cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of quartz dissolution in electrolyte solutions using a hydrothermal mixed flow reactor

Abstract A hydrothermal mixed flow reactor has been developed to study the reaction kinetics of a wide variety of mineral/solution systems. The reactor is constructed of commercially pure titanium to minimize corrosion and operates at temperatures of 25 to 300°C and pressures up to 124 bars. This system is used to measure the dissolution rates of quartz at near-neutral pH in 0.0 to 0.15 m solutions of NaCl, KCl, LiCl, MgCl2 over a temperature range of 100 to 300°C. In all cases, small concentrations of electrolytes increase the rate, some by as much as 1.5 orders of magnitude above the values measured for deionized water. The effect is greatest for solutions of NaCl and KCl where reaction rates increase with increasing electrolyte concentrations up to 0.05 molal and become constant at higher molalities. Smaller rate increases are observed for LiCl and MgCl2 solutions. The first-order rate equation for quartz dissolution in pure water at temperatures of 100 to 300°C is given by r H 4 sio 4 = k + (a sio 2 )(a H 2 o ) 2 (1 — Q K) for a standard system of 1 m2 of surface area and 1 kg of solution. The addition of electrolytes to reacting solutions at near-neutral pH accelerates the rate according to a Langmuir adsorption model and has the form r H 4 sio 4 = (k + + k ad K me + 1 + k me + )(a sio 2 )(a H 2 o ) 2 (1 − Q K) . mme + Analysis of the data indicates that the observed rate increases are controlled by the identity and concentration of the cation where alkali cations coordinate with the surface to increase the reactivity of siloxane groups by disrupting the structure of the mineral-solution interface. The rate-limiting step for the dissolution mechanism is described by (Si — O — Si) + H2O = (Si —O —Si · OH2)† → 2(Si —O —H) where the intermediate species is probably the same in deionized water and electrolyte solutions, but the reaction frequency is higher in electrolyte solutions due to increases in the accessibility of water to the mineral surface structures. Transition state calculations support this mechanism by showing that the rate increases are caused by an increase in the pre-exponential factor, A, where the activation entropy, Δs†, becomes more positive and/or the mole fraction of water at the reactive sites, XH2o, increases. The activation enthalpy, ΔH†, remains constant. Increased reactivity of the surface in the presence of adsorbed cations is also demonstrated by ab initio molecular orbital calculations of possible surface intermediate species, which show that the presence of certain cations increase the Si — O — Me angle. These results suggest that the mobility of quartz in geologic settings may be quite different from predictions made based on experiments conducted in pure water.
The effects of Mg2+ and H+ on apatite nucleation at silica surfaces

Abstract Apatite (Ca10[PO4]6[OH]2) precipitation from aqueous solutions involves multiple steps, such as nucleation of a precursor calcium phosphate phase, cluster aggregation, crystal growth, and transformation to apatite, which are affected by the presence of other ions in solution. I report the mechanisms by which two ions common in natural solutions, Mg2+ and H+, affect heterogeneous calcium phosphate nucleation on the amorphous silica surface.
A Thermodynamic and Cost Analysis of Solar Syngas From the Zinc/Zinc-Oxide Cycle

We present a thermodynamic and cost analysis of synthesis gas (syngas) production by the Zn/ZnO solar thermochemical fuel production cycle. A mass, energy and entropy balance over each step of the Zn/ZnO syngas production cycle is presented. The production of CO and H2 is considered simultaneously across the range of possible stoichiometric combinations and the effects of irreversibilities due to both recombination in the quenching process following dissociation of ZnO and incomplete conversion in the fuel production step are explored. In the cost analysis, continuous functions for each cost component are presented, allowing estimated costs of syngas fuel produced at plants between 50 and 500MWth. For a solar concentration ratio of 10000, a dissociation temperature of 2300K, and a CO fraction in the syngas of 1/3, the maximum cycle efficiency is 39% for an ideal case in which there is no recombination in the quencher, complete conversion in the oxidizer, and maximum heat recovery. In a 100MWth plant, the cost to produce syngas would be $0.025/MJ for this ideal case. The effect of heat recuperation, recombination in the quencher, and incomplete conversion on efficiency and cost are explored. The effect of plant size and feedstock costs on the cost of solar syngas are also explored. The results underscore the importance improving quencher and oxidizer processes to reduce costs. However, even assuming the ideal case, the predicted cost of solar syngas is 5.5 times more expensive than natural gas on an energy basis. The process will therefore require incentive policies that support early implementation in order to become economically competitive.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Protein—Polyelectrolyte Phase Boundaries

The separation of proteins by polyelectrolyte coacervation or precipitation is based on electrostatically-driven complex formation. We have investigated complexation between the globular protein BSA and the polyelectrolyte poly(dimethyldially1ammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC) using light-scattering techniques to monitor solution turbidity. Turbidimetric pH titrations were used to determine the specific pH values where soluble complex formation is initiated (pH,) and where phase separation occurs (pH& These values, collected at different ionic strengths, can be presented as phase boundaries. The effects of macromolecular concentration, protein:polymer concentration ratio (r), and polymer molecular weight upon the phase boundary are examined. The macromolecular concentration and polymer molecular weight have little or no effect on the phase boundary. While pH, is independent of r, pH$ varies inversely with r. The use of phase boundaries in the selection of optimal pH and ionic strength for maximum yield and purity in protein separations is discussed.
Comparative regulation of potassium and amphetamine induced release of 3H-norepinephrine from rat brain via presynaptic mechanisms

Abstract This study examined the ability of various drugs to modify the potassium (K) or d-amphetamine (d-A) induced release of 3 H-norepinephrine 3 HNE) from chopped rat cortical tissue. The K induced release of the transmitter, which occurs from reserpine sensitive sites of cortical tissue, was significantly reduced by the beta receptor antagonist propranolol, the alpha receptor agonist clonidine and also by PGE 2 . Pretreatment with eicosatetrynoic acid, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, did not influence the effect of clonidine on 3 HNE release; thus this latter effect appears to be independent of enhanced prostaglandin formation. The proposed alpha receptor mediated negative feedback exhibits stereospecificity since addition of exogenous 1-, but not d-, NE decreased release of the transmitter. Blockade of alpha receptors by phentolamine or stimulation of beta receptors by isoproterenol significantly enhanced the K induced release of 3 HNE from cortical tissue. By contrast, the d-A induced release of 3 HNE which occurs from reserpine-insensitive sites, was reduced by propranolol and clonidine; and was not altered by phentolamine, isoproterenol or PGE 2 . These data indicate that the K, but no d-A, induced release of 3 HNE from cortical tissue is modified in accordance with postulated presynaptic negative and positive feedback mechanisms.
Best orthogonal trigonometric approximations of the classes B Ω p ,θ of periodic functions of many variables

We obtain exact-order estimates for the best orthogonal trigonometric approximations of the classes B Ω p,θ of periodic functions of many variables in the space L q .
Polythiophene formation within hyperbranched grafts on polyethylene films

Interphase oligomerization of thiophene within a supported thin film is described. Polyethylene (PE) surfaces containing an irregularly hyperbranched poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) graft were first prepared by multistep grafting of poly(tert-butylacrylate) onto oxidized PE. The product ultrathin PAA grafts were then further modified by amidation or esterification with thiophenes containing amino or hydroxyl groups to form new interfaces containing thiophene monomers. These thiophene-modified grafts were characterized by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy and were shown to be suitable as substrates in an oxidative polymerization method with FeCl3 as an oxidant. The product 2,5-coupled thiophene oligomers (3-PAA/PE–oligomerized thiophene ester, OTE) emitted a yellow-green light under UV irradiation, indicating that a conjugated fluorescence oligothiophene had been prepared within these hyperbranched films. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 39: 4119–4128, 2001
Spatial and temporal patterns in the hydrogeochemistry of a poor fen in northern Wisconsin

We studied the factors causing spatial and temporal patterning of interstitial water chemistry in Crystal Bog, a 7 ha northern Wisconsin kettle-hole peatland. Over the course of the snow-free season Crystal Bog exhibited spatial and temporal patterns in chemistry, especially hydrogen-ion, dissolved organic carbon, and specific conductance. The peatland contains a 0.5 ha pond that has water more dilute than the interstitial water of the surrounding peatland. The direction of groundwater flow between the lake and the peatland was seasonally dependent. In the spring and early summer, flow was from the lake into the peatland, especially on the eastern side of the lake. This flow resulted in a plume of relatively dilute surface interstitial water in the peatland. In mid and late summer direction of groundwater flow was from the peatland into the lake and the dilute plume was reduced in areal extent. By fall the direction of water flow was again from the lake to the peatland.
Penetrating cardiac trauma in adolescents: a rare injury with excessive mortality.

Abstract Background Penetrating cardiac injuries in pediatric patients are rarely encountered. Likewise, the in-hospital outcome measures following these injuries are poorly described. Methods All pediatric patients ( Results During the 11-year study period, 32 of the 4569 pediatric trauma admissions (0.7%) sustained penetrating cardiac injuries. All patients were male and the majority suffered stab wounds (81.2%). The mean systolic blood pressure on admission was 28.8±52.9mmHg and the mean ISS was 46.9±27.7. Cardiac chambers involved were the right ventricle (46.9%), the left ventricle (43.8%), and the right atrium (18.8%). Overall, 9 patients (28.1%) survived to hospital discharge. Outpatient follow-up echocardiography was available for 4 patients (44.4%). An abnormal echocardiography result was found in 1 patient, demonstrating hypokinesia and tricuspid regurgitation. Conclusions Penetrating cardiac trauma is a rare injury in the pediatric population. Cardiac chambers predominantly involved are the right and left ventricles. This injury is associated with a low in-hospital survival (
Optical observations of the f.c.c. → s.c. transformation in single crystals of RbI at high pressures

Abstract The transformation of rubidium iodide from its low pressure sodium chloride structure to its high pressure cesium chloride structure takes place at a pressure of about 3500 b. This transformation has been studied optically in single crystals, using a high pressure vessel with sapphire windows, a modified Vickers metallographic microscope and time lapse photographic techniques. The transformation behavior of the crystal depends sensitively on the condition of its surface. Freshly cleaved crystals or crystals which have been etched in RbI solution transform in two stages. Firstly, the transformation proceeds from a few surface sites and spreads over the entire surface of the crystal, then the interior of the crystal transforms. We hypothesize that the first stage of surface transformation reflects a condition of relative compression of the surface layers of the NaCl structured phase of Rbl compared with the interior with the consequence that the surface layers transform at a lower value of applied pressure than does the interior. In cleavage crystals which have been stored under oil for a long time prior to observation, the surface transformation is absent and the pressure at which observable transformation occurs is much higher, in agreement with optical observations by other investigators. The equilibrium pressure between the two phases has been found to lie in the range 3430–3650 b at room temperature, somewhat lower than the range 3500–3900 b previously established by Bridgman's measurements.
Appearance of C-type virus-like particles after co-cultivation of a human tumor-cell line with rat (XC) cells.

A serially propagated cell line (L104) was established by co-cultivation of a lung adenocarcinoma (L-1) from a patient with concurrent chronic lymphocytic leukemia and XC, a non-producer rat line, known to carry the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) genome. Karyotype of the L104 cultures revealed predominantly rat-like patterns; however, about 5% of the cells reacted with HLA antibodies and demonstrated human isozyme patterns. Electron microscopy of L104 cells revealed the presence of C-type particles budding from the cell membranes and in cytoplasmic vacuoles. Virus was not detected in any of the other normal lung, lung tumor or XC cells examined after co-cultivation with XC cells. The particles isolated from tissue culture fluids had the biochemical and biophysical characteristics common to other known mammalian C-type particles and were serologically related to the woolly monkey virus (WMV)/gibbon ape leukemia virus (GaLV) complex. Cross-hybridization between viral 3H-DNA transcripts and cellular RNAs from virus-infected cells clearly show the presence of sequences in the L104 cellular RNA related to both the GaLV/WMV group of viruses and rat viruses. Hydroxyapatite chromatography reveals however that the primate-related sequences in the viral RNA are indistinguishable from WMV in thermal elution profile. The host range of L104 virus appears to vary greatly from WMV in being xenotropic and, in the cell lines thus far tested appears, to infect only rat cells. The virus gave positive KC but negative XC assays. Inoculation of whole cells or cell-free supernatants into weanling hamster did not result in either solid tumors or leukemia. Co-cultivation of appropriate cell lines may represent an approach to the detection of latent viruses in human neoplasia.
Individual differences in multitasking ability and adaptability.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the cognitive factors that predictability and adaptability during multitasking with a flight simulator. BACKGROUND: Multitasking has become increasingly prevalent as most professions require individuals to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Considerable research has been undertaken to identify the characteristics of people (i.e., individual differences) that predict multitasking ability. Although working memory is a reliable predictor of general multitasking ability (i.e., performance in normal conditions), there is the question of whether different cognitive faculties are needed to rapidly respond to changing task demands (adaptability). METHOD: Participants first completed a battery of cognitive individual differences tests followed by multitasking sessions with a flight simulator. After a baseline condition, difficulty of the flight simulator was incrementally increased via four experimental manipulations, and performance metrics were collected to assess multitasking ability and adaptability. RESULTS: Scholastic aptitude and working memory predicted general multitasking ability (i.e., performance at baseline difficulty), but spatial manipulation (in conjunction with working memory) was a major predictor of adaptability (performance in difficult conditions after accounting for baseline performance). CONCLUSION: Multitasking ability and adaptability may be overlapping but separate constructs that draw on overlapping (but not identical) sets of cognitive abilities. APPLICATION: The results of this study are applicable to practitioners and researchers in human factors to assess multitasking performance in real-world contexts and with realistic task constraints. We also present a framework for conceptualizing multitasking adaptability on the basis of five adaptability profiles derived from performance on tasks with consistent versus increased difficulty. Language: en
IT Governance, Compliance and Auditing Curriculum--A Pedagogical Perspective

IT governance, compliance and auditing are becoming as important pedagogical subjects as long-established financial control and financial auditing. Designing sound IT governance, compliance and auditing curriculum is a rewarding as well as challenging task. In this paper, we share our experiences from teaching IT governance, compliance and auditing both in the undergraduate and graduate level and examine lessons learned. After discussing the necessity and importance of the subjects to be included in the college computing curriculum, we draw a core body of knowledge for IT governance, compliance and auditing. We also provide curriculum design strategy, student assessment and outcomes. Our goal is to cultivate a kernel so that graduates can apply their understanding in the subjects to a wide spectrum of industries that are increasingly dependent on technology advancement.
Synthesis of arrays and records

The use of arrays and records in modern hardware-description languages (HDL) allows designs to be modeled at very high levels of abstraction. However, the support for these complex data types in current synthesis tools is very limited. This paper presents a comprehensive scheme to synthesize aggregate data types such as arrays and records, in a very general manner. The approach consists of mapping objects (variables and signals) of aggregate data types onto one-dimensional vectors, and generating specialized addressing/decoding hardware to be able to access any field of the data type. Arrays of multiple dimensions and any level of nesting of arrays and records are supported. This paper describes the whole process, from the language specification to the actual hardware structures created by synthesis.
An iterative approach to multisensor sea ice classification

Characterizing the variability in sea ice in the polar regions is fundamental to an understanding of global climate and the geophysical processes governing climate changes. Sea ice can be grouped into a number of general classes with different characteristics. Multisensor data from NSCAT, ERS-2, and SSM/I are reconstructed into enhanced resolution imagery for use in ice-type classification. The resulting twelve-dimensional data set is linearly transformed through principal component analysis to reduce data dimensionality and noise levels. An iterative statistical data segmentation algorithm is developed using maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum a posteriori (MAP) techniques. For a given ice type, the conditional probability distributions of observed vectors are assumed to be Gaussian. The cluster centroids, covariance matrices, and a priori distributions are estimated from the classification of a previous temporal image set. An initial classification is produced using centroid training data and a weighted nearest-neighbor classifier. Though validation is limited, the algorithm results in an ice classification that is judged to be superior to a conventional k-means approach.
Point: the American Diabetes Association and the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy study groups recommendations for diagnosing gestational diabetes should be used worldwide.

Various challenge tests have been used around the world for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)2, and substantial variation among these methods has been noted, not only in the amount of glucose for the challenge and the testing intervals but also in the concentration thresholds used for interpretation. The interpretive criteria for these testing approaches have variably been based on the value for predicting future maternal diabetes or been adopted from standards developed with nonpregnant individuals, despite the changes in glucose metabolism known to occur during pregnancy. The Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study was an observational study of values obtained in blinded 75-g, 2-h oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) for >23 000 pregnancies from 9 different countries around the world (1). The adverse pregnancy outcomes evaluated included birth weight >90th percentile (large for gestational age), fetal hyperinsulinemia, primary cesarean section, neonatal hypoglycemia, neonatal adiposity, shoulder dystocia, and preeclampsia. All adverse outcomes were related directly and significantly to the glucose concentration at each OGTT time point, but there was no obvious inflection point in any of the curves. The International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) undertook a process to reach consensus on the diagnostic criteria for GDM with respect to their value for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes and recommended that GDM be diagnosed when one or more of the following plasma glucose values in the 75-g, 2-h OGTT was met or exceeded: fasting, 92 mg/dL (5.1 mmol/L); 1 h, 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L); 2 h, 153 mg/dL (8.5 mmol/L) (2). According to the HAPO Study data, patients with GDM have an approximate doubling of the likelihood of a baby with a birth weight above the 90th percentile, 2.6 times the likelihood of fetal hyperinsulinemia, twice the likelihood of preeclampsia, and a 40% increase …
Influence of local objects on hippocampal representations: Landmark vectors and memory.

The hippocampus is thought to represent nonspatial information in the context of spatial information. An animal can derive both spatial information as well as nonspatial information from the objects (landmarks) it encounters as it moves around in an environment. Here, we demonstrate correlates of both object-derived spatial as well as nonspatial information in the hippocampus of rats foraging in the presence of objects. We describe a new form of CA1 place cells, called landmark-vector cells, that encode spatial locations as a vector relationship to local landmarks. Such landmark vector relationships can be dynamically encoded. Of the 26 CA1 neurons that developed new fields in the course of a day’s recording sessions, in 8 cases the new fields were located at a similar distance and direction from a landmark as the initial field was located relative to a different landmark. We also demonstrate object-location memory in the hippocampus. When objects were removed from an environment or moved to new locations, a small number of neurons in CA1 and CA3 increased firing at the locations where the objects used to be. In some neurons, this increase occurred only in one location, indicating object +place conjunctive memory; in other neurons the increase in firing was seen at multiple locations where an object used to be. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the spatially restricted firing of hippocampal neurons encode multiple types of information regarding the relationship between an animal’s location and the location of objects in its environment.
Mechanisms of onset and termination of abnormal cardiac rhythm studied by constant monitoring

Abstract Digitalis accelerated the rate in atrial flutter resulting in atrial fibrillation, whereas the addition of quinidine slowed the atrial rate producing either asystole or interference dissociation. In some patients receiving both digitalis and quinidine, the atrial rate showed less of a tendency to slow or actually increased, resulting in atrial fibrillation followed by normal sinus rhythm. This suggests an overriding effect of digitalis. Since the spontaneous termination of atrial flutter occurred in unknown circumstances that usually slowed the atrial rate and asystole was observed, this suggests that asystole is not a toxic effect of quinidine. Atrial flutter, fibrillation, and atrial premature beats began more commonly in the P-T cycle than in the T-P cycle. Since atrial recovery is more likely incomplete during the P-T cycle, this favors reentry as the underlying mechanism in the patient studied. Atrial and nodal tachycardia begin with an irregular sequence of premature beats before a stable tachycardia is established. There is usually a significant slowing of the rate prior to termination of the abnormal rhythm. Sinus arrest with ventricular escape is the usual method of termination, regardless of the form of therapy used. Bursts of rapid ventricular rhythm resembling ventricular tachycardia were seen only after the use of pressor agents. Atrial tachycardia with block treated with digitalis shows an initial atrial slowing but, as the dose of digitalis was raised in one patient, abrupt increases in atrial rate occurred until the rhythm terminated. This is a mechanism similar to that seen in the digitalis-induced termination of atrial flutter.
Invasions of Personal Space

This chapter describes several studies of invasions of personal space that took place over a 2-year period. Personal space is sometimes described metaphorically as an invisible snail shell, a soap bubble, or breathing room. The need to maintain such a space is apparently deeply rooted in the human personality, even though the volume of space varies between cultures and for different persons and situations in the same culture. The concept of personal space was first formulated by Georg Simmel in the early 1900s and was investigated empirically by social psychologists in the 1930s, but it has received its most extensive development much more recently. The invasions of personal space took place both indoors and outdoors. Conversational distance is affected by many things including room density, the acquaintance of the individuals, the personal relevance, the cultural backgrounds of the individuals, and the personalities of the individuals.
Clinicopathological report of cerebroocular myopathy syndrome.

Abstract PURPOSE: To report a case of cerebroocular myopathy syndrome with a focal absence of the Descemet membrane. DESIGN: Clinicopathological case report. METHODS: A clinical and histopathologic examination of eye, brain, and viscera of a white male newborn of normal term, who died at 11 days of age with the diagnosis of cerebroocular myopathy syndrome. RESULTS: The autopsy revealed hazy left cornea, hypoplasia of the cerebellum, and corpus collusum with mild microcephaly. Microscopy of the left eye showed the additional findings of a central focal defect of the Descemet membrane with an absence of the posterior third of central corneal stroma and delicate fibrous strands connected to the iris. CONCLUSION: The absence of the Descemet membrane and the missing posterior corneal keratocytes as well as the fibrous strands connecting the iris are findings to be added to the previously reported signs of cerebro-ocular myopathy.
First Things First: Balancing Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Persons who are coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and their providers face a number of dilemmas. These include understanding how the natural history of each virus is affected by the presence of the other, balancing the risks and benefits of treating each of these viral infections, deciding on the order and timing of treatment, and understanding how medication toxicity may be modified in patients with coinfection. Previous studies have addressed the natural history of HCV in HIV-infected patients, but given the long natural history of HCV infection, many of these studies were conducted before the widespread use of HAART [1, 2]. Several recent studies have suggested that HCV infection is an independent predictor of mortality in HIV infection [3‐5], possibly by impeding immune reconstitution after the initiation of HAART [6]. The article by Tedaldi and colleagues [7] in this issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases addresses whether HCV infection alters the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection in a cohort of patients during a period when HAART was available. This study found that there were proportionately more deaths among HIVHCV‐coinfected patients than there were among patients infected with HIV alone. However, when the authors adjusted for age, baseline CD4 cell count, and duration of HAART, HCV infection was not an independent predictor of survival. Several differences between the HIVHCV‐coinfected group and the HIVmonoinfected group were notable. HIVHCV‐coinfected patients were more likely to have injection drug use as their HIV transmission risk (69.7% vs. 5.4% of those with HIV infection alone); to be nonwhite, older, and less educated; and to receive care with use of public funds. HIV-HCV‐
Measuring Academic Readiness for College

Recent years have seen increased attention to the high school–college transition. Students are enrolling in college in record numbers, yet they are also taking increasing numbers of remedial course...
A wavelength-scaled ultra-wide bandwidth array

An ultra-wideband antenna array design concept is presented that achieves the same functionality of traditional single-element-based ultra-wideband arrays using multiple elements that are scaled in size from the base high-frequency element, resulting in significantly fewer elements overall. For an array with 8:1 bandwidth, a fully functional design can be achieved with fewer than 16% of the original element count - i.e. 6.4× fewer elements, and the need for only 11% of the original electronics - a reduction factor of 9.2×, while maintaining the same array footprint. This novel array design leads to a significant reduction in weight and most importantly - a significant reduction in the cost to construct hardware and electronics; all while maintaining the same performance capacity of a traditional wideband antenna array.
Capitalizing on Careabouts to Facilitate Creativity

Low-level knowledge work is work that requires some, but not a great deal, of knowledge to perform. This work sustains the operations of all of our major businesses. As we transform to a knowledge society, it will become increasingly important that this work be performed creatively. Amabile’s well-researched framework for understanding creative action suggests that reward strategies will be successful if knowledge workers are intrinsically motivated, but low-level knowledge work more often than not attracts those who lack intrinsic motivation. As a result, the likelihood of creative action for this group of workers is low. How can “garden variety” creative action be facilitated when knowledge workers lack intrinsic motivation? I introduce the notion of “careabouts,” and suggest ways of linking personal careabouts to incorporate objectives. This linkage provides the hook that can hoist these low-level knowledge workers into creative knowledge work in the knowledge society.
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Associated with Vinorelbine Therapy

OBJECTIVE:To describe onset of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) associated with vinorelbine therapy for advanced breast cancer.CASE SUMMARY:A 50-year-old white woman with a history of advanced breast cancer refractory to other treatment modalities was receiving vinorelbine. Blood chemistries revealed severely depleted sodium and potassium concentrations from a normal baseline within a 7-day period. A recheck of blood chemistries confirmed hyponatremia. The patient was admitted to the hospital and treated for SIADH. After successful treatment, she was given demeclocycline prophylactically and rechallenged with vinorelbine without recurrence of the syndrome.DISCUSSION:SIADH has been reported as a complication of treatment with vinca alkaloids. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this syndrome related to vinorelbine therapy.CONCLUSIONS:Because of its structural similarity to the other vinca alkaloids, vinorelbine is believed to be responsible for SIADH in our patient. Clinicia...
Synthesis and barrier properties of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐layered silicate nanocomposites

A new polymer-ceramic nanocomposite has been synthesized consisting of well-dispersed, two-dimensional layers of an organically modified mica-type silicate (MTS) within a degradable poly(e-caprolactone) matrix. A protonated amino acid derivative of MTS was used to promote delamination/dispersion of the host layers and initiate ring-opening polymerization of e-caprolactone monomer, resulting in poly(e-caprolactone) chains that are ionically bound to the silicate layers. The polymer chains can be released from the silicate surface by a reverse ion-exchange reaction and were shown to be spectroscopically similar to pure poly(e-caprolactone). Thick films of the polymer nanocomposite exhibit a significant reduction in water vapor permeability that shows a linear dependence on silicate content. The permeability of nanocomposite containing as low as 4.8% silicate by volume was reduced by nearly an order of magnitude compared to pure poly(e-caprolactone)
Progesterone metabolism by testicular tissue of the English sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Homogenates of testes from the English sparrow (Passer domesticus) were incubated with progesterone-4-C14. The pathway of androgen formation from progesterone as well as the requirements for cofactors in this in vitro system were similar to those reported for mammalian testes. The sparrow testes possessed a greater capacity for 20-ketone reduction of progesterone than the mammalian testes hitherto investigated. These enzymatic processes may tend to inactivate progesterone if this steroid hormone is permitted to accumulate in the testicular tissue. It is likely that four enzymes are present in the testes of the English sparrow which will reduce the 20-ketone function of progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone.
Supervision: Formative Assessment as a Clinical Supervision Tool

Formative assessment is a critical component to effective supervision for graduate students in both on-campus clinical assignments as well as in external placements. This article focuses on the rol...
A Unique Longitudinal Muscle Contraction Pattern Associated With Transient Lower Esophageal Sphincter Relaxation

Background & Aims: Contraction of the longitudinal muscle of the esophagus may play a role in the relaxation and opening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The goal of our study was to determine the pattern and precise temporal correlation between local longitudinal muscle contraction (LMC) of the esophagus during peristalsis and transient LES relaxation (TLESR). Methods: Esophageal pressures and high-frequency intraluminal ultrasound imaging of the esophagus were recorded in 24 healthy subjects during swallow-induced peristalsis and spontaneous TLESR. Intraluminal multiple impedance recordings were obtained to determine the relationship between "common cavity pressure" and gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Results: During swallow-induced peristalsis, there is simultaneous contraction of circular and longitudinal muscles of the esophagus. On the other hand, TLESR is associated with a distinct pattern of LMC in the esophagus that has the following characteristics: (1) it is restricted to the distal esophagus; (2) it begins before the onset of TLESR and spreads in a retrograde manner; (3) it is generally stronger than the swallow-induced contraction; and (4) it is sustained during the entire duration of TLESR. The increase in esophageal pressure during TLESR is temporally correlated with the contraction of the LM of the distal esophagus, rather than with the impedance recorded GER. Conclusions: We propose that the LMC of the distal esophagus may play an important role in the relaxation of LES and induction of GER.
A longitudinal study of changes in urban sprawl between 2000 and 2010 in the United States

Abstract The debate over metropolitan sprawl and its costs has been ongoing since the early 1970s in the U.S. To inform the debate, this study uses principal component analysis (PCA) and 2010 cross sectional data for large U.S. urbanized areas (UZAs) to operationalize compactness/sprawl in each of four dimensions—development density, land use mix, activity centering, and street accessibility. Higher values represent greater compactness, lower values greater sprawl. The four factors are then combined into an overall compactness/sprawl index. The study then applies factor score coefficient values for 2010 to the same variables for 2000 to create comparable metrics for 2000. Compactness scores for 2000 are compared to the same scores for 2010 to see which UZAs sprawled the most between censuses, and which sprawled the least or actually became more compact. Finally, the study validates the compactness index and its component factors against transportation outcomes for 2010, specifically walk mode share, transit mode share, and average drive time on the journey to work. If sprawl has any widely accepted outcome, it is automobile dependence and heavy automobile use. Consistent with this characterization of sprawl, this study finds that the overall compactness index bears a strong relationship to transportation outcomes. Generalizing across the entire universe of large urbanized areas in the U.S., compactness decreased and sprawl increased between the two census years; but only slightly. Several urbanized areas, however, have significantly different rankings in 2000 than 2010.
Concerning the photophysical properties of Re2(4+) and Re2(6+) carboxylate compounds.

The preparation and structure of Re2(dppm)2(O2CC6H4-p-NO2)2Cl2, where dppm = Ph2PCH2PPh2, is reported together with its photophysical properties (absorption, steady state emission, fs- and ns-transient absorption spectroscopy) and electrochemistry. These data are compared with photophysical studies on the previously reported Re2(dppm)2(O2CCH3)2Cl2. The preparation of the complex Re2(O2CC6H4-p-NO2)4Cl2 is also reported together with its photophysical properties which allows for a comparison of the electronic structures and photophysical states of Re24+ and Re26+ containing complexes having MM configurations σ2π4δ2δ*2 and σ2π4δ2, respectively. An interesting comparison is also made with the related MM quadruply bonded complexes of molybdenum and tungsten.
Analysis of genes associated with retrotransposons in the rice genome

Retrotransposons comprise a significant fraction of the rice genome. Despite their prevalence, the effects of retrotransposon insertions are not well understood, especially with regard to how they affect the expression of genes. In this study, we identified one-sixth of rice genes as being associated with retrotransposons, with insertions either in the gene itself or within its putative promoter region. Among genes with insertions in the promoter region, the likelihood of the gene being expressed was shown to be directly proportional to the distance of the retrotransposon from the translation start site. In addition, retrotransposon insertions in the transcribed region of the gene were found to be positively correlated with the presence of alternative splicing forms. Furthermore, preferential association of retrotransposon insertions with genes in several functional classes was identified. Some of the retrotransposons that are part of full-length cDNA (fl-cDNA) contribute splice sites and give rise to novel exons. Several interesting trends concerning the effects of retrotransposon insertions on gene expression were identified. Taken together, our data suggests that retrotransposon association with genes have a role in gene regulation. The data presented in this study provides a foundation for experimental studies to determine the role of retrotransposons in gene regulation.
Prognostic Value of Purified Protein Derivative Skin Test and Granuloma Formation in Patients Treated with Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

AbstractWe evaluated the prognostic value of purified protein derivative skin test reactivity and a granulomatous response in intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy. We treated 62 patients with intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin once a week for 6 weeks. Purified protein derivative skin tests were performed before and after therapy. Cold cup bladder biopsies were examined in a blind retrospective manner for the presence of granulomas 6 weeks after completion of therapy. A significant correlation between status free of tumor and the presence of either granulomas or positive purified protein derivative skin tests was observed for the total patient population. Of 25 patients whose purified protein derivative test was converted from negative to positive 19 (77 per cent) remained free of tumor, while only 11 of 32 (34 per cent) whose test did not convert to purified protein derivative positive remained free of tumor (p equals 0.0006, chi-square). Similarly, 28 of 37 patients (77 per cent) who had a gr...
Statistical Modeling for Kidney Transplant Data

The ultimate goal of a mathematical/statistical model is to give a complete quantitative expression of the relation between variables describing outcome and antecedent, conditioning variables. One would like to express graft survival, for example, in terms of the multitude of variables that jointly determine how long and how well a given graft will function. The model could be expressed by equations, graphs, tables or combinations of these modes. The ideal is probably unattainable, and considerable simplification is necessary, particularly considering that each transplant/potential transplant is unique.
Multi agent enterprise modeling

The advent of information technology has made today’s enterprises increasingly distributed. To stay competitive organizations of today have to manage the different components of their technology by integrating and coordinating them into a highly efficient, effective, and responsive system. Rather than dealing with each component individually, it is necessary to have a new paradigm for management of enterprise systems, so that all the components and their operations can be managed in an integrated fashion. The multi-agent framework presented in this paper is such a paradigm for achieving enterprise integration. We specifically emphasize the coordination mechanisms needed for ensuring the orderly operations and concerted decision making among the components - i.e., agents - of an enterprise.
A phase I trial of intermittent high-dose α-interferon and dexamethasone in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Summary Background Evidence exists that the toxic effects of a-interferon can be ameliorated by co-administration of dexamethasone without compromise of therapeutic efficacy. We therefore conducted a phase I trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose of intermittent interferon when combined with oral dexamethasone Patients and methods Thirty patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma were enrolled. The starting dose of interferon was 20 million IU/m2/day given as a subcutaneous injection days 1 to 4 of each 14 day cycle. Dose levels were escalated at increments of 5 million IU/m2. Dexamethasone 4 mg was administered orally every 6 hours during administration of high-dose interferon. Low-dose maintenance interferon, 3 million lU/m2/day, was administered without dose escalation on days 5 to 14 of each cycle. Results The maximum tolerated dose of intermittent high-dose interferon was 40 million IU/m2/day. The dose limiting toxicity was fatigue. EEG abnormalities developed in five patients and neuropsychiatric parameters deteriorated significantly in seventeen. Conclusions We conclude that co-administration of dexamethasone improves the tolerance of intermittent high-dose interferon. The results of this trial may be useful in designing high-dose interferon regimens for renal cell carcinoma and other interferon-sensitive diseases.
Convex cardinal shape composition and object recognition in computer vision

This work mainly focuses on the segmentation and identification of objects present in an image, where the geometry sought is composed of given prototype shapes. Given a dictionary of prototype shapes, we define our problem as selecting a limited number of dictionary elements and geometrically composing them through basic set operations to characterize desired regions in an image. Aside from imaging applications such as shape-based characterization and optical character recognition, this problem is closely linked to the geometric packing problem. A recent work proposes a convex relaxation to this combinatorial problem [1], and the main focus of this paper is to computationally address the proposed convex program. We consider an alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) scheme, which suits a parallel processing framework and supports large-scale problems.
Has Interprofessional Education Changed Learning Preferences? A National Perspective.

Objective To assess how changes in curriculum, accreditation standards, and certification and licensure competencies impacted how medical students and physician residents value interprofessional team and patient-centered care. Primary Data Source The Department of Veterans Affairs Learners’ Perceptions Survey (2003–2013). The nationally administered survey asked a representative sample of 56,569 U.S. medical students and physician residents, with a comparison group of 78,038 nonphysician trainees, to rate satisfaction with 28 elements, in two overall domains, describing their clinical learning experiences at VA medical centers. Study Design Value preferences were scored as independent adjusted associations between an element (interprofessional team, patient-centered preceptor) and the respective overall domain (clinical learning environment, faculty, and preceptors) relative to a referent element (quality of clinical care, quality of preceptor). Principal Findings Physician trainees valued interprofessional (14 percent vs. 37 percent, p < .001) and patient-centered learning (21 percent vs. 36 percent, p < .001) less than their nonphysician counterparts. Physician preferences for interprofessional learning showed modest increases over time (2.5 percent/year, p < .001), driven mostly by internal medicine and surgery residents. Preferences did not increase with trainees’ academic progress. Conclusions Despite changes in medical education, physician trainees continue to lag behind their nonphysician counterparts in valuing experience with interprofessional team and patient-centered care.