cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Uranium(VI) by Soluble Iron(II) Conforms with Thermodynamic Predictions

Soluble Fe(II) can reduce soluble U(VI) at rapid rates and in accordance with thermodynamic predictions. This was established by initially creating acidic aqueous solutions in which the sole oxidants were soluble U(VI) species and the sole reductants were soluble Fe(II) species. The pH of the solution was then increased by stepwise addition of OH(-), thereby increasing the potential for electron transfer from Fe(II) to U(VI). For each new pH value resulting from addition of base, values of ΔG for the Fe(II)-mediated reduction of U(VI) were calculated using the computed distribution of U and Fe species and possible half reaction combinations. For initial conditions of pH 2.4 and a molar ratio of Fe(II) to U(VI) of 5:1 (1 mM Fe(II) and 0.2 mM U(VI)), ΔG for U(VI) reduction was greater than zero, and U(VI) reduction was not observed. When sufficient OH(-) was added to exceed the computed equilibrium pH of 5.4, ΔG for U(VI) reduction was negative and soluble Fe(II) species reacted with U(VI) in a molar ratio of ∼2:1. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy confirmed production of U(IV). A decrease in pH confirmed production of acidity as the reaction advanced. As solution pH decreased to the equilibrium value, the rate of reaction declined, stopping completely at the predicted equilibrium pH. Initiation of the reaction at a higher pH resulted in a higher final ratio of U(IV) to U(VI) at equilibrium.
Polarization effects in the decay of orthopositronium to three photons

We give results for the order-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ radiative corrections to several polarization-related effects involving the decay of ortho-positronium (o-Ps) to three photons. Specifically, we consider the decays of spin-polarized o-Ps from states of specified spin component $m$ into final states where the direction of the normal to the decay plane is measured, the linear polarization of one photon is observed, and the two variables giving the energies, or equivalently the relative orientations of the photons in the decay plane, are measured.
The Politics of Education in Kenyan Universities: A Call for a Paradigm Shift

The winds of political change have been sweeping across Kenya for the last two decades. However, as many sections of society—the media, the church, civil society, and even ordinary people—take advantage of the unprecedented democratic space in which to engage the political establishment, the country's intelligentsia has remained aloof. The aim of this article is to interrogate discourse patterns in the Kenyan university system. Adopting a historical lens, it argues that the curtailment of intellectual freedom in the postcolonial Kenyan university is a reproduction of the colonial suppression of discourses whose objective was to ensure the political survival of the ruling class. It also argues for the adoption of critical pedagogies that challenge the status quo.
Noise-adjusted sparsity-preserving-based dimensionality reduction for hyperspectral image classification

In this paper, we investigate the performance of a sparsity-preserving graph embedding based approach, called l1 graph, in hyperspectral image dimensionality reduction (DR), and propose noise-adjusted sparsity-preserving (NASP) based DR when training samples are unavailable. In conjunction with the state-of-the-art hyperspectral image classifier, support vector machine with composite kernels (SVM-CK), the experimental study show that NASP can significantly improve the classification accuracy, compared to other widely used DR methods.
Conducting ethical research with correctional populations: Do researchers and IRB members know the federal regulations?

Conducting or overseeing research in correctional settings requires knowledge of specific federal rules and regulations designed to protect the rights of individuals in incarceration. To investigate the extent to which relevant groups possess this knowledge, using a 10-item questionnaire, we surveyed 885 IRB prisoner representatives, IRB members and chairs with and without experience reviewing HIV/AIDS correctional protocols, and researchers with and without correctional HIV/AIDS research experience. Across all groups, respondents answered 4.5 of the items correctly. Individuals who have overseen or conducted correctional research had the highest scores; however, even these groups responded correctly only to slightly more than half of the items. These findings emphasize the need for ongoing training in federal guidelines governing correctional research, particularly for those individuals who are embarking on this type of research.
Copolymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone and δ‐valerolactone

Hydroxy-terminated poly(ϵ-caprolactone-co-δ-valerolactone) (PCV) copolymers were synthesized by the diol initiated bulk copolymerization of ϵ-caprolactone (C) and δ-valerolactone (V). The two homopolymers were semicrystalline, with almost identical melting temperatures; copolymerization significantly lowered the melting point (Tm) compared to either homopolymer. Copolymer melting points were found to decrease with decreasing molecular weight and to be dependent on composition, i.e., the incorporation of a comonomer into either homopolymer resulted in a decrease in Tm, with the maximum decrease occurring at a copolymer composition of about 60 mole-% ϵ-caprolactone. The molar composition of the copolyesters was determined from 13C NMR spectra. At conversions> 50 % the copolymer composition was found to be richer in ϵ-caprolactone than predicted from the integrated form of the first-order Markov copolymer equation, suggesting that the depolymerization of δ-valerolactone becomes important at high conversions and the addition of ϵ-caprolactone is greatly favored regardless of the ultimate unit.
Screening for Depression in Elderly Primary Care Patients: A Comparison of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale

Background: Later-life depressive disorders are a major public health problem in primary care settings. A validated screening instrument might aid in the recognition of depression. However, available findings from younger patients may not generalize to older persons, and existing studies of screening instruments in older patient samples have suffered substantial methodological limitations. Methods: One hundred thirty patients 60 years or older attending 3 primary care internists' practices participated in the study. Two screening scales were used: the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised , was used to establish "gold standard" diagnoses including major and minor depressive disorders. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to determine each scale's operating characteristics. Results: Both the CES-D and the GDS had excellent properties in screening for major depression. The optimum cutoff point for the CES-D was 21, yielding a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 87%. The optimum cutoff point for the GDS was 10, yielding a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 84%. A shorter version of the GDS had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 81% using a cutoff point of 5. All scales lost accuracy when used to detect minor depression or the presence of any depressive diagnosis. Conclusions: The CES-D and the GDS have excellent properties for use as screening instruments for major depression in older primary care patients. Because the GDS's yes or no format may ease administration, primary care clinicians should consider its routine use in their practices. Arch Intern Med. 1997;157:449-454
Direct bovine leukocyte migration inhibition assay: standardization and comparison with skin testing.

Abstract A direct leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) assay under agarose was standardized for use in cattle. The procedure included maintenance of culture conditions at pH 7.4 in a humidified, 39 C incubator with 98% air and 2% CO2. Optimum demonstration of incubation was obtained using a 9-hour incubation period. The LMI assay was used to detect reactivity to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and horseshoe crab hemocyanin (HCH). Calves sensitized to KLH had specific reactivity for KLH and occasional reactivity for HCH. Similarly, calves sensitized to HCH showed reactivity for HCH and occasional reactivity for KLH. The nonspecific reactivity in the LMI was more frequent after skin testing with both antigens. Specific association of LMI reactivity and DTH reactivity was found in 8 of 10 animals. There were no nonspecific skin test responses. The results suggest that consecutive LMI assays are required to establish trends in reactivity and these should be used in conjunction with other in vitro assays of cellular immune reactivity.
Changes in serum myoglobin, total creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase MB levels in runners.

A comparison was made between pre- and post-run serum levels of total creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LD) and myoglobin (MG) levels in 84 runners in each of three groups; male 5–10 mile run; female 5–10 mile run; and male 15–55 mile run. Levels of CK-MB and MG were quantitated using radioimmunoassay, while total CK and LD were measured using spectrophotometric procedures. Post-run levels of all four markers were significantly higher than the pre-run levels (p Although levels of enzymes and MG correlated with the sex and distance run, the post-run changes did not correlate with age nor with the smoking status of the runners. Elevation of these markers as a result of vigorous exercise in the absence of myocardial infarction requires cautious interpretation of serum enzyme changes in runners.
Substitution mutations in bacteriophage λ with new specificity for late gene expression

Abstract The p4 mutation of phage λ was originally identified as a mutation leading to a small-plaque phenotype (Jacob and Wollman, 1954) . Subsequent work has shown that the p4 mutation results in a net addition of DNA to the right arm of λ DNA (Weil et al., 1972 ; Herskowitz, 1971 ). We show here that p4 is a substitution mutation in which λ genes Q, S, and R are deleted and are replaced by analogous genes presumably from another phage. The qin mutations of Sato and Campbell (1970) appear very similar to the p4 mutation. The source of the substituted genes may be a hitherto unrecognized defective prophage present in certain strains of E. coli K12. Studies of late gene experession by phages carrying p4 or qin mutations give further evidence that late genes of λ are controlled by a diffusible factor (Q protein) which acts at an essential site in the right arm of λ DNA (the late gene promoter), and demonstrate the specificity of this interaction.
Prevention of tobacco use during childhood and adolescence : five steps to prevent the onset of smoking

Background. Most tobacco users become addicted during childhood and adolescence. To reduce the prevalence of tobacco-related illnesses, more emphasis must be placed on preventing the onset of tobacco use. Physicians can play a major role. Methods. Based on a series of clinical trials, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) developed recommendations to help patients stop smoking. Behavioral and developmental research have identified factors that contribute to the onset of smoking. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed guidelines for health supervision from birth to adulthood, including engaging parents and children as partners in health care
Mounting behavior of female guinea pigs after prenatal and adult administration of the propionates of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and androstanediol.

Abstract Female guinea pigs were exposed prenatally (Day 28–58) to the propionates of testosterone (TP), dihydrotestosterone (DHTP), or androstanediol (ADP). Only TP females failed to display lordosis in adulthood after estrogen and progesterone treatment. When given TP in adulthood, females in all groups mounted, but TP and DHTP females showed augmented intromission frequencies and higher percentages of correctly oriented mounts relative to controls. Moreover, TP females responded more quickly to TP injections in adulthood and had higher over-all mounting frequencies than other groups, while DHTP females displayed mounting frequencies intermediate to controls and TP females. ADP females were not different from controls for any measure of mounting behavior. No female in any group mounted when given DHTP in adulthood, even after 7 wk of daily injections. Since male guinea pigs do mount in response to DHTP given in adulthood, the results raise the possibility that mechanisms determining sensitivity to specific steroids may not be mediated exclusively by steroids during critical periods of embryological differentiation.
Automated Quality Control Procedure for the Water Equivalent of Snow on the Ground Measurement

Abstract Snow water equivalent (SWE) has been measured daily by the United States National Weather Service since 1952, whenever snow depth is 2 in. (5 cm) or greater. These data are used to develop design snow loads for buildings, for hydrological forecasting, and as an indicator of climate change. To date they have not been subjected comprehensively to quality control. An automated quality control procedure for these data is developed here, which checks daily SWE values for common data entry errors, values beyond reasonable limits, and consistency with daily precipitation and estimated melt. Potential effects of drifting in high winds and of the intrinsic microscale variability of SWE are also considered. An SWE measurement is declared suspicious if a sufficient discrepancy is found with respect to the expected SWE. Data values flagged as potential errors are checked manually. Results of applying the procedure to available SWE data from the northeastern UnitedStates are also summarized.
Fatty acids of diapause and nondiapause pink bollworm larvae, Pectinophora Gossypiella (Saunders).

Abstract 1. 1. A comparative examination of lipids in field-reared diapause, laboratory-reared diapause, and laboratory-reared nondiapause pink bollworm larvae showed that in the free fatty acid, triglyceride, and sterol ester fractions each group had its own characteristic distribution of fatty acids. 2. 2. Fatty acids occurring in the largest amounts in all lipid fractions were palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. Phospholipids also contained high amounts of stearic acid. 3. 3. Major differences in fatty acids of larval diets were in oleic acid-lima bean diet 8.0%, cottonseeds 15%; linoleic acid-lima bean diet 40.0%, cottonseeds 50%; and linolenic acid-lima bean diet 13.1%, cottonseeds 1.0%. 4. 4. Fatty acid distributions in larvae did not appear to reflect those of the diet.
The whole-brain concept of death remains optimum public policy.

“Brain death,” the determination of human death by showing the irreversible loss of all clinical functions of the brain, has become a worldwide practice. A biophilosophical account of brain death requires four sequential tasks: (1) agreeing on the paradigm of death, a set of preconditions that frame the discussion; (2) determining the definition of death by making explicit the consensual concept of death; (3) determining the criterion of death that proves the definition has been fulfilled by being both necessary and sufficient for death; and (4) determining the tests of death for physicians to employ at the patient's bedside to demonstrate that the criterion of death has been fulfilled. The best definition of death is “the cessation of functioning of the organism as a whole.” The whole-brain criterion is the only criterion that is both necessary and sufficient for death. Brain death tests are used only in the unusual case in which a patient's ventilation is being supported. Brain death critics have identified weaknesses in its formulation. But despite its shortcomings, the whole-brain death formulation comprises a concept and public policy that make intuitive and practical sense and that has been well accepted by many societies.
THE EXOTHERMIC PNC → PCN REACTION

PCN and PNC are possible interstellar species that have not been experimentally characterized. With various ab initio methods, including multireference and restricted open-shell single-reference electronic structure theory, the PCN/PNC species and the transition state for the isomerization reaction PCN ↔ PNC have been studied. The Dunning series of correlation-consistent basis sets, cc-pVXZ and aug-cc-pVXZ (X = T and Q), have been used. Geometries, total energies, dipole moments, harmonic vibrational frequencies, infrared intensities, and zero-point vibrational energies are reported for the PCN/PNC isomers and the transition state. Both PCN and PNC are linear with 3Σ- ground states, and linear is predicted to lie 13.7 kcal mol-1 (13.5 kcal mol-1 with ZPVE correction) above linear at the aug-cc-pVQZ CCSD(T) level of theory. The CN bond distance in is predicted to be 1.174 A, only 0.002 A longer than the experimental value of 1.172 A for diatomic CN (X2Σ+, suggesting that CN has triple bond character in . The isomerization transition state is found to be cyclic , with angles θe (PCN) = 82.2°, θe (CNP) = 63.1°, and θe (NPC) = 34.7°. The isomerization barrier is predicted to be 35.7 kcal mol-1 (34.5 kcal mol-1 with ZPVE correction) relative to linear . The predicted dipole moments are substantial, 2.79 debye (polarity +PCN-) and 2.51 debye (polarity +PNC-).
PbTiO/sub 3/ films from metalloorganic precursors

Ferroelectric PbTiO/sub 3/ films 0.5- to 2.0- mu m thick were prepared by the metalloorganic decomposition (MOD) process using multilayer spinning with firing temperatures of 490-630 degrees C. The temperature dependence of the dielectric constant was found to be a function of the c/a ratio, which could be modified by control of either the single-layer thickness or the strength of the electric field during film preparation near the Curie temperature. The films were near theoretical density and defect-free over 2 cm*2 cm areas. >
USA hCG reference service, 10-year report

Abstract Introduction The USA hCG Reference Service has been dealing with cases of persistent low levels of hCG and gestational trophoblastic diseases for 10 years. Here we present the complete experience. Methods Total hCG in serum and urine was measured using the Siemen's Immulite 1000 assay. Hyperglycosylated hCG, nicked hCG, free s-subunit and s-core fragment were measured using microtiterplate assays with antibodies B152, B151, FBT11 and B210, respectively. Results The USA hCG Reference Service has identified 83 cases of false-positive hCG, 71 cases of aggressive gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), 52 cases of minimally invasive GTD, 168 cases of quiescent GTD and 22 cases of placenta site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT). In addition, 103 cases of pituitary hCG have been identified, 60 cases of nontrophoblastic tumor, 4 cases of inherited hCG and 2 cases of Munchausen's syndrome. This is 565 cases total. Multiple new methods are described and tested for diagnosing all of these disorders. Conclusions The USA hCG Reference Service experience shows new methods for detecting multiple hCG-related disorders and recommends new approaches for detecting these hCG-related disorders.
Constructing indecomposable 1-factorizations of the complete multigraph

The complete multigraph λK 2n has 2n vertices and λ edges joining each pair of vertices. In this paper we examine 1-factorizations of λK 2n is equivalent to a collection of 1-factors of K 2n such that every edge of K 2n appears in exactly λ 1-factors. This collection of 1-factors is simple if no 1-factor is repeated. It is indecomposable if no subset of 1-factors contains each edge λ' times where 1≤λ'≤λ−1
Acidic fibroblast growth factor in synovial cells.

Objective To characterize the production and regulation of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) in type B (fibroblast-like) synoviocytes cultured from both inflammatory and noninflammatory synovial lesions. Methods Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction were used to examine the expression of aFGF by synovial cells in vitro. Incorporation of 3H-thymidine by NIH3T3 cells in the presence or absence of neutralizing antibody to aFGF was used to measure bioactive aFGF levels in culture media. Results Acidic FGF was detected in all synovial cell lines during growth in vitro; however, synoviocytes from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients sustained more abundant production of cytoplasmic and nuclear aFGF. Acidic FGF production persisted after multiple passages and did not depend on the presence of serum. Both RA and noninflammatory synovial cells were competent to release aFGF into the media, even though aFGF lacks a signal peptide. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and epidermal growth factor did not increase aFGF expression in vitro; in contrast, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) was found to markedly increase aFGF production by cultured synovial cells. Conclusion Acidic FGF synthesis and release is a component of synovial cell growth that is markedly increased in RA. TGFbeta1, and not proinflammatory cytokines, is a potent inducer of aFGF production by synoviocytes in vitro. These findings suggest that in RA, interactions between TGFbeta1 and aFGF may contribute to angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation, potentially independently of inflammatory mediators.
Ethics and the Development of Professional Identities of Engineering Students

How do undergraduate students in engineering conceive of themselves as professionals? How can a course on engineering ethics affect the development of an undergraduate student’s professional identity? In this project, students responded to questions about the characteristics and responsibilities of professional engineers. The results indicate that students learn about professionalism primarily from relatives and co-workers who are engineers, and rarely from technical engineering courses. Even before they study engineering ethics, students put honesty and integrity on par with technical competence as an essential characteristic of engineers. In the course, students benefit from cases of actual incidents and from classroom activities that encourage diverse perspectives on moral problems. By analyzing cases in groups and by hearing different perspectives, students build self-confidence in moral reasoning. By the end of the course, some students understand professional responsibility not only as liability for blame but in a capacious sense as stewardship for society.
Analysis of cracks nucleated by dislocation pile-ups against nonequilibrium grain boundaries

Cracks nucleated at nonequilibrium grain boundaries (GBs) under dislocation pile-ups and remote stresses are analyzed. The analysis takes into account the dissimilar anisotropic elastic constants of the grains sharing the boundaries. The results are represented as statistical crack length distributions. It is shown that the mean and variance of the distributions depend significantly on the structure of the nonequilibrium GBs, the grain elastic anisotropies and the grain orientations.
Quantitative thermogravimetric analysis of starch contents in several polymer systems

Abstract The use of TGA to measure accurately the starch content in plastic materials has been show to be an effective method for rapid quantitative determination of this difficult-to-determine additive. Starch content is essential to the issue of biodegradability and accurate methods of analysis are key to product performance. The described TGA method works well for the resin types tested except in the case of EVA. Accurate calculated weight losses due to starch alone might be achievable by first determining a correction factor due only to the first observed weight loss of EVA, and then subtracting this factor from the total observed weight loss calculated between 200 and 370°C. The best correlated results were observed for starch levels above 2% and up to 30% loadings in LDPE. Better correlations between theoretical and actual levels might be observed with slower temperature increases during the thermally programmed cycles, but the described test results in this paper strongly support the use of TGA for the rapid and accurate analysis of starch content in polymer systems.
REDOUBLED: THE BRIDGING OF DERRIDA AND HEIDEGGER

of Jacques Derrida ? one wishes for an immersion in the phenomenon, in this case a text and a way of thinking, yet one is somewhat repelled by the cost of one's fideUty. Exposure to Derrida's work, even if that exposure is incomplete or careless, brings about a questioning of cer? tain deep-seated beliefs, a loss of faith in one's norms of sterility; the reader is asked to use a foreign toothbrush. Why does Derrida exercise such an effect? Why is it at this juncture in the history of metaphysics that Derrida appears and issues his challenge? How are we to situate Derrida within the general project of philosophy, especially since he positions himself outside of that same project? This paper will attempt to point toward answers to these and other questions, in fairly general terms. The relationship of Derrida to his most important predecessor, Martin Heidegger, will be explored, and it will be suggested that Derri? da, in the end, cannot fully accomp?sh his chosen task. According to Derrida, it has become necessary to admit that Western metaphysics has fa?ed to provide man with wisdom, or virtue, or knowledge, or the good life ? whatever goals different practitioners of the art have considered valuable. The realization of this fundamental fra?ty began with Nietzsche and was continued in the work of Heideg? ger. Derrida, though, not only realizes the problem, but also attempts a more radical solution than either of his historical counterparts, a solu? tion that he believes will carry the modern practitioner beyond the boundaries of philosophy itself. This solution does not propose a denial
SPH for high velocity impact computations

Abstract SPH (Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics) techniques provide the capability to perform high distortion impact computations in a Lagrangian framework. It is also possible to link SPH nodes with standard finite elements such that solutions can be obtained for problems involving both highly distorted flow and structural response. This paper presents the basic computational algorithm which includes a recently developed Normalized Smoothing Function. It discusses issues associated with smoothing functions, smoothing distances, free boundaries, material interfaces and artificial viscosity. It also presents techniques to allow SPH nodes to interact with standard finite element grids through sliding, attachment and automatic generation of SPH nodes from distorted finite elements. Examples are provided to illustrate the capabilities, algorithms and issues.
LIN-10 Is a Shared Component of the Polarized Protein Localization Pathways in Neurons and Epithelia

We tested the model that neurons and epithelial cells use a shared mechanism for polarized protein sorting by comparing the pathways for localizing basolateral and postsynaptic proteins in C. elegans. GLR-1 glutamate receptors are localized to postsynaptic elements of central synapses and, when ectopically expressed, to basolateral membranes of epithelial cells. Proper localization of GLR-1 in both neurons and epithelia requires the PDZ protein LIN-10, defining LIN-10 as a shared component of the basolateral and postsynaptic localization pathways. Changing the GLR-1 carboxy-terminal sequence from a group I PDZ-binding consensus (-TAV) to a group II consensus (-FYV) restores GLR-1 synaptic localization in lin-10 mutants. Thus, these interneurons utilize at least two separate postsynaptic localization pathways.
When do patients and their physicians agree on diabetes treatment goals and strategies, and what difference does it make?

BACKGROUND: For patients with chronic illnesses, it is hypothesized that effective patient-provider collaboration contributes to improved patient self-care by promoting greater agreement on patient-specific treatment goals and strategies. However, this hypothesis has not been tested in actual encounters of patients with their own physicians.
Frequent microsatellite alterations at chromosomes 9p21 and 3p14 in oral premalignant lesions and their value in cancer risk assessment

To better understand genetic alterations in oral premalignant lesions, we examined 84 oral leukoplakia samples from 37 patients who had been enrolled in a chemoprevention trial. The samples were analyzed for two microsatellite markers located at chromosomes 9p21 and 3p14. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at either or both loci was identified in 19 of the 37 (51%) patients. Of these 19 patients, seven (37%) have developed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) while only one of 18 (6%) of patients without LOH developed HNSCC. Our data suggest that clonal genetic alterations are common in oral premalignant lesions; that multiple genetic alterations have already occurred in oral premalignant lesions, allowing at least a focal clonal expansion; and that losses of the 9p21 and 3p14 regions may be related to early processes of tumorigenesis in HNSCC. These genetic alterations in premalignant tissues may serve as markers for cancer risk assessment.
Isolation of the major intrinsic transmembrane protein of the human erythrocyte membrane.

The major intrinsic protein of the human erythrocyte membrane commonly referred to as “Band 3”, was isolated by a multi-step procedure. Extraction of ghost membranes in dilute solutions of lithium diiodosalicylate removed most of the proteins considered to be extrinsic to the membrane. The resulting membrane fragments were solubilized in sodium dodecyl sulfate, and the major sialoglycoprotein (glycophorin A) was removed by wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Gel filtration in sodium dodecyl sulfate was used as the final step to yield the band 3 polypeptide in electrophoretically homogeneous form.
Integrating the organizational change literature: a model for successful change

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute a roadmap to the change management literature, and provide definitions for describing change types, change enablers and change methods. This paper also proposes aligning the change type with the change method to find the effect on the change outcomes. New researchers can use this paper to get an overview of the change management discipline along with the main concepts that help in understanding the different dimensions of and relationships between the change types and methods in the literature. Managers can use this paper to describe and classify their organizational change situation and select an implementation method for systematic change and for change management. Design/methodology/approach – This framework is designed based on literature review and experts judgment. Findings – The results of the research propose a hypothesis that describes the relationships between the change types and methods and how this relationship can affect the change outcome...
Inhibition of methylation of DNA by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in dehydroepiandrosterone‐fed rats

The influence of the anticarcinogen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on the metabolism and macromolecular interactions of the potent hepatocarcinogen dimethylnitrosamine (NDMA) was investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (2-3 mo old) were fed DHEA for 14 d at a dietary level of 0.8%. Compared with pair-fed controls, the liver weights of the DHEA-treated animals increased significantly (11.7 vs. 7.1 g) with increases, per total liver, in proteins including those of cytosol and microsomes as well as cytochromes P-450 and b5. DNA content of the liver, however, remained constant. Five hours after a single ip dose of [14C]NDMA (30 mg/kg body wt, 42 microCi/rat) DNA methylation was reduced in the DHEA-fed animals as measured by 7-methyl- and O6-methylguanine per mole of guanine, by 39 and 31%, respectively. The rate of NDMA metabolism was slightly higher in the DHEA-fed rats as determined in vivo by the exhalation of 14CO2 and by the declining concentrations of NDMA in the blood. The incorporation of radioactivity from [14C]NDMA into hepatic proteins in vivo was greater (2.1-fold) in the DHEA-fed rats. Our results suggest that feeding rats with the adrenal steroid DHEA enhances the metabolic activation of NDMA in vivo, and that the increased association of NDMA-derived metabolites with increased hepatic cellular proteins may be partially responsible for protection of hepatic DNA from NDMA-induced damage.
Other People's Money: The Effects of Ownership on Compensation Strategy and Managerial Pay

This study analyzes the compensation strategy of firms. We examined differences in the pay and incentives of lower-level managers in firms with different levels of management discretion. We found t...
Carbon nanotube synthesis, characteristics, and microbattery applications

Abstract The stabilities and efficiencies of cathodes of microbatteries are important for their superior performance. The performance of cathode of microbattery systems can be improved by applying new materials or combining components with unique properties into cathode materials. Individual carbon nanotubes exhibit extraordinary mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. Composite materials, using carbon nanotubes as fillers are, expected to show similar superior properties. This study reports synthesis of carbon nanotubes by microwave chemical vapor deposition (MACVD) and applying them in the cathode of microbatteries to improve battery performance. Carbon nanotubes were grown on Ni deposited porous alumina substrates in a flowing gas mixture of methane and hydrogen. Characterization of the carbon nanotubes was carried out using scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that the carbon nanotubes were randomly oriented, spaghetti-like, and with a high aspect ratio. The diameters of CNTs, as determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were between 10 and 100 nm. TEM also showed that the nanotubes had a central hollow with amorphous carbons covering outside wall. The CNTs were nanocoated with a V 2 O 5 sol–gel, which upon curing formed a xeorgel about the carbon nanotubes. This formed a molecular composite cathode. Microbatteries/microcapacitors were made and subjected to charge/discharge cycles with a consistent maximum charge of 4.60 V.
Acoustic neuroma in a private neurotology practice: trends in demographics and practice patterns.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine whether changes in demographics and management of patients with acoustic neuromas occurred between the years 1990 and 2005. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Charts of all 614 patients with a diagnosis of acoustic neuroma, excluding neurofibromatosis-2, from 1990 through 2005 were reviewed. Age at diagnosis, tumor size, hearing, and initial therapy (observation, stereotactic radiation, or surgical excision) were obtained. Patients were grouped by time period (1990–1994, 1995–2000, 2001–2005). Results: Mean age at diagnosis increased slightly from the middle period (53.4 yr) to the most recent (56.9 yr) (P ≤ .025). The proportion of patients 65 years or older increased from 21% to 29% to 32%, respectively, but the change was not significant. Average tumor size decreased from 1.7 cm initially to 1.4 cm most recently (P ≤ .039). There were no significant changes in hearing. Although surgical excision remains our most common treatment (58.5% in 2001–2005), it is becoming less frequent (>80% in earlier periods) (P ≤ .001). Observation with serial imaging was recommended in 37.3% in 2001 to 2005 as compared with 18.3% and 11.6% in the previous two time periods (P ≤ .001). These changes in initial treatment choices occurred for all age groups and primarily for small tumors. Use of radiation has increased only slightly, to 4.2% in the recent period. Conclusion: Patients with acoustic neuroma are presenting with increased age and smaller tumors compared with 16 years ago. However, these changes cannot totally account for the large change in treatment trends. Technology and demographics are influential in these changes, but other difficult to measure forces, such aspatient influence and patient use of the Internet, are also factors.
Clade age and not diversification rate explains species richness among animal taxa.

Abstract: Animal taxa show remarkable variability in species richness across phylogenetic groups. Most explanations for this disparity postulate that taxa with more species have phenotypes or ecologies that cause higher diversification rates (i.e., higher speciation rates or lower extinction rates). Here we show that clade longevity, and not diversification rate, has primarily shaped patterns of species richness across major animal clades: more diverse taxa are older and thus have had more time to accumulate species. Diversification rates calculated from 163 species‐level molecular phylogenies were highly consistent within and among three major animal phyla (Arthropoda, Chordata, Mollusca) and did not correlate with species richness. Clades with higher estimated diversification rates were younger, but species numbers increased with increasing clade age. A fossil‐based data set also revealed a strong, positive relationship between total extant species richness and crown group age across the orders of insec...
Evolution of Student Assessment Following Implementation of an Integrated Medical Curriculum: Contribution to Improved Educational Outcomes

This paper describes the stimuli and rationale for and the nature of assessment changes implemented after embarking on a new student-centered, problem-based learning curriculum. In 1998, the University of Texas Medical Branch implemented the Integrated Medical Curriculum (IMC), a problem-based curriculum with sequential, interdepartmental, clinically relevant basic science courses and a concurrent Practice of Medicine course. The IMC’s aim was to improve educational quality by emphasizing knowledge application over rote memorization, student-directed learning, problem-solving skills development, basic science and clinical concepts integration, early acquisition of clinical skills, and professional teamwork. During the initial years of the IMC, students’ learning outcomes did not improve over those of the former curriculum because, in part, we did not initially modify student assessment (a driving force for student study habits) to align with the new curricular goals and philosophies. We subsequently took several steps to modify our assessment practices in order to improve student learning and understanding. These steps included (1) increasing the number and quality of higher -order exam questions, (2) sequestering examinations, (3) increasing the number of practice exam items in each course, (4) and emphasizing in-depth discussion in problem-based learning sessions by introducing small-group quiz exercises. Following the assessment modifications, our students’ USMLE Step 1 scores and our pass rate for first-time test takers rose from being consistently below the national Step 1 average to above the national average. This improvement has been sustained for the past seven years. We believe that implementing those assessment modifications within the framework of the newly devised student-centered, problem-based curriculum in an interdepartmental environment resulted in a critical mass of “local” changes. The changes, initiated and supported by students, faculty and administration, catalyzed, produced and sustained more “global” changes that improved students’ learning, thus better preparing them for the USMLE Step 1 examination.
PDE constrained optimization and design of frozen mode crystals

We explore the use of PDE constrained nonlinear optimization techniques to optimize and design electromagnetic crystals which exhibit frozen mode behavior. This is characterized by Van Hove singularities in the dispersion relation, e.g., stationary reflection points and degenerate band edge points. Hence, the optimization process modifies the dispersion relation by adjusting the geometries and material parameters. The resulting algorithm is found to be capable of recovering all known crystal configurations as well as many new configurations, some of which display dramatically improved properties over previously used configuration. We investigate both gyrotropic photonic crystals and degenerate band edge crystals as well as the more complex case of the oblique incidence. In this latter case, we extend the investigation to the three-dimensional case to identify the first three-dimensional crystal exhibiting frozen mode behavior.
All β Cells Contribute Equally to Islet Growth and Maintenance

In healthy adult mice, the β cell population is not maintained by stem cells but instead by the replication of differentiated β cells. It is not known, however, whether all β cells contribute equally to growth and maintenance, as it may be that some cells replicate while others do not. Understanding precisely which cells are responsible for β cell replication will inform attempts to expand β cells in vitro, a potential source for cell replacement therapy to treat diabetes. Two experiments were performed to address this issue. First, the level of fluorescence generated by a pulse of histone 2B–green fluorescent protein (H2BGFP) expression was followed over time to determine how this marker is diluted with cell division; a uniform loss of label across the entire β cell population was observed. Second, clonal analysis of dividing β cells was completed; all clones were of comparable size. These results support the conclusion that the β cell pool is homogeneous with respect to replicative capacity and suggest that all β cells are candidates for in vitro expansion. Given similar observations in the hepatocyte population, we speculate that for tissues lacking an adult stem cell, they are replenished equally by replication of all differentiated cells.
A paradigm for bargaining and a test of two bargaining models

A new experimental paradigm for two-person bargaining is introduced. It can be applied to decision making in two-person systems at the level of the group as well as at the level of the organization, the society, and the supranational system. The paradigm is used in a comparative evaluation of the Nash and Smorodinsky-Kalai solutions to the bargaining problem. The aim is to devise a means for experimentally analyzing two-person two-party bargaining processes which avoids a number of difficulties afflicting previous experimental paradigms. In particular, the paradigm presented here is intended to control equity and related processes as they affect the process and outcome of bargaining. A discussion of means for conceiving equity and related processes using the Nash and Smorodinsky-Kalai bargaining models is provided together with an illustration of procedures for experimentally controlling them. The experimental results strongly support the Smorodinsky-Kalai model over the Nash model.
An Analysis of Monitoring Based Intrusion Detection for Ad Hoc Networks

Several intrusion detection techniques proposed for mobile ad hoc networks rely on each node passively monitoring the data forwarding by its next hop. This paper presents quantitative evaluations of false positives and their impact on monitoring based intrusion detection for ad hoc networks. Experimental results show that even for a simple 3-node configuration, an actual ad hoc network suffers from high false positives; these results are validated by a Markov model. However, this false positive problem cannot be observed by simulating the same network using popular ad hoc network simulators such as ns- 2, OPNET or Glomosim with default noise models. To remedy this, a probabilistic noise generator model is incorporated in the Glomosim simulator. With this revised noise model, the simulated network exhibits the aggregate false positive behavior similar to that of the experimental testbed. Simulations of larger (50- node) ad hoc networks indicate that a monitoring based intrusion detection has very high false positives which impact its ability to mitigate the attacks.
Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagoplasty for congenital esophageal stenosis

Abstract A congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is a rare anomaly, and therapeutic strategies are still controversial. Two children with CES located in the lower esophagus, who were treated by endoscopic esophagoplasty that consisted of partial esophageal resection and transverse anastomosis, are reported. A 23-month-old boy with CES at the level of T9 underwent esophagoplasty thoracoscopically. A 13-month-old boy with CES at the level of T10 underwent esophagoplasty followed by anterior partial fundoplication laparoscopically. Both patients are asymptomatic and eat normally 5 years and 6 months after surgery, respectively. Thoracoscopic or laparoscopic partial resection of the esophageal wall and transverse anastomosis are considered effective, less invasive, and safe in the treatment of CES.
The road to magnet: encouraging transformational leadership.

eing an effective leader is more than just convincing personnel to follow rules. A true leader needs the skill to encourage communication, teamwork, and professional collaboration to help personnel deal with the health care industry’s daily challenges and its future changes and uncertainties. This leadership style is known as transformational leadership. For facilities pursing Magnet designation, transformational leadership encompasses two of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC’s) Forces of Magnetism:
High-throughput low-complexity MIMO detector based on K-best algorithm

Sphere Decoders (SD) have found more popularity among other MIMO detectors because of their close-to-ML error-rate performance and lower hardware complexity. One of the variants of SD is the K-best algorithm. The conventional implementations of K-best are not fast enough to be considered for hardware implementation of the emerging standards like 802.11n because of the throughput bottleneck which is the sort operation. In this work we have proposed the parallel merge algorithm (PMA), which enables us to use more pipeline levels in the system because of its short critical path, resulting in throughput increase, about 4 times compared to the other K-best implementations. Also, we have modified the K-best algorithm by discarding the calculation of unnecessary paths ,which results in a 20% decrease in area and 44% decrease in the number of operations compared to the original K-best.
A killer-rescue system for self-limiting gene drive of anti-pathogen constructs.

A number of genetic mechanisms have been suggested for driving anti-pathogen genes into natural populations. Each of these mechanisms requires complex genetic engineering, and most are theoretically expected to permanently spread throughout the target species’ geographical range. In the near term, risk issues and technical limits of molecular methods could delay the development and use of these mechanisms. We propose a gene-drive mechanism that can be self-limiting over time and space, and is simpler to build. This mechanism involves one gene that codes for toxicity (killer) and a second that confers immunity to the toxic effects (rescue). We use population-genetic models to explore cases with one or two independent insertions of the killer gene and one insertion of the rescue gene. We vary the dominance and penetrance of gene action, as well as the magnitude of fitness costs. Even with the fitness costs of 10 per cent for each gene, the proportion of mosquitoes expected to transmit the pathogen decreases below 5 per cent for over 40 generations after one 2 : 1 release (engineered : wild) or after four 1 : 2 releases. Both the killer and rescue genes will be lost from the population over time, if the rescue construct has any associated fitness cost. Molecular approaches for constructing strains are discussed.