cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some practical aspects of column design for packed-column supercritical-fluid chromatography

Abstract Different column configurations and column packings are evaluated for packed-column supercritical-fluid chromatography under pressure-programmed conditions. The best chromatographic performance was observed for columns of about 15—25 cm in length, packed to a moderate density with small-diameter particle packings of low surface area. Chemical and physical interactions of polar analytes with silanol groups were identified as a significant problem with available column packings that calls for the use of low-surface-area chemically bonded phases. Further deactivation by coating with a non-extractable, liquid organic salt is shown to modify the selectivity and activity of silica and chemically bonded silica phases. Recommendations are made for the selection of different colunm configurations for analytes of different kinds.
Structure and location of amiodarone in a membrane bilayer as determined by molecular mechanics and quantitative x-ray diffraction

Amiodarone is a drug used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and is believed to have a persistent interaction with cellular membranes. This study sought to examine the structure and location of amiodarone in a membrane bilayer. Amiodarone has a high membrane partition coefficient on the order of 10(6). Small angle x-ray diffraction was used to determine the position of the iodine atoms of amiodarone in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lipid bilayers under conditions of low temperature and hydration where the DPPC bilayer is in the gel state. The time-averaged position of the iodine atoms was determined to be approximately 6 A from the center (terminal methyl region) of the lipid bilayer. A dielectric constant of kappa = 2, which approximates that of the bilayer hydrocarbon core region, was used in calculating a minimum energy structure for membrane-bound amiodarone. This calculated structure when compared with the crystal structure of amiodarone demonstrated that amiodarone could assume a conformation in the bilayer significantly different from that in the crystal. The results reported here are an attempt to correlate the position of a membrane-active drug in a lipid bilayer with its time-averaged conformation. This type of analysis promises to be of great use in the design of drugs with greater potency and higher specificity.
Seeking renewal, finding community: participatory action research in teacher education

This narrative study describes the experiences of a group of teacher educators as they worked together in a collaborative research activity investigating theories of literacy and the preparation of secondary teachers. The collaboration was organized around the precepts associated with participatory action research (PAR). After four years of collaboration, the narratives of the members of the group revealed (a) changes to the practices and identities of the participants, (b) how the group formed a community, and (c) the ways in which the institution supported the work of the group. Organizing collaborative activities around PAR holds promise to not only produce quality research, but to support the improvement of teacher preparation programs and the development of teacher educators. However, this work requires institutional support that fosters collaborative work without mandating either collaborations or outcomes.
Enhancing Perception of Contaminated Food through Acid-Mediated Modulation of Taste Neuron Responses

Summary Background Natural foods contain not only nutrients, but also nonnutritious and potentially harmful chemicals. Thus, animals need to evaluate food content in order to make adequate feeding decisions. Results Here, we investigate the effects of acids on the taste neuron responses and on taste behavior of desirable, nutritious sugars and sugar/bitter compound mixtures in Drosophila melanogaster . Using Ca 2+ imaging, we show that acids activate neither sweet nor bitter taste neurons in tarsal taste sensilla. However, they suppress responses to bitter compounds in bitter-sensing neurons. Moreover, acids reverse suppression of bitter compounds exerted on sweet-sensing neurons. Consistent with these observations, behavioral analyses show that bitter-compound-mediated inhibition on feeding behavior is alleviated by acids. To investigate the cellular mechanism by which acids modulate these effects, we silenced bitter-sensing gustatory neurons. Surprisingly, this intervention had little effect on acid-mediated derepression of sweet neuron or feeding responses to either sugar/bitter compound mixtures or sugar/bitter compound/acid mixtures, suggesting that there are two independent pathways by which bitter compounds are sensed. Conclusions Our investigations reveal that acids, when presented in dietary relevant concentrations, enhance the perception of sugar/bitter compound mixtures. Drosophila 's natural food sources—fruits and cohabitating yeast—are rich in sugars and acids but are rapidly colonized by microorganisms, such as fungi, protozoan parasites, and bacteria, many of which produce bitter compounds. We propose that the acids present in most fruits counteract the inhibitory effects of these bitter compounds during feeding.
Growth of Bi2Se3 Nanobelts Synthesized through a Co-Reduction Method under Ultrasonic Irradiation at Room Temperature

Bi2Se3 nanobelts 6−10 nm thick, 20−80 nm wide, and several micrometers long were synthesized by a co-reduction method under ultrasonic irradiation at room temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and electron diffraction (ED) experiments were performed to characterize the nanobelts. The experimental results indicated that the nanobelts are single crystals with a preferential [001] growth direction. The co-reduction reaction was performed for different periods of time to understand the formation and growth mechanism of Bi2Se3 nanobelts. The growth of Bi2Se3 nanobelts is consistent with the solid−solution−solid mechanism. Bi2Se3 nanobelts are formed by dissolution and re-crystallization of nanoflakes in reactant solution under ultrasonic irradiation, and the nanoflakes form by the alloying of Bi and Se reduced from H2SeO3 and BiCl3 by N2H4·H2O.
Retention of Glucose on Oligosaccharide Chains Linked to the LH/hCG Receptor Prevents Cell Surface Expression

In the first step of asparagine-linked oligosaccharide chain maturation, terminal glucose residues are removed from the high mannose oligosaccharide core by glucosidases I and II. The role that glucose residues play in trafficking the luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin (LH/hCG) receptor from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface was investigated. Glucosidases I and II were inhibited by incubating 293 T cells transiently transfected with LH/hCG receptor cDNA with 5 mM 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ). DNJ treatment resulted in a marked reduction in cell surface [(125)I]hCG binding. Similar results were obtained from glucosidase I-deficient Lec 23 Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells and wild-type CHO cells that were transiently transfected with LH/hCG receptor cDNA. Immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting of transfected 293 T cells incubated in the presence or absence of 5 mM DNJ revealed that there is substantially less receptor in DNJ-treated cells than in control cells. These results show that the removal of glucose residues is necessary for trafficking the LH/hCG receptor to the cell surface.
Teacher Leadership: An Introduction

Teacher leadership has been an important part of school-reform efforts for over 20 years (Smylie & Denny, 1990). Its purposes and definitions have changed continually revealing its complexities and...
Leader election algorithm for distributed ad-hoc cognitive radio networks

Recent development in wireless communication has necessitated a high demand for radio resources. This has led to the development of cognitive radio technology in which radio equipments are now capable of identifying spectrum opportunity in their environment and take advantage of spectrum unused by licensed primary radio users for communication. One of the derivatives of the emerging technology is the ad hoc cognitive radio networks where control of the network resources is distributed among the users. In order to improve co-ordination in ad hoc cognitive radio networks, there is a need for selection of an appropriate leader that will guarantee quality of service (QoS), spectrum allocation and aggregation and synchronization of cognitive radios. In this paper we proposed a novel leader election algorithm that is robust for distributed ad hoc cognitive radio networks.
Nonparametric mixture logistic regression models for clinical disposition

Psychiatric hospitalization is one of the most important decisions in the care of patients. This is attributed to the complexity and intensity of treatment and isolation of patients from the family and community into a typically highly controlled and supervised setting. Logistic regression models are fitted to assess the relationship between DSM-III axes and psychiatric hospitalization decisions. Since the apparent error rate tends to underestimate the true error rate, the estimate for the downward bias of the apparent error was computed. A generalization of the logistic regression model is fitted where the intercept is assumed to be a random parameter.
The Personality Construct of Hardiness, V Relationships With the Construction of Existential Meaning in Life

In the past 25 years, personality hardiness has been emphasized as a composite of the interrelated attitudes of commitment, control, and challenge that together provide the existential courage and motivation to turn stressful circumstances from potential disasters into growth opportunities. As such, hardiness has become considered the pathway to resilience and is increasingly used in consulting work. This study continues the construct validation of hardiness, using its latest measure, the Personal Views Survey III-R. In a large sample of undergraduates, this test showed adequate internal consistency reliability and absence of relationship to socially desirable responding. Furthermore, as expected, hardiness was positively related to measures of the ongoing, existential process of finding meaning through experiencing rather than imposing preexisting notions of what life is all about.
Multiple, heterogeneous actin genes in Dictyostelium.

Abstract We have used an actin gene-containing restriction fragment of plasmid M6 (Kindle and Firtel, 1978) to select a second actin gene-containing plasmid which we have named pDd actin 2. This plasmid has been shown to contain two actin genes separated by 350 bp of nonactin DNA. When heteroduplexes are formed between any two of the three actin genes present in chimeric plasmids, the region of homology is 1100 ± 100 bp. This is close to the minimum length required to code for actin protein. The 1100 bp region of intergene homology corresponds to the 1100 bp homology observed between M6 and the two actin cDNA plasmids pcDd actin B1 and pcDd actin A1 (Bender et al., 1978). We have no evidence for additional sequences common to either the 3′ or 5′ ends of the 1100 ± 100 bp region of intergene homology. Thermal denaturation experiments show that different pairs of actin genes are diverged from each other by as much as 6–8%. There are two size classes of mRNA complementary to the three actin genes. These have lengths of 1.25 and 1.35 kb as determined on methyl mercuric hydroxide-containing agarose gels. The possible linkage of these three actin genes to other actin genes is discussed.
Infra-red study of poly(1-pentene) and poly(4-methyl-1-pentene)

Abstract The infra-red (i.r.) spectra of the two polymorphous forms (modification 1 and 2) of isotactic poly(1-pentene) are reported. Several absorption bands characteristic of the two modifications have been detected and attributed to the helical conformation of the polymer chains. The differences between the two modifications are reproducible, thus enabling their identification from i.r. spectroscopy. The infra-red spectra of isotactic poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) is also reported, and compared with that of the atactic polymer. General assignment of absorption bands is presented.
Robust Output-Feedback Control for Linear Continuous Uncertain State Delayed Systems with Unknown Time Delay

The state-delayed time often is unknown and independent of other variables in most real physical systems. In this paper, a new stability criterion for uncertain systems with a state time-varying delay is proposed. Then, a robust observer-based control law based on this criterion is constructed via the sequential quadratic programming method. We also develop a separation property so that the state feedback control law and observer can be independently designed and maintain closed-loop system stability. An example illustrates the availability of the proposed design method.
School Choice in Colorado Springs: The Relationship Between Parental Decisions, Location and Neighbourhood Characteristics

The influence of location as exemplified by neighbourhood factors and school characteristics on primary education is examined in the context of the school choice movement of the last two decades. The analysis incorporates statistical information about schools and population data from Census 2000 describing neighbourhoods and schools in one district in the State of Colorado in order to minimise structural variables affecting parent decisions, such as tax rates and district leadership. Comparisons of statistical data identified patterns of socioeconomic factors linking school characteristics and neighbourhood characteristics. These patterns targeted distance as a predominant factor in school choice. Most parents move students to a nearby school they perceive as better than the current situation, rather than choosing a school at a greater distance that might have stronger performance indicators. It appears that both neighbourhood characteristics and school characteristics together influence parents’ and guar...
The PhoP virulence regulon and live oral Salmonella vaccines

The PhoP virulence regulon is essential to Salmonella typhimurium mouse typhoid fever pathogenesis and survival within macrophages. This virulence regulon is composed of the PhoP (transcriptional regulator) and PhoQ (environmental sensor) proteins and the genetic loci they positively (pags for PhoP activated genes) and negatively (prgs for PhoP repressed genes) regulate. Three regulated loci pagC, pagD, and prgH, when singly mutated, affect the virulence of S. typhimurium for mice. Strains with phoP locus mutations are effective as live vaccines in mice, and strains with a constitutive regulatory mutation, a point mutation in PhoQ, can protect mice against typhoid fever when only very few organisms are administered. The addition of various PhoP regulon mutations further attenuates aroA mutants of S. typhimurium, suggesting that these mutations would be useful in further attenuating vaccine strains with metabolic pathway mutations. The phoP, phoQ, pagC, and pagD genes are highly conserved between S. typhimurium and S. typhi and may be valuable as mutations in live vaccines for human typhoid fever. A plasmid suicide vector that allows deletion of the pagC gene and stable insertion of heterologous antigen genes within the deleted pagC locus has been constructed and used successfully in S. typhimurium and S. typhi.
Catalytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane in non-aqueous medium

Abstract Dehydrogenation of Ammonia Borane (NH 3 BH 3 , AB) catalyzed by transition metal heterogeneous catalysts was carried out in non-aqueous solution at temperatures below the standard polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell operating conditions. The introduction of a catalytic amount (∼2 mol%) of platinum to a solution of AB in 2-methoxyethyl ether (0.02–0.33 M) resulted in a rapid evolution of H 2 gas at room temperature. At 70 °C, the rate of platinum catalyzed hydrogen release from AB was the dehydrogenation rate which was 0.04 g s −1 H 2 kW −1 .
Natural remanent magnetization and thermomagnetic properties of the Allende meteorite

Abstract Paleomagnetic examination of a 1-kg specimen of the Allende meteorite has revealed the existence of natural remanent magnetization of constant direction and moderate intensity (3.0 × 10 −4 emu/g). Cooling of the fusion crust in the Earth's magnetic field following atmospheric entry has remagnetized the outer 1 mm of the specimen. Comparison of AC demagnetization spectra of NRM with spectra of laboratory-produced remanence suggests that the natural remanence is thermal or thermochemical remanence formed during original accretion or post-accretion reheating of Allende. Paleointensity determinations on three samples show that the NRM was formed in a field of approximately 1.1 Oe. Thermomagnetic analysis indicates that the ferromagnetic minerals in Allende consist of 95 wt% taenite containing 67% Ni plus 5 wt% taenite with 36% Ni. These iron-nickel minerals amount to only 0.46 wt% of the whole rock.
Genetics, systems, and alcohol

Under a variety of rubrics (e.g., complexity, self-constructing systems, dissipative structures), interest has recently burgeoned in applying principles of complex systems to a wide variety of scientific issues. A major concern is with emergent properties of systems not derivable from the properties of components of the systems. In this paper, some elementary aspects of "systems" considerations are applied to phenomena of alcohol pharmacogenetics. It is likely that whole new families of informative phenotypes can be generated by this approach.
Examining narrative transportation to anti-alcohol narratives

This study examined the transportation effects of alcohol consequence narratives varying in source (written by the narrative protagonist vs. protagonist’s partner) and type of heath consequence (physical or emotional). Additionally, this study examined the role of narrative transportation and cognitive and discrete affective responses in the persuasion process. In this study, 501 students of a large northern university in the United Kingdom participated and were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions of narratives about alcohol use. Transportation was operationalized as general and self-reflective transportation. Results demonstrated that for narratives written by protagonist, the emotional effect narrative resulted in greater general transportation than the physical effect narrative. However, for narratives written by the protagonist’s partner, the physical effect narrative resulted in greater general transportation than the emotional effect narrative. These findings were not substantiated for s...
Pedogenic calcite as evidence for an early Holocene dry period in the San Francisco Bay area, California

Rainfall at the site of Union City, California, during early Holocene time appears to have been about half that of today, 470 mm/yr. We base this conclusion on detailed descriptions and particle-size analyses of 12 soil profiles and 1:20 scale logs of the fluvial stratigraphy in two 100-m-long, 5-m-deep excavations dug perpendicular to the axis of an alluvial fan along the Hayward fault. Subsidence and right-lateral movement along the fault allowed an offset stream to produce a nearly continuous alluvial record documented by 35 14 C ages on detrital charcoal. Bk (calcitic) horizons in paleosols developed in the fan suggest that a relatively dry climatic period occurred from 10 to 7 ka (calendar-corrected ages). The pedogenic calcite exists primarily as vertically oriented filaments and fine, cavernous nodules formed at ped intersections. Soils and paleosols formed before 10 ka or since 7 ka did not have Bk horizons. Bk horizons that were buried suddenly at 7 ka were overlain by leached zones averaging 41 ± 3 cm thick—about half the current depth of leaching.
Apolipoprotein E–/– mice have delayed skeletal muscle healing after hind limb ischemia–reperfusion

Introduction Classic studies of limb ischemia–reperfusion injury have been performed using young healthy mice. However, patients with peripheral vascular disease are older and often exhibit metabolic derangements that may delay healing after revascularization. Mice with genetic deletion of apolipoprotein E (ApoE –/– ) have been used as a model in various experimental scenarios of hypercholesterolemia. These experiments evaluated the inflammatory response and changes in skeletal muscle morphology during the acute and chronic phases of limb ischemia–reperfusion injury in aged ApoE –/– mice. Methods Age-matched ApoE –/– and wild-type (Wt) mice underwent 1.5 hours of unilateral hind limb ischemia, followed by 1, 7, or 14 days of reperfusion (DR). Histologic analysis of skeletal muscle fiber injury was assessed at 1DR. Morphologic evidence of muscular fiber maturation was assessed at 14DR. Levels of MyoD and myogenin, markers of skeletal muscle differentiation, were assessed at 7 and 14DR using Western blots. Markers of inflammation, including myeloperoxidase, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and osteopontin, were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2) using Western blots at 1, 7, and 14DR. After 1DR, tissue adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured to assess metabolic activity. Unpaired t test and Mann-Whitney test were used for comparisons. Results Histologic evaluation of skeletal muscle after 1DR showed no difference in the degree of injury between Wt and ApoE –/– mice. However, at 14DR, ApoE –/– mice had higher percentage of immature muscle fibers than Wt mice. Myogenin level was lower in the ApoE –/– mice at 7DR. Injured skeletal muscle of ApoE –/– mice had lower levels of myeloperoxidase than Wt mice at 7 DR and higher levels of MCP-1 at 14DR. There was no difference in the levels of tissue ATP, MIP-2, osteopontin, or CCR2 at all experimental intervals. Conclusion Although there was no difference between the injured muscle of Wt and ApoE –/– mice during the acute phase of reperfusion, ApoE –/– mice showed delay in skeletal muscle healing during the chronic phase of reperfusion. This lag in muscle regeneration was associated with lower levels of myogenin at 7DR and an increased level of MCP-1 at 14DR in the ApoE –/– mice. The delay in skeletal muscle healing in the ApoE –/– mice may have broader implications for poor tissue healing and functional recovery in elderly patients who have vascular risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia.
Real-time FRET PCR assay for Salmonella enterica serotype detection in food.

ABSTRACTSalmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotypes are leading etiological agents of food-borne gastroenteritis. Traditional identification is laborious and time intensive. Faster molecular methods may allow early identification in contaminated food products. We developed a real-time, fluorescence resonance energy transfer hybridization probe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for S. enterica serotypes on the basis of the exclusive presence of the apeE gene in Salmonella Typhimurium. Assay sensitivity for 12 S. enterica serotypes was as low as 1.87 × 102 genomic equivalents per milliliter. PCR efficiency was 94% and the dynamic range was linear over six orders of magnitude from 100 to 106 copies. The lower limit of detection for 12 different food matrices was between 1.5 × 102 and 1.5 × 105 CFU/mL without pre-enrichment. When combined with high-throughput automated DNA extraction, 32 food specimens were processed and assayed in less than 2 hours, allowing rapid, specific, sensitive detection of S. e...
Analysis of deficiencies in terminal operations

A key step in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) system development lifecycle is an examination of current U.S. National Airspace System (NAS) operations to determine the highest priority operational needs. There exists literature on the subject of identifying deficiencies in the (NAS); however, much of this literature's originating perspective is from that of an engineer or data analyst. Less literature exists from the originating perspective of current operational experts working within NAS field facilities. MITRE/CAASD is supporting the FAA in establishing an outreach-based approach for identifying and analyzing operational deficiencies in the NAS. As an initial effort, the FAA has selected the terminal arrival/departure domain to validate this approach. As opposed to focusing on the “latest technology”, the identification of deficiencies is guiding the FAA's system development strategies by giving decision-makers greater insight into the most important capabilities needed in future operations. This will help to achieve the vision set forth by the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). For this initial effort, MITRE/CAASD worked with the FAA to assemble a team of representatives currently working within terminal arrival/departure field facilities across the NAS to elicit their expertise and input. Operational representatives were solicited with experience in a wide range of operational environments, which is key to identifying a comprehensive set of deficiencies. For contextsetting purposes, situations that a TRACON controller would encounter and an associated line of questioning to help guide the discussions was prepared. Several outreach sessions were then conducted, and the results were analyzed and synthesized into structured cause and effect assessments. Selected results are provided in this paper. This paper documents the process that was used to ensure that the originating perspective from theoperational representatives was retained; that sound systems engineering techniques were applied; and that the focus remained on identifying and prioritizing deficiencies (i.e., examining solutions will come in later steps). The findings of this work will be used to aid investment decision-making for the TRACON environment, and the methods described here may be refined for outreach and analysis in identifying operational deficiencies in other operational domains such as en route, traffic flow management and surface.
Impedance-metric Pt/YSZ/Au–Ga2O3 sensor for CO detection at high temperature

Abstract An electrochemical Pt/YSZ/Au–Ga2O3 sensor cell with the sensing electrode of Au-doped Ga2O3 has been fabricated to detect carbon monoxide at high temperature. It has been found that the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is a sensitive technique for quantitative characterization of the response of the yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte sensor to CO gas. The total impedance of the sensor cell arises from the combined contribution of the Ohmic contact resistance, the electrolyte impedance and the interfacial impedance between the electrolyte and the sensing electrode. Only the interfacial impedance is sensitive to the presence of the CO gas, which is induced by an electrochemical oxidation of CO. Our experiments demonstrate that the impedance could be used as a sensing signal. The impedance value at 0.42 Hz is strongly dependent upon the CO concentration from 100 to 800 ppm at 550 °C. And the 90% response and 90% recovery time to 800 ppm CO were around 10 s.
Effect of hemodialysis on leukocyte adhesion receptor expression

Hemodialysis with complement-activating membranes such as cuprophane is known to transiently activate leukocytes, leading to increased cellular adhesiveness, pulmonary leukostasis, and reduced functional capacity of monocytes and neutrophils. Clinically, this repetitive cell activation may contribute to the increased morbidity and mortality associated with chronic hemodialysis. To examine the effect of cuprophane hemodialysis on expression of cell-surface proteins involved in leukocyte adhesiveness, we monitored CD11b, CD18, CD14, CD54, and plasma-soluble CD54 in 10 patients during hemodialysis with cuprophan dialyzers. To test the effect of local blood recirculation, in two patients, arterial supply to the dialyzer was accessed from the peripheral arteriovenous fistula and was returned via an indwelling central venous catheter. In an attempt to examine the possible role of membrane-induced complement activation, the results were compared with those seen after incubation with C5a in vitro. Finally, the leukocyte responses to C5a and lipopolysaccharide were measured before and after hemodialysis. Leukocyte expression of CD11b and CD18 increased and CD14 decreased with hemodialysis, while CD54 remained unaltered. Plasma CD54 was markedly elevated before and remained unchanged during hemodialysis. Data obtained with C5a activation in vitro revealed identical changes in CD11b expression as that seen with hemodialysis, suggesting the role of membrane-induced complement activation. Preliminary data obtained using remote arterial and venous access sites showed only a slight increase in CD11b expression in the arterial blood, suggesting that the apparent systemic activation seen with arteriovenous access may be due to recirculation and local activation within the blood access. Finally, dialysis procedure did not impair lipopolysaccharide- or C5a-mediated upregulation of CD11b expression.
Porous crystals as active catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates

The utilization of CO2 as a renewable raw material for the production of chemicals is an area of great societal importance. In particular, the catalytic conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates, which are useful chemical intermediates used for the production of plastics and organic solvents, represents an appealing approach for the efficient use of CO2. Microporous crystals, such as zeolites and metal organic frameworks, and ordered mesoporous phases have emerged as novel porous materials that combine highly desirable properties, such as uniform pores on the microscale and mesoscale, high surface areas, flexible chemistries, and exceptional thermal and chemical stability; this makes them ideal candidates for catalytic applications. In this review, representative examples demonstrating the catalytic ability of these porous materials for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 are presented. The fundamental structure/catalysis relationships of these porous phases in the conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates are discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39738.
Computing the Ehrhart polynomial of a convex lattice polytope

We prove that computation of any fixed number of highest coefficients of the Ehrhart polynomial of an integral polytope can be reduced in polynomial time to computation of the volumes of faces.
Machine readable documentation of social science data: compatibility and standardization in codebooks

Mr. Chairman, like other people in the room, I believe our major purpose should be a lively discussion of alternative strategies for standardization, so I will try to be brief in presenting my own point of view.
Net lost revenue adjustment (NLRA) mechanisms for utility DSM programs

Abstract We examine the experiences that states and utilities are having the NLRA approach. Contrary to concerns raised by some industry analysts, our results indicate the NLRA is a feasible approach to the lost-revenue disincentive. Seven of the 10 states we studied report no substantial problems with their approach. We observed several conditions linked to effective NLRA implementation and, for those states reporting problems, conditions linked to implementation difficulties. Finally, observed changes in utility-investment behavior occur afer implementation of DSM rate reforms, which include deployment of NLRA mechanisms. We find that utilities in states with lost revenue recovery invest more than twice as much in DSM as do utilities in other states.
Savings & Superstitions: A Qualitative Country Institutional Profile of Life Insurance Industries

This paper identifies and analyzes the differences between the life insurance industries in two emerging markets. Using institutional theory as a conceptual framework we compare the regulatory, cog...
Human Factors Meets Anesthesia: Advanced Training to Improve Airway Management:

Enhanced training techniques have been successfully employed to improve performance in domains that require efficient multi-tasking skills. Some of these techniques include part task training (PTT) and variable priority training (VPT). PTT focuses on dividing complex tasks into small components followed by intensive concentrated training on each individual component. VPT focuses on optimal distribution of attention when performing multiple tasks simultaneously. The present study used VPT and PTT to train a group of first year anesthesia residents on airway management and compared performance of this group with a group of first year residents who participated in the standard curriculum. Preliminary results indicate that the group that received PTT and VPT is more successful in managing airway problems.
The Effects of SIRT1 on Alzheimer's Disease Models

Sirtuins are highly conserved NAD+-dependent enzymes that were shown to have beneficial effects against age-related diseases. Aging is the major risk factor for all neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Sirtuins have been widely studied in the context of AD using different mouse models. In most of these studies, overexpression of SIRT1 has been shown to have protective effects against AD. Therefore, designing therapeutics based on increasing SIRT1 activity might be important for investigating the ways of treatment for this disease. This paper summarizes the recent research on the effect of SIRT1 in AD animal models and also the potential of SIRT1 being a therapeutical target for AD.
Self-Assessments of Five Types of Typing Ability.

The potential usefulness of self-assessments of typing ability were examined from a personnel selection perspective. A sample of 156 “business ready”, Phoenix area high school students estimated their abilities to type each of the following types of materials in units of net words per minute: 1. straight copy 2. letters 3. revised manuscript 4. numbers 5. tables. The students then took the analogous portions of the Typing Test for Business, Self-assessment of straight copy typing ability emerged as the best predictor of tested typing ability of all types. Because of the substantial number of minority students in the sample (N= 69, 44.2%), differential prediction was studied. Self-assessments of revised manuscript, numbers, and tables typing abilities were significantly higher for the majority group than for the minority group. Typing test performance was significantly higher for the majority group across straight copy, letters, revised manuscript, and tables subtests. Minority group members were generally less accurate in self-assessment of their typing ability. Subgroup regression lines were compared by means of Potthoff's analysis, and subgroup differences in prediction of tested typing ability from self-assessments of typing ability were found.
Ethnogeriatrics: Development and Application of the Cohort Analysis Tool

Ethnogeriatrics is an evolving specialty in geriatric care that focuses on the health and aging issues in the context of culture for older adults from diverse ethnic backgrounds. This article is an...
Development of a Primary Prevention Program: Insight Gained in the Zuni Diabetes Prevention Program

Diabetes prevention programs are essential in Native American communities that are experiencing high rates of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). These programs must be community based and supported in order to succeed. The Zuni Diabetes Prevention Program (Program) is a community-based primary prevention project designed to reduce the prevalence of diabetes risk factors among high-school-age youths. The Program strives to enhance knowledge of diabetes and to support increased physical activity, increased fruit and vegetable intake, and reduced soft drink consumption. The primary mechanisms of intervention are diabetes education, a school-based wellness center, supportive social networks, and modification of the food supply available to teens. Program evaluation uses a multiple cross-sectional model; assessment occurs at three points within the 4-year project. Midproject results indicate a significant reduction in soft drink consumption and an increase in glucose/insulin ratios, suggesting a decline in the incidence of hyperinsulinemia.
Reaction coordinates for heterogeneous flow reactors: Physical interpretation

The purpose of this note is to offer a discussion of how trajectories in the subspace of these reaction coordinates can be used to gain a physical understanding of the progress of each reaction
Origin, structure, and role of background EEG activity. Part 3. Neural frame classification

Abstract Objective To develop a method for simulating background EEG based on the premise that the self-organized activity from synaptic interaction among populations of neurons creates sustained fluctuations that can be modeled with the filtered output of a random number generator. Methods The logarithm of the amplitude of activity was weighted in accordance with 1/ f , the log frequency in both temporal (PSD T ) and spatial (PSD X ) power spectral densities. The activity was spatially smoothed by volume conduction. Further deviation from full randomness was by sustained spatial coherence averaging 25% of total power. The departure from the background state to an active state, as seen in the awake EEG, was simulated by adding segments that were 90% correlated while attenuating by 50% the uncorrelated background activity in those segments. Spatial amplitude modulation was imposed on the correlated noise to create signals that simulated AM patterns. Results The statistical properties of the EEG that were replicated (Freeman, 2004a,b, 2005) included the PSD T , PSD X , point spread function (PSF), partitioning of the variance with PCA, and the percentages of correct classification of AM patterns. Conclusions The origin of background EEG was traced to self-sustaining mutual excitation among pyramidal cells creating stable noise that was filtered by self-organized criticality to give 1/ f 2 PSD, by inhibitory feedback to give oscillations in the classic clinical bands, and by volume conduction to give smoothing. The essential change that identified a frame in EEG was transient synchrony by phase transition among cortical populations in beta and gamma bands of the PSD T . Significance This simulation can provide test data with which to optimize techniques for noninvasively extracting information from the EEG for diagnosis and treatment evaluation of neuropsychiatric disorders and for operation by paraplegics of prosthetic devices.
Pro12Ala of the Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-γ2 Gene Is Associated With Lower Serum Insulin Levels in Nonobese African Americans: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Recent research suggests that the Pro12Ala variant in peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ2 (PPAR-γ2) is associated with diabetes- and obesity-related traits, and that its effects may be modified by obesity status. We characterized this variant in a population-based sample of 1,441 middle-aged African-American individuals with respect to diabetes-, obesity-, and other cardiovascular-related traits, both cross-sectionally and prospectively. The overall frequency of Ala12 was 1.9% (95% CI 1.5–2.5%), significantly lower than in Caucasian populations. Consistent with previous findings in Caucasians, African Americans with type 2 diabetes tended to be less likely to have the Pro/Ala genotype than those without (odds ratio [OR] 0.64, 95% CI 0.34–1.20); however, this OR was not statistically significant. Among nonobese individuals, the Pro/Ala genotype was associated with significantly lower ln(insulin) ( P = 0.001), lower ln(HOMA-IR) (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) ( P = 0.002), higher fasting glucose-to-insulin ratio ( P = 0.005), and lower diastolic blood pressure ( P = 0.02). Among overweight individuals (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2), the Pro/Ala genotype was associated with greater BMI ( P = 0.02), waist-to-hip ratio ( P = 0.01), and waist circumference ( P = 0.04). Among obese individuals, there was no association between any of the diabetes- or obesity-related traits and the Pro12Ala PPAR-γ2 variant. We conclude that among nonobese African Americans, the Pro/Ala genotype is associated with markers of greater insulin sensitivity.
Wireless Power Transfer in Concrete via Strongly Coupled Magnetic Resonance

The wireless efficiency of the strongly coupled magnetic resonance (SCMR) method is studied here for non-homogenous interfaces. Specifically, SCMR's wireless power transfer from a source in air to a sensor embedded in concrete is analyzed. The concrete material properties are modeled for various humidity levels using the extended Debye model. The performance of SCMR is examined for both plain and reinforced concrete. Finally, rectification of the RF power is performed and the DC power delivered to the embedded sensor's battery is calculated.
Planning à la Carte: The Location Patterns of Gated Communities around Buenos Aires in a Decentralized Planning Context

This research benefited from the financial support of the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning, the MIT Center for International Studies Summer Study Grant, the Lloyd and Nadine Rodwin Travel Award, and the American Collegiate School of Planning Travel Grant. That support is greatly appreciated. Earlier versions of this article were presented in 2005 at the PhD Seminar on Urbanism and Urbanization, Barcelona, and at the ACSP conference, Kansas City, and benefited from participants’ discussion and comments. I wish to thank the three anonymous referees for their careful reading and helpful comments. I would also like to thank Frank Levy, and the members of my thesis committee at the MIT, Manuel Castells, Larry Vale and Saskia Sassen, for their insightful comments during various aspects of this work. I am especially grateful for the continued support and guidance of my advisor and chair of my thesis committee Diane E. Davis. However, all the views expressed are solely those of the author.
Network Tomography via Compressed Sensing

In network tomography, we seek to infer link parameters inside a network (such as link delays) by sending end-to-end probes between (external) boundary nodes. The main challenge here is to estimate link-level attributes from end-to-end measurements. In this paper, based on the idea of combinatorial compressed sensing, we specify conditions on network routing matrix under which it is possible to estimate link delays from measurements of end-to-end delay. Moreover, we provide an upper-bound on the estimation error.
Post Retention: The Effect of Sequence of Post-Space Preparation, Cementation Time, and Different Sealers

Many endodontic sealers contain constituents that have been shown to inhibit the polymerization of resin cements. This may be important when prefabricated posts are cemented at the same appointment as root canal obturation. This study evaluated the effects of cementing posts with a resin cement immediately or at a delayed time period after obturation using Roth's 801 Elite Grade or AH26 sealer cements. The contribution of mechanical post-space preparation was also assessed as a critical variable. One hundred twenty extracted canines were randomly divided into eight experimental groups. The variables evaluated were the order of post preparation (either before or after obturation), the type of sealer used, and the time of post cementation. All teeth received a stainless steel #6 Parapost XP cemented with a resin cement, Panavia 21. Each experimental group underwent tensile testing for retention using an Instron universal testing machine. For both sealers posts cemented in teeth in which the canal was obturated before post-space preparation and thus had sealer-contaminated dentin removed by the space preparation procedure had significantly higher retentive values than those obturated after post-space preparation in which contaminated dentin might remain. Sealer used and time of cementation had no specific effect on retention. Achieving a clean, “freshened” den-tinal surface during mechanical post-space preparation seems to be a critical variable for post retention when a resin cement is used.
Handoff management with a delay requirement in femtocell networks

Radio communication has come a long way from the initially deployed 1G voice (Amps) to modern 3G and 4G networks. A technology that holds promise to provide the next leap in peformance is femtocell. Femtocell technology brings the network closer to the user by adding smaller cells, which provide the benefit of higher quality links and more spatial reuse. To fully exploit this diversity realized at the physical layer some challenging issues have to be addressed. Making a handoff decision is one such issue where the user has various power levels available from Macro Base Station (MBS) and Femto Base Station (FBS). From a Base Station's (BS) perspective, there may be many users with close SINR values needing service but all users cannot be accommodated due to bandwidth limitation. To make these decisions, appropriate handoff mechanisms need to be adapted to fully exploit the advantages of these networks in various scenarios. In this paper, we extensively study methods to optimize handoff decisions under the open access scheme of operation, maintaining Quality of Service (QoS) thresholds to maximize overall network capacity such that fairness among users is maintained as well. We aim at developing a low-complexity algorithm with a small dwell time before handing off a macrocell user to a nearby femtocell and vice-versa. When the number of users in the network is smaller in comparison to the available FBSs, we observe better performance in reducing unnecessary handoffs.
Making constraints positional: toward a compositional model of CON

Abstract In Optimality Theory, the phonological grammar of each language is a particular ranking of a set of constraints C on [Prince and Smolensky, Optimality Theory: constraint interaction in generative grammar. Unpublished manuscript, Rutgers University and University of Colorado, Boulder. Rutgers Optimality Archive ( http://roa.rutgers.edu ), ROA-537]. An understanding of universal grammar therefore requires an understanding of the nature of C on . Several researchers have argued that C on is systematically structured; in particular, that formally similar constraints should be modeled as specific instantiations of a general schema, such as the Generalized Alignment schema [Yearbook of Morphology 1993 (1993) 79]. One advantage of a schema-based approach to C on is that the formulation of each individual constraint is compositional, determined by the combination of the general schema (a function) with the specific phonological elements involved in each constraint (arguments of the function). This paper examines the formal structure of positional constraints—constraints that are relativized to certain phonological positions, such as stressed syllables or released consonants. Positional constraints are systematically related both to the general (non-positional) constraints on which they are based, and to other positional constraints for the same position. Therefore, these relationships should be formally captured with a compositional constraint schema. The focus here is on one particular set of positional constraints, the positional augmentation constraints (markedness constraints relativized to phonologically prominent positions). A compositional constraint schema is developed that is flexible enough to extend to the many different kinds of positions and constraints involved in positional augmentation, while still determining precisely how the formulation of each general constraint is to be modified in its positional counterpart. Implications of the approach for another set of positional constraints, the positional faithfulness constraints, are also considered.