cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE IMPACT OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS AND ROLES OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENTS

This study investigated the impact of collective bargaining on the role perceptions of community college presidents through the use of a role perception instrument. As collective bargaining gains momentum with faculties and more institutions adopt the process, community college presidents need to understand how it affects their administrative roles. The role‐perception instrument contained 32 administrative functions grouped into four major presidential role sections. Respondents rated the administrative functions in terms of priority and time consumption. One hundred community college presidents in collective bargaining environments and a similar number in non‐collective bargaining environments received the questionnaire, and 120 were returned from which data was collected. The tabulation of frequency responses, along with the percentage for administration function and the t‐tests on the four presidential role sections were computed. Correlation analysis was employed to compare priority and time consumpt...
ELASTIC SCATTERING OF 10.5- AND 14.5-Mev POLARIZED PROTONS FROM NUCLEI AND THE OPTICAL MODEL POTENTIAL AT INTERMEDIATE ENERGIES

Abstract The results of extensive measurements of the angular distributions and azimuthal asymmetries for elastic scattering of 10.5 and 14.5 MeV polarized protons, from a wide range of nuclei, are presented. Attention is focused on the general features of these angular distributions and certain deviations from the general trends. The interpretations of both these aspects of the data are discussed. In addition, results are presented from an extensive search program designed to obtain fits to the data with a six-parameter local “optical” potential. From these individual fits to each nuclide have been obtained a set of average parameters at 10.5 MeV and another set at 14.5 MeV. The predictions of the optical model with the average parameters are compared not only to the polarization data but also to elastic differential cross sections and reaction cross sections for protons. With a modification of the magnitudes of the refractive and absorptive central potentials, as required to fit 14.5 MeV neutron elastic scattering cross sections, the potential has been used to predict differential elastic cross sections, reaction cross sections, total cross sections, and polarizations for neutrons, and the results compared with available experimental data. A study has been made of the dependence of the refractive central potential depth on proton energy and on the nuclear symmetry parameter, (N−Z) A , obtaining reasonable agreement with the results of other workers.
Gradient capillary electrochromatography of drug mixtures with UV and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometric detection

Abstract A simple method for forming reproducible mobile phase gradients with capillary electrochromatography (CEC) has been demonstrated. It allows short columns and low ionic strength buffers to be used and it lends itself to mass spectrometric detection. Mixtures of benzodiazepines, corticosteroids and thiazide diuretic drugs were separated using UV absorbance and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometric (ESI-MS) detection. Separations were performed on fused-silica capillary columns (33–50 cm×50–75 μm I.D.) packed with CEC Hypersil ODS (3 μm) and Apex ODS (3 μm) particles. A stainless steel tee connector was used to interface the CEC column with samples and mobile phase delivered from a HPLC autosampler and pump. A voltage (30 kV) was applied to the tee connector causing electrokinetic transfer of samples and mobile phase into the CEC column. Pre-conditioning of the CEC column with mobile phase of low organic content allowed dilute samples to be stacked at the head of the column prior to elution.
Requisite structural characteristics for benzodiazepine inhibition of triiodothyronine uptake into a human liver cell line.

Abstract Previously, we reported potent inhibition of triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) cellular uptake into a human liver cell line (HepG2) by central and peripheral receptor specific benzodiazepine (BZ) compounds and our working hypothesis of BZ's as direct competitors for the iodothyronine transporter, displacing T3 but not acting as a sunstrate for transport. In this report, we list other reported uptake inhibitors and compare them to 23 benzodiazepine receptor ligands, in their potency to inhibit cellular uptake of T3. The most potent inhibitors are restricted to the benzodiazepine class. From the BZ structure-activity relationship (SAR) for inhibition, we see that the nonfused phenyl ring may be essential for activity and the strongest relationship is seen with substitution at R2' where Cl > F > H. Substitution at R4' and hydroxyl substitution at R3 enhances potency as will alkyl groups at R1 or on the imidazole group in the 1,2-annelated series. With R7 substitution, Cl is preferred over NO2 but not necessarily H when R4' = Cl; this may reflect a slightly different orientation of the molecule with large aliphatic R1 groups and/or R4' substitution. The carbonyl at R2 in the 1,4 benzodiazepine series, enhances their potency. The resultant structure-activity relationship highlights the importance of the halogen-substituted nonfused phenyl ring and seems unique relative to other described benzodiazepine sites and/or effects.
A mixed finite element method for the biharmonic equation

We consider the mixed finite element approximation of the biharmonic problem on a smooth domain with either clamped or simply supported boundary conditions. Error estimates are proved for the Ciarlet–Raviart formulation of the clamped plate problem and for a similar method for the simply supported plate problem.
The predatory role of white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) in seasonal declines of subtidal macrobenthos.

The overall purpose of this study was to develop a quantitative model to assess the influence of L. setiferus predation on subtidal macrobenthic abundance cycles in an estuarine creek system. Subtidal macrobenthic populations in temperate marine soft-bottom environments are known to undergo seasonal abundance cycles. Although the factors responsible for driving these seasonal shifts in abundance are difficult to identify, both environmental and biological factors have received credit. Juvenile white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) are seasonally abundant epibenthic predators in the North Inlet estuary that have significant influence upon estuarine macrobenthic densities. Data generated from field and laboratory studies were combined with 20 years of long-term monitoring data to simulate seasonal variations in macrobenthos abundance under different levels of L. setiferus predation. Model simulations generated clear reductions in subtidal macrobenthos densities, confirming the role of L. setiferus as major consumers of macrobenthos. Model uncertainty was small, and model accuracy increased with shrimp density. In years with low or medium shrimp densities, predicted macrobenthos densities tended to be higher than those observed, yet predicted rates of decline still paralleled long-term observations. Model simulations best matched observed data for the representative high shrimp density year tested. Results indicate that variability in multiple factors, including L. setiferus predation, likely control macrobenthos abundance cycles. Predation by earlier-arriving epibenthic feeders may drive initial macrobenthos declines earlier in the year, with L.setiferus predation then intensifying and extending these declines throughout the summer and fall. This modeling approach is an important step toward understanding the role of multiple factors driving seasonal macrobenthos dynamics, and the L.setiferus population was tractable for examining the importance of epibenthic predation on these organisms.
A Combined Molecular Approach to Phylogeny of the Jumping Spider Subfamily Dendryphantinae (Araneae: Salticidae)

Four gene regions were sequenced for 30 species of jumping spiders, most from the subfamily Dendryphantinae, to investigate their molecular phylogeny and evolution. These are three regions from the mitochondria (ca. 560 bp of 16S plus adjacent tRNA, 1047 bp of cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1), and 414 bp of NADH1 (ND1) and one region from the nuclear genome (ca. 750 bp of 28S). Parsimony and likelihood analyses of these gene regions separately and together support the monophyly of the dendryphantines as delimited previously by morphological characters. A group of elongate-bodied genera are placed as basal among the dendryphantines, and previously proposed relationships of Poultonella, Paraphidippus, and Sassacus vitis are confirmed. Comparison of overall rates of molecular evolution indicates striking differences across the gene regions, with highest divergence in ND1, CO1, 16S, and 28S in decreasing order. All four regions are characterized by both within- and among-site rate variation. Phylogenetic results from CO1 conflict conspicuously with phylogenetic results from the other genes and morphological data. Attempts to account for potential sources of this conflict (e.g., accommodating biased base composition, high homoplasy, within- and among-site rate variation, etc.) are largely unsuccessful.
Introduction to financial optimization: Mathematical Programming Special Issue

Optimization models are effective for solving significant problems in finance, including long-term financial planning and other portfolio problems. Prominent examples include: asset-liability management for pension plans and insurance companies, integrated risk management for intermediaries, and long-term planning for individuals. Several applications will be briefly mentioned. Three distinct approaches are available for solving multi-stage financial optimization models: 1) dynamic stochastic control, 2) stochastic programming, and 3) optimizing a stochastic simulation model. We briefly review the pros and cons of these approaches, discuss further applications of financial optimization, and conclude with topics for future research.
Free radical scavenging by lazaroids improves renal blood flow during sepsis.

Background. Acute kidney failure in surgical patients is often related to severe infection. Renal vasoconstriction is a major factor in the genesis of kidney failure. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to mediate kidney injury after ischemia-reperfusion and are increased during sepsis. The role of ROS as mediators of intrarenal vasoconstriction and renal dysfunctionduring sepsis is unclear. Lazaroids such as U74389G are radical quenching antioxidants that inhibit ROS-induced lipid peroxidation. We sought to determine whether radical scavenging affected the renal microvascular response to a septic challenge. Methods. In vivo videomicroscopy was used to study the rat hydronephrotic kidney. Interlobular artery (ILA) diameter and flow, afferent and efferent arteriolar diameters, and cardiac output were measured. U74389G or vehicle was infused before a bolus injection of live Escherichia coli or normal saline solution. Results. U74389G alone had no effect on the renal vessels or hemodynamics. E. coli caused preglomerular vasoconstriction (ILA, −32%; afferent, −30% of baseline) and hypoperfusion (−66%) despite increased cardiac output (+54%). U74389G significantly attenuated both the constriction (ILA, −16%; afferent, −9%) and hypoperfusion (−38%) but not increased cardiac output (+41%). Conclusions. E. coli bacteremia led to preglomerular vasoconstriction and hypoperfusio. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation with the radical scavenger U74389G reduced this effect without altering central hemodynamic responses. Free radicals have a deleterious effect on the renal microcirculation during bacteremia, and these data suggest that antioxidants may be of value in preventing sepsis-associated kidney failure.
A predictive model for the effects of thermal history on the mechanical behavior of amorphous polymers

The effects of thermal history during formation on the mechanical behavior of amorphous polymer solids must be part of a constitutive description for polymers in order to enable efficient design of manufacturing processes. A nonlinear, thermoviscoelastic constitutive equation for amorphous polymers has been previously derived via the rational thermodynamics framework, where the dissipation is assumed to occur on a material timescale that is controlled by the non-equilibrium entropy, In this paper we report on the predictions of this constitutive equation for poly(vlnyl acetate). The material properties required by the constitutive model were determined for poly(vinyl acetate) from PVT and linear viscoelastic shear and bulk moduli measurements. Predictions of specific volumes during isobarfc cooling from the rubber and nonlinear uniaxial stress-strain curves just below Tg are in reasonable agreement with experimental data. The model predicts that samples cooled below Tg and then isothermally annealed for specified times will exhibit yield stresses that increase with Increasing annealing time, as well as the familiar effects of changes in temperature and strain rate on the uniaxial stress-strain and yield behavior. Shortcomings and potential improvements in the model are discussed.
Construction and Application of a Yeast Surface-displayed Human cDNA Library to Identify Post-translational Modification-dependent Protein-Protein Interactions

Although post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation mediate fundamental biological processes within the cell, relatively few methods exist that allow proteome-wide identification of proteins that interact with these modifications. We constructed a yeast surface-displayed human cDNA library and utilized it to identify protein fragments with affinity for phosphorylated peptides derived from the major tyrosine autophosphorylation sites of the epidermal growth factor receptor or focal adhesion kinase. We identified cDNAs encoding the Src homology 2 domains from adapter protein APS, phosphoinositide 3-kinase regulatory subunit 3, SH2B, and tensin, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach. Our results suggest that large libraries of functional human protein fragments can be efficiently displayed on the yeast surface. In addition to the analysis of post-translational modifications, yeast surface-displayed human cDNA libraries have many potential applications, including identifying targets and defining potential cross-reactive proteins for small molecules or drugs.
Chemical vapor transport of transition metal oxide solid solutions

Preparation of solid solution crystals by chemical vapor deposition has been carried out well below the melting temperature. Most of the transition metal monoxides are mutually soluble and are amenable to this process. The composition of the solid solution growth was controlled by the activity of the source components. Solid solutions in the CoO-NiO, wustite, and FeO-MnO systems have been prepared with excellent control of homogeneity, stoichiometry and perfection. The CoO-NiO system is considered in detail. Most compositions showed only isolated dislocations in electron micrographs. One composition, Ni0.66Co0.34O, showed a two phase structure with 200–500 A particles in the matrix. Electron diffraction studies suggest either an interpenetrating two phase structure or an ordered structure showing super-lattice peaks. Electron micrographs and electron diffraction of oxidized specimens showed a completely different structure. These results suggest an apparent miscibility gap below 800 °C in the NiO-CoO system.
p-3H and n-3He final-state interactions in d+3H and d+3He reactions

Abstract A modified Born approximation calculation has been made in order to explain the high-energy proton spectra from the three-body breakup of the d+ 3 He reaction and the high-energy neutron spectra from the three-body breakup of the d+ 3 He reaction. The modification takes into account the p- 3 He and n- 3 He final-state interactions by means of the so-called factored wave function method. Effects of the Pauli principle on the breakup reaction are also considered. Complex p+ 3 H and n+ 3 He phase shifts are used which had been derived from a prior analysis of the 3 H(p, p), 3 H(p, n) and 3 He(n, n) reactions. The present analysis shows that the main features of the energy and (forward) angular distributions of the high-energy nucleons from the three-body breakup of the d+ 3 He and d+ 3 H reactions can be reproduced by our simple approximation. The final-state interactions in the 4 He system are consistent with experimental states in 4 He peaking near 20.1 and 22 MeV excitation energy. The former state was previously shown by Werntz to be 0 + . The latter state has negative parity.
Synthetic organic water contaminants in developing communities: an overlooked challenge addressed by adsorption with locally generated char

Chemical contamination of drinking water sources is a worldwide problem. However, few locally managed, sustainable, and low-cost on-site treatment technologies are available in rural, remote, and emergency/disaster relief/humanitarian crisis situations. Char filter-adsorbers have been used to treat drinking water for thousands of years and are still widely used today. Our studies show that some chars produced by traditional means from a range of feedstocks develop favorable sorption properties for uptake of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a prevalent herbicide and water contaminant. However, more energy efficient, environmentally sustainable and scalable production of consistent highly sorptive chars can be accomplished with biomass gasification. Our laboratory studies demonstrate that locally produced char adsorbents derived from surplus agricultural and forestry biomass are effective for adsorbing 2,4-D. A year-long study of field-scale application of chars in Thailand is also presented. Based on these studies we present design recommendations for integrating char adsorbers into low-cost, multi-barrier treatment trains for on-site water provision.
Human factors and ergonomics in patient safety curriculum

The importance of teaching human factors and ergonomics (HFE) and patient safety is registered in two compelling facts: 1) the numbers of physicians who train in VA hospitals and 2) in the need for hospitals to function as highly reliable organizations. In the United States, more than half of the physicians-in-training do at least part of their medical school and residency training at veterans’ health care facilities. Health care currently does not measure up to other high-reliability organizations. By providing a HFE-based patient safety curriculum, we hope to improve patient safety at the frontlines. We see the lasting benefit as residency programs that produce physicians who are competent, patient safety problem solvers throughout their careers who will assist health care organizations to become highly reliable. C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Magnetic characteristics of intermetallic compounds containing two lanthanides combined with nickel

Abstract Magnetic characteristics of four ternary Laves phase and four ternary Haucke phase systems represented by the formulas Ln x Ln 1− x Ni 2 and Ln x Ln′ 1− x Ln 5 , respectively, are reported. LnLn′ combinations studied are: GdDy, GdHo, GdNd and HoNd, comprising two heavy-heavy and two heavy-light combinations. Saturation moments and Weiss constants (θ) indicate that the LnLn′ spins always couple ferromagnetically, as in the Ln x Ln′ 1− x Al 2 systems, for all cases except in the Ho x Nd 1− x Ni 5 system. The measured saturation moments are inconclusive for this system. However, from the temperature dependence of magnetization this system appears to be antiferromagnetic as expected from the systematics of the spin coupling observed for related ternaries. Curie-Weiss (C-W) behavior with paramagnetic moments in good agreement with free-ion values is exhibited by all systems except Gd x Nd 1− x Ni 5 . Large departures from C-W behavior and large negative Weiss constants are noted for this system. These are ascribed to interactions with the crystal field. The crystal field interaction is more important in Gd x Nd 1− x Ni 5 than in Ho x Nd 1− x Ni 5 implying significantly different conduction electron behavior in these materials. The magnetic behavior of the Haucke phases is less ideal than the Laves phases, presumably due to the higher Ni concentration in the former and the greater likelihood that Ni is involved in the magnetic interactions.
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate-induced Cell Proliferation, Survival, and Related Signaling Events Mediated by G Protein-coupled Receptors Edg3 and Edg5

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, motility, and neurite retraction. Contradictory reports propose that S1P acts as either an intracellular second messenger or an extracellular ligand for cell-surface receptors. Hence, the precise signaling mechanisms mediating the diverse cellular effects of S1P remain to be determined. Here, we investigate whether S1P stimulation of cell proliferation, survival, and related signaling events can be mediated by the recently cloned Edg family members of G protein-coupled receptors. We observed that S1P treatment significantly increased proliferation of HTC4 hepatoma cells stably transfected with human S1P receptor Edg3 or Edg5, which was attributable to stimulation of cell growth and inhibition of apoptosis caused by serum starvation. Edg3 and Edg5 transduced S1P-evoked signaling events relevant to cell proliferation and survival, including activation of the ERK/MAP kinases, and immediate-early induction of c-Jun and c-Fos. Trancriptional activation of reporter genes for the c-fospromoter and the serum response element by Edg3 and Edg5 transfected in Jurkat cells was inhibited by pertussis toxin and C3 exoenzyme, implicating Gi/o- and Rho-dependent pathways. Our data also indicated that Edg3 and Edg5 mediated the serum response element activation through transcriptional factors Elk-1 and serum response factor. Thus, specific G protein-coupled receptors Edg3 and Edg5 account for, at least in part, S1P-induced cell proliferation, survival, and related signaling events.
Threshold photoelectron spectra of atmospheric molecules. I. Description of method and application to H2, D2, and N2

Threshold photoelectron spectra (TPES) are presented for H2, D2, and N2 with a resolution of 28 meV full width at half maximum. The results are compared with Franck–Condon transition probabilities, previous TPES and electron attachment threshold photoelectron spectra. Peaks in the TPES not predicted by Franck–Condon calculations are explained by autoionization processes. These processes in N2 make possible the observation of vibrational levels of the ions not visible spectroscopically or in photoelectron spectra. A shift of the TPES peaks in N2 toward lower energy is explained by conversion of rotational energy in the ionization transition. Peaks between the v=O and v=1 vibrational levels of the X 2Σg+ state of N2+ consist of near monoenergetic electrons implying little or no change in the rotational quantum number in the autoionization process.
Hemodynamics of extra-anatomical bypass following restriction of inflow and outflow in the donor artery in dogs.

The hemodynamic changes in extra-anatomical bypass were studied in dogs after restriction of inflow and outflow in the donor artery by a vascular tourniquet. A right to left external iliac bypass graft was performed and the left external iliac artery was ligated just proximal to the anastomosis. An arteriovenous fistula on the recipient side was used to increase flow through the graft. The flow measurements in this model showed no steal of blood flow from the peripheral distribution of the donor artery in the absence of restriction of inflow of the donor artery. However, once the inflow of the donor artery was restricted to a critical level, “steal” of blood from the peripheral distribution of the donor artery by the graft was observed in both the basal and maximal flow states. The restriction of the outflow in the donor artery had no effect on the graft flow.
Wide-scale replication of reduced stuttering frequency via a prolonged speech treatment, with modest trade-off negative effects on speech naturalness1

Q Are the outcomes generated by the Smooth Speech treatment program for stuttering, administered by supervised student clinicians, comparable to the positive results produced by similar programs reported in the literature? 1 Abstracted from: Block, S., Onslow, M., Packman, A., Gray, B., & Dacakis, G. (2005). Treatment of chronic stuttering: Outcomes from a student training clinic. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 40, 455–466.
Chaotic plane-wave solutions for the relativistic self-interacting quantum electron

Abstract An indication of the chaotic nature of the plane-wave solutions of the coupled Maxwell-Dirac equations is made via numerical integration. The system has a Hamiltonian H, and for H 0 the solutions are chaotic, with an information dimension of ∼ 3.8. The electric and magnetic fields, and the current densities are either identically zero, or average numerically to near zero, providing a consistent, self-contained classical model of vacuum fluctuations.
Apparent turnover of norepinephrine in the intact rat brain estimated from its rate of appearance in the cerebroventricular compartment

The apparent turnover of norepinephrine (NE) in the intact brain of urethane-anesthetized rats was estimated in vivo from the rate of appearance of endogenous NE in the cerebroventricular compartment. Ventriculocibternal perfusion, a radioenzymatic assay for endogenous NE and isotope dilution of 3H-NE were used to determine the rate of appearance (Ra) of NE. The effect of tranylcypromine, a monoainine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor and releasing agent on Ra of NE, was also studied. In control animals, the mean Ra value was 0.40 pmol/min. Pretreatment with tranylcypromine resulted in a threefold increase in the mean value for Ra, which was due to increased secretion of NE into the CSF. The results indicate that 90% of the NE entering the cerehroventricular compartment was removed. Pretreatment with tranylcypromine did not modify removal, thus suggesting that tranylcypromine has no effect on the physiological processes which regulate the removal of NE from the CSF.
The effects of hypophysectomy and human chorionic gonadotropin administration on the in vitro metabolism of progesterone by the rat testis

Abstract Changes in the in vitro capacity to convert progesterone to its metabolites were studied in testes of adult rats hypophysectomized for varying lengths of time. After 30 days of hypophysectomy rats were injected for periods of 10 and 20 days with 100 i.u. of HCG daily to observe what changes could be induced in the testicular conversion of progesterone. Hypophysectomy increased the formation of 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one and decreased the formation of testosterone. In hypophysectomized animals injected with HCG there was an immediate decrease in the 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one formation, but no appreciable accumulation of testosterone, as the animals demonstrated an immature pattern of testicular function. The results indicate that 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one may act as a positive feedback agent to prolong and heighten gonadotropin discharge, and confirm the importance of metabolites of testosterone prior to adulthood.
PARP inhibitors for chemoprevention--letter.

We read with great optimism To and colleagues' ([1][1]) article about PARP inhibitors as effective chemopreventive strategy for treating homologous repair (HR)–deficient tumors. Their overarching conclusion stated in the discussion is that “…synthetic lethality (i.e., PARP inhibitor therapy
Oxygen consumption and heart rate: changes and relationships in static work.

Oxygen consumption and heart rate were measured periodically during three levels of static work, and in the recovery phase. The recorded results of the steady-state or plateau value for oxygen consumption and for heart rate were fitted to an exponential-curve mathematical model. For non-fatiguing tasks, an actual plateau was reached. For a fatigue-causing task, no actual plateau was reached; n virtual plateau was calculated. For both oxygen consumption and heart rate, the plateau value, difference between initial and plateau value, and percent relative stress, all showed significant differences between task-pairs. These parameters were also found to be linearly correlated. For oxygen consumption, the rise time for the light task was significantly shorter than that for the moderate and heavy tasks. For heart rate, the reverse was true: rise time was found to be significantly shorter as the task load increased. Fall time for heart rate decreased with increased task intensity. However, there was a statistica...
Making Sense of the Comparative Advantage Gains from Trade: Comment on Batra

This paper addresses Ravi Batra’s (2002) criticism of the basic comparative advantage gains-from-trade model. While Batra’s criticism is based on the selection view interpretation of real income, the gains from trade can only be properly understood from the options view interpretation of real income. I also show how a recent empirical implementation of the gains-from-trade model defies Batra’s claim that “the consumption gain . . . is not subject to measurement” (2002, p. 642).
Stratigraphic and Paleoecologic Significance of Tertiary Diatoms of California and Nevada: ABSTRACT

Many areas of both California and the Great Basin contain diatom-bearing sediments which range in age from Late Cretaceous to Recent. The diatom assemblages in these rocks contain both short-ranging species that are useful for stratigraphic correlation and others, still represented in living assemblages elsewhere, that are useful for paleoecologic interpretations. Although thousands of square miles of diatom-bearing sediments have been mapped by petroleum geologists and have been penetrated and cored during drilling operations, the diatoms have been neglected as a stratigraphic and paleoecological tool. Some of the reasons most often presented for this lack of attention are claims that Foraminifera are easier to work with, are better known, and that laboratory manipulatio of them is easier and more suited to assembly-line methods. This is true in part only, as assembly-line methods have been developed for handling large numbers of samples of diatomaceous sediments. Furthermore, diatoms are commonly found in sediments that are completely barren of Foraminifera or other fossils. The present interest in palynology by the oil companies indicates that new techniques are no longer viewed with disfavor. As far as the necessary laboratory preparation and study are concerned, diatom samples can be prepared and significant species identified at least as expeditiously as samples containing pollen and spores. Distinctive diatom assemblages are known from the Moreno Shale of Late Cretaceous and Paleocene (?) age and from many sedimentary formations in Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene rocks in California from the San Francisco Bay area southward. These assemblages from rocks of Cretaceous through Miocene age are virtually all marine. Pliocene rocks in different localities contain either marine or non-marine End_Page 271------------------------------ diatom assemblages. Pleistocene assemblages are dominantly non-marine. Extensive areas of Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene sediments in Nevada also contain distinctive non-marine diatom assemblages. In that region, diatoms, more commonly than otherwise, are the only fossils present. Here also the diatoms can provide much needed paleoecological information, as the Cenozoic lake basins varied greatly in depth, temperature, salinity, pH, and other factors of paleoecological importance. End_of_Article - Last_Page 272------------
An Übergangsmetalle koordinierte σ‐Bindungen

Die ersten σ-Komplexe wurden in den sechziger und siebziger Jahren entdeckt, doch sie erregten nur vorubergehend Interesse. Erst seit kurzem beginnt man, ihre Schlusselrolle bei chemischen Reaktionen von -Bindungen zu begreifen; dies hat Anlas zu detaillierteren Untersuchungen gegeben. Im Gegensatz zu den vertrauteren -Donorkomplexen wie M(H2C=CH2) oder Komplexen wie M-NH3, bei denen das freie Elektronenpaar am N-Atom das Metallatom bindet, koordiniert bei -Komplexen eine X-H-Gruppe mit dem X-H-Bindungselektronenpaar als 2e-Donor an das Ubergangsmetallatom. Dabei entstehen Komplexe vom Typ (X-H)-M; eine wichtige Gruppe der σ-Komplexe sind Diwasserstoffkomplexe (X = H). C-H-M-Komplexe mit agostischer Wechselwirkung (X = R3C) wurden nicht nur im Grundzustand beobachtet, sondern sie sind auch an der Ubergangszustanden vieler wichtiger metallorganischer Umsetzungen, beispielsweise der Ziegler-Natta-Katalyse und der σ-Metathese, beteiligt. Das allgemeine Problem der X-H-Bindungsaktivierung wird die Entwicklung auf diesem Gebiet vorantreiben.
4-Fluorotryptophan alkaline phosphatase from E.coli: Preparation, properties, and 19F NMR spectrum

Abstract A procedure is described for the incorporation of 4-fluorotryptophan and 3-fluorotyrosine into E. coli alkali phosphatase which gives yields comparable to that of the normal enzyme. The spectral and kinetic properties of the fluorinated enzymes are described. The specific activity of the 4-fluorotryptophan enzyme is about 15% higher than for the normal and fluorotyrosine enzymes. The 19F nmr spectrum of 4-fluorotryptophan alkaline phosphatase exhibits three resolved resonances corresponding to the four known tryptophan residues per subunit.
Building Social Competence in Preschool: The Effects of a Social Skills Intervention Targeting Children Enrolled in Head Start

The current study evaluated the peer-to-peer interactions of at-risk children enrolled in Head Start who participated in a social pragmatic intervention targeting skills such as initiations, responses, name use, proximity, and turn-taking skills. Eight Head Start classroom teams received two workshops and two coaching sessions and were taught to use an antecedent-behavior-consequence problem-solving process to develop and implement action plans addressing prevent-teach-respond strategies to improve targeted routines. Nine out of 10 children showed increases in average percentage of interactive play behavior from baseline to intervention. Nine of the 10 children targeted for participation in the social pragmatic intervention showed decreases in average noninteractive play from baseline. Social validity ratings obtained from participants indicated that training materials and procedures were feasible for use in Head Start classrooms and intervention had positive effects on study participants.
Pattern recognition of carotid artery diseases using pulsed Doppler ultrasound

Computer pattern recognition of carotid artery atherosclerosis has been implemented in dedicated systems. Accuracy is equivalent to that of an expert sonographer and is repeatable for different sonographers. The system uses algorithms which were systematically trained from a database of 318 cases having arteriographic confirmation, plus 88 asymptomatic normals. A software language was implemented to aid in maintaining the system. >
CXC Chemokine Receptor 4 Expression, CXC Chemokine Receptor 4 Activation, and Wild-Type Nucleophosmin Are Independently Associated With Unfavorable Prognosis in Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract Background CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is activated by phosphorylation and essential for migration of hematopoietic precursors to bone marrow. CXCR4 overexpression predicts unfavorable prognosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Nucleophosmin ( NPM1 ) mutation is the most frequent genetic abnormality in patients with AML and predicts a favorable prognosis. In vitro studies have suggested that mutant nucleophosmin (NPM) decreases CXCR4-mediated chemotaxis by downregulating CXCR4, thereby linking the NPM and CXCR4 pathways. Patients and Methods In a group of 117 untreated adults with AML, we used immunohistochemistry to assess bone marrow specimens for CXCR4 and phosphorylated CXCR4 (pCXCR4) expression. All cases also were analyzed for NPM1 mutations using polymerase chain reaction–based methods. Results CXCR4 expression was detected in 75 patients (64%), and pCXCR4 expression was detected in 31 patients (26%). NPM1 mutations were detected in 63 patients (54%). NPM1 mutations did not correlate with CXCR4 ( P = .212) or pCXCR4 ( P = .355) expression. The median 5-year overall survival was 27% (95% confidence interval, 19-36), with a median follow-up of 8 months (95% confidence interval, 6-15). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, reduced overall and progression-free survival rates were associated with a history of antecedent hematologic disorder, failure to achieve complete remission, thrombocytopenia, unfavorable cytogenetics, CXCR4 expression, and wild-type NPM1 . pCXCR4 expression was independently associated with shorter progression-free survival. Conclusions There is no correlation between NPM1 mutations and CXCR4 or pCXCR4 expression, suggesting that the CXCR4 and NPM pathways act independently in adult AML.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of bis(Acetylacetonato)(Phosphine)Palladium(II) Complexes

Abstract Six new [Pd(acac)2PR3] complexes have been prepared from the reactions of [Pd(acac)2] with PR3 (R = Ph-p-F, Ph-p-Cl, Ph-p-CH3, Ph-p-OCH3, Ph-p-N(CH3)2, cyclohexyl) in diethyl ether at room temperature. Comparisons of UV, IR, 1H NMR, 31P NMR and 13C NMR spectra with those previously reported for [Pd(acac)2(PPh3)] demonstrate that these acetylacetonate complexes all have the structure [Pd(O,O-acac)(γ-C-acac)(PR3)], in which one acac− ligand is bidentate, coordinated through oxygen atoms, while the other is monodentate, ligated through the γ-carbon atom.
Correlation between anisotropy in the normal-state mass renormalization and anisotropy in the superconducting energy gap for zinc

A nonlocal pseudopotential model for the Fermi surface and band structure of zinc together with the cyclotron resonance data is used to calculate the orbital average of the normal-state mass renormalization λCRi for numerous cyclotron orbits on the Fermi surface of zinc. We find that the mass renormalization λk is constant for each sheet of the Fermi surface but that it varies from sheet to sheet. Using the Eliashberg equation, this anisotropy in λk is correlated to anisotropy in the superconducting energy gap Δk. For zinc we predict three distinct energy gaps, in the ratio of 2.30:1.76:1.00, corresponding respectively to the lens, the monster, and the cap sheets of the Fermi surface. Experimental evidence for this anisotropy in Δk is provided by various measurements of the electronic properties in the superconducting state such as the low-temperature specific heat, microwave absorption, ultrasonic attenuation, effect of alloying on the critical temperature, and the temperature dependence of the critical field. We show that the results of these experiments are consistent with our predictions.
FTIR microscopic imaging of collagen and proteoglycan in bovine cartilage.

Articular cartilage, a connective tissue that provides resistance to compressive forces during joint movements, has not been examined in detail by conventional Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, microspectroscopy (FTIRM), or imaging (FTIRI). The current study reports FTIRM and FTIRI analyses of normal bovine cartilage and identifies the specific molecular components of cartilage that contribute to its IR spectrum. FTIRM data acquired through the superficial, middle, and deep zones of thin sections of bovine articular cartilage showed a variation in intensities of the absorbance bands that arise from the primary nonaqueous components of cartilage, collagen, and proteoglycan (primarily aggrecan) and thus reflected the differences in quantity of these specific components. The spectra of mixtures of model compounds, which had varying proportions of type II collagen and aggrecan, were analyzed to identify spectral markers that could be used to quantitatively analyze these components in cartilage. Collagen and aggrecan were then imaged by FTIRI based on markers found in the model compounds. Polarization experiments were also performed to determine the spatial distribution of the collagen orientation in the different zones of cartilage. This study provides a framework in which complex pathological changes in this heterogeneous tissue can be assessed by IR microscopic imaging.
Phylloquinone (Vitamin K1) biosynthesis inEuglena gracilis strain Z

Abstract Whole cell extracts, purified organelles, and organelle subtractions from organotrophically grownEuglena gracilis Klebs strain Z and the derived aplastidic mutant, PR-4, were assayed for the synthesis of the phylloquinone precursors,o-succinylbenzoate and 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate. The enzymes responsible for the synthesis ofo-succinylbenzoate from isochorismate and 2-ketoglutarate were localized in the cytosol and linked to the presence and development of the photosynthetic apparatus. Tentative evidence was obtained for the synthesis of 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate fromo-succinylbenzoate; the enzymes appeared to be associated with the chloroplasts and synthesis occurred at the chloroplast envelope membrane.
Hydration of guanine: Electronic singlet excited states for complexes with 19 and 27 water molecules

Abstract Computational investigation on the ground and electronic lowest singlet ππ* excited state (S 1 (ππ*)) of guanine hydrated by a large number (19 and 27) water molecules are reported and obtained results are compared with those for isolated guanine and the comparatively smaller hydrated complexes. Ground state geometries were optimized at the HF level and Configuration Interaction-Singles (CIS) method was used for excited state geometry optimization utilizing the 6-311G(d,p) basis set. It was found that excited state geometry of guanine is significantly different with each other in the studied complexes. The possible effect of hydration on the excited state dynamics of guanine is also discussed.
Nuclear small subunit rRNA group I intron variation among Beauveria spp provide tools for strain identification and evidence of horizontal transfer

An optional group I intron was characterized at a single insertion point in nuclear small subunit rRNA (nuSSU rRNA) genes of the imperfect entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and B. brongniartii. Insertion points were conserved among nuSSU rRNA genes from 35 Beauveria isolates. PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing identified 12 group I intron variants and were applied to the identification of strains isolated from insect hosts. Alignment of 383–404-nt subgroup IB3 group I introns indicated that four insertion/deletion (indel) mutations were the main basis of fragment length variation. Phylogeny reconstruction using parsimony and neighbor-joining methods suggested six lineages may be present among nuSSU rRNA group I intron sequences from Beauveria and related ascomycete fungi. Terminal node placement of Beauveria introns conflicted with previously published phylogenies constructed from gene sequences, suggesting horizontal transfer of group I introns. PCR-RFLP among introns provided a means for the differentiation of Beauveria isolates.
Does pragmatism trump motivation in college students’ preferences for examination formats?

Proponents of performance assessments purport that they allow more options for student choice and autonomy and, therefore, are more motivating and more preferred by students. This study explored the role of stakes and the student’s familiarity with the format in these examination preferences. A survey of 148 college students suggested that: their familiarity with open-ended assessments led students to prefer them without reference to stakes; they tended to prefer closed assessments when the stakes are low but open formats when the stakes are high; and their goal orientation had no relationship with these decisions. In the end, students seemed to be rather pragmatic and protective of their grades regardless of their goal orientations, which is only natural. The students’ goal orientations appear, then, to be desiderata for both them and their instructors, but a graded environment stifles their full operation.
Block Copolymers for Fuel Cells

Ion-containing block copolymers hold promise as next-generation proton exchange membranes in hydrogen and methanol fuel cells. These materials’ self-assembled ordered nanostructures facilitate proton transport over a wide range of conditions, a requirement for robust fuel cell performance. In this perspective, we will present an overview of the morphology and transport properties of ion-containing block copolymers that have been studied to gain insight into the fundamental behavior of these materials and, in some cases, are targeted toward applications in fuel cells and other electrochemical devices. We will discuss the challenges associated with predicting and obtaining well-ordered morphologies in block copolymers with high ion content, particularly those with chemistries that can withstand the chemical and mechanical stresses of the fuel cell, such as aromatic backbone block copolymers. New opportunities for ion-containing block copolymers in alkaline membrane fuel cells will also be reviewed.
Is the track of the Yellowstone hotspot driven by a deep mantle plume? - Review of volcanism, faulting, and uplift in light of new data

article i nfo Article history: Geophysical imaging of a tilted mantle plume extending at least 500 km beneath the Yellowstone caldera provides compelling support for a plume origin of the entire Yellowstone hotspot track back to its inception at 17Mawitheruptionsof floodbasaltsandrhyolite.Thewidespreadvolcanism,combinedwithalargevolumeof buoyantasthenosphere, supportsaplume headasaninitialphase.Estimates ofthediameteroftheplumehead suggest it completely spanned the upper mantle and was fed from sources beneath the transition zone, We consider a mantle-plume depth to at least 1,000 km to best explain the large scale of features associated with the hotspot track. The Columbia River-Steens flood basalts form a northward-migrating succession consistent with the outward spreading of a plume head beneath the lithosphere. The northern part of the inferred plume head spread (pancaked) upward beneath Mesozoic oceanic crust to produce flood basalts, whereas basalt melt from the southern part intercepted and melted Paleozoic and older crust to produce rhyolite from 17 to 14 Ma. Theplumeheadoverlappedthecratonmarginasdefinedbystrontiumisotopes;westwardmotionoftheNorth
Finite element analysis of isolation bearings with viscoelastic properties

Abstract Isolation bearings used as supports for nuclear reactors are analyzed in this paper. These bearings support the weight of the structures and they have a very high vertical stiffness. On the other hand these bearings have a very low horizontal stiffness to sustain relatively very large horizontal displacements. The bearings are modeled using a viscoelastic constitutive relation. The behavior of these viscoelastic bearings under various cyclic loadings is presented.