cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thin films of octahedral molecular sieves of manganese oxide

Octahedral layered molecular sieve materials (OL-1) having the birnessite structure have been synthesized using sol-gel preparation methods. The sol obtained by redox reaction between sucrose and KMnO{sub 4} is then used to make films via (a) immersion, (b) spray coating, (c) spin coating, and (d) spatula coating. Crystalline OL-1 thin films have been prepared by methods a-c. Thin homogeneous films are most readily prepared by spray coating. Spin coating leads to noncrystalline and manganese-deficient films. The films have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and scanning Auger microscopy. The microscopy and Auger experiments show that there was no charging, implying these samples are good electrical conductors. The films are free from large amounts of impurity ions and carbonaceous deposits formed during the syntheses. 25 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.
A review of ethylene oxide condensation with relation to surface-active agents

A limited presentation has been made in the preceding discussion of some of the more important aspects of ethylene oxide condensation with respect to surface-active agents. As a commercial process it is an economical means of introducing hydrophilic ethoxy groups to achieve the desired balance with lipophiles. The hydrophilic characteristics of ethoxy groups result from hydration of ether-linked oxygen atoms. The condesation of ethylene oxide with compounds having active hydrogen atoms is carried out commercially at moderate temperatures and pressures in the presence of catalysts with careful regard to safe operating procedures. Nonionic agents having a variety of properties and uses are formed by condensing ethylene oxide with alkyl phenols, higher aliphatic alcohols, polyhydric alcohol partial esters, carboxylic acids, higher alkyl amides, alkyl mercaptans, and polypropylene glycols. Condensation of ethylene oxide with higher alkyl amines yields cationic agents. In recent years a considerable volume of literature has been published on the subject of ethylene oxide and nonionic surface-active agents. The references cited should serve as a source of more complete and detailed information.
Global effects of vitamin A deficiency on gene expression in rat liver: evidence for hypoandrogenism.

Vitamin A (retinol) metabolites are ligands for transcription factors that regulate many genes. The liver is the main storage depot for retinol and plays a role in vitamin A homeostasis. To better understand the effects of vitamin A deficiency on liver gene expression, we produced retinol deficiency in male rats by feeding a diet low in retinol for 53 days after weaning and examined the effects on gene expression in liver using Affymetrix oligonucleotide microarrays. We detected expression of 41% of the 8799 probe sets represented on the RGU-34A GeneChips. Vitamin A deficiency resulted in major changes in liver gene expression: 805 genes (22% of all genes detected) differed at P≤.05 (false discovery rate <0.143). Genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, peroxisomal function, glycolysis, glutamate metabolism and the urea cycle were altered. The expression of many sexually dimorphic genes was altered toward a feminized or senescent pattern of gene expression in the liver. Retinol deficiency also produces a shift toward increased protein and fat catabolism and decreased fatty acid synthesis.
Functional Analysis of the Numb Phosphotyrosine-binding Domain Using Site-directed Mutagenesis

The Numb protein is involved in cell fate determination during Drosophila neural development. Numb has a protein domain homologous to the phosphotyrosine-binding domain (PTB) in the adaptor protein Shc. In Shc, this domain interacts with specific phosphotyrosine containing motifs on receptor tyrosine kinases and other signaling molecules. Residues N-terminal to the phosphotyrosine are also crucial for phosphopeptide binding to the Shc PTB domain. Several amino acid residues in Shc have been implicated by site-directed mutagenesis to be critical for Shc binding to receptor tyrosine kinases. We have generated homologous mutations in Numb to test whether, in vivo, these changes affect Numb function during Drosophila sensory organ development. Two independent amino acid changes that interfere with Shc binding to phosphotyrosine residues do not affect Numb activity in vivo. In contrast, a mutation shown to abrogate the ability of the Shc PTB domain to bind residues upstream of the phosphotyrosine virtually eliminates Numb function. Similar results were observed in vitro by examining the binding of the Numb PTB domain to proteins from Schneider S2 cells. Our data confirm the importance of the PTB domain for Numb function but strongly suggest that the Numb PTB domain is not involved in phosphotyrosine-dependent interactions.
Thermally stimulated polarization and dc conduction in iron phosphate glasses

Thermally stimulated polarization (TSPC) and depolarization current (TSDC) techniques were used to study electrical polarization and conduction mechanisms in iron phosphate and sodium-iron phosphate glasses. TSDC measurements from 120 to 350 K show two current peaks, P1, attributed to the polarization caused by intrinsic dipolar defects, and P2, due to space-charge relaxation. The electrical conductivity was examined on the basis that the activation energy for electronic conduction is lower than that for ionic conduction. The dc conductivity depends upon iron oxide content and distance between iron ions, which suggests electronic conduction. The difference in activation energy between TSDC peaks and dc conductivity is discussed. Infrared absorption spectra indicate that iron ions can act as a network former and/or modifier depending upon the Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratio in the glass.
Syndromal complexity, paradigm shifts, and the future of validation research: comments on Nichols and Rogers, Sewell, Harrison, and Jordan.

In this comment, I address a number of the points raised in the reviews of the MMPI–2 Restructured Clinical (RC; Tellegen et al., 2003) Scales by Nichols (2006/this issue) and Rogers, Sewell, Harrison, and Jordan (2006/this issue), and I advocate for changes in assessment validation research. There is little evidence that the "syndromal complexity" Nichols ascribes to the original MMPI–2 (Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989) Clinical Scales is worth preserving. Although their construction does not constitute the paradigm shift claimed by Rogers et al., the RC Scales are promising, psychometrically defensible measures of core features of the original MMPI–2 Clinical Scales. However, validation of inferences from multiscale inventories such as the MMPI–2 is limited at present by a disconnection between the integrative manner in which MMPI–2 profiles are interpreted and the scale-by-scale nature of most MMPI–2 validation studies. Q-sort procedures show promise for operationalizing integrate...
Mercury exchange between the atmosphere and low mercury containing substrates

Mercury is emitted to the air from Hg-enriched and low Hg-containing (natural background) substrates. Emitted Hg can be geogenic, or can be derived from the re-emission of Hg that was previously deposited to the soil from the atmosphere. Atmospheric Hg can be derived from natural and/or anthropogenic sources and can be deposited by wet or dry processes. It is important to understand the relative magnitude of emission, deposition, and re-emission of Hg associated with terrestrial ecosystems with natural background soil Hg concentrations because these landscapes cover large terrestrial surface areas. This information is also important for developing biogeochemical mass balances, assessing the impacts of atmospheric Hg sources, and predicting the effectiveness of regulatory controls at local, regional, and global scales. The major focus of this paper is to discuss air–substrate Hg exchange for low Hg-containing soils (<0.1 μg Hg g−1) from two areas in Nevada and one in Oklahoma, USA. Data collected with field and laboratory gas exchange systems are presented. Results indicate that in order to adequately characterize substrate–air Hg exchange, diel and seasonal data must be collected under a variety of environmental conditions. Field and laboratory data showed that dry deposition of gaseous Hg to substrates with low Hg concentrations is an important process. Environmental parameters important in influencing emissions include soil water content, incident light, temperature, atmospheric oxidants, and air Hg concentrations. There are synergistic and antagonistic effects between these parameters complicating prediction of flux.
Bollworm and Tobacco Budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Labeling of Adults Produced in Wild Geranium, Geranium dissectum, Treated with Rubidium or Strontium Chloride

The feasibility of marking the adult stage of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and Heltothis virescens (F.) by treating Gerantum dissectum L. with aqueous solutions of strontium chloride (SrCl2) or rubidium chloride (RbCI) was studied. G. dissectum is a major wild host plant of the F1 larval generation of those pests in the Delta of Mississippi. Strontium chloride was 100% effective in marking the adults only when used as a foliar treatment of G. dissectum at 108 kg per ha in the greenhouse. Rubidium chloride was 100% effective in marking moths when applied as a foliar spray in the greenhouse at 27, 14, and 3 kg per ha and in the field at 12, 6, and 4 kg per ha. Soil applications of rubidium chloride in the greenhouse were 100% effective in marking moths when applied at 138 kg per ha, but only 86.4 and 30.0% of the moths were effectively marked at rates of 69 and 14 kg per ha, respectively. These results show that rubidium chloride can be used in the field to effectively mark the F1 adults of Helicoverpa and Heltothis produced on wild geranium. This technique should be of great value, when used in conjunction with adult trapping, in determining the period of emergence, range of dispersal, and role of G. dissectum in the annual early-season colonization of cotton by these two pests.
Solubility-based gas separation with oligomer-modified inorganic membranes: Part II. Mixed gas permeation of 5 nm alumina membranes modified with octadecyltrichlorosilane

Following the ideas presented in a previous publication [J. Membr. Sci. 187 (2001) 141], hybrid organic/inorganic membranes were prepared by the surface-derivatization of commercially available mesoporous alumina membranes with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS). Ideal and mixed gas selectivities for propane/nitrogen and butane/methane systems were obtained at different inlet feed pressures and compositions. The membranes were always selective for the heavier species over the lighter, which is indicative of a solubility-based separation. The mixed gas selectivities were generally greater than or equal to the corresponding ideal values. Interestingly, the dependence of mixed gas selectivity on feed pressure was qualitatively different for the two different gas pairs. Apparent competitive and cooperative effects between the permeating gas species were observed under different conditions. Overall, the permeation characteristics of the hybrids were more consistent with a dense polymeric material rather than a porous one.
Economic growth under political accountability

We examine the impact of political and criminal accountability on economic growth. Governments seek to maximize their own consumption by extracting rents that are costly to growth. When citizens are able to depose politicians through elections, governments are tightly controlled. The rents politicians are able to extract increase in the length of their term. The effect of the threshold of criminal responsibility on the ability of voters to control politicians is non-monotonic. When tenure in power does not depend on economic performance, rent extraction is limited only by the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms but does not depend on time horizons of the rulers. Accumulation constraint binds only rulers who are neither politically nor criminally accountable.
Self-Organized GaN Quantum Wire UV Lasers

Quantum wire lasers are generally fabricated through complex overgrowth processes with molecular beam epitaxy. The material systems of such overgrown quantum wires have been limited to Al−Ga−As−P, which leads to emission largely in the visible region. We describe a simple, one-step chemical vapor deposition process for making quantum wire lasers based on the Al−Ga−N system. A novel quantum-wire-in-optical-fiber (Qwof) nanostructure was obtained as a result of spontaneous Al−Ga−N phase separation at the nanometer scale in one dimension. The simultaneous excitonic and photonic confinement within these coaxial Qwof nanostructures leads to the first GaN-based quantum wire UV lasers with a relatively low threshold.
Influence of variety and time upon the resistance of potatoes to mechanical damage

Significant differences existed between certain potato varieties in their response to applied stress or surface pressure. From the standpoint of the stress required to rupture the tuber skin and the tissue immediately beneath the skin, Kennebec was significantly lower in resistance to injury than Russet Burbank, Katahdin, Sebago, and Onaway. The resistance of the potatoes to injury decreased with time during the pre-harvest tests, and increased with time after harvest. It was suggested that soil moisture may interact with time to cause a decrease in the resistance of the potato to mechanical pressure during the pre-harvest season. After a one month curing period, the energy the tubers could with-stand increased by 30 to 80%. No linear correlation was found between spcific gravity and the mechanical loads necessary to rupture the potato tuber.
Strategies For Human Exploration Leading To Human Colonization of Space

Enabling the commercial development of space is key to the future colonization of space and key to a viable space exploration program. Without commercial development following in the footsteps of exploration it is difficult to justify and maintain public interest in the efforts. NASA's exploration program has suffered from the lack of a good commercial economic strategy for decades. Only small advances in commercial space have moved forward, and only up to Earth orbit with the commercial satellite industry. A way to move beyond this phase is to begin the establishment of human commercial activities in space in partnership with the human exploration program. In 2007 and 2008, the authors researched scenarios to make space exploration and commercial space development more feasible as part of their graduate work in the Space Architecture Program at the Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture at the University of Houston, Houston, Texas. Through this research it became apparent that the problems facing future colonization are much larger than the technology being developed or the international missions that our space agencies are pursuing. These issues are addressed in this paper with recommendations for space exploration, commercial development, and space policy that are needed to form a strategic plan for human expansion into space. In conclusion, the authors found that the current direction in space as carried out by our space agencies around the world is definitely needed, but is inadequate and incapable of resolving all of the issues that inhibit commercial space development. A bolder vision with strategic planning designed to grow infrastructures and set up a legal framework for commercial markets will go a long way toward enabling the future colonization of space.
Helical CT of calcaneal fractures: technique and imaging features.

Since the degree of comminution, fracture alignment, and articular congruity of intra-articular calcaneal fractures are important determinants in surgical treatment and patient prognosis, we review helical computed tomographic (CT) technique and features for detecting and assessing the extent of acute calcaneal fractures. Helical CT can be used to classify these fractures and facilitate the surgeon’s understanding of the anatomy and position of the fracture components in all orthogonal planes independently of the patient’s condition, foot placement in the CT gantry, or other injuries.
Influence of tetracycline on calcification in normal and regenerating teleost scales.

AMONG the attributes manifested by tetracyclines administered to biological systems are an affinity for calcified tissues1–4, the concomitant inhibition of calcification3,4, and fluorescence under ultra-violet illumination. These properties have facilitated the investigation of growth and regeneration of scales in tetracycline-treated teleosts (Fundulus heteroclitus).
Clinical utility of telemetered intracardiac electrograms in diagnosing a design dependent lead malfunction.

Inhibition of pacemakers due to false signals from malfunctioning pacing leads has been previously reported. Three cases are reported in which inappropriale pauses were observed shortly following implantation. In all three cases, active fixation leads with an electronically active screw and ring tip electrode were used. All leads were manufactured by Oscor Medical, St. Petersburg, Florida. In case one, models PY-61 (ventricle) and PY-51 (atrium) were used. In case two, models PY-61 were used in the ventricle and the atrium. In case three, models PY-52 were used both in the atrium and ventricle. Thresholds at the time of implantation were acceptable. In cases one and two, inappropriate pauses were noted following, paced ventricular beats. In case three, inappropriate inhibition of the ventricular output was noted intermittently after some of the paced atrial beats. Spurious signals were identified as the cause of the apparent oversensing problem by using electrocardiograms with annotated telemetry information and noninvasively telemetered intracardiac electrograms. The amplitude of the spurious signals varied between 2 and 14 mV. In all cases, the problems resolved with time. A mechanism for the generation of false transients is proposed and the value of telemetered intracardiac electrograms is discussed.
Competing magnetic ground states in the A -site layer-ordered manganite La 1 − x Ba 1 + x Mn 2 O 6

Using neutron and x-ray diffraction, we report the discovery of competing ground states near a multicritical point in $A$-site layer-ordered ${\text{La}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Ba}}_{1+x}{\text{Mn}}_{2}{\text{O}}_{6}$ materials. We demonstrate the dual effects of deliberate disorder on the system's stability, the freezing of the competing states, and the drastic reduction in magnetic fields required for the suppression of charge- and orbital-ordered phases. Our work suggests that quenched disorder is not the primary reason for phase separation and magnetoresistance and that increased doping leads to electronic phase separation.
Statistical aspects of cleavage fracture in steel

The fracture of mild steel in the cleavage range has been evaluated using a weakest link statistical model, assuming the preexistence of a distribution of cracked carbides. The model provides a rationale for the critical fracture distance, viz., the distance from the crack tip at which the probability of cleavage cracking exhibits a maximum. The critical distance depends on the size distribution and volume fraction of carbides. The model also predicts trends in K,ic with material properties: flow strength, cracked carbide size and volume fraction, and grain size. The resultant temperature dependence of K,ic is shown to derive exclusively from the temperature dependence of the flow stress, as in prior models. The effects of microstructure on K,ic depend primarily on the size distribution of cracked carbides, with additional influences of the grain size and of the volume fraction of carbides.
Patients with a high defibrillation threshold: Clinical characteristics, management, and outcome

Of 125 patients prepared to receive implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) with the patch-patch configuration of the difibrillating electrodes, 23 (18%) had high (greater than or equal to 25 joules) defibrillation thresholds (DFTs). These patients had lower left ventricular ejection fractions (27 +/- 12 vs 34 +/- 13; p less than 0.03) and a higher incidence of previous heart surgery (47% vs 19%; p less than 0.01) than patients with normal DFTs but did not differ in age, type of heart disease, incidence of concomitant heart surgery, or use of antiarrhythmic medication. Defibrillators were implanted in 18 of these 23 patients, 12 during the initial surgery and six after repeat DFT testing 2 weeks later. After 22 +/- 11 months of follow-up, four patients with ICDs died (two suddenly, and two of nonsudden cardiac causes). Two patients without ICDs died of nonsudden cardiac causes. Appropriate shocks were received by five patients (29%) including both who died suddenly later. A high DFT may be more common than previously stated. It is associated with poor ventricular function and previous heart surgery. Repeated DFT testing may be useful in some patients. A high DFT does not preclude successful ICD shocks, but other therapies may provide better results.
Toluene Hydrogenation Catalyzed by Tetrairidium Clusters Supported on γ-Al2O3☆

Supported clusters represented as Ir4on γ-Al2O3were prepared by treatment of γ-Al2O3-supported [Ir4(CO)12] in He at 300°C. The clusters were decarbonylated with near retention of the tetrahedral cluster frame, as indicated by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra determining a first-shell Ir–Ir coordination number of 3.04 with a distance of 2.682 A. X-ray absorption near-edge structure data characterizing the catalysts and Ir metal indicate the electron deficiency of the supported clusters, and the EXAFS data indicate an Ir–O distance of about 2.1 A, which is consistent with bonding of cationic Ir in the clusters to oxygen of the support. The supported Ir4clusters were found to be catalytically active for the structure-insensitive toluene hydrogenation at temperatures in the range 60 to 100°C, with the activity being almost the same as that of Ir6/γ-Al2O3and an order of magnitude less than that of Ir aggregates of about 50 atoms each, on average, supported on γ-Al2O3. The Ir4/γ-Al2O3catalyst was stable in operation in a flow reactor, and, consistent with this observation, EXAFS results characterizing the used catalyst indicated that the cluster nuclearity was essentially unchanged after catalysis. The low activity of the supported Ir4clusters relative to that of metallic Ir particles indicates that the concept of structure insensitivity is no longer valid for clusters as small as Ir4on the metal oxide support.
Preventing Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis Among Refugees

Although the flow of refugees to this country has declined over the past few years, a significant number of refugees continue to arrive. Since 1981, the state of Georgia has resettled an average of 1450 new arrivals yearly, bringing the total refugee population to over 10,000. Most are Southeast Asian, primarily Vietnamese but with significant numbers of Cambodians, Lao and Hmong. Georgia also resettles Ethiopians, Afghans, and refugees from various eastern European countries.
Efficient grating coupling and optical characterization of poly-4BCMU waveguides

We report on the optical characterization of poly-4BCMU slab waveguides, and on the fabrication of efficient grating guided-wave couplers using this material. Thin film samples were obtained, by spin coating, from a cyclopentanone solution. Grating couplers were used to measure the film refractive indices and thicknesses. Waveguide attenuation was obtained from measurements of the variation in scattering with propagation distance in the visible and near infrared. These parameters allowed us to design, fabricate and test a grating coupler with a coupling efficiency of 45% at 1 .064 pm.
The Public's Response to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's 2009 Recommendations on Mammography Screening

Background On November 16, 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released new breast cancer screening recommendations, resulting in considerable controversy. Purpose The purpose of this investigation was to assess the volume and framing of the public discourse around the mammography recommendations and determine if women were knowledgeable about the new recommendations. Methods Two different types of data collection methods were used for this study: (1) a content analysis of news stories and social media posts around the time of the USPSTF announcement and (2) a web-based survey of women aged 40–74 years conducted through Knowledge Networks from December 17, 2009, to January 6, 2010. Data were analyzed in 2010. Results The survey sample included 1221 women aged 40–74 years who had never had breast cancer. The majority of the articles and posts (51.9%) did not support the screening recommendations, and 17.6% were supportive. Less than one quarter of the sample could identify the new recommendations for women aged 40–49 years and 50–74 years. Results from logistic regression analyses identified characteristics associated with correct knowledge of the recommendations for each age group. Level of attention paid to the recommendations was significantly associated with accurate knowledge of the recommendations for each age group. Having a mammogram within the past 2 years, “other” race (i.e., not black or white), and having higher levels of education, confidence that recommendations were based on the latest research, and attention paid to the new guidelines were all significantly and positively associated with correct knowledge of the new recommendation for women aged 40–49 years. Conclusions The new recommendations confused women (30.0%) more than they helped them understand when to get a mammogram (6.2%). Confusion was greatest among women aged 40–49 years and women who had never had a mammogram or who had one more than 2 years ago. Communication about future recommendations should be pretested to identify strategies and language that may reduce confusion among providers, consumers, and advocacy groups.
Modification of Ran GTPase-activating Protein by the Small Ubiquitin-related Modifier SUMO-1 Requires Ubc9, an E2-type Ubiquitin-conjugating Enzyme Homologue *

Abstract Covalent modification of the Ran GTPase-activating protein RanGAP1 with the ubiquitin-related protein SUMO-1 promotes its association with Nup358, a component of the cytoplasmic fibrils emanating from the nuclear pore complex (1, 2). InXenopus egg extracts, Nup358 can be found in a complex with Ubc9 (3), a structural homologue of the E2-type ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (UBCs). Here we show that a subset of the human homologue of Ubc9 (HsUbc9) colocalizes with RanGAP1 at the nuclear envelope. HsUbc9 forms thiolester conjugates with recombinant SUMO-1, but not with recombinant ubiquitin, indicating that it is functionally distinct from E2-type UBCs. Finally, HsUbc9 is required for the modification of RanGAP1 by SUMO-1. These results suggest that HsUbc9 is a component of a novel enzymatic cascade that modifies RanGAP1, and possibly other substrates, with SUMO-1.
A new theoretical model for noninvasive quantification of mitral regurgitation.

Abstract The most common objective assessments of mitral regurgitation are limited by their invasive or semiquantitative nature. Recent attempts at correlation with jet size from Doppler flow maps have failed to produce a direct measure of regurgitant volume and are fundamentally limited by the dependence of jet dimensions on factors other than flow volume. The purpose of this paper was to develop an equation, based on the physics of turbulent regurgitant jets, for calculating regurgitant volume from quantities that can be measured by Doppler ultrasound. The result is an equation for flow rate Q as a function of orifice velocity U0, a downstream centerline velocity Um and the intervening distance x: Q = πU m 2 x 2 160U 0 . This equation can also be modified to obtain total regurgitant volume in clinical pulsatile flow. The assumptions made demand a free turbulent jet for which momentum is conserved, but should otherwise be physiologically applicable. The advantage of this technique compared to correlations with jet size are its theoretical justification and ability to quantify regurgitant volume directly.
Reciprocal H1- and H2-histamine receptors in guinea pig gallbladder

Abstract Tension changes in strips of guinea pig gallbladder were measured in response to histamine, the highly specific H1-histamine agonist 2-pyridylethylamine (PEA) and the highly specific H2-histamine agonist S-(3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl)isothiourea (Dimaprit). Histamine, in concentrations of 2 × 10−9 to 2 × 10−4M produced dose-related contractions with a maximal response of 1.65 ± 0.11 g (mean ± SEM) at 2 × 10−4M. PEA increased gallbladder tension at doses of 2 × 10−8 to 2 × 10−2M; the maximal response of 2.24 ±0.15 g at 2 × 10−3M was significantly greater than the histamine induced maximum contraction (P
Distributed ring embedding in faulty De Bruijn networks

We present a distributed network-level algorithm that constructs a cycle in a d-ary De Bruijn multiprocessor network in the presence of an arbitrary number of node failures. When the number of faults f does not exceed d-1 a cycle of length at least d/sup n/-nf-1 can always be found in O(n) steps in a network of size d/sup n/.
A System‐of‐Systems Perspective for Public Policy Decisions

Problems of increasing complexity are facing decision makers within government and industry, and the key characteristic of these problems is that they are of system-of-systems type. With multiple, heterogeneous, distributed systems involved (including policies and economies as well as technologies), effective analysis for decision-support quickly becomes unmanageable within the “stovepipe” context that still characterizes many organizations in the research and development community. There is not a process/field of study in place that can enable us to systematically solve these types of problems, exemplified by the Next Generation Transportation System. While indeed numerous tools are available to help, they cannot be used effectively because the people who build and understand the tools all speak different languages. Much confusion still remains about words and phrases for system-of-systems type problems, let alone the best modeling approaches for dealing with them. While pockets of organizational restructuring may address this challenge for particular projects, there is a lack of systematic thinking at the basic level about how to address the challenges. This paper recommends that intellectual, financial, and institutional resources be invested for the purpose of initiating and nurturing a field of study that will enable us to better address this important type of problem. The future of transportation serves as a motivating example of a multidomain, system-of-systems problem of critical importance to the nation and in need of effective decision-support. The analogy of creating better maps and “navigation aids” for decision makers will be employed, emphasizing that, when navigating a minefield, knowing where not to go is the key factor in successfully traversing the terrain (i.e., making wise decisions).
In vivo dynamic turnover of cerebral 13C isotopomers from [U–13C]glucose

Abstract An INEPT-based 13C MRS method and a cost-effective and widely available 11.7 Tesla 89-mm bore vertical magnet were used to detect dynamic 13C isotopomer turnover from intravenously infused [U–13C]glucose in a 211 μL voxel located in the adult rat brain. The INEPT-based 1H → 13C polarization transfer method is mostly adiabatic and therefore minimizes signal loss due to B1 inhomogeneity of the surface coils used. High quality and reproducible data were acquired as a result of combined use of outer volume suppression, ISIS, and the single-shot three-dimensional localization scheme built in the INEPT pulse sequence. Isotopomer patterns of both glutamate C4 at 34.00 ppm and glutamine C4 at 31.38 ppm are dominated first by a doublet originated from labeling at C4 and C5 but not at C3 (with 1JC4C5 = 51 Hz) and then by a quartet originated from labeling at C3, C4, and C5 (with 1JC3C4 = 35 Hz). A lag in the transition of glutamine C4 pattern from doublet-dominance to quartet dominance as compared to glutamate C4 was observed, which provides an independent verification of the precursor–product relationship between neuronal glutamate and glial glutamine and a significant intercompartmental cerebral glutamate–glutamine cycle between neurons and glial cells.
Effect of Molecular Weight on Miscibility Phase Diagrams in Mixtures of Polymer and Liquid Crystals

Abstract Phase diagrams in mixtures of side chain liquid crystalline polymers (SCLCP) and liquid crystals (LC) have been computed by combining Flory-Huggins (FH) theory for isotropic mixing and Maier-Saupe (MS) theory for nematic ordering. In the calculation, two orientational order parameters with two different clearing transitions are taken into consideration for nematic mixtures. In the case of flexible homopolymer and liquid crystal mixtures, only one orientational order parameter with one nematic-isotropic transition is necessary, he effects of molecular weight of matrix polymer on phase diagrams of polymer/liquid crystal mixtures have been investigated using polymethyl methacrylate having varying molecular weights as matrix resins.
The Government and Church Patronage in England, 1660-1760

In the last twenty years we have seen a revolution in the study of later Stuart and early Georgian England. Spurred in great part by Robert Walcott's brave attempt to apply Namierian methods and assumptions to the early eighteenth century, a squadron of able historians has attacked the sociopolitical history of the period, and has given us what might be called a neo-Whig interpretation. Such scholars as Geoffrey Holmes, William Speck, John Western, and recently B.W. Hill and J.P. Kenyon have sifted through the historiographical detritus and discovered that there is much to be saved from the older interpretations.Most importantly, the new scholarship on the period 1660-1760 has reemphasized a vital political factionalism, whether it be called party strife or merely shifting ideological alliances. English social and political groups apparently stood in a fragile equilibrium at best, rather than in a solid Namierian consensus. Even J.H. Plumb has noted the pressures brought to bear on relatively weak post-Revolution central governments by influential sociopolitical interest groups, pressures that restricted severely the available options for policy and power. E.P Thompson would go farther to claim that factionalism (mainly that of an elite against the rest of society) was so ingrained that only by using repressive means was Sir Robert Walpole's government able to stay in the saddle. Even if some would disagree with Hill's contention that there was always an effective Tory opposition, few deny that debate on issues that were deemed basic—including the form of government, of social organization, and of thought—continued far beyond 1688 or even 1714.
Pleckstrin associates with plasma membranes and induces the formation of membrane projections: requirements for phosphorylation and the NH2-terminal PH domain.

Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains are sequences of ∼100 amino acids that form “modules” that have been proposed to facilitate protein/protein or protein/lipid interactions. Pleckstrin, first described as a substrate for protein kinase C in platelets and leukocytes, is composed of two PH domains, one at each end of the molecule, flanking an intervening sequence of 147 residues. Evidence is accumulating to support the hypothesis that PH domains are structural motifs that target molecules to membranes, perhaps through interactions with Gβγ or phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP 2 ), two putative PH domain ligands. In the present studies, we show that pleckstrin associates with membranes in human platelets. We further demonstrate that, in transfected Cos-1 cells, pleckstrin associates with peripheral membrane ruffles and dorsal membrane projections. This association depends on phosphorylation of pleckstrin and requires the presence of its NH 2 -terminal, but not its COOH-terminal, PH domain. Moreover, PH domains from other molecules cannot effectively substitute for pleckstrin9s NH 2 terminal PH domain in directing membrane localization. Lastly, we show that wild-type pleckstrin actually promotes the formation of membrane projections from the dorsal surface of transfected cells, and that this morphologic change is similarly PH domain dependent. Since we have shown previously that pleckstrin-mediated inhibition of PIP 2 metabolism by phospholipase C or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase also requires pleckstrin phosphorylation and an intact NH 2 -terminal PH domain, these results suggest that: ( a ) pleckstrin9s NH 2 terminal PH domain may regulate pleckstrin9s activity by targeting it to specific areas within the cell membrane; and ( b ) pleckstrin may affect membrane structure, perhaps via interactions with PIP 2 and/or other membrane-bound ligands.
Perceptions and expectations: why people choose a telecommuting work style

Telecommuting creates a host of opportunities and challenges for managers and workers. Based on the results of a 26 semi-structured interviews, we explore individuals' motives underlying the decision to telecommute. In addition, our purpose was to investigate and understand the advantages and disadvantages of telecommuting from the worker's perspective. References to advantages, disadvantages and motives in the interviews were extracted, categorized and prioritized. A similar procedure was performed on a sample of 40 articles on telecommuting concerning advantages and disadvantages. The literature categories were used as the context in which to discuss the research findings. Motivations to telecommute included: the relaxed atmosphere at home, cost savings, more time to spend with family, lack of commuting and avoidance of office politics. Motivations to stay at the office included: the need for social interaction, career visibility, need for direct supervision and a desire to separate home and work life.
Sexual Harassment and the University

Definissant le harcelement sexuel comme une attention sexuelle non-voulue et repetee, l'A. montre que ce phenomene n'apparait pas uniquement dans un contexte de pouvoir inegal, qu'il ne se confine pas au lieu de travail et s'etend a l'universite, qu'il ne comprend pas les comportements offensifs non-sexuels et qu'il ne concerne pas uniquement les femmes. Synonyme de sexisme (manifeste ou evident) et contribuant a une discrimination sexuelle, le harcelement est condamnable a l'universite en ce sens qu'il viole l'intimite d'un individu ou d'un groupe, et sape les conditions memes de l'enseignement
Improvements in Electron-Probe Microanalysis: Applications to Terrestrial, Extraterrestrial, and Space-Grown Materials

Improvement in the accuracy of electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA) has been accomplished by critical assessment of standards, correction algorithms, and mass absorption coefficient data sets. Experimental measurement of relative x-ray intensities at multiple accelerating potential highlights errors in the absorption coefficient. The factor method has been applied to the evaluation of systematic errors in the analysis of semiconductor and silicate minds. Accurate EPMA of Martian soil stimulant is necessary in studies that build on Martian rover data in anticipation of missions to Mars.
Characterization of Creep Behavior of SrCoo.8 Feo.203-x

In order to achieve commercial utilization, oxygen separation membranes and solid oxide fuel cells must be able to maintain their mechanical integrity over acceptable life-time periods. This imposes a need for characterization of mechanical behavior of the materials used under operating conditions (high temperature and low stress), in order to identify mechanisms that lead to mechanical degradation during operation. In this study, a series of compressive creep tests on rectangular specimens of SrCO0.8Feo.2O3-x of different grain sizes (2.4 to 6.8 microns) is performed in air, covering a temperature range of 850 to 975 °C and stress range of 10-20 and 40-50 MPa. In the high stress range the material has been found to render temperature dependent stress exponents (2.2 to 2.9) and high steady-state strain rates. In the low stress range the stress exponent has been found to be dose to unity (1.1 to 1.3) indicating diffusion controlled creep. The activation energy appears to assume two different values depending on operating temperature region, 457 kJ/mole below 925OC and 268 kJ/mole above 925OC. These values, being much higher than that for oxygen diffusion (<100 kJ/mole) indicate cation diffusion controlled creep. The shift in the value of activation energy indicates a shift in the slowest moving (rate-controlling) species between A and B cation sites. The inverse grain size exponent has been found to be dose to unity.
Validating administrative records in post-traumatic stress disorder.

There is insufficient data on the accuracy of administrative coding data (ACD) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Medical records were reviewed for (1) a diagnosis of PTSD; (2) treatment for PTSD. The records were compared against the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) data in order to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of three commonly used approaches. The PPV and NPV varied according to the ACD approach. Relative to a medical records review, the ACD approach of one or two PTSD coded outpatient encounters had a PPV of 78% and an NPV of 91%; whereas the PPV was 97% and the NPV was 98% for three or more PTSD codes. For pharmacotherapy, the ACD approach with one or two codes for PTSD had a PPV of 33% (NPV = 93%), whereas three or more PTSD coded encounters improved the PPV to 85% (NPV = 100%). When using VHA data, we recommend tailoring the identification strategy according to the research aims. An ACD approach identifying one or more PTSD outpatient encounters should be considered sufficient for a diagnosis of PTSD. Assessments for PTSD associated pharmacotherapy require using an ACD approach that identifies veterans with the presence ≥ 3 outpatient PTSD encounters. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Sol–Gel Processing and Characterizations of a Ba0.75Sr0.25Ti 0.95Zr0.05O3 Ceramic

A Ba0.75Sr0.25Ti0.95Zr0.05O3 ceramic was developed for use in nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) applications. The sol–gel process was used to synthesize Ba0.75Sr0.25Ti0.95Zr0.05O3 nanoparticles to achieve a uniform composition and a high surface area. Simultaneous thermal gravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) was used to identify the decomposition sequence as a function of temperature for the as-synthesized powders. The phase transformation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The calcined nanoparticles were hot-pressed at 1300°C to achieve a high density. Microstructures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Several dielectric properties were measured and are reported.
A unified approach to optimal control systems with state constraints

Many engineering systems have constraints or limitations in terms of voltage, current, speed, pressure, temperature, path, etc. In this paper, the optimal control of dynamical systems with state constraints is addressed through a unified approach that is simultaneously applicable to both continuous-time and discrete-time systems, so that there is no need, as being presently done, to develop separate methodologies for continuous-time and discrete-time systems.
Functional and Phylogenetic Analyses of a Conserved Regulatory Program in the Phloem of Minor Veins

The minor-vein phloem of mature leaves is developmentally and physiologically distinct from the phloem in the rest of the vascular system. Phloem loading of transport sugars occurs in the minor veins, and consistent with this, galactinol synthase is expressed in the minor veins of melon (Cucumis melo) as part of the symplastic-loading mechanism that operates in this species. A galactinol synthase promoter from melon drives gene expression in the minor-vein companion cells of both transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and Arabidopsis. Neither of these plants use galactinol in the phloem-loading process, implying that the promoter responds to a minor-vein-specific regulatory cascade that is highly conserved across a broad range of eudicotyledons. Detailed analysis of this promoter by truncation and mutagenesis identified three closely coupled sequences that unambiguously modulate tissue specificity. These sequences cooperate in a combinatorial fashion: two promote expression throughout the vascular system of the plant, whereas the third functions to repress expression in the larger bundles. In a complementary approach, phylogenetic footprinting was used to obtain single-nucleotide resolution of conserved sites in orthologous promoters from diverse members of the Cucurbitaceae. This comparative analysis confirmed the importance of the closely coupled sites but also revealed other highly conserved sequences that may modulate promoter strength or contribute to expression patterns outside of the phloem. The conservation of this regulatory design among species that phloem load by different mechanisms supports a model for organismal development in which tissues and cell types are controlled by relatively ancient and conserved paradigms but expression of genes influencing final form and function are relatively plastic.
Multi-objective constrained vehicle refueling planning: Complexity and polynomial-time approximation schemes

For point-to-point direct delivery over the transportation network, timely delivery of commodity and reduction of total fuel cost are both important objectives to consider. Since fuel prices can vary significantly over a broad region, often there is a tradeoff between fuel cost and travel time. A short path may not be economical in terms of fuel cost while routing through regions with lower fuel prices may take more time. In this paper, we consider multi-objective constrained vehicle refueling planning in two settings: (i) minimizing the fuel cost given an upper bound on travel time or (ii) minimizing travel time given an upper bound on the fuel cost. We prove that the computational task is NP-Complete even when the fuel price is fixed or when the amount of fuel consumption and the travel time are linearly dependent. We then show fully polynomial-time approximation schemes for refueling planning in these two situations.
Balance of Payments: Interpretation and Exercise

This exercise defines balance of payments as a statement of a country’s economic transactions with the rest of the world and explains its significance and utility along with other essential economic terms related to understanding and calculating balance of payments. An exercise for calculating a country’s balance of payments accompanies the note.
Psychometric testing as a basis for counseling patients choosing a method of contraception. A retrospective survey.

Abstract To investigate the merits of using psychometric testing as a predictive adjunct to counseling patients in the choice of a contraceptive method, 134 family-planning patients using an oral contraceptive for one year or longer completed the Neuroticism Scale Questionnaire. Clinic records of these patients were examined to determine consistency of contraceptive usage. Patients who were inconsistent in contraceptive usage scored significantly higher on the anxiety factor of the questionnaire. This indicated a greater presence of free-floating anxiety and emotional immaturity for inconsistent users. Results of this study provided support for the findings of two similar studies but failed to provide support for others. However, the over-all predictive ability of the questionnaire scores proved to be low. Further study is recommended.