cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Relaxin and Antirelaxin Serum on Porcine Sperm Motility

Sperm motility was estimated by a transmembrane migration ratio (TMMR) method, which is based on the proportion of sperm that migrate across a membrane containing micropores with a diameter slightly greater than the width of the sperm nucleus. Relaxin (1000, 333 and 167 ng/ml) attenuated (P < 0.01) loss of sperm motility during 120 min (50 vs 40%). The addition of 1000 ng/ml relaxin to semen improved sperm motility (P < 0.05) stored at 12°C for 5 days with compared controls (43 vs 32%). Antirelaxin serum (R6) and normal rabbit serum (NRS; 1:9000) were added to semen and the sperm motility was determined at 0, 10, 40, 80 and 120 min. Antirelaxin serum abruptly inhibited sperm motility (P < 0.01) within 10 min compared with NRS-treated control semen (25 vs 58%). Caffeine and relaxin stimulated motility (P < 0.01) of frozen-thawed porcine semen; however, relaxin maintained greater sperm motility (P < 0.01) than caffeine after 80 min (30 vs 16%). These results indicate that purified porcine relaxin can maintain or increase sperm motility; in contrast, porcine antirelaxin abruptly inhibits sperm motility.
Reports, requests, and recipient design: The management of patron queries in online reference chats

The related fields of ethnomethodology (EM), founded by Harold Garfinkel, and conversation analysis (CA), as epitomized by the work of Harvey Sacks, offer unique insights into the operation of virtual reference services (VRS). The tradition of phenomenology within library and information science (LIS) provides a context for this research, although EM-CA differs in important respects, providing a program for grounded empirical investigations. Relevant EM-CA research concerns include the documentary method of interpretation, trust, indexicality, instructed action, and sequential organization. Review of the LIS literature on reference interactions in both face-to-face and virtual settings reveals a tendency to impose analytic categories and classificatory schemes that obscure the extremely situated and collaborative nature of reference work; however, an EM-CA examination of transcripts from the first 4 months of a newly implemented VRS at a large university library suggests the need for a more nuanced approach. Close-order examination of two chat reference transcripts reveals the interactional complexities and nuances that characterize even the most succinct encounters. Analyzing the reference query as a service request demonstrates how librarians deploy their interactional skills to address “face” concerns and ameliorate potentially problematic aspects of the reference encounter. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stand up for science

This year showed that good communication can make you a leader, and a better scientist, says Nancy Baron.
Lattice stability of aluminum-rare earth binary systems: A first-principles approach

studied via first-principles density-functional theory at low-temperature limit. The calculated phase stabilities at T=0 K are in very good agreement with experimentally reported ones for the majority of the systems. For example, we show the Al2RE.cF24 structure is the most stable compound phase in each binary and it indeed has the highest congruent melting point in each system. In some other cases, we obtain results previously unknown experimentally. For example, we suggest that the structure of the observed compound AlTm2 is isostructural with Co2Si.oP12 prototype Co2Si, Pearson symbol oP12, we confirm the stability of AlEu.oP20 rather than AlEu.oP18 by examining the energetics of vacancy substitution, and we predict the unreported Al-Pm phase diagram. Relative accuracy of different potentials and calculational details are addressed. This study predicts that the Al-RE phase diagrams evolve systematically across the entire RE series, interrupted by anomalies at elements Ce and especially Eu and Yb. Trends in lattice stability across the RE series are explained on the basis of interatomic bonding and strain. This study demonstrates that first-principles calculations can be employed to 1 further examine and improve the experimentally established binary-alloy phase diagrams, and 2 provide accurate enthalpy data for stable and hypothetical compounds and structures.
Hypokalemia, hyperglycemia and plasma catecholamine activity after severe theophylline intoxication

To determine if differences in the rate of hypokalemia and hyperglycemia between victims of acute versus chronic theophylline intoxication relate to alterations in plasma catecholamine activity, we evaluated plasma catechols in three groups of patients: victims of acute theophylline intoxication (n = 10), chronic theophylline overmedication (n = 3), and healthy controls (n = 6). There were no differences in peak serum theophylline concentration between acute and chronic groups (86.6 vs 73.0 mcg/mL, p = NS). Among those with acute intoxication mean (+/- SEM) serum potassium was 2.80 +/- .16 mEq/L while mean serum glucose was 208 +/- 26 mg/dL. In contrast, those with chronic intoxication had a mean serum potassium of 4.10 +/- .70 mEq/L with a mean serum glucose of 139 mg/dL (p < .0001 and p < .04 for between-group potassium and glucose, respectively). Potassium and glucose concentrations of those with chronic theophylline intoxication were similar to those of controls. Plasma epinephrine was higher in those with acute theophylline intoxication than in victims of chronic overmedication and controls (282 vs 133 vs 58 pg/mL, p < .003). Plasma norepinephrine and dopamine in contrast were significantly higher in those with chronic overmedication than in those with acute intoxication and controls (norepinephrine 1395 vs 965 vs 268 pg/mL, p < .008; dopamine 198 vs 148 vs 39 pg/mL, p < .009). These data suggest that the pattern of glucose and potassium disturbances after acute theophylline intoxication parallel differences in plasma epinephrine concentrations. This supports theories that hypokalemia is the result of enhanced beta-2 receptor stimulation.
Direct observation of optically induced transient structures in graphite using ultrafast electron crystallography.

We use ultrafast electron crystallography to study structural changes induced in graphite by a femtosecond laser pulse. At moderate fluences of $\ensuremath{\le}21\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{mJ}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, lattice vibrations are observed to thermalize on a time scale of $\ensuremath{\approx}8\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ps}$. At higher fluences approaching the damage threshold, lattice vibration amplitudes saturate. Following a marked initial contraction, graphite is driven nonthermally into a transient state with $s{p}^{3}$-like character, forming interlayer bonds. Using ab initio density functional calculations, we trace the governing mechanism back to electronic structure changes following the photoexcitation.
A method for isolating lung mitochondria from rabbits, rats, and mice with improved respiratory characteristics.

Abstract Previous methods for isolating lung mitochondria, particularly from rabbits, have yielded preparations which exhibit low respiratory control ratios (RCRs). We now report a method for the isolation of lung mitochondria from rabbit, rat, and mouse with RCRs, ADP/O ratios, and rates of substrate oxidation comparable to those for liver mitochondria. These mitochondrial preparations fail to oxidize exogenously added NADH and exhibit RCRs, during succinate oxidation, which closely approximate those obtained with NADH-linked substrates. However, an otherwise latent Mg 2+ -stimulated ATPase activity can still be elicited when Mg 2+ is added to the mitochondrial incubation medium. This ATPase activity is insensitive to oligomycin and atractyloside, indicating that the source is from contaminating endoplasmic reticulum. The pH and EDTA concentration for maximum substrate oxidation and RCR were found to be 7.2 and 0.1 m m , respectively. State 4 respiration was affected by pH and EDTA concentration while state 3 respiration appeared to be independent of these two factors over the ranges studied.
Balloon postdilation can safely improve the results of successful (but suboptimal) directional coronary atherectomy.

This study investigates whether adjunctive balloon angioplasty can be safely used to improve acute results in cases where directional coronary atherectomy alone has provided a successful (but suboptimal) outcome. Between October 1, 1990, and October 1, 1992, directional coronary atherectomy was performed successfully in 198 of 228 lesions. Individual operators believed that most acute results were satisfactory after atherectomy alone (group I, n = 115) with a minimal lumen diameter that increased from 0.82 +/- 0.45 to 3.21 +/- 0.65 mm after atherectomy, for an acute gain in lumen diameter of 2.39 +/- 0.73 mm and a residual stenosis of 6 +/- 13%. In 42% of lesions (group II, n = 83), however, results were considered suboptimal after atherectomy alone, with a minimal lumen diameter that increased from 0.85 +/- 0.45 to 2.83 +/- 0.64 mm, a smaller acute gain of 1.96 +/- 0.72 mm, and a mean residual stenosis of 17 +/- 14% (although all residual stenoses were 30%). Adjunctive balloon angioplasty in these group II lesions provided an additional gain of 0.34 +/- 0.38 mm, bringing the total acute gain for group II lesions to 2.32 +/- 0.78 mm and the residual stenosis to 9 +/- 13%, similar to that of group I patients who underwent atherectomy alone. This strategy resulted in a 7 +/- 13% overall residual stenosis for the study population, with no higher incidence of periprocedural complications or adverse late clinical outcomes in group II patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Espresso, Inc.: Analyzing the Impact of Employee Stock Options

This case explores the effects of stock option awards on companies and their employees. We examine how options likely affect employee wealth by considering tax and cash‐flow effects of the grant and exercise of the option and of the subsequent sale of stock. We also examine how the company reports stockoption transactions in its financial statements and footnotes and how the options affect the company's tax return. These issues are investigated for both incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options. In addition, the case's setting presents the challenges of balancing employee and corporate objectives when structuring this increasingly common form of compensation.
Federal management of emergencies

Abstract The federal government has organized its emergency preparedness and response functions along resource lines. Central coordination of these activities is the responsibility of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which provides overall policy direction, orchestrates the national response to major emergencies and, when necessary, adjudicates competing claims for limited resources. Emergency management of each key national resource is the province of the federal department or agency most directly concerned. Responsibility for production and distribution of the resources of U.S. industry resides in the Department of Commerce, which 1. (i) assures that domestic industry continues to meet the requirements of national security during peacetime and 2. (ii) is prepared to expand governmental and industrial activities to satisfy wartime requirements. The Reagan administration has established the Emergency Mobilization Preparedness Board (EMPB) to improve civil support of the armed forces and meet the needs of the national economy during major emergencies.
Differential expression of hepatocyte growth factor in liver, kidney, lung, and spleen following burn in rats.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plays a role as an organotropic factor for regeneration of injured organs. HGF is synthesized as an inactive single-chain precursor which is then converted to a biologically active heterodimeric form by proteolytic processing. Burn is the insult that results in hypovolemia which causes systemic organ injury. In this study, we investigated the induction and activation of HGF in various rat organs following burn trauma. Tissue HGF content determined as the total amount of the single-chain and heterodimeric form increased significantly in liver, lung, spleen, and kidney 12 h after burn. Molecular analysis revealed that HGF in these four organs of control rats was the single-chain precursor. In the burned rats, HGF was the single-chain form in the liver and lung, whereas heterodimeric HGF was detected in the spleen and kidney. Tissue protein content, an index of tissue injury, decreased significantly in the spleen and kidney, indicating that tissue damage was severe in these two organs. These results suggest that burn induces the production of HGF in various organs, and that the induced HGF is activated according to the severity of tissue damage caused by burn.
Mechanisms of permanent loss of olfactory receptor neurons induced by the herbicide 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile: effects on stem cells and noninvolvement of acute induction of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6

Abstract We explored the mechanisms underlying the differential effects of two olfactory toxicants, the herbicide 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (DCBN) and the anti-thyroid drug methimazole (MMZ), on olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) regeneration in mouse olfactory epithelium (OE). DCBN, but not MMZ, induced inflammation-like pathological changes in OE, and DCBN increased interleukin IL-6 levels in nasal-wash fluid to much greater magnitude and duration than did MMZ. At 24 h after DCBN injection, the population of horizontal basal cells (HBCs; reserve, normally quiescent OE stem cells) lining the DMM became severely depleted as some of them detached from the basal lamina, and sloughed into the nasal cavity along with the globose basal cells (GBCs; heterogeneous population of stem and progenitor cells), neurons, and sustentacular cells of the neuroepithelium. In contrast, the layer of HBCs remained intact in MMZ-treated mice, as only the mature elements of the neuroepithelium were shed. Despite the respiratory metaplasia accompanying the greater severity of the DCBN lesion, residual HBCs that survived intoxication were activated by the injury and contributed to the metaplastic respiratory epithelium, as shown by tracing their descendants in a K5CreEr T2 ::fl(stop)TdTomato strain of mice in which recombination causes HBCs to express TdTomato in advance of the lesion. But, contrary to published observations with MMZ, the HBCs failed to form ORNs. A role for IL-6 in suppressing ORN regeneration in DCBN-treated mice was rejected by the failure of the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone to prevent the subsequent respiratory metaplasia in the DMM, suggesting that other factors lead to HBC neuro-incompetence.
Measurement and significance of three-dimensional architecture to the mechanical integrity of trabecular bone

The mechanical properties of trabecular bone have been shown to vary significantly with age, anatomic location, and metabolic condition. Efforts towards predicting its behavior have been extensive, and significant relationship between measures of density and mechanical integrity have been reported. Unfortunately, the significant heterogeneity in trabecular bone anisotropy contributes to significant unexplained variance in its strength and modulus when predicted using scalar measures of mass or density. As a result, numerous investigators have attempted to include measures of architecture in an effort to more rigorously investigate potential physiologic optimization strategies, as well as account for the increased fragility associated with advancing age. In our laboratories we have utilized a unique three-dimensional, microcomputed tomography system to measure trabecular plate thickness, trabecular plate separation, trabecular plate number, surface to volume ratio, bone volume fraction, anisotropy, and connectivity in isolated specimens of trabecular bone. The results of these studies demonstrate that in normal bone, more than 80% of the variance in its mechanical behavior can be explained by measures of density and orientation. The independent measures of connectivity and trabecular plate number were found to be significantly correlated with bone volume fraction, suggesting a potential strategy in the formation of trabecular bone. It might be hypothesized, however, that the relationship between bone volume fraction and connectivity may be substantially altered under conditions associated with aging, fragility, or metabolic bone disease. This hypothesis would be consistent with the histologic, evidence of reduced connectivity in osteopenic patients.
Oxygenation studies of manganese(II) complexes employing tetradentate ligands derived from salicylaldehyde and long chain diamines

Abstract Manganese(II) complexes formed by the reaction of either salicylaldehyde or 5-chlorosalicylaldehyde and polymethylenediamines have been isolated. The complexes Mn(SALC6), Mn(SALC8), and Mn(SALC10) rapidly darken upon exposure to air. Mn(SALC4) and the chloro derivatives are stable in air when dry. When suspended in DMSO all complexes, with the exception of Mn(SALC4), react with oxygen to form manganese(IV) complexes. All of the complexes react with oxygen in solution. The rates of oxygenation of the complexes in the solid state, as DMSO suspensions and in pyridine solution suggest a two step oxygenation. A manganese(III) intermediate is isolated for the Mn(SALC8) case. These results are correlated with previous oxygenation studies of Mn(SALC2) and Mn(SALC3). The structure of the fully oxygenated complexes is proposed to be polymeric with μ-dioxo bridges between pairs of manganese atoms.
Least-Squares Continuous Sensitivity Shape Optimization for Structural Elasticity Applications

A general first-order formulation of the continuous sensitivity equations is introduced that improves the accuracy of the sensitivity boundary conditions. In the continuous sensitivity method, design or shape parameter gradients are computed from a continuous system of partial differential equations instead of the discretized system, which avoids the problematic mesh sensitivity calculations of discrete methods for shape variation problems. The first-order formulation for both the underlying elasticity and sensitivity equations is amenable to solution by a high-order polynomial least-squares finite element model. The continuous sensitivity boundary-value problem, which can be posed in local or total derivative form, is generally simpler in local sensitivity form for shape variation problems. Although the local form is not unique and total material sensitivities are generally desired for structural elasticity problems, the local sensitivity solution is easily transformed to a material derivative. The first-order formulation and the transformation to material derivatives are demonstrated for two elasticity example problems. The least-squares continuous sensitivity solutions are presented and compared with analytic sensitivities and finite difference results and should prove convenient validation benchmarks for other continuous sensitivity applications.
Human Monoclonal Antibodies Generated Following Vaccination with AVA Provide Neutralization by Blocking Furin Cleavage but not by Preventing Oligomerization

In order to identify the combination of antibody-mediated mechanisms of neutralization that result from vaccination with anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA), we isolated antibody secreting cells from a single donor seven days after booster vaccination with AVA and generated nine fully human monoclonal antibodies (hmAb) with high specificity for protective antigen (PA). Two of the antibodies were able to neutralize lethal toxin in vitro at low concentrations (IC(50): p6C01, 0.12 μg/ml and p6F01, 0.45 μg/ml). Passive transfer of either of these hmAbs to A/J mice prior to challenge with lethal toxin conferred 80-90% protection. We demonstrate that hmAb p6C01 is neutralizing by preventing furin cleavage of PA in a dose-dependent manner, but the mechanism of p6F01 is unclear. Three additional antibodies were found to bind to domain 3 of PA and prevent oligomerization, although they did not confer significant protection in vivo and showed a significant prozone-like effect in vitro. These fully human antibodies provide insight into the neutralizing response to AVA for future subunit vaccine and passive immunotherapeutic cocktail design.
Experimental Investigation of Non-Linear Modal Coupling in the Response of Cantilever Beams

Abstract The results of an experimental investigation of non-linear one-to-one modal coupling in the dynamic response of cantilever beams excited by a periodic transverse base excitation are presented. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with previously published analytical predictions based on a set of non-linear differential equations which consider the effects of non-linear curvature and non-linear inertia. The effects of base stiffness, small imperfections along the beam span, and linear and non-linear damping are considered in this work.
Electron microscopic observations of bone tissue prepared anhydrously in organic solvents

Methods have been developed which permit electron optical examination of sections of undecalcified bone tissue which have been exposed only to organic solvents, thus minimizing artifacts induced in the mineral phase by aqueous solvents. Dense mineral granules are observed in the mitochondria of bone cells in unstained sections treated anhydrously, strongly suggesting that a solid phase of calcium phosphate exists in the mitochondria of these cells in vivo . Mineralization of the extracellular tissue spaces is first observed in the form of clusters or aggregates of small mineral particles. The very rapid increase in the size of the clusters and in the mass of mineral in the extracellular tissue space results principally from an increase in the number of additional particles formed rather than from the growth of the mineral particles first deposited. The physical chemical and biological significance of these findings is discussed.
Composition Dependence of the Photochemical reduction of Ag by Ba1−xSrxTiO3

Ba1-xSrxTiO3 solid solutions with x = 0−1 were used to photochemically reduce aqueous Ag+ to Ag0. The reduction of Ag on BaTiO3 is spatially selective and correlated to the locations of positive ferroelectric domains. On SrTiO3, silver reduction is spatially uniform. As strontium is added to BaTiO3, there is a continuous change from spatially localized to uniform reactivity that is complete at x > 0.27. The relative heights of the silver deposits, as measured by atomic force microscopy, were used to quantify the relative reactivities. A local maximum in the reactivity is observed at x = 0.26, which is near the cubic-tetragonal phase boundary. The change from spatially selective to spatially uniform reactivity is associated with decreased polarization as the strontium concentration increases. The local maximum in reactivity near the phase boundary is associated with an anomalously high dielectric constant at this composition that enlarges the space-charge region. The results are consistent with the idea th...
Heat transfer in nanoparticle suspensions: Modeling the thermal conductivity of nanofluids

This work reviews experimental data and models for the thermal conductivity of nanoparticle suspensions and examines the effect of the properties of the two phases on the effective thermal conductivity of the heterogeneous system. A model is presented for the effective thermal conductivity of nanofluids that takes into account the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivities of the individual phases, as well as the size dependence of the thermal conductivity of the dispersed phase. We demonstrate that this model can be used to calculate the thermal conductivity of nanofluids over a wide range of particle sizes, particle volume fractions, and temperatures. The model can also be used to validate experimental thermal conductivity data for nanofluids containing semiconductor or insulator particles and confirm the size dependence of the thermal conductivity of nanoparticles. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
The Design and Use of an FM / AM Radiotelemetry System for Multichannel Recording of Biological Data

A multichannel telemetry system for EEG recording has been constructed for study of animal or human behavior correlates under natural, unrestrained conditions. To be useful in research of this kind, the transmitted radio signal must be independent of the environment, so that changes in antenna loading and in signal level cause no artifact. Standard IRIG proportional-bandwidth FM subcarrier channels are used. These subcarriers are generated by twin-T oscillators, modulated in turn by the amplified data signals. The FM subcarriers are then linearly summed and impressed upon a crystal-controlled AM transmitter. The system is also relatively insensitive to major shifts in supply voltage. Wherever possible, fabrication was by means of integrated circuits, thus reducing the bulk of the modules.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy: weigh harms, but do not dismiss benefits.

ne year ago, in an editorial contemplating the firestorm with morcellation. The quality-adjusted life-years were O surrounding power morcellation during minimally invasive hysterectomy, I noted that physicians and patients perceive risks differently and encouraged patient-centered valuing of surgical risks and benefits and developing shared decision-making tools and processes. In this month’s Journal, Siedhoff et al provide a valuable analysis to help in this endeavor. Using decision modelling, they compared outcomes over a 5 year time horizon for premenopausal women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy with morcellation vs abdominal hysterectomy for presumed fibroids. There were more deaths from leiomyosarcoma following laparoscopic hysterectomy with morcellation (86 vs 71 of 100,000) but more deaths overall following abdominal hysterectomy (32 vs 12 of 100,000). The laparoscopic group had lower rates of transfusion, wound infection, venous thromboembolism, and incisional hernia but higher rate of vaginal cuff dehiscence. And the laparoscopic group had more qualityadjusted life-years after surgery than the abdominal group. The recent public discourse on the spread of occult leiomyosarcoma after morcellation has focused nearly entirely on the risks of morcellation. Siedhoff et al bring us back to the big picture by assessing the risk-benefit balance of the 2 examined procedures. Given the rarity of leiomyosarcoma, a randomized trial comparing mortality after different types of hysterectomy is not feasible. In this instance, a decision analysis is particularly helpful. Obviously a decision analysis is only as good as the data entered into it. The authors gave preference to higher-quality studies and more recent publications, reflecting advances in surgical practice. They assigned all laparoscopic patients a worse prognosis than abdominal patients by assuming that morcellation would lend the same poorer prognosis as spontaneous cancer spread. And they conducted sensitivity analyses, varying the expected incidence of occult leiomyosarcoma. Using the lowest estimate, the additional number of deaths per 100,000 ranged from 11 to 19 more with abdominal hysterectomy and using the highest estimate, from 36 to 44 more with laparoscopic hysterectomy
The preparation of non-extractable methylphenylpolysiloxane stationary phases for capillary column gas chromatography

The synthesis of methylphenylpolysiloxane polymers and their use in the preparation of crosslinked, non-extractable stationary phases for fused-silica capillary columns are described. By preparing more viscous phenyl-containing polymers than are commercially available, stationary phase films of these polymers could be efficiently coated on fused-silica capillary columns and stabilized by a free radical crosslinking mechanism using peroxides. Four methylphenylpolysiloxane polymers containing different phenyl concentrations were prepared. These included three polymers containing 50% phenyl and one polymer containing 70% phenyl. Two of the 50% phenyl polymers had one phenyl and one methyl group attached to each silicon atom. One of these also had 1% vinyl incorporated. The third 50% phenyl polymer was synthesized in such a way that one half of the silicon atoms had two phenyl groups attached while the rest contained dimethyl groups. The 70% phenyl polymer also had 4% vinyl incorporated. Due to the intrinsic thermal stability of these phenyl phases and the enhanced film stability achieved by crosslinking, the 70% phenyl phase could be utilized up to 400 °C. Using the methods described in this paper, highly efficient and thermally stable fused silica capillary columns coated with crosslinked methylphenylpolysiloxane stationary phases can be successfully prepared.
Agent Neutrality is the Exclusive Feature of Consequentialism

L'A. defend la these selon laquelle la neutralite de l'agent caracterise le consequentialisme et le distingue des autres theories de la raison d'agir, qu'elles soient non-consequentialistes ou relatives a l'agent.
A holistic approach to reducing the life cycle costs of test

Many studies have shown that 90% of the production costs are cast before the first unit flows off the production line. Therefore, it's very difficult to reduce the cost of the bill of material, assembly, capital, or test after the fact. Historically, design engineers focus on material and assembly cost but neglects the impact of test design, test implementation, test labor and test equipment costs. Test and manufacturing processes when considered early in the design process can be estimated and controlled by the leveraging of existing test infrastructure. The challenge is to understand what test capabilities exist? What are the common links between current and future product test needs? What percentage of the measurement requirements can be supported prior to design completion? Can current production test assets be used for design verification, to minimize startup challenges? What are the measurement and accuracy capabilities of the existing test assets? What is the impact of the current tester accuracy on production yield? In this paper, we will describe tools to help develop a structure for a common test strategy that will reduce the overall cost of test throughout the total product life cycle while accelerating the time from design to manufacturing, without compromising.
Copper halide clusters and polymers supported by bipodal heteroelemental ligands

Abstract The flexible, multi dentate, heteroelemental, dipodal ligands; bis(2pyridylthio)methane, (PyS) 2 CH 2 (Py = pyridyl = C 5 H 4 N), (PymS) 2 CH 2 , bis(2pyrimidylthio)methane, and bipyrimidyldisulfide, (PymS) 2 (Pym = pyrimidine, C 4 H 3 N 2 ), were reacted with a series of copper precursors to determine whether monomeric compounds, cubane clusters or polymeric chains would be obtained. Copper(II) chloride, copper(I) cyanide and copper(I) thiocyanate afforded infinite polymeric chains while copper(I) iodide afforded tetranuclear clusters supported by two ligand molecules. All products were characterized in the solid-state by X-ray crystallography.
Accessing Lanthanide Diiodide Reactivity for Coupling Alkyl Chlorides to Carbonyl Compounds via the NdI3/Alkali Metal Reduction System

The combination of NdI3 and a reducing agent such as KC8, K, Na, or Ca can mimic the reductive chemistry of NdI2 in coupling of alkyl and allyl chlorides with carbonyl compounds.
The superconducting phases of UPt3 under uniaxial stress

Abstract Using a continuous wave ultrasonic technique we have studied the superconducting phases of UPt3 under both uniaxial stress, σ, and magnetic field, H, parallel to the c-axis. We observe the tetracritical point in the H-T plane shift to lower magnetic fields and higher temperatures with increasing stress, until it vanishes at ∼2.5 kbar. Further increase of stress has two effects on the lower transition that survives - it continues to separate increasingly from the upper critical field but with the property: the magnitude of the sound velocity jump at the transition decreases with increasing temperature.
PON ring architectures for truly shared LAN capability and dynamic bandwidth allocation for fiber wireless (FiWi) applications

N. Madamopoulos , Bhadresh Pathak Department of Electrical Engin eering, City College of CUNY New York, NY 10031 N. Antoniades, Engineering Science & Physics, The College of Staten Island, CUNY Staten Island, NY 10314 Muhammad A. Ummy Department of Electrical & Telecomm unications Engineering Technology, New York City College of Technology, New York, NY, USA ABSTRACT
Comparative mechanisms of vitamin B6-catalyzed β-decarboxylation and β-dephosphonylation in model systems

Abstract Reaction pathways and mechanisms of vitamin B6-catalyzed β-decarboxylation and β-dephosphonylation of aminocarboxylix and aminophosphonic acids in model systems are compared. It was found that both reactions require prior transamination of an aldimine intermediate to a ketimine. For ketimines having carboxylate or phosphonate groups substituted on the β-carbon atoms of the keto acid residue, there is a hydrogen ion or metal ion-activated covalent bond pathway which involves a shift of electron pairs toward the coordinated ketimine nitrogen, leading t0 β-γ, C-C or C-P bond fission and release of carbon dioxide or metaphosphate, respectively. Comparison of these reactions indicates that β-decarboxylation is 106 faster than the corresponding dephosphonylation reactions. Since only a few studies of vitamin B6-catalyzed dephosphonylation have been carried out, suggestions are made for further studies with substrates designed to elucidate the reaction mechanisms involved.
Inverse relationship between the intraretinal concentration of bioavailable nitric oxide and blood glucose in early experimental diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE To directly measure in vivo retinal nitric oxide (NO) concentration in experimental early diabetic retinopathy and correlate measurements with blood glucose to determine how intraretinal NO changes with severity of diabetes. METHODS Long-Evans rats were made diabetic with streptozotocin (STZ). Three weeks post STZ injection, intraretinal NO concentration profiles were recorded using a dual NO/electroretinogram microelectrode. Diabetic profiles were compared with profiles from healthy controls, healthy rats injected with the NO synthase inhibitor L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME), and healthy rats that received acute glucose injections ("acute hyperglycemia"). The NO values at the retina/RPE boundary (100% retinal depth) and retinal surface (0% depth) were analyzed for correlation with blood glucose. RESULTS The average NO concentrations in the outer retina, inner retina, and vitreous humor of mild diabetic rats (250-400 mg/dL) were significantly higher than controls by 73%, 47%, and 70%, respectively. The average NO concentrations in the outer retina, inner retina, and vitreous humor of severe diabetic rats (500-600 mg/dL) were lower than controls, with NO at 41%, 36%, and 36% of controls, respectively, similar to L-NAME-treated eyes (38%, 36%, 20% of control). The NO levels in moderate diabetic rats (400-500 mg/dL) and acute hyperglycemia rats were similar to controls. The NO was significantly and inversely correlated with blood glucose for diabetic rats at 100% depth (R = -0.91) and 0% depth (R = -0.79) but not for acute hyperglycemia rats. CONCLUSIONS The higher-than-control level of NO in mild diabetic rats and lower-than-control level in severe diabetic rats show that severity of diabetes is an important factor when measuring the bioavailability of NO in diabetic retinopathy.
Effects of Native and Non‐Native Grassland Plant Communities on Breeding Passerine Birds: Implications for Restoration of Northwest Bunchgrass Prairie

One common problem encountered when restoring grasslands is the prominence of non-native plant species. It is unclear what effect non-native plants have on habitat quality of grassland passerines, which are among the most imperiled groups of birds. In 2004 and 2005, we compared patterns of avian reproduction and the mechanisms that might influence those patterns across a gradient of 13 grasslands in the Zumwalt Prairie in northeastern Oregon that vary in the degree of non-native plant cover (0.9–53.4%). We monitored the fate of 201 nests of all the breeding species in these pastures and found no association of percent non-native cover with nest densities, clutch size, productivity, nest survival, and nestling size. Regardless of the degree of non-native cover, birds primarily fed on Coleoptera, Orthoptera, and Araneae. But as percent non-native cover in the pastures increased, Orthoptera made up a greater proportion of diet and Coleoptera made up a smaller proportion. These diet switches were not the result of changes in terrestrial invertebrate abundance but may be related to decreases in percent bare ground associated with increasing cover of non-native vegetation. Measures of nest crypticity were not associated with cover of non-native vegetation, suggesting that predation risk may not increase with increased cover of non-native vegetation. Thus, the study results show that increased non-native cover is not associated with reduced food supplies or increased predation risk for nesting birds, supporting the growing body of evidence that grasslands with a mix of native and non-native vegetation can provide suitable habitat for native grassland breeding birds.
Auditory word recognition as a function of meaningfulness, abstractness and phonetic structure

Sixty one-syllable words of equal familiarity level were presented aurally under conditions of masking noise. Auditory word recognition was found to be a function of meaningfulness and abstractness (defined as related to sense experience). The relationship between recognition and abstractness (defined as a generic-specific dimension) was not significant. Results indicated that the initial phoneme of a word is an important determinant of word recognition. A phonemic hierarchy was established and shown to relate to hierarchies obtained under different experimental conditions.
Approaches to simulating the “March of Bricks and Mortar”

Abstract Re-creation of the extent of urban land use at different periods in time is valuable for examining how cities grow and how policy changes influence urban dynamics. To date, there has been little focus on the modeling of historical urban extent (other than for ancient cities). Instead, current modeling research has emphasized simulating the cities of the future. Predictive models can provide insights into urban growth processes and are valuable for land-use and urban planners, yet historical trends are largely ignored. This is unfortunate since historical data exist for urban areas and can be used to quantitatively test dynamic models and theory. We maintain that understanding the growth dynamics of a region's past allows more intelligent forecasts of its future. We compare using a spatio-temporal interpolation method with an agent-based simulation approach to recreate the urban extent of Santa Barbara, California, annually from 1929 to 2001. The first method uses current yet incomplete data on the construction of homes in the region. The latter uses a Cellular Automata based model, SLEUTH, to back- or hind-cast the urban extent. The success at historical urban growth reproduction of the two approaches used in this work was quantified for comparison. The performance of each method is described, as well as the utility of each model in re-creating the history of Santa Barbara. Additionally, the models’ assumptions about space are contrasted. As a consequence, we propose that both approaches are useful in historical urban simulations, yet the cellular approach is more flexible as it can be extended for spatio-temporal extrapolation.
A study of GafChromic XR Type R film response with reflective-type densitometers and economical flatbed scanners

The GafChromic XR Type R film is a relatively new product for recording high radiation dose in interventional radiological procedures. Means of measuring the film response were studied in this investigation. Two handheld reflective-type densitometers of different models were compared in the range of 0-8 Gy. They were found to be in excellent agreement. Five reflective flatbed scanners of different models were compared by a simple preliminary test. Their widely differed performances suggest the need of testing a scanner before using it for dosimetry measurement. A selected scanner was further tested for its ability to measure radiation in the range of 0-8 Gy and for the development of a scanning protocol. This experiment suggested the inclusion of a calibration pattern with known exposures and a black reference step in the scanning of a film in RGB mode. Then the red component of this image should be used for dosimetry computation. This method was compared to the use of a red acetate filter. The latter was demonstrated to be a possible alternative for measurement below 5 Gy and when there is no software ability to split an image into color components.
Examining the influence of trait anxiety/repression‐sensitization on individuals’ reactions to fear appeals

While fear appeals have the potential to be effective persuasive strategies, individual difference variables often affect the outcomes of these appeals. The present work extends Witte's Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) (1992a) by addressing how individual differences influence reactions to fear appeals. Specifically, we explore the influence of trait anxiety/repression‐sensitization on the impact of persuasive fear appeals promoting condom usage to prevent AIDS. First, the lack of isomorphism between conceptual and operational definitions of trait anxiety/repression‐sensitization is identified. Second, two models are proposed to test the influence of trait anxiety/repression‐sensitization on reactions to fear appeals (both moderational and mediational models). The results indicate that one's inherent level of anxiety influences how one perceives both the threat and the efficacy of recommended responses. However, trait anxiety/repression‐sensitization appears to have no influence—either directly, ind...
Diamond turning of lithium niobate for optical applications

We have investigated the surfae finishing of lithium niobate by using the single-point diamond turning technique. Surface finishes of better than 5 nm rms on z-oriented samples have been achieved. However, tool wear and spalling are much more significant with lithium niobate than with materials such as the crystals KDP and LAP. We present preliminary results comparing the optical damage thresholds of polished and diamond-turned samples.
Leo Spacecraft Charging Design Guidelines: A Proposed NASA Standard

Over the past decade, Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) spacecraft have gradually required ever-increasing power levels. As a rule, this has been accomplished through the use of high voltage systems. Recent failures and anomalies on such spacecraft have been traced to various design practices and materials choices related to the high voltage solar arrays. NASA Glenn has studied these anomalies including plasma chamber testing on arrays similar to those that experienced difficulties on orbit. Many others in the community have been involved in a comprehensive effort to understand the problems and to develop practices to avoid them. The NASA Space Environments and Effects program, recognizing the timeliness of this effort, commissioned and funded a design guidelines document intended to capture the current state of understanding. This document, which was completed in the spring of 2003, has been submitted as a proposed NASA standard. We present here an overview of this document and discuss the effort to develop it as a NASA standard.
A millisecond pulsar in an eclipsing binary

We report the discovery of a remarkable pulsar with period 1.6 ms, moving in a nearly circular 9.17 hour orbit around a low mass companion star. At an observing frequency of 430 MHz, the pulsar, PSR 1957+20, is eclipsed once each orbit for about 50 minutes. For a few minutes before an eclipse becomes complete, and for more than 20 minutes after the signal reappears, the pulses are delayed by as much as several hundred microseconds — presumably as a result of propagation through plasma surrounding the companion. The pulsar’s orbit about the system barycenter has a radius of 0.089 light seconds projected onto the line of sight. The observed orbital period and size, together with the fact that eclipses occur, imply a surprisingly low companion mass, only a few percent the mass of the sun. The eclipsing mass extends well beyond the Roche lobe of the companion, and appears to possess a comet-like tail, strongly uggesting that the pulsar is evaporating its companion.
Transition from progressive to quasi-standing waves behavior of the radiation force of acoustic waves—Example of a high-order Bessel beam on a rigid sphere

Prior computations have predicted the time-averaged acoustic radiation force on fluid spheres in water when illuminated by an acoustic high-order Bessel beam (HOBB) of quasi-standing waves. These computations are extended to the case of a rigid sphere in water which perfectly mimics a fluid sphere in air. Numerical results for the radiation force function of a HOBB quasi-standing wave tweezers are obtained for beams of zero, first and second order, and discussed with particular emphasis on the amplitude ratio describing the transition from progressive waves to quasi-standing waves behavior. This investigation may be helpful in the development of acoustic tweezers and methods for manipulating objects in reduced gravity environments and space related applications.
HLA Associations in IgA Nephropathy and Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

Twenty percent of patients initiating Medicare-supported end-stage renal disease (ESRD) therapy in the United States have chronic glomerulonephritis-induced ESRD. IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) likely account for many of these incident dialysis cases, although patients presenting with advanced renal insufficiency may not receive renal biopsies. To determine whether HLA phenotype associations existed in the subset of IgAN and FSGS patients who develop ESRD, we analyzed HLA frequencies by race in patients with these etiologies of ESRD entered in the South Eastern Organ Procurement Foundation (SEOPF) database. Serologically determined HLA frequencies from 605 renal transplant recipients with ESRD due to FSGS and 196 renal transplant recipients with ESRD due to IgAN were compared with those of 4,506 race-matched cadaveric kidney-donor controls. Race-specific odds ratios (ORs) were calculated and fitted into a log-linear model to determine associations between the HLA system and ESRD due to IgAN and FSGS. Values reported were considered significant ( P P ≤ 0.004). HLA frequency differences were not observed in FSGS-induced ESRD patients compared with controls. The results of this study indicate that HLA-1327 and HLA-DR1 are positively associated and HLA-DR2 is negatively associated with IgAN-induced ESRD in patients of both races. These associations may be useful in identifying patients with IgAN at increased or decreased risk for developing progressive renal injury. HLA associations do not exist in the subset of patients with FSGS who develop ESRD, suggesting that non- HLA-mediated genetic and/or environmental factors are associated with the risk of progressive renal injury in individuals with FSGS.