cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genomic Characterization of Radiation-Induced Intracranial Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma

Intracranial undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma remains a rare pathology within the sarcoma literature that may arise primarily or secondary after radiation therapy. Despite first-line treatment with maximal surgical resection, followed by nonstandardized adjuvant chemotherapy/radiation regimens, clinical prognosis remains exceedingly poor. Furthermore, there is a lack of genetic or molecular characterization to guide potential for targeted therapies. We present genomic analysis of a radiation-induced intracranial undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in an 83-year-old woman with notable KIT and PDGFRA alterations. Further similar genomic studies of intracranial pleomorphic sarcoma are needed to develop better therapies for this rare but challenging disease entity.
Cognition predicts days-alive-out-of-hospital after LVAD implantation.

Objective:Cognition influences hospitalization rates for a variety of patient groups but this association has not been examined in heart failure (HF) patients undergoing left ventricular assist dev...
Operationsverstärker in chemischen Meßinstrumenten

Mit einigen Ausnahmen sind die meisten Signale in der Analytik, die in Tabelle 1.1 (S. 2) aufgelistet wurden, analoge Signale in dem Sinn, das sie sich kontinuierlich verandern und jeden beliebigen Wert einer unbegrenzten Zahl von Werten innerhalb bestimmter Grenzen annehmen konnen. Der pHWert ist z. B. ein analoges chemisches Signal, das in wasrigen Losungen jeden denkbaren Wert zwischen circa − 1 und 15 annehmen kann. Sogenannte Meswertwandler in analytischen Instrumenten wandeln meist analoge chemische Signale in analoge elektrische Signale um, die dann verarbeitet (verstarkt, gefiltert, in der Frequenz verandert, integriert, etc.) und entweder in analoger oder digitaler Weise angezeigt werden konnen. Analoganzeigen findet man in Form eines Zeigers auf einer Mesgeratanzeige, eines Bildes auf dem Schirm einer Katodenstrahlrohre oder der Position eines Stifts auf dem Papier eines Aufzeichnungsgerats. Dagegen ist die Digitalanzeige in Form von Zahlen auf einem Digitalmesgerat oder einer speziellen, diskreten Einstellung eines Plotterstifts zu finden.
The Aesthetic Complex and its Elements

We may draw attention to the field we are examining by saying that that which stirs aesthetic interest or response is found in the phenomenal domain of the senses and the imagination. It is sometimes said that there are also other objects of aesthetic interest, for example, pure objects of thought, such as numbers and theories about them. But the aesthetic attributes these have are conceivable only in relation to a perceptible symbolism, a phenomenal or imaginal vehicle to present the thought. The aesthetic appeal of such a vehicle is severely limited since considerations of its truth override all aesthetic considerations. It can scarcely sustain even the mathematician’s aesthetic interest if he knows that the thought it conveys is logically false or confused. But a map of the fictitious lost continent of Atlantis may retain its aesthetic value, if it has any, forever.
Opportunities for Consultants

Opportunities for philosophical consultants to organizations outstrips those of client counselors and group facilitators alike. These include the modularity of philosophical practice itself, the general nature of conflict in the workplace, the special effects of diversity on conflict in the workplace, the inability of political correctness and other oppressive ideological mechanisms to manage such conflicts equitably, the rising importance of ethics compliance and the ethical unpreparedness of generic management consultants, the existential and axiological consequences of globalization and its ongoing separation of economics from politics, and the perennial value phronesis. By briefly examining these reasons, it reveals corresponding opportunities for organizational consultants. Group facilitation usually entails both implicit and explicit elements of client counseling, and organizational consulting usually entails both implicit and explicit elements of group facilitation. The general nature of conflict in the workplace is further discussed in the chapter.
Examining the Impact of Online Advertising on Purchase Intentions

Online advertising is a new platform for marketers to create awareness and increase brand equity. The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of online advertising on purchase intentions. Three features of online advertising were discussed and examined, i.e. multimedia, pictures and content features. An empirical study was carried out involving a survey on 150 sample size. The dataset underwent a series of statistical analyses, i.e. reliability test and structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings reveal that features of online advertising do generate positive influence on purchase intentions. Results further revealed that pictures feature generates the highest possibility of consumers’ purchase intentions. Marketers will find these results useful as they can maximise the impact of advertising efforts to generate purchase intentions.
Inhibition of B lymphopoiesis by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (HEM2P.262)

B lymphopoiesis declines with age in humans, mice, and rabbits. In rabbits, loss of B lymphopoiesis occurs as early as two months of age and correlates with an increase in adipose tissue in the bone marrow (BM). Increased adipose tissue has also been observed in the BM of aged humans and mice. We showed previously that adipocyte-derived factors inhibit B lymphopoiesis in vitro; however, the mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. Through co-cultures of mouse BM cells with OP9 stromal cells, we found that adipocyte conditioned medium (ACM) induces the generation or expansion of CD11b+ Gr1+ myeloid cells. Further, we found that these cells inhibit B cell development in vitro. The ACM-induced CD11b+ Gr1+ cells express arginase ( Arg1 ) and iNos ( Nos2 ), and functionally suppress CD4+ T cell proliferation, suggesting that these cells are classical myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Transwell and conditioned medium experiments show that inhibition of B lymphopoiesis by ACM-induced MDSCs is mediated through soluble factors. This study uncovers a previously unrecognized capacity of MDSCs to inhibit B lymphopoiesis and provides a potential target for therapeutics aimed at restoring B lymphopoiesis in aged individuals.
Biosynthesis of ethylene: Ethylene formation from methional by horseradish peroxidase

Abstract Ethylene is rapidly formed from methional by horseradish peroxidase, Mn+, SO32−, and a specific phenol, or by horseradish peroxidase, SO32−, catalytical amounts of hydrogen peroxide, and a specific phenol. The active phenols include some monohydric phenols and resorcinol. Ethylene formation is inhibited by o-dihydric phenols, Cu++, or metal chelators. Ethylene formation accompanies the aerobic oxidation of sulfite during the reactions, and those inhibitors which inhibit ethylene formation also inhibit the enzymic oxidation of sulfite. A mechanism accounting for the formation of ethylene and the physiological significance of this reaction in relation to the biosynthesis of ethylene in plants is discussed.
What goes around comes around: Perceived vulnerable employment and economic voting in developing countries

Voters who perceive the economy to be weak are generally less likely to support the incumbent government. Yet there is a debate over whether all people respond equally to economic shifts or if the state of the economy is more salient for those who feel economically vulnerable. This article examines whether insecure employment situations and employability concerns strengthen responses to the government's economic record. Data from Latin America and Eastern Europe confirm that workers who feel anxious about being fired or who believe it would be difficult to find a new job place significantly greater weight on sociotropic evaluations than do those with more secure employment situations. Thus incumbents who create risks for vulnerable workers are sanctioned, while those who create opportunities are rewarded most.
Trauma-Focused Child-parent Psychotherapy in a Community Pediatric Clinic: A Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

The present chapter presents an innovative model of community-based, multi-disciplinary collaboration among pediatricians, social workers, and clinical psychologists working together to address the impact of trauma on the physical and mental health of their patients. Early childhood traumatic experiences are profoundly disruptive to the attachment–caregiving system that regulates the Child-parent relationship and that has the function of providing protection and the sense of safety needed to facilitate normal development. Such disruptions, especially those experienced by both caregiver and child, can lead to profound changes in the developmental functioning of the child and result in poor outcomes later in life. There is growing research evidence that trauma-focused psychotherapy addressing the mental health sequelae of early trauma can lead to significant improvements in the child, the caregiver, and the caregiver–child relationship. This chapter includes a brief review of the impact of trauma on the parent–child relationship as well as a discussion of the importance of using a treatment approach informed by attachment theory, psychoanalysis, knowledge about the impact of trauma, and cultural and contextual considerations. A clinical illustration is provided to highlight the advantages of this integrative approach in the unique setting of a community pediatric clinic. The collaboration is dedicated to the trauma-informed integration of physical and psychological care of children and families living in a neighborhood affected by historical trauma as well as current, community and intergenerational violence, poverty, and scarcity of supportive resources. Specific approaches to engaging hard to reach families are explored.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Fellowship: A note

Abstract The formation of first the Patent and Trademark Depository Library Program, and later the Fellowship program are logical steps used to fulfill the dissemination mission of the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). The Fellowship program is designed to provide patent and trademark depository librarians and staff with first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of the PTO. Fellowship selection, job orientation, and a “fellow's-eye” view of the annual Patent and Trademark Office training conferences, site visits to libraries, and participation in patent and trademark information seminars are discussed. Also explained are the kinds of personal and professional enrichment available to fellows while they participate in the program and the accomplishments of past fellows.
A Microprocessor-Controlled Autofocus System

AbstractAn operational autofocus system, which directly senses deviations in back focal distance of the camera lens and restores the camera to a best -available focus, has been successfullyemployed in long focal length reconnaissance cameras. This microprocessor -based system entails the use of internal optical elements to dynamically measure and adjust the back focallength to continuously maintain a best focus position.IntroductionEven in a carefully controlled environment, small thermalchanges can set up thermal gradients in the optical path (glassand air) of a long focal length reconnaissance objective. Thesethermal differences can be minimized by the use of optimummaterials (such as a titanium lens barrel with machineableceramic inserts), but cannot be eliminated entirely. The thermalgradients which they set up alter the wave -front by slightlychanging the shape, the thickness, and the refractive index of the optical "elements ". These gradient -induced wave -frontmodifications are generally small, yet they are sufficient toseriously affect performance unless something is done about
An Exploration of the Use of Branding to Shape Institutional Image in the Marketing Activities of Faith-Based Higher Education Institutions

Modern higher education includes student-consumers who shop for educational opportunities and institutions that actively market themselves. This study examined the marketing of faith-based institutions to determine how faith-related missions are reflected in the printed recruitment materials, Web sites, and admissions portals of the 112 member institutions of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. The study attempted to quantify how strongly a university portrays the faith dimension of its identity in marketing materials and to determine whether that measure is predictive of external perception. A research instrument developed by Pendleton (2008) was used to measure the strength of faith identity in the materials. Although alumni giving rate or peer assessment score could not be predicted based on this collection of variables, the findings indicated that faith-based brand communication may be greater in admissions viewbooks than in online materials. Implications include the recommendation that...
Europa control of Jovian radio emission: A Galileo study

[1] Jupiter decameter wavelength emissions (DAM) have a well-known correlation with the orbital phase of Io. Menietti et al. (1998, 2001) showed that the Galileo spacecraft data show correlations with the orbital phase of Ganymede and Callisto. Using more Galileo data we study the influence of Europa using a unique occurrence probability data compilation technique that includes rotation period averaging and removal of Io influence. We also remove the known effects of Ganymede and Callisto. From occurrence probability graphs, we find a small but significant correlation between the 2.0–5.6 MHz band of the DAM emission and the orbital phase of Europa. Statistical tests show significance values much greater than the 99% confidence level (Z-test > 5σ) for a Europa phase interval of 260°–290°. These analyses give further evidence for Alfvenic interactions between Europa and Jupiter.
Is the Prevalence of Visual Impairment Rising or Falling in the People With Diabetes Mellitus?: It Depends on Who You Study

Is the prevalence and incidence of visual impairment rising or falling inpeoplewithdiabetes?Thisquestion is importantgiventhe large numbers of people estimated to develop diabetes in the future.1,2 Projected estimates based on current data from cohort studies have shown that the prevalence and incidence of visual impairment have decreased in those more recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes compared with people diagnosed in the past.3-6 In the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy (WESDR), a large cohort of persons with type 1 diabetes was examined at multiple intervals over a long period. This provided an opportunity to explore whether the period of diagnosis of type 1 diabetes affected the prevalence of visual impairment.4 For any specific duration of type 1 diabetes, those who were diagnosed to have type 1 diabetes in a more recent period were less likely to be visually impaired than those diagnosed in an earlier period (odds ratio [OR] per category, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.88-0.93; P < .001). The decline in visual impairment reported in the WESDR and other studies of persons with type 1 diabetes was attributed to a declining incidence of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and clinically significant macular edema resulting from improved glycemic control and more aggressive treatment of blood pressure sooner after diagnosis of diabetes.5-9 In addition, education and screening programs have been developed for earlier detection and more timely treatment of eyes at high risk of severe visual loss due to diabetic retinopathy.10,11 The declining prevalence of visual impairment is consistent with declines in the estimated annual incidence of visual impairment in people with type 1 diabetes.4 In the WESDR, estimated annual incidence of any visual impairment over a 25-year periodwasmarkedly lower in the most recent period of the study (an annualized rate of 0.28 between the 1995-1996 and 2005-2007 examinations compared with an annualized rate of 0.65 between the 1980-1982 and 1990-1992 examinations). JAMA
An Open Letter to Professor Spaeth and his Jurimetrical Colleagues

M AY I SUGGEST that you made a revealing error when you wrote that Justices Black and Frankfurter "say the same thing" about state interference with interstate commerce?L Your assertion presumably springs from the behavioralist concentration upon what judges do as distinct from what they say. Yet in not knowing (or not caring) what they say, one is in a poor position to insist upon a discrepancy between their words and deeds. In short, your major thrust rests on a false premise. You find that in state regulation cases, Mr. Justice Black is markedly "anti-business" (and correspondingly pro-states rights). Whether ultimately your conclusion is true or false, I suggest it springs from misleading data and a misconception of what the Justice says. For example, about half the cases in your Figure 4 involve state taxation or regulation of interstate commerce. Mr. Justice Black says that in such cases there should be no judicial review (whether the state act is proor anti-business).2 Yet like all judges he recognizes there must be a national veto to protect interstate commerce from destruction by the states.3 His view is simply that the veto should be exercised by Congress rather than by the
Ruptured chordae tendineae: An electron microscopic study

Abstract An electron microscopic study is presented of a case of chordae tendineae rupture following a papillary muscle infarct. The ruptured chordae appeared to be enzymatically digested, and fibroblasts of the anterior chordae showed a smooth muscle-like transformation. Cardiac muscle cells found in one nonruptured chorda suggest a mechanism of so-called spontaneous chordae tendineae rupture.
Stability of granulocytosis-promoting activity of post-pheresis plasma on freezing and thawing.

Abstract Pretreatment of rats with fresh post-pheresis plasma (PPP) obtained by filtration leukopheresis results in a significant increase in the yield of granulocytes. The practical application of this method in human beings requires a period of storage of the PPP without substantial loss of its activity. These studies demonstrate the maintenance of granulocytosis-promoting activity of PPP for at least 2 weeks after storage at −150 °C.
Influence of some soil characteristics on the dissipation rate of Landrin insecticide

The rates of dissipation of Landrin from nonsterile soils were primarily dependent upon the soil type. The persistence half-lives of the Landrin applied ranged from 40 days in the 8 soils investigated. Rates of breakdown increased with increasing soil pH (above pH 7), indicating alkaline hydrolysis as the major cause of Landrin degradation; destructive microorganisms were also involved, however. Soil organic matter did not seem to be a major factor in Landrin degradation.
Evaluation of sorbents for the collection and analysis of trace levels of airborne vapors: Bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide (mustard), a case study

Abstract As part of the Department of Health and Human Services's (DHHS's) responsibility for the oversight of safety and health during the destruction of obsolete chemical warfare munitions and agent stockpiles by the Department of Defense (DOD), investigators from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have conducted research on air monitoring methods that the Department of Defense uses for measuring the workplace and environmental concentrations of chemical warfare agents. This paper concerns work on part of this research which was aimed at evaluating sorbents for the collection of the blister agent bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, known as mustard or HD, from air. Twenty-three sorbents were screened and compared to Tenax, the currently-used sorbent. A screening technique based on the assumption that the sorbents would behave like chromatographic columns was used to select those whose predicted retention volumes at ambient temperature were greater than or equal to that of Tenax. Two promising alternatives were found from the screening experiments. Further testing of those two sorbents, however, uncovered other problems with their use for the collection and recovery of HD which made them unsuitable. The screening technique was shown to be useful for comparison only and did not predict the capacities of sorbents accurately.
Acrosin inhibitor, 4′-acetamidophenyl 4-guanidinobenzoate, and experimental vaginal contraceptive with anti-HIV activity

Serine proteases are involved in a wide variety of seemingly unrelated physiological functions including capacitation of the spermatozoa and potentiation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The experimental vaginal contraceptives derived from 4-guanidinobenzoic acid act through inhibition of acrosin--a serine protease from the sperm. The serial ten-fold dilutions of 4'-acetamidophenyl 4-guanidinobenzoate (AGB) were tested in vitro for the effect against HIV infection by assaying the suppression of de novo p24 synthesis in virus-inoculated MT-4 T lymphocytes. The results reveal that complete inhibition of HIV occurred at 100 micrograms/ml--a dose corresponding to previously reported concentrations responsible for preventing fertilization in rabbits. These findings suggest that serine protease inhibitors and in particular the guanidinobenzoates, reported to be up to 100-fold more potent and less irritating than nonoxynol-9, can be potentially operative against sexual transmission of HIV.
Effect of Nα-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester on coronary perfusion pressure in isolated guinea pig heart

Abstract Nα-Benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester (BAEE) when compared to L-arginine significantly decreased coronary perfusion pressure of isolated guinea pig heart in a dose dependent and reproducible manner. This effect of BAEE was antagonized by haemoglobin and N-monomethyl L-arginine, both inhibitors of endothelium dependent relaxation. These results support the notion that the mechanism of relaxation elicited by BAEE is due to the generation endothelium dependent relaxing factor (EDRF) like agents.
Papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma of the vagina: a case report and review of literature.

(2005). Papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma of the vagina: a case report and review of literature. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Vol. 25, No. 1, pp. 94-96.
Quality-of-service model of intercity air travel demand

An econometric model is estimated for intercity passenger demand using postderegulation data. The model incorporates some quality-of-service measures as explanatory variables. These include flight frequency during peak and off-peak periods, aircraft size (i.e., number of seats), and travel time. The results suggest that demand is elastic with respect to airfare, and is highly dependent on flight schedule and travel time. It seems that frequency and route planning will continue to be challenges for the airlines, and that the solutions are very much market specific. They will depend on, among other things, the predominant trip purpose (business or nonbusiness), and the capacity constraints that affect the utilization of specific airports.
Auditory speech detection in noise enhanced by lipreading

Abstract Audiovisual speech stimuli have been shown to produce a variety of perceptual phenomena. Enhanced detectability of acoustic speech in noise, when the talker can also be seen, is one of those phenomena. This study investigated whether this enhancement effect is specific to visual speech stimuli or can rely on more generic non-speech visual stimulus properties. Speech detection thresholds for an auditory /ba/ stimulus were obtained in a white noise masker. The auditory /ba/ was presented adaptively to obtain its 79.4% detection threshold under five conditions. In Experiment 1, the syllable was presented (1) auditory-only (AO) and (2) as audiovisual speech (AVS), using the original video recording. Three types of synthetic visual stimuli were also paired synchronously with the audio token: (3) A dynamic Lissajous (AVL) figure whose vertical extent was correlated with the acoustic speech envelope; (4) a dynamic rectangle (AVR) whose horizontal extent was correlated with the speech envelope; and (5) a static rectangle (AVSR) whose onset and offset were synchronous with the acoustic speech onset and offset. Ten adults with normal hearing and vision participated. The results, in terms of dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), were AVS
Effect on Honey Bees of Nectar from Systemic Insecticide-Treated Plants

Foliage and soil applications of systemic insecticides were tested for their effect on honey bees, A pis mellifera L., through nectar contamination in 3 species of flowering plants. Nectar from plants sprayed with 0.1% dimethoate and 0.8% phosphamidon was toxic to honey bees for at least 2 to 3 days. Soil application of 4 lb actual dimethoate per acre and 32 lb actual phosphamidon also created toxic nectar for 3 days or more. Phorate, tested only as a spray (0.1 to 0.8%), did not create Toxicity in nectar during a 3-day test. Bees foraging on blooming alfalfa were killed up to 5 days after an evening application of 1 lb dimethoate per acre. Phosphamidon does not appear to be hazardous at recommended field dosages but dimethoate should not be applied to flowering crops attractive to bees. Granular applications created less nectar toxicity than sprays at equal amounts of active ingredient per acre.
THE ENZYMATIC SYNTHESIS OF THIAMIN TRIPHOSPHATE

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the enzymatic synthesis of thiamin triphosphate (ThTP). ThTP has been implicated in Leigh's disease (subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy) and considerable evidence, albeit circumstantial, suggests a role of this ester in conduction and transmission. The substrate for phosphoryltransferase; thiamin-diphosphate kinase is not free thiamin pyrophosphate (ThPP) but ThPP that is bound to a protein. This substrate is prepared by injecting rats with [ 35 S]thiamin and subsequently isolating the [ 35 S]ThPP-protein from liver by ion-exchange and gel chromatography. After incubation of the labeled substrate with the enzyme and cofactor, [ 35 S]ThTP is isolated by column chromatography and the radioactivity determined. The three active fractions (El-l, El-2, and E2) on disc gel electrophoresis showed a single protein band with the same R f : the molecular weight of the enzyme is calculated to be 103,000. The pH optimum is 7.5, with Tris-HCl exhibiting slightly higher activity than phosphate buffer. The reaction has an absolute dependence on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), Mg 2+ , the cofactor (presumably glucose), and ThPP that is protein bound. When the bound substrate is replaced by free ThPP, no synthesis of ThTP is observed.
5.2 Distributed system of digitally controlled microregulators enabling per-core DVFS for the POWER8 TM microprocessor

Integrated voltage regulator modules (iVRMs) [1] provide a cost-effective path to realizing per-core dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), which can be used to optimize the performance of a power-constrained multi-core processor. This paper presents an iVRM system developed for the POWER8™ microprocessor, which functions as a very fast, accurate low-dropout regulator (LDO), with 90.5% peak power efficiency (only 3.1% worse than an ideal LDO). At low output voltages, efficiency is reduced but still sufficient to realize beneficial energy savings with DVFS. Each iVRM features a bypass mode so that some of the cores can be operated at maximum performance with no regulator loss. With the iVRM area including the input decoupling capacitance (DCAP) (but not the output DCAP inherent to the cores), the iVRMs achieve a power density of 34.5W/mm2, which exceeds that of inductor-based or SC converters by at least 3.4× [2].
Hopes and Fears for Science Teaching: The Possible Selves of Preservice Teachers in a Science Education Program

Given the high attrition rate of beginning science teachers, it is imperative to better prepare science preservice teachers, so that they can be successful during the early years of their teaching. The purpose of this study was to explore science preservice teachers’ views of themselves as a future teacher, in particular their hopes and fears for science teaching and the experiences that help to shape their possible selves. Employed were qualitative methods, which included open-ended surveys and face-to-face interviews. Eleven preservice teachers who enrolled in a secondary science teacher preparation program participated. Findings showed six categories of future selves with the most frequent category being for effective/ineffective science teaching. When their hoped-for and feared selves were not balanced, participants articulated more fears. Regarding the primary influence in shaping their hopes and fears, diverse past experiences related to teaching and learning appeared to be more salient factors than science teacher education program. Given the enriched understanding of the science preservice teachers’ perceptions, we provided suggestions for science teacher educators.
Stability of some ternary and quaternary CeNi5-based and PrNi5-based hydride systems☆

Abstract The Ce 1− x R x Ni 2.5 Cu 2.5 (R = La,Pr; 0.8 ⩾ x ⩾ 0.3) and PrNi 5− x M x (M = Cu, Fe; 0.5 ⩾ x ⩾ 2.5) alloys were investigated for their hydriding characteristics in the temperature range 0–70°C and hydrogen pressure range 0.01–50 atm. The nonlinear behaviour of unit cell volume vs x in Ce 1– x La x Ni 2.5 Cu 2.5 suggests that both size and electronic effects are involved. The partial replacement of Ce by La and Ni by Cu in CeNi 5 causes a substantial reduction in the hydrogen sorption pressures without significantly impairing its hydrogen capacity. It was observed that Fe is more effective than Cu in stabilizing PrNi 5 -H 2 . The high values of the molar entropy of hydrogen of the β-hydrides studied, S β H , are attributed to extensive hydrogen disorder in the interstitial sites of the host lattice. A linear correlation between the hydride decomposition pressures (or free energy) and the unit cell volume. V c , of the host alloys was observed. This behavior is helpful in predicting the stabilities of new hydrides in a given substitutional alloy series.
Comparing Middle School Teachers' and Students' Views on Bullying and Anti-Bullying Interventions

Abstract This study compares middle school students' and teachers' perceptions regarding the effectiveness of intervention and prevention strategies commonly used by children, teachers, and nonteaching staff to address bullying among students as identified in the research literature. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The results indicate that teachers are more likely to perceive bullying intervention and prevention strategies as effective than are students, and to perceive teachers as offering assistance to student victims. Both teachers and students appear to believe that teachers need to teach students assertiveness techniques to confront perpetrators. However, both students and teachers generally did not see as helpful some of the common educational techniques utilized by most bullying prevention programs, including role-playing and literature.
Homo-DNA functionalized carbon nanotube chemical sensors

Abstract Arrays of chemical sensors based on homo-oligomer single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) adsorbed to single-walled carbon nanotube field effect transistors (SWNT-FETs) were employed to detect several gaseous analytes. Exposure of these devices to analytes results in a characteristic current shift in the SWNT-FET. The magnitude of this current shift for a particular analyte varies with the base sequence of adsorbed ssDNA and follows the trend d(G)21–SWNT>d(A)21–SWNT>d(C)21–SWNT>d(T)21–SWNT. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that a comparable trend of d(G)21>d(A)21>d(T)21->d(C)21 exists for ssDNA–SWNT binding affinities. This indicates that the nature of ssDNA–SWNT binding plays a vital role in the performance of the sensor. Stronger binding implies a greater amount of ssDNA adsorbed to SWNT surface. This would result in a more hydrophilic environment around the hydrophobic SWNT core and thus facilitate the adsorption of polar analytes.
The world within--impact of the intestinal micobiota on whole body physiology and pathophysiology.

The series of brief reviews that accompany this editorial represent presentations that were made at a symposium entitled ‘The world within – impact of the intestinal microbiota on whole body physiology and pathophysiology’ that was sponsored by The Journal of Physiology at the Experimental Biology meeting in 2009. The intestinal microbiota represents a vast ecosystem that interacts daily with host cells and co-exists in a relationship that is assumed to be mutually beneficial, in the main. It has been calculated that there are more microbial cells residing in the human gut than there are cells in the body as a whole, underscoring the substantial potential for this ecosystem to contribute to the metabolic, genomic and immunologic defense profile of the host. Moreover, each individual's unique microbiota is established soon after birth and is remarkably stable even in the face of changes in environment, or short-term disruptions such as the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Despite this clear potential to contribute to, or modulate, host homeostasis, however, until recently relatively little was known about the biological potential of the microbiota because many constituent species could not be cultured. Now, modern molecular approaches and high-throughput methods are allowing the rapid identification of the more than 600 estimated microbial species that may be members of the microbiota in a given host, allowing us much greater insights into individual variations in the microbiota and its contributions to health and disease. These investigations have revealed that the microbiota contributes not only to classical gastrointestinal physiological and immunological functions, but also to homeostasis of other body systems. It seemed timely, therefore, to gather a panel of international experts to review their work in this area and to contribute to what proved to be a lively discussion.
A moving-wall boundary layer flow of a slightly rarefied gas free stream over a moving flat plate

In the current work, the boundary layer flow of a slightly rarefied gas free stream over a moving flat plate is presented and solved numerically. The first-order slip boundary condition is adopted in the derivation. The dimensionless velocity and shear stress profiles are plotted and discussed. A theoretical derivation of the estimated solution domain is developed, which will give a very close estimation to the exact solution domain obtained numerically. The influences of velocity slip at the wall on the velocity and shear stress are also addressed.
Raman spectra and structure of natural glasses

Abstract The prominent features in most synthetic silicate glass Raman spectra are intense broad bands in the 850–1150 cm −1 region due to symmetric stretching motions of silica tetrahedra with varying numbers of non-bridging oxygens, and an intense band in the 400–600 cm −1 region due to a stretch-bend mixed vibration across SiOSi bridging bonds. The wavenumber of the 400–600 cm −1 band varies with degree of polymerization of the network and with SiOSi (and SiOAl) bridging bond angle. Raman spectra were measured on several suites of natural glasses including desert glass, tektites, obsidians of varying composition, and some lunar glasses. Some natural glasses, particularly the lunar glasses produce very broad and poorly defined spectra, a result that is interpreted in terms of additional structural disorder beyond the conventional random network. Desert glass, as expected, is essentially silica glass and its structure differs from laboratory-produced silica glass. Obsidians, in spite of their chemical complexity, produce Raman spectra with the major features found in compositionally simpler alkali silicate and alkali-alumina-silicate glasses. Spectra vary systematically from rhyolitic to basaltic compositions reflecting the depolymerization of the network. Tektite spectra are similar to spectra of obsidians but differ in detail. All spectra correlate with the number of non-bridging oxygens calculated from bulk chemical composition.
Asymptotics and energy estimates for electromagnetic pulses in dispersive media: addendum

We review two references: one that appeared almost simultaneously with our paper [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A13, 1204 (1996)] and another that appeared later. We mention an earlier relevant paper, and we also correct two typographical errors in our paper.
Fatigue models for glassy polymers

Abstract Temperature effects on fatigue crack propagation in glassy polymers can be described by the Chudnovsky and Moet model, which is based on the propagation of microdefects near the crack tip. This was shown by fitting several models to fatigue data for polycarbonate and poly (methyl methacrylate). Statistical regression analysis and a global search method were used in the model fitting.
Mixing of Ambient Nitrogen in a Flowing Argon Inductively Coupled Plasma Discharge

The concentration of argon and nitrogen are measured by gas chromatography for an inductively coupled plasma discharge in argon which is surrounded by a nitrogen sheath. The mixing of nitrogen with the argon discharge is substantially different than cold-gas mixing when no discharge is present. The formation of a toroidal discharge with a central flow further decreases the mixing of nitrogen with the discharge. More than a few percent nitrogen mixed into the argon discharge drastically alters the plasma temperature distribution.
Evaluating the therapeutic value of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on polycystic kidney disease and co-morbidities

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an incurable genetic disease characterized by multiple fluid-filled renal cysts and is a leading cause of renal failure. Medical treatment options for PKD are limited. Therefore, dietary intervention offers a potentially efficacious, cost-effective, and safe therapeutic strategy for PKD. The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) regulates multiple steps in PKD cyst pathogenesis. The aim of this review article was to evaluate studies investigating the effects of different amounts of fat and n-3 PUFAs sources on PKD, co-morbidities, safety, and potential mechanisms of action. Renal effects differed depending on the type of fat consumed. The n-3 PUFA, alpha-linolenic acid provided as flaxseed was renal protective, but provided as soybean oil with lower ALA content had inconsistent effects. Long-chain n-3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), provided as fish oil produced anti-inflammatory actions that attenuated PKD progression and improved dyslipidemia. However, adverse renal effects and reduced survival in PKD rodent models provided DHA supplementation as algal oil raises potential safety concerns. A better understanding of the role of nutrition on PKD can contribute to the development of dietary recommendations and diet-based therapies to reduce PKD progression and severity.
Laser metrology — a diagnostic tool in automotive development processes

Abstract Laser measurement techniques are widely used in automotive development processes. Applications at Volkswagen are presented where laser metrology works as a diagnostic tool for analysing and optimising complex coupled processes inside and between automotive components and structures such as the reduction of a vehicle's interior or outer acoustic noise, including brake noise, and the combustion analysis for diesel and gasoline engines to further reduce fuel consumption and pollution. Pulsed electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) and holographic interferometry are used for analysing the knocking behaviour of modern engines and for correct positioning of knocking sensors. Holographic interferometry shows up the vibrational behaviour of brake components and their interaction during braking, and allows optimisation for noise-free brake systems. Scanning laser vibrometry analyses structure-born noise of a whole car body for the optimisation of its interior acoustical behaviour.Modern engine combustion concepts such as in direct-injection (DI) gasoline and diesel engines benefit from laser diagnostic tools which permit deeper insight into the in-cylinder processes such as flow generation, fuel injection and spray formation, atomisation and mixing, ignition and combustion, and formation and reduction of pollutants. The necessary optical access inside a cylinder is realised by so-called ‘transparent engines’ allowing measurements nearly during the whole engine cycle. Measurement techniques and results on double-pulse particle image velocimetry (PIV) with a frequency-doubled YAG laser for in-cylinder flow analysis are presented, as well as Mie-scattering on droplets using a copper vapour laser combined with high-speed filming, and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) with an excimer laser for spray and fuel vapour analysis.
COAEs and SSOAEs in adults with increased age.

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare click-evoked otoacoustic emissions (COAEs) of subjects having similar auditory thresholds but different age ranges. It is well known that elevated hearing thresholds are common with increasing age and that deterioration of outer hair cells is often noted in cases of hearing loss due to increased age. It has also been reported that evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAEs) decrease with increased age. However, there is still some question whether changes in EOAEs with aging are associated with the increased hearing threshold or whether there is some additional effect of aging that enfluences EOAEs. Design COAE input/output functions and synchronized spontaneous OAEs (SSOAEs) were measured in two groups of subjects having similar auditory thresholds, one ranging in age from 19 to 29 yr, the other ranging in age from 40 to 61 yr. Mixed-model ANOVAs were performed to determine whether there were any statistically significant differences in COAEs based on age group. Results There were no statistically significant differences in COAE level or COAE threshold between age groups. Significant differences in COAEs were found for subjects based on whether they had measurable SSOAEs, regardless of age. Conclusions Age does not significantly reduce COAE level nor increase COAE threshold. Other factors, such as presence of SSOAEs and hearing loss, undoubtedly have more influence on COAEs than the factor of age.
A software-defined radio based on the unified SMSE framework

We implemented a software-defined radio based on a recently developed unified framework for constructing various spectrally-modulated, spectrally-encoded (SMSE) signals. Two waveforms, Multi-Carrier Code Division Multiple Access (MC-CDMA) and Transform-Domain Communication System (TDCS) were selected to demonstrate the capabilities of the framework. A transmitter and receiver were each implemented on separate digital signal processor starting kits (DSK). A channel simulator, consisting of additive white Gaussian noise and narrowband BPSK interferers, was implemented on an FPGA. Burst transmissions from transmitter to receiver through the channel simulator were conducted to evaluate the bit-error rate performance of the system. The bit-error results from the hardware implementation closely match theoretical results. Also, TDCS was shown to mitigate effects of narrowband interference compared to MC-CDMA.
A Case of Infantile Amaurotic Family Idiocy

Summary. After having reviewed literature on infantile amaurotic family idiocy (Tay-Sachs type) a report is given of such a case. The blood cholesterin was found to be higher in at least 1 test and cholesterin was also traced in the cerebrospinal fluid. For the first time a colour-photo of the fundi of the eyes, an electroretinogram and an electroencephalogram have been published in a case of this disease.
Between-group psychotherapy outcome research and basic science.

In this paper, a view of the nature, purpose, and methods of experimentally controlled between-group therapy outcome research is presented. It is argued that the greatest progress in the development of increasingly useful interventions based on between-group therapy designs will come from (a) viewing such controlled therapy outcome research as basic science in which knowledge is acquired through experimental designs constructed to yield specific cause-and-effect conclusions and (b) combining this form of research with the clinical and nonclinical types more commonly called “basic research.” © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 55: 147–158, 1999.
Dynamic relaxation characteristics of crosslinked poly(ethylene oxide) copolymer networks: Influence of short chain pendant groups

Abstract The dynamic relaxation characteristics of short-branch rubbery amorphous networks prepared by the photopolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate [PEGDA] crosslinker have been investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. Copolymerization with low molecular weight acrylates was used to control effective crosslink density in the networks and led to the insertion of ethylene oxide pendant groups along the network backbone. Substantial differences in the sub-glass and glass–rubber relaxation properties of the copolymers were observed as a function of pendant length and the nature of the pendant terminal group (e.g., –OH vs. –OCH3); the results are compared with prior studies on model copolymers containing longer, more flexible side branches.
The Causal Sequence of Risk Communication in the Parkfield Earthquake Prediction Experiment

A model of public perception and response to communication about natural hazards risk was constructed. It was estimated on data from samples of households in three communities at risk in the Parkfield earthquake prediction experiment. Estimated model parameters revealed consistent conclusions. Communicated risk information that was reinforced through additional communications and/or social cues precipitated an interactive personal search for more information; personal definitions of risk and what to do emerged; and these social constructions directed how the public responded. Perceived risk only indirectly impacted public action through information searching. This suggests that searching behavior should intervene between perception of risk and response in the theory of public risk communication.
Activation cross section measurements near threshold for the 24Mg(n,p) 24Na and 27Al(n,α) 24Na reactions

Abstract Differential cross sections have been measured for the 24Mg(n,p) 24Na and 27Al(n,α) 24Na reactions in the neutron energy range from near-threshold to approx. 10 MeV using 238U fast-neutron fission as a cross section standard. The present data generally support previous work, although the cross sections tend to be somewhat larger for 27Al(n,α) 24Na, particularly in the 8–9 MeV range. These data contribute significantly to reducing the uncertainty in contemporary knowledge of the cross sections for these reactions in the threshold region.