cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Octahedral metal carbonyls: Reactions and bonding—VIII[1]: Metal carbonyl derivatives of 1-diphenylphosphino-2-(methylthio)ethane

Abstract The synthesis of the “mixed” bidentate phosphorus-sulfur ligand, 1-diphenylphosphino-2-(methylthio)ethane (SPE), and its reactions with Cr(CO) 6 , Mo(CO) 6 , W(CO) 6 , Mn(CO) 5 Br and ( o -phenanthroline)Mo(CO) 4 are reported. SPE functions as a monodentate ligand bonded through phosphorus, or as a chelating or bridging ligand. The mode of coordination of SPE in these metal carbonyl complexes is inferred primarily through comparison of their spectra in the carbonyl stretching region of the infrared to those of “model” complexes.
Effects of Lake Surface Elevation on Shoreline-Spawning Lost River Suckers

AbstractWe analyzed remote detection data from PIT-tagged Lost River Suckers Deltistes luxatus at four shoreline spawning areas in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, to determine whether spawning of this endangered species was affected by low water levels. Our investigation was motivated by the observation that the surface elevation of the lake during the 2010 spawning season was the lowest in 38 years. Irrigation withdrawals in 2009 that were not replenished by subsequent winter–spring inflows caused a reduction in available shoreline spawning habitat in 2010. We compared metrics of skipped spawning, movement among spawning areas, and spawning duration across 8 years (2006–2013) that had contrasting spring water levels. Some aspects of sucker spawning were similar in all years, including few individuals straying from the shoreline areas to spawning locations in lake tributaries and consistent effects of increasing water temperatures on the accumulation of fish at the spawning areas. During the extreme low water...
Improved correspondence for DTI population studies via unbiased atlas building

We present a method for automatically finding correspondence in Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) from deformable registration to a common atlas. The registration jointly produces an average DTI atlas, which is unbiased with respect to the choice of a template image, along with diffeomorphic correspondence between each image. The registration image match metric uses a feature detector for thin fiber structures of white matter, and interpolation and averaging of diffusion tensors use the Riemannian symmetric space framework. The anatomically significant correspondence provides a basis for comparison of tensor features and fiber tract geometry in clinical studies and for building DTI population atlases.
Outcomes of Trauma-Informed Interventions for Incarcerated Women A Review

The purpose of this article was to conduct a review of experimental, quasi-experimental, and pre-test/post-test studies using manualized, trauma-informed interventions with incarcerated women. A systematic search of electronic databases, reference harvesting, and communication with experts were used to identify relevant primary studies. Nine studies meeting the specified inclusion/exclusion criteria were identified. Three studies used random assignment and five used a comparison or waitlist group. Interventions identified included Seeking Safety, Helping Women Recover/Beyond Trauma, Esuba, and Beyond Violence. Results of the studies indicate a decrease in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology and an additive effect to treatment as usual. Initial evidence for trauma-informed interventions for incarcerated women appears positive; however, replication using more rigorous research designs and inclusion of effect sizes are recommended. Limitations of this review include exclusion of the gray literature and lack of meta-analysis.
The dynamics of alcohol and marijuana initiation: patterns and predictors of first use in adolescence.

OBJECTIVES: This study, guided by the social development model, examined the dynamic patterns and predictors of alcohol and marijuana use onset. METHODS: Survival analysis and complementary log-log regression were used to model hazard rates and etiology of initiation with time-varying covariates. The sample was derived from a longitudinal study of 808 youth interviewed annually from 10 to 16 years of age and at 18 years of age. RESULTS: Alcohol initiation rose steeply up to the age of 13 years and then increased more gradually; most participants had initiated by 13 years of age. Marijuana initiation showed a different pattern, with more participants initiating after the age of 13 years. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that: (1) the risk of initiation spans the entire course of adolescent development; (2) young people exposed to others who use substances are at higher risk for early initiation; (3) proactive parents can help delay initiation; and (4) clear family standards and proactive family management are important in delaying alcohol and marijuana use, regardless of how closely bonded a child is to his or her mother.
Value of combined approach with thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomography and Epstein-Barr virus DNA polymerase chain reaction in CSF for the diagnosis of AIDS-related primary CNS lymphoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic capability of thallium-201 (201Tl) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with Epstein-Barr virus DNA (EBV-DNA) in CSF for the diagnosis of AIDS-related primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected patients with focal brain lesions observed between June 1996 and March 1998 underwent lumbar puncture and 201Tl SPECT. Each CSF sample was tested with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for EBV-DNA. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were included, 13 with PCNSL and 18 with nontumor disorders. In 11 PCNSL patients, EBV-DNA was positive. Thallium-201 uptake ranged from 1.90 to 4.07 in PCNSL cases (mean, 2.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.35 to 3.19) and from 0.91 to 3.38 in nontumor patients (mean, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.94) (P < .0002). Using a lesion/background ratio of 1.95 as cutoff, a negative SPECT was found in one PCNSL case and 16 nonneoplastic cases. A cryptococcoma and a tuberculoma showed highly...
Standardized tests and program evaluation: Inappropriate measures in critical times

Using standardized test scores to determine program effectiveness may contribute to further inequities.
Characterization of fibroblast proliferation factors elaborated by antigen- and mitogen-stimulated guinea pig lymph node cells: differentiation from lymphocyte-derived chemotactic factor for fibroblasts, lymphocyte mitogenic factor, and interleukin 1.

Abstract Guinea pig lymph node cells stimulated in culture by T-cell mitogens or sensitizing antigens release ~60,000- and ~16,000-mol wt proteins that induce normal guinea pig fibroblasts to proliferate in vitro . These fibroblast proliferation factors can be separated from lymphocytederived chemotactic factor for fibroblasts and from lymphocyte mitogenic factor by gel filtration employing Sephadex G-100. The 16,000-mol wt fibroblast proliferation factor was found to coelute with interleukin 1 (IL 1) from gel filtration columns. When the 16,000 molecular weight factor was further analyzed by anion exchange-high-performance liquid chromatography five major peaks containing IL 1 activity were obtained, only one contained fibroblast proliferation activity, suggesting forms of IL 1 exist that are not mitogenic for fibroblast. Occasionally, a large-molecular-weight inhibitor of fibroblast proliferation was detectable in void volume fractions from gel filtration of supernatant from antigen-stimulated lymph node cell cultures. This inhibition was accompanied by gross aggregation of fibroblasts. These studies suggest that fibroblast accumulation at sites of certain cell-mediated immune reactions in vivo may in part be attributable to the release of mediators by lymphocytes and, or macrophages that induce fibroblast growth.
End-group analysis of αs1-caseins A, B, and C

Abstract Three genetically determined variants of αs1-casein have been prepared, and the purity of each has been verified by starch-gel-urea electrophoresis. The amino-terminal end group was determined qualitatively by two independent chemical methods. Arginine was the only amino-terminal amino acid revealed by each method for all three variants. The results of the action of carboxypeptidase A can be interpreted most simply to infer a leucyl-tryptophan carboxyl-terminal sequence for all three proteins. The kinetics of amino acid release by carboxypeptidase was similar for the three αs1-caseins. A molecular weight of ~31,000 was determined from the carboxypeptidase data, assuming a single polypeptide chain. The results indicate that all amino acid differences among the variants must occur within the polypeptide chain, if the latter assumption is valid.
Geochemical and mineralogical investigation of uranium in multi-element contaminated, organic-rich subsurface sediment

Abstract Subsurface regions of alluvial sediments characterized by an abundance of refractory or lignitic organic carbon compounds and reduced Fe and S bearing minerals, which are referred to as naturally reduced zones (NRZ), are present at the Integrated Field Research Challenge site in Rifle, CO (a former U mill site), and other contaminated subsurface sites. A study was conducted to demonstrate that the NRZ contains a variety of contaminants and unique minerals and potential contaminant hosts, investigate micron-scale spatial association of U with other co-contaminants, and determine solid phase-bounded U valence state and phase identity. The NRZ sediment had significant solid phase concentrations of U and other co-contaminants suggesting competing sorption reactions and complex temporal variations in dissolved contaminant concentrations in response to transient redox conditions, compared to single contaminant systems. The NRZ sediment had a remarkable assortment of potential contaminant hosts, such as Fe oxides, siderite, Fe(II) bearing clays, rare solids such as ZnS framboids and CuSe, and, potentially, chemically complex sulfides. Micron-scale inspections of the solid phase showed that U was spatially associated with other co-contaminants. High concentration, multi-contaminant, micron size (ca. 5–30 μm) areas of mainly U(IV) (53–100%) which occurred as biogenic UO 2 (82%), or biomass – bound monomeric U(IV) (18%), were discovered within the sediment matrix confirming that biotically induced reduction and subsequent sequestration of contaminant U(VI) via natural attenuation occurred in this NRZ. A combination of assorted solid phase species and an abundance of redox-sensitive constituents may slow U(IV) oxidation rates, effectively enhancing the stability of U(IV) sequestered via natural attenuation, impeding rapid U flushing, and turning NRZs into sinks and long-term, slow-release sources of U contamination to groundwater.
Blood Group A,B,O(H) Activity of Urine

SummaryThe blood group activity in human urine has been investigated by means of inhibition of hemagglutination and the results compared to the activity of saliva. Blood Group A and B activity was the same when measured in saliva or urine, although a few urine specimens showed non-specific inhibition unless dialyzed. Ulex extract inhibiting activity was present in saliva specimens of secretors from all blood groups, whereas in urine, this activity could not be demonstrated except in specimens obtained from Group O individuals. Ulex extract is not useful, therefore, as a reagent for determining the secretor status of an individual when urine is the source of antigen.
Current management of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal

The management of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal is controversial. Treatment currently varies from abdominoperineal resection to combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Our aim is to review the management of this disease and present our current treatment policies. Twenty-six patients treated at the University of Florida with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy are compared with 12 patients treated with radiotherapy alone. The pertinent literature is reviewed to determine the role of primary surgery, the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy, and the optimal chemotherapy schedule. The preferred management of anal canal cancer is radiotherapy; abdominoperineal resection should be reserved for salvage after local recurrence and for patients with faecal incontinence caused by the destruction of the sphincter muscle. Adjuvant chemotherapy is probably indicated for patients with lesions that are stage T2 or larger. The optimal chemotherapy regimen consists of 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin. Preliminary data suggest that cisplatin may be substituted for mitomycin with equivalent efficacy and less toxicity.
Mechanisms of nanoindentation on multiwalled carbon nanotube and nanotube cluster

Nanoindentation is a promising technique for deducing the elastic property of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The paper presents an atomistic study on the nanoindentation mechanisms of single-walled and multiwalled CNTs and CNT clusters, through which the deformation characteristics are linked with CNT elastic stiffness. The assembly of individual single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) into multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs) and CNT clusters would significantly increase the buckling resistance in terms of withstanding the indentation load. Reverse analysis algorithms are proposed to extract the CNT stiffness by utilizing the indentation force-depth data measured from the prebuckling regimes. The numerical studies carried out in this paper may be used to guide the nanoindentation experiments, explain and extract useful data from the test, as well as stimulate new experiments.
Milestone Developments in Welding and Joining Processes

Welding, like other major manufacturing processes such as casting, metal forming, and material removal, has its roots in ancient times, though not necessarily in the various forms as we know them today. It therefore has a long history, with thousands of articles having been published on various aspects of the welding process over the years. However, there have been periodic reviews of the literature in the past, that summarize significant developments in the field. Thus, due to constraints on page limit, and to avoid unnecessary repetition of what is already well reviewed in the literature, this article will reference the key literature reviews on the subject, providing brief summaries where appropriate. The bulk of the article will then be devoted to more recent developments in the field. Due to the breadth of material to be covered, this review is designed to be more of a summary of key developments rather than a critique of a specific field.
Couples in crisis: Using self report instruments in marriage counseling

Self report inventories are often overlooked as a means of assessment in counseling with couples. A rationale for using self report instruments in working with couples is provided. Case studies are given to illustrate how one such instrument, ENRICH, can be used in developing a treatment strategy, making decisions about referrals, checking treatment progress, and following up on newlyweds.
PHOTOAGING EFFECTS ON SPECTRAL TRANSMITTANCE OF PLASTIC FILTERS

We examined the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in combination with high levels of infrared (IR) radiation on the spectral transmittance of plastic filters. The biological action spectrum for damage to the human eye and skin changes dramatically in the 300-400 nm wavelength range. Cut-off filters used in this region to shape the spectrum of exposure sources are thus critical to the design of experiments which use broadband light sources. The changes in transmittance of three types of plastic filters were observed over an exposure period of 1000 h. One set of three filters was exposed mainly to UV radiation, while the other set was exposed to UV radiation plus IR radiation. Filters exposed to both UV and IR radiation showed spectral changes in their transmittance, while the filters exposed to UV only showed no measurable changes.
A putative role of the xanthophyll, zeaxanthin, in blue light photoreception of corn coleoptiles.

Both flavins and carotenoids have some of the attributes expected for a photoreceptor mediating blue light—induced phototropism in plants. Besides the classical photoreceptor candidate, β-carotene, coleoptiles contain many other carotenoids, including the main components of the xanthophyll cycle, violaxanthin and zeaxanthin. Here, dark-grown coleoptiles accumulated violaxanthin, but lacked zeaxanthin. Coleoptiles devoid of zeaxanthin did not bend in response to a blue light pulse. Coleoptile tips converted violaxanthin into zeaxanthin in the light. Manipulation of coleoptile zeaxanthin content by red light, red light plus darkness, or incubation with the inhibitor of zeaxanthin formation, dithiothreitol, resulted in a blue light—induced bending that was proportional to zeaxanthin content. These data indicate that zeaxanthin may be a blue light photoreceptor in corn coleoptiles.
Cr(VI) Removal from Aqueous Solution by Activated Carbon Coated with Quaternized Poly(4-vinylpyridine)

A composite sorbent (GAC−QPVP) was prepared by coating poly(4-vinylpyridine) onto a granular activated carbon, followed by cross-linking and quaternization processes. The sorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, point of zero charge measurement, and BET analysis. Batch experiments with variable pH, ionic strength, and concentrations of Cr(VI), sorbent, and competing anions were conducted to evaluate the selective sorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The results showed that Cr(VI) sorption rates could be described by a reversible second-order kinetics, and equilibrium uptake of Cr(VI) increased with decreasing pH, decreasing ionic strength, and increasing sorbent concentration. The estimated maximum equilibrium uptake of chromium was 53.7 mg/g at pH = 2.25, 30.7 mg/g at pH = 3.65, and 18.9 mg/g at pH = 6.03, much higher than the maximum capacity of PVP-coated silica gel, an adsorbent for Cr examined previously. When compared with the untreated granular activated carbon, sorption ont...
A mathematical model of Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth in response to cadmium toxicity.

Microbial growth can be described using models derived by differential equations, but available mathematical models have yet to adequately describe lag phase related cell growth or cell mortality in response to chemical toxicity. Lag phase cell behavior, however, dictates the onset of exponential growth and the number of actively growing cells available to initiate exponential growth, important factors in the success of remediation efforts. In this study, a five-parameter polynomial ratio (PR) model was used to characterize the growth, from lag through stationary phase, of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in response to cadmium toxicity. The PR model used in this study has the advantages over standard mathematical models in the ability to represent the initial cell mortality observed when S. cerevisiae is exposed to increasing cadmium levels, up to 12 mg/l Cd, as well as following cell recovery and growth to stationary levels. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Association of I 131-labeled lactogenic hormone with cytoplasmic nucleoprotein of mammary gland cell.

SummaryStudies have been carried out with lactogenic hormone labeled with radioactive iodine in pseudo-pregnant rabbit mammary gland which indicate that the labeled hormone becomes associated with the cytoplasmic particulate nucleoprotein. Other data suggests that the particulate lipids are probably not involved in the lactogenic hormone-particulate association. These findings have been discussed in terms of their relation to the shift in synthesis which occurs in the mammary gland with the initiation of lactation.
Densification kinetics of glass films constrained on rigid substrates.

The kinetics of constrained-film sintering were studied in a borosilicate glass (BSG) + silica system because of their applications in microelectronic packaging technologies. Samples with a silica content by 20% by volume were prepared from slurries of powder mixtures in a commercial polyvinyl butyral (PVB) binder solution. Constrained films about 0.2 mm thick were formed by doctor-blade casting the slurries on silicon wafers. Free-standing films about 0.6 mm thick were also produced by casting the slurries on a treated mylar sheet for easy lift-off. Sintering experiments were carried out in a hot stage at temperatures between 715 °C and 775 °C. Shrinkage profiles of the free and constrained (shrinkage in thickness only) films were determined in situ using a custom-designed optical system. The densification rates measured in the constrained films were slower than those in the free films. However, the substrate constraint had no effect on the activation energy of densification which was found equal to 385 ± 10 kJ/mol, the same for both free and constrained films. A relation between the constrained-film and free-film densification profiles was derived using the viscous analogy for the constitutive equations of a porous sintering body.
Neurobehavioral sequelae of fetal cocaine exposure.

Summary The number of infants born to cocaine-using mothers has continued to rise during the past 5 years. Maternal cocaine use during pregnancy is associated with medical and life-style characteristics detrimental to fetal and infant development. Cocaine exposure has been independently linked to growth retardation and impaired fetal oxygenation even when polydrug use and other confounding factors are considered. Neurologic and neurobehavioral abnormalities noted in the immediate neonatal period have also been associated with fetal cocaine exposure. The direct and indirect toxic effects of cocaine, per se, have not yet been independently linked to specific behavioral outcomes because of small sample sizes, confounding factors, and lack of longterm follow-up. The impoverished environments and increased risk for out-of-family placement of cocaine-exposed infants are known independent correlates of negative developmental outcomes. Poor maternal nutrition, lack of prenatal care, and other health and life-style factors related to maternal cocaine use during pregnancy also appear to be factors mediating the developmental problems of cocaine-exposed infants. The cocaine-using mother often uses other drugs, particularly alcohol, independently known to be linked to growth and behavioral impairments similar to those proposed for cocaine-exposed infants. Accounting for these multiple confounding variables in studies of the specific effects of cocaine on neurobehavioral outcome may be scientifically appropriate, but in clinical practice these factors cannot be "isolated," and their statistical consideration in studies does not diminish clinical risk. 45 Finally, currently available studies of behavioral outcome have restricted their samples to term infants. It is possible that preterm infants may be less affected by prenatal cocaine exposure because of decreased exposure. However, because epidemiologic studies suggest that prematurity is a sequela of maternal cocaine use, 17, 19, 22, 27 restriction of samples to term or appropriately sized infants may underestimate the spectrum of morbidity associated with cocaine exposure. We believe that maternal cocaine use during pregnancy is a "marker" variable for early impairments in infant growth and behavioral functioning that have long-term implications for later developmental outcome, especially for learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. Critically assessing the independent contribution of cocaine to negative developmental outcome and determining whether early neonatal abnormalities are permanent or modifiable may allow clinical intervention and improved social policy. Assessing the independent effects of cocaine on child developmental outcome will require carefully designed, long-term, longitudinal, population-based studies with samples large enough to allow multivariate data analyses and statistical control of confounding medical and social variables.
Histology after dural grafting with small intestinal submucosa

Background The search for the ideal dural substitute continues, inasmuch as available materials have significant limitations. Xenogeneic porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) has been successfully used as a soft tissue graft in several body organ systems, and it was logical to evaluate its use as a dural replacement. Methods Twenty rats underwent bihemispheric craniectomy with dural resection. SIS onlay grafting on one side was performed. Histologic assessment was obtained at 7 and 28 days after dural grafting and included descriptive evaluation and quantitative scoring of graft-site thickness, vascularity, and cellular density. The total scores for the respective groups were compared using the Student's t test, significance being accepted for a p value Results Histologic evaluation showed graft infiltration by spindle-shaped mononuclear cells, deposition of connective tissue, and neovascularity. This pattern is consistent with the previously described incorporation and remodeling of the SIS graft at other sites. A significant difference between the histologic scores of the SIS graft site and control site was found at 7 days (3.4 +/- 0.8 versus 0.1 +/- 0.1) and at 28 days (4.6 +/- 1.1 versus 2.2 +/- 0.5). No evidence of adverse effect on the underlying cortex was observed. Conclusions The results of this preliminary study utilizing porcine SIS as a dural substitute are promising and therefore justify further chronic studies.
Treatment of cholestatic pruritus in children.

Purpose. The treatment of cholestatic pruritus in children is reviewed. Summary. Cholestasis is characterized by an accumulation of substances that are normally secreted in the bile. Pruritus is a well-known feature of chronic cholestasis in both adults and children and has been reported as the most incapacitating symptom in children with chronic liver disease. Traditional agents, such as antihistamines, are typically ineffective as monotherapy in controlling cholestatic pruritus. As a result, clinicians have looked to other agents, such as rifampin, phenobarbital, ursodiol, opioid antagonists, and bile-binding resins, for attaining better control of pruritic symptoms. Each agent demonstrates different levels of efficacy in pediatric and adult literature. There are no guidelines or algorithms to guide therapy with these agents for children. As a result, an agent should be selected based on the patient’s concurrent diseases and current medication regimen. Cholestyramine and ursodiol are both safe and inexpensive, with documented efficacy for cholestatic pruritus in children. Because cholestatic pruritus is likely a result of multiple mechanisms, combination therapy with agents that have differing mechanisms of action might be beneficial and could capitalize on potential synergy between the agents used. Future therapy for cholestatic pruritis may include serotonin antagonists, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, and leukotriene antagonists. Conclusion. Depending on the underlying disease state resulting in cholestasis, phenobarbital, ursodiol, bile sequestering agents, and opioid antagonists appear to be most effective for treating pruritus related to intrahepatic cholestasis. Alternatively, rifampin appears to be the only agent with reported treatment efficacy for pruritus related to extrahepatic cholestasis.
Salt-Sensitive Hypertension Induced by Decoy of Transcription Factor Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α in the Renal Medulla

Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha, a transcription factor, is abundantly expressed in the renal medulla and regulates many oxygen-sensitive genes such as nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and heme oxygenase-1. Given the important roles of these genes in the control of arterial pressure, the present study was to test the hypothesis that HIF-1alpha-mediated gene activation serves as an antihypertensive pathway by regulating renal medullary function and sodium excretion. HIF-1alpha decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) or scrambled ODNs were transfected into the renal medulla in uninephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats. Two weeks after ODN transfection, the HIF-1alpha binding activities were significantly inhibited by 45%, and high salt-induced increases of nitric oxide synthase-2 and heme oxygenase-1 transcriptions were also inhibited by 70% and 61% in the renal medulla from decoy rats. The natriuretic responses and increases of renal medullary blood flow responding to the elevations of renal perfusion pressure were significantly blunted by 50% and 37% in decoy rats. Intravenously acute sodium loading increased medullary blood flow and urinary sodium excretion, which was remarkably attenuated in decoy rats. In decoy rats, high salt intake caused a greater positive sodium balance. Consequently, arterial pressure was remarkably increased (from 118+/-1.9 to 154+/-6.3 mm Hg) in decoy rats but not in control rats when the rats were challenged with a high salt diet. There was no blood pressure change in decoy rats that were maintained in normal salt diet. In conclusion, HIF-1alpha-mediated gene activation importantly participates in the regulation of renal medullary function and long-term arterial blood pressure.
Towards optimization of a real-world Robotic-Sensor System of Systems

The problem of threat detection in an unstructured environment is considered. Three systems, comprising of robots and sensors, are proposed to form a system of systems (SoS) to find a solution to the problem. System interactions are defined to provide a framework for formulation as an SoS optimization problem. Different cost and objective functions are introduced for optimization of local criteria. Using different weights, a linear combination of the local cost and objective functions is obtained to propose a global objective function. An algorithm is suggested to find an optimum value for the global objective function leading towards optimization of the SoS.
Monitoring of repeated head impacts using time-dilation based self-powered sensing

Measuring head impacts in helmeted sports is important for prognosticating onset of mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBIs) or concussions. In this paper we present a miniature battery-less, self-powered sensor that can be embedded inside sport helmets and can continuously monitor and log the statistics of different levels of helmet impacts. At the core of the proposed sensor is a novel time-dilation circuit which allows measurement of the high-levels of impact energy. An array of linear floatinggate injector is used for storing the location of the sensor on the helmet and for logging the statistics of helmet impacts which can be retrieved using an external plug-and-play reader. Measured results from prototypes fabricated in a 0.5 μm CMOS process validate the functionality of the sensor when subjected to controlled drop tests.
Portfolio evaluation for professional competence: credentialing in genetics for nurses.

Abstract The use of professional portfolios, comprised of a wide variety of materials and evidence to profile the scope and depth of a clinician's practice competence, is gaining popularity. The usual methods of showing professional competence via paper and pencil/computerized testing, oral presentations, or performance observations provide a picture of competence at a given point in time based on didactic content recall. Portfolios present an opportunity for presentation of a larger number of competency evaluation points. Although examinations can be validated with psychometrics, providing accuracy and reliability of evaluation of portfolios is a more complicated matter. This article discusses the experiences of the Credentialing Committee of the International Society of Nurses in Genetics as they created and validated the evaluation of professional portfolios to provide a quality credential for nurses in genetics. J Prof Nurs 19:85-90, 2003. © Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
The CDMS II Z-sensitive ionization and phonon germanium detector

Abstract The last year saw major progress in the development of the nuclear-recoil dark matter detector for the Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS II) experiment. The basic γ-ray background discrimination is based on ionization yield. However, as shown in separate experiments, surface events and especially electrons also results in low ionization yield due to incomplete charge collection. The two-fold strategy to reduce these unwanted backgrounds was to improve charge collection at the detector surface and to employ fast phonon sensors on Ge. A 250 g Ge detector with an Al Schottky contact on an amorphous Si blocking layer and a Quasiparticle-trap-assisted Electrothermal-feedback Transition-edge (QET) phonon sensor has been characterized. The phonon collection efficiency of the new detector is similar to that of the latest 100 g Si Fast Large Ionization and Phonon (FLIP) detector, which has the same phonon sensor design. The fall times of the phonon pulses are longer and consistent with simulations. The charge collection at the surface is high and very similar to that of smaller test devices and the last revision of Berkeley Large Ionization and Phonon (BLIP) detectors. The four fast non-thermal phonon sensors yield x, y position resolution similar to the Si FLIP detector. A rise time surface effect was demonstrated on both sides of the detector. The effect results in a much more effective rejection of surface events than the rejection based on charge yield alone and therefore improves the sensitivity for a dark matter search.
Does continental crust transform during eclogite facies metamorphism

Eclogites within exhumed continental collision zones indicate regional burial to depths of at least 60 km, and often more than 100 km in the coesite-stable, ultra-high pressure (UHP) eclogite facies. Garnet, omphacitic pyroxene, high-Si mica, kyanite ± coesite should grow at the expense of low-P minerals in most felsic compositions, if equilibrium obtained at these conditions. The quartzofeldspathic rocks that comprise the bulk of eclogite facies terranes, however, contain mainly amphibolite facies, plagioclase-bearing assemblages. To what extent these lower-P minerals persisted metastably during (U)HP metamorphism, or whether they grew afterwards, reflects closely upon crustal parameters such as density, strength and seismic character. The Nordfjord area in western Norway offers a detailed view into a large crustal section that was subducted into the eclogite facies. The degree of transformation in typical pelite, paragneiss, granitic and granodioritic gneiss was assessed by modelling the equilibrium assemblage, comparing it with existing parageneses in these rocks and using U/Th–Pb zircon geochronology from laser ablation ICPMS to establish the history of mineral growth. U–Pb dates define a period of zircon recrystallization and new growth accompanying burial and metamorphism lasting from 430 to 400 Ma. Eclogite facies mafic rock (~2 vol.% of crust) is the most transformed composition and records the ambient peak conditions. Rare garnet-bearing pelitic rocks (<10 vol.% of crust) preserve a mostly prograde mineral evolution to near-peak conditions; REE concentrations in zircon indicate that garnet was present after 425 Ma and feldspar broke down after 410 Ma. Felsic gneiss – by far the most abundant rock type – is dominated by quartz + biotite + feldspar, but minor zoisite/epidote, phengitic white mica, garnet and rutile point to a prograde HP overprint. Relict textures indicate that much of the microstructural framework of plagioclase, K-feldspar, and perhaps biotite, persisted through at least 25 Ma of burial, and ultimately UHP metamorphism. The signature reaction of the eclogite facies in felsic rocks – jadeite/omphacite growth from plagioclase – cannot be deduced from the presence of pyroxene or its breakdown products. We conclude that prograde dehydration in orthogneiss leads to fluid absent conditions, impeding equilibration beyond ~high-P amphibolite facies.
Astrocyte Morphology Is Controlled by Neuron-Derived FGF

The highly ramified processes of astrocytes enable cellular interactions and extracellular homeostasis. In this issue of Neuron, Stork et al. (2014) report that extension and elaboration of astrocyte processes in Drosophila is controlled by the release of FGF by neurons.
Spatial variations of Holocene climatic change in the Yellowstone region.

The paleoecologic record of the northern Rocky Mountains shows considerable spatial variability, which has been difficult to explain as a unified response to large-scale changes in effective moisture or temperature through time. Comparison of past and present climatic patterns suggests that the spatial heterogeneity in the fossil record arises from a local response to the effects of greater summer solar radiation during the early Holocene. Solar radiation directly determines evapotranspiration and indirectly controls the strength of the summer monsoon and the eastern Pacific subtropical high-pressure system. The Yellowstone region provides an example of an area where the indirect effects of solar radiation are manifest by the juxtaposition of two contrasting climatic regimes today and where these regimes were amplified during the early Holocene. Fossil-pollen data suggest that central and southern Yellowstone (the summer-dry area) became drier in the early Holocene, while northern Yellowstone (the summer-wet area) became wetter. The boundary between regimes, however, is controlled by topography and has not changed significantly in the Holocene. The spatial variations of Holocene vegetation and climatic changes in the northern Rocky Mountains may therefore be explained as a trade-off between strengthened monsoonal circulation and a stronger subtropical high in the early Holocene and the relative importance of these precipitation regimes on a topographically complex landscape.
High-pressure studies of luminescence from GaP and GaP:N diodes.

We present results of both experiments and theoretical calculations of the effect of pressure on the emission spectra of GaP and GaP:N light-emitting diodes at 300 K. The fact that effects of pressure on the exciton recombination spectra are observable at 300 K was unexpected. We observed a decrease in intensity of the peak due to bound-exciton recombination by more than a factor of 2. Theoretical calculations of the effect of pressure on the GaP:N bound-exciton wave function were performed. The results are consistent, helping to confirm both our interpretation of the experiment, and the model used in the calculation.
Wavelet-Galerkin solution of boundary value problems

In this paper we review the application of wavelets to the solution of partial differential equations. We consider in detail both the single scale and the multiscale Wavelet Galerkin method. The theory of wavelets is described here using the language and mathematics of signal processing. We show a method of adapting wavelets to an interval using an extrapolation technique called Wavelet Extrapolation. Wavelets on an interval allow boundary conditions to be enforced in partial differential equations and image boundary problems to be overcome in image processing. Finally, we discuss the fast inversion of matrices arising from differential operators by preconditioning the multiscale wavelet matrix. Wavelet preconditioning is shown to limit the growth of the matrix condition number, such that Krylov subspace iteration methods can accomplish fast inversion of large matrices.
Tensile and moisture barrier properties of whey protein–beeswax layered composite films

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of research on producing layered protein–lipid composite films with improved tensile and barrier properties compared to films from individual components. Several film-forming parameters were hypothesized to influence the extent to which lipids were either dispersed within or layered upon whey protein films. Film-forming parameters investigated were ratio of whey protein isolate (WPI) to beeswax (BW), homogenization method, sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration, and BW particle size. RESULTS: Film percent elongation (E) increased, while tensile strength (TS) and elastic modulus (EM) decreased when BW was incorporated into WPI films, demonstrating a lubricant effect of the BW. Mean water vapor permeability values for WPI film decreased by 57% when the film composition was modified by the addition of 40% BW. BW phase separation was observed in all of the tested films. Particle size of BW in the film-forming emulsions was larger in the presence of NaCl (100 mmol L−1), indicating a neutralization of particle charge. However, the addition of NaCl did not improve the moisture barrier of WPI-BW film over the range of film-forming conditions used in the study. CONCLUSION: The results from this study are useful in determining formulations and conditions for the production of composite films from WPI and BW with improved tensile and moisture barrier properties. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
A bitter pill: attempting change in a pediatric morning report.

Objective To assess and address participants' dissatisfaction with departmental morning report (MR). Methods Three consecutive MR sessions were observed, and those data, in combination with findings from the literature, were used to guide creation of a quantitative survey. The survey was administered to all faculty and housestaff. Survey items addressed the educational focus, leadership, and format of MR and the value of specific educational conferences. Subsequently, 2 interventions were developed to increase participants' level of satisfaction with MR. The interventions' effect was measured 1 year later using a second survey. Results Eighty-two percent of housestaff and 43% of faculty responded to the first survey. Our findings are contrary to those in the literature. For example, respondents rated the presence of all faculty at MR as desirable, and both subspecialty and general pediatric contributions were considered important. Housestaff assigned greater educational value to all teaching conferences than did faculty. Similarly, housestaff believed more strongly than faculty that MR leadership should be changed. A follow-up survey demonstrated a decrease in mean perceived value of MR after our interventions. Conclusions Despite aggressive research, we failed to identify the source of participants' dissatisfaction. Although our interventions were based on research data and reflected participants' perceptions and concerns related to MR, they were not supported by the faculty. This demonstrates the inherent difficulties in changing an "institution" such as MR. Thus, examination of MR goals and satisfaction by individual training programs should be conducted within the confines of the conference's preexisting structure, without attempt to apply literature-driven expectations.
On the importance of E‐field variability for Joule heating in the high‐latitude thermosphere

Joule heating is known to be one of the major energy sources of the upper atmosphere. Knowledge of the magnitude of this source is fundamentally important to a thorough understanding of the region's physics. However, Joule heating is currently one of the largest sources of uncertainty in the thermosphere's energy budget. In numerical models the distribution of Joule heating is generally computed using mean or average convection patterns, which evolve on a relatively long time scale in response to changes in solar wind conditions. The convection patterns represent average electric potential distributions, and thus the resulting amount of Joule heating is proportional to the square of the average E-field. That method ignores the important component of Joule heating due to rapid or small-scale fluctuations in E-field or ion drifts. However, E-field fluctuations are known to exist on a variety of temporal and spatial scales, and the actual amount of Joule heating in the thermosphere is proportional to the average of the square of the E-field. The computation of the average of the square of the E-field requires knowledge of the statistical characteristics of E-field variability; thus knowledge not available at present. In this paper we assess, on the bases of theoretical considerations, the importance of E-field variability as an upper-atmosphere energy source. We show that the inclusion of E-field variability in the high-latitude convection model can significantly increase the amount of Joule heating for a given pattern.
The morphology of corticofugal axons to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus in the cat

The structural features of corticogeniculate axons were studied in adult cats after labeling them with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Injections of HRP into the optic radiations near the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus result in Golgi-like filling of both geniculate relay neurons and corticogeniculate axons. In the present material at least two main types of axons could be defined. The most common type is called the type I axon because it so closely resembles the type I axons described by Guillery (1966, 1967) in Golgi preparations. These fine axons have smooth surfaces and consistent fiber diameter. Most terminal swellings are at the ends of short collateral branches and these swellings form asymmetric synaptic contacts onto small and medium-sized dendrites. Type I axons typically innervate more than one lamina as well as interlaminar zones and they clearly arise from the cerebral cortex. The second type of axon is called the beaded axon because of its numerous swellings, en passant. These swellings frequently are larger than those on type I axons and they differ from previously described corticogeniculate axon terminals in their ultrastructural features. That is, their synaptic contacts appear symmetrical and they form axosomatic contacts. Because of these differences, the possibility that beaded axons are of subcortical origin, particularly from the perigeniculate nucleus, is discussed. When type I axons and geniculate relay neurons are filled in the same region of the nucleus it is possible to identify probable sites of synaptic contactby using the light microscope. Such analyses indicate thatcorticogenic-ulate axons synapse directly onto relay cells, primarily on peripheral dendritic branches. Further, it appears that single axons contact many geniculate neurons and that single neurons are contacted by many axons.
The Role of Lipids in the Control of Autophagy

Macroautophagy is an essential cellular pathway mediating the lysosomal degradation of defective organelles, long-lived proteins and a variety of protein aggregates. Similar to other intracellular trafficking pathways, macroautophagy involves a complex sequence of membrane remodeling and trafficking events. These include the biogenesis of autophagosomes, which engulf portions of cytoplasm at specific subcellular locations, and their subsequent maturation into autophagolysosomes through fusion with the endo-lysosomal compartment. Although the formation and maturation of autophagosomes are controlled by molecular reactions occurring at the membrane–cytosol interface, little is known about the role of lipids and their metabolizing enzymes in this process. Historically dominated by studies on class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (also known as Vps34) and its product phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate, as well as on the lipidation of Atg8/LC3-like proteins, this area of research has recently expanded, implicating a variety of other lipids, such as phosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol, and their metabolizing enzymes in macroautophagy. This review summarizes this progress and highlights the role of specific lipids in the various steps of macroautophagy, including the signaling processes underlying macroautophagy initiation, autophagosome biogenesis and maturation.
Correcting for Grade Inflation in Studies of Academic Performance

Comparison of data from 2 college samples (ns = 162 and 193) shows that grade inflation can affect the outcomes of cross-sectional studies. A correction based on Goldman and Hewitt's (1975) rationale effectively controls for such inflation.
ELLIPTIC CURVES SATISFYING THE BIRCH AND SWINNERTON-DYER CONJECTURE MOD 3

Abstract In this paper, we give examples of elliptic curves for which a positive proportion of the quadratic twists satisfy a weak form of the Birch and Swinnerton–Dyer conjecture modulo 3.