel ‘back-analysis’ shceme to determine rock mass behaviour modes from an array of deformational measurements. The input will be the locations of data points and the set of measured displacements, as well as description of the locations and orientations of planes of discontinuity, and the blocks they determine. The output, drawn by the computer, will be the set of block displacements, rotations, and strains that determine the behavioural mode of the mass.
Monte Carlo Calculation of Renormalized Coupling Parameters

A practical method is presented for calculating many-parameter renormalization-group trajectories for both spin systems and lattice gauge theories from Monte Carlo computer simulations. It provides a direct check on the assumption of short-range renormalized interactions, and preliminary work indicates improvement of the convergence in the calculation of critical exponents.
A simple experiment demonstrating the allosteric regulation of yeast pyruvate kinase

A simple experiment in which the regulatory properties of yeast pyruvate kinase are determined. Students do a partial purification using PEG precipitation and find that fructose-1,6-bisphosphate activates the enzyme. ATP and alanine negatively modulate its catalytic activity. The entire experiment can be done in one laboratory period using simple equipment.
Synthesis of the C(18)−C(34) Fragment of Amphidinolide C and the C(18)−C(29) Fragment of Amphidinolide F

A convergent synthesis of the C(18)-C(34) fragment of amphidinolide C and the C(18)-C(29) fragment of amphidinolide F is reported. The approach involves the synthesis of the common intermediate tetrahydrofuranyl-β-ketophosphonate via cross metathesis, Pd(0)-catalyzed cyclization, and hydroboration-oxidation. The β-ketophosphonate was coupled to three side chain aldehydes using a Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) olefination reaction to give dienones, which were reduced with l-selectride to give the fragments of amphidinolide C and F.
Cooperative Learning in the Portuguese‐for‐Spanish‐Speakers Classroom

Cooperative learning has a fifteen year history of research and application in primary and middle schools throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Israel. This paper briefly describes that history in terms of research conducted in primary education and in foreign- and second-language education. It also outlines the components that make up cooperative learning. The discussion then describes a specific application of some cooperative learning structures in a post-secondary foreign language classroom. The paper notes examples of successful structures as well as student reactions to the experiment and an assessment of the results.
Milton's “On the Late Massacre in Piemont” and Eisenstein's Potemkin

Etude comparative du " montage " dans le sonnet de M. et la sequence des escaliers d'Odessa
Effect of temperature on VFA's and biogas production in anaerobic solubilization of food waste.

Abstract The effectiveness of methane fermentation treatment used in food waste processing is currently limited by solubilization and acidogenesis. In efforts to improve the treatment process, this study examined the effects of temperature on solubilization and acidogenesis. The solubilization rate of food waste, which was based on suspended solid removal, was 47.5%, 62.2%, 70.0%, 72.7%, 56.1% and 45.9% at 15 °C, 25 °C, 35 °C, 45 °C, 55 °C and 65 °C, respectively. Solubilization rate was accelerated from the middle to late experimental periods under mesophilic (35 °C and 45 °C) conditions. In contrast, overall solubilization rate was significantly lower under thermophilic (55 °C and 65 °C) conditions than under mesophilic conditions, although solubilization occurred rapidly in the early experimental period. The production of biogas was high under mesophilic conditions of 35 °C and 45 °C, at 64.7 and 62.7 mL/g-VS, respectively, while it was scarce under thermophilic conditions. Solubilization of food waste was accelerated under both mesophilic and thermophilic conditions; however, solubilization rate was observed to be particularly high under mesophilic conditions, and a shortening of the hydraulic retention time is expected under thermophilic conditions.
Coagulation-Flocculation of Natural Organic Matter with Al Salts: Speciation and Structure of the Aggregates

The flocs formed by coagulation of natural organic matter (NOM) of a lake water by Al salts were studied at a molecular level by 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The speciation of Al evolves with time: polynuclear Al species are depolymerized by the organic ligands. In aged flocs, uncondensed monomers are the predominant Al species. Modeling of the SAXS curves indicates that the Al monomers in the flocs are evenly separated by 8−9 A, which suggests the existence of specific binding sites for Al on an “ordered” structure within the NOM. A cellulose type structure is proposed as host for this locally ordered arrangement of Al atoms. The fractal dimensions of the aggregates range from ≈2.3 at pH = 6.0 to 2.1 at pH = 8.0. This evolution of the structure can be attributed to pH induced changes of the conformation of the organic macromolecules.
Multidimensional Classification of Examinees Using the Mixture Random Weights Linear Logistic Test Model.

An essential feature of the linear logistic test model (LLTM) is that item difficulties are explained using item design properties. By taking advantage of this explanatory aspect of the LLTM, in a mixture extension of the LLTM, the meaning of latent classes is specified by how item properties affect item difficulties within each class. To improve the interpretations of latent classes, this article presents a mixture generalization of the random weights linear logistic test model (RWLLTM). In detail, the present study considers individual differences in their multidimensional aspects, a general propensity (random intercept) and random coefficients of the item properties, as well as the differences among the fixed coefficients of the item properties. As an empirical illustration, data on verbal aggression were analyzed by comparing applications of the one- and two-class LLTM and RWLLTM. Results suggested that the two-class RWLLTM yielded better agreement with the empirical data than the other models. Moreov...
Chemically-Modified Ion-Exchange Membranes as Sampling Devices for Gas-Phase Ammonia

Abstract The ratio of solid-phase/gas-phase ammonia in ambient air may be of significance in the assessment of acid rain potential. Conventional sampling devices such as chemisorptive traps following a filter stage may give erroneous results and it is desirable that other approaches be found. Diffusive sampling tubes lined with a selective sorbent is one route. This paper reports on a study of the use of ion-exchange membranes for the collection of gas-phase ammonia.
Protecting the Rights of the Child: Regulating Restorative Justice and Indigenous Practices in Southern Sudan and East Timor

The Convention on the Rights of the Child has globalized child rights and child protection by setting international norms, which include a mandate to apply restorative justice practices in juvenile justice laws and procedures. In some states, restorative justice has long been a practice in communities and legislating to give effect to the CRC has involved codifying, modifying and regulating existing community restorative practices with the intention of incorporating adaptations of those practices under new laws. In Southern Sudan and East Timor, both of which have suffered extreme violence and conflict, lifestyles are predominately traditional and values and beliefs concerning family and children, remain rooted in custom. Both have drafted laws that attempt to incorporate traditional restorative practices and give effect to the norms of the Convention. Examining the provisions of each proposed law reveals how culture will be enacted and regulated for the benefit of children and the extent to which the international rights discourse embodied in these proposed laws is congruent with customary and traditional values and beliefs about children. A comparative examination of the two draft laws, contextualized according to local cultures, provides insights into policy choices about the incorporation of culture and the relationship between international norms of child protection and traditional restorative practices.
Fresh Osteochondral Allografting in the Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Femoral Condyle

Background: The treatment of osteochondritis dissecans in the adult knee can be challenging. As part of our comprehensive treatment program, fresh osteochondral allografts have been used in the surgical management of osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral condyle.Hypothesis: Fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation will provide a successful surgical treatment for osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral condyle.Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods: Sixty-six knees in 64 patients underwent fresh osteochondral allografting for the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans. Each patient was evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively using an 18-point modified D'Aubigne and Postel scale. Subjective assessment was performed using a patient questionnaire. Radiographs were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively.Results: Mean follow-up was 7.7 years (range, 2-22 years). There were 45 men and 19 women with a mean age of 28.6 years (range, 15-54 years). All patients had undergone...
A compact full waveguide band turnstile junction orthomode transducer

This paper describes the development, construction, and measurement of a full waveguide band (8–12 GHz) orthomode transducer (OMT). The design uses a turnstile junction at the input, two 90° H-plane bends in each of four waveguide arms, and two E-plane Y-junctions. The outputs are in WR90 waveguides. Measured return loss is better than 19 dB and cross polarization lower than −50 dB in the 7.8–12.2 GHz range. Three large aluminum blocks form the main body of the OMT. The device has a diameter of 8.0”, height of 2.7”, and weighs 2.5 lbs.
Shock-driven gas curtain: fractal dimension evolution in transition to turbulence

We present estimates of the Hausdorff fractal dimension of a planar section of the interfaces on the sides of a thin curtain of heavy gas (SF6) embedded in air and accelerated with a planar shock wave at Mach 1.2. As the Richtmyer‐Meshkov instability develops, eventually leading to a transition to turbulence in the curtain, the fractal dimension of the interfaces increases from an initial value not exceeding 1.10 to a maximum value 1:36 0:07. This value is close to that experimentally measured for fully developed turbulence. The growth of the fractal dimension is closely related to mixing in the flow. It represents an important and previously unmeasured property in the transition to turbulence due to Richtmyer‐Meshkov instability. ©1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Challenges and Solutions for Late- and Post-Silicon Design

As technology scaling becomes more difficult, continuing advances in electronic products and their underlying ICs increasingly rely on innovative design solutions. This article outlines some of the complexity, reliability, and productivity challenges and how the Gigascale Systems Research Center is addressing them.
Female entrepreneurship in China: opportunity- or necessity-based?

The paper investigates the inequalities within entrepreneurship which are hindering Chinese socio-economic development. We take an institutionalist and gender-based approach. We establish the relationship between entrepreneurship and economic development and create a historical framework from which we examine contemporary female entrepreneurship. We find that females in China often engage in entrepreneurship in the informal sector, where average income is lower. Females are more likely than men to engage in necessity-based entrepreneurship rather than opportunity-based entrepreneurship in China. Therefore, the overall increase in female entrepreneurship in China in recent years does not necessarily imply improvement in living standards for those women. The paper demonstrates that different classes of entrepreneurs face different barriers, and that females need targeted assistance so that the gender gap in entrepreneurship can be reduced. Government should take responsibility for deconstructing social and cultural barriers to women through policy initiatives, as well as promoting women’s entrepreneurial training and capital formation. There is also a key role for the non-governmental sector and international organisations to play in educating government, businesses, and workers, as well as pressuring and/or coordinating them where needed.
Renal Functional Outcomes After Partial Nephrectomy With Extended Ischemic Intervals are Better Than After Radical Nephrectomy

Purpose: Partial nephrectomy is now a standard of care for clinical stage T1 renal cancers amenable to a nephron sparing approach. Based on tumor size and location, some partial nephrectomies can be more challenging and necessitate longer ischemic intervals, and radical nephrectomy is considered an alternative standard of care for these tumors. We evaluate whether partial nephrectomy with extended ischemia provides improved renal functional outcomes compared with radical nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: Renal functional outcomes were analyzed in 2,402 consecutive patients with serum creatinine 1.4 mg/dl or less and 2 functioning kidneys treated for cT1 renal cancer at Cleveland Clinic with partial (1,833, 76%) or radical nephrectomy (569, 24%). Patients treated with partial nephrectomy were grouped according to duration of ischemia using the categories of limited (less than 30 minutes), unknown or extended (greater than 30 minutes).Results: Patients in all 4 groups had similar preoperative creatinine (m...
Social Context of Physical Activity and Weight Status in Working-Class Populations

Background: Persistent disparities suggest that multiple aspects of social context may influence leisure-time physical activity levels and weight status in multiethnic, working-class populations. Methods: Among participants in two randomized, controlled intervention trials (n = 1,969 in 10 health centers; n = 1,545 in 26 manufacturing businesses) we used general linear mixed models to examine the relationship of variables posited by a social-contextual framework for behavior change with h/wk of self-reported leisure-time physical activity and with body mass index (BMI; weight (kg)/(height (m))2) at baseline, adjusting for clustering within study site. Results: Age, sex, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic position were independently associated with leisure-time physical activity in both settings; multivariable models explained 15% of the variance in health centers and 11% in small businesses. Leisure-time physical activity and motivation to change lifestyle behaviors were inversely associated with BMI, adju...
Relations between NDVI and tree productivity in the central Great Plains

Remotely sensed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is a good measure of photosynthetic activity at landscape scales, and can be used to estimate productivity. Our research demonstrates s...
Power Losses in Induction Machines

Losses in induction machines have been subjected to a detailed study by many investigators, but due to the complex nature of some of these losses, particularly several forms of load loss in induction motors, a clear understanding of their nature, has not been available. Since the majority of such losses are connected with the magnetic flux in the machine, a study of the distribution of magnetic flux in the stator and rotor is necessary; such a study is presented herewith. The flux losses considered are divided into 2 groups, those occurring at the fundamental frequency, and those occurring at tooth frequency.
Comparison of the modified Airway Management Device with the Proseal laryngeal mask airway in patients undergoing gynaecological procedures.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The modified Airway Management Device (AMD) and the Proseal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) are both supraglottic airway devices designed to maintain airway patency and allow ventilation during anaesthesia. In this prospective, randomized trial, we compared the two devices in patients undergoing major gynaecological procedures. METHODS: Eighty-two patients undergoing elective gynaecological surgery were randomized to two groups. Group A (n = 41) had the AMD and Group P (n = 41) the PLMA inserted after induction of anaesthesia. We compared the success of airway placement, time to achieve an airway, oropharyngeal leak pressure and complications associated during anaesthesia. RESULTS: There were no differences in patient characteristic profile for both groups. First time insertion success rates were significantly higher in Group P than in Group A (100% vs. 83%, P < 0.012). Time taken to achieve airway was also significantly shorter in Group P than in Group A (mean 21.9 +/- 7.8 s vs. 40.2 +/- 48.0 s, P < 0.001). The oropharyngeal leak pressure was significantly higher for Group P than Group A (mean 31.2 +/- 5.7 cmH(2)O vs. 24.2 +/- 8.3 cmH(2)O, P < 0.001). Ten patients in Group A had transient loss of airway during anaesthesia and needed manipulation of the airway device and four patients needed to have the airway switched to PLMA for the rest of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The modified AMD has a significant lower first time successful placement rate, required a longer insertion time and has a lower oropharyngeal leak pressure than the PLMA. It also demonstrated an increased loss of airway during anaesthesia. The modified AMD needs further evaluation on its efficacy and safety before its further use can be recommended.
Vascularized autogenous whole joint transfer in the hand--a clinical study.

Nine vascularized autogenous whole joint transfers were employed in the reconstruction of traumatized joints of six male patients ages 6 to 38 years. The proximal interphalangeal joint was involved in four patients, the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint in two, and the small finger MP joint in one. In five patients, the donor joint came from the foot, and in one patient an MP joint was transferred from a digit that had sustained a more distal amputation. The mean follow-up was 24 months (range 13 to 38). Bony union as well as full radiographic preservation of the articular space has occurred in each case. Four joints were transferred with an open epiphysis and three demonstrated longitudinal growth and an intact epiphyseal plate. The mean range of active motion was 22°/55°. We believe the early results demonstrate the feasibility of this method of joint reconstruction in the young patient.
Stability of moving surfaces in fluid systems with heat and mass transport II. Combined effects of transport and density difference between Phases

Stability of interfaces moving as a result of phase transformation or mass transfer is considered. Effects of transport and of the density difference between phases known to significantly influence stability during solidification and combustion respectively are here studied theoretically in fluid systems. The analysis indicates that instability is possible during vaporization of liquids under vacuum and perhaps during growth of cavitation bubbles. But except when interfacial tension is very low, instability is unlikely during mass transfer in liquid-liquid systems because the density difference between phases is small. A density difference can also produce cellular convection at an unstable interface during solidification.