cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Highly Selective Polymer Electrolyte Membranes from Reactive Block Polymers

A series of reactive poly(norbornenylethylstyrene-s-styrene)-poly(n-propyl-p-styrenesulfonate) (PNS−PSSP) block polymers were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization. Solutions containing PNS−PSSP, the cyclic olefins dicyclopentadiene and/or cyclooctene, and the second-generation Grubbs metathesis catalyst were prepared, cast as thin films, and allowed to cure at room temperature by a ring-opening metathesis polymerization mechanism. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data on cured films were consistent with the formation of nanostructured materials containing PSSP domains confined in a cross-linked matrix of the metathesis-reactive PNS block and the poly(cyclic olefins). The PSSP phase in these films was converted into the sulfonic acid form by hydrolysis of the propyl sulfonate ester. The resulting cross-linked polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) were characterized by SAXS and transmission electron microscopy. A bicontinuous morphology with continuous domains of the sulfonic acid phase suppor...
Tracer technique to measure in vivo chemical transport rates within an implantable cell transplantation device

Abstract An in vivo tracer technique that uses radiolabeled inulin as the tracer molecule has been developed to assess the rate of chemical transport between the cell transplantation chamber of an implantable bioartificial device and the host's circulatory system. The device considered here employs site-directed neovascularization of a porous matrix to induce capillary growth adjacent to an immunoisolated cell implantation chamber. This device design is being investigated as a vehicle for therapeutic cell transplantation, with the advantages that it allows the cells to perform their therapeutic function without the danger of immune rejection and it avoids damaging contact of blood flow with artificial surfaces. A pharmacokinetic model of the mass transport between the implantation chamber, the vascularized matrix, and the body has been devised to allow proper analysis and understanding of the experimental tracer results. Experiments performed in this study have been principally directed at evaluation of the tracer model parameters, but results also provide a quantitative measure of the progression of capillary growth into a porous matrix. Measured plasma tracer levels demonstrate that chemical transport rates within the implanted device increase with the progression of matrix vascular ingrowth. Agreement between the fitted model curves and the corresponding measured concentrations at different levels of capillary ingrowth demonstrate that the model provides a realistic representation of the actual capillary-mediated transport phenomena occurring within the device.
Theory of electron transport through single molecules of polyaniline

We present theoretical results for the electron transport properties of the organic molecule polyaniline, especially leucoemeraldine (LEB), the fully reduced form. The electron tunnelling characteristics of these chain-like molecules are described by their complex band-structure. We explore how the bandgap and tunnelling decay parameter β depend on the oxidation state of the molecule and on the torsion angle between rings. It is found that the metal Fermi level lies near the HOMO for gold contacts with a single leucoemeraldine molecule, which results in non-linear I–V characteristics. The conductance of a hepta-aniline (LEB) oligomer is obtained from a first-principles I–V curve and compared with the recent experimental results. We examine the effect of stretching of the molecule on its conductance to explain the discrepancy between the theoretical simulations and single-molecule conductance measurement experiment.
Accounting‐Based Valuation: Impact on Business Practices and Research

INTRODUCTION Valuation research, which focuses on the use of accounting information to estimate shareholder value, has emerged as a central theme in the accounting research of the 1990s. This literature has had an impact not only on the research agendas of academics, but also on the day-to-day work of practitioners. Looking ahead, it promises to be an area of continued growth, with many new opportunities and challenges. In this commentary, I summarize the progression of the valuation research to date and discuss its implications. My aim is to provide a synopsis of the key developments, to reflect on emerging trends, and to address some frequently asked questions about this literature. I attempt to keep the technical aspects of valuation in check, and focus instead on the key implications of this literature for accounting research and practice. My focus is on the discounted Residual Income Model (RIM), which has been used extensively by both empirical and theoretical researchers. I relate this model to various branches of market-based research, as well as to the Value-Based Management (VBM) systems that now seem ubiquitous in the executive compensation literature. However, I do not discuss other valuation techniques, such as those based on market multiples from “comparable” firms, or contingent-claim models based on option pricing theory.1 My remarks will follow the development of the literature in roughly chronological order. First, I clarify some basic concepts about the role and limitations of historical financial accounting systems in valuation. Second, I discuss the theoretical underpinnings of valuation research, and how this theory has evolved. Finally, I explore how the theory has been applied in empirical studies. Throughout this discourse, I will try to clarify potential points of confusions, and offer my views on the research challenges and opportunities in each area.
Net N input and riverine N export from Illinois agricultural watersheds with and without extensive tile drainage

Some of the largest riverine N fluxes in the continental USA have been observed in agricultural regions with extensive artificial subsurface drainage, commonly called tile drainage. The degree to which high riverine N fluxes in these settings are due to high net N inputs (NNI), greater transport efficiency caused by the drainage systems, or other factors is not known. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of tile drainage by comparing NNI and riverine N fluxes in regions of Illinois with similar climate and crop production practices but with different intensities of tile drainage. Annual values of NNI between 1940 and 1999 were estimated from county level agricultural production statistics and census estimates of human population. During 1945–1961, riverine nitrate flux in the extensively tile drained region averaged 6.6 kg N ha−1 year−1 compared to 1.3 to 3.1 kg N ha−1 for the non-tile drained region, even though NNI was greater in the non-tile drained region. During 1977–1997, NNI to the tile-drained region had increased to 27 kg N ha−1 year−1 and riverine N flux was approximately 100% of this value. In the non-tile-drained region, NNI was approximately 23 kg N ha−1 year−1 and riverine N flux was between 25% and 37% of this value (5 to 9 kg N ha−1 year−1). Denitrification is not included in NNI and, therefore, any denitrification losses from tile-drained watersheds must be balanced by other N sources, such as depletion of soil organic N or underestimation of biological N fixation. If denitrification and depletion of soil organic N are significant in these basins, marginal reductions in NNI may have little influence on riverine N flux. If tile drained cropland in Illinois is representative of the estimated 11 million ha of tile drained cropland throughout the Mississippi River Basin, this 16% of the drainage area contributed approximately 30% of the increased nitrate N flux in the Lower Mississippi River that occurred between 1955 and the 1990s.
Corporate Social Responsibility Orientation, Goals, and Behavior: A Study of Small Business Owners

Corporate social responsibility orientation (CSRO) remains an important topic of researchers. However, one aspect of CSRO that has not been well researched is how it relates to behaviors and goals of managers. In this article, the authors explore that relationship, testing whether emphasis on a particular domain of social responsibility affects time spent dealing with specific stakeholder groups and whether firm size affects that relationship. Results from a survey of small business owners indicate that the emphasis a manager places on a domain does affect behavior and that firm size has little impact on this relationship. Implications of these findings are discussed.
In vivo diffusion-weighted MRI of the breast: potential for lesion characterization.

Purpose To investigate the potential of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) in characterizing breast lesions in vivo. Materials and Methods Two diffusion-weighted (DW) sequences were implemented on a 1.5 Tesla scanner, with low b-value orthogonal and high b-value tetrahedral sensitized sequences. The orthogonal sequence was evaluated on 16 normal volunteers and 23 patients with known lesion types (six benign and 17 malignant). The tetrahedral sequence was evaluated on a smaller number of subjects: two normal, two malignant, and two benign. Results The mean value of the ADC of the malignant tumors was reduced compared to that of the benign lesions and normal tissue. This finding was related to the increased cellularity of the malignant lesions. The ADC values were elevated for all tissue types with the low b-value sequence as compared to the high b-value sequence, indicating contributions from perfusion effects at the low b-values. Conclusion The study clearly shows that DW-MRI can help characterize breast lesions in vivo. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;15:693–704. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sharp interface Cartesian grid method II: A technique for simulating droplet interactions with surfaces of arbitrary shape

A fixed-grid, sharp interface method is developed to simulate droplet impact and spreading on surfaces of arbitrary shape. A finite-difference technique is used to discretize the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations on a Cartesian grid. To compute flow around embedded solid boundaries, a previously developed sharp interface method for solid immersed boundaries is used. The ghost fluid method (GFM) is used for fluid-fluid interfaces. The model accounts for the effects of discontinuities such as density and viscosity jumps and singular sources such as surface tension in both bubble and droplet simulations. With a level-set representation of the propagating interface, large deformations of the boundary can be handled easily. The model successfully captures the essential features of interactions between fluid-fluid and solid-fluid phases during impact and spreading. Moving contact lines are modeled with contact angle hysteresis and contact line motion on non-planar surfaces is computed. Experimental observations and other simulation results are used to validate the calculations.
Inhibition of cleavage of the third component of human complement (C3) by its small cleavage fragment, C3a: inhibition occurs with the classical-pathway, but not the alternative-pathway, C3 convertase.

Abstract Activation of the third component of complement (C), C3, is central to the functioning of the C system in inflammation. Cleavage of C3 by the C3 convertases of both the classical and alternative pathways results in the formation of two split products, C3b and C3a. C3a inhibited cleavage of C3 by the classical-pathway C3 convertase. The inhibition varied in a concn-dependent relationship, with a concn of approximately 40μg/ml yielding 50% inhibition. Removal of the carboxy terminal arginine from the C3a did not alter the inhibition. C3a did not inhibit cleavage of C3 by the alternative C pathway C3 convertase, or cleavage of C5 by C5 convertase. The C3-cleaving capacity of EAC142oxy that had been previously incubated with C3a could be recovered completely by washing the cells, indicating that the C3a binding to the EAC42oxy cell must have been reversed without having had an effect on the amount of C2 bound. Ribonuclease, a molecule of similar size and charge to C3a, did not affect C3 cleavage and C3a inhibition was not reduced by providing a surface for non-specific adsorption of the C3a, suggesting that the effect of C3a on C3 cleavage was not mediated by non-specific interaction with cell surfaces. C3a inhibited the C3-cleaving capacity of the fluid-phase enzyme, C42oxy, to the same degree as it inhibited the cell-bound enzyme, EAC42oxy, indicating that the C3a must interact with the C42 complex directly. Inhibition of C3 cleavage by C3a is the first demonstration of product inhibition of a complement enzyme. It may provide another control of C3 activation.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and its Service as a Forum for the Industry

A leading figure in the industry was addressing a meeting of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. “I agree with the previous speakers,” he said. The first rush of talking picture production is settling into a longer and steadier stride. We have revolutionized a great creative art and business to the end that it shall be a more expressive art and a better business. New methods to use new machines to secure new effects were thrust upon us hardly more than a year ago. It was the work of a good many days and nights as well to get on friendly terms of acquaintanceship with them.
Ab initio and density function theory computational studies of the CH4 + H → CH3 + H2 reaction

Abstract The activation barrier for the CH4 + H → CH3 + H2 reaction was evaluated with traditional ab initio and Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods. None of the applied ab initio and DFT methods was able to reproduce the experimental activation barrier of 11.0–12.0 kcal/mol. All ab initio methods (HF, MP2, MP3, MP4, QCISD, QCISD(T), G1, G2, and G2MP2) overestimated the activation energy. The best results were obtained with the G2 and G2MP2 ab initio computational approaches. The zero-point corrected energy was 14.4 kcal mol−1. Some of the exchange DFT methods (HFB) computed energies which were similar to the highly accurate ab initio methods, while the B3LYP hybrid DFT methods underestimated the activation barrier by ~3 kcal mol−1. Gradient-corrected DFT methods underestimated the barrier even more. The gradient-corrected DFT method that incorporated the PW91 correlational functional even generated a negative reaction barrier. The suitability of some computational methods for accurately predicting the potential energy surface for this hydrogen radical abstraction reaction was discussed.
Confidence bounds on the coefficient of variation of a normal distribution with applications to win-probabilities

This paper considers the problem of constructing different kinds of confidence intervals for the coefficient of variation σ/μ of a normal distribution. Firstly, the construction of a confidence interval that bounds the reciprocal of the coefficient of variation away from zero is considered. This confidence interval provides a directional decision as to whether the coefficient of variation is positive or negative, and provides a lower bound on the magnitude of μ/σ. Secondly, the construction of a confidence interval that provides an upper bound on the absolute value of the reciprocal of the coefficient of variation is considered. This confidence interval provides an upper bound on the magnitude of μ/σ, which could be either negative or positive. These procedures are developed using inferences on the non-centrality parameter of a non-central t-distribution. Several applications are considered, such as financial analyses with Sharpe ratios and the measurement of signal-to-noise ratios, with specific attentio...
Mesoamygdaloid dopamine neurons: differential rates of dopamine turnover in discrete amygdaloid nuclei of the rat brain.

Abstract Populations of dopamine (DA) neurons innervating discrete amygdaloid nuclei exhibited a widely varying rate of biochemically estimated tonic activity, with DA turnover rates in the various amygdaloid nuclei increasing in the following order: central, medial posterior, medial, posterior, basal, basal posterior, cortical, lateral amygdaloid nucleus. With the exception of the central and the medially aligned amygdaloid nuclei, mesoamygdaloid DA neurons exhibited a faster rate of DA neurons exhibited a faster rate of DA turnover than the well-characterized DA neurons projecting to the caudate nucleus and olfactory tubercle. When amynable to estimation by this technique, the activity of mesoamygdaloid norepinephrine (NE)-containing neurons was less than that of mesoamygdaloid DA neurons. These findings support the focal influence of DA in the amygdaloid complex the biochemical and reinforce the biochemical and functional heterogeneity of the component nuclei of the amygdala.
The human Sir2 ortholog, SIRT2, is an NAD+-dependent tubulin deacetylase

The silent information regulator 2 protein (Sir2p) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an NAD-dependent histone deacetylase that plays a critical role in transcriptional silencing. Here, we report that a human ortholog of Sir2p, sirtuin type 2 (SIRT2), is a predominantly cytoplasmic protein that colocalizes with microtubules. SIRT2 deacetylates lysine-40 of α-tubulin both in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of SIRT2 via siRNA results in tubulin hyperacetylation. SIRT2 colocalizes and interacts in vivo with HDAC6, another tubulin deacetylase. Enzymatic analysis of recombinant SIRT2 in comparison to a yeast homolog of Sir2 protein (Hst2p) shows a striking preference of SIRT2 for acetylated tubulin peptide as a substrate relative to acetylated histone H3 peptide. These observations establish SIRT2 as a bona fide tubulin deacetylase.
“The path of social justice”: A Human Rights History of Social Justice Education

Although not often recognized, social justice education in the U.S. is historically and philosophically tied to the twentieth century's human rights initiatives. The efforts of human rights pioneers, such as those who authored the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, have indelibly shaped social justice efforts, including within education, in the U.S. Reframing social justice education in light of human rights gives clarity to and concretizes our work as social justice educators: It strengthens a vision of education as central to promoting rights and justice; it refocuses attention on a broader array of fundamental rights, and it explicitly contests our globalized and neoliberal context, a context heavily influencing educational reform.
A mathematical model of lateral flow bioreactions applied to sandwich assays

Lateral flow (LF) biodetectors facilitate low-cost, rapid identification of various analytes at the point of care. The LF cell consists of a porous membrane containing immobilized ligands at various locations. Through the action of capillary forces, samples and reporter particles are transported to the ligand sites. The LF membrane is then scanned or probed, and the concentration of reporter particles is measured. A mathematical model for sandwich assays is constructed and used to study the performance of the LF device under various operating conditions. The model provides insights into certain experimental observations including the reduction in the level of the detected signal at high target analyte concentrations. Furthermore, the model can be used to test rapidly and inexpensively various operating conditions, assist in the device's design, and optimize the performance of the LF device.
Determination of levels of glycolytic intermediates and nucleotides in platelets by pulse-labeling with [32P]orthophosphate

A method is presented for the separation and quantification of 32P-labeled carbohydrates and nucleotides in blood platelets which have been pulse-labeled with [32P]orthophosphate. The procedure is based on two-dimensional paper chromatography, identification of the spots by radioautography and enzymatic methods, and quantitation of 32P radioactivity by liquid scintillation counting. The data show that 32P is homogeneously distributed among the compounds studied so that the total radioactivity is proportional to the levels of these compounds in the metabolic compartment of the cells. Thus, this method provides a sensitive and accurate means to evaluate phosphorylated intermediates in glycolysis and nucleotide metabolism and to assess the transfer of energy-rich phosphate groups between these pathways in particular.
On the hydration of α-crystallin of bovine lenses

Abstract The water sorption and retention capacity of α-crystallin was studied at different relative water vapor pressures. Water, to the extent of 6%, enters into the structure with strong binding capacity and resembles water of crystallization. In fact, the X-ray diffraction photographs indicated that α-crystallin is a polycrystalline material and the interplanar spacings depend on the water content.
Remodeling of the tight junction during recovery from exposure to hydrogen peroxide in kidney epithelial cells

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury results in oxidative stress-induced alterations in barrier function. Activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway during recovery from oxidative stress may be an effector of oxidant-induced tight junction reorganization. We hypothesized that tight junction composition and barrier function would be perturbed during recovery from oxidative stress. We developed a model of short-term H(2)O(2) exposure followed by recovery using Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK II) cells. H(2)O(2) perturbs barrier function without a significant cytotoxic effect except in significant doses. ERK-1/2 and p38, both enzymes of the MAP kinase pathway, were activated within minutes of exposure to H(2)O(2). Transient exposure to H(2)O(2) produced a biphasic response in the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). An initial drop in TER at 6 h was followed by a significant increase at 24 h. Inhibition of ERK-1/2 activation attenuated the increase in TER observed at 24 h. Expression of occludin initially decreased, followed by partial recovery at 24 h. In contrast, claudin-1 levels decreased and failed to recover at 24 h. Claudin-2 levels were markedly decreased at 24 h; however, inhibition of ERK-1/2 activation was protective. Occludin and claudin-1 localization at the apical membrane on immunofluorescence images was fragmented at 6 h after H(2)O(2) exposure with subsequent recovery of appropriate localization by 24 h. MDCK II cell recovery after H(2)O(2) exposure is associated with functional and structural modifications of the tight junction that are mediated in part by activation of the MAP kinase enzymes ERK-1/2 and p38.
A two-phase level tracking method

Interfacial closure models in most two-fluid system codes for reactor safety are usually tied to the flow regime map through the mean void fraction in a computational cell. When a void fraction discontinuity exists in a computational volume, neither heat nor momentum exchange at the phase interface for this particular cell can be properly represented in finite-difference equations governing the fluid flow. Moreover, finite-difference methods with a fixed, Eulerian grid will inaccurately predict the cell-to-cell convection of mass, momentum and energy when the mean cell macroscopic variables are convected from the cell containing the void fraction front. The adequate modeling of two-phase mixture levels requires the knowledge of front position and void fractions above and below the front. In order to obtain such information, an efficient and simple tracking method was implemented in the TRAC-BWR code (released April 1984). We have tested this method with a simple problem involving a moving two-phase air/water mixture level. The results revealed inconsistencies in the behavior of velocities, pressures and interfacial friction, and some bounded numerical oscillations. Following our numerical experiment, we developed a systematic approach to improve the two-phase level tracking method. We present this approach and the results of implementation in the TRAC-BWR code.
Effect of lipooligosaccharide mutations of Haemophilus influenzae on the Middle and Inner Ears

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the virulence of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae 2019 (NTHi 2019) and its two lipooligosaccharide (LOS) mutant strains, B29 (gene htrB) and DK1 (gene rfaD), and compare their effect on the middle ear, round window membrane, and inner ear.
Threshold and loudness functions for pulsatile stimulation of cochlear implants.

Abstract Thresholds and loudness estimates were measured for biphasic pulsatile electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve. Measures were collected as a function of the parameters: pulse duration, and pulse rate. The results indicate that the sensations of threshold and loudness are determined by a complex function of the stimulating current waveform. For stimuli with the same charge, maximum loudness is seen at the shortest pulse durations, and a secondary maximum is seen at pulse durations of 2–3 ms/phase. It is possible that the secondary peak in the loudness function and the slow growth of loudness just above threshold for long pulses are indications of dendrite survival near the electrode. If this interpretation is valid, these measures could lead to perceptual tests of peripheral nerve viability. In addition, a speech processor device could use these measures to equalize the loudness of stimuli with different pulse durations and pulse rates.
SPECIFIC MODULATION OF ESTROGEN RECEPTOR MRNA ISOFORMS IN RAT PITUITARY THROUGHOUT THE ESTROUS CYCLE AND IN RESPONSE TO STEROID HORMONES

Abstract We have identified several estrogen receptor (ER) mRNA isoforms in rat pituitary and characterized their regulation by gonadal steroids. The ER mRNAs correspond to splice variants in which either exon 4, exons 3 and 4, or exons 5 and 6 are deleted. A previously isolated pituitary-specific truncated mRNA, TERP-1, containing a unique 5′-end and exons 5 through 8 of the full-length ER, was also studied. The exon deletion variants were expressed in males and females, in pituitary, uterus, testes, heart, hypothalamus, and liver. An antibody to the ER C-terminus bound to full-length (64 kDa) and smaller (50–55 kDa and 40–45 kDa) ER proteins in uterus and pituitary and a pituitary-specific ER of 20–24 kDa corresponding to TERP-1. Estrogen (E) treatment in vivo stimulated full-length ER 2–3-fold, and TERP-1 7–10-fold, but had no effect on any exon deletion variant. Progesterone treatment, alone or with E, had no consistent effect on any ER mRNA form. TERP-1 mRNA was also dramatically and specifically modulated during the estrous cycle, increasing ≈500-fold between the morning of diestrous and the afternoon of proestrus. Thus, ER mRNA variants exist in estrogen-responsive tissues; the pituitary contains at least one tissue-specific ER which is regulated by steroids and which may contribute to changes in regulated biological activity.
Diagnostic performance with enhanced digital mammographic films

Digital storage and display of mammograms could significantly improve operations in breast cancer screening programs. If mammographic films are scanned with high performance instruments, enhanced display and/or computer-aided diagnosis may improve diagnostic performance. We are studying observer performance with digital mammograms printed with 1.9X magnification, skin line equalization, and background masking. The purpose of the study is to establish that mammograms can be digitized with no loss in quality and displayed so as to improve observer performance. Performance measures of interest include diagnostic accuracy and interpretation time.
Preparation of microvillus membrane vesicles from the intestine of embryonic and young chicks.

1. 1. A procedure is described for the isolation of microvillus membranes from 19-day old embryonic, newly hatched, and 2-day old chicken intestine. 2. 2. The magnesium concentration of epithelial cell homogenates is shown to be a crucial factor in obtaining membranes of equal purity from the three age groups. 3. 3. Microvilluls membranes are purified 20–25 fold over the original homogenate and form vesicles which are tightly sealed based on the Na+-dependent accumulation of glucose to levels four to five times equilibrium values. 4. 4. These membrane preparations should prove useful in future studies concerning the embryonic and neonatal development of microvillus enzymes and nutrient transport systems in the chicken.
Synmetals: a new branch to polymerization

Semiconducting Polymers. By Marian Kryszewski. Pp.710. ISBN 83-01-00818-0. (Polish Scientific Publishers, Warsaw: 1981.) $35
Temperature dependence of dislocation photoresponse in relaxed GeSi films

Using a near-field scanning optical microscope to perform local photocurrent measurements, we examine the temperature dependence of contrast associated with individual threading dislocations and crosshatch patterns from 12 to 300 K. The observed weak contrast at room temperature and a negative temperature coefficient indicate that the predominant electrical activity comes from shallow centers. This is consistent with intrinsic defects or at most low levels (∼ppb) of contaminants. In addition, the crosshatch contrast displays a long-range variation below 100 K.
95 GATED PULSED DOPPLER ASSESSMENT OE SIMPLE COARCTATION IN OF THE AORTA IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Pulsatile flow dynamics are altered distal to an area of obstruction. To investigate the effects of simple coarctation of the aorta (CAo) on descending aortic blood flow patterns, doppler interrogation of the thoracoabdominal aorta was performed in 12 infants with CAo less than 18 months of age, and 15 age matched controls. All patients with CAo demonstrated continuation of high forward flow throughout the cardiac cycle with prolongation of both acceleration and deceleration phases. Indexing the ratio of acceleration and deceleration phases of flow with acceleration time, measured as the time from onset of flow to peak frequency corrected for cycle length, separated CAo patients from normal subjects. In contrast, doppler frequency distributions from the ascending aorta did not distinguish CAo from controls. In conclusion, gated pulsed doppler examination of the thoracoabdominal aorta displayed a frequency distribution specific for coarctation of the aorta. The discrepancy between ascending and descending frequency distributions represents systolic loading and diastolic decompression of the obstructed proximal thoracic aorta. This method can provide a useful adjunct to serial follow-up of coarctation patients and early detection of recoarctation.
Simple green synthesis of polyborosiloxanes as environmentally-safe, non-halogenated flame retardant polymers

A novel class of boron-containing siloxane copolymers (polyborosiloxanes) was synthesized by simple environmentally friendly methods. A boron containing monomer, specifically phenylboronic acid (PBA), and imide forming monomers, specifically aromatic dianhydrides 4,4′-oxydiphthalicanhydride (Oxy) and 1,1,4,4-tetracarboxylicphenyldianhydride (DAH), were employed to make terpolymers with propylamino-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (A12-PDMS). The terpolymer synthesis was carried out using various PBA : Oxy and PBA : DAH compositions ranging from 0 : 1 to 1 : 0 mole ratios. The thermal and flame retardant properties of the novel polymers were investigated. Intermediate ratios of both PBA : Oxy and PBA : DAH resulted in optimal thermal stability and flame retardancy. These novel terpolymers are promising candidates as environmentally-safe, non-halogenated alternatives to traditional flame retardant polymers.
Reaction between beryllium and uranium monocarbide

The reaction between hot-pressed beryllium and arcmelted uranium monocarbide was studied in the temperature range 700 to 1000 deg C using A--B type diffusion couples. The carbide used was of two compositions---4.8 and 5.1 wt% C. Reaction occurred throughout the temperature range studied, resulting in a layer of UBe/sub 13/ with a uniformly dispersed precipitate which could not be identified. The reaction was found to be controlled by the diffusion of beryllium in UBe/sub 13/, with reaction occurring at the UBe/sub 13/UC interface. An activation energy of 33,000 cal/mole was determined for the process. (auth)
Family Friendly Space for Research, Reflection, and Respite: A Family Resource Center and Library in a Pediatric Hospital Setting

The environment of any hospital, especially a children's hospital, can be extremely challenging for families. Sometimes overwhelmed by the stress of a child's illness, families need a ‘haven,’ a nonclinical space where they can regroup and find information to reinforce their coping skills. The Family Resource Center at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital offers such a space—a comfortable, relaxing, and open place for patients and families to have access to health and parenting information, recreational reading materials, or local community needs.
Assessing Our Knowledge of Identity Theft The Challenges to Effective Prevention and Control Efforts

Identity theft, defined as the unlawful use of another's identifying information for gain, has quickly become the most prevalent financial crime in the United States. Despite its substantial growth...
Aortic implantation of anomalous left coronary artery arising from pulmonary artery

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery is a rare and usually fatal congenital malformation. Most surgical attempts to correct this anomaly have been unsuccessful, particularly those in infants. Recently, four patients underwent reimplantation of an anomalous left coronary artery into the aorta; all four survived the operation and are asymptomatic. This technique of reimplantation of the aberrant vessel into the aorta appears to be preferable to other methods of repair, especially since it can be applied in any patient with the anomaly regardless of age or size. Because of the poor prognosis for patients with anomalous left coronary artery, surgical intervention should be made as soon as the diagnosis is made.
Fred Hoyle, primary nucleosynthesis and radioactivity

Abstract Primary nucleosynthesis is defined as that which occurs efficiently in stars born of only H and He. It is responsible not only for increasing the metallicity of the galaxy but also for the most abundant gamma-ray-line emitters. Astrophysicists have inappropriately cited early work in this regard. The heavily cited B2FH paper ( Burbidge et al., 1957 ) did not effectively address primary nucleosynthesis whereas Hoyle ( Hoyle, 1954 ) had done so quite thoroughly in his infrequently cited 1954 paper. Even B2FH with Hoyle as coauthor seems strangely to not have appreciated what Hoyle ( Hoyle, 1954 ) had achieved. I speculate that Hoyle must not have thoroughly proofread the draft written in 1956 by E.M. and G.R. Burbidge. The clear roadmap of primary nucleosynthesis advanced in 1954 by Hoyle describes the synthesis yielding the most abundant of the radioactive isotopes for astronomy, although that aspect was unrealized at the time. Secondary nucleosynthesis has also produced many observable radioactive nuclei, including the first gamma-ray-line emitter to be discovered in the galaxy and several others within stardust grains. Primary gamma-ray emitters would have been even more detectable in the early galaxy, when the birth rate of massive stars was greater; but secondary emitters, such as 26Al, would have been produced with smaller yield then owing to smaller abundance of seed nuclei from which to create them.
Orbital Stability of Protoplanetary Systems in Nebular Gas and Implications for Terrestrial Planet Formation

The oligarchic growth model of planetary accretion predicts the formation of protoplanets of similar sizes, and the final stage of terrestrial planet formation involves long-term orbital instability and mutual collision of protoplanets through their gravitational interaction. However, the mass of the protoplanets formed by oligarchic growth depends on the initial surface density of the protoplanetary disk, as well as the distance from the central star. In order to better understand the final stage of terrestrial planet formation in disks with various profiles, we perform orbital integration for systems of five protoplanets and examine the dependence of the orbital instability timescale of the systems on the mass of the protoplanets, Mp, both with and without nebular gas. Previous studies have shown that the timescale for orbital instability in the absence of nebular gas increases exponentially with the initial semimajor axis difference between the protoplanets. We find that the exponential constant is independent of the mass of the protoplanets, as long as the initial separation is measured in units of ~M, which is very close to the previously derived mass dependence of the critical separation for the onset of chaotic behavior in the restricted circular three-body problem. In the presence of nebular gas, on the other hand, protoplanetary systems are stabilized by gas drag and experience no orbital instability when the initial semimajor axis difference is larger than a certain critical value. Using these results, we discuss the orbital stability of protoplanetary systems in disks with various surface densities.
FlashBlades: System architecture and applications

Presented is a speculative server blade architecture called a FlashBlade that combines 100x I/O performance in both latency and bandwidth with balanced computing. The blade consists of a standard multi-core CPU with attached DRAM. It uses a fast interconnect, such as Intel's QuickPath, to communicate with a FPGA router called the X1. This router handles traffic to the C1 complexes and off-blade. Each C1 complex is a System on a Chip with Package on Package DRAM, connected to local flash memory. There are numerous complexes, giving tremendous I/O performance and computational balance. A large design space of parameters such as flash size, number of complexes, and link bandwidth between each C1 and the X1 is available for power and performance optimization. A single blade server constructed from these blades, just 12.25 inches high and drawing about 10 KW, could support a few hundred thousand basic web searches a second on 1 billion pages. It could also provide triple store performance 100x greater than achievable now for datasets of 6 TB and scales to petabyte datasets although at somewhat reduced performance; with numerous applications to defense, commerce, and science.
Metabolic diversity in oceanic animals

Relatively little overlap exists in faunal assemblages in the oceanic waters found north of, and over the reef-like structure south of, Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA. To better understand the mechanisms influencing the zoogeography of these animals, metabolic-temperature patterns have been characterized for both larvae and adults of animals collected in waters north and south of Cape Hatteras and from the Caribbean Sea. Southern affinity species from north of Cape Hatteras are the most metabolically labile of the groups, based on seasonal and laboratory-acclimated studies. Adults having a northern affinity found north of Cape Hatteras are metabolically depressed at high temperatures, whereas species from the reef area and the Caribbean are metabolically depressed at low temperatures. Metabolic rates of first stage zoea of crabs from the reef area are depressed at lower temperatures than larvae of the same stage of other species of crabs from the Cape Hatteras region or the Caribbean Sea.
Performance predictions of alternative, low cost absorbents for open-cycle absorption solar cooling

To achieve solar fractions greater than 0.90 using the open-cycle absorption refrigeration system, considerable sorbent solution storage is necessary. Sorbent solutions currently under consideration, such as aqueous solutions of lithium chloride and lithium bromide, may be too costly to exploit the open-cycle storage concept. Having identified the absorber as the system component whose performance is affected the most by a change in absorbent, an absorber model was selected from available literature pertaining to simultaneous heat and mass transfer. Low cost absorbent candidates were selected and their physical properties were either located in the literature, measured, or estimated. Absorber operating parameters were selected and the model was then used to estimate absorber performance for each absorbent in terms of cooling capacity per unit of absorber area. After specifying system parameters such as absorber capacity and cooling load, the absorber area, absorbent cost, and sorbent solution pumping power and storage volume were estimated for each candidate. The most promising of the absorbents considered was a mixture of two parts lithium chloride and one part zinc chloride. The estimated capacities per unit absorber area were 50–70% less than those of lithium bromide; however, the lithium bromide cost for a system sized to cool a 190 m2 residential structure was estimated to be eight times that for the lithium-zinc chloride mixture. Both the lithium-zinc chloride mixture and lithium bromide solutions had estimated pumping powers of less than 0.1 kW. The solubility of the lithium-zinc chloride mixture at absorber conditions was improved over that of lithium bromide, reducing the risk of solidification of the solution.
Effects of rhizosphere macronutrients and sulfide levels on the growth physiology of Halodule wrightii Aschers, and Ruppia maritima L. s.l.

Correlations were found between seasonal shoot production rates, tissue N and P contents, and stable S isotope ratios for co-occurring Halodule wrightii Aschers, and Ruppia maritima L.s.l. plants at a typical estuarine field site. Halodule growth rates correlated positively with elemental composition of root tissue while Ruppia growth correlated positively with leaf tissue elemental concentrations. Based on these field observations, controlled laboratory studies were conducted to compare growth responses of Halodule and Ruppia to selected sediment nutrient regimes. Ruppia grew readily on sediments enriched with low-to-moderate levels of inorganic nutrients (e.g., NO3− or NH4+ and PO43− ). In contrast, these inorganic nutrients were ineffective in supporting Halodule growth and sediment enrichment with organic N was specifically required for vigorous growth. Nitrate added to organic-enriched sediments was inhibitory to Halodule growth, most likely through its suppressive effect on SO42− reduction activity. These data provide experimental evidence that differential responses to sediment sulfate reduction are involved in the competition between Halodule and Ruppia under polyhaline estuarine regimes.
Prototyping and validation of thermo-optic planar polymer waveguide devices

Tailored functionality, compactness, and reliability continue to be needed in optical communication devices. Our processes for prototyping and validating low-loss planar polymer waveguide devices can respond rapidly to these needs through the steps described herein. In the past two years we have prototyped several distinct thermo-optic devices and established process- and product-reliability that is broadly applicable. Our prototyping and validation processes consist of modeling, waveguide fabrication for verification of design rules, optical characterization, heater fabrication (for thermo-optic devices), and bare-chip accelerated aging. First, modeling provides insight into optimized designs that can be fabricated with low-loss polymers. These designs are subsequently verified by experiment. Optical building blocks, such as bends, splits, and crossovers, have been characterized, and selected for use in the design of devices for applications such as switching, variable attenuation, and wavelength selection. Resistance heater dimensions and waveguide structures are optimized for maximum thermo-optic effect, minimum response time, and operational stability. As an example, a 2x2 thermo-optic switch, characterized at 1550 nm, has a maximum insertion loss of 1.8 dB, polarization dependent loss less than 0.1 dB, and switching time of less than 3ms. A robust waveguide fabrication process combined with a rapid prototyping ability provides the ability to efficiently evaluate design options. Short term and long term statistical data show that the fabrication process is in good control. Environmental screening tests combined with high temperature aging under various conditions of atmosphere and electrical power provide an efficient means to evaluate materials and processes, estimate product lifetime, and isolate failure mechanisms.
Impacts of ozone on trees and crops

Abstract In this review article, we explore how surface-level ozone affects trees and crops with special emphasis on consequences for productivity and carbon sequestration. Vegetation exposure to ozone reduces photosynthesis, growth, and other plant functions. Ozone formation in the atmosphere is a product of NOx, which are also a source of nitrogen deposition. Reduced carbon sequestration of temperate forests resulting from ozone is likely offset by increased carbon sequestration from nitrogen fertilization. However, since fertilized croplands are generally not nitrogen-limited, capping ozone-polluting substances in the USA, Europe, and China can reduce future crop yield loss substantially.
Adjustable suture use in strabismus surgery.

Purpose of review This review includes updated information regarding adjustable suture strabismus surgery for children and adults. Recent findings Main themes in the literature reviewed in this article include the appropriate timing for the adjustment technique, appropriate anesthesia, recent modifications in adjustable strabismus surgery techniques, and future developments. Summary Improved timing of adjustment, improved anesthesia, and newer surgical techniques allow strabismus surgeons to offer treatment options better suited to the needs of each strabismus patient.
Self-esteem and women with disabilities

This study examines the sense of self of women with physical disabilities in terms of self-esteem, self-cognition (perceptions of how others see them), and social isolation. It was hypothesized that these variables mediate the relation of precursor variables (age, education, severity of disability, and childhood experiences, including overprotection, familial affection, and school environment) and outcomes (intimacy, employment, and health promoting behaviors). Data were gathered from a sample of 881 community-dwelling women in the USA, 475 with a variety of mild to severe physical disabilities, and 406 without disabilities. Correlation analyses indicated that the women with disabilities had significantly lower self-cognition and self-esteem, and greater social isolation than the women without disabilities, as well as significantly less education, more overprotection during childhood, poorer quality of intimate relationships, and lower rates of salaried employment. Path analysis indicated that each of the sense of self mediators was significantly related to the outcome of intimacy, that both social isolation and self-esteem were significantly related to health promoting behaviors, and that only self-esteem was significantly related to employment. Respondents who were older, less disabled, less educated, less over-protected, and had more affection shown in the home tended to feel that others saw them more positively. Women with positive school environments, less over-protection, and more affection in the home experienced less social isolation; age, education, and disability severity were not significantly related to social isolation. Older respondents with less disability, a more positive school environment, less over-protection, and more affection in the home tended to have greater self-esteem; education was not significantly related to self-esteem. Older respondents tended to report less intimacy. Younger, more educated, and less disabled respondents were significantly more likely to be employed. More highly educated respondents reported engaging in more health promoting behaviors.