cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relaxation of the quasiparticle charge imbalance in superconductors

The relaxation of the quasiparticle charge imbalance (${Q}^{*}$) in superconductors is studied. The energy- and temperature-dependent time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{{Q}^{*}}(E,T)$ associated with the ${Q}^{*}$ relaxation is calculated. We found that this relaxation time is qualitatively different from the branch mixing time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{Q}(E,T)$ for $E\ensuremath{\sim}\ensuremath{\Delta}$.
Subsurface drip irrigation of corn in the United States Mid-South

Although rainfall in the United States Mid-South is sufficient to produce corn (Zea mays L.) without irrigation in most years, timely irrigation has been shown to increase yields. The recent interest in ethanol fuels is expected to lead to increases in US corn production, and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is one possible way to increase application efficiency and thereby reduce water use. The objective of this study was to determine the response of SDI-irrigated corn produced in the US Mid-South. Field studies were conducted at the University of Arkansas Northeast Research and Extension Center at Keiser during the 2002�2004 growing seasons. The soil was mixed, with areas of fine sandy loam, loamy sand, and silty clay. SDI tubing was placed under every row at a depth of approximately 30 cm. Three irrigation levels were compared, with irrigation replacing 100% and 60% of estimated daily water use and no irrigations. The split plot treatment was hybrid, with three hybrids of different relative maturities. Although the 3-year means indicated significantly lower yields for a nonirrigated treatment, no significant differences were observed among the treatments in 2003 or 2004. A large difference was observed in 2002, the year with the least rainfall during the study period, but no difference was detected between the two irrigated treatments in any year. The treatment with the lower water application had the higher irrigation water use efficiency. Although the results of this study suggested that replacing 60% of the estimated daily evapotranspiration with SDI is sufficient for maximum corn yields, additional observations will be needed to determine whether corn production with SDI is feasible in the region and to develop recommendations for farmers choosing to adopt the method. Improved weather forecasting and crop coefficient functions developed specifically for the region should also contribute to more efficient irrigation management
Long-Term Characterization of Axon Regeneration and Matrix Changes Using Multiple Channel Bridges for Spinal Cord Regeneration

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in loss of sensory and motor function below the level of injury and has limited available therapies. The host response to SCI is typified by limited endogenous repair, and biomaterial bridges offer the potential to alter the microenvironment to promote regeneration. Porous multiple channel bridges implanted into the injury provide stability to limit secondary damage and support cell infiltration that limits cavity formation. At the same time, the channels provide a path that physically directs axon growth across the injury. Using a rat spinal cord hemisection injury model, we investigated the dynamics of axon growth, myelination, and scar formation within and around the bridge in vivo for 6 months, at which time the bridge has fully degraded. Axons grew into and through the channels, and the density increased overtime, resulting in the greatest axon density at 6 months postimplantation, despite complete degradation of the bridge by that time point. Furthermore, the persistence of these axons contrasts with reports of axonal dieback in other models and is consistent with axon stability resulting from some degree of connectivity. Immunostaining of axons revealed both motor and sensory origins of the axons found in the channels of the bridge. Extensive myelination was observed throughout the bridge at 6 months, with centrally located and peripheral channels seemingly myelinated by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, respectively. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan deposition was restricted to the edges of the bridge, was greatest at 1 week, and significantly decreased by 6 weeks. The dynamics of collagen I and IV, laminin, and fibronectin deposition varied with time. These studies demonstrate that the bridge structure can support substantial long-term axon growth and myelination with limited scar formation.
Aryl Hydrocarbon (Benzo[A]Pyrene) Hydroxylase: A Mixed-Function Oxygenase in Mouse Skin

Mouse skin contains awl hydrocarbon (benzo[a]pyrene) hydroxylase activity which is inducible by aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons and benzoflavones. The duration and magnitude of induction, but not the initial kinetics, are dependent on the inducer dose. The cutaneous hydroxylase activity is inhibited by carbon monoxide and requires the presence of NADPH, indicating that the enzyme is one of the mixed-function oxygenases. The highest enzyme activity was found in the superficial layer of skin which contains the sebaceous glands and the upper pilary canals. Enzyme activities were intermediate in the epidermis and lowest in the deeper dermal layers.
Natural Choice in Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): Perceptual and Temporal Effects on Selective Value.

Abstract In three experiments, four chimpanzees made choices between two visible food options to assess the validity of the selective value effect (the assignment of value to only the most preferred type of food presented in a comparison). In Experiment 1, we established that all chimpanzees preferred single banana pieces to single apple pieces before presenting the critical test. In this test two chimpanzees preferred a mix of one banana piece and one apple piece to a single banana piece when both banana pieces were approximately the same size, but two chimpanzees were indifferent between the two options, exhibiting the selective value effect. In Experiment 2, when the banana pieces in both options were more closely equated in size, the chimpanzees were biased to choose the single banana piece over the mixed array even though this was the smaller total amount of food. However, in Experiment 3, when we introduced longer intervals between each trial, the chimpanzees preferred the mixed set and thus the larger total amount of food. The results demonstrate that only some chimpanzees exhibit the choice pattern indicative of the selective value effect, and they do so only when item size is not carefully controlled and trials are presented quickly in succession. Thus, the behavior pattern originally labeled the selective value effect may actually be explained by a combination of chimpanzees’ sensitivity to small differences in preferred food amount and chimpanzees tendency to avoid less preferred foods that would delay the acquisition of further preferred food items.
Performance measures for contraceptive care: what are we actually trying to measure?

Performance measures for contraceptive care: what are we actually trying to measure? Christine Dehlendorf ⁎, Helen Bellanca, Michael Policar Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94110 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94110 Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94110 Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239
Characterization of surface pretreatments of carbon fiber–polyimide matrix composites

Various surface pretreatments of carbon fiber–polyimide matrix composites have been studied by XPS, ISS, PASFTIR (photoacoustic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and high-resolution SEM. Reduction of fluorocarbons from release cloth contamination and increase in carbon–oxygen-containing functional groups was observed on the surface of composite samples treated in an oxygen plasma. These plasma-treated samples also showed differences in surface topography, but no change in the photoacoustic infrared spectra when compared to a methanol-washed sample.
An atomic level analysis of conductivity and strength in poly(ethylene oxide) sulfonic acid-based solid polymer electrolytes

The structure, ionic conductivity and strength of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) sulfonic acid-based solid polymer electrolytes with various contents of the PEO polymer are analyzed using molecular dynamics simulations. To quantify the electrolyte structure, comprehensive coordination and dimensional analyses are carried out. Ionic conductivity is determined by computing the Einstein-diffusion based conductivity for all ionic particles in the system. The strength of the electrolyte is quantified by carrying out a set of molecular simulations of the uniaxial deformation process under constant stress-rate conditions. The results obtained indicate that increased hydration improves the ionic conductivity, but degrades the strength in solid polymer electrolytes at hand. In addition, it appears that there is an optimal level of the PEO polymer content in these materials, which at the same hydration level, yields the best combination of ionic conductivity and strength.
Interpretation of skeletal muscle four-electrode impedance measurements using spatial and temporal frequency-dependent conductivities.

Spatial and temporal frequency-dependent conductivities are used to interpret four-electrode conductivity measurements on skeletal muscle. The model qualitatively explains the observed dependence of the experimental data on the temporal frequency of the injected current, the angle between the electrode array and the fibre direction and the distance between the electrodes.
Anaerobic dechlorination of aroclor 1242 as affected by some environmental conditions

The effect of electron acceptors and biphenyl on reductive dechlorination was investigated using the commercial polychlorinated biphenyl mixture Aroclor 1242 and sediment microorganisms from the Hudson River. Polychlorinated biphenyl- (PCB-) free sediments spiked with the Aroclor at 700 μg/g and anaerobically incubated for six months, with and without biphenyl enrichment, showed that dechlorination was most advanced with CO2 without biphenyl enrichment. A small amount of methane was detected. However, methane production per se was not essential for dechlorination, because addition of the inhibitor of methane production, 2-bromoethane sulfonate, did not affect dechlorination. On the other hand, dechlorination was inhibited partly by sulfate and completely by nitrate. Biphenyl enrichment initially inhibited dechlorination under both methanogenic and sulfidogenic conditions.
Prenatal diagnosis of orofacial clefts, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1998-2004.

Objective The aims of this study were to determine how frequently orofacial clefts were diagnosed prenatally and to investigate factors associated with prenatal diagnosis. Methods We included 2298 mothers from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, each of whom gave birth to a child with an orofacial cleft, and assessed associated factors using logistic regression. Results The frequencies of prenatal diagnosis for cleft lip and palate, cleft lip only, and cleft palate only were 33.3%, 20.3%, and 0.3%, respectively. Among cases with cleft lip with or without cleft palate, cleft type, geographic location, maternal body mass index, household income, year of infant’s birth, and presence of multiple birth defects were significantly associated with receiving a prenatal diagnosis. Conclusion In the majority of infants with orofacial clefts, a prenatal diagnosis was not made. Receiving a prenatal diagnosis was significantly associated with several infant and maternal characteristics. Copyright  2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complete (Classic) Hydatidiform Mole with 46,XY Karyotype of Paternal Origin

Complete hydatidiform mole is a conceptus without an embryo, with visible general swelling of the placental villi and gross trophoblastic hyperplasia (Szulman and Surti, 1978 a and b). Such moles usually have a 46,XX karyotype, which was reported recently to be of androgenetic origin (Kajii and Ohama, 1977; Wake et al., 1978). A single X-carrying paternal haploid set 'takes over' the ovum, to which it imparts a diploid, 46,XX status by its own duplication, the other alternative being a 'take over' by a diploid XX sperm that resulted from a failure of the second meiotic division. Only a small proportion of moles are of 46,XY karyotype (3%--13%) (Wake et al., 1978; Bou6 and Bou6, 1975), and they have not yet been analyzed as to their genetic origin. They are of special interest since they must be different from the 46,XX variety in that they cannot develop by either mechanism postulated for the latter. We report here on the chromosomal origin of a complete mole with a 46,XY karyotype. A study of polymorphic chromosomal and enzyme markers of the molar and of the parental genomes revealed that the molar chromosomes are entirely of paternal origin derived from both paternal haploid sets, there being no maternal contribution. The patient is a 22-year-old Nigerian woman, recently arrived in the USA, who had a classic complete mole removed by suction curettage at 12 weeks' gestation. She subsequently developed malignant trophoblastic disease (complete with pulmonary lesions), which was successfully treated by chemotherapy, as will be published in detail elsewhere. Molar tissue was cultured as already described (Szulman and Surti, 1978a). Peripheral blood from both parents was also obtained for enzyme studies and cytogenetic analysis. At least ten metaphase spreads, from each individual were studied for polymorphic fluorescent (quinacrine dihydrochloride) markers (Table 1). Polymorphic enzyme systems were analyzed by a standard electrophoresis technique (O'Brien et al., 1979) (Table 2). Study of the polymorphic markers usually observable on chromosomes 3, 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22 revealed that such chromosome markers as were present in the mole (Table 1) were referable solely
Vascular oxidative stress precedes high blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats

This study examines whether longitudinal antioxidant treatment initiated in prehypertensive spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) can attenuate vascular oxidant stress and prevent blood pressure elevation during development. Male SHR and age-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were treated from 6 to 11 weeks of age with Tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinoxyl) (1 mmol/l in drinking water), a membrane-permeable superoxide dismutase mimetic. Mean systolic blood pressures (SBPs) were measured by tail-cuff Agonist-induced and basal O2- production was measured in thoracic aortas of 6- and 11-week-old SHR and WKY by lucigenin-derived chemiluminescence and oxidative fluorescent microscopy, respectively. SBP of 6-week-old SHR (131 +/- 5 mmHg) and WKY (130 +/- 4 mmHg) were not different; however, 11-week-old SHR SBP (171 +/- 4 mmHg) was significantly greater (p = .0001) than 11-week-old WKY SBP (143 +/- 5 mmHg). Tempol treatment completely, but reversibly, prevented this age-related rise in SHR SBP (SHR + Tempol: 137 +/- 4 mmHg; p < .0001 versus untreated SHR). Agonist-induced vascular O2- was increased in 6- (p = .03) and 11-week-old SHR (p < .0001) and 11-week-old WKY (p = .03) but not in 6-week-old WKY. Long-term Tempol treatment significantly lowered O2- production in both strains. Basal O2- measurements in both 6- and 11-week-old SHR were qualitatively increased compared with age-matched WKY; this increase in SHR was inhibited with in vitro Tempol treatment. These data show that antioxidant treatment to reduce oxidative stress prevents the age-related development of high blood pressure in an animal model of genetic hypertension.
The distribution of Na, K, Rb, Sr, Al, Ge, Cu, W, Mo, La, and Ce between granitic melts and coexisting aqueous fluids

The distribution of Na, K, Rb, Sr, Al, Ge, Cu, W, Mo, La, and Ce between H2O, NaCl, NaCl + KCl, HCl, NaF, Na2CO3, or Na2CO3 + K2CO3 aqueous fluids and granitic melts was determined at 750–800°C and 1–4 kbar. The distribution coefficients DNa, DK, DRb, and DCu (Di = Civ/Cim, where Civ and Cim are the concentrations of element i in the aqueous fluid and the melt, respectively) increase linearly with the (Na, K)Cl concentration in the fluid, indicating the presence of (Na, K, Rb, or Cu)Cl complexes. DSr shows a quadratic relation with the chloride concentration, suggesting a SrCl2 complex in these fluids. With the (Na, K)Cl-bearing aqueous fluids, Na, K, and Rb, and especially Cu strongly partition toward the fluid. DK and DRb are about half of DNa at comparable Cl concentrations. In contrast, Al, Ge, Mo, W, La, and Ce strongly partition toward the melt. NaF has little effect on the partitioning of these elements, except for Al, W, and Mo. DAl increases with increasing NaF content. At low NaF concentrations, W and Mo are enriched in the aqueous fluid, but at higher NaF contents they partition toward the silicate melt. With (Na,K)2CO3, all elements except Mo and Cu partition strongly towards the silicate melt, although Ge is slightly more soluble in the carbonated aqueous fluid. The quenched glasses are highly peralkaline in the experiments with (Na,K)2CO3, slightly peralkaline with NaF, slightly peraluminous with pure H2O or (Na,K)Cl, and highly peraluminous with HCl. DAl and DGe increase slightly in peralkaline melts. In the experiments with highly peraluminous melts, the distribution coefficient for all the elements, except Al, Ge, and W, is ≫1. With an increase of the (Na + K)/Al ratio to 0.3, the distribution coefficients become <1, except for Cu and Mo. Raising pressure to 4 kbars does not significantly affect partitioning of these elements except for DGe and DMo, which show an increase.
The decomposition dimension of graphs

For an ordered k-decomposition ? = {G 1, G 2,…,G k } of a connected graph G and an edge e of G, the ?-representation of e is the k-tuple r(e|?) = (d(e, G 1), d(e, G 2),…,d(e, G k )), where d(e, G i ) is the distance from e to G i . A decomposition ? is resolving if every two distinct edges of G have distinct representations. The minimum k for which G has a resolving k-decomposition is its decomposition dimension dec(G). It is shown that for every two positive integers k and n≥ 2, there exists a tree T of order n with dec(T) = k. It is also shown that dec(G) ≤n for every graph G of order n≥ 3 and that dec(K n ) ≤⌊(2n + 5)/3⌋ for n≥ 3.
Latex sensitisation in hydrocephalic patients with and without spina bifida

Background Natural rubber latex (NRL) sensitisation, often with serious symptoms of latex allergy, is a widespread problem of patients with spina bifida. With genetic factors not being well characterized till now, repeated surgeries beginning soon after birth are the best-known risk factor. Operations of the shunting devices mainly contribute to the number of surgeries in spina bifida patients. There has been much less investigation into the prevalence of NRL-sensitisation of hydrocephalic patients without spina bifida.
Lack of transforming activity of fumonisin B1 in BALB/3T3 A31-1-1 mouse embryo cells

The capacity of fumonisin B1 (FB1) to induce morphological transformation of cultured mammalian cells was assessed using BALB/3T3 A31-1-1 mouse embryo cells. FB1 with 90% purity was prepared from Fusarium proliferatum grown on whole corn. Cell growth was not inhibited by 48 hr of exposure at concentrations up to 1000 micrograms/ml. Moderate inhibition was induced by 6 days of exposure. In transformation assays with a 48-hr exposure, increases in transformed foci were observed at some concentrations; however, the responses were not reproducible. Prolonged exposure for up to 4 wk at 10, 100 and 500 micrograms/ml failed to induce increases in transformed foci. Analysis of combined results showed that only the increase induced by a 48-hr exposure at 500 micrograms/ml was significant. A trend test indicated the lack of a dose response for concentrations of 10-1000 micrograms/ml. FB1 seems to lack in vitro transforming activity.
PRiME: integrating professional responsibility into the engineering curriculum.

Engineering educators have long discussed the need to teach professional responsibility and the social context of engineering without adding to overcrowded curricula. One difficulty we face is the lack of appropriate teaching materials that can fit into existing courses. The PRiME (Professional Responsibility Modules for Engineering) Project (http://www.engr.utexas.edu/ethics/primeModules.cfm) described in this paper was initiated at the University of Texas, Austin to provide web-based modules that could be integrated into any undergraduate engineering class. Using HPL (How People Learn) theory, PRiME developed and piloted four modules during the academic year 2004–2005. This article introduces the modules and the pilot, outlines the assessment process, analyzes the results, and describes how the modules are being revised in light of the initial assessment. In its first year of development and testing, PRiME made significant progress towards meeting its objectives. The PRiME Project can strengthen engineering education by providing faculty with an effective system for engaging students in learning about professional responsibility.
Higher-order asymptotics of decaying solutions of some nonlinear, dispersive, dissipative wave equations

Considered herein are the generalized Korteweg-de Vries equations with a homogeneous dissipative term appended. Solutions of these equations that start with finite energy decay to zero as time tends toward infinity. We present an asymptotic form which renders explicit the relative strengths of the dissipative, dispersive, and nonlinear effects in this decay.
A solution looking for lots of problems: generic portals for science infrastructure

Science gateways have dramatically simplified the work required by science communities to run their codes on TeraGrid resources. Gateway development typically spans the duration of a particular grant, with the first production runs occurring some months after the award and concluding near the end of the project. Scientists use gateways as a means to interface with large resources. Our gateway infrastructure facilitates this by hiding away the various details of the underlying resources and presents an intuitive way to interact with the resource. In this paper, we present our work on GPSI, a general-purpose science gateway infrastructure that can be easily customized to meet the needs of an application. This reduces the time to deployment and improves scientific productivity. Our contribution in this paper is two-fold: to elaborate our vision for a user-driven gateway infrastructure that includes components required by multiple science domains, thus aiding the speedy development of gateways, and presenting our experience in moving from our initial portal implementations to the current effort based on Python [15] and Django [16].
Learning to lead the liberated

The historical relationship between employer and employee has changed dramatically in the past few years. Incentives that were once available to motivate staff are no longer a part of the managers' reward "power." Employees recognize that their manager has little control over many things that impact them, and what they are looking for in the way of security and certainty is not being provided by managers. This fundamental shift in relationship has caused those in management to search from new methods to lead their employees.
THE EFFECTS OF SOURCE EXPERTISE AND FEEDBACK VALENCE ON INTRINSIC MOTIVATION

This study investigated the effects of variations in verbal feedback on the intrinsic motivation (IM) of task performers. Based on Deci's (1975) cognitive evaluation theory, the present study manipulated two dimensions of postperformance feedback: (1) expertise of the feedback source—high vs. low, and (2) valence of the feedback—positive vs. neutral. A sample of 128 subjects performed a task consisting of solving word puzzles. Subjects' level of IM subsequent to the reception of feedback was operationalized in three ways: amount of time voluntarily spent on word puzzles during a free period and responses made on two IM pencil and paper measures (the TRQ and MSQ). Results indicated that high expertise of the feedback source enhanced IM. Valence alone did not enhance a receiver's level of IM but the data demonstrated an expertise x valence interaction such that subjects receiving positive feedback from a highly expert source exhibited greater levels of IM than did receivers in any other condition. Implications of these findings for both future organizational communication research and training are discussed.
Coupled electron hopping-anion displacement in plane sheet fixed-site polymer membranes

Abstract Time-dependent equations for coupled electron hopping and anion displacement are non-linear. For plane sheet solutions, the Boltzmann transformation is applicable at short times only. The general problem is treated by reducing the equation to classical form and investigating the concentration dependence of the coupled $ D and both te and tx. For the cases Dx⪢Deand De ⪢ Dx we define a constant integral $ Davg and solve the concentration profiles in x and t. Local microfields enhance De when Dx ⪢ De (e.g. $ D/De > 1) by local space charge generation in a classical way. Conversely, when De ⪢ Dx, the quantity $ D/Dx ⪢ 1 because the local field and concentration gradient of electrons operate in the same direction. For voltage steps, $ D applies at short times, but underestimates increasing values as concentration profiles develop. Solutions converge to expected anion mobility-independent steady state values.
Diphenylhydantoin Sodium (Dilantin) as a Caries Retarder

Rats that had their mandibular first molars silk-ligated and that were fed chow with diphenylhydantoin sodium (Dilantin) developed less caries than rats that were not fed Dilantin. The retarding effect of Dilantin was enhanced by the cleanliness of the environment in which the animals lived.
Boson expansion theory description of anharmonic gamma vibrations in deformed nuclei.

The boson expansion technique, extensively used in the past to describe anharmonic effects in spherical nuclei, is used to derive a boson formalism in a deformed basis (Nilsson model). The new formalism is then used to describe anharmonic gamma vibrations in $^{168}\mathrm{Er}$. The Hamiltonian adopted for practical calculations includes monopole and quadrupole pairing, and quadrupole particle-hole interactions. Some effects due to the coupling of the collective-noncollective modes and a three-body interaction are also taken into account in a perturbative fashion.
Results of a new incision for Dwyer's medial open wedge calcaneal osteotomy

Abstract Dwyer's osteotomy has withstood the test of time, especially in the correlation of hindfoot varus in residual talipes equino varus deformity. The original medial open wedge osteotomy however, has been frought with wound problems. We describe a new incision and have reviewed the results of this incision in 7 consecutive patients.
Improving x-ray fluorescence signal for benchtop polychromatic cone-beam x-ray fluorescence computed tomography by incident x-ray spectrum optimization: a Monte Carlo study.

Purpose: To develop an accurate and comprehensive Monte Carlo (MC) model of an experimental benchtop polychromatic cone-beam x-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) setup and apply this MC model to optimize incident x-ray spectrum for improving production/detection of x-ray fluorescence photons from gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Methods: A detailed MC model, based on an experimental XFCT system, was created using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) transport code. The model was validated by comparing MC results including x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scatter photon spectra with measured data obtained under identical conditions using 105 kVp cone-beam x-rays filtered by either 1 mm of lead (Pb) or 0.9 mm of tin (Sn). After validation, the model was used to investigate the effects of additional filtration of the incident beam with Pb and Sn. Supplementary incident x-ray spectra, representing heavier filtration (Pb: 2 and 3 mm; Sn: 1, 2, and 3 mm) were computationally generated and used with the model to obtain XRF/scatter spectra. Quasimonochromatic incident x-ray spectra (81, 85, 90, 95, and 100 keV with 10 keV full width at half maximum) were also investigated to determine the ideal energy for distinguishing gold XRF signal from the scatter background. Fluorescence signal-to-dose ratio (FSDR) and fluorescence-normalized scan time (FNST) were used as metrics to assess results. Results: Calculated XRF/scatter spectra for 1-mm Pb and 0.9-mm Sn filters matched (r ≥ 0.996) experimental measurements. Calculated spectra representing additional filtration for both filter materials showed that the spectral hardening improved the FSDR at the expense of requiring a much longer FNST. In general, using Sn instead of Pb, at a given filter thickness, allowed an increase of up to 20% in FSDR, more prominent gold XRF peaks, and up to an order of magnitude decrease in FNST. Simulations using quasimonochromatic spectra suggested that increasing source x-ray energy, in the investigated range of 81–100 keV, increased the FSDR up to a factor of 20, compared to 1 mm Pb, and further facilitated separation of gold XRF peaks from the scatter background. Conclusions: A detailed MC model of an experimental benchtop XFCT system has been developed and validated. In exemplary calculations to illustrate the usefulness of this model, it was shown that potential use of quasimonochromatic spectra or judicious choice of filter material/thickness to tailor the spectrum of a polychromatic x-ray source can significantly improve the performance of benchtop XFCT, while considering trade-offs between FSDR and FNST. As demonstrated, the current MC model is a reliable and powerful computational tool that can greatly expedite the further development of a benchtop XFCT system for routine preclinical molecular imaging with GNPs and other metal probes.
Tubulin is a major protein constituent of bovine brain coated vesicles

A major protein constituent of coated vesicles derived from bovine brain is present as a Mr = 55,000 protein doublet on SDS-polyacrylamide gels. This protein comigrates with purified calf brain tubulin after two-dimensional electrophoresis, binds tubulin antibody and has two-dimensional tryptic peptide maps identical to those of purified tubulin. The results indicate that tubulin is a major protein constituent of coated vesicles. Coated vesicles had no significant effect on the polymerization rate of purified tubulin. Therefore, the physiological relevance of tubulin associated with coated vesicles remains to be determined.
Fiscal Sustainability and Policy Issues in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union

The fiscal position of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) has deteriorated significantly in recent years, resulting in sharp increases in public debt. The sustainability of public debt is examined using the public sector budget constraint to derive the maximum public-debt-to-GDP ratio that can be sustained based on a country's projected steady-state primary balance, interest rate on public debt, and economic growth rate. In this context, government deficits and debt in several ECCU member countries appear unsustainable, posing a risk to the stability of the currency union. A critical issue facing member countries is to implement fiscal policies consistent with sustainable public finances and debt to underpin the currency union.
Influence of adolescent social crowds on the development of vocational identity

Abstract A major gap in Holland's theory of vocational identity has been specification of the developmental antecedents of the six personality types. The present paper extends Geoffrey Kelso's work on the developmental antecedents of Holland's types by examining the relationship between membership in adolescent social crowds and vocational identity in early adulthood. In four samples (total N = 274), membership in five junior high school crowds—Motorheads, Brains, Freaks, Politicos, and Conformists—was found to be associated with higher scores on the Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Enterprising, and Conventional scales, respectively, of Holland's Self-Directed Search and Vocational Preference Inventory in early adulthood. The relative impact of temperament, family, and peer variables on the development of vocational identity is discussed.
Children's use of four semantic cases in two conditions

Abstract The production of agent + action + object + locative relations by 3;6- and 5;6-yr-old normal children and language-disordered children was investigated. These utterances were produced after children observed object manipulation or while copying object manipulation. The results indicated a developmental trend in the use of case relations. The manipulation task enhanced the use of case relations by the language-disordered group, whereas the observation task was more effective (or equally effective) for the normal groups.
Participation in boys and girls clubs: motivation and stage environment fit

This article presents the results of semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with 54 youth attending six elementary school-based and middle school-based Boys and Girls Clubs in two low-income communities. The first goal of this study was to examine why youth choose to participate in these clubs. The most commonly reported motives include fun activities, opportunities to be with friends, parent has to work, and getting help with homework. The second goal was to examine youths’ perceptions of staff, peers, activities, and the extent to which clubs are organized in a way to support the need for relatedness, competence, and autonomy. Variations in youths’ perceptions of the quality of relationships with staff and peers, level of interest and challenge, and opportunities for decision making, by developmental level (elementary versus middle school) are discussed. Implications of our findings for sustaining youths’ interest and continued involvement in out-of-school youth development programs are highlighted. C 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Papilloma of cusp of the aortic valve. Report of a patient with sudden death.

This is a case report of sudden death in a 50 year old man with a history of recent onset of atypical anginal pain. Death appears to have been caused by a small papilloma attached by a pedicle to the edge of the right cusp of the aortic valve. This papilloma occluded the right coronary ostium in a heart with a predominant right coronary circulation.
Pruritus in polycythemia vera is associated with a lower risk of arterial thrombosis

Among 418 patients with polycythemia vera seen at our institution and in whom pruritus history was recorded, the presence of pruritus at diagnosis was documented in 131 (31%) and its absence in 287 (69%). Pruritus was less frequently reported by smokers (12% vs. 24%; P = 0.004) and diabetics (5% vs. 11%; P = 0.04). The presence of pruritus was associated with a lower rate of arterial thrombosis, both at diagnosis (8% vs. 17%; P = 0.01) and during follow-up (16% vs. 30%; P = 0.003). Multivariable analysis revealed that these associations were independent of other risk factors for thrombosis. High JAK2V617F allele burden clustered with pruritus (P = 0.002) but did not affect thrombosis rates.
Small bowel volvulus with phytobezoar after laparoscopic appendectomy

Abstract Small bowel volvulus in the absence of a congenital anomaly is rare but has been described in post-operative patients after abdominal surgery and is usually related to inflammatory conditions. The authors describe an adolescent girl with small bowel volvulus secondary to an oral fiber bolus after laparoscopic appendectomy that required emergency laparotomy and reduction. She subsequently developed early post-operative complete bowel obstruction requiring re-laparotomy and resection.
Patterning conventional photoresists in environmentally friendly silicone fluids

The chemical waste generated in today's microelectronic fabrication process can be released into the environment and cause environmental and health concerns. It is therefore necessary to develop an environmentally friendly process that can eliminate the use of toxic chemical solvents. Silicone fluids are linear methyl siloxanes that only contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and silicon. They are low in toxicity, not ozone-depleting and contribute little to global warming. They degrade into naturally occurring compounds instead of accumulating in the atmosphere and can be recycled. Their unique physical and chemical properties have also made them promising developers for lithography. For example, their low surface tension can eliminate pattern collapse problems associated with high aspect-ratio features. Silicone fluids are non-polar solvents and their solvent strength is weaker than that of saturated hydrocarbons but stronger than that of the commercially available saturated hydrofluorocarbons and may be enhanced by adding other solvents. Two conventional photoresists used in this study, PBOCST and ESCAP are both insoluble in silicone fluids before or after exposure. However, the solubility of PBOCST and ESCAP in silicone fluids can be increased by using a silicon-containing additive. In this paper, we demonstrate this novel and environmentally friendly development of conventional photoresists in silicone fluids.
Spirometric evaluation of ethyl-nor-epinephrine in bronchial asthma.

Abstract 1.1. Spirometric studies were performed on ten patients with moderately acute attacks of asthma prior to and for one hour following the administration of 2 mg. of butanefrine. 2.2. There was a uniform response characterized by a combination of increase in vital capacity, reserve air, complemental air, expiratory differential, and an initial increase in the volume of minute ventilation with a tendency to return toward the initial volume one hour after the administration of butane-frine. 3.3. There was an increase in the heart rate, a lowering of the diastolic blood pressure, and an absence of side-effects following the injection of butanefrine. 4.4. Eight patients obtained complete symptomatic and objective relief. Two patients required additional medication.
Scheduling parallel processors to minimize setup time

Abstract The problem of scheduling parallel processors in a make-to-stock environment with sequencedependent setup costs is considered. A new algorithm which formulates a series of 0 1 integer subproblems is proposed and contrasted with an earlier formulation. Parallels between the subproblem formulations and generalized networks are discussed.
Esophageal/pyloric ligation enhances development of the murine fetal stomach in organ culture

Abstract Purpose: The authors hypothesized that increased intraluminal pressure in the fetal stomach would enhance development in a murine organ culture model. Methods: Gestation day 14 (Gd14) fetal stomachs from time-dated pregnant CD-1 mice (term, 20 days) were maintained in organ culture for 7 days. Some stomachs were ligated at the gastroesophageal (GE) and pyloroduodenal (PD) junctions. Others were left unligated. Gd14, Gd16, and Gd18 stomachs were taken as well to compare organogenesis in vivo. Tissues were processed for histological, morphometric, and immunohistochemical analysis, as well as total protein and DNA determination. Results: The ligated stomachs were visibly distended compared with unligated stomachs in organ culture after 7 days. The length and width of the 7-day in vitro ligated stomachs were significantly increased compared with unligated (2.97 ± 0.04 mm v 2.48 ± 0.05 mm and 2.14 ± 0.04 mm v 1.57 ± 0.08 mm, respectively, P v 55.0 ± 2.7 μg and 19.0 ± 1.2 μg, respectively, P Conclusions: Esophageal and pyloric ligation enhanced the development of the fetal stomach in vitro in comparison with unligated stomachs cultured under similar conditions. Developmental characteristics of the ligated stomachs paralleled that of Gd16 stomachs in vivo.
A sensitive isotopic procedure eor the assay oe esterase activity: measurement oe human urinary kaeeikrein

Abstract A sensitive assay has been developed for measurement of the esterase activity of kallikrein using p-tosyl- l -arginine-[ 3 H]methyl ester ([ 3 H]TAMe) as substrate. [ 3 H]TAMe is hydrolyzed to yield [ 3 H]methanol which is separated from unhydrolyzed [ 3 H]TAMe by passage of the incubation mixture over a column of carboxylic acid ion exchange resin, which retains the [ 3 H]TAMe while the [ 3 H]methanol passes through and is measured in the effluent. The optimal conditions for the assay and its application to measurement of kallikrein esterase activity in normal human urine are described.
Heteromultimeric Complexes of CD40 Ligand Are Present on the Cell Surface of Human T Lymphocytes

CD40 ligand (CD40L), a 33-kDa type II membrane glycoprotein expressed primarily on activated CD4+ T lymphocytes, is responsible for the helper function of T cells on resting B cells in a non-antigen-dependent, non-major histocompatability complex-restricted fashion. Interaction of CD40L with its receptor CD40 induces proliferation of and isotype switching in B lymphocytes. Recently we solved the x-ray structure of recombinant soluble CD40L and showed that, similar to other members of the tumor necrosis factor family, CD40L indeed exists as a trimer. We now report that, under normal physiological conditions, CD40L molecules exist as heteromultimeric complexes. These CD40L complexes, made of the full length and smaller fragments of CD40L, are present on the cell surface of T lymphocytes and are capable of interacting with CD40 molecule. A prominent fragment with a mass of 31 kDa accounts for as much as half of the CD40L on the surface of Jurkat cells. N-terminal sequence data revealed that this fragment lacks the cytoplasmic tail. A minor 18-kDa fragment of CD40L was also characterized which lacks the cytoplasmic tail, transmembrane region, and stalk region of the extracellular domain. The presence of CD40L heteromultimeric variants implies an additional regulation of the functional activity of this ligand complex.
Alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome: does the type of beverage matter?

Objective: To examine the association between total and beverage-specific alcohol consumption and the prevalence odds of metabolic syndrome (MS). Research Methods and Procedures: Using a cross-sectional design, we studied 4510 white participants of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Family Heart Study. We used generalized estimating equations adjusting for age, education, risk group, smoking, physical activity, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, energy intake, energy from fat, fruits, and vegetables, dietary cholesterol, dietary fiber, and use of multivitamins to estimate the prevalence odds of MS by alcohol intake. Results: Compared with never-drinkers, multivariate odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for MS were 1.12 (0.85 to 1.49), 0.68 (0.36 to 1.28), 0.72 (0.50 to 1.03), 0.66 (0.44 to 0.99), and 0.80 (0.55 to 1.16) among men who were former drinkers and who were current drinkers of 0.1 to 2.5, 2.6 to 12.0, 12.1 to 24.0, and >24.0 g/d of alcohol, respectively (p for linear trend 0.018). Corresponding values for women were 0.86 (0.69 to 1.09), 0.80 (0.43 to 1.34), 0.47 (0.33 to 0.66), 0.47 (0.30 to 0.74), and 0.39 (0.21 to 0.74), respectively (p for trend 7 drinks/wk of wine only, beer only, spirits only, and more than one type of beverage, respectively. Discussion: Our data indicate that alcohol consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of MS irrespective of the type of beverage consumed. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to assess the influence of drinking patterns on the alcohol-MS association.
The diffusion of a pediatric care innovation in a large urban nonprofit health care system

This article documents and analyzes the diffusion of an innovation in pediatric primary care, the Healthy Steps for Young Children Program, in a large health care system, Advocate Health Care in Chicago. We use Everett Rogers's model (1995) for the diffusion of innovations to provide the framework for this discussion of the key decision points, challenges, obstacles, critical success factors, and other factors that have contributed to the ongoing expansion efforts in Advocate. In so doing we chronicle the progression of Healthy Steps from Advocate's initial decision to pilot the program at five pediatric sites to its decision to expand the approach broadly within the Advocate system. Rogers's model facilitates both description and the development of useful guides for future innovations within a broad range of nonprofit organizations.
Specificity Of The Helical Conformation Induced By 2, 2, 2, Trifluoroethanol

The specificity of helix-induction in the 15-mers of poly-L-glutamic acid and poly-L-lysine by 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) was investigated by circular dichroism (CD), NMR, and FTIR at three pH values: 2, 7, and 13. TFE was observed to promote the induction of helical conformation in poly-L-glutamic acid at pH 2.0, and pH 7.0. Similarly, TFE induces helical conformation in poly-L-lysine at pH 7.0 and pH 13. At pH 7.0, the helical conformation was induced in both poly-L-glutamic acid and poly-L-lysine only at higher concentrations of TFE (> 70 % v/v). At lower concentrations of the fluorinated alcohol, very little or no effect was observed in the backbone conformation of the homopolypeptides. 1H-15N HSQC spectra (obtained at 15N natural abundance, at pH 7.0) of the homopolypeptides showed that profound conformational changes occur in the backbone of the polypeptide chains in higher concentrations of TFE. Analysis of the 2D NMR data in conjunction with those obtained using Far UV CD and FTIR revealed that the helix conformation induced at higher concentrations of TFE is non-specific. Additionally, the role of the charged amino and carboxyl groups at the ends of the peptides were studied to determine if these groups affect helix induction by TFE. 15-mers of poly-L-glutamic acid and poly-L-lysine were synthesized from amide resins and their C-terminals were acetylated. The protected poly-L-glutamic acid and poly-L-lysine were titrated with TFE at pH 2, 7 and 13, and the secondary structures were determined using CD: no significant difference was found when compared to the non-protected homopolypeptides. The results obtained in this study clearly question the validity of structures of short peptides characterized in high concentrations of organic solvents.