cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changing USA national trends for adrenalectomy: the influence of surgeon and technique

Objective To explain differences over time between operative approach and surgeon type for adrenal surgery in the USA. Patients and methods A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on all patients undergoing adrenalectomy between 2002 and 2011 using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Patients undergoing concurrent nephrectomy were excluded. Surgeon specialty was only available for 2003–2009. Descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess variables associated with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and urologist-performed procedures. Results In all, 58 948 adrenalectomies were identified. A MIS approach was used in 20% of these operations. There was a 4% increase in MIS throughout the study period (P < 0.001). Cases performed at teaching hospitals were more likely to be MIS (odds ratio [OR] 1.47, P < 0.001). We were able to identify surgical specialty in 23 746 cases, of which 60% were performed by urologists. Cases performed in the Midwest compared with Northeast were at increased adjusted odds of being performed by urologists (OR 1.38, P = 0.11). Despite most cases being performed by urologists, adrenalectomy by urologists showed a 15% annual decrease over the analysed period (P < 0.001). Conclusions The use of a MIS technique to perform adrenalectomy is increasing at a slower rate compared with most other surgical extirpative procedures. Further investigation to explain the decreased performance of adrenalectomy by urologists is warranted.
Autoreactive B cell tetramer analysis reveals a type I interferon-mediated marginal zone precursor B cell defect in autoimmune BXD2 mice (BA12P.102)

In human systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, development of self-reactive B cells has been associated with defective B-cell checkpoints prior to somatic hypermutation and class-switch recombination in germinal centers (GCs). To identify mechanisms leading to checkpoint defects in the periphery, sera from BXD2 autoimmune mice were screened on a PEPperPRINT Microarray. Highly specific autoepitopes were narrowed down via Discotope epitope analysis and high-throughput ELISA and ELISPOT analyses. Three peptides La, snRNP, and fibromodulin-citrulline (fib-cit) were used to make tetramers (tet) for characterization of B cell subsets in the spleen. Analysis of fib-cit tet+ B cells revealed an age-dependent 5 fold increase in tet+ B cells, especially within the marginal zone-precursor (MZ-P) (10.6% vs 4.85%) and GC (7.3% vs 0%) subsets, in BXD2 vs B6 mice. While the total frequency of La and snRNP tet+ B cells was not different in BXD2 vs B6, there was also an increase in the MZ-P (7.66% vs 1.51%) phenotype. Sorted tet+ B cells exhibited a >100-fold enhanced ability to secrete specific autoAb compared to tet- B cells. Additionally, there was significantly higher CD69 expression (75.5% vs 5.71%), a type I interferon (IFN)-induced protein in MZ-P B cells in BXD2 vs B6 mice. Together, these results establish a general method for characterization of autoAg specific B cells and suggest a checkpoint defect at the MZ-P stage as a result of type I IFN stimulation.
THE ROLE OF SELENIUM (SE) IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA (BPD)

Plasma Se, erythrocyte Se and erythrocyte glutathione were measured in nineteen premature infants with severe Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in cord blood, at 3 days and 30 days of age. Plasma vitamin E (vitE) was also assessed for its role in peroxide degradation. Patients (pts) were evaluated for BPD and divided into 2 groups by this diagnosis. The 2 groups consisted of 8 pts with RDS alone and 11 pts with RDS and BPD. The demographic data profiles and the requirements for supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation during the first 3 days of life, were similar. No difference was found in the levels of Se in plasma between the 2 groups. Erythrocyte Se and glutathione values were somewhat lower in the BPD group than in the RDS group at age 3 days. In infants with BPD the levels were higher in cord blood than at 3 days and at 30 days. Pts with BPD had significantly lower plasma vitE levels at age 3 days than pts with RDS alone. VitE levels in infants with BPD increased significantly over time but still remained lower than in infants with RDS at 30 days. Findings from this study shows a possible interaction between Se and vitE in the development of BPD. (Grants from Research Foundation of GSH, #12 and Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio #74-345).
Grace, magic and miracles: A “chaotic logic” of organizational transformation

Focuses on integrating the theory and practice of organizational transformation through the metaphors of chaos theory and self‐organization. Case study data were collected through in‐depth interviews of three practitioner/theorists ‐ Peter Senge, William Torbert and Ellen Wingard ‐ all of whom have formulated theories of organizational change which they use as practitioners for generating transformations in organizations. The interviews suggest that all three of them utilize the logic of their (very different) theories to rationally set up the conditions for organizational change, but that the transformations they describe were sparked not through rational efforts but, in their words, through “grace”, “magic”, and “a miracle”. The new sciences of chaos and self‐organization provide a number of useful metaphors that can help us understand these non‐linear events. Describes the case studies in some depth and then identifies commonalities across the interventions in terms of a three‐phase model of dynamic order, thresholds at the edge of logic, and the self‐organized emergence of new order. Uses metaphors from new science to explain this process, aiming to identify a “chaotic logic” that links rational theory and intuitive practice in transformations of groups and organizations.
Fault-tolerance with multimodule routers

The current multiprocessors such as Cray T3D support interprocessor communication using partitioned dimension-order routers (PDRs). In a PDR implementation, the routing logic and switching hardware is partitioned into multiple modules, with each module suitable for implementation as a chip. This paper proposes a method to incorporate fault-tolerance into such routers with simple changes to the router structure and logic. The previously known fault-tolerant routing methods assume centralized crossbar based routers and are not applicable to multiprocessors with PDRs. The proposed technique works for convex fault model, using only local knowledge of faults. Using the proposed techniques and as few as four virtual channels per physical channel, torus networks with PDRs can handle faults without compromising deadlock- and livelock-freedom. Simulations for 2-dimensional torus and mesh networks show that the resulting fault-tolerant PDRs have performances similar to those of the crossbar based routers.
Clinical relevance of circulating heat shock protein 70 in acute leukemias

B13 Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is one of a family of proteins involved in the protection of cells upon exposure to various types of stress. Plasma circulating HSP70 (cHSP70) is believed to play a role in the anti-tumor immune response, and its levels in plasma may reflect levels of danger or disease state. Using the Meso Scale Discovery system, we measured cHSP70 levels in the plasma of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (#96), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) (#28), and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (#40) and compared levels with those in normal individuals (#99). cHSP70 levels were significantly higher in AML (median, 10.71 ng/mL; range, 1.93-79.0 ng/mL) and ALL (median, 27.59 ng/mL; range, 5.09-129.6 ng/mL) patients than in MDS patients (median, 4.54; range, 1.35-58.3 ng/mL) or healthy controls (median, 4.13 ng/mL; range, 1.75-13.6 ng/mL). Levels of cHSP70 showed a significant positive correlation with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level and white blood cells (WBC) count in AML and ALL patients, which suggests cHSP70 level reflects tumor load. Furthermore, patients with higher levels of cHSP70 had significantly shorter survival in AML (P=0.04) and ALL (P=0.05), which may suggest that in these two acute diseases cHSP70 is indicative of disease severity. Our data support the potential use cHSP70 as a biomarker in leukemias and possibly other types of cancer.
A new package of high-voltage cascode gallium nitride device for high-frequency applications

Lateral gallium nitride (GaN)-based high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) power devices have high current density, high switching speed, and low on-resistance in comparison to the established silicon (Si)-based semiconductor devices. Using efficient GaN HEMT devices switched at high frequency in power electronic systems could lead to an increase in power density as well as a reduction in the weight, size, and cost of the system. However, conventional packaging configurations often compromise the benefits provided by high-performance GaN HEMT devices. This undesirable package-induced performance degradation is prominent in the cascode GaN device, where the combination of a high-voltage depletion-mode GaN device and low-voltage enhancement-mode Si device is needed. In this work, a new package is introduced for high-voltage cascode GaN devices and is successfully demonstrated to make the device more suitable for megahertz (MHz) operation. This packaging prototype for cascode GaN devices is fabricated in a power quad flat no-lead (PQFN) format with the new features of a stack-die structure, embedded external capacitor, and flip-chip configuration. The parasitic ringing in hard-switching turn-off and switching losses in soft-switching transitions are both effectively reduced for this newly packaged device compared with a traditional package using the same GaN and Si devices. Improved thermal dissipation capability is also realized using this new package for better reliability.
Dual control of arabinose genes on transducing phage λdara

A λ-φ80 hybrid derivative of the defective transducing phage φ80dara(Gottesman & Beckwith, 1969) has most of its late genes replaced by Escherichia coli DNA containing an intact arabinose operon. In a cell lysogenic for this phage the arabinose operon on the phage responds normally to its regulatory gene araC and to the level of l-arabinose in the growth medium. However, as a consequence of transcriptional read-through from phage late genes to the arabinose operon, arabinose enzymes are also synthesized under the control of phage gene Q during growth of the phage in the absence of l-arabinose. We also show that the gene araC has the same transcriptional orientation as the phage late genes and the arabinose operon genes B, A and D. Since monomers of phage lysozyme and l-arabinose isomerase are produced in comparable quantities under phage late control, it follows that if there is transcription termination at the end of the gene araC it is no more than 90% efficient.
A HYBRID FINITE-ELEMENT SIMULATION OF SOLID FRACTURE

This paper describes an extension to a computer simulation of solid fracture. In the original model, rigid elements are assembled into a simulated solid by "gluing" the elements together with compliant boundaries which fracture when the tensile strength of the glued joints is exceeded. The current extension applies portions of the finite element technique to allow changes in the shapes of elements. This is implemented at the element level and no global stiffness matrix is assembled; instead, the elements interact across the same compliant boundaries used in the rigid element simulation. As a result, the simulated material can conform to any desired shape and thus can handle large elastic and plastic deformation. This model is intended to study the propagation of multitudinous cracks through simulated solids to aid the understanding of problems such as the impact-induced fragmentation of particles.
Changes in fibrinolysis following exercise above and below lactate threshold

Abstract This study sought to compare fibrinolytic responses to exercise above lactate threshold (LT) to longer-duration, equicaloric exercise below LT. Fifteen males performed cycle ergometer tests above (77% VO 2 peak) and below LT (41% VO 2 peak) to comparatively evaluate tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) responses. tPA activity significantly ( P LT test (pre-exercise = 1.57 ± 0.44 IU ml − 1 , post-exercise = 3.85 ± 4.72 IU ml − 1 ), but not the − 1 , post-exercise = 1.94 ± 1.00 IU ml − 1 ). Plasma tPA antigen significantly ( P LT (pre-exercise = 8.32 ± 4.48 ng ml − 1 , post-exercise = 14.23 ± 5.40 ng ml − 1 ) and − 1 , post-exercise = 9.03 ± 3.25 ng ml − 1 ) tests. Furthermore, post-exercise tPA antigen was greater ( P LT test. PAI-1 activity significantly ( P LT (pre-exercise = 15.00 ± 2.73 AU ml − 1 , post-exercise = 10.12 ± 2.90 AU ml − 1 ) and − 1 , post-exercise = 12.59 ± 2.20 AU ml − 1 ) tests, and the post-exercise PAI-1 activity was significantly ( P LT test. Our results suggest that exercise
Breakthrough curve of lysine on a column of a strong cation-exchange resin of the ammonium form

Abstract By using a “finite-segment” model for an ion-exchange column, breakthrough curves of ternary cation components—lysine, ammonium, and hydrogen—on a column of a cation-exchange resin of the ammonium form are calculated as a function of limited parameters such as the selectivity coefficients and the dissociation constant of the amino acid. Experimental breakthrough curves on a fixed column packed with Diaion SK-IB (nominal DVB 8%) are simulated and analyzed by the calculated results. Within a limited flow rate of the liquid phase, the model is valid for experimental results, including dependencies on the pH and the ratio of lysine to ammonium, when the conditions of electroneutrality are obeyed.
Postoperative Respiratory Care After Transsternal Thymectomy in Myasthenia Gravis: A 3-Year Experience in 53 Patients

During a three-year period, 53 patients with myasthenia gravis underwent transsternal thymectomy by a partial sternum-splitting technique at our institution. This procedure was carried out (1) because an x-ray film or a computed tomography scan had suggested the presence of a thymoma or (2) to manage symptoms of myasthenia gravis. In 41 patients the endotracheal tube was removed in the postanesthesia recovery room. The remaining 12 patients were extubated in the Respiratory Care Unit—in five, after prolonged mechanical ventilation. From our experience, the only factor useful for predicting the probable need for prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation is the degree of bulbar involvement. Patients in Osserman classification groups 3 and 4 have an extremely high incidence of postoperative respiratory failure. Consideration should be given to the use of preoperative plasmapheresis in myasthenia gravis patients who have significant bulbar symptoms.
Autoimmunity: From black water fever to regulatory function

Autoimmunity is a field that has only been around for a little over a century. Initially, it was thought that autoimmunity could not happen, that the body would never turn on itself (i.e. "horror autotoxicus"). It was only around the First World War that autoimmunity was recognized as the pathogenesis of various diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery of Compound E led to successful treatment of patients with autoimmune diseases, but it was not till later that the adverse effects of this class of drugs were elucidated. The "modern" age of autoimmunity began around 1945 with the description of blackwater fever, and most of the subsequent research on hemolytic anemia and the role of an autoantibody in its pathogenesis led to a description of the anti-globulin reaction. The lupus erythematous (LE) cell was recognized in the mid-1940s by Hargreaves. His research carried on into the 1960s. Rheumatoid factor was also first described in the 1940s as yet another serum factor with activity against globulin-coated sheep red blood cells. The concept of autoimmunity really gained a foothold in the 1950s, when autoimmune thyroid disease and idiopathic thrombocytopenia were first described. Much has happened since then, and our understanding of autoimmunity has evolved now to include mechanisms of apoptosis, signaling pathway derangements, and the discovery of subsets of T cells with regulatory activity. The modern day study of autoimmunity is a fascinating area of research, and full understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases is far from being completely elucidated.
Choice of agents to limit the coagulation cascade in acute coronary syndromes.

Arterial thrombosis, the predominant event in acute coronary syndromes (ACS), is the end-result of endothelial cell dysfunction, impaired vascular thromboresistance, and sudden atheromatous plaque disruption, each occurring amid a backdrop of inflammation and inflammatory mediators. Because the contribution of individual coagulation proteins to coronary arterial thrombosis varies from modest to marked, selective pharmacologic targeting is both pathobiologically sound and clinically preferred. The development of secondgeneration anticoagulants with broadened therapeutic windows represents an advance in the management of ACS.
Two fraction extraction of α-zein from DDGS and its characterization

Abstract Zein was recovered from corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) by a modified method using 70% (w/w) aqueous 2-propanol (70-IPA) or 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol (70-EtOH) solvents, and a commercial method using 88% (w/w) aqueous 2-propanol (88-IPA). Yield, purity, and film properties of the isolated zein were determined. The modified procedure extracted two fractions of zeins: a mostly α-zein fraction, and a mostly γ-zein fraction. The modified method increased α-zein yield from 4% to 14%. Enzyme cellulase pretreatment did not improve zein yield, but grinding did. The α-zein fraction showed electrophoretic bands at 40, 22, 19, and 10 kDa, corresponding to α-zein dimer, α 1 -zein, α 2 -zein, and δ-zein, respectively. The α-zein of DDGS retained its film forming capability. The α-zein film of unmodified DDGS was cloudy and rough, unlike the clear and smooth films of α-zeins isolated from corn gluten meal and enzyme-treated DDGS.
Solidlike behavior in liquid layers: A theory of the yield stress in smectics

A study of anharmonic effects in the presence of shear flow in the liquid layers of smectic-A, hexatic-B, and cholesteric liquid crystals is presented. It is shown that the nonlinear coupling of the velocity field to thermally excited undulations of the layers gives rise to a singular 1/|γ| dependence of the viscosities η i on the shear strain rate γ| at small γ|. In addition, the coefficient of this anomaly is found to diverge as (lnL) 2 where L is the size of the system. The 1/|γ| divergence of η 2 , which governs shear flow in the layers, is shown to imply that a minimum applied stress is required in order to set up such a flow. It is demonstrated that this effect provides a straightforward explanation of the puzzling non-Newtonian "plastic" behavior widely observed in experiments on capillary flow in the liquid directions of smectics. The magnitude of the observed yield stress is shown to be consistent with the predictions of this work. Further experimental tests of the theory presented here are suggested.
Vessel Traffic Safety in Puget Sound

The existing status of marine transportation safety is examined by analyzing large vessel casualty data for Puget Sound and adjacent waters for 1974-79. Accident and near miss data were extracted from U.S. Coast Guard data files and stored using the System 2000 data base management system. Emphasis is placed on the risk of high consequence marine accidents by examining the causes and results of large vessel accidents and by investigating incidents with the potential for being high consequence accidents. The importance of certain specific types of human errors is documented. Results of this analysis will be integrated with other segments of a risk analysis methodology in order to produce recommended elements of a marine transportation management scheme.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors: synthesis of cyclic tetrapeptides and their triazole analogs

Synthesis of nine macrocyclic peptide HDAC inhibitors and three triazole derivatives is described. HDAC inhibitory activity of these compounds against HeLa cell lysate is evaluated. The biological data demonstrate that incorporation of a triazole unit improves the HDAC inhibitory activity.
Keeping a watchful eye: Receipt of preventive service screening recommendations by women in long-term care facilities

This study explored the extent to which women in long-term care facilities received preventive screening services. Physical examination screening of women residents exceeded the 40% recommendation of Healthy People 2000 with the exception of clinical breast examination and Pap smears. Laboratory and screening procedures--cholesterol, thyroid, and tuberculin testing--fell short of recommendations. Nurses in long-term care have an opportunity to enhance residents' quality of life by ensuring consistent use of preventive screening services.
Photooxidation of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate on TiO2 Powder

The photooxidation of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) on powdered TiO2 has been studied using UV irradiation in the range 2.1 eV to 5.0 eV. It has been found that the P−CH3 and the P−OCH3 moieties are destroyed together by photooxidation, producing adsorbed CO and CO2 as well as formate ions and water. By working at 200 K the photooxidation process has been studied alone, whereas at room temperature both hydrolysis and photooxidation will occur together. An adsorbed PO3 species is the final phosphorus-containing photooxidation product. High coverages of DMMP are not photooxidized due to site blockage for O2 adsorption on the TiO2 surface.
A linear systolic array for recursive least squares

Classical systolic design procedures rely on linear or affine space-time transformations because of the well-understood properties of linear operations. In order to increase the efficiency of the final processor, various ad hoc manipulations applied to transformations that appeared to be nonlinear at the physical array level have been proposed. Folding is one of these possible transformations. The authors show that folding can actually be considered to be an overall linear procedure by artificially increasing the dimensionality of the dependence graph of the algorithm. A 1-D array for recursive least squares is also derived as an application of a systematic linear design procedure including folding.
Relationship of global assessment of change to AUSCAN and pinch and grip strength among individuals with hand osteoarthritis.

Summary Objective This study assessed the utility and construct validity of a new patient global assessment of symptom change for hand osteoarthritis (OA) by examining its associations with change over time in grip strength, pinch strength, and AUStralian CANadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN). Methods Participants ( N =531, 80% female, mean age=68) were part of a study on the Genetics of Generalized Osteoarthritis (GOGO) and completed two assessments (average 4 years apart). At the second assessment, participants described change in their right and left hand pain, aching, and stiffness on a 15-point scale with descriptors ranging from "Great deal worse" to "Great deal better". Linear regression models examined associations of global change scores with changes in hand strength and AUSCAN, controlling for age, gender, number of hand joints with OA, and time between assessments. Results Both right and left hand global assessment of change scores were significantly associated with change in AUSCAN, grip strength, and right hand pinch strength ( P P =0.06). The strongest associations were between global change scores and AUSCAN change (right hand: β =0.29, P β =0.27, P Conclusion Results support the validity of this new global assessment of symptom change. This measure is particularly useful for assessing change over time when no baseline data are available. Additional research should examine this measure's responsiveness in the context of clinical trials.
Ordering and pricing policies in a manufacturing and distribution supply chain for fashion products

Abstract In the paper, we develop a model of manufacturing and distribution supply chains that are operating to meet price-sensitive random demand for products with short life cycles such as fashion products. Two specific scenarios are considered. The manufacturer-controlled scenario is one where the distributor shares price-sensitive random demand with the manufacturer, and the manufacturer controls the supply chain stocking decisions and bears the risk of overstocking costs. The distributor-controlled scenario works in the opposite direction. Prevailing wisdom suggests that the manufacturer should control supply chain decisions (e.g., via vendor-managed inventory). Our results indicate that such an arrangement is against the interest of a distributor selling short life-cycle products. Furthermore, we find that the total supply chain profit is generally higher when the distributor controls the supply chain stocking decisions and bears the risk of overstocking costs.
Differential stability of α- and β-globin mRNAs after infection with herpes simplex virus

Friend erytholeukemia (FL) cells can be induced to undergo erythroid differentiation following. exposure to dimethyl sulfoxide (Me$JO) [l] or hemin [2] . The differentiation process involves a series of events which include, production of globin mRNA [3-51 expression of erythrocyte membrane antigens [6] and a decrease in the ability of induced cells to divide [7] . In cells exposed to either Me$O or hemin, both crand &globin mRNAs are synthesized [2,5]. It has been shown that the relative rate of accumulation of crand /.I-globin mRNAs differs with different inducing agents [8] . We have utilized this system to examine the fate of cellular mRNAs during the course of lytic infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV). We demonstrated that the de novo synthesis of globin was rapidly shut off early after infection with HSV and that the abundance of globin mRNA sequences decreased as the infection proceeded [9]. In a subsequent analysis of total infected cell mRNA we provided evidence which suggested that total polyadenylated cellular mRNA was degraded at 4 h postinfection and that the degradation of globin mRNA was a stochastic process as judged by the failure to detect a shift in the kinetics of hybridization of total polyadenylated mRNA extracted at various times postinfection to globin cDNA [IO] . To further explore these findings, specific cDNA probes to crand fi-globin mRNA were prepared and used to analyze the relative stability of crand /I-globin mRNAs following infection with HSV. The results demonstrate that degradation of cr-globin mRNA is more.refractile to HSV infection than
THE FALSE RIGHT TO AUTONOMY IN EDUCATION

The ideal of personal autonomy enjoys considerable support in educational theory, but close analysis reveals serious problems with its core analytical and psychological components. The core conception of autonomy authorizes individuals to employ their imaginations in troubling and unhealthy ways that clash with sound ideals of moral character. Lucas Swaine argues in this essay that this gives grounds to deny that the core conception of autonomy should be promoted in democratic education. What is more, according to Swaine, young citizens appear to have no right to be educated, in public schools, for the purpose of becoming autonomous individuals of the kind he describes and criticizes in this account.
Anesthetic aspects of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma

p HEOCHROMOCYTOMA is a catecholamine-producing tumor usually located in the adrenal gland. Signs and symptoms, which are related to the tumor's excessive secretion of norepinephrine and epinephrine, include hypertension, sweating, palpitations, headaches, and anxiety attacks. Pheochromocytoma is found in approximately 0.1% to 0.3% of patients undergoing evaluation for secondary causes of hypertension. 1 Early diagnosis and appropriate medical management of pheochromocytomas are of paramount importance. The perioperative mortality of unrecognized pheochromocytoma is high because of cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, and central nervous system catastrophes. Today, because of improvements in diagnosis, surgical techniques, perioperative monitoring, and modem antihypertensive drugs, perioperative mortality associated with pheochromocytoma surgery has been reduced to less than 1%. 2,3 With advances in surgical technology and more widespread experience in minimally invasive techniques, pheochromocytoma resection, a procedure that until recently had been considered suitable only for a conventional open approach, can now be performed laparoscopically. 4-6 Over the last several years, laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma has been established as a safe and effective surgical procedure with many advantages over conventional open surgery. 5-7
Torn between expectations

The article reports on research concerning conflicting expectations in management. Anne Tsui of the University of California at Irvine, California, Susan Ashford and Lynda St. Clair of the University of Michigan, and Katherine Xin of the University of Southern California focused on how managers handle conflict and how their effectiveness is perceived by others. The study participants were high potential individuals who were selected for executive development programs. The managers used four strategies: changing their behavior to match expectations; influencing the expectations of others; explaining their approach to the situation; and ignoring the conflict.
Calcium thionyl chloride cells: anode studies at low temperatures

Abstract Calcium/Ca(AlCl4)2—oxyhalide/carbon cells have been studied because of their high energy density and purported safety advantages over lithium oxyhalide cells. However, calcium anode corrosion and poor cell performance at low temperatures have impeded development of this system. At −30 °C, severe anode polarization is responsible for cell failure. Performance of pure calcium and calcium alloys in Ca(AlCl4)2—thionyl chloride electrolyte was explored. It was found that best cell performance was achieved when the components included a pure calcium anode, 1 M Ca(AlCl4)2SOCl2 electrolyte containing 7% sulfur dioxide, and a carbon cathode composed of a blend of high and low surface area carbons. At −30 °C, anode polarization is due largely to increased electrolyte viscosity and related effects. Addition of SO2 alleviates these effects to some extent. Raising the discharge temperature to −20 °C significantly improves cell performance.
Magnetic moment corrections to second order in perturbation theory

Abstract We prove that, with a central residual interaction, the correction to the magnetic moment of 17 O due to configuration mixing is equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to the correction for its mirror 17 F; likewise for all mirror pairs consisting of one particle or one hole beyond a closed major shell. We test this with the mirror pairs 15 O and 15 N, 17 O and 17 F, and find indeed that the corrections from the Schmidt moments are almost equal and opposite. The small discrepancy can be explained by using an interaction with a tensor part (Hamada-Johnson interaction). We find that configuration mixing quenches the magnetic moment of a nucleus with one particle beyond a closed major shell, i.e. 17 O, 41 Ca, but anti-quenches the magnetic moment of a nucleus with one hole beyond a closed shell, i.e. 15 O, 39 Ca.
The fate of adoptively transferred quiescent encephalitogenic T cells in normal and antigen-tolerized mice.

Abstract Adoptive transfer of quiescent encephalitogenic T cells to normal syngeneic recipients was without clinical effect. RT-PCR was used to assess localization of an adoptively transferred quiescent encephalitogenic T cell clone in normal and antigen-unresponsive mice prior to or after challenge with neuroantigen/CFA. The T cell clone was not detectable in lymphoid tissues prior to challenge with neuroantigen; however, following challenge, the clone was found in the spleen, lymph nodes and spinal cord of both normal and antigen-tolerized mice. The latter animals remained clinically normal. Non-activated encephalitogenic T cells transferred to wild-type recipients pretreated i.p. with neuroantigen/IFA were rendered unresponsive. Transfer of the same T cells to α/β T cell-deficient mice pretreated with neuroantigen/IFA resulted in spontaneous disease indicating that an intact α/β T cell system was required for development of the unresponsive state.
Spatial and temporal patterns in modeled particle transport to estuarine habitat with comparisons to larval fish settlement patterns

Larval fish settlement in estuarine nursery areas is the end result of numerous biological and physical processes. We used a numerical circulation model coupled to a particle transport model to examine the role that physics play in determining settlement patterns of red drum larvae (Sciaenops ocellatus) in nursery habitat along the Texas coast. We examined supply at various spatial scales (supply to inlet, bays, and individual settlement sites). Temporal patterns in larval settlement in Aransas Bay, Texas, are correlated with several indices of modeled particle supply (number of particles inside the bays, integrated particle input to Lydia Ann Channel, and cumulative number of competent particles in Lydia Ann Channel). High abundances of recently settled red drum in Aransas Bay result from a combination of high larval input, limited habitat for settlement, and proximity of habitat to the inlet. In contrast, larval settlement in Corpus Christi and Redfish Bays does not appear to be related to modeled measures of larval supply. Modeled particle supply at the bay-scale suggests that difference in the abundance of recently settled red drum between the bays may be related to larval supply normalized by the amount available settlement habitat within the bay.
Vertical transport in Schottky-gated, laterally confined double-barrier quantum well heterostructures

We investigate the conductance properties of double-barrier quantum well resonant tunneling heterostructures, laterally confined by a Schottky gate such that the confinement can be varied in a continuous and controlled way. Data on dots with nominal diameters in the submicron range are reported.
Release of cytokines and apoptosis in fetal rat Type II pneumocytes exposed to hyperoxia and nitric oxide: modulatory effects of dexamethasone and pentoxifylline.

The response of the fetal rat Type II pneumocyte (FTIIP), the stem cell of the alveolar epithelium, to hyperoxia would be helpful to understand the effects of oxygen-induced injury to the immature lung. In such a scenario, the presence of nitric oxide (NO) may have a protective or detrimental effect. Our goals were to evaluate the release of cytokines and apoptotic cell death in freshly isolated FTIIP (19-day) in the presence of 95% O(2) and/or NO. The effects of dexamethasone and pentoxifylline on the FTIIP cytokine response were also studied. There was no significant difference in the levels of IL-1beta and IL-10 from FTIIP, in room air, hyperoxia and/or NO at 2, 6 and 24 h. However, IL-6 release was significantly higher, when measured over time, after 2, 6 and 24 h of exposure to hyperoxia and NO. Dexamethasone in the presence of hyperoxia and/or NO increased the release of IL-10 at 24 h. There was increased apoptosis in FTIIP exposed to hyperoxia alone and in combination with NO; this was significantly attenuated in the presence of dexamethasone and pentoxifylline. We speculate that the cytoprotective effects of dexamethasone in the immature lung may, in part, be mediated via IL-10.
Application of blind signal separation techniques to airborne antenna arrays

Abstract Airborne antenna arrays suffer from the problem of multipath, formed due to scattering of the desired signal by the aircraft propellers. The direct path includes the desired signal coming from a sonobuoy floating in the ocean or from other airborne radars, and their reflections from the ocean surface. Numerous techniques have been proposed for multipath mitigation and localization of the desired signal, that assume the propeller scatters to be point sources, which is not true in actual scenarios. Also, the multipath from the ocean that accompanies the direct signal, leads to a complicated spatial signature, making existing techniques unsuitable. In this paper, we propose a new technique which deals with the propeller scatters as spatially extended sources, and also takes into account the signal reflections from the ocean. The problem is presented as that of blind signal separation. The objective is two-fold, localization of the desired signal and extraction of its waveform. The Second order Blind Identification (SOBI) algorithm is applied to obtain the spatial signatures of the desired signal and the multipath, which are then used to obtain both the temporal and spatial characteristics of the signals. An efficient method for recovering the desired waveform is also formulated.
Evaluation of five fluorescent dyes and triethyl phosphate as atmospheric tracers of agricultural sprays

Abstract The photostability of five commonly used fluorescent dyes and an organophosphate, triethyl phosphate, was compared on microscope slides or in glass beakers after exposure to sunlight outdoors. Our goal was to determine which chemicals would be most suited for use as tracers for the simulation of long distance transport of herbicides in the atmosphere and as dual tracers for a dual sprayer system for the evaluation of the effects of adjuvants on spray drift potential of agricultural sprays. The dyes and triethyl phosphate were analyzed with a fluorescent spectrometer and a GC (NPD), respectively. Half lives were estimated to be approximately 7 minutes for Tinopal and Eosine, 15 minutes for Fluorescein, 0.75–3 hours for Rhodamine B (RhB) and 0.5 hour for triethyl phosphate. Brilliant sulfaflavine (BSF) was the most persistent chemical, degrading only 11.3% after 8 hours of exposure to sunlight. BSF was selected as the best tracer of those tested, to simulate long distance atmospheric transport of h...
Interactive Homework in Middle School: Effects on Family Involvement and Science Achievement

Abstract The purpose of this intervention study was to examine the effects of weekly interactive science homework on family involvement in homework, student achievement, and homework attitudes. Sixth- and 8th-grade students (N = 253) participated in the 18-week study. Six classes of students completed TIPS (Teachers Involve Parents in Schoolwork) assignments with directions for family and parent involvement. Four classes completed noninteractive homework (no family involvement directions). Interactive students reported significantly higher levels of family involvement than did noninteractive students. Students in both groups who more regularly involved family members completed more assignments; TIPS students turned in more accurate assignments than did non-TIPS students. TIPS students also earned significantly higher science report card grades. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that TIPS interactive homework affects family involvement in homework, science attitudes, and student achievement...
A rate distortion method for waveform design in RF target detection

Conventional RF image formation relies on a fixed waveform set that is based largely on obtaining maximum resolution for a given amount of bandwidth present in a waveform. However, the correlation process for a given waveform set varies widely depending on the cross correlation properties of the waveform and the geometry of the aperture interrogating the object to be detected. We propose a method that maximizes quality of the object being detected by first using an orthogonal basis to minimize the unwanted correlation response for the waveform. We then shape the frequency and temporal correlation response of the waveform for a given target using a rate distortion criteria and demonstrate the imaging and detection performance of the method.
A variation on the minimum chi-square test

The “sum of chi-squares” technique suggested by several authors attempting to assess the fit of certain learning models to data (Atkinson, Bower and Crothers, 1965, Calfee and Atkinson, 1965) is examined in a general framework and its asymptotic distribution theory derived. The fit statistic used is seen not to have an asymptotic chi-square distribution except under very special circumstances. Its asymptotic mean and variance are found both when no parameters are estimated and when s parameters are estimated by minimizing the fit statistic. Bounds are found for the asymptotic mean and variance of this statistic. Some partial results are given regarding the direction and size of the error made in assuming the fit statistic has an approximate chi-square distribution with the “right” degrees of freedom for calculating significance levels. The estimate of the parameter found by minimizing the fit statistic is examined and compared to some of its possible competitors. Finally these theoretical results are applied to some data given by Calfee and Atkinson (1965).
Field Crop Production in Areas with Saline Soils and Shallow Saline Groundwater in the San Joaquin Valley of California

SUMMARY Salinity in soil and water is irrevocably associated with irrigated agriculture throughout the world and as a result requires that salt management becomes an integral part of the production system. With careful water management, it is possible to sustain irrigated agriculture in areas with saline soil and saline groundwater with and without subsurface drainage. The results from two field projects conducted in an area with saline soils and saline groundwater demonstrated the type of irrigation systems and management needed to sustain production of moderately salt tolerant and tolerant crops. During the first study at Murrieta farms, yields of cotton and sugar beet were maintained using both saline and non-saline water for irrigation when pre-plant irrigation and rainfall were adequate to maintain soil salinity at a tolerable level. Wheat production was reduced in areas that used saline water for irrigation. Use of saline water containing toxic elements such as boron for irrigation poses a threat to...
The mechanics of compressive kinking in unidirectional fiber reinforced ductile matrix composites

Three distinct stages of kink band formation and propagation exist in ductile matrix composites subjected to compressive loading. These stages are called incipient kinking, transient kinking and kink band broadening. Each stage involves a different deformation mode. The mechanics governing each stage are discussed. Incipient kinking, where the peak load is attained, and kink band broadening, where the load attains a steady-state, are important in structural design. Two design philosophies are presented. References to pertinent literature are made throughout.
Why We Watch Them Sing and Dance: The Uses and Gratifications of Talent-Based Reality Television

This study explores how talent-based reality shows with different thematic content influence gratifications obtained (GO) by viewers. Participants completed surveys regarding their reasons for watching reality programs, in general, and their reasons for watching specific talent-based reality shows (American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, and America's Got Talent). Results identified 2 gratifications not previously observed in other gratifications research (TV personalities and schadenfreude), and that correlations exist between the content of talent-based programs and GO.
Ligand substitution behavior of Ru(6)(mu(6)-C)(CO)(17) with unsaturated diphosphines: facile capping of a polyhedral face and photochemically promoted P-C bond cleavage in the cluster Ru(6)(mu(6)-C)(CO)(14)(mu(3)-bpcd).

The ligand substitution chemistry of the hexaruthenium cluster Ru6(μ6-C)(CO)17 (1) with several unsaturated diphosphine ligands has been investigated. Thermolysis of 1 with (Z)-Ph2PCHCHPPh2 (dppen) furnishes the new cluster compounds Ru5(μ5-C)(CO)12(μ3-dppen) (2), Ru6(μ6-C)(CO)14(μ3-dppen) (3), and Ru6(μ6-C)(CO)12(μ3-dppen)(μ-dppen) (4). Clusters 2 and 3 are also obtained when a mixture of 1 and dppen is treated with the oxidative-decarbonylation reagent Me3NO. Thermolysis or Me3NO activation of 1 in the presence of 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-4-cyclopenten-1,3-dione (bpcd) yields Ru6(μ6-C)(CO)14(μ3-bpcd) (4) as the sole observable product. Near-UV irradiation of 4 leads to P–C bond cleavage and the formation of phosphido-bridged cluster Ru6(μ6-C)(CO)13[μ3-CC(PPh2)C(O)CH2C(O)](μ-PPh2) (6) in essentially quantitative yield. The reaction between 1 and the ligand 3,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)-5-methoxy-2(5H)-furanone (bmf) leads to the formation of Ru6(μ6-C)(CO)14(μ3-bmf) (7), which exists as a single diastereomer in solution as shown by 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures and the binding mode of the ancillary diphosphine ligand(s) in 2-7 have all been established by X-ray diffraction analyses. The solid-state structure of 7 reveals that the chiral bmf ligand caps one of the metallic faces stereospecifically with the 5-methoxy moiety oriented distal or trans relative to the Ru6 polyhedral core. The new substitution products are discussed relative to the products obtained from 1 and the related diphosphine ligands dppm, dppe, dppf, and dppbz.
Structural power and experienced job satisfactions: The empowerment paradox for women

This study related the structural power of women's occupational roles to their job values, perceptions, satisfactions, and dissatisfactions regarding power and affiliation. For 110 mostly Caucasian college-educated women in their mid-30s returning mailed questionnaires, analyses compared women in relational power, directive power, and low power jobs. Women in supervisory roles were compared with nonsupervisors. Perceived Autonomy/Challenge and Affiliation correlated with Interpersonal Power satisfaction; these and Perceived Status Mobility correlated with Interpersonal Power dissatisfaction. More women in relational power jobs reported Affiliative values and Interpersonal Power satisfactions, and fewer reported Status Mobility values and perceptions or Autonomy/Challenge satisfactions. Supervisors valued and perceived Status Mobility and Autonomy/Challenge more than did nonsupervisors, and reported more Autonomy/Challenge satisfaction. More nonsupervisors reported Interpersonal Power and Affiliative satisfactions. Thus, as women gain more structural power, they report less satisfaction from Interpersonal Power despite greater satisfaction with Autonomy/Challenge.