cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breeding for hard red winter wheat cultivars adapted to conventional-till and no-till systems in northern latitudes

Conservation tillage in the Great Plains of North America has increased in recent years, in part, to control soil erosion, increase soil water storage and reduce production costs. No-till production is recommended for winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in northern latitudes for the purpose of trapping snow and protecting the crop from freezing temperatures. A 5 year field study was conducted at four North Dakota locations from 1984–85 through 1988–89 to determine if significant cultivar x tillage interactions existed for grain yield of winter wheat. Fourteen hard red winter wheat cultivars were planted in both conventional-till and no-till systems. Significant cultivar x tillage interactions were obtained for grain yield from both a weighted analysis across all environments and from individual analyses of 12 of the 16 environments in which wheat survived under both tillage systems (P 1.0. Although the cultivar x tillage interaction may be a result of differential winter survival rather than tillage per se, this study suggests that selection for winter wheats with superior yield performance can be conducted under either no-till or conventional-till systems.
Synthesis and some reactions of hexahydro‐1,2,4‐triazine‐3,6‐dione

The synthesis of hexahydro-1,2,4-triazine-3,6-dione by hydrogenolysis of 1,2-dibenzylhexahydro-1,2,4-triazine-3,6-dione is reported. Ring contraction of the former dione to 3-amino-2,4-imidazolidinedione is discussed. The preparation of the 1- and 2-benzyl derivatives of hexahydro-1,2,4-triazine-3,6-dione and their conversion to the unsubstituted product are also described.
A mechanistic study of pyrrole formation in the HBF4-catalyzed thermolysis of cyclopropyl ketimines.

Abstract A study of the HBF 4 -catalyzed rearrangement of 1-(1-piperidino)cyclopropyl ketimines to 2-substituted pyrroles has been conducted using carbon-13 labeled starting material. The results support the formation of a bicyclic aziridine-containing intermediate.
Do Residential Customers Respond to Hourly Prices? Evidence from a Dynamic Pricing Experiment

This paper uses the results of a dynamic pricing experiment for households in the District of Columbia to determine whether the reduction in demand associated with an hourly price signal is economically different from the demand reduction associated with an equivalent price signal that is four times longer in duration. For both regular and all-electric customers, the percentage demand reduction associated with a given percentage increase in the hourly price is approximately equal to the percentage demand reduction associated with the same percentage price increase of a much longer duration.
A Highly Efficient Neutron Veto for Dark Matter Experiments

Abstract We present a conceptual design for an active neutron veto, based on boron-loaded liquid scintillator, for use in direct-detection dark matter experiments. The simulated efficiency of a 1 m thick veto is greater than 99.5% for background events produced by radiogenic neutrons, while the background due to externally produced cosmogenic neutrons is reduced by more than 95%. The ability of the veto to both significantly suppress, and provide in situ measurements of, these two dominant sources of background would make the next generation of dark matter experiments much more robust, and dramatically improve the credibility of a dark matter detection claim based on the observation of a few recoil events. The veto would also allow direct extrapolation between the background-free operation of a small detector and the physics reach of a larger detector of similar construction.
Membranous Glomerulonephritis Associated With Inflammatory Demyelinating Peripheral Neuropathies

A 55-year-old man with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy developed the nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy showed stage I membranous glomerulonephritis. Review of the literature revealed the association of these two rare syndromes, considered to be due to immunologic dysfunction, in two other cases, as well as several cases of the acute form of demyelinating peripheral polyradiculoneuropathy. The nephrotic syndrome appears to be persistent in the chronic form of the peripheral neuropathy but reversible in its acute form following immunosuppressive therapy. The possibility of a common immunopathogenesis in the association of membranous glomerulonephritis and inflammatory demyelinating peripheral neuropathies deserves further scrutiny.
Anesthetic management of children with neuroblastoma.

Abstract Study Objective: To review the 11-year anesthetic experience with neuroblastoma at Children's Hospital Medical Center, Boston, MA. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Children's Hospital, Boston, MA. Patients: 59 consecutive children with neuroblastomas who underwent surgical procedures between 1977 and 1989. Interventions: Symptoms, physical findings, laboratory data, and results of echocardiographic examination were recorded. Type of chemotherapy and urine catecholamine levels were noted. Intraoperative information was extracted about the surgical procedure, anesthetic technique, blood loss, and intraoperative vital sign changes. Postoperative data were reviewed for complications. Measurements and Main Results: 18 patients presented with a posterior mediastinal tumor. Five children presented with stridor, wheezing, pneumonia, and pleural effusion. Two children presented with hypertension. Left ventricular ejection fraction was within normal limits preoperatively in all patients evaluated by echocardiography. intraoperative hypertension and tachycardia occurred in 3.5% of the children during tumor manipulation. No hypotension was noted following tumor removal. Of the 18 patients presenting with a posterior mediastinal mass, 3 had tracheal deviation caused by the tumor. The intraoperative course and extubation were uneventful in 2 of the patients, and the other patient remained intubated postoperatively. No adverse effect was identified for any particular anesthetic drug or technique used. Conclusions: Although neuroblastomas may be associated with hypertension upon presentation, intraoperative hypertension is rare. Tracheal compression and deviation were noted in 5.2% of patients with posterior mediastinal masses; however, airway complications did not occur. No specific optimal anesthetic regimen can be recommended.
Final-state correlation effects in Auger line shapes: Application to Si O 2

Final-state correlation effects in Auger line shapes are considered within the cluster linear combination of atomic orbitals-molecular orbitals-configuration interaction theory with a parametrized Hamiltonian. A model problem is solved analytically to elucidate the role of final-state hole-hole correlation and to understand the localization of the holes on rather small subclusters of the system. The relationship of the correlation effects to the relative magnitudes of the one-center hole-hole repulsion $u$ and the bandwidth $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ has been previously reported; however, this previous work has been limited to metallic single element conductors. This work extends the theory to covalently bonded insulators (and possibly semiconductors) consisting of more than one element. Application of the theory is made to the O $\mathrm{KVV}$ and Si ${L}_{23}\mathrm{VV}$ Auger line shapes from Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$. A high-energy shoulder at 511 eV in the O $\mathrm{KVV}$ line shape is interpreted as arising directly from correlation effects. A peak at 50 eV in the Si ${L}_{23}\mathrm{VV}$ line shape, its intensity significantly underestimated by the previous theory, is now accounted for; a peak at 70 eV previously suggested to be a shake satellite is now indicated also to arise from correlation effects. Both line shapes reveal a density of states primarily localized on an ${\mathrm{Si}}_{2}$O subcluster. The magnitude of the hole-hole repulsion on the subcluster and between neighboring ${\mathrm{Si}}_{2}$O subclusters is empirically determined from the Auger line shapes to be \ensuremath{\sim} 11 and 4 eV, respectively. The oxygen $2p$ nonbonding bandwidth is estimated to be \ensuremath{\sim} 6 eV, but in light of other theoretical and experimental results, our result is believed to be 1-2 eV too large. Reasons for our overestimate are discussed.
A linear program to detect extrapolation in predicting new responses of a multiple linear regression model

A region of interpolation is defined as the smallest convex set containing all original n data points used to build a regression model. In this paper, we present a linear program with n variables and (k + 1) constraints whose feasibility exactly determines whether or not a given new point, at which a response is predicted, is an extrapolation. Here k is the number of regressor variables used to build the regression model. This method has an advantage over the other methods used in the literature for the determination of extrapolation, in that, whenever a new point is indeed an extrapolation point, the developed method identifies it as an extrapolation, while the other methods may fail to identify it as an extrapolation point.
Activity of Crude Extracts of Rat Hypothalamus in Hypophysectomized Assay Rats

Acid extracts of rat stalk median eminence (SME) evoked equivalent depletions of ovarian ascorbic acid (OAA) in intact and hypophysectomized assay rats. Although boiling the extract for 10 min significantly lowered its activity, the remaining activity elicited a highly significant depletion in both types of assay animal. Similarly, boiling greatly reduced, but did not destroy, the LH activity in acid extracts of rat anterior pituitary. These data suggest that the depletions evoked in intact assay rats by injection of crude extracts of SME may be due largely to nonspecific factors rather than to LH-RF. Thus, the validity of measurement of LH-RF activity in crude extracts of rat SME by the direct OAAD assay cannot be accepted unless the residual activity is first eliminated or simultaneous determinations are made -with hypophysectomized assay rats. (Endocrinology 83: 234, 1968)
Indirect detection method for flow systems based on perturbation of oxyen reduction at gold and gold chloride electrodes.

Abstract A simple scheme for potential indirect electrochemical detection in flow analyses (liquid chromatography and ion chromatography) with experimental examples is presented. The proposed scheme exploits the influence of the analyte on the reduction current of an intrinsic mobile phase additive—oxygen—at the detector electrode, and utilizes the resulting changes in background current as an analytical signal. Several analytes: chloropromazine, ascorbic acid, nitrate and sulfate, cause a shift in the oxygen reduction peak, particularly at the AuCl electrode, that results in a cathodic or anodic shift in the current at a fixed potential.
Control of the Yellowjacket, Vespula pennsylvanica, in Public Parks

Vespine wasps and honey bees are a severe nuisance in many camp and picnic grounds over most of the world. Experiments on the control of the yellowjacket, Vespula pennsylvanica (Sauss.), and the honey bee, Apis mellifera L., were made during 1960 in Griffith Park at Los Angeles, California. The treatment of trash containers in picnic areas with an aqueous spray containing 0.75% DDVP once a week reduced populations to about 1.0% of that found in untreated plots during the summer of 1960. Dibrom® (1,2-dibromo-2,2-dichloroethyl dimethyl phosphate) was also tested but yielded less satisfactory results. A high degree of fly control was also obtained. Details of a successful spray and sanitation program are given.
Hypnotic treatment of trichotillomania: two cases.

Abstract 2 case histories of trichotillomania are presented, and the use of hypnotic techniques in the management of this problem is discussed. The authors report positive results from the use of hypnotic techniques and discuss some of the possible theoretical explanations for their success.
Circadian Rhythms of Blood Minerals during Adolescence

Summary: Sequential blood sampling every 30 min was performed in six adolescent males. Samples were analyzed for serum phosphate ((Pi), total calcium (CaT), and blood ionized calcium (Ca++) concentrations. A circadian (24-h) pattern was observed for each mineral: 1) Ca++ concentrations followed a U-shaped curve with a peak at 11 AM and a trough at 3:30 PM; 2) CaT concentrations followed a W-shaped curve with maxima at 11 and 1 AM and troughs at 5 AM and 6 PM; and 3) Pi concentrations followed an M-shaped curve with peaks at 4 PM and 3:30 AM. The overall mineral patterns were similar in shape to those previously decribed in adult males. In contrast, however, the amplitude of the Pi fluctuations were considerably greater in the adolescents compared with that in adults (3.0 mg/dl versus 1.2 mg/dl). The Ca++ pattern diverged from the CaT pattern during the nocturnal phase to an extent that neither pattern could be predicted from the other. Ultradian rhythms were found in some of the time series mineral data sets; however, no single frequency encompassed all subjects for each circulating mineral.
EUS-assisted, fluoroscopically guided gastrostomy tube placement in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a novel technique for access to the gastric remnant.

Background Access to the excluded gastric remnant in patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for gastrostomy tube placement or therapeutic endoscopy is a technical challenge. Available techniques include interventional radiology–placed gastrostomy, deep enteroscopy, and surgical gastrostomy; however, these techniques are hampered by complications, technical complexity, or invasiveness. Objective To describe a novel technique that uses EUS to insufflate the excluded gastric remnant for fluoroscopically guided percutaneous gastrostomy placement. Design Retrospective study. Setting University hospital. Patients Ten patients who required gastrostomy placement after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Interventions EUS was used to puncture the excluded stomach through the gastric pouch or jejunum. The stomach was insufflated, and a direct percutaneous gastrostomy placed under fluoroscopic guidance in the distended stomach. Main Outcome Measurements Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of EUS-assisted, fluoroscopically guided gastrostomy tube placement. Results Technical success of EUS-assisted gastrostomy was achieved in 9 of 10 patients(90%). There were no complications. Limitations Single-institution study, small sample size. Conclusions EUS-assisted, fluoroscopically guided gastrostomy tube placement may be a safe and feasible technique to obtain enteral access to the excluded gastric remnant in patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at specialized centers.
Benzodiazepines and catatonia: an overview.

Catatonia is a clinical syndrome characterized by a cluster of psychomotor abnormalities, mutism, withdrawal or excitement, and bizarre behavior that has been associated with a number of underlying illnesses including psychiatric, medical, neurological and toxic disorders. Recently, there have been a number of case reports detailing the rapid and dramatic response to benzodiazepines of some patients with both psychogenic and neuroleptic-induced catatonia as well as neuroleptic malignant syndrome. In this article we will briefly review these case reports as well as discuss possible mechanisms of action
Do Emergency Medicine Residents Receive Appropriate Video Laryngoscopy Training? A Survey to Compare the Utilization of Video Laryngoscopy Devices in Emergency Medicine Residency Programs and Community Emergency Departments

Abstract Background Video laryngoscopy (VL) has emerged as a critical tool in the “difficult airway” armamentarium of emergency physicians. The resultant increase in the types of available VL devices has made Emergency Medicine Residency (EMR) training in VL increasingly challenging. Additionally, the prevalence of VL devices in the community is unknown. Because Emergency Medicine (EM) residents go on to work in diverse settings, many in non-EMR emergency departments (EDs), it is preferable that they receive training on the airway modalities they will encounter in practice. Objective To compare the prevalence and type of VL devices in EMR programs to non-EMR EDs. Methods This was a survey study conducted from July 2012 to October 2012 of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited, MD EMR programs in the United States and non-EMR EDs in New York State. A chi-squared test was performed to determine whether the difference in VL prevalence was significant. Results There were 158 EMR programs and 132 non-EMR EDs surveyed; 97.8% of EMR and 84.3% of non-EMR EDs reported having some form of VL in their departments. The difference in proportion of EMR vs. non-EMR EDs that have VL was χ 2 = 13 ( p Conclusions The majority of EMR programs trained residents in VL. The Glidescope device was used most frequently. Non-EMR EDs in New York State had a lower presence of VL devices, with the Glidescope device again being the most common. These results demonstrate that VL is pervasive in both practice environments.
Risk Stratification for Adverse Economic Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery

Abstract Background . Recent emphasis on cost-containment in the health-care environment has focused attention on the cost of medical procedures. Selection of the appropriate treatment for coronary artery disease is of increasing concern. Coronary artery bypass grafting is common and very expensive, and this procedure will continue to be examined closely by reimbursement systems, particularly with regard to the lower initial cost of coronary angioplasty as a competing therapy. Methods . Duke University Medical Center has a sophisticated accounting system that enables individual cost components to be identified, facilitates prospective analysis of cost/benefit, and aids allocation of limited hospital resources. In 1996, 1,114 coronary artery bypass procedures were performed at Duke. Preoperative patient characteristics were also analyzed in an attempt to predict risk factors for increased cost. Results . The median cost for these procedures was $20,682, excluding professional fees. Sixty percent of the costs were directly associated with patient care, and the other 40% were accounted for by indirect costs to support patient care. The most significant preoperative predictor of increased postoperative cost was the mortality estimate. If this variable was excluded from the analysis, other variables (for example, ejection fraction, age, identity of the surgeon, and congestive heart failure) were all related to increased costs. Conclusions . Predicting costs based on preoperative variables offers the potential to reduce total costs through case-management strategies and aids in negotiating a risk-shared contract. However, cost reduction in routine care will have more financial impact than cost reduction by patient selection.
State Machine-Based Security Fusion for Resource-Constrained Environments

A growing range of devices has difficulty in implementing strong cryptographic algorithms. Radio frequency IDs and sensors, for instance, generally lack the processing power and memory to perform these operations in an efficient and timely manner. Recently, a new paradigm in security, called security fusion, was introduced for resource-constrained environments. In this approach, strong security properties are synthesized from weaker point-to-point properties, thereby minimizing the resource requirements at each node without compromising system-level security. In this paper, we describe a state machine-based architecture and pertinent protocols to realize security fusion. Furthermore, we analyze these protocols for their security capabilities.
The neonate-6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat: a model for clinical neuroscience and neurobiological principles.

In 1973, a technique of administering 6-hydroxydopamine (2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylethylamine) intracisternally to neonate rats was introduced to selectively reduce brain dopamine (neonate-lesioned rat). This neonate treatment proved unique when compared to rats lesioned as adults with 6-hydroxydopamine—prompting the discovery of differing functional characteristics resulting from the age at which brain dopamine is reduced. A realization was that neonate-lesioned rats modeled the loss of central dopamine and the increased susceptibility for self-injury in Lesch–Nyhan disease, which allowed identification of drugs useful in treating self-injury in mentally retarded patients. The neonate-lesioned rat has also been proposed to model the hyperactivity observed in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Because the neonate-lesioned rat exhibits enhanced sensitization to repeated NMDA receptor antagonist administration and has functional changes characteristic of schizophrenia, the neonate lesioning is believed to emulate the hypothesized NMDA hypofunction in this psychiatric disorder. Besides modeling features of neurological and psychiatric disorders, important neurobiological concepts emerged from pharmacological studies in the neonate-lesioned rats. One was the discovery of coupling of D1/D2-dopamine receptor function. Another was the progressive increase in responsiveness to repeated D1-dopamine agonist administration referred to as “priming” of D1-dopamine receptor function. Additionally, a unique profile of signaling protein expression related to neonate reduction of dopamine has been identified. Thus, from modeling characteristics of disease to defining adaptive mechanisms related to neonatal loss of dopamine, the neonate-lesioned rat has had a persisting influence on neuroscience. Despite an extraordinary legacy from studies of the neurobiology of this treatment, a host of unknowns remain that will inspire future investigations.
Synthesis and Characterization of MO[OSi(OtBu)3]4 and MO2[OSi(OtBu)3]2 (M = Mo, W): Models for Isolated Oxo-Molybdenum and -Tungsten Sites on Silica and Precursors to Molybdena− and Tungsta−Silica Materials

The tri(alkoxy)siloxy complexes MO[OSi(OtBu)3]4 (1, M = Mo and 2, M = W) were prepared from MOCl4 and LiOSi(OtBu)3. Similarly, reactions of MO2Cl2(DME) with LiOSi(OtBu)3 afforded the new siloxide complexes MO2[OSi(OtBu)3]2 (3, M = Mo and 4, M = W), which are themally unstable at ambient temperature. More stable compounds were obtained by the crystallizations of 3 and 4 in a coordinating solvent, to form the ether adducts MoO2[OSi(OtBu)3]2(THF) (3a) and WO2[OSi(OtBu)3]2(DME) (4a). These compounds serve as soluble models for isolated molybdenum or tungsten atoms on a silica surface and were characterized by 1H, 13C, 29Si, 95Mo, and 183W NMR, FT-Raman, FT-IR, and UV-vis spectroscopies. Compounds 1, 2, 3a, and 4a were used to prepare metal-oxide silica composites via the thermolytic molecular precursor method. The xerogels obtained from the thermolyses of 1, 2, 3a, and 4a in toluene contained mesoporosity with surface areas of 10, 230, 106, and 270 m2 g-1, respectively. Despite the high surface areas for most samples, these xerogels contain MO3 domains. Complexes 1 and 2 were also used to introduce molybdenum and tungsten sites, respectively, onto mesoporous SBA-15 silica via displacement of the -OSi(OtBu)3 ligand for a siloxyl group from the silica surface. All molybdenum- and tungsten-containing systems were tested as catalysts for the epoxidation of cyclohexene using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) or aqueous H2O2 as the oxidant.
The auditory system of last instars in Gryllus bimaculatus DeGeer

Aspects of the auditory development of Gryllus bimaculatus are compared with those of other Orthopterans and Mantodea. Auditory receptor cell branching patterns and first-order auditory interneurones of last-instar crickets are morphologically very similar to adult cells; auditory thresholds are 30–45 dB higher in last instars than in adults; the ears of most ultimate nymphs lack directionality; and the tympana of last instars are not set apart clearly from the surrounding cuticle, are still thick, backed by a thick layer of epithelium, and lack microtrichia. Thus, the development of the auditory system from last-instar to adult shows close similarities between G. bimaculatus and Teleogryllus commodus but not to other Orthopteran or Mantid species. This supports the hypothesis that the pattern of post-embryonic development of the auditory system in crickets differs significantly from that in other Orthopterans and in Mantodea.
Compatibilization of polystyrene/poly(dimethyl siloxane) solutions with star polymers containing a γ-cyclodextrin core and polystyrene arms

Abstract Solutions of polystyrene and poly(dimethyl siloxane) in chloroform are compatibilized by the addition of a small amount of a star polymer consisting of a γ-cyclodextrin core and polystyrene arms. Compatibilization is visually observed when turbid PDMS/PS emulsions become clear upon addition of the CD-star molecule. The mechanism of compatibilization involves threading of the CD-core by PDMS and solubilization of the resulting “slip-ring graft copolymer” via the PS star arms. This process breaks up the undissolved PDMS domains into smaller, more stable micelles. Evidence for threading of the CD-core by PDMS is found using ROESY 2D-NMR. Intrinsic viscosity measurements for the compatibilized solutions show behavior similar to conventional graft copolymers which form micelles in a selective solvent. Dynamic light scattering measurements suggest that the micelle size is approximately 20 nm. The effects of varying the PDMS molecular weight, PDMS concentration and CD-star concentration are studied.
Size‐dependent distribution of axoplasm, schwann cell cytoplasm, and mitochondria in the peripheral nerve fibers of mouse

Electron micrographs of vagus and sciatic nerve fibers of different size from adult male mice were examined by planimetry to determine the distribution of axoplasm, Schwann cell cytoplasm and mitochondrial density. The findings revealed that the ratio of axoplasm to Schwann cell cytoplasm in normal mature fibers increased with fiber size. The increase appeared curvilinear from 61% axoplasm in nonmyelinated fibers to 90% in the thickest myelinated fibers. Schwann cell cytoplasm extended along the sheaths in longitudinal and interconnected strands. The number of strands varied between 2 and 5, depending on fiber size. An analysis of mitochondrial density in axoplasm and Schwann cell cytoplasm of nonmyelinated and myelinated fibers revealed a greater concentration of mitochondria in the Schwann cells with increasing fiber size. The mean ratio of mitochondrial density between axoplasm and Schwann cell cytoplasm was 1:0.24 for nonmyelinated fibers, 1:2.54 for fibers with less than 30 lamellae and 1:5.21 for fibers with 30 or more lamellae. The distribution of mitochondria observed in electron micrographs was confirmed histochemically by localization of NAD-diaphorase activity.
SODA: a security model for object-oriented database management systems

A security model for a multilevel secure object-oriented database (SODA) is described. The author demonstrates that the model satisfies the simple security condition and the *-property. Data classification is based on inheritance with the enforcement of data classification rules assured by the TCB. SODA allows the use of polyinstantiation or rigid classification as a solution to the multiparty update conflict problem with the selection being made on a class by class basis. The SODA model is compatible with a property called modifiability. This property insures that every object which is reachable within the database can be modified by some subject. >
The influence of the strategic planning process on strategic change

This paper proposes that organizational decision-makers exist in a market for strategic issues where different internal and external trends and developments compete for decision-makers' attention. The paper describes how an organization's strategic planning process affects the set of strategic issues that do capture decision-makers' attention. It explains how characteristics of the strategic issue array translate into effective and timely initiation and implementation of strategic change.
Flammability of polyamide 6 using the sulfamate system and organo‐layered silicate

A high degree of flame retardancy (FR) of polyamide 6 (PA6) is obtained by adding low weight per cent NH2SO3NH4 (ammonium sulfamate, AS) and dipentaerythritol (Di). This result is preserved when 1 wt% of organo-layered montmorillonite (OMMT) is dispersed in the AS + Di formulation. Increasing OMMT decreases these FR ratings. The surfaces of the gallery or exfoliated layers of OMMT adsorb and immobilize a part of AS + Di preventing its contribution to the FR reactions. The addition of the hydrophilic poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) partly restores the original FR ratings so a greater amount of AS + Di remains effective. The decrease in the high heat release rate (HRR) of the AS + Di containing PA6 by OMMT imparts to the PA6 lowered peak HRR (PHRR) and slower burning. Addition of pristine montmorillonite (MMT) up to 5 wt% does not decrease the UL-94 V-0 rating. The smaller surface area of the relatively large particles of the non-colloidal pristine MMT adsorbs less AS + Di than OMMT. A straight line relationship was found between oxygen index (OI) values and ignition times in the cone calorimeter. The char resulting from combustion is composed mainly of MMT and some graphitic carbon. XRD found that the d(100) spacing for the clay in the final chars from burning was found to be 1.27 nm, corresponding to a 2θ peak of 7.0. No correlation between the size of the floccular structures on the char surface and the decrease in PHRR is found. Mechanistic considerations are presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of gene usage by differential polymerase chain reaction product hybridization

All swine VHgenes belong to a highly homologous family and have identical leader sequences, and the swine VHlocus contains a single JH. The small number of VHgenes used by the fetus and neonate in the first 6 weeks have unique CDR1 and CDR2 sequences, permitting each to be identified using specific oligonucleotide probes. We have used this system as a model for the development of a rapid method for determining the proportional usage of closely related genes based on differential polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product hybridization (DPPH). The validity of the method is demonstrated using mixtures of PCR product containing known amounts of VHgene DNAs and by comparing data obtained by this method with those obtained by enumeration of individual hybridizing clones from lymphoid tissue and peripheral blood B cells. Since DPPH is at least 100-fold more efficient than the enumeration of individual hybridizing clones, it is especially useful for analyzing large numbers of samples in population studies. The possible extention of this method to the usage of other genes is discussed.
Clonal focusing of epitope-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes in rhesus monkeys following vaccination and simian-human immunodeficiency virus challenge.

To afford the greatest possible immune protection, candidate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccines must generate diverse and long-lasting CD8 + T lymphocyte responses. In the present study, we evaluate T-cell receptor Vβ (variable region beta) gene usage and a CDR3 (complementarity-determining region 3) sequence to assess the clonality of epitope-specific CD8 + T lymphocytes generated in rhesus monkeys following vaccination and simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) challenge. We found that vaccine-elicited epitope-specific CD8 + T lymphocytes have a clonal diversity comparable to those cells generated in response to SHIV infection. Moreover, we show that the clonal diversity of vaccine-elicited CD8 + T-lymphocyte responses is dictated by the epitope sequence and is not affected by the mode of antigen delivery to the immune system. Clonal CD8 + T-lymphocyte populations persisted following boosting with different vectors, and these clonal cell populations could be detected for as long as 4 years after SHIV challenge. Finally, we show that the breadth of these epitope-specific T lymphocytes transiently focuses in response to intense SHIV replication. These observations demonstrate the importance of the initial immune response to SHIV, induced by vaccination or generated during primary infection, in determining the clonal diversity of cell-mediated immune responses and highlight the focusing of this clonal diversity in the setting of high viral loads. Circumventing this restricted CD8 + T-lymphocyte clonal diversity may present a significant challenge in the development of an effective HIV vaccine strategy.
The socioeconomic basis of farm enterprise diversification decisions

In contrast to earlier studies, recent research on socioeconomic and ecological factors affecting farm decision making suggests that, at the microlevel, farm size is inversely related to specialization and directly related to diversification decisions but empirical tests have been limited. Using a social behavioral, farming systems perspective, we examine factors affecting diversification and specialization decisions, including land tenure, off-farm work, and education (which are crucial to successful management) and environmental variation (which affects the decision to select appropriate enterprises). Data from a random sample of Kentucky farmers were used to test the model. Diversification, whether defined according to crops or commodities, is significantly related to farm size, human capital, and regional variation in land and soil types. The study clarifies the relationship between diversification and farm size issues and broadens understanding of farm diversification decisions. The findings indicate that increased farm size and better farm management reduce the rate of increase in farm specialization.
Using software-defined radio network testbed to enhance undergraduate education and encourage graduate level studies

The goal of the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program is to encourage undergraduate students to consider graduate level studies. At the Wireless Networking Systems Laboratory our work on a software-defined radio network testbed has gone hand-in-hand with our own REU program. In addition to our successes in encouraging undergraduates to pursue their studies into graduate research we have also used our resources to supplement existing courses with in-class demonstrations and projects.
Correlation Between Vocal Functions and Glottal Measurements in Patients With Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

Observations and analysis of glottal characteristics are critical in choosing the best modality for surgery in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVP). This study suggests that multiple glottal characteristics influence the vocal product in patients with UVP. In addition to the horizontal position of the paralyzed vocal fold (deviation from the midline), the glottal area, degree of bowing of the paralyzed and contralateral vocal folds, maximum separation between vocal folds, compensatory glottal maneuvers, and the vertical glottic closure plane significantly influenced the quality of the voice. Clinicians should be aware of these observations to facilitate treatment planning and assessment of the results of surgical procedures used to improve voice quality in cases of UVP.
Women on Boards of Directors: A Global Snapshot

Since my books on the role of women appeared, in 2007 and in 2010, the participation by women in corporate governance has become a front page issue in many European nations, including Norway, Spain, and France, which have adopted quota laws, and in Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy, which may soon do the same. By contrast, Germany and the United Kingdom are staunchly opposed to any such incursions into their governance regimes. On the other side of the world, the issue of women in governance has moved from the back to the front burner in just the last year, as organizations in countries such as Australia have inaugurated new programs which have shown great success. By way of further contrast, progress on issue in the U.S. has been largely dormant from 2004, or earlier, with the exception of little-noted SEC disclosure regulations taking effect in 2010. This article reviews the comparative statistics and categorizes the types of programs being implemented around the world.
Designing field-emission devices to avoid impedance collapse

It is asserted that Impedance Collapse is due to a partial vanishing of space charge which limits current in an improperly designed field emitting device. Empirical support for this contention is presented.
Dual-plane stereo particle image velocimetry (DSPIV) for measuring velocity gradient fields at intermediate and small scales of turbulent flows

A two-frequency dual-plane stereo particle image velocimetry (DSPIV) technique is described for highly resolved measurements of the complete nine-component velocity gradient tensor field ∂u i /∂x j on the quasi-universal intermediate and small scales of turbulent flows. The method is based on two simultaneous, independent stereo particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements in two differentially spaced light sheet planes, with light sheet characterization measurements demonstrating the required sheet thicknesses, separation, and two-axis parallelism that determine the measurement resolution and accuracy. The present approach uses an asymmetric forward–forward scatter configuration with two different laser frequencies in conjunction with filters to separate the scattered light onto the individual stereo camera pairs, allowing solid metal oxide particles to be used as seed particles to permit measurements in nonreacting as well as exothermic reacting turbulent flows.
Local E‐Government in the United States: Transformation or Incremental Change?

In this article, the authors address the recent trajectory of local e-government in the United States and compare it with the predictions of early e-government writings, using empirical data from two nationwide surveys of e-government among American local governments. The authors find that local e-government has not produced the results that those writings predicted. Instead, its development has largely been incremental, and local e-government is mainly about delivering information and services online, followed by a few transactions and limited interactivity. Local e-government is also mainly one way, from government to citizens, and there is little or no evidence that it is transformative in any way. This disparity between early predictions and actual results is partly attributable to the incremental nature of American public administration. Other reasons include a lack of attention by early writers to the history of information technology in government and the influence of technological determinism on those writings.
Postnatal β-Cell Proliferation and Mass Expansion Is Dependent on the Transcription Factor Nkx6.1

All forms of diabetes are characterized by a loss of functional β-cell mass, and strategies for expanding β-cell mass could have significant therapeutic benefit. We have recently identified the transcription factor Nkx6.1 as an essential maintenance factor of the functional β-cell state. In addition, Nkx6.1 has been proposed to control β-cell proliferation, but a role for Nkx6.1 in regulating β-cell mass has not been demonstrated. Here, we show that Nkx6.1 is required for postnatal β-cell mass expansion. Genetic inactivation of Nkx6.1 in newly formed β-cells caused a drastic decrease in early postnatal β-cell proliferation, leading to reduced β-cell mass and glucose intolerance. Interestingly, Nkx6.1 was dispensable for prenatal β-cell proliferation. We found that Nkx6.1 regulates the expression of several β-cell maturation markers as well as expression of the nutrient sensors Glut2 and Glp1r. Manifestation of the β-cell mass defect at the transition to postnatal feeding suggests that Nkx6.1 could regulate β-cell growth by enabling β-cells to respond to nutrient-dependent proliferation signals, such as glucose and Glp1. Identification of β-cell-intrinsic regulators that connect nutrient-sensing and proliferation suggests new therapeutic targets for expanding functional β-cell mass.
Representation of the Boltzmann operator via the chain of imaginary time coherent states and its application to calculation of real time correlation functions

Coherent states in imaginary time are used to represent the Boltzmann operator in terms of a classical chain of N coupled beads. The resulting representation is similar to the path integral molecular dynamics (PIMD) approach, except for additional nearest-neighbor coupling terms in the effective Hamiltonian. Each time step of the molecular dynamics evolution of the effective classical system provides appropriately thermalized Gaussians that can be used as distribution functions to sample initial conditions for real-time semiclassical initial value representation (IVR) methods. The approach is illustrated with numerical calculations of thermal expectation values and canonical time correlation functions for several one-dimensional quantum systems.
Blackvoice and Adele's Racialized Musical Performance: Blackness, Whiteness, and Discursive Authenticity

In this essay, I use Adele's 2012 Grammy performance as a case study to examine the racialized voice and the meaning of authenticity in cases of vocal racial passing. The juxtaposition of Adele's white appearance with a vocal tone and style that approximates black blues performers prompted enactments of white musical bordering, a rhetorical move to classify vocal performances according to race. I adapt a musicological perspective for critical communication studies to highlight the ways ambiguously raced bordering rhetorics prompt questions about the authenticity of “black” and “white” vocal performance. By approximating (what certain audiences understand to be) black female performance, Adele challenges popular music's racial bordering. Although this transgression is ultimately silenced through her ascribed visual whiteness and relegation to the white female-dominated pop category, this act of passing opens a space for discussion about the raced voice and the bordering practices that surround white musica...
Kidney involvement in systemic sclerosis

Kidney involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is primarily manifested by scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). Formerly, it was the most severe complication in scleroderma and was the most frequent cause of death in these patients. More than 30years ago, with the development of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, SRC became a very treatable complication of scleroderma. Although there are still many patients who do not survive and have poor outcomes, early diagnosis of renal crisis and prompt therapeutic intervention can achieve excellent outcomes. Renal abnormalities independent of renal crisis have been noted, but can usually be attributed to other problems. Further understanding of the pathogenesis of renal disease in scleroderma may lead to additional improvement in the therapy of renal crisis and perhaps the disease in general. This chapter reviews the pathogenesis, clinical setting, and therapy of this serious complication of SSc.
Factors associated with HIV viral load “blips” and the relationship between self-reported adherence and efavirenz blood levels on blip occurrence: a case–control study

The uncertain etiology of HIV viral load (VL) blips may lead to increased use of clinical resources. We evaluated the association of self-reported adherence (SRA) and antiretroviral (ART) drug levels on blip occurrence in US Military HIV Natural History Study (NHS) participants who initiated the single-tablet regimen efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (EFV/FTC/TDF). ART-naive NHS participants started on EFV/FTC/TDF between 2006 and 2013 who achieved VL suppression (<50 copies/mL) within 12 months and had available SRA and stored plasma samples were included. Participants with viral blips were compared with those who maintained VL suppression without blips. Untimed EFV plasma levels were evaluated on consecutive blip and non-blip dates by high performance liquid chromatography, with a level ≥1 mcg/mL considered therapeutic. SRA was categorized as ≥85 or <85 %. Descriptive statistics were performed for baseline characteristics and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the relationship between covariates and blip occurrence. A total of 772 individuals met inclusion criteria, including 99 (13 %) blip and 673 (87 %) control participants. African-American was the predominant ethnicity and the mean age was 29 years for both groups. SRA ≥ 85 % was associated with therapeutic EFV levels at both blip and non-blip time points (P = 0.0026); however no association was observed between blips and SRA or EFV levels among cases. On univariate analysis of cases versus controls, blips were associated with higher mean pre-treatment VL (HR 1.45, 95 % CI 1.11–1.89) and pre-treatment CD4 count <350 cells/µL (68.1 vs 49.7 %). Multivariate analysis also showed that blips were associated with a higher mean VL (HR 1.42, 95 % CI 1.08–1.88; P = 0.0123) and lower CD4 count at ART initiation, with CD4 ≥500 cells/µL having a protective effect (HR 0.45, 95 % CI 0.22–0.95; P = 0.0365). No association was observed for demographic characteristics or SRA. Blips are commonly encountered in the clinical management of HIV-infected patients. Although blip occurrence was not associated with SRA or EFV blood levels in our study, blips were associated with HIV-related factors of pre-ART high VL and low CD4 count. Additional studies are needed to determine the etiology of blips in HIV-infected patients.
Magnetische Eigenschaften der Lanthanid-Nickel-Verbindungen L n Ni 5

Im Temperaturbereich 4–300° K werden Messungen der magnetischen Suszeptibilitat in Abhangigkeit von der Temperatur an sechsLnNi5-Verbindungen angegeben (Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Ho bzw. Tm). Die paramagnetischen Momente von Gd, Ho und Tm inLnNi5-Verbindungen stimmen gut mit den fur eine Anordnung aus freien dreifach positiven Ionen zu erwartenden Werten uberein. TmNi5 zeigt bei tiefen Temperaturen Tendenz zuVan Vleck-Paramagnetismus. Ferromagnetische Ordnungen treten bei GdNi5, HoNi5 und TmNi5 im Temperaturbereich 22–33° K auf. Die Sattigungsmomente der Ho- und Tm-Verbindungen sind — vermutlich wegen der Kristallfeld-wechselwirkung — kleiner als gJ. Nickel scheint in PrNi5 und NdNi5 magnetisch zu sein.
Calculus: Reformed or Deformed?

Applications involve other disciplines. Don't let them browbeat us into teaching every subject but our own! We have calculus for engineers, calculus for biological sciences, calculus for business why can't we have calculus for mathematicians? As for the "real world," mathematics is part of it. The real number system exists; studying it is a legitimate activity. Similarly for vector spaces or rings of matrices or....
THE NATURE OF DIAMONDS: Edited by George E. Harlow, Cambridge University Press in association with American Museum of Natural History (1998) Hard cover $74.95, soft cover $29.95, 278 p.

From “old four legs,” the coelacanth once thought to be extinct, to sub-Saharan dioramas of early man on the Savannah, we saw them all in museums that were a must on our adventurous holidays while growing up in Africa. And there were displays of the epic discovery of diamonds, the history of consolidation, and chronicles of events that later fueled the mining of gold and altered the continent forever. Spectacular, and they left indelible impressions. But everything was always dusty, red, and oxidized, and so were the custodians on occasion. Moving to London and college in the 1960s, museums were our extended laboratories, but the dust persisted, only there it was darker and more reduced. Happily, all that has changed and George Harlow’s book is a fine example of the new direction that museums have taken in their outreach programs of education. His creation of “The Nature of Diamonds,” held at the American Museum of …