cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the solar radiation field in a polluted atmosphere

Abstract Measurements of the fields of intensity and polarization of radiation from the sunlit sky, made in the heavily polluted atmosphere of Los Angeles, are compared with similar measurements obtained in Davis under particularly clear atmospheric conditions, and with computed fields for selected atmospheric models. Data for a thick stratus overcast are also included. The measurements are in six spectral intervals from the ultraviolet to the near infrared, the intervals being defined by interference type optical filters in combination with a photomultiplier tube having an S-20 response. The results show that both the intensity and polarization fields are strongly affected by aerosol scattering. The solar aureole, which is confined to the vicinity of the sun in a clear atmosphere, is spread out to cover most of the sky in the polluted atmosphere, and the skylight intensity is correspondingly increased. Near the horizons, however, the intensity is strongly decreased by atmospheric pollution. The degree of polarization is decreased by a factor of about two for the polluted case, but the general polarization distribution over the sky is not greatly changed otherwise. The positions of the neutral points in the ultraviolet are shifted from their measured positions in a clear atmosphere, the Babinet point being shifted by as much as 10° toward the sun and the Arago point by up to 8° toward the anti-sun by the effects of pollution. At the longer wavelengths the Babinet and Brewster points are completely eliminated by aerosol scattering. For the case of heavy stratus overcast, the degree of polarization becomes quite small (generally less than 1 or 2 per cent), no neutral points are evident, and strong horizon darkening occurs at all wavelengths. Computations based on the Mie theory for semi-realistic models of the turbid atmosphere and of clouds reproduce many of the observed characteristics, but there are some important discrepancies between the observed and computed fields.
Oxidation-State Speciation of [ReI(DMPE)3]+/[ReII(DMPE)3]2+ by Voltammetry with a Chemically Modified Microelectrode

The analytical utility of chemically modified microelectrodes for oxidation-state speciation of redox couples by cyclic voltammetry has been explored. [ReI(DMPE)3]+/[ReII(DMPE)3]2+, where DMPE = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane, was studied at carbon-fiber microelectrodes of ∼5 μm in radius coated with Nafion-entrapped sol−gel-derived silica (Nafion−silica) composite. The results are compared with cyclic voltammetry of [Fe(CN)6]3-/ [Fe(CN)6]4- at bare carbon-fiber microelectrodes. At both microelectrodes, the cathodic and anodic limiting currents are linearly proportional to the concentrations of the reducible and oxidizable species of a redox couple, respectively. The shape of the cyclic voltammogram and the magnitude of the steady-state limiting current are not affected by the potential at which the scan starts. Speciation of both forms of a redox couple could be achieved voltammetrically at the microelectrodes. However, a considerably slower scan rate was required to achieve steady state at the modifie...
Quantum transport with spin dephasing: A nonequlibrium Green's function approach

A quantum transport model incorporating spin scattering processes is presented using the nonequilibrium Green’s function formalism within the self-consistent Born approximation. This model offers a unified approach by capturing the spin-flip scattering and the quantum effects simultaneously. A numerical implementation of the model is illustrated for magnetic tunnel junction devices with embedded magnetic impurity layers. This model seems to explain three experimentally observed features regarding the dependence of the junction magnetoresistances JMRs on the barrier thickness, barrier height, and number of magnetic impurities. It is shown that small variations in magnetic impurity spin states and concentrations could cause large deviations in JMRs.
Sequential conversion of the redox status of macrophages dictates the pathological progression of autoimmune diabetes.

The redox status of macrophages (Mϕ), indexed by intracellular content of glutathione (icGSH), varies sequentially along with disease progression in nonobese diabetic mice. At the stage ofearly insulitis, Mϕ skew to oxidative Mϕ (OMϕ) with decreased icGSH, then to reductive Mϕ (RMϕ) with elevated icGSH and to OMϕ after the occurrence of diabetes. RMϕ or OMϕ inducing agents either delayed or accelerated the onset of diabetes in a mutually inverse manner. RMϕ or OMϕ adoptively transferred exacerbated or ameliorated the disease progression depending on the redox status of Mϕ of recipient mice. The new paradigm that the sequential conversion of redox status of Mϕ dictates the pathological progression may provide a new insight on the mechanism underlying autoimmune diabetes.
Inner ear pathology in the Palmerston North autoimmune strain mouse

The Palmerston North autoimmune strain mouse is a model for spontaneous systemic lupus erythematosus. Inner ear structure and function were examined during the onset and progression of systemic autoimmune disease to identify potentially correlated auditory system pathology. The onset of systemic disease occurred at 4 to 5 months of age and was characterized by elevated serum immune complexes, cryoglobulins, and antinuclear antibodies. Coincident with the onset of autoimmune disease was degeneration of the apical turn stria vascularis and outer hair cells. These cochlear changes progressed basalward. At 10 months of age, auditory brainstem response thresholds were elevated and the stria vascularis area was measurably smaller throughout the cochlea. Immunohistochemical staining showed immunoglobulin G deposits within the organ of Corti, the vas spirale of the basilar membrane, the scala tympani, and marrow cavities of the bony otic capsule. These results suggest that cochlear pathology may be immune mediated in this mouse, which would make the strain suitable for the study of the mechanisms relating inner ear abnormalities and autoimmune disease.
Geochemistry and petrology of lunar meteorite Queen Alexandra Range 94281, a mixed mare and highland regolith breccia, with special emphasis on very‐low‐titanium mafic components

— Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 94281, a lunar meteorite recently discovered in Antarctica, is a glassy-matrix, clast-rich regolith breccia containing a mixture of mafic, volcanic-glass and gabbroic constituents and a diverse set of highland constituents. In thin section, the clast assemblage is dominated by coarse mineral debris from a shallow intrusive or hypabyssal setting, or from deep within a thick mare flow. Abundant coarse-grained pyroxene clasts have fine-scale exsolution lamellae and compositions similar to pyroxenes of known lunar very-low-Ti (VLT) basalts and other lunar meteorites of basaltic composition. Pyroxene compositions follow Fe-enrichment extending to hedenbergite, which is associated with fayalite and cristobalite, indicating slow cooling. We refer to the protolith of the crystalline VLT component as VLT gabbro. Fragments of pyroclastic glasses that have high Fe and low Ti concentrations, similar to the pyroclastic green glasses known from Apollo samples, are common. Lithic clasts include abundant subrounded, glassy to cryptocrystalline, aluminous (∼17–30 wt% Al2O3) KREEP-poor melt breccias of highland origin and a variety of other feldspathic impactites. On the basis of composition of our subsamples, QUE 94281 consists of ∼54 wt% mafic or “mare” components and 46 wt% feldspathic or “highland” components. The bulk composition of QUE 94281 is similar to that of Yamato (Y) 793274, but QUE 94281 has slightly greater concentrations of some siderophile elements and slightly lower concentrations of those elements contributed mainly by mafic constituents. Differences in siderophile element concentrations are consistent with longer surface exposure of QUE 94281. Minor differences in trace element variations of subsamples of the two meteorites suggest subtle differences in the composition of their highland constituents. Nonetheless, the overall similarity of compositions supports the possibility that they were ejected from the same source region on the Moon. The crystalline VLT component of QUE 94281 differs from those known from Apollo 17 and Luna 24 VLT lithologies and from that of basaltic breccia Elephant Moraine (EET) 87521. The VLT-gabbro component and the ferroan VLT volcanic glasses in QUE 94281 have compositions that may be petrogenetically related by derivation from a common picritic parent composition, represented by an ultramafic glass found in QUE 94281.
Whole-genome disassembly

The race to sequence the human genome has garnered a level of popular attention unprecedented for a scientific endeavor. This fascination has partly been caused of course by the importance of the goal; but it also reflects the Olympian nature of the contest, which opposed two capable teams with sharply contrasting cultures (public and private), personalities, and strategies. Titanic struggles being the stuff of mythology, it should perhaps not surprise us that a number of myths regarding this race have already emerged. In a recent issue of PNAS, Waterston et al. (1), leaders of the public effort, help to dispel one of these myths, involving the controversial “whole-genome shotgun” strategy used by Celera.
PARITY DOUBLING OF THE NUCLEON AND FIRST ORDER CHIRAL TRANSITION IN DENSE MATTER

Abstract A new kind of first-order phase transition at finite baryon density is shown to occur using an effective lagrangian which simulates the parity doubling of the nucleon found recently in lattice QCD. Within the mean field approximation, we obtain a critical density of about five times the saturation density of nuclear matter. The implications of this phase transition to neutron star structure are discussed.
Single-turnover intermolecular reaction between a FeIII–superoxide–CuI cytochrome c oxidase model and exogeneous Tyr244 mimics

An FeIII–superoxide–CuI cytochrome c oxidase model reacts intermolecularly with hindered phenols leading to phenoxyl radicals, as was observed in the enzyme and evidence for the formation of an FeIV–oxo is presented.
Communications: On System‐User Duality

Investigates the dual relationship between systems and their users in the context of information systems. Summarizes the result as system‐user duality, which contains two facets: multiple‐user views on a single logical system, and a single physical system adapted to multiple‐user models. Not only gives a better understanding on the role of users in systems, but also suggests an important principle of designing systems adapted to user models
Climatology of Blizzards in the Conterminous United States, 1959–2000

Abstract A blizzard is defined by the U.S. National Weather Service as winds over 16 m s−1 and falling or blowing snow causing visibility less than 400 m lasting for at least 3 h. Blizzard occurrence by county was tallied from Storm Data for the 41 winters from 1959/60 to 1999/2000. This revealed 438 blizzards for an annual average of 10.7, ranging from 1 blizzard in 1980/81 to 27 blizzards in 1996/97. The average area affected per blizzard was 150 492 km2 and the average number of people in affected counties was 2 462 949 per blizzard. There was a significant linear increase in the number of blizzards but no linear trend in the total area affected by blizzards or the population in affected counties during the period. Blizzards were most common in a “blizzard zone” of North Dakota, South Dakota, and western Minnesota where each county had 41 or more blizzards in these 41 winters and the annual probability of a blizzard in each county exceeded 50%. Monthly occurrence of blizzards peaked during January in m...
Interventions to reduce household food insecurity: a synthesis of current concepts and approaches for Latin America

Food insecurity has been documented in countries throughout the range of national incomes. Most LatinAmerican countries, including Brazil, fall in the middle of this range. Although responses to problems of foodinsecurity need to be developed for specific contexts, valuable lessons for successful interventions can belearned from both low- and high-income countries. This article begins by describing a continuum of country-level food security contexts. The basic elements of food security, including food availability, access, and utilization,are reviewed as are more recent developments in the field, including livelihood analysis, vulnerability, and riskmanagement strategies. A selection of public sector food security interventions is described that focus onimproving agricultural production, increasing employment and household income, developing human capital,and distributing food. Recent international experiences and insights are used to develop themes for orientationof these types of food security interventions in Latin America. These include: the importance of planning reliefefforts to be synergistic with long-run development; the tailoring of interventions to the needs of specificcontexts; and the related expansion of information systems to support these activities. The article also describesthe need to improve food security without leading to over-consumption, a problem of increasing concernin Latin America and elsewhere. Finally, development of local capacity through community-basedparticipatory actions is suggested as a means for improving program outcomes as well as promotinghuman rights.
Gallstone pancreatitis without cholecystectomy.

Importance Current guidelines recommend that patients with an initial episode of gallstone pancreatitis receive cholecystectomy. However, for various reasons, many patients do not. Objective To determine the risk of developing recurrent gallstone pancreatitis in patients who never receive a cholecystectomy. Design Retrospective cohort study using electronic medical records. Setting Inpatient and outpatient. Patients All patients in Kaiser Permanente Southern California with a primary diagnosis of acute gallstone pancreatitis hospitalized from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2010, with no previous diagnosis of gallstone pancreatitis documented in the medical record. Interventions Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with or without sphincterotomy and/or stent placement, or no intervention. Main Outcomes and Measures Recurrent acute pancreatitis. Results A total of 1119 patients were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 63 years. Among the patients, 802 received no intervention and 317 received ERCP. After a median follow-up of 2.3 years, the overall risk of recurrent pancreatitis was 14.6%; it was 8.2% and 17.1% in patients who had ERCP and no intervention, respectively ( P P Conclusions and Relevance In patients who did not undergo cholecystectomy, the risk of recurrent pancreatitis is significant. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography mitigates this risk and should be considered during initial hospitalization if cholecystectomy is not done.
MAP kinases bind endothelial nitric oxide synthase.

Abstract Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) contains a motif similar to recognition sequences in known MAPK binding partners. In optical biosensing experiments, eNOS bound p38 and ERK with ∼100 nM affinity and complex kinetics. Binding is diffusion-limited ( k on ∼ .15 × 10 6 M −1 s −1 ). Neuronal NOS also bound p38 but exhibited much slower and weaker binding. p38-eNOS binding was inhibited by calmodulin. Evidence for a ternary complex was found when eNOS bound p38 was exposed to CaM, increasing the apparent dissociation rate. These observations strongly suggest a direct role for MAPK in regulation of NOS with implications for signaling pathways including angiogenesis and control of vascular tone.
Signatures of random matrix theory in the discrete energy spectra of subnanosize metallic clusters

Lead clusters deposited on Si(111) substrates have been studied at low temperatures using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. The current-voltage characteristics exhibit current peaks that are irregularly spaced and varied in height. The statistics of the distribution of peak heights and spacings are in agreement with random matrix theory for several clusters. The distributions have also been studied as a function of cluster shape.
Locality & utility co-optimization for practical capacity management of shared last level caches

Shared last-level caches (SLLCs) on chip-multiprocessors play an important role in bridging the performance gap between processing cores and main memory. Although there are already many proposals targeted at overcoming the weaknesses of the least-recently-used (LRU) replacement policy by optimizing either locality or utility for heterogeneous workloads, very few of them are suitable for practical SLLC designs due to their large overhead of log associativity bits per cache line for re-reference interval prediction. The two recently proposed practical replacement policies, TA-DRRIP and SHiP, have significantly reduced the overhead by relying on just 2 bits per line for prediction, but they are oriented towards managing locality only, missing the opportunity provided by utility optimization.This paper is motivated by our two key experimental observations: (i) the not-recently-used (NRU) replacement policy that entails only one bit per line for prediction can satisfactorily approximate the LRU performance; (ii) since locality and utility optimization opportunities are concurrently present in heterogeneous workloads, the co-optimization of both would be indispensable to higher performance but is missing in existing practical SLLC schemes. Therefore, we propose a novel practical SLLC design, called COOP, which needs just one bit per line for re-reference interval prediction, and leverages lightweight per-core locality & utility monitors that profile sample SLLC sets to guide the co-optimization. COOP offers significant throughput improvement over LRU by 7.67% on a quad-core CMP with a 4MB SLLC for 200 random workloads, outperforming both of the recent practical replacement policies at the in-between cost of 17.74KB storage overhead (TA-DRRIP: 4.53% performance improvement with 16KB storage cost; SHiP: 6.00% performance improvement with 25.75KB storage overhead).
An evaluation of multiple-disk I/O systems

Alternative ways of configuring an I/O subsystem with multiple disks to improve the I/O performance are considered. Specifically, the author consider disk synchronization, data declustering/disk striping, and a combination of both these approaches. They evaluate many different organizations that have not been considered before. The effects of block size and other parameters of the system are examined. Two different workloads are considered for the evaluation: a file/transaction system workload and a scientific applications workload. Through simulations it is shown that synchronized organizations perform better than other organizations at very low request rates; that there is a tradeoff in the amount of declustering/synchronization to be used in a system; and that systems with higher parallelism in reading a file perform better in a scientific workload. >
Corticotropin stimulates cyclic nucleotide independent protein kinase activity of intact adrenocortical cells

Abstract Intact adrenocortical cells possess cyclic nucleotide-independent protein kinase activity which is capable of phosphorylating endogenous proteins and casein when incubated in the presence of [γ-32P]ATP. The cyclic nucleotide-independent enzyme was dependent on cell number and temperature and had an apparent Km for ATP of 6.5 × 10−5 M and a Vmax of 12.5 pmol/3 min/2 × 105 cells at 37°C. Phosphorylation of endogenous proteins by this kinase was increased by treatment of intact cells with corticotropin (2.2 nM) for 24 h. In control cells, two endogenous proteins of apparent molecular weights of 39,000 and 76,000 were phosphorylated. In corticotropin-treated cells, another protein of apparent molecular weight of 87,000 was also phosphorylated. Thus, this protein kinase activity, which appears to be located on the plasma membrane, may be involved in mediating longer term actions of corticotropin on the adrenal cortex.
Health promotion in nurses: Is there a healthy nurse in the house?

Abstract The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the health-promoting lifestyle behaviors of acute-care nurses using the Health Promotion Model. Statistical analysis of 149 returned Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II surveys indicates areas of weakness in stress management and physical activity. No significant difference is found between unit, demographic factors, and subscale scores at the p
Social class, parental values, and child‐rearing practices in Taiwan

This research examines the relationships among social class, parental values, and child‐rearing practices using data from a recent national survey in Taiwan. Kohn's “self‐direction versus external conformity” hypothesis was not supported, nor was his “intent versus consequence” hypothesis. Data, however, showed some evidence in support of Bronfenbrenner's “physical versus psychological” hypothesis. Attempts were made to explain the results in terms of possible overriding and confounding effects of Confucianism and social changes.
BDNF acutely increases tyrosine phosphorylation of the NMDA receptor subunit 2B in cortical and hippocampal postsynaptic densities

While neurotrophins are critical for neuronal survival and differentiation, recent work suggests that they acutely regulate synaptic transmission as well. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) enhances excitatory postsynaptic currents in cultured dissociated hippocampal neurons within 2-3 min through postsynaptic, phosphorylation-dependent mechanisms. Moreover, BDNF modulates hippocampal long-term potentiation, in which postsynaptic NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors (NRs) play a key role. We now report that BDNF acutely increases tyrosine phosphorylation of the specific NMDA receptor subunit NR2B, which has recently been shown to play a role in long-term potentiation. Incubation of BDNF with cortical or hippocampal postsynaptic densities for 5 min increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the NR2B subunits in a dose-dependent manner. A maximal increase to 165% of control phosphorylation occurred at a BDNF concentration of 2 ng/ml. The BDNF action appeared to be specific, since nerve growth factor, another member of the neurotrophin gene family, had no effect on NR2B phosphorylation. Further, BDNF action was selective, since it did not alter tyrosine phosphorylation of NR2A subunits. Our results suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of NR2B subunits of the NMDA receptor may contribute to neurotrophin modulation of postsynaptic responsiveness and long-term potentiation.
Magnetization transfer contrast imaging of hepatic neoplasms.

A method of performing magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) using a pulse sequence based on a series of onresonance binomial pulses preceding a conventional spin-echo sequence has been recently described. We investigated this technique in the evaluation of circumscribed hepatic neoplasms on a 0.5 T imager. Conventional spin-echo imaging was performed in 18 patients with hepatic neoplasms, 15 with primary or metastatic hepatic neoplasms, and 3 with cavernous hemangiomas. The T,-weighted sequence was repeated following MTC saturation in 7 patients and the proton density sequence was repeated following MTC saturation in 13 patients (both were used in two patients). The mean lesion-to-liver contrast for neoplasms worsened with T,-MTC (0.87 vs. 1.04), but improved slightly with proton density-MTC (1.10 vs. 1.22) when compared to the corresponding non-MTC spinecho images. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p = .19 andp = .16, respectively). The limited data on cavernous hemangiomas does not suggest these have consistently different MTC imaging characteristics from other hepatic neoplasms. In conclusion, MTC imaging using a binomial saturation pulse did not offer significant improvement in contrast between hepatic neoplasms and normal liver. Refinements of the binomial pulse sequence will be necessary if a consistent improvement in lesion sensitivity is to be achieved. Evaluation of its role in increasing diagnostic specificity will require further investigation.
Adults' Abilities to Detect Children's Readiness to Learn:

Children are much more likely to benefit from instruction when they are ready to incorporate new knowledge into their existing knowledge base. But can we detect such readiness? In a series of studies, we investigated this critical component of the interactional nature of the learning process. In the first study, we assessed whether adults are able to identify children who are receptive to instruction. Adults were presented with video tapes of pairs of children solving mathematics problems and asked to identify the receptive child (i.e. the child who later actually learned) in each pair. Adults were able to determine which children were receptive. In a second study, we attempted to train adults to use previously established criteria of learning readiness to identify these children. Although the adults only relied on these criteria for about half of their decisions, when they used these criteria, they were highly successful at identifying which children were receptive to instruction. Finally, in a third stu...
Teacher reflective functioning: a preliminary study of measurement and self-reported teaching behavior

In this pilot study we assessed whether the Parent Development Interview –Revised for Teachers (PDI-R/T) can be used to measure reflective functioning in preschool teachers and whether it was associated with a teacher’s self-reported behavior with a focus child. Twenty teachers were interviewed using the PDI-R/T, which was then coded for reflective functioning using procedures outlined by Slade, Grienenberger, Bernbach, Levy, and Locker. A separate set of coders counted examples of behaviors, reported by the teachers in the PDI-R/T, that are known to foster emotion regulation in young children and behaviors that undermine effective emotion regulation. Teachers’ reflective functioning scores varied from 1 to 8 and were not associated with demographic variables. Teachers rated as highly reflective gave significantly more examples of using behaviors known to foster social emotional skills than teachers rated in the moderate and low reflective functioning categories. These data, although preliminary, indicate...
Surface termination effects on metal atom adsorption on α-alumina

Abstract To examine the effect of chemical environment on metal-support bonding, the low coverage adsorption and reaction of late transition metal (Pt, Pd, Au, and Ag) atoms on a hydrogen-free and fully hydroxylated α-alumina (0 0 0 1) surface are compared using supercell models and density function theory. These two surface terminations represent the limits of a completely dehydrated (“dry”) and fully hydroxylated (“gibbsite-like”) surface. Metal atoms exhibit similar site preferences and the same relative binding energies on the two, in the order Pt > Pd > Ag > Au. Pt, Pd, and Au bind covalently atop single O atoms, and this binding is facilitated on the dry surface by the availability of charge-accepting Lewis acidic Al sites. Ag has the lowest ionization potential of the group, binds electrostatically to both surfaces and preferentially at three-fold O sites, and as a consequence of charge delocalization exhibits greater coverage dependence in its binding. A distinguishing characteristic of the fully hydroxylated surface is the ability to exchange hydrogen between support and metal: transfer from support to metal is highly endothermic for Pd, Ag, and Au but slightly exothermic for Pt, suggesting that such transfer may be important both in Pt-alumina binding and reactivity.
Longitudinal associations between smoking and depressive symptoms among adolescent girls.

Adolescence is an important period for initiation of smoking and manifestation of depression, which are often comorbid. Researchers have examined associations between depressive symptoms and smoking to elucidate whether those with increased depressive symptoms smoke more to self-medicate, whether those who smoke experience increased subsequent depressive symptoms, or both. Collectively, there have been mixed findings; however, studies have been limited by (1) cross-sectional or short-term longitudinal data or (2) the use of methods that test associations, or only one direction in the associations, rather than a fully-reciprocal model to examine directionality. This study examined the associations between smoking and depressive symptoms in a sample of adolescent girls using latent dual change scores to model (1) the effect of smoking on change in depressive symptoms, and simultaneously (2) the effect of depressive symptoms on change in smoking across ages 11–20. Data were from a cohort-sequential prospective longitudinal study (N = 262). Girls were enrolled by age cohort (11, 13, 15, and 17 years) and were primarily White (61 %) or African American (31 %). Data were restructured by age. Every 6 months, girls reported depressive symptoms and cigarette use. Results indicated that controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, higher levels of smoking predicted a greater increase in depressive symptoms across adolescence. These findings suggest that a higher level of cigarette smoking does contribute to more depressive symptoms, which has implications for prevention of depression and for intervention and future research.
Technological innovation and culture: research needed for China and other countries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to suggest that the importance of culture on the innovation of technological processes and products has not received sufficient attention from researchers. The paper offers a framework and some categories for investigating the affects of culture on technological innovation.Design/methodology/approach – The data and ideas that inform this paper come primarily from interviews carried out as a part of case studies of the innovation of 13 technology products and processes centered in China and other five countries.Findings – Innovation success in the various technology sectors differs among countries including China in part because of different national cultures – the norms and values that guide and constrain both the individuals in societies and the societies at large.Research limitations/implications – The values the paper assigns to eight cultural characteristics for China and other five countries are based on qualitative interviews and more scientific survey is neede...
Dense molecular hydrogen: Order, disorder, and localization

Abstract Recently discovered high-pressure transitions in hydrogen isotopes (H 2 , D 2 and HD) exhibit phenomena associated with order, disorder, and localization in their vibrational, rotational, and electronic excitations. Rotational disorder persists in hcp phase I to very high pressures, despite the dramatic increase in intermolecular coupling. Symmetry breaking of hcp occurs on passage into phase II with decreasing temperature, where the axis of rotational quantization adopts specific orientations. Above 150 GPa, a radical symmetry breaking occurs, which is characterized by a large increase in infrared vibron intensity, quasiclassical orientational ordering, and loss of even and odd rotational parity. Synchrotron infrared measurements reveal no evidence for intraband electronic excitations down to 0.15 eV in phase III. Metallization in the molecular solid appears to be controlled by the orientational state, and possibly by order-disorder associated with large-amplitude vibrational motion. The P-T phase diagram to 200 GPa is surprisingly rich, exhibiting both triple and tricritical points.
Female dietary antioxidant intake and time to pregnancy among couples treated for unexplained infertility.

Objective To determine whether increased antioxidant intake in women is associated with shorter time to pregnancy (TTP) among a cohort of couples being treated for unexplained infertility. Design Secondary data analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Setting Academic medical center associated with a private infertility center. Patients Females with unexplained infertility. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measure(s) The time it took to establish a pregnancy that led to a live birth. Result(s) Mean nutrient intake exceeded the estimated average requirement (EAR) for vitamins C and E. No differences in mean intake of any of the antioxidants were noted between women who delivered a live-born infant during the study period vs. those who did not. In multivariable models, intake of β-carotene from dietary supplements was associated with shorter TTP among women with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m 2 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–1.53) and women 2 (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.15) and women Conclusion(s) Shorter TTP was observed among women with BMI 2 with increasing vitamin C, women with BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 with increasing β-carotene, women Clinical Trial Registration Number NCT00260091.
Approximate variance formulas for the elasticities of substitution obtained from translog cost functions

Abstract This note supplies approximate variance formulas for the Allen Partial Elasticities of Substitution estimated with a three-input translog cost function. These formulas are based on a first-order Taylors series approximation to the true but unknown variances.
Modulation of blood pressure by substance P: opposite effects of N- and C- terminal fragments on anesthetized rats.

Abstract Considerable evidence suggests that substance P (SP) may be a transmitter mediating the depressor effects of baroreceptor reflex activation within the brainstem, yet intracerebroventicular administration of SP is reported to result in a pronounced pressor effect. In this study, SP injected into the 4th cerebral ventricle produced a biphasic effect; a brief decrease in blood pressure followed by a lengthy increase. Similar injections of a carboxyterminal fragment of SP produced only a pressor effect of long duration. Injection of an amino-terminal SP fragment produced only a brief, rapid depressor effect. These results suggest that the amino-terminal sequence of SP may be involved in mediating the depressor effects of baroreceptor activation.
BrF3 dry release technology for large freestanding parylene microstructures and electrostatic actuators

Abstract We report here a dry release technology for making large freestanding surface micromachined parylene microstructures and its electrostatic actuators. The technology is a two-step process that combines wet photoresist dissolution with dry silicon etching by bromine trifluoride (BrF3). Large parylene MEMS structures can be fabricated using photoresist as the sacrificial layer that ultimately gets dissolved by acetone. A final dry release in BrF3 vapor helps to free the devices. For example, we have successfully fabricated freestanding 1 mm long cantilevers, 2 mm long bridges, and 2 mm diameter diaphragms. Moreover, electrostatic actuators such as cantilever beams, torsional mirrors and clamped chambers has been successfully fabricated and characterized using this technology. These structures are suitable for fully integrated MEMS devices such as accelerometers, gyros and microphones.
Effect of Tisseel on expression of tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.

Abstract Objective To examine the effect of fibrin sealant on mRNA expression of factors regulating plasminogen activator activity in human peritoneal cells. Plasminogen activator activity is thought to play a pivotal role in degradation of the proteinaceous mass that develops after surgical procedures. Reduction of plasminogen activator activity, as occurs with tissue trauma, results in increased postoperative adhesion development. Design Tissue culture for 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours. Setting University research laboratory. Patients Source of mesothelial cells with fibroblasts. Intervention(s) Measurement of mRNA expression of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). Main outcome measure(s) Multiplex reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) was used to determine relative change in t-PA and PAI-1 mRNA levels under six conditions: [1] fibrin sealant (Tisseel®); [2] fibrin sealant (Tisseel®) two components diluted 1:2; [3] fibrin sealant (Tisseel®) sealer protein component reconstituted without aprotinin (a protease inhibitor); [4] fibrin sealant (Tisseel®) sealer protein component reconstituted without aprotinin, both components diluted 1:2; [5] fibrin sealant (Tisseel®) components diluted to physiologic concentrations; and [6] control (culture media). Results The mRNA levels of t-PA and PAI-1 by human peritoneal cells were unchanged during 48 hours. In mesothelial cells, the addition of the compositions increased t-PA mRNA levels. A selective increase was observed in the normal peritoneal fibroblasts at the later time points; similar increases were identified in adhesion fibroblast cultures. In mesothelial cells, the more concentrated compositions generally increased PAI-1 mRNA above control levels, whereas in normal peritoneal fibroblasts PAI-1 levels generally remained unchanged. In contrast, in adhesion fibroblasts, PAI-1 levels decreased over time with treatment. Conclusion(s) Fibrin sealant, in the presence and absence of aprotinin, increases both t-PA and PAI-1 expression by human peritoneal cells; changes not seen with physiologic concentrations of fibrin sealant. These observations suggest that in addition to its ability to help achieve hemostasis, fibrin sealant affects the healing process by altering components of the plasminogen activator system, which may be of benefit in the reduction of postoperative adhesions.
Glomerulopathies of neoplasia.

Proteinuria, often of sufficient magnitude to cause the nephrotic syndrome, is a recognized systemic manifestation of neoplastic diseases. The medical literature contains numerous examples of an apparent temporal relationship between the development of the nephrotic syndrome and the clinical appearance of a tumor. Many types of tumor have been reported, including various carcinomas, Hodgkin's disease, other malignant lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and embryonal neoplasms. The glomerular lesions accompanying these tumors have been variable and range from membranous glomerulopathy to minimal change (lipoid) glomerulopathy and amyloid disease. As we shall describe, the glomerulopathies of neoplastic diseases, which are associated with the nephrotic syndrome, can be generally classified as 1) those occurring in association with carcinomas, 2) those occurring in association with Hodgkin's disease and other lymphoproliferative disorders, and 3) lesions occurring with miscellaneous benign and malignant neoplasms. Other glomerulopathies have been reported, particularly in patients with dysproteinemias. This subject has been extensively reviewed and will not be addressed in this paper [1–7].
Patient and surgeon radiation exposure: comparison of standard and mini-C-arm fluoroscopy.

To The Editor: We read with much interest the recent article “Patient and Surgeon Radiation Exposure: Comparison of Standard and Mini-C-Arm Fluoroscopy” (2009;91:297-304) by Giordano et al. It addressed an important issue arising from the increasing use of radiographic imaging in medicine. Although the authors correctly concluded that protective safety measures should be enforced when using intraoperative fluoroscopy, it might be useful to the reader to have a more complete understanding about …
Diversification: A redundant strategic option

Abstract Should your company diversify? In this article Godfrey Devlin points first to the confusion and conflicting evidence that appears to surround the diversification option. He then provides some clearcut guidelines to companies considering such a move. These include developing a strategy and detailed implementation plan and an effective management and control of diversified companies after the event. Diversification can be a useful part of the corporate strategic portfolio, but a hard-headed approach is essential.
A gap dynamics simulation model of succession in a semiarid grassland

Abstract We applied a gap dynamics conceptualization of succession to a semiarid grassland by focusing on gaps produced in the belowground resource space by death of an individual of the dominant species, the perennial grass blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Lag. ex Griffiths). We developed a gap dynamics simulation model to examine long-term successional dynamics on gaps, time required for B. gracilis to recolonize gaps, and spatial variability of gap dynamics at the scale of the landscape. The model is similar to gap models used in forest, but is based on belowground resource use and life history characteristics of plants in shortgrass communities, and incorporates effects of small-scale disturbances and stochastic environmental factors. Average time required for B. gracilis to dominate biomass on a simulated plot was 20 years, a more rapid recovery time than has been reported from experimental studies of large-scale disturbances. Our initial simulations assumed the only control on establishment of B. gracilis seedlings was the occurrence of a restrictive set of microenvironmental conditions. A second set of simulations incorporating effects of seed availability resulted in an average recovery time of 65 years. The scale dependence of successional processes important to recruitment of B. gracilis plants is indicated since this is still a faster recovery time than was observed experimentally. Aboveground biomass on the simulated plots was dominated by B. gracilis through time and space. Relative proportion of aboveground biomass and average biomass values for each species were comparable to the composition of shortgrass plant communities at the Central Plains Experimental Range study site in northcentral Colorado. This initial analysis suggests that gap processes are important to shortgrass communities, and that a gap dynamics conceptualization based on the importance of small, frequently occurring disturbances is a promising alternative to the previous conceptual model of shortgrass communities based on effects of large-scale disturbances.
Persistent Neurological Damage Associated With Spontaneous Recurrent Seizures and Atypical Aggressive Behavior of Domoic Acid Epileptic Disease

The harmful alga Pseudo-nitzschia sp. is the cause of human amnesic shellfish poisoning and the stranding of thousands of sea lions with seizures as a hallmark symptom. A human case study and epidemiological report of hundreds of stranded sea lions found individuals presenting months after recovery with a neurological disease similar to temporal lobe epilepsy. A rat model developed to establish and better predict how epileptic disease results from domoic acid poisoning demonstrated that a single episode of status epilepticus (SE), after a latent period, leads to a progressive state of spontaneous recurrent seizure (SRS) and expression of atypical aggressive behaviors. Structural damage associated with domoic acid-induced SE is prominent in olfactory pathways. Here, we examine structural damage in seven rats that progressed to epileptic disease. Diseased animals show progressive neuronal loss in the piriform cortex and degeneration of terminal fields in these layers and the posteromedial cortical amygdaloid nucleus. Animals that display aggressive behavior had additional neuronal damage to the anterior olfactory cortex. This study provides insight into the structural basis for the progression of domoic acid epileptic disease and relates to the California sea lion, where poisoned animals progress to a disease characterized by SRS and aggressive behaviors.
Acute and chronic brain injury in United States National Team soccer players.

We designed a study to determine whether chronic encephalopathy occurs in elite, active soccer players resulting from repetitive heading of the soccer ball. Studies have suggested that the cumulative effects of heading a ball can cause a chronic brain syndrome similar to dementia pugilistica, which is seen in professional boxers. Twenty of 25 members of the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team training camp (average age, 24.9; average years of soccer, 17.7), who completed a questionnaire on head injury symptoms and had magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, were compared with 20 age-matched male elite track athletes. The soccer players were surveyed about playing position, teams, number of headers, acute head injuries, and years of playing experience. An exposure index to headers was developed to assess a dose-response effect of chronic heading. The soccer and track groups were questioned regarding alcohol use and history of acute head traumas. Questionnaire analysis and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated no statistical differences between the two groups. Among the soccer players, symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging findings did not correlate with age, years of play, exposure index results, or number of headers. However, reported head injury symptoms, especially in soccer players, correlated with histories of prior acute head injuries (r = 0.63). These findings suggest that any evidence of encephalopathy in soccer players relates more to acute head injuries received playing soccer than from repetitive heading.
Calculations Involving the Classical Groups

In this chapter we consider fibre bundles with the classical groups as fibre. By studying these bundles, we are able to calculate homotopy groups of the Stiefel varieties and classical groups. In the course of the development, we derive a homotopy classification for general fibre bundles over a suspension. Using this classification theorem and the homotopy groups of the classical groups, we are able to classify all vector bundles over a sphere of dimension ≦ 4.
A micromachined high throughput Coulter counter for bioparticle detection and counting

We describe a micromachined Coulter counter with multiple sensing microchannels for quantitative measurement of polymethacrylate particles and pollen. A unique design with sensing microelectrodes in the center of the microchannels is demonstrated. This design creates isolation resistances among channels, and thus circumvents the crosstalk caused by automatic electrical connection among microchannels. When implemented using microfluidic channels, this design is appropriate for the sensing of microscale particles in deionized water or in dilute electrolyte solution. Our design has multiple channels operating in parallel, but integrated with just one sample reservoir and one power source. The results with a four-channel device show that this device is capable of differentiating and counting micro polymethacrylate particles and Juniper pollen rapidly. Moreover, the device throughput is improved significantly in comparison to a single-channel device. The concept can be extended to a large number of sensing channels in a single chip for significant improvement in throughput.
'Doing Right' by Melissa: An Inquiry into School Spaces

This educational ethnographic case study explores Melissa’s literacy experiences in an urban elementary school. Using a modified domain analysis (LeCompte & Schensul, 1999), this paper focuses specifically on what it meant for Melissa to ‘Do the Right Thing’ in various school spaces. Her application of doing the right thing in different spaces complicates what it means to take ‘right action’. Therefore, ‘taking right action’ was divided into three domains: 1) Institutional Domain: Code of Compliance 2) Dominant Literacy Domain: School Code and 3) Personal Domain: Melissa’s Self- Reliance. While Melissa was considered a model fifth grader in her urban elementary school setting by her teachers and peers, her personal code of literacy often subsumed the dominant school discourse of ‘do the right thing’. Analysis generated prospective inroads for understanding how literacy learning is inextricably intertwined with relationships of space and discourse. Insights from this close analysis point to the need for nuanced recognition of students’ intellectual lives and underscore the plague of low expectations that narrowing curriculum imposes upon students.