cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in the neonatal rat: Effect on plasma lipids and aortic prostaglandin synthesis in adult life

Abstract The effect of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in neonatal male rats on plasma lipids and aortic 6-keto-prostaglandin F 1α (6-keto-PGF 1α ) synthesis in adult life was investigated. A reduction (62% of control) in aortic 6-keto-PGF 1α was observed only after maturity, at 17, but not 8, weeks of age. In contrast to STZ-induced diabetes in adult rats, who experience marked elevations in both plasma triglyceride (TG) levels (up to 13-fold) and total cholesterol (CH) levels (2-fold), plasma TG levels were never elevated and plasma total CH levels were significantly elevated (37%) only at 17 weeks of age. Thus, the reduction in aortic 6-keto-PGF 1α synthesis was dissociated from alterations in plasma TG levels in adult male rats with diabetes of neonatal origin. A significant elevation (0.31 to 0.48) in the proportion of linoleate (a competitive inhibitor of prostacyclin synthesis) to arachidonate in aortic phospholipids was also found. The results suggest that the reduced aortic synthesis of 6-keto-PGF 1α occurring in diabetic rats was not related to hypertriglyceridemia, but may have been related to hypercholesterolemia or altered ratios of linoleate to arachidonate in aortic phospholipids.
Can people help legislators to make better laws?: the Brazilian parliament's e-democracia

This case departs from the theoretical standpoint, which considers possible a conciliation of political representation and social participation by using information and communication technology. The e-Democracia Project, which was developed in the Brazilian House of Representatives, was conceived to allow in-depth public participation in the formulation of specific bills. The program is a kind of crowd-sourcing system for legislative purposes. In particular, the e-Democracia website attracts and draws together the participation of individual citizens and minority groups from throughout Brazil. After an analysis of the pilot period results, e-Democracia has offered limited, but useful, findings with which to understand the utility of digital technology in lawmaking.
A study of phosphorus adsorption and desorption kinetics on silicon (111) surfaces

Abstract Low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) methods were used to characterize the (111) surface of Si wafers before and after the deposition of P2 molecules. Before deposition, the well-known Si(111)-7 LEED pattern was easily obtained by thermal cleaning at 1200 °C. Cleaning was done by electron bombardment in a vacuum chamber with a base pressure of ∼ 10-10 Torr. After cleaning, AES showed that about 10-2 atomic layer of carbon was the only surface contaminant. The sensitivity of our cylindrical AES apparatus for phosphorus was about 10-3 atomic layer. We found that ∼5×10-2 atomic layer of phosphorus deposited on a Si(111) surface caused the fractional order spots to dissappear from the LEED pattern, so that a sharp Si(111)-1 pattern remained. The kinetics of phosphorus desorption from the Si(111) surface was investigated with AES and mass spectrometry. P2 was found to be the main desorption procuct. The desorption process obeyed second order kinetics. The activation energy for the desorption of P2 was 68.6 ± 0.8 kcal mole-1 for phosphorus coverages between 0.1 and 0.5 atomic layer.
Electrically pumped single-photon emission at room temperature from a single InGaN/GaN quantum dot

We demonstrate a semiconductor quantum dot based electrically pumped single-photon source operating at room temperature. Single photons emitted in the red spectral range from single In0.4Ga0.6N/GaN quantum dots exhibit a second-order correlation value g(2)(0) of 0.29, and fast recombination lifetime ∼1.3 ±0.3 ns at room temperature. The single-photon source can be driven at an excitation repetition rate of 200 MHz.
Mesostriatal and mesolimbic projections of midbrain neurons immunoreactive for estrogen receptor beta or androgen receptors in rats.

The dopamine (DA) inputs to the caudate putamen, the nucleus accumbens, and the amygdala in rats are sensitive to circulating estrogens and androgens. One mechanism for the hormone modulation of these systems may be via actions at cognate intracellular estrogen and androgen receptors. However, although it is known that specific subsets of midbrain DA neurons are immunopositive for estrogen receptor β (ERβ) or androgen receptors (ARs), it is not known where these receptor-bearing cells project. To address this issue, we combined double-label immunocytochemistry with retrograde tract tracing to identify the forebrain projections of ERβ- or AR-immunoreactive (IR) midbrain neurons. Specifically, Fluoro-Gold and/or cholera toxin were injected into discrete subregions of the caudate-putamen, the nucleus accumbens, or the amygdala. Evaluations of the resultant midbrain labeling revealed that ERβ-IR neurons sent collateral projections mainly to both the ventral caudate-putamen and the amygdala, but not to the dorsal caudate or nucleus accumbens. In contrast, AR-IR neurons projected either to the amygdala or the nucleus accumbens but not to the caudate-putamen. The organization of these forebrain projections concurs with some of the known hormone sensitivities of mesostriatal and mesolimbic DA systems in rats and provides an anatomical model that predicts separate influences for androgens and estrogens over mesostriatal and mesolimbic DA systems. J. Comp. Neurol. 476:348–362, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Comparison of some commercial waxes by gas liquid chromatography

Volatile components (hydrocarbons, monoesters, free acids as methyl esters and free alcohols as acetates) of seven unhydrolyzed commercial waxes-ouricury, carnauba, Chinese insect, lac, esparto, candelilla and Japan wax—have been analyzed and compared by gas liquid chromatography. Though appreciable portions of the waxes were nonvolatile, the results were sufficient to distinguish the seven waxes completely. Methanolysis products were analyzed directly by gas liquid chromatography, and the results agreed with those previously obtained for hydrolysis products of these waxes. Ouricury wax gave 18% C24−C34 αω-diols and 4% C24−C32 ω-hydroxy acids, in addition to 28% C20−C32 aciods and 17% C22−C34 alcohols, on methanolysis.
A filtered backprojection algorithm with characteristics of the iterative landweber algorithm

Purpose: In order to eventually develop an analytical algorithm with noise characteristics of an iterative algorithm, this technical note develops a window function for the filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm in tomography that behaves as an iterative Landweber algorithm. Methods: Based on the formulation of the iterative Landweber algorithm, a frequency domain window function is derived for each iteration of the Landweber algorithm. The resultant window function has an index k, emulating the characteristics of the Landweber algorithm at the kth iteration. The window function is used to modify the ramp filter in the FBP algorithm. Results: Computer simulations show that the windowed FBP algorithm with window function index k and the iterative Landweber algorithm iteration number k give similar reconstructions in terms of resolution and noise. Conclusions: Analytical FBP algorithms are able to provide similar results to the iterative Landweber algorithm if the ramp filter in the FBP algorithm is modified by a set of specially designed window functions.
Alpha-recoil damage and solution effects in minerals: uranium isotopic disequilibrium and radon release

Preferential loss relative to 238U of 234U from rocks into solutions has long been attributed to recoiling alpha-emitting nuclei. Using fission-track activation direct evidence has been obtained for two mechanisms: 1. (1) recoil ejection from grains. 2. (2) release by natural etching of alpha-recoil tracks. Tests of the second mechanism have been done using 239PuO2 sources to implant 235U as recoiling nuclei. These particles leave similar tracks to the recoils from 238U decay, and the implanted nuclei are chemically the same as the 234U that results in nature. Another virtue of 235U nuclei is their fissionability, which allows them to be sensitively detected by neutron irradiation followed by etching of the induced particle tracks. The 235U nuclei are implanted in a mineral, the mineral is exposed to a solution and both the mineral and the solution are tested for their 235U content. Preferential removal of recoil nuclei has been observed in 6 of 7 natural minerals that have been studied in 24-hour treatments. The increase with time of the fraction of the recoil nuclei that is released has been measured in muscovite. The observations also imply that radon emanation occurs by the same two mechanisms.
Dual string vacua with N = 2 supersymmetry in four dimensions

Abstract In this article we review several aspects of the string-string duality between the heterotic string, compactified on K3 × T2, and the type II superstring compactified on a Calabi-Yau three-fold. We discuss the massless supersymmetric spectra, showing agreement for a large class of dual heterotic/type II string pairs. Some emphasis is given to non-perturbative heterotic phenomena, such as non-perturbative transitions among different vacua and strong coupling singularities, and to their geometric Calabi-Yau description on the type II side. Finally we compare the effective N = 2 supergravity actions of dual heterotic/type II string compactifications, and show that the N = 2 prepotentials and also higher order gravitational couplings nicely agree in the weak heterotic coupling limit.
Axonal Transport of [35S]Methionine‐Labeled Proteins in Two Intra‐Brain Tracts of the Rat

[35S]Methionine was stereotaxically injected into the dorsalateral geniculate body (DLGB) of adult male rats, and 1 h to 10 days post-injection the DLGB and projection site (striate cortex) were dissected out and solubilized in 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate. Samples were analyzed for acid-precipitable radioactivity, and radioactivity in different molecular weight classes was determined following discontinuous gel electrophoresis on both tube and slab gels. Acid-precipitable radioactivity in the DLGB peaked by 4 h and then declined over the time period studied. The molecular weight distribution pattern was complex and did not change appreciably with time. Radioactivity in the striate cortex arrived in at least three waves: rapidly transported proteins arrived between 2 and 4 h; a second wave of transport began to arrive at about 7 h post-injection and there was a slight rise in specific activity for 2 days; finally, at 3 days post-injection, there was a steep increase with the arrival of the bulk of the transported material. The electrophoretic distribution pattern of proteins arriving in the first wave included 40–50 identifiable bands ranging in molecular weight from 13,000 to 200,000. Of particular interest was a radioactive band of apparent molecular weight of 110,000, which was prominent at 4 h, but by 12 h showed very little labeling. The second wave of radioactivity contained primarily proteins of molecular weight classes already present, although there were quantitative differences. Several proteins in the molecular weight range of 43,000 to 78,000 were identifiable as characteristic of the third wave of transported material. Results from a study following injection of a hippocampus were similar: the electrophoretic distribution pattern of radioactive proteins extracted from the injected hippocampus resembled that of the DLGB, and also did not vary appreciably with time, while radioactive proteins in the contralateral hippocampus had an electrophoretic distribution pattern similar to that of the striate cortex and changed with time in a similar manner.
Ice saturation at the tropopause observed from the ER‐2 aircraft

Ice saturation at or just above the tropopause was frequently observed during the ER-2 vertical profiles over Stavanger (59 deg N) during the Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition (AASE). On occasion, ice saturation extended as much as 500 m above the tropopause. Saturation was not observed over Punta Arenas (53 deg S) during the Airborne Antarctic Ozone Experiment. Saturation extending just above the tropopause was observed at Moffett Field (38 deg N) in winter but not in summer. The top of a thick cirrus layer at the tropopause will be very strongly cooled, and a thin cloud layer at the tropopause will either be strongly heated or cooled depending on the presence of lower level clouds. Some ER-2 data suggests removal of water and nitrogen species from the tropopause.
Anode effect: The influence of electron bombardment of the anode on flicker noise

Experiments are presented which indicate the existence of two types of flicker noise in vacuum tubes with oxide-coated cathodes. The first is "normal" flicker noise that is present for anode voltages below 10 volts; the second is the "bombardment-enhanced" flicker noise that is added when the anode voltage is above 10 volts. It seems that the latter can be attributed to the arrival of neutral oxygen on the cathode. Since most pentodes and triodes operate with anode voltages above 10 volts, the "bombardment-enbanced" flicker noise should be a rather common source of flicker noise in these tubes.
Forecasting Default in the Face of Uncertainty

We give an empirical assessment of I^2, a structural credit model based on incomplete information. In this model, investors cannot observe a firm's default barrier. As a consequence, I^2 exhibits both the economic appeal of a structural model and the tractable pricing formulae and empirical plausibility of a reduced form model. We compare default probability and credit spread forecasts generated by I^2 and the well-known structural models of Merton (1974) and Black & Cox (1976). We find that I^2 reacts more quickly to new information and, unlike the other two models, it forecasts positive short term credit spreads.
Transfer reaction studies to states in 14N and 14C

Abstract States in 14N and 14C have been populated by the Li-induced reactions 10B(6Li, d), 11B(6Li, t/3He), 11B(7Li, α), 12C(6Li, α), and 13C(7Li, 6He/6Li) at ELi = 32 and 34 MeV. Selective population of states is observed with these reactions. Angular distributions were measured for the 11B(6Li t/3He) analog reactions. Experimental criteria are developed to allow the identification of analog states up to 18.40 and 16.45 MeV excitation in 14N and 14C, respectively.
Appreciating social structures: a strategy for advancing the efficiency and effectiveness loci in organisation

The purpose of this paper is to advance organisational efficiency and effectiveness by appreciating the division of labour espoused by the classic economist Adam Smith (1723-1790). Adam Smith proposes that the division of labour into specialisation units can yield increased productivity. By determining the desired capacity and the set of skills that capture what the organisation does best using appreciative inquiry (AI), the entire organisation can advance to the next level. Adam Smith envisioned increased ratio of output as each man perfected his act. AI, a change management method can be deployed to determine the skillfulness required in avoiding wasted time and efforts. The AI methodology makes it possible for the entire organisation to participate in the determination of what needs to be changed making it possible to distinguish between efficiency and effectiveness. It is essential to make this differentiation because successful corporations are both efficient and effective. By drawing from the Adam Smith pin-making enterprise the paper illustrates how AI can be one of the best methods used to perfect the acts of different specialists. More wealth can be created by controlling operational costs.
Treatment thresholds for preventive therapy: a simplified example of therapy for prevention of hip fractures.

Physicians intuitively understand that preventive treatments may be worthwhile for patients at very high risk of a disease, but not for those with a very low risk. Somewhere in between lies a probability of the disease, called the “treatment threshold” above which prevention is worthwhile and below which it is not. This essay presents an approach to clinical decision-making based on methods developed for bedside decision analysis. Using a hypothetical example of a treatment to prevent hip fracture, this model demonstrates that the treatment threshold (the probability of fracture above which prevention is cost-effective) decreases as 1) the effectiveness of the treatment increases, 2) the cost of the drug decreases, 3) the cost of physician visits and tests to monitor treatment decreases, 4) the value placed on the fracture (medical costs, death, disability) increases. When sufficient data becomes available, estimates of treatment threshold can be combined with estimates of an individual's risk of fracture...
Characterizing the stress applied to ICs by different ESD tester circuits

It is recommended that the output current waveforms of ESD (electrostatic discharge) simulators for ICs be specified into a short circuit and 500 ohm load in order to insure that equivalent tests are being performed. Because this recommendation has not been in force, two alternatives have been proposed for the MIL-STD 883c ESD test circuit, which were found to differ by more than 30% from that circuit. It is strongly recommended that all future ESD test standards adopt the practice of specifying realistic ESD waveforms into at least two different loads in order to insure that tests are both repeatable and realistic. >
Quantification of elastic recoil after balloon angioplasty in the iliac arteries.

PURPOSE Elastic recoil of the arterial wall has been shown to be responsible for a significant loss of luminal area after balloon angioplasty in the coronary arteries, but it has not been well studied in the peripheral arteries. Because elastic recoil depends on the presence of elastin in the arterial wall, and the amount of elastin varies by artery and proximity to the aorta, the importance of this response to angioplasty may be different in peripheral arteries. The purpose of this study is to document the degree of elastic recoil in the iliac arteries, and analyze variables that might influence the results. MATERIALS AND METHODS A series of 19 patients with 25 iliac artery stenoses underwent balloon angioplasty followed by placement of a Palmaz stent with the same-sized angioplasty balloon. The minimum luminal diameter of the lesion was measured before treatment, immediately after balloon angioplasty, and again after stent placement. The arterial diameter after stent placement was defined as the diameter of the inflated balloon. The degree of recoil was correlated with nine variables: patient age and sex, lesion location and length, lesion severity (as percent stenosis), the balloon:artery ratio, and three factors related to lesion morphology—complex versus simple, eccentric versus concentric, and calcified versus noncalcified. RESULTS Elastic recoil averaged 36% ± 11% and ranged from 19% to 54% in this series of patients. The only variable that significantly influenced the degree of elastic recoil was the balloon:artery ratio ( P = .039), which was directly related. CONCLUSION Elastic recoil is a significant limitation of balloon angioplasty in the iliac arteries. This study illustrates the importance of techniques that limit recoil, such as vascular stents, in angioplasty of the iliac arteries.
Life Skills Curricula for Students with Learning Disabilities A Review of the Literature

This article presents a review of the current literature on life skills curricula and instruction as they relate to students with learning disabilities. The review of life skills literature is organized into two sections: intervention and follow-up, follow-along studies. Based on the available research, several suggestions for designing research programs that address life skills curricula and instruction for students with learning disabilities are outlined.
Mechanism of fluoride activation of G protein-gated muscarinic atrial K+ channels.

Aluminum fluoride (AlF4-) activates the heterotrimeric G protein Gs (stimulatory G protein of adenylylcyclase) (Sternweis, P. C., and Gilman, A. G. (1982) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 79, 4888-4891) and GT (transducin), and for GT, Bigay et al. (Bigay, J., Deterre, P., Pfister, C., and Chabre, M. (1985) FEBS Lett. 191, 181-185) have made the intriguing proposal that AlF4- acts by mimicking the gamma-phosphate of GTP. The endogenous G protein (probably G alpha i-2 or G alpha i-3 (Yatani, A., Mattera, R., Codina, J., Graf, R., Okabe, K., Padrell, E., Iyengar, R., Brown, A. M., and Birnbaumer, L. (1988) Nature 336, 680-682) that stimulates the muscarinic atrial K+ (K+[ACh]) channel is also thought to be activated by AlF4- (Kurachi, Y., Nakajima, T., and Ito, H. (1987) Circulation 76, 105P). To investigate the AlF4- mechanism, we applied potassium fluoride (KF) to the cytoplasmic face of inside-out membrane patches excised from guinea pig atria. We found that KF activated single K+[ACh] channel currents in both a concentration- and a Mg(2+)-dependent manner. Activation persisted following removal of KF, but unlike activation by guanosine 5‘-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S), was fully reversed by removal of Mg2+. Evidence for Al3+ involvement was that the Al3+ chelator deferoxamine (500 microM) inhibited KF activation and that at low concentrations of KF (less than 1 mM), micromolar AlCl3 concentrations potentiated KF stimulation. The rate of activation produced by KF was far slower than the rate produced by GTP or GTP gamma S, and unlike these guanine nucleotides, the rate was unchanged in the presence of agonist. To test the gamma-phosphate-mimicking hypothesis, we evaluated the requirement for GDP; and to accomplish this, it was necessary to establish a condition that ensured exchange of guanine nucleotides. This condition was satisfied by using the muscarinic agonist carbachol because both the rate and the extent of activation of the K+[ACh] channels produced by GTP were much faster in carbachol, and both were greatly slowed when GDP was added along with GTP. By contrast, the effects of KF were unchanged by carbachol in the presence or absence of GDP. Further evidence that GDP is not essential for activation by AlF4- was provided by the observation that during carbachol activation and following extensive washing with GMP, guanosine 5‘-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) at blocking concentrations had no effect on activation produced by KF.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Simplified procedure for rapid, manual analysis of nitrate in soil extracts by copper-cadmium reduction

Abstract An inexpensive modification of the commonly used manual nitrate (NO3)‐nitrogen (N) analysis for soil extracts is described. This procedure uses multiple reductors of copperized cadmium (Cd) wire threaded through Teflon tubing and a peristaltic pump to rapidly pass a low volume of soil extract through the reductors at a constant flow rate. In excess of 150 prepared samples can be processed daily with minimum waste generation. Efficiency of reduction is >98% and precision of analysis (coefficient of variation) for replicate standards of known NO3‐N concentration is excellent, at 250 samples per column and one month, respectively. Column activation and regeneration in these wire type reductors are simpler and less tedious than for reductors constructed of copperized Cd granules.
Revisiting the Normal Crime and Liberation Hypotheses: Citizenship Status and Unwarranted Disparity

The established sentencing scholarship focusing on race/ethnicity and sentencing disparity indicates that the effect of race/ethnicity on sentencing severity varies across offense types. However, i...
The state—landlord or entrepreneur?

The 1970s were a period of turmoil as governments in both developed and less developed countries tried to take the lead in national oil development. While governments shifted from the role of landlord to that of entrepreneur, forming state oil companies, multinational corporate and private domestic industry groups blocked the way by switching from renters to political opponents. By the close of the decade, state oil companies had carved themselves a niche in multinational oil company operations but had been forced to make room there for other national industry groups as well. This article compares the process in Norway, Britain, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and tries to explain evidence that states in less developed countries (LDCs) gained more from multinational oil companies than did those in developed countries. Contrasting hypotheses concerning the ability of LDCs to harness multinational companies are explored. An alternative hypothesis is generated that relies on domestic rather than just international factors to explain the relatively greater gains of LDCs; it holds implications for the state's roles as landlord or entrepreneur. This explanation is contrasted with arguments that the coherence or strength of domestic structures explains relative state gains in the international economy.
Reactions at the azomethine CN bonds in the nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of pyridine-containing Schiff-base macrocyclic ligands

Template condensation between 2,6-dicarbonylpyridines and a tripodal tetramine tris(3-aminopropyl)amine in the presence of copper(II) or nickel(II) yielded macrocyclic complexes that contained a coordinated primary amine as an appended functional group. The derivatives of 2,6-diformylpyridine contained labile azomethine bonds susceptible to water or alcohol addition, and were isolated in the form of crystallographically characterized hemiaminals or O-ethyl hemiaminals. The nickel(II) hemiaminal complex produced a macrocyclic product upon reduction with sodium borohydride, and the structures of the two complexes had very similar ligand conformations. The derivatives of 2,6-diacetylpyridine formed stable Schiff-base macrocycles with rigid, nearly planar structures in which azomethine bonds were conjugated with the pyridine ring. The steric strain was relieved upon heating of the complexes in water–alcohol media. The products were determined by the coordination requirements of the metal ions: the copper(II) underwent a CN double bond shift, forming a more flexible five-coordinate macrocyclic complex, whereas the nickel(II) compound underwent a partial ring-opening hydrolysis, giving rise to a pseudo-octahedral six-coordinate species. The unusual isomerization of the copper(II) complex was accompanied by H/D exchange at CH-bonds, and was facilitated by alcohol addition. The mechanism of isomerization is similar to B6-catalyzed transamination reactions (D.E. Metzler, M. Ikawa and E.S. Snell. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1954, 76, 648). The corresponding four-coordinate copper(II) complex lacking a pendant arm was more thermally stable than its five-coordinate counterpart, and underwent partial double-bond migration under harsh conditions (prolonged heating at reflux in water–ethanol mixtures at pH > 8.5).
The extracellular hyaluronidase gene (hylA) of Streptococcus pyogenes

Group A streptococci produce an extracellular hyaluronidase (hyaluronate lyase) which may be associated with the spread of the organism during infection. The gene for this hyaluronidase (hylA) encodes an 868 amino acid protein with a molecular size of 99636 Da. Cleavage of the proposed signal peptide results in an extracellular protein of 95941 Da. Comparison with other bacterial hyaluronidases indicates strong similarities to the genes from Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus. A region internal to the hylA gene was amplified from all 175 strains of Streptococcus pyogenes tested suggesting a widespread distribution of the gene.
A conservative nonlinear filter for the high-frequency range of wind wave spectra

Abstract Filtering of the high-frequency part of a wind wave spectrum may be useful in a numerical wind wave model for various reasons. First, it can be used to augment (or be part of) a parameterization of the resonant nonlinear interactions, that are essential to third-generation wind wave models. Second, when combined with a dynamic time stepping scheme for source term integration, it may result in smoother (and hence faster) wave model integration. In this study, such a filter is proposed, based on the traditional Discrete Interaction Approximation (DIA) for the resonant four-wave nonlinear interactions. This filter retains all conservative properties of the interactions. For small time steps and/or smooth spectra, it is formulated as a traditional source term. For larger time steps and/or non-smooth spectra it is formulated as a filter. This formulation guarantees stability of the filter itself and will enhance overall computational stability in a full wave model. The stability properties of this filter are illustrated using traditional wave growth computations. Examples are given where the filter improves model economy, and where it is shown to remove spurious high-frequency noise from a wave model.
Online end point detection in CMP using SPRT of wavelet decomposed sensor data

Efficient end point detection (EPD) in chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) is critical to quality and productivity of the wafer fabrication process. The cost of over and under polishing, and the cost of ownership of many expensive metrology-based EPD methods have motivated the researchers to seek cost effective and efficient alternatives. This paper presents a novel method for EPD, which uses a sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) on the wavelet decomposed coefficient of friction (CoF) data from the CMP process. The method is made suitable for online application by developing a moving block data processing strategy, which matches the rate of data acquisition. Tests on both oxide and copper metal CMP show that the developed methodology is uniquely capable of identifying the start and finish of the end point event.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Academic English Proficiency Outcomes for Adolescent English Language Learners in the United States.

The recent availability of nationally mandated academic English proficiency data on all English language learners (ELLs) from landmark United States federal education legislation now makes it possible to track these learners' academic progress longitudinally. Using 5 waves of 9th through 12th grade academic English proficiency data from 2004--2008 for a statewide cohort of 9th grade ELLs (n = 3,702), I employed growth modeling to fit a multilevel model for change in academic English proficiency (Singer & Willett, 2003). I found that the average ELL in my sample started high school performing at an early intermediate level of academic English proficiency and was not projected to reach the score indicating proficiency until the end of 11th grade. Further, U.S.-born ELLs began high school with significantly higher levels of academic English proficiency than their foreign-born ELL peers, but foreign-born ELLs caught up by the end of high school. However, 60% of high school ELLs were born in the U.S.--implying that large numbers of these students had spent 9 or more years in U.S. schools without developing sufficient academic language needed to perform mainstream academic work in English. The findings emphasize the need for academic language interventions for adolescent ELLs. This study has implications for countries struggling to promote the language development and academic achievement of large numbers of language minority learners.
Neillia Includes Stephanandra (Rosaceae)

ABSTRACT Recent phylogenetic analyses of tribe Neillieae in Rosaceae, which comprises Neillia, Physocarpus, and Stephanandra, based on both nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences revealed that Neillia and Stephanandra together form a strongly supported monophyletic group and that species of Stephanandra are nested within Neillia. The close relationship between Neillia and Stephanandra is also supported by leaf morphology, inflorescence type, and carpel number. In order to better reflect the evolutionary relationships among species of Neillia and Stephanandra, based on molecular phylogenetic and morphological evidence, Stephanandra is united with Neillia, and three traditionally recognized species and a hybrid of Stephanandra are transferred to Neillia. This treatment results in new combinations as follows: N. hanceana (Kuntze) S. Oh, N. incisa (Thunberg) S. Oh, and N.×nakatsu-riparia (H. Takahashi) S. Oh. Stephanandra incisa (Thunberg) Zabel var. macrophylla Hideo Takahashi is treated as a new synonym of N...
Infection Prevention Issues Associated with Point of Care Barcode Scanner Mobile Computers

Fungemia now accounts for 9% of blood stream infections. Fungemia is detected in two ways: a.) Standard blood cultures incubated for up to 5 days or b.) Fungal blood cultures incubated for up to 5 days and then subcultured (whether positive or negative) to solid media and incubated for an additional 14 days with weekly monitor for growth. The latter increases the cost to microbiology laboratory, as well as to the patient.
Evaluating the Use of RTI to Identify SLD: A Survey of State Policy, Procedures, Data Collection, and Administrator Perceptions

As it has become a prominent feature in the identification of students with specific learning disabilities (SLD), response to intervention (RTI) has generated significant interest and, in some respects, controversy regarding assessment and attendant procedures. In the present study, the authors surveyed state directors of special education (n = 31) to examine (a) the degree to which RTI policies and recommended practices are transmitted between state and local agencies, including those related to referrals of low achieving (i.e., “non-responsive”) students for a comprehensive evaluation; (b) communication with parents; and (c) their perceptions of the impact of RTI insofar as SLD identification is concerned. Results reflect disparities among many states and their districts in terms of the procedures used, data collected, and whether the effectiveness of RTI is evaluated. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Measurement of Excited State Relaxation Rates

A detailed review is given of methods for the measurement of radiative decay rates and total inelastic destructive cross sections of short-lived excited states. The paper is divided into six main sections, dealing with methods of approximate calculation and interpretation of radiative and collision processes; previous methods of measurement; a review of delayed multichannel coincidence techniques; properties of the vernier chronotron; methods of statistical analysis; and a summary and analysis of data pertinent to laser transitions in helium, neon, and singly ionized argon. The main emphasis is given to experimental techniques devised by the authors for the measurement of excited state lifetimes in the 4-nsec to 1000-nsec range and the analysis of data taken in the noble gases with this system.
Compressor Corporation Inc.: Pat Divso

You are Pat Divso, a senior purchasing agent of Compressor Corporation, Inc. (CCI). You have been given a major purchasing assignment to find a solution to the deadlocked price negotiations with Scandia Steel AB, a major supplier of specialty high-carbon and stainless steels, and a strategically critical partner. You are now en route from your Paris office to Sweden where you will meet tomorrow, August 29, 1995, with Kaj Johansson (pronounced Ki), marketing director of Scandia Steel at Scandia’s headquarters in Uppsala.
A Novel Craniotomy Simulation System for Evaluation of Stereo-pair Reconstruction Fidelity and Tracking

Brain shift compensation using computer modeling strategies is an important research area in the field of image-guided neurosurgery (IGNS). One important source of available sparse data during surgery to drive these frameworks is deformation tracking of the visible cortical surface. Possible methods to measure intra-operative cortical displacement include laser range scanners (LRS), which typically complicate the clinical workflow, and reconstruction of cortical surfaces from stereo pairs acquired with the operating microscopes. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a craniotomy simulation device that permits simulating realistic cortical displacements designed to measure and validate the proposed intra-operative cortical shift measurement systems. The device permits 3D deformations of a mock cortical surface which consists of a membrane made of a Dragon Skin® high performance silicone rubber on which vascular patterns are drawn. We then use this device to validate our stereo pair-based surface reconstruction system by comparing landmark positions and displacements measured with our systems to those positions and displacements as measured by a stylus tracked by a commercial optical system. Our results show a 1mm average difference in localization error and a 1.2mm average difference in displacement measurement. These results suggest that our stereo-pair technique is accurate enough for estimating intra-operative displacements in near real-time without affecting the surgical workflow.
Understanding the stress process: linking social support with locus of control beliefs.

Although researchers generally agree that social support reduces the impact of stress on psychological well-being, little is known about how this stress-buffering effect actually takes place. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that social support operates by bolstering internal locus of control beliefs. Data from a longitudinal study of older adults suggest that the relationship between support and perceived control is nonlinear. Increases in social support tend to increase feelings of control, but only up to a certain threshold. Beyond this point, additional support tends to decrease feelings of personal control. This nonlinear relationship was observed with emotional support and integration (i.e., support provided to others) but not with informational or tangible support.
Changes in the Mature Larval Gut of the Introduced Pine Sawfly, Diprion similis (Hartig) (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) During Transformation,

The alimentary canal of the introduced pine sawfly, Diprion similis (Hartig) undergoes considerable cell differentiation and change during its ultimate larval stage. This stage has 2 morphologically distinct periods, the eonymphal and pronymphal (Eliescu 1932). The eonymph of D. similis has a black ocellus, no underlying pupal eye development, and a curled abdominal tip; whereas the pronymph has a clear ocellus surrounded by a black, ringlike ocularium, visible developing compound eye below the ocellus, and a straight abdominal tip. A saclike foregut structure is formed during these periods and, at the same time, reddish-brown granules appear along the length of the mesenteron.
A prolific catalyst for dehydrogenation of neat formic acid

Formic acid is a promising energy carrier for on-demand hydrogen generation. Because the reverse reaction is also feasible, formic acid is a form of stored hydrogen. Here we present a robust, reusable iridium catalyst that enables hydrogen gas release from neat formic acid. This catalysis works under mild conditions in the presence of air, is highly selective and affords millions of turnovers. While many catalysts exist for both formic acid dehydrogenation and carbon dioxide reduction, solutions to date on hydrogen gas release rely on volatile components that reduce the weight content of stored hydrogen and/or introduce fuel cell poisons. These are avoided here. The catalyst utilizes an interesting chemical mechanism, which is described on the basis of kinetic and synthetic experiments.
REACTIVE POWER LIMIT OF VARIABLESPEED CONSTANTFREQUENCY WIND TURBINE

According to the working principle of variable-speed constant-frequency wind turbine, its steady state mathematical model is established in which the steady state performances of turbine, doubly-fed induction generator and its rotation speed control are condisered. On the basis of this model a method to calculate the reactive power limit of the variable speed and constant frequency wind turbine is put forward and the calculation and analysis for a variable-speed constant-frequency wind turbine are carried out, and the feasibility of the proposed method is varified.
Evaluation of alfalfa-corn cob associative action. III. The effect of mechanically separated alfalfa fractions on intake, digestibility and ruminal characteristics of ammonia-treated corn cob diets fed to sheep.

The influence of mechanically separated alfalfa fractions on intake, digestibility and rate of ruminal passage was investigated using 48 lambs (32 kg) in a digestion trial. Whole plant pre-bloom alfalfa (25% crude protein) or fractions (presscake, dehydrated presscake, protein coagulum, dehydrated protein coagulum, whole juice or deproteinized juice) were added to a 3% ammonia (NH3)-treated corn cob negative control diet at levels equal to 20% wholeplant alfalfa dry matter (DM); eight treatments, six lambs/treatment. Ad libitum intake was greater (P less than .05) for alfalfa fiber (presscake) or juice supplemented diets compared with 20% direct cut alfalfa. Dry matter intake, digestibility of DM and cell walls, and rate of passage were highly correlated when diets were fed ad libitum. At equal DM intakes, dehydrated vs wet presscake increased (P less than .05) DM and cell wall digestibility. Heating of the protein may have reduced degradation rate and consequently a slower release of nutrients for microorganisms in the rumen. Whole vs deproteinized juice increased digestibility of cob DM (P = .11) and cell walls (P = .13), suggesting a response to level of degradable alpha-amino N. Whole and deproteinized juice increased cell wall digestibility compared with the negative control by 23.0 and 18.5 percentage units, respectively, suggesting that degradable alpha amino-N and cell solubles or other nutrients interacted to maximize microbial fiber digestion. Total and branch-chain volatile fatty acids measured at 6, 12 and 18 h post-feeding were highly correlated with nutrient digestibility. Ruminal NH3-N measured at 18 h was negatively correlated with dry matter (r = -.74) and cell wall (r = -.72) digestibility, showing that alfalfa supplies nutrients required by ruminal microorganisms for NH3 assimilation and fiber digestion. The mode of alfalfa associative action in high fiber diets is in supplying ruminal microorganisms with degradable protein and (or) other nutrients, rather than altering ruminal retention time.
SU-F-T-215: An Investigation Of Multi-Scanner CT Hounsfield Unit Calibration for Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy Using 3D Gamma Analysis

Purpose: We compare and investigate the dosimetric impacts on pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton treatment plans generated with CT calibration curves from four different CT scanners and one averaged ‘global’ CT calibration curve. Methods: The four CT scanners are located at three different hospital locations within the same health system. CT density calibration curves were collected from these scanners using the same CT calibration phantom and acquisition parameters. Mass density to HU value tables were then commissioned in a commercial treatment planning system. Five disease sites were chosen for dosimetric comparisons at brain, lung, head and neck, adrenal, and prostate. Three types of PBS plans were generated at each treatment site using SFUD, IMPT, and robustness optimized IMPT techniques. 3D dose differences were investigated using 3D Gamma analysis. Results: The CT calibration curves for all four scanners display very similar shapes. Large HU differences were observed at both the high HU and low HU regions of the curves. Large dose differences were generally observed at the distal edges of the beams and they are beam angle dependent. Out of the five treatment sites, lung plans exhibits the most overall range uncertainties and prostate plans have the greatest dose discrepancy. There are no significant differences between the SFUD, IMPT, and the RO-IMPT methods. 3D gamma analysis with 3%, 3 mm criteria showed all plans with greater than 95% passing rate. Two of the scanners with close HU values have negligible dose difference except for lung. Conclusion: Our study shows that there are more than 5% dosimetric differences between different CT calibration curves. PBS treatment plans generated with SFUD, IMPT, and the robustness optimized IMPT has similar sensitivity to the CT density uncertainty. More patient data and tighter gamma criteria based on structure location and size will be used for further investigation.
Strength matters: Tie strength as a causal driver of networks' information benefits

Studies of social networks have often taken the existence of a social tie as a proxy for the transmission of information. However, other studies of social networks in the labor market propose that the likelihood of information transmission might depend on strength of the tie; and that tie strength is a potentially important source of the tie's value. After all, even if job seekers have social ties to those who have valuable job information, the seekers will gain little information benefit when the ties do not actually transmit the information. This paper clarifies the conditions under which social ties might provide information benefits. We use a survey vignette experiment and ask MBA students about their likelihood of relaying job information via strong ties (to friends) or weak ties (to acquaintances), holding constant the structural locations spanned by the tie and job seekers' fit with the job. The results support the claim that strength of tie has a causal effect on the chances of information transmission: potential referrers are more likely to relay job information to their friends than to acquaintances. The larger implication of these findings is that whatever benefits there might be to using weak ties to reach distant non-redundant information during job search, these benefits need to be considered against the likely fact that people connected via weak ties are less likely to actually share information about job opportunities than are people to whom the job seeker is strongly tied.
On the inside, looking out

One of the most far-reaching consequences of Rontgen's discovery of X-rays more than a hundred years ago has been the determination of the atomic architecture of matter. Knowledge of the three-dimensional arrangements of atoms is the basis of our understanding of most of the chemical and physical properties of materials. Now a new X-ray-based crystallographic technique, multiple-energy X-ray holography, has been added to the existing scattering and diffraction techniques.
Colloids Can “See” the Light

Synthetic active matter is changing the way we think about and engineer new functional materials. In a recent work published in Nature Nanotechnology , Tang and coworkers engineered an army of microswimmers that mimic the collective phototactic behavior of algae in solution.
Global variation in gene expression and the value of diverse sampling

The genomics era has accelerated our understanding of how genetic and epigenetic factors influence both normal variable traits and disease risk in humans. However, the majority of "omics" studies have focused on individuals living in urban centers, primarily from Europe and Asia, neglecting much of the genetic and environmental variation that exists across worldwide populations. Comparative studies of gene regulation in ethnically diverse populations are informing our understanding of how evolutionary forces have shaped the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying complex traits, and studying gene expression in different environmental contexts is enabling the dissection of disease-related pathways such as immune response. Such approaches are vital to the equitable application of genomics and medicine.