cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystallization and Melting of Model Ethylene−Butene Copolymers

Crystallinity and melting behavior are directly affected by the presence of a noncrystallizable comonomer. Hydrogenated polybutadiene, HPB, emulates a random ethylene−butene copolymer and provides the basis for comparison to the equilibrium theory of Flory. Melting behavior, density (crystallinity), and SAXS long period were measured for HPB's having 12 to 88 ethyl branches per 1000 backbone C atoms. DSC curves calculated from equilibrium theory are compared to experimental traces. It is shown that the equilibrium melting temperature Tmc of infinitely thick crystals, while thermodynamically correct, is inaccessible to experiment. Thickest crystals with observable populations melt at the practical final melting temperature Tmf, which is below Tmc. The peak melting temperature Tmp has no relation to the most populous crystal thickness. Crystallization of molten copolymer chains leads to fewer thick and thin crystals than predicted by theory; the difference is attributed to kinetic factors of secondary nucle...
Carbon dioxide in igneous petrogenesis: II. Fluid dynamics of mantle metasomatism

Petrographic, fluid inclusion, geochemical and isotopic evidence from xenoliths in alkali basalts suggests that low-viscosity fluids rich in O-H-C, dissolved silicates and especially the incompatible elements may ascend, decompress and precipitate crystalline phases and/or induce partial fusion in the upper mantle. Such mantle metasomatic fluids (MMF) may be important in generating isotopic heterogeneity and in transporting and focusing mantle heat. In order to model the movement of MMF, the ordinary differential equations governing the variation ofP, T, ascent velocity and fluid density of a compressible, viscous, single-phase (H2O or CO2) non-reacting fluid ascending through a vertical crack of constant width have been solved. A large number of numerical simulations were carried out in which the significant factors affecting flow behavior (thermodynamic and transport fluid properties, roughness and width of cracks, geothermal gradient, initial conditions, etc.) were systematically varied. The calculations show that: (1) MMF tends to move at uniform rates following a short period of rapid initial acceleration, (2) MMF ascends nearly isothermally, (3) MMF acts as an efficient heat transfer agent; numerical experiments show that transport of heat into regions undergoing metasomatism can lead to partial fusion. The heat transported by movement of MMF averaged over the age of the Earth is sufficient to generate about 0.1 km3 of basaltic magma per year, which is approximately equal to the production rate of alkaline magma. If an intense period of mantle degassing occured early in the history of the Earth, the transport of heat and mass (K, U, Rb, LREE) by migrating fluids might have been important.
Error Analysis in Rotationally Resolved Spectra: Least-Squares and Monte Carlo Methods

Abstract The determination of accurate uncertainties in spectroscopic constants obtained from experimental spectra is critical for a correct interpretation of the results. In this paper we examine the validity of using the covariance matrix obtained from a least-squares fitting routine as a means of error estimation. Monte Carlo calculations of simulated spectra are the basis by which the least-squares fitting methods are evaluated. The fitting techniques we examine are combination differences, excited state fitting, and fitting all parameters simultaneously.
Brand Personality Structures in the United States and Korea: Common and Culture-Specific Factors

The symbolic meaning of commercial brands (often called brand personality ) can represent the values and beliefs of a culture. When a set of global brands were rated on the same personality attributes in the United States and Korea, 6 common dimensions of brand personality and 2 factors unique to each culture were observed. The 2 culture-specific factors in Korea (Passive Likeableness and Ascendancy) support our general hypothesis that Korean brand personality structure carries cultural meaning, reflecting the importance of Confucian values in Korea's social and economic systems. Although their cultural meaning is less clear, the 2 unique factors (White Collar and Androgyny) that emerged in the U.S. sample suggest changing cultural values associated with occupational status and gender roles.
A zeolite absorbent/nano-fluidics protection-based blast- and ballistic-impact-mitigation system

The efficacy of a new blast-/ballistic-impact-mitigation concept is analyzed using advanced computational methods and tools. In this concept, the target structure is covered by a zeolite protective layer (with a layer of air between the two), which in turn is in contact with a water layer (treated as a nano-fluidic material) in front. The water molecules are forced to infiltrate zeolite nanopores under high-rate loading, following which the hydrogen bonds of the water molecules interact with the hydrophobic walls of the nanopores, causing the water to undergo an ordering-type phase transition and acquire high density. At the same time, a significant portion of the kinetic energy of the water molecules is converted to potential energy or dissipated as heat. All-atom molecular-level equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations were employed to properly capture the attendant nano-fluidics phenomena. As a result, the structure sustains a substantially lower peak load, and the (conserved) linear momentum is transferred to the structure over a longer duration.
Mechanical Properties of Orbital Fat and Its Encapsulating Connective Tissue

There is an increasing need to understand the mechanical properties of human orbital fat and its encapsulating connective tissue (OFCT), but such knowledge is not available in the current literature. The purpose of the present study is to examine the mechanical properties of the OFCT. From 5 pairs of 76- to 92-year-old Caucasian human eyes and 33 5- to 7-month-old porcine eyes, 5 human and 11 porcine OFCT samples were dissected at the posterior pole or adjacent to the pole in the vertical, horizontal, and radial directions. Sample dimensions were fixed or measured. Tensile tests were performed on the samples in body-temperature saline. The stress-strain relationship was first approximately linear and then became nonlinear. The linear, the neo-Hookean, and the Mooney-Rivlin constants are reported in Tables 1 and 2. No statistical difference was found among their properties in the different directions in either the human or the porcine samples. Statistical differences were found between the human and the porcine material constants in the horizontal and radial directions. Among our material models, only the Mooney-Rivlin model was able to capture the mechanical properties of the OFCT in large deformation properly. The Mooney-Rivlin model was especially adaptive to the human data. This is the first time the mechanical properties of the human and porcine OFCT have been examined in the literature. We believe our data will provide valuable information to others regarding designing implant biomaterials in orbital treatments and developing computer models to study orbital biomechanics.
Assisted Movement With Proprioceptive Stimulation Reduces Impairment and Restores Function in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Objective To test whether treatment with assisted movement with enhanced sensation (AMES) using vibration to the antagonist muscle would reduce impairments and restore upper limb function in people with incomplete tetraplegia. Design Prospective, pre-post study. Setting Laboratory and rehabilitation hospital. Participants We recruited 15 arms from 10 individuals (8 men; mean age, 40.5y; mean years postspinal cord injury [SCI], 3) with chronic, incomplete tetraplegia. Intervention Two or three 20-minute sessions per week over 9 to 13 weeks (25 sessions total) on the AMES device, which combines repeated movement with targeted vibration to the antagonist muscle. Main Outcome Measures Strength and active motion tests on the AMES device; International Standards for the Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI) motor and sensory examinations; Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS); grasp and release test (GRT); Van Lieshout Test (VLT); and Capabilities of Upper Extremity questionnaire (CUE). Results The AMES strength test scores improved significantly in metacarpophalangeal flexion ( P =.024) and extension ( P =.007) and wrist flexion ( P =.001) and extension ( P P =.001) and wrist ( P =.001). The MAS and ISNCSCI scores remained unchanged, whereas the GRT scores increased ( P =.025). Post hoc analysis showed a trend from pre- to posttreatment ( P =.068) and a significant change from pretreatment to 3-month follow-up ( P =.046). There was no significant change in the VLT ( P =.951) or the CUE ( P =.164). Five of the 10 participants reported a return of sensation to the digits after the first, second, or third treatment session. Conclusions People with chronic, incomplete tetraplegia may experience improvements in impairments and function after treatment on a device combining assisted movement and proprioceptive stimulation. Further investigation is warranted.
Managerial incentives and a firm's cash flow sensitivities

Abstract This paper adds a new perspective to the compensation literature by examining the impact of managerial incentives on firm behavior in an information asymmetry framework. The analyses show that managerial equity-based compensation exacerbates firms' information asymmetry problems by focusing managers on the interests of existing shareholders. Firms with equity-based compensation rely more on internal funds. When there is a one-standard deviation increase in managerial equity-based compensation, firms will invest $0.05 more, save $0.02 more as cash and make a $0.07 lower net payout in response to a $1 increase in cash flow. Furthermore, the significant impact of managerial incentives on firms' cash flow sensitivities is predominant in small firms and firms with high market-to-book values.
Is the ocean floor a fractal

The high‐resolution topographic structure of the ocean bottom plays an important role in acoustic reverberation. Mathematical models of the seafloor at different scales are presented, based on analyses of the spatial continuity. Survey devices are usually designed for a certain resolution, and, to date, most studies are concerned with one limited range of scale. The question arises whether the statistical behavior at one scale can be carried over to another, or what conclusions can be drawn. It has been proposed that the ocean bottom can be simulated as a fractal (an object of Hausdorff dimension strictly larger than its topological dimension). Analyses of scale‐dependent measures of spatial continuity (nested variograms and covariance functions) are used to investigate whether this assumption provides a description coherent with seafloor observations. The concepts will be demonstrated in a case study, using SEABEAM bathymetric data from the East Pacific Rise.
Recent advances in thin-layer cytology.

In recent years liquid-based cytology has emerged as an alternative to conventional cytopreparatory methods. In particular, the ThinPrep system has found broad acceptance in non-gynecologic cytopreparation. Many laboratories have successfully applied this technique to body fluids (e.g. urine, pleural effusions), brushing samples (e.g. gastrointestinal tract, lung) and fine-needle aspiration. Most comparative studies have shown the ThinPrep system to perform as well as or better than conventional preparations in non-gynecologic cytology; plus, the residual cells within the vial can be used for DNA analysis or immunohistochemical and other special studies. Recently, the ThinPrep 2000 system has been approved for use in gynecologic cytology. This approval was based on a large, multicenter clinical study that showed the ThinPrep system to be favored over the conventional Pap smear for the detection of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, or more severe lesions. At screening centers the improved rate of detecting low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) or more severe diagnosis was up to 73%, with an average improvement of 65% as compared to the conventional Pap smears. Also, for specimen adequacy, the ThinPrep method was statistically favored over conventional cytology methods. This multicenter clinical trial demonstrates the ThinPrep 2000 system was more effective than the conventional Pap smear for the detection of atypical cells and cervical cancer and its precursor lesions. In addition, by collecting cells in a liquid-based medium the opportunity is present to improve the Pap test by adjunctive testing for Human Papilloma Virus or other procedures. This creates the opportunity for improved triage and management of patients with cervical abnormalities. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1998;18:24–32. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A continuous spectrophotometric assay for Escherichia coli alanyl-transfer RNA synthetase.

A new continuous spectrophotometric assay is demonstrated for Escherichia coli alanyl-tRNA synthetase. It involves β-γ adenylyl imidophosphate as a substitute for ATP in the pyrophosphate exchange reaction. The net conversion of β-γ adenylyl imidophosphate to ATP can be linked to NADP reduction by hexokinase and glucose-6-P dehydrogenase catalyzed reactions, which can be monitored at 340 nm. This assay can be extended to other aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases which can use β-γ nonhydrolyzable analogs of ATP as an ATP substitute.
Detection of cholera toxin in seafood using a ganglioside-liposome immunoassay.

Microbiological contamination of foods continues to be a major concern in public health. Biological toxins are one class of important contaminants that can cause various human diseases. Outbreaks related to contamination by biological toxins or toxin-producing microorganisms have made it extremely important to develop rapid (approximately 20 min), sensitive and cost-effective analytical methods. This paper describes the development of a sensitive bioassay for the detection of cholera toxin (CT) in selected seafood samples, using ganglioside-incorporated liposomes. In this study, the assays were run with food samples spiked with various concentrations of CT. The limit of detection (LOD) increased by a factor of about 10–20 in most food samples, compared with the LOD in the buffer system previously reported. However, the LOD of toxins in food samples (8 × 10–3 × 103 fg/mL for CT) was still comparable to, or lower than, that previously reported for other assays. The results from this study demonstrate that the bioassays using ganglioside-liposomes can detect the toxin directly in the field screening of food samples rapidly, simply and reliably, without the need for complex instrumentation.
An experimental investigation of turbulent stratified shearing flow

Some experiments are described in which steady-state shearing flows are developed in stratified brine solutions contained in a cyclically continuous tank of rectangular cross-section. Over the range of overall Richardson numbers studied, the results suggest that whenever turbulent layers are present on either side of a region of fluid with a gravitationally stable density gradient, they cause erosion of this region to occur. The erosion leads to the formation of two homogeneous layers separated by a thin layer of strong density and velocity gradients. The gradient Richardson number, computed by using the velocity and density gradients in this transition layer, tends to have a value of order one.If we define an overall Richardson number Ri* by averaging the velocity and density gradients over the entire depth of fluid in the tank, we find that the non- dimensional buoyancy flux, Q, is functionally related to Ri* by an equation of the form Q = C1(Ri*)−1 where C1 is a constant, approximately, and Ri* ranges in value between one and thirty.To check the effect of a large variation of the molecular diffusivity coefficient on flow conditions, we ran a limited number of experiments with thermally stratified fluid. Over a restricted range, 1·0 < Ri* < 5·0, velocity profiles very similar to those measured in the brine-stratified experiments at like values of Ri* were obtained. This suggests that the coefficient of molecular diffusion is not an important parameter in either type of experiment.Other experiments, made in the same apparatus, describe the entrainment by a turbulent, homogeneous layer of an initially quiescent layer of fluid with a linear density gradient. The depth of the turbulent layer, D, increases with time, t, according to the relation. \[ D^3\propto t. \] This result is consistent with that found by Kato & Phillips (1969), although the turbulent layer in the present experiment is generated in a different manner.
Variables versus models of early Pleistocene hominid land use

Abstract Alternative reconstructions, or models, have been advanced to explain the archeological behavior patterns of early toolmakers in East Africa. Current models include central place foraging (home bases), multiple place foraging at stone caches, routed foraging, and riparian woodland scavenging. These models imply that certain socioecological variables affected hominid attraction to specific places. Such factors include social cohesion, predator avoidance, costs of stone transport, habitat patch choice, and tethering of toolmakers to fixed resources. When viewed as alternative hypotheses, however, these models become static and miss possible simultaneous effects of variables on early hominid behaviors. A paleolandscape study of excavated artefacts and habitat indicators in Member 1 (ca. 0·99 Ma) of the Olorgesailie Formation, Kenya, illustrates the interplay of these variables in comparison with other Plio-Pleistocene contexts: (1) resource tethering was important for some raw materials and possibly handaxes, but not for other components of the artefact assemblage; (2) stone transport varied greatly among different basin contexts; (3) overlap with predators was minimal at Olorgesailie but large in Bed 1 Olduvai; (4) no specific correlation between hominid traces and microhabitat is evident at Olorgesailie; (5) no clear spatial indications of human social aggregation (e.g., shelters, hearths, activity areas) have been found. Diverse sedimentary, basins can be expected to differ in the strength of these factors. Growing awareness of variability in Plio-Pleistocene contexts changes the pursuit of archeology away from the single best reconstruction toward an understanding of environment-behavior covariation. Geographic and temporal variations in hominid land use suggest that natural selection may have entailed responses to habitat and resource variability, not merely consistent selection pressure or adaptation to a model environment.
Surface relaxation effects in conduction-electron spin-resonance transmission

Theoretical line shapes are calculated for conduction-electron spin-resonance transmission, including the effects of surface relaxation, in the regime of completely damped spin waves. Surface relaxation is introduced via the boundary condition $\stackrel{^}{n}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\ensuremath{\nabla}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{M}}=(\frac{3\ensuremath{\epsilon}}{4\ensuremath{\Lambda}})\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{M}}$, where $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ is the probability of a spin flip in a surface collision and $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ is the mean free path. For specimens of thickness $d$ large compared with the spin diffusion length ${\ensuremath{\delta}}_{s}^{*}\ensuremath{\equiv}{(2{D}^{*}{T}_{2}^{*})}^{\frac{1}{2}}$, the on-resonance intensity as a function of specimen thickness if found to vary as ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{\ensuremath{\surd}2d}{{\ensuremath{\delta}}_{s}^{*}}}$, independent of surface relaxation. Line-shape expressions are given for several limiting cases of experimental interest.
Non-autonomous Julia sets with escaping critical points

We consider non-autonomous iteration which is a generalization of standard polynomial iteration where we deal with Julia sets arising from composition sequences for arbitrarily chosen polynomials with uniformly bounded degrees and coefficients. In this paper, we look at examples where all the critical points escape to infinity. In the classical case, any example of this type must be hyperbolic and there can be only one Fatou component, namely the basin at infinity. This result remains true in the non-autonomous case if we also require that the dynamics on the Julia set be hyperbolic or semi-hyperbolic. However, in general it fails and we exhibit three counterexamples of sequences of quadratic polynomials all of whose critical points escape but which have bounded Fatou components.
Orang-utan nest surveys: the devil is in the details

Nest surveys are widely employed to assess the population density of orang-utans (Pongo spp.) and evaluate alternative management scenarios relevant to the protection of these threatened great apes. However, this method is less accurate and prone to much greater error than is generally acknowledged. Here we highlight the limitations of orang-utan nest surveys, discuss the risks of ignoring these limitations, and note conditions under which standard nest survey methods are appropriate.
Design concept for a Landsat-class imaging spectrometer with well-corrected spectral fidelity

This paper describes a design concept for a Landsat-class imaging spectrometer. The challenge is to match the Landsat data parameters, including a 185 kilometer swath and a 30 meter ground sample distance (GSD) from a 705 km sun-synchronous orbit with a sensor which has contiguous spectral coverage of the solar reflected spectrum (400 to 2500 nanometers). The result is a dual purpose remote sensing satellite that provides global access imaging spectrometer data sets as well as fulfilling the needs of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission. Key features of the design include (1) high signal-to-noise ratio, (2) well corrected spectral fidelity across a 6000 pixel pushbroom field-of-view, (3) real-time simulation of Thematic Mapper bands 1-5, and 7 for direct continuous downlink and (4) straightforward calibration of the data to units of absolute spectral radiance.
Alternative therapy to simultaneous renal tumors of dissimilar histogenesis

Abstract Herein is reported the second case of bilateral renal tumors of dissimilar histogenesis in a patient treated with a conservative surgical approach.
Trichosporon pullulans infection in 2 patients with chronic granulomatous disease: an emerging pathogen and review of the literature.

Background: Chronic granulomatous disease is a genetically determined primary immunodeficiency disease in which phagocytic cells are unable to kill certain bacteria and fungi after ingestion. Manifestations include recurrent pyogenic infections caused by catalase-positive microbes. Trichosporon species are emerging as opportunistic agents that cause systemic disease in immunocompromised patients. Typically disease has been described in association with T beigelii in patients with secondary immunodeficiency, such as underlying malignancy. Objective: The objective was to report the first 2 cases of T pullulans infection in 2 male children with chronic granulomatous disease. Methods: The records of the 2 patients were reviewed. In addition, all cases of T pullulans infection reported in the English language literature are presented. Results: This report brings to 7 the total number of cases of T pullulans reported and the first in patients with chronic granulomatous disease, one with invasive pneumonia and the other with an infected paronychium and localized cellulitis. In the 5 additional cases malignancy was the principal risk factor. Conclusion: T pullulans has rarely been reported as a fungal pathogen. The most prominent risk factor for the development of trichosporonosis is immunocompromise most notably with neutropenia. Abnormally functioning neutrophils, such as with chronic granulomatous disease, may also predispose individuals to this opportunistic pathogen. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003;111:1370-4.)
Epigenetic changes and non-coding expanded repeats

Many neurogenetic disorders are caused by unstable expansions of tandem repeats. Some of the causal mutations are located in non-protein-coding regions of genes. When pathologically expanded, these repeats can trigger focal epigenetic changes that repress the expression of the mutant allele. When the mutant gene is not repressed, the transcripts containing the expanded repeat can give rise to a toxic gain-of-function by the mutant RNA. These two mechanisms, heterochromatin-mediated gene repression and RNA dominance, produce a wide range of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative abnormalities. Here we review the mechanisms of gene dysregulation induced by non-coding repeat expansions, and early indications that some of these disorders may prove to be responsive to therapeutic intervention.
Review article: carbon monoxide in gastrointestinal physiology and its potential in therapeutics.

Background While carbon monoxide (CO) is a known toxin, it is now recognized that CO is also an important signaling molecule involved in physiology and pathophysiology.
Some properties of scattering amplitudes in supersymmetric theories

Properties of S-matrix amplitudes are investigated in theories invariant under global supersymmetry transformations. Many amplitudes are related to each other by supersymmetry and many others have to vanish. In particular a general helicity conservation law holds.
Visual Demand of Driving and the Execution of Display-Intensive in-Vehicle Tasks:

To gain insight as to when telematics can be distracting, 16 participants drove a simulator on roads with long curves of several different radii. Participants read electronic maps displayed in the ...
Advanced control approaches for combined cooling/antisolvent crystallization in continuous mixed suspension mixed product removal cascade crystallizers

Abstract The control approaches for a continuous two stage mixed suspension mixed product removal (MSMPR) cascade crystallizer are studied in this work. Both cooling and antisolvent addition are applied at both stages to manipulate the process. Considering both crystal size and yield as controlled variables, the attainable region of crystal size and yield is obtained. Two advanced control schemes are discussed: (1) decentralized proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control; and (2) nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC). While decentralized PID control framework is proved to require change of control structure when a relatively large operating region is essential, nonlinear model predictive control scheme shows superior performance for fast target product property change-over and disturbance rejection.
Canonical Wnt signalling requires the BMP pathway to inhibit oligodendrocyte maturation

OLs (oligodendrocytes) are the myelinating cells of the CNS (central nervous system), wrapping axons in conductive sheathes to ensure effective transmission of neural signals. The regulation of OL development, from precursor to mature myelinating cell, is controlled by a variety of inhibitory and inductive signalling factors. The dorsal spinal cord contains signals that inhibit OL development, possibly to prevent premature and ectopic precursor differentiation. The Wnt and BMP (bone morphogenic protein) signalling pathways have been identified as dorsal spinal cord signals with overlapping temporal activity, and both have similar inhibitory effects on OL differentiation. Both these pathways feature prominently in many developmental processes and demyelinating events after injury, and they are known to interact in complex inductive, inhibitive and synergistic manners in many developing systems. The interaction between BMP and Wnt signalling in OL development, however, has not been extensively explored. In the present study, we examine the relationship between the canonical Wnt and BMP pathways. We use pharmacological and genetic paradigms to show that both Wnt3a and BMP4 will inhibit OL differentiation in vitro. We also show that when the canonical BMP signalling pathway is blocked, neither Wnt3a nor BMP4 have inhibitory effects on OL differentiation. In contrast, abrogating the Wnt signalling pathway does not alter the actions of BMP4 treatment. Our results indicate that the BMP signalling pathway is necessary for the canonical Wnt signalling pathway to exert its effects on OL development, but not vice versa, suggesting that Wnt signals upstream of BMP.
Causes of Reduced North Atlantic Storm Activity in a CAM3 Simulation of the Last Glacial Maximum

Abstract The aim of this paper is to determine how an atmosphere with enhanced mean-state baroclinity can support weaker baroclinic wave activity than an atmosphere with weak mean-state baroclinity. As a case study, a Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) model simulation previously documented to have reduced baroclinic storm activity, relative to the modern-day climate (simulated by the same model), despite having an enhanced midlatitude temperature gradient, is considered. Several candidate mechanisms are evaluated to explain this apparent paradox. A linear stability analysis is first performed on the jet in the modern-day and the LGM simulation; the latter has relatively strong barotropic velocity shear. It was found that the LGM mean state is more unstable to baroclinic disturbances than the modern-day mean state, although the three-dimensional jet structure does stabilize the LGM jet relative to the Eady growth rate. Next, feature tracking was used to assess the storm track seeding and temporal growth of distur...
Condemned to repeat history: lessons I'm still learning

It sometimes seems like the trials and tribulations (and, once in a while, triumphs) we face in our jobs are a direct result of change. And while a new worm, a new version of an operating system, a new demand for us to provide some service that we've never provided before, continue to challenge us. However, even in the face of these changes, I think there are some principles that have remained relatively constant over the past decade or so. We are still service providers, responsible to the consumers in our campus communities for meeting their needs appropriately.We still have a teaching role to fill. Again, what we need to teach might have changed. (Or maybe not?) There is still an important niche for us as educators on our campuses.We still have to strike a balance: do we exercise complete control, or do we allow complete autonomy? Each of our organizations has to find its proper location on that spectrum. In my presentation, I will illustrate each of these points with examples from the past and present, and I hope my listeners will be encouraged to contribute some of their own examples (or counterexamples) during the discussion period. Hopefully, by thinking a little bit about our history, we will not be condemned to re-learn old lessons.
Podand ionophores with dialkoxy conformational locks

Ionophores 2–4 which incorporate a novel +gauchel-gauche dialkoxy conformational locking mechanism were synthesized from D-mannitol. These new podands bound various chiral ammonium ions enantioselectively, but comparisons with related alkylated podands indicated that dialkyl and dialkoxy conformational locks are not completely interchangable.
Antibiotic resistance patterns in medical and surgical patients in a combined medical-surgical intensive care unit ☆ ☆☆ ★ ★★

Abstract Purpose Studies have found different rates of antimicrobial resistance among patients in medical and surgical intensive care units (ICUs). We studied whether these differences were a function of geography or differences in the patient populations, by comparing resistance rates among bacteria isolated from a combined medical/surgical ICU. Materials and Methods We retrospectively evaluated the results of bacterial cultures of each patient admitted to the ICU between February 2005 and September 2006. Data collection included patient demographics and culture and sensitivity results. Intensive care unit populations were compared using the Fisher exact test and the Student t test. Results One hundred seventy-one medical and 94 surgical patients with positive cultures were studied. Organisms were grouped into 4 classes: Staphylococcus aureus , nonlactose fermenting gram-negative bacilli, Enterococcus species, and gram-negative enteric bacteria. In the 4 classes, no significant difference in antibiotic resistance was found between medical and surgical patients. Conclusion Reported differences in resistance patterns among bacteria cultured from medical and surgical patients may be due to geographic separation of the ICUs as opposed to differences in the patient characteristics. This study suggests that ICU-specific antibiograms remain a useful tool to guide the choice of antimicrobial therapy, even in medical/surgical ICUs.
A Survey of Physicians’ Smoking Counseling Practices

ABSTRACT Several techniques used in smoking cessation counseling have been shown to be useful in physicians’ efforts to help their patients quit smoking. The use of these techniques by Tulsa physicians was assessed through a survey of private practice internists, internal medicine residents, and family practice residents in a university-based community hospital. The majority of physicians (85%) reported they brought up the subject of smoking with their patients. Other techniques were used less frequently, with 34% of physicians never giving their patients selfhelp materials, 83% never using a quit date contract, and 73% never making appointments mainly to discuss smoking. Private practice physicians reported using more techniques than did the residents. Internists who practice a subspecialty reported using fewer techniques, and this was especially true in the younger physicians. Ten percent of physicians were often satisfied with their efforts, and 14% had formal training in smoking counseling techniques. Some physicians apparently learn how to better use these techniques as their experience increases. Training physicians while they are in residency and early subspecialty practice may accelerate this process and enable more smokers to quit with their physicians’ help.
Cyclohexane and Benzene Amination by Catalytic Nitrene Insertion into C−H Bonds with the Copper-Homoscorpionate Catalyst TpBr3Cu(NCMe)

The complex TpBr3Cu(NCMe) catalyzes, at room temperature, the insertion of a nitrene group from PhINTs into the carbon−hydrogen bond of cyclohexane and benzene, as well as into the primary C−H bonds of the methyl groups of toluene and mesitylene, in moderate to high yield.
CHEMISTRY OF KETENE ACETALS. II. A SIMPLE ROUTE TO 2,2‐DIALKOXYTETRAHYDROFURANS, Γ‐BUTYROLACTONES, 2(5H)‐FURANONES AND 2‐ALKOXY‐4,5‐DIHYDROFURANS

Abstract 2,2-Dialkoxytetrahydrofurans 3 (a,b) have been synthesized from epoxides 1 and ketene acetals 2 using ZnCl 2 as a catalyst. By simple reactions compounds 3 were converted into γ-butyrolactones 5 , 2-(5H)-furanones 7 and 2-alkoxy-4,5-dihydrofurans 8 .
Neurons containing α-melanocyte stimulating hormone and β-endorphin immunoreactivity in the cat hypothalamus

Abstract Immunohistochemical studies were conducted on sections of cat hypothalamus in order to determine the distribution of neurons containing α-melanocyte stimulating hormone and β-endorphin immunoreactivity. A large number of neurons in the arcuate nucleus were stained after incubation of sections with antisera to either substance. Analysis of serial sections suggested that each neuron revealed with one antiserum was also revealed with the other antiserum, indicating the co-existence of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone and β-endorphin immunoreactivity within these arcuate neurons. In contrast, a more diffuse group of lateral hypothalamic neurons which extended from the retrochiasmatic level to the posterior hypothalamus were stained only with the antiserum directed against α-melanocyte stimulating hormone. The present results largely confirm findings in the rat hypothalamus, although the lateral hypothalamic group of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone immunoreactive neurons appears to be more extensive in the cat.
Marital Suitors Court Social Science Spin-sters: The Unwittingly Conservative Effects of Public Sociology

This article analyzes the author's experience performing public sociology on same-sex marriage and gay family rights issues in order to illustrate the paradoxical and tacitly conservative conditions that structure contemporary public sociological discourse. It demonstrates how, under contemporary conditions of globalized, market-driven communications technologies and neoconservative discursive frames, performing public sociology reinforces positivist epistemology, regardless of one's goals. Paradoxically, the arena of sound-bite sociology exploits reflexive and semiotic knowledge to convey research in rhetoric that reinforces the positivist, normalizing ideological regime that the former seek to deconstruct.
The value of SPECT-thallium scanning in screening for myocardial contusion

In this prospective study of 40 patients sustaining blunt chest trauma, the value of single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT)-thallium scanning in the prediction of morbidity due to cardiac contusion was examined. Twelve patients developed cardiac complications—arrhythmias, ventricular conduction defects, and pericarditis. The sensitivity of SPECT-thallium scans was 55.6%, and the specificity was 32.1%, with an accuracy of 37.8%. Accuracy of the initial electrocardiogram (ECG) was 85%, with a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 82.1%. Patients with a normal ECG on admission rarely developed cardiac complications. It is concluded that SPECT-thallium is no a useful screening tool in this patient population.
The Impact of Recreational Video Game Play on Children's and Adolescents' Cognition

Current empirical findings show linkages between recreational video game play and enhanced cognitive skills, primarily among young adults. However, consideration of this linkage among children and adolescents is sparse. Thus, discussions about facilitating transfer of cognitive skills from video game play to academic tasks among children and adolescents remains largely uninformed by research. To inform this discussion, we review available research concerning the cognitive benefits of video game play among children and adolescents and their impressions of video games as learning tools as these impressions may impact their application of cognitive skills used during game play to academic tasks.
Rheologic hysteresis curve shape specificity of mixed lipid films.

Abstract 1. 1. The surface tension (γ)-area ( A ) hysteresis loops of mixed lipid films were studied to discern if such a procedure might be suitable to investigate lipid domains and the effects of molar composition. 2. 2. Using cyclic film compression and the Wilhelmy measurement of surface tension, it was shown that there is an evolution of both γ— A hysteresis curve shape and loop size. 3. 3. With film composition being the only variant in the experimental system, the γ- A shape often was distinctive. 4. 4. Specific zones of one hysteresis trace were interpreted as representing phospholipid ionic interaction. 5. 5. Differential, sequential entry of the phospholipid acyl chains and polar groups in the hysterectic process indicated the separate importance of the forces governing the two parts of the film. 6. 6. Controlled ionic concentration, pH, and temperature could effect an equalization of magnitude between the “strong” ionic forces of the polar groups and the “weak” dipole forces of the hydrocarbon chains. 7. 7. With balanced forces functional significance of molar composition could be expressed through grouping of the lipids into interacting domains.
Prevalence of Hearing Impairment in a Rural Midwestern Cohort: Estimates from the Keokuk County Rural Health Study, 1994 to 1998

Objective: The current paper estimates the prevalence of hearing problems in a rural population, analyzes the prevalence of hearing problems across age groups, and compares the prevalence of hearing problems in this population with results obtained in other populations. Design: Data were obtained from a random sample of the residents of a rural county, stratified by farm, rural non-farm, and town residence. Hearing test results were obtained from participants between the ages of 8 and 92 years (N = 1972; 47% male). Pure-tone thresholds were classified as normal or impaired using a number of metrics, including speech intelligibility index values. Selected comparisons of crude rates were made with previous population-based studies of hearing loss prevalence. Results: Nearly all (99%) of the participants in this study had significant hearing impairment. Atypical hearing impairment is most prevalent at 6 kHz. In males, this excess impairment shifts to lower frequencies with age but monotonically decreases in females. Notched configurations were most common among those between 30 and 59 years old. In females, the prevalence of hearing impairments sufficient to interfere with speech understanding begins to rapidly increase in the 6th decade (4th decade in males). Comparisons with prior population-based studies in the United States and Great Britain identified few significant differences. Conclusions: Significant hearing impairment is common in rural populations. The high prevalence in this population is similar to that found in other population-based studies. Future studies are needed to examine (1) the risk factors for hearing impairment, (2) the natural course of hearing problems across the life span, and (3) the effect of programs for the prevention of hearing impairment and rehabilitation for persons with existing hearing impairments.
A computational design-of-experiments study of hemming processes for automotive aluminium alloys

AbstractHemming is a three-step sheet-folding process utilized in the production of automotive closures. It has a critical imact on the performance and perceived quality of assembled vehicles. Using a two-dimensional finite element model, this paper presents a design-of-experiments (DOE) study of the relationships between important hemming process parameters and hem quality for aluminium alloy AA 6111-T4PD flat surface-straight edge hemming. The quality measures include roll-in/roll-out of the hem edge as well as the maximum true strain on the exposed bent surface. The finite element (FE) model combines explicit and implicit procedures in simulating the three forming subprocesses (flanging, pre-hemming, and final hemming) along with the corresponding springback (unloading). The results show that the pre-hemming die angle and the flanging die radius have the greatest influence on hem edge roll-in/roll-out, while pre-strain and the flanging die radius impact the maximum surface strain significantly. The com...
Human Lipopolysaccharide-binding Protein (LBP) and CD14 Independently Deliver Triacylated Lipoproteins to Toll-like Receptor 1 (TLR1) and TLR2 and Enhance Formation of the Ternary Signaling Complex

Bacterial lipoproteins are the most potent microbial agonists for the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) subfamily, and this pattern recognition event induces cellular activation, leading to host immune responses. Triacylated bacterial lipoproteins coordinately bind TLR1 and TLR2, resulting in a stable ternary complex that drives intracellular signaling. The sensitivity of TLR-expressing cells to lipoproteins is greatly enhanced by two lipid-binding serum proteins known as lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and soluble CD14 (sCD14); however, the physical mechanism that underlies this increased sensitivity is not known. To address this, we measured the ability of LBP and sCD14 to drive ternary complex formation between soluble extracellular domains of TLR1 and TLR2 and a synthetic triacylated lipopeptide agonist. Importantly, addition of substoichiometric amounts of either LBP or sCD14 significantly enhanced formation of a TLR1·TLR2 lipopeptide ternary complex as measured by size exclusion chromatography. However, neither LBP nor sCD14 was physically associated with the final ternary complex. Similar results were obtained using outer surface protein A (OspA), a naturally occurring triacylated lipoprotein agonist from Borrelia burgdorferi. Activation studies revealed that either LBP or sCD14 sensitized TLR-expressing cells to nanogram levels of either the synthetic lipopeptide or OspA lipoprotein agonist. Together, our results show that either LBP or sCD14 can drive ternary complex formation and TLR activation by acting as mobile carriers of triacylated lipopeptides or lipoproteins.
Sulfonic acid functionalized mesoporous SBA-15 catalysts for biodiesel production

Abstract Sulfonic acid functionalized mesoporous SBA-15 catalysts have been studied in the microwave-assisted transesterification of soybean oil with 1-butanol in order to produce low freezing point biodiesel. Small-angle powder XRD and nitrogen adsorption analysis revealed the formation of mesoporous materials with high surface area and uniform porosity. Catalytic activity was found to be largely dependent on the acid strength rather than the number of acid sites. Propyl-SO 3 H and arene-SO 3 H functionalized SBA-15 catalysts showed high activity and stability in transesterification reactions whereas perfluoro-SO 3 H functionalized SBA-15 catalyst exhibited a complete loss of activity after recycling due to complete leaching of perfluoro-SO 3 H groups in the reaction medium. The results over arene-SO 3 H functionalized catalysts showed that the optimal loading of arene-SO 3 H groups is approximately 15% (molar percent of functional group to total silicon) and the optimal oil to alcohol molar ratio is 1:6. Increases in catalyst to oil weight ratio and reaction temperature significantly enhance the reaction rates. Simultaneous transesterification and esterification of soybean oil with up to 20 wt% oleic acid over arene-SO 3 H functionalized catalyst indicated that this catalyst could be a promising candidate for processing low quality feedstocks containing high fraction of free fatty acids. Further modification of Ar-SO 3 H SBA-15 catalyst with hydrophobic groups did not significantly improve its catalytic performance.
Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Target-Dependent Regulation of Large-Conductance KCaChannels in Developing Chick Lumbar Motoneurons

The functional expression of large-conductance Ca 2 activated K (KCa) channels in lumbar motoneurons (LMNs) of the developing chick embryo is regulated in part by interactions with striated muscle target tissues. Here we show that the functional expression of KCa channels in LMNs developing in vitro can be stimulated by application of a skeletal muscle extract (MEX) or by coculture with hindlimb myotubes. A similar stimulation of KCa channels in vitro can be produced by the trophic factors glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor but not by neurotrophin (NT)-3 or NT-4. The actions of MEX and hindlimb myotubes are blocked by a GDNF-neutralizing antiserum. Moreover, injection of this same antiserum into the embryonic hindlimb reduced the functional expression of KCa channels in vivo to levels seen in LMNs deprived of interactions with the hindlimb. The effects of GDNF on KCa channel expression in LMNs require 24 hr of continuous exposure to reach maximum and are blocked by the translation inhibitor anisomycin, indicating the need for synthesis of new proteins. GDNF actions are also blocked by the farnesyl transferase inhibitor manumycin, suggesting a role for Ras in the actions of GDNF. Finally, the actions of GDNF are inhibited by PP2, an inhibitor of Src family tyrosine kinases, and by LY29003, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinases, but not by PD98059, an inhibitor of the Erk signaling cascade. None of these treatments alter expression of voltage-activated Ca 2 channels. Thus, the actions of GDNF on LMN KCa channel expression appear to use a transduction pathway similar to that used for regulation of apoptosis.