cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low dielectric constant nanocomposite thin films based on silica nanoparticle and organic thermosets

Low dielectric constant (low-k) nanocomposite thin films have been prepared by spin coating and thermal cure of solution mixtures of one of two organic low-k thermoset prepolymers and a silica nanoparticle with an average diameter of about 8 nm. The electrical, the mechanical, and the thermomechanical properties of these low-k nanocomposite thin films have been characterized with 4-point probe electrical measurements, nanoindentation measurements with an atomic force microscope, and specular X-ray reflectivity. Addition of the silica nanoparticle to the low-k organic thermosets enhances both the modulus and the hardness and reduces the coefficient of thermal expansion of the resultant nanocomposite thin films. The enhancements in the modulus of the nanocomposite thin films are less than those predicted by the Halpin-Tsai equations, presumably due to the relatively poor interfacial adhesion and/or the aggregation of the hydrophilic silica nanoparticles in the hydrophobic organic thermoset matrices. The addition of the silica nanoparticle to the low-k organic thermoset matrices increases the relative dielectric constant of the resultant nanocomposite thin films. The relative dielectric constant of the nanocomposite thin films has been found to agree fairly well with an additive formula based on the Debye equation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 1482–1493, 2007
Synthesis and Crystal Structure Determination of Methyl 2-acetyl-5′-phenyl-2H-spiro[benzo[d]isothiazole-3,3′-pyrazole]-1,1-dioxide-2′(4′H)-carboxylate and Methyl 2-acetyl-5′-(2-thienyl)-2H-spiro[benzo[d]isothiazole-3,3′-pyrazole]-1,1-dioxide-2′(4′H)-carboxylate

Dilithiated C(α), N-carbomethoxyhydrazones were condensed with lithiated methyl 2-(aminosulfonyl)benzoate to afford intermediates that were isolated and not characterized but cyclized with acetic anhydride, which also resulted in N-acetylation. The X-ray crystal structure determinations of methyl 2-acetyl-5′-phenyl-2H-spiro[benzo[d]isothiazole-3,3′-pyrazole]-1,1-dioxide-2′(4′H)-carboxylate and methyl 2-acetyl-5′-(2-thienyl)-2H-spiro[benzo[d]isothiazole-3,3′-pyrazole]-1,1-dioxide-2′(4′H)-carboxylate products were a follow up for absorption spectra, and they confirmed their structures. Mechanistic intermediates to describe the reaction may include C-acylated intermediates that cyclize to spiro(N-benzoisothiazole dioxide-pyrazole) instead of N-carbomethoxypyrazole-ortho-benzenesulfonamides. Crystals of C19H17N3O5S 7 are monoclinic, P21/c, a = 11.899(2) A, b = 17.562(4) A, c = 9.484(2) A, β = 111.03(3)°, Z = 4, V = 1849.9(6) A3, R 1 = 0.0857 and wR 2 = 0.2216 for reflections with I > 2σ(I); crystals of C17H15N3O5S2 8 are orthorhombic, Pbca, a = 16.045(3) A, b = 10.746(2) A, c = 20.389(4) A, Z = 8, V = 3516(1) A3, R 1 = 0.0841 and wR 2 = 0.2179 for all reflections with I > 2σ(I). X-ray crystal analysis was important for determining the conformation of the structure of N-acetyl-N′-carbomethoxy-spiro(benzoisothiazole–pyrazole)dioxides prepared by the condensation and twofold cyclization of dilithiated C(α), N-carbomethoxyhydrazones and methyl 2-(aminosulfonyl)benzoate.
Multivariable Static Ankle Mechanical Impedance With Active Muscles

This paper reports quantification of multivariable static ankle mechanical impedance when muscles were active. Repetitive measurements using a highly backdrivable therapeutic robot combined with robust function approximation methods enabled reliable characterization of the nonlinear torque-angle relation at the ankle in two coupled degrees of freedom simultaneously, a combination of dorsiflexion-plantarflexion and inversion-eversion, and how it varied with muscle activation. Measurements on 10 young healthy seated subjects quantified the behavior of the human ankle when muscles were active at 10% of maximum voluntary contraction. Stiffness, a linear approximation to static ankle mechanical impedance, was estimated from the continuous vector field. As with previous measurements when muscles were maximally relaxed, we found that ankle stiffness was highly direction-dependent, being weakest in inversion/eversion. Predominantly activating a single muscle or co-contracting antagonistic muscles significantly increased ankle stiffness in all directions but it increased more in the sagittal plane than in the frontal plane, accentuating the relative weakness of the ankle in the inversion-eversion direction. Remarkably, the observed increase was not consistent with simple superposition of muscle-generated stiffness, which may be due to the contribution of unmonitored deep ankle muscles. Implications for the assessment of neuro-mechanical disorders are discussed.
Sensitization of stereotyped behavior to amphetamine is context and response dependent.

The present study was designed to determine whether the environmental context in which amphetamine is administered plays a role in the development of sensitization to the stereotyped behavioral effects of amphetamine in mice. In male CF-1 mice, the dose–response curve for stereotyped behavior elicited by amphetamine was shifted 1.9-fold to the left 48 h after pretreatment with 14 mg/kg amphetamine. Behavioral sensitization only developed in mice that were pretreated in the same or a similar environment as that of the test environment. In addition, when mice were placed in an environment that attenuated the acute expression of stereotyped behavior elicited by the pretreatment dose of amphetamine, sensitization never developed. A further experiment showed that 96% of the mice that expressed stereotypy after the ED50 pretreatment dose of 10 mg/kg amphetamine showed a stereotyped behavioral response to the lesser dose of 7 mg/kg 48 h later, indicating sensitization. In contrast, mice that did not express stereotypy after the ED50 dose of amphetamine failed to show a significant stereotyped behavioral response to amphetamine challenge compared to vehicle-pretreated controls. Therefore, the results indicate that preexposure to a single high dose of amphetamine produces context- and response-dependent sensitization to amphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior.
Rational Use of Benzodiazepines in the Elderly

In the 40 years since the introduction of benzodiazepines into clinical practice, considerable controversy has surrounded their use. While there is little evidence to suggest widespread abuse or long term use in most age groups, benzodiazepines continue to be widely prescribed to older adults in both community and long term care settings. Several studies have described an increased sensitivity to the clinical effects and toxicity of benzodiazepines in older adults. However, it is unclear whether these observations are attributable to age-related changes in benzodiazepine pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. Benzodiazepines are the safest and most effective agents available for the pharmacological management of symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. However, the acute administration of benzodiazepines is associated with impairments in cognition, memory, coordination and balance, and long term use, even at therapeutic dosages, has been associated with symptoms of withdrawal upon abrupt discontinuation. Therefore, it is essential that the practitioner develop a treatment plan when utilising these agents to treat older patients. This plan may also involved the implementation of psychotherapy or other nonpharmacological modalities in the management of anxiety or insomnia. Although we recommend initiating benzodiazepines using the lowest available dosage, older patients should be treated with enough drug to produce a therapeutic response. For most clinical situations of anxiety or insomnia, we recommend prescribing limited quantities (e.g. a 2-week supply with a return visit for re-evaluation of effectiveness and adverse effects) of a drug with a short elimination half-life. Persistent anxiety or insomnia in the elderly may require a medical and possibly psychiatric evaluation. If benzodiazepines are used continuously for 6 weeks or longer, we recommend a gradual taper over 2 to 12 weeks with frequent follow-up to evaluate for signs of withdrawal or the return of symptoms.
NEW ORES FOR OLD FURNACES: PELLETIZED IRON1

ABSTRACT During the last decade the world's iron ore map has been experiencing significant changes; the increasing importance of iron ore pellet production with its associated mining and processing activities exemplifies one of the most important of these changes. Increased demands of the steel industry for iron ore pellets have helped stimulate the development of large and expensive concentrating and pelletizing establishments. Capital requirements and the need for technical cooperation have tended to create a greater symbiotic relationship between the iron ore mining and steel producing industries; steel companies have become increasingly committed financially to pellet producing projects. Competition from pellets is placing a growing strain upon mining regions dependent on direct-shipping ores, especially those regions forced to use underground mining methods. Development of low-grade ores capable of beneficiation has helped in some mining regions to reverse a long-standing trend of decreasing employme...
A cinefluorographic analysis of the temporomandibular joint

A definitive basis for study and diagnosis of temporomandibular joint problems may be the condylar excursions or patterns of movement that are mostly a result of the soft tissue components of the joint. Indirect cinefluorography appears to offer a method for the analysis of these movements.
Preliminary report on the development and characterization of rabbit clitoral smooth muscle cell culture

Preliminary report on the development and characterization of rabbit clitoral smooth muscle cell culture
Radical Cation Transport and Reaction in Triplex DNA: Long-Range Guanine Damage

Radical cation injection, transport, and reaction in DNA structures containing a triplex region were examined. An anthraquinone-linked polypyrimidine oligonucleotide was designed to form a pyrimidine· purine × pyrimidine (Y·R×Y) triplex. Spectroscopic and DNase I footprinting experiments verified triplex formation and indicated intercalation of the anthraquinone group at the triplex−duplex junction. Irradiation of the triplex at 350 nm (only the anthraquinone absorbs) leads to reactions at remote locations in both the duplex and triplex regions. These reactions are revealed as strand breaks by subsequent treatment of the irradiated samples with piperidine. Radical cations injected at the triplex−duplex junction migrate into and through the triplex region. The effect of cytosine protonation on radical cation migration and reaction was examined. These observations support the charge transport mechanism in DNA that we recently identified as phonon-assisted polaron hopping.
Causal inferences involving transportation attitudes and behavior

Abstract Attitudes towards transportation modes have been hypothesized to be important determinants of travel behavior. In previous models which have incorporated attitudinal variables,it has been assumed that behavior is a response to attitudes. Competing assumptions are that attitudes are a response to behavior and that attitudes and behavior mutually interact. The purpose of this paper was to empirically compare the competing assumptions concerning the relationships between transportation attitudes and behavior. Data from a probability sample collected in 1973 in the Santa Monica-West Los Angeles, California, area were used. Using techniques appropriate for testing specific hypotheses of causal sequences, particularly, simultaneous equation methods, models incorporating the competing explanations of attitude-behavior interaction were developed.These models involved modal selection decisions. The results were not consistent with the hypothesis that transportation attitudes cause the behavioral response. This finding suggests that the relationships between transportation attitudes and behavior may be more complex than previously hypothesized.
Super-Gaussian laser beam shaping using deformable mirrors and intrinsic beam quality metrics

We present a beam shaping method using deformable mirrors without using a target beam shape. The key to the method is the use of an image-based metric on the quality of beam with respect to the desired attributes of the super-Gaussian output beam. This technique iteratively adjusts the deformable mirror shape to minimize the metric measured using a charge-coupled device camera. Since the algorithm does not use a target beam for the optimization, it produces the resulting super-Gaussian beam geometry consistent with the constraints imposed by the limited stroke and the finite number of actuators of the deformable mirror.
Isolation of hydrophilic organic acids from water using nonionic macroporous resins

Abstract A method has been developed for the isolation of hydrophilic organic acids from aquatic environments using Amberlite ∗ XAD-4 resin. The method uses a two column array of XAD-8 and XAD-4 resins in series. The hydrophobic organic acids, composed primarily of aquatic fulvic acid, are removed from the sample on XAD-8, followed by the isolation of the more hydrophilic organic acids on XAD-4. For samples from a number of diverse environments, more of the dissolved organic carbon was isolated on the XAD-8 resin (23–58%) than on the XAD-4 resin (7–25%). For these samples, the hydrophilic acids have lower carbon and hydrogen contents, higher oxygen and nitrogen contents, and are lower in molecular weight than the corresponding fulvic acids. 13C NMR analyses indicate that the hydrophilic acids have a lower concentration of aromatic carbon and greater heteroaliphatic, ketone and carboxyl content than the fulvic acid.
Influence of pH and Pectin Type on Properties and Stability of Sodium-Caseinate Stabilized Oil-in-Water Emulsions

Abstract The influence of pH and pectin type on the stability and properties of sodium caseinate stabilized oil-in-water emulsions was assessed by measuring ζ-potential, particle size, microstructure, apparent viscosity, and creaming stability. Emulsions containing droplets stabilized by sodium caseinate (CAS) were prepared by homogenizing 10 wt% corn oil with 90 wt% aqueous CAS solution (1.0 wt%, pH 7.0). High methoxyl pectin (59% DE) or low methoxyl pectin (32% DE) were then added to the emulsions and the final pH was adjusted (pH 3–7). In the absence of pectin, the CAS emulsions were unstable to droplet flocculation and coalescence over the range 3≤pH≤5 which was attributed to their relatively low droplet charge. ζ-potential measurements indicated that both types of pectin adsorbed to the droplet surfaces at pH 3–5, but not at pH 6 and 7, which was attributed to electrostatic attraction between anionic groups on the pectin and cationic groups on the CAS. Irreversible droplet aggregation was observed at pH 3 and 4 due to charge neutralization and bridging flocculation by the pectin molecules, whereas reversible droplet aggregation was observed at pH 6 and 7, which was attributed to depletion flocculation by non-adsorbed pectin. The stability of the CAS emulsions to droplet aggregation was improved by pectin at pH 5, which was attributed to multilayer formation. There was little influence of the degree of esterification (DE) of the pectin molecules on CAS emulsion stability at any pH.
Prevalence, number and morphological types of multinucleated histiocytic giant cells in equine inflammatory dermatoses: a retrospective light microscopic study of skin-biopsy specimens from 362 horses.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Multinucleated histiocytic giant cells (MHGC) are seen frequently in skin-biopsy specimens from horses with inflammatory dermatoses. However, the prevalence, number and morphological types of these cells have not been reported. Objective: To determine the prevalence, number and morphological types of MHGC in equine inflammatory dermatoses, and the association of these cells with specific conditions. Methods: Skin-biopsy specimens from 335 horses with inflammatory dermatoses and from 27 horses with normal skin were evaluated for the prevalence, number and morphological types of MHGC. Results: The prevalence and number of MHGC were greater in granulomatous dermatoses than in nongranulomatous dermatoses. Infectious and noninfectious dermatoses were not different in terms of prevalence or morphological types of MHGC. Foreign-body MHGC were the predominant type in almost all cases. MHGC were not seen in normal skin. Conclusions: MHGC are seen in a wide variety of equine inflammatory dermatoses, especially those that are granulomatous. Number and morphological types of MHGC are of no apparent diagnostic significance. Potential relevance: MHGC are frequently present in a wide variety of inflammatory dermatoses in the horse. Because the prevalence, number and morphological types of MHGC are of minimal diagnostic significance, special stains and tissue cultures are necessary to confirm specific diagnoses.
Staining and Mounting in Situ of Cell Monolayers Grown in Plastic Dishes

(1962). Staining and Mounting in Situ of Cell Monolayers Grown in Plastic Dishes. Stain Technology: Vol. 37, No. 2, pp. 129-131.
Systemizing and special interests: Characterizing the continuum from neurotypical to autism spectrum disorder

Abstract Special interests have been studied in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but not in adults. Using an online survey, it was found that individuals with ASD reported more intense interests in systemizable domains, relative to neurotypical adults. Self-reported systemizing preference was correlated with intensity of interest in systemizable domains both for those with ASD and for neurotypical young adults. Few gender differences were found in the neurotypical group in the expected categories of machines, technology and vehicles, where gender differences have been found in children. Gender differences in these categories did appear for the ASD group. We propose a strength-based model of special interests, with the hobbies of neurotypical forming a continuum with the special interests of ASD.
Mechanism of Aqueous Decomposition of Trichloroethylene Oxide

The aqueous decomposition of trichloroethylene (TCE) oxide is shown to involve both pH-independent and hydronium ion-dependent regions. C−C bond scission is a major reaction at all pH values. Disappearance of TCE oxide is the rate-determining step for the formation of CO under the conditions studied. The product distribution of CO and three carboxylic acids (HCO2H, Cl2CHCO2H, and glyoxylic acid) did not change considerably over the pH range of −1.5−14, in general, even though the hydrolysis mechanism changes from hydronium ion-dependent to pH-independent. Mechanisms for the hydronium ion-dependent and pH-independent hydrolysis of TCE oxide were elucidated on the basis of the results of H218O and H incorporation and identification of products of the reaction of TCE oxide with lysine in both H216O and H218O. In the pH-independent hydrolysis, a zwitterionic intermediate could be formed and undergo an intramolecular rearrangement (Cl- shift) to generate dichloroacetyl chloride, which would subsequently decomp...
A new site for the astrophysical gamma-process

The study suggests that the requisite thermodynamic conditions may occur when carbon-oxygen white dwarfs explode by deflagration or detonation. When these stars undergo such explosive disruption, there will be a region near the surface where the burning temperature lies in the 2.4-3.2 range. To examine this astrophysical site, calculations are performed for an s-process nucleosynthesis during helium shell flashes and the nuclear transmission taking place when such mass zones are heated by the deflagration or detonation wave, and the results are compared with the solar-system distribution of the p-isotopes. It is demonstrated that Type Ia supernovas provide a viable site for the gamma process, and that the same thermodynamic conditions would also exist in Type II-p powered supernovas, provided that they are powered by detonation.
Influence of silica content in sulfonated poly(arylene ether ether ketone ketone) (SPAEEKK) hybrid membranes on properties for fuel cell application

Abstract Sulfonated poly(arylene ether ether ketone ketone) (SPAEEKK) copolymer containing pendant sulfonic acid group (sulfonic acid content (SC) = 0.67) was synthesized from commercially available monomers such as sodium 6,7-dihydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonate (DHNS), 1,3-bis(4-fluorobenzoyl)-benzene (BFBB), and hexafluorobisphenol A (6F-BPA). SPAEEKK/silica hybrid membranes were prepared using the sol–gel process under acidic conditions. The SPAEEKK/silica hybrid membranes were fabricated with different silica contents and the membranes were modified to achieve improved proton conductivity incorporating P–OH groups (H3PO4 treatment). The silica particles within the membranes were used for the purpose of blocking excessive methanol cross-over and for forming a pathway for proton transport due to water absorption onto the hydrophilic SiOH surface. The proton conductivities of H3PO4-doped membranes were somewhat higher than the un-doped (H3PO4-free) membranes due to increasing hydrophilicity of the membranes. The presence of silica particles within the organic polymer matrix, which decreases the ratio of free water to bound water due to the SiOH on the surface of silica derived from sol–gel reaction, results in hybrid membranes with reduced methanol permeability and improved proton conductivity.
Limit on the production cross section for massive leptons

We have searched for heavy penetrating particles produced in nucleon-nucleon interactions with incident energies between 30 and 300 GeV. From a study of the transverse-momentum range between 1.0 and 2.25 GeV/c at a laboratory angle of 91 mrad, we conclude that the Lorentz-invariant production cross section is less than 6.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}35}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ GeV/${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{3}$ for stable particles in the mass range 1 to 5 GeV/${\mathit{c}}^{2}$. For unstable particles this limit must be reduced, but because of the compact detector significant limits can still be achieved for lifetimes in the nanosecond region.
The sociology of enterprise, accounting and budget rules: Implications for organizational theory

Abstract The sociology of organizations has ignored the evolution of and variation in enterprise rules, budget systems and accounting rules. This paper takes a broad approach to accounting rules, arguing that they are related to large variations in enterprise forms and in industry problems. The rule making and enforcement apparatus of modern society is described. Both external and internal aspects of accounting rules and budget systems are explored.
Glass formability of W-based alloys through thermodynamic modeling: W–Fe–Hf–Pd–Ta and W–Fe–Si–C

Abstract Computational thermodynamics, based on the CALculation of PHAse Diagram (CALPHAD) method, can be an efficient way to predict phase stabilities in multi-component engineering materials. By calculating the stability of the liquid phase at low temperatures, this method could be a useful and cost-effective tool for the design of bulk metallic glasses. Based on the thermodynamic modeling of the constituent binary and ternary systems of W with Fe, Hf, Pd, Ta, Si, or C, thermodynamic databases are built to search for W-based metallic glasses in these alloying systems. Modeling of intermetallic phases combines input from first-principles total energy calculations and predictions of finite temperature properties from the Debye–Gruneisen model. Several plausible W-rich glass-forming alloys are identified in the W–Fe–Si–C quaternary system.
A case of literal alexia: evidence for a disconnection syndrome.

Abstract We describe a patient with literal alexia, agraphia, and only minimal aphasia, resulting from a left occipito-parietal ischemic infarction. Neither impaired visual processing nor impaired oral output could explain the patient's letter reading deficit, since he retained the ability to match letters of mixed case, and remained able to spell aloud and to pronounce and comprehend orally spelled words. His residual word reading was characterized by better performance for nouns and highly imageable words than for functors, poorly imageable words, and nonwords. We propose that this patient's letter reading deficit was due to a partial disconnection of his visual from his linguistic systems, with residual word reading accomplished by a semantically mediated compensatory mechanism. We suggest, further, that the dissociations between word and letter reading observed in some alexic individuals may be attributed, in part, to a difference in the relative contributions of dorsal and ventral occipital structures to the reading process.
Exploring Gender-Based Disparities in Legal Protection, Education, Health, Political Empowerment, and Employment in Failing and Fragile States

Gender inequalities in legal protection, education, health, employment, and political empowerment have been of special interest to researchers for many years. Hausmann, Tyson, and Zahidi (2010, p. 3) noted, “Although gender-based inequalities exist in the majority of the world's cultures, religions, nations, and income groups, there are differences in the way these disparities manifest themselves and how they evolve over time.” The degree of governmental stability is a salient aspect of the process through which gender-based disparities manifest. Although all citizens are doubtlessly affected when states fail, women are especially marginalized and experience governmental failure in a fundamentally different way compared to their male counterparts. Thus, the goal of the current study is to analyze the relationship between state failure and gender-based disparities. Findings reveal significant relationships between gender disparities in most areas, however the relationship between legal protections and stat...
Raman and luminescence studies of alkali borate tungstate glasses

Abstract Raman and luminescence spectroscopy were used to determine the structure of alkali borate tungstate glasses: M2O(B2O3)2·xWO3, M = Li or Na (0
Transient Coupled Thermoelastic Boundary Value Problems in the Half-Space

Abstract : The propagation of mechanical and thermal disturbances in a half-space is studied by means of the solution of some transient boundary-value problems according to the coupled thermoelastic theory. The problems considered are those of a half-space under step time-variations of strain, temperature or stress uniformly distributed over the free surface. The coupled solution of Danilovskaya's problem is thus included. The solution is obtained by the use of Fourier sine transforms, and the behaviors at short and long times, as well as the propagation of discontinuities, are studied. The principal differences between the present results and analogous ones derived by neglecting thermoelastic coupling are found to be: (1) mechanical discontinuities are not propagated unchanged in magnitude, but decrease exponentially with time because of the effect of thermoelastic damping (though the speed of their propagation is unaltered), (2) mechanical responses occur instantaneously at all points of the body (but are very small at large distances from the free surface), and (3) the temperature distribution is still continuous but exhibits jumps either in its first or second derivative. (Author)
Depth perception in stereoscopic displays

— Across two experiments, six factors that could affect depth perception in stereoscopic displays were investigated. In both experiments, the perceived depth of a square-shaped target was measured and compared to predictions derived from geometry. In Experiment 1, the effects of half-image separation magnitude, separation direction (crossed vs. uncrossed), viewing distance, stimulus size, and exposure duration were examined. Increases in separation and distance produced increases in depth consistent with predictions. There was a tendency for crossed depth to be slightly less, and uncrossed depth to be greater, than predictions. In Experiment 2, the effect of half-image onset asynchrony (delaying onset of one eye's image relative to onset of partner eye's image) was investigated. Perceived depth was consistent with predictions under asynchrony conditions, except for very brief exposures of uncrossed depth where reliability of depth perception was degraded. Implications of these results for the design of stereoscopic displays are discussed.
TOWARD A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF EGOCENTRIC FAIRNESS JUDGMENTS IN NEGOTIATION

In previous experiments where negotiators' fairness judgments have been found to be egocentrically biased, it is possible that the observed bias was caused largely by selective encoding of the background information given to negotiators. The extent to which egocentric fairness judgments were caused by selective encoding, however, cannot be determined from those experiments. In the present study, we tested for the effects of selective encoding by varying the point in time that negotiators learned their role in a simulated wage dispute. Results indicated that, while judgments of a fair settlement point were the most egocentric under conditions that allowed for selective encoding, these conditions were not necessary for the bias to occur; there was a significant degree of egocentric bias even when there was no possibility of selective encoding. Implications of these results for both research and practice are discussed.
A pilot study to examine the relationships of dyspnoea, physical activity and fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

• A descriptive-correlational design was used to examine the relationships between dyspnoea, physical activity, and fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lazarus and Folkman’s theory of stress, appraisal, and coping provided a framework to guide the study. • Dyspnoea was measured by a vertical visual analogue scale, fatigue by the Fatigue subscale of the Profile of Mood States, and physical activity by the six-minute walk (6MW) test and an open-ended question. • A convenience sample of seven male and 15 female patients with COPD provided data for analysis. • The sample was characterized by relatively high forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) indicating mild lung impairment and high mean levels of fatigue and dyspnoea. • No significant gender difference was found in the ratings of dyspnoea and fatigue and the 6MW distance. • Dyspnoea, physical activities, and fatigue were all significantly inter-related (P < 0.001). • Results indicated that the higher the dyspnoea scores, the shorter the 6MW distance walked, and the higher the fatigue scores. • Limitations and suggestions for nursing practice and future research are presented.
Preparation and Properties of (C4H9NH3)2EuI4: A Luminescent Organic−Inorganic Perovskite with a Divalent Rare-Earth Metal Halide Framework

(C4H9NH3)2EuI4 has been prepared through the low-temperature solid-state reaction between C4H9NH2·HI and EuI2, providing the first example of a layered organic−inorganic perovskite with a divalent rare-earth metal in the perovskite sheets. The orthorhombic lattice parameters for the new compound, a = 8.913(3) A, b = 8.759(3) A, and c = 27.793(6) A, refined from powder X-ray diffraction data, are similar to those previously observed for the family (C4H9NH3)2MI4 (M = Ge, Sn, Pb). The measured europium paramagnetic moment, 7.8(1) μb, is consistent with the expected 8S7/2 ground state for nominally isolated divalent europium ions. There is no evidence for magnetic ordering of these ions over the temperature range 1.8−300 K. Strong blue photoluminescence is observed at 460(1) nm, a wavelength that is red-shifted approximately 10 nm relative to that for the more three-dimensional perovskite structures CsEuI3 and CH3NH3EuI3. Thermal analysis indicates that, in an inert atmosphere, (C4H9NH3)2EuI4 undergoes bulk d...
Effect of Race on the Risk of Out-of-Home Placement Among Children with Caregivers Who Reported Domestic Violence

Increased attention has been given to domestic violence as a risk factor for out-of-home placement; however, few previous studies have examined the influence of race/ethnicity. This analysis used data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being to longitudinally compare time to out-of-home placement among a sample of 630 children with African American (n = 162), Hispanic (n = 95), and White (n = 373) female caregivers who reported domestic violence. Propensity score analysis was used to balance the group of caregivers based on observed characteristics. Findings indicated race was not a determinant factor of out-of-home placement; rather, other characteristics may better predict out-of-home placement among families affected by domestic violence. Recommendations for future research and practice are provided.
X-ray diffraction analyses of aged U–Nb alloys

Abstract An aging study of compositionally homogeneous U–5.6Nb and U–7.7Nb (wt.%) was undertaken to improve the understanding of the decomposition of metastable martensitic phases in the U–Nb system. Artificially aging these depleted (238U) uranium alloys at 373, 473, 523 and 573 K for times up to 70 days resulted in significant age hardening. However, the microstructural changes giving rise to this hardening are subtle and elude standard light optical and electron microscopy techniques; this subtlety motivated the present study of aging-related changes by X-ray diffraction. A sealed tube X-ray diffractometer was used to record powder diffraction patterns from these aged polycrystalline U–Nb samples along with a CeO2 standard. Data were analyzed using GSAS for full-pattern Rietveld refinements. Planar defects as well as strain broadening appear to have caused unusual peak profiles, which makes data interpretation challenging. Lattice parameter and unit cell volume trends are presented. U–5.6Nb experienced a reversal in the b lattice parameter and unit cell volume during aging, which has both similarities and differences to aging in dilute U–Ti and U–Mo alloys. The longest-time aging unit cell volume trends of U–5.6Nb indicate Nb depletion of the matrix phase, while the corresponding behavior at all aging times in U–7.7Nb is indicative of Nb enrichment in its matrix phase.
Identifying the Characteristics of Chronic Drunk Drivers Using a Criminological Lens

The supervision of driving while intoxicated/impaired (DWI) offenders composes a large share of probation officer’s caseloads. Crime and justice researchers have made tremendous advances in the ability to classify offenders according to general recidivism, with the Level of Service Inventory–Revised (LSI-R) being one of the most tested instruments used by community corrections officers. There has yet to emerge a risk assessment tool designed to classify DWI offenders according to their likelihood to be arrested for multiple DWIs. This article estimates a series of multinomial logistic regression models to identify differences between one-time DWI offenders and chronic DWI offenders. The central independent variables are the items on the LSI-R and a popular alcohol and substance abuse screener (Adult Substance Use Survey [ASUS]), while controlling for age, race, gender, and marital status. These instruments are important tools to classify DWI offenders, and the results suggest that the community correction...
Epicatechin protects hemorrhagic brain via synergistic Nrf2 pathways.

Objective In the wake of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a devastating stroke with no effective treatment, hemoglobin/iron-induced oxidative injury leads to neuronal loss and poor neurologic outcomes. (-)-Epicatechin (EC), a brain-permeable flavanol that modulates redox/oxidative stress via the NF-E2–related factor (Nrf) 2 pathway, has been shown to be beneficial for vascular and cognitive function in humans. Here, we examined whether EC can reduce early brain injury in ICH mouse models and investigated the underlying mechanisms. Methods ICH was induced by injecting collagenase, autologous blood, or thrombin into mouse striatum. EC was administered orally at 3 h after ICH and then every 24 h. Lesion volume, neurologic deficits, brain edema, reactive oxygen species, and protein expression and activity were evaluated. Results EC significantly reduced lesion volume and ameliorated neurologic deficits in both male and female ICH mice. Cell death and neuronal degeneration were decreased in the perihematomal area and were associated with reductions in caspase-3 activity and high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB-1) level. These changes were accompanied by attenuation of oxidative insults, increased phase II enzyme expression, and increased Nrf2 nuclear accumulation. Interestingly, in addition to providing neuroprotection via Nrf2 signaling, EC diminished heme oxygenase-1 induction and brain iron deposition via an Nrf2-independent pathway that downregulated ICH-induced activating protein-1 activation and decreased matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity, lipocalin-2 levels, iron-dependent cell death, and ferroptosis-related gene expression. Interpretation Collectively, our data show that EC protects against ICH by activation of Nrf2-dependent and -independent pathways and may serve as a potential intervention for patients with ICH.
Optic Nerve Tumor in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex is not Responsive to Sirolimus

A 12-year-old girl with clinically established tuberous sclerosis complex, and without signs of neurofibromatosis type 1, developed a right retro-ocular optic nerve tumor. After rapid growth for 1 year after its discovery, the optic nerve tumor demonstrated modest progression. The patient received the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, sirolimus, for recurrent subependymal giant cell brain tumors. Although her left ventricular subependymal giant cell tumor demonstrated a 49% reduction in volume, the optic nerve tumor did not respond, and even underwent slight (6%) growth during the 16-month treatment. The quality of this child's vision has remained normal in both eyes, and she is otherwise asymptomatic with regard to the optic nerve tumor.
Use of convex hulls for plant template approximation in QFT design

A method is presented for the rapid approximation of plant templates for the Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) control design methodology. The approach is based on the convex hull of the template, and works for a wide variety of system uncertainty. The method presented will work for systems in which the model is not affine in the uncertain parameters. It represents an algorithmic implementation of a critical step in the QFT design methodology.
Stream parameter estimation employing distributed multiple measurements techniques

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations are two of the most vital state variables which determine the quality of a polluted stream. The dynamics of these variables are governed by rate coefficients due to BOD removal (Kr), deoxygenation (Kd), reaeration (Ka), photosynthesis (P), respiration (R) and benthal deposits demand (B). In general, these parameters are distributed temporally and spatially and are sensitive to environmental conditions, such as temperature.
Central Corneal Thickness: Congenital Cataracts and Aphakia

Purpose To evaluate central corneal thickness (CCT) in normal children (controls) and in those with cataracts, pseudophakia, and aphakia. Design Prospective, observational case series. Methods CCT was measured in 369 eyes of 223 children. Subjects with glaucoma, anterior segment abnormalities, or intraocular pressure of more than 30 mm Hg were excluded. Group means were compared for controls and for eyes with pediatric cataracts, pseudophakia, and aphakia. Results The mean CCT of eyes with cataracts was more than that of controls (574 ± 54 μm [n = 46] and 552 ± 38 μm [n = 230], respectively; P = .001). After excluding from the cataract group those eyes with aniridia, Down syndrome, Marfan syndrome, or glaucoma surgery, the mean CCT (564 ± 34 μm [n = 36]) was no longer greater than that of controls ( P = .07). The mean CCT of pseudophakic eyes (598 ± 56 μm [n = 29]) was greater than the mean CCT of controls ( P P = .06). The mean CCT of aphakic eyes (642 ± 88 μm [n = 64]) was greater than the mean CCT of controls ( P P P = .003). Conclusions In the absence of factors known to affect CCT (Down syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and aniridia), CCT is similar in eyes with pediatric cataracts and normal controls and increases after cataract surgery.
Psychopathic personality traits and cognitive dissonance: Individual differences in attitude change

Abstract In a study using a classic cognitive dissonance paradigm, 164 undergraduate participants were induced to deceive a fellow student; half were directly instructed to lie whereas the other half were politely requested but not instructed to lie. Participants were assessed for psychopathic traits using the Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised: Short Form and the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, and for Machiavellianism using the MACH-IV. As predicted, participants low in psychopathic traits exhibited classic cognitive dissonance effects following their lie whereas participants high in psychopathic traits did not. Results for Machiavellianism were nonsignificant. These results indicate that cognitive dissonance effects in an induced compliance paradigm are reduced or eliminated among individuals with high levels of psychopathic traits.
Quaternary II–VI alloys for blue and green light emitting diode applications

Abstract Blue and green light emitting diodes (LEDs) based on ZnSSe double-heterostructures were grown on (100) GaAs substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. The quaternary alloys ZnCdSSe and ZnSSeTe were used as active layer regions in the blue light emitting and green light emitting structures, respectively. The green LEDs produce 238 μW of light at room temperature when operating at 10 mA (3.8 V) and exhibit an external efficiency of 0.62%. At 20 mA, the devices produce 428 μW of green light. The blue LEDs produce 213 μW of light when operating at 10 mA and exhibit an external efficiency of 0.57% at room temperature. At 20 mA, the devices produce 370 μW of blue light.
Effects of ultrafiltration membrane concentration and drying temperature on nutritional value of biosolids from a milk processing plant

Abstract Biosolids (sludge) from food processing plants traditionally are put into landfills or applied to land. They could be reused as animal food but have to be dewatered. Conventional dewatering methods are expensive and inefficient. Recent advancements in membrane technology could make ultrafiltration membranes a practical biosolids dewatering method used prior to conventional drying. Ultrafiltration could alter the nutritional profile of biosolids, and the temperature at which biosolids are dried can affect nutritional quality. The objective was to determine the nutritional quality of membrane concentrated biosolids dried at increasing temperatures. Biosolids samples were obtained from a milk processing plant. Part of each sample was concentrated using an ultrafiltration membrane separation system, and the remainder was unconcentrated (used as is); both samples were dried at increasing temperatures. Effects of concentration and temperature on total N, soluble N, insoluble N, organic matter, ash and available N were determined. Concentrated biosolids had higher total N (protein) and organic matter (energy) than unconcentrated. Increasing the temperature at which biosolids (both concentrated and unconcentrated) were dried increased the soluble N (protein) and available N fractions. UF membrane concentration of BS followed by conventional drying at 150–200°C resulted in BS with the highest nutritional value (highest total N, soluble N, available N and organic matter). UF membrane concentration increased the nutritional value of BS and eliminated the need for chemical coagulants and flocculents.
Charge Distributions for the Normal Atoms from Boron to Neon

Hartree functions have been obtained for normal boron. The energy parameters of the $1s$, $2s$, and $2p$ electrons are found to be 15.50, 0.910, and 0.446 respectively. By use of the function for the normal electron configurations of B, O, F, and Ne, and an interpolation process, single-electron wave functions for normal carbon and nitrogen have been found. Values of the radial functions of the $1s$ and $2s$ electrons at $r=0$ for the atoms B, F and Ne have also been tabulated.
Binding of C3b proceeds by a transesterification reaction at the thiolester site.

The binding of C3b, the opsonic fragment of the third component of complement (C3), to bacterial surface structures mediates two events important in host defence: assembly of the C5b-C9 lytic complex and opsonic recognition by phagocytic cells (for reviews see refs 1, 2). These interactions proceed through a labile binding site3 located on the α′ chain of the C3b molecule, with the resultant formation of a covalent oxy-ester bond4,5 in which the acyl group is contributed by the protein. By exposure of a titratable sulphydryl group6,7 an internal thiolester of native C3 has also been localized to the α′ chain. Studies with 14C-methylamine, a nucleophile which is inherently reactive with a thiolester, have further indicated a stoichiometric (1:1) and covalent interaction, again within the α′ chain8–10. After reaction of the native protein with 14C-methylamine and radioalkylation of the exposed sulphydryl with 3H-iodoacetic acid, a 35-residue tryptic peptide has been isolated that yields the sequence -Cys9-Gly-Glu-Glu12- on Edman degradation; tritium counts are released at step 9 (S[3H]-(carboxymethyl)cysteine) and 14C counts at step 12 (γ-glutamyl[14C]methylamide)8. We now present data which directly demonstrate that the second glutamyl residue of the reactive thiolester can, on proteolytic cleavage of the protein, donate its carbonyl group in a transesterification reaction with appropriate acceptor molecules. These results provide a model for analysis of the interactions at the molecular level between surface constituents of microorganisms and C3b.
Effect of age on atrioventricular conduction in patients with chronic bifascicular block

Abstract Five hundred thirty-one patients with chronic bifascicular block and intact atrioventricular (A-V) conduction were studied and prospectively followed up to ascertain the effect of age on both severity of conduction defect and life history. The patients were subdivided into a younger group, aged 18 to 59 years, and an older group, aged 60 and above. They were further separated into those with primary conduction disease (118 patients) and those with organic heart disease (413 patients). In the patients with primary conduction disease, the findings were as follows (younger group, 60 patients, versus older group, 58 patients) (mean ± standard error of the mean): age 43 ± 1.4 versus 73 ± 1.1 (p In patients with organic heart disease, the findings were as follows (younger group, 170 patients, versus older group, 243 patients): age 48 ± 0.9 versus 71 ± 0.5 (p
Some useful upper bounds for the selection of optimal profiles

Abstract In enhanced oil recovery by chemical flooding within tertiary oil recovery, it is often necessary to choose optimal viscous profiles of the injected displacing fluids that reduce growth rates of hydrodynamic instabilities the most thereby substantially reducing the well-known fingering problem and improving oil recovery. Within the three-layer Hele–Shaw model, we show in this paper that selection of the optimal monotonic viscous profile of the middle-layer fluid based on well known theoretical upper bound formula [P. Daripa, G. Pasa, A simple derivation of an upper bound in the presence of a viscosity gradient in three-layer Hele–Shaw flows, Journal of Statistical Mechanics (2006) 11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-5468/2006/01/P01014 ] agrees very well with that based on the computation of maximum growth rate of instabilities from solving the linearized stability problem. Thus, this paper proposes a very simple, fast method for selection of the optimal monotonic viscous profiles of the displacing fluids in multi-layer flows.