cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethylene-vinyl acetate(EVA) encapsulants for photovoltaic modules: Degradation and discoloration mechanisms and formulation modifications for improved photostability.

Long-term photothermal stability is needed for the polymeric encapsulants made of ethylenevinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer used in crystalline-silicon (c-Si) based photovoltaic (PV) modules. Severe browning of EVA was observed in late 1980s on Carrisa Plains PV arrays installed with reflecting mirrors and resulted in large losses of the power output. The EVA browning crisis prompted NREL scientists in 1990 to investigate the problems and search for solutions. The key degradation mechanisms and discoloration factors were investigated by using a variety of film samples, including field-degraded EVA samples and two commercial EVA formulations, regular-cure A9918 and fast-cure 15295, that were laminated, cured, and subjected to accelerated environmental exposures. Chemical, thermogravimetric, absorption/transmission, colorimetric, and fluorescence analyses were employed to characterize the EVA samples. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements were used to determine the electrical performance characteristics of solar cells. The results show that photothermal degradation is greater than thermal degradation and that the EVA A9918 discolors earlier and faster than EVA 15295. The UV absorber, Cyasorb UV 531, TM in commercial formulations decomposes photochemically and its decomposition rate is directly related to the temporal evolution of discoloring polyenic chromophores. In general, the loss rate of the UV absorber and the progress of EVA discoloration from light yellow to brown follow a sigmoidal pattern. Physically, UV-filtering glass superstrates that remove UV ≤ 350 nm effectively reduce the discoloration rate of both commercial EVA formulations. Chemically, the EVA discoloration rate is affected by a number of factors, but more strongly by the formulation additives and curing conditions, in which additives and curing-generated chromophores and their concentrations show a synergistic discoloring effect. Photobleaching reactions are responsible for the non-discolored but degraded EVA because of oxidative destruction of the curing-generated chromophores in the presence of oxygen. By using specifically selected stabilizers and curing agents in the new formulations, a large reduction in the chromophore generation by curing has been achieved and resulted in significant improvement ofthe photostability against discoloration.
Voices of the Civil Rights Division: Then and Now

In October 2011 veterans of the Civil Rights Division of the 1960's spoke at a conference about the work of the Division. Their words provide a sense of place, a sense of historical context, a sense of the racial caste system, and a sense of the role of the Department of Justice in enforcing the civil rights laws. This symposium piece introduces short comments by Gerald Stern, James P. Turner, John Rosenberg and Chad Quaintance, who spoke about enforcing the civil rights laws in Alabama in the 1960's. The excerpts from the symposium end with a remarkable conversation between Yale Law Professor Owen Fiss and former Assistant Attorney General John Doar, who was, as President Obama recently noted "the face of the Justice Department in the South."
Fault Tolerance Analysis of Alternate Automotive Brake System Designs

This paper demonstrates the use of the Fault Tree Analysis method for carrying out an evaluation of an alternative vehicle braking system for fault tolerance and failure effects. An example system is presented to illustrate the application of this method to automobile brake design. Through this example, the paper demonstrates how one can evaluate the effects of a failure propagation through the system suggest structural changes to the system to improve its fault tolerance, and analyze systems where detailed internal functions of some of the subsystems are unknown. The examples of the analysis method for the example system are also presented.
Asymptotic and Transient Decomposition in the Design of Robust Controllers for Uncertain Nonlinear Systems

A set of analytical procedures and numerical criteria for the design of robust controllers yielding quantitative reference tracking and disturbance rejection is outlined. A preliminary result that extends servomechanism notions to the uncertain, nonlinear case is given in conjunction with simulation evidence.
Recruiting Andrew Yard (A)

This case describes a compensation negotiation between a global HR director and a candidate for a high-level executive position. The situation becomes awkward when the candidate feels insulted because he is given a monetary incentive to join the company more quickly than originally planned. The case provides an opportunity to analyze negotiation strategy and the importance of emotional intelligence and effective interpersonal communication during a negotiation.Learning Objective:To demonstrate the importance of emotional intelligence and effective interpersonal communication during a negotiation.
Student understandings of solutions

This poster will present research about student understandings of solutions while observing dissolution and reactions first qualitatively and then quantitatively using ion-selective probeware. Preliminary data show that students have difficulty describing dissolutions symbolically and have difficulty choosing products in a double displacement reaction. The addition of quantification helps students reason about the identity of the substance in the beaker and the reaction that occurred.
Statistical analysis of the supersymmetry breaking scale

We discuss the question of what type and scale of supersymmetry breaking might be statistically favored among vacua of string/M theory, building on comments in Denef and Douglas, hep-th/0404116.
Reliability development and qualification of a low-cost, PQFP-based MCM

In Motorola's experience with commercial MCM customers, cost and size reduction are the largest driving factors for interest in MCM's. Speed and other performance factors are of secondary interest. Development and qualification can add significantly to the total cost of an MCM, so in addition to the normal desire to provide reliable products, the cost of doing so has gained increased importance. Motorola has identified three key factors in providing cost-effective MCM's: leverage single chip package experience, qualify MCM product families (package types), and use only qualified silicon devices in MCM products. This paper describes application of the three key factors to the reliability qualification of the 28-mm MCML Series package, a PQFP-(Plastic Quad Flat Pack) based MCM. An initial reliability evaluation was performed to investigate reliability issues. As a result of the initial evaluation, changes were made to assembly processes and materials. The MCM was then submitted to a suite of reliability stresses selected to evaluate mechanical, thermo-mechanical, moisture, and longevity performance. The MCM passed electrical and visual (SAT, or Scanning Acoustic Tomography) reliability requirements for all stresses, and performed well in extended stress tests as well. A procedure is in place to help insure high reliability for additional products in the 28-mm PQFP-based MCM package. >
Affinity labeling and partial purification of nerve growth factor receptors from rat pheochromocytoma and human melanoma cells

A cell surface glycoprotein receptor for nerve growth factor (NGF) has been identified by covalent crosslinking to 125I-labeled NGF (125I-NGF). Either ethyldimethylisopropyl-aminocarbodiimide or hydroxysuccinimidyl-p-azidobenzoate causes highly specific crosslinking of 125I-NGF to a similar receptor species on rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and on human melanoma A875 cells. The NGF-receptor complex migrates as a broad band in NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with an apparent Mr of approximately equal to 100,000. Because the NaDodSO4-denatured complex apparently contains a single Mr 13,000 NGF chain, the apparent molecular weight of the receptor itself is 87,000. Inhibition of protein glycosylation by tunicamycin generates smaller 125I-NGF-receptor complexes. The mobility of the smallest of these in NaDodSO4 gel electrophoresis corresponds to a Mr of 90,000 for the complex and, hence, 77,000 for the carbohydrate-deficient receptor. A second NGF-receptor complex with a Mr of 225,000 also is obtained from A875 cells but only occasionally from PC12 cells. Tunicamycin treatment decreases the molecular weight of these species by 10,000-15,000. Substantial purification of the Mr 100,000 NGF-receptor complex was achieved by lectin affinity chromatography on columns of wheat germ agglutinin linked to Affi-Gel 15. The specific absorption of NGF-receptor complexes to these columns indicates that the receptor is a glycoprotein that contains N-acetyl-D-glucosamine.
Comparing Atomistic Machining of Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Copper Structures

A molecular dynamic simulation study is presented to compare the machining of monocrystalline and polycrystalline copper structures with a rigid diamond tool at atomistic level. The equivalent grain size is 6 nm for the polycrystalline copper structure, which consists of 32 single crystals (i.e., grains) in total. Four cutting conditions of 3-D orthogonal machining are simulated for comparison. The results show that for both monocrystlline and polycrystalline machining, cutting forces increase with the increase of depth of cut, and the stress levels in primary and secondary shear zones increase with the increase of machining speed. More importantly, smaller cutting forces are required to machine the polycrystalline structure than the monocrystalline structure for all cutting conditions. This also leads to the lower stress levels in shear zones. In addition, in polycrystalline machining, the tangential forces are higher than the thrust forces, while the opposite is observed for monocrystalline machining. T...
Post-endovascular aneurysm repair patient outcomes and follow-up are not adversely impacted by long travel distance to tertiary vascular surgery centers.

Background To determine whether patient adherence to follow-up and patient outcomes after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) are affected by the distance between a patient's residence and a tertiary care treatment center. Methods A retrospective review of 136 consecutive patients undergoing EVAR at the New Mexico Veterans Affairs Medical Center over a 7-year period was conducted. Patients were stratified as living within a 100-mi radius of the treatment center (group 1) and those living outside this radius (group 2). Follow-up included clinic visits and computed tomography scans at 1 month after discharge, every 6 months for 2 years, and then yearly. Incomplete follow-up was defined if two or more consecutive appointments were missed. Survival and graft-related complication rates were analyzed for both the patient groups. Results Of the 136 patients, 10 patients died from nonaneurysm-related causes less than 1 year after their EVAR procedures, and hence were not a part of the study. Of the surviving patients, 44% lived within a 100-mi radius of the treatment center (group 1), and 56% outside this 100-mi radius (group 2). The mean patient follow-up time was 52.1 ± 25.9 months. Of the surviving patients, 15% had inadequate follow-up, yet there was no significant difference in the adequacy of follow-up for patients in group 1 compared with group 2. The incidence of major complications, defined as aneurysm rupture, conversion to open repair, myocardial infarction, and stroke, was not statistically different in group 1 versus group 2 (5.0% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.23). Of the five patients (3.7%) who died as a result of abdominal aortic aneurysms related causes, three were in group 1 and two in group 2. Conclusions Distance from a tertiary care center is not a limiting factor in patient adherence to follow-up, patient graft-related morbidity, or patient survival, likely because of the Albuquerque VA Medical Center's electronic tracking of patients and provision of travel vouchers.
Gastric Outlet Obstruction Caused by Replacement Gastrostomy Tube

3 90-year-old woman was admitted for a 2-week history of fever and persistent peristomal leakage. A percutaneous enoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was placed a year earlier as a result of ultiple strokes resulting in dysphagia. During the ensuing year, he gastrostomy tube was replaced multiple times at the bedside as result of minor complications. The physical exam revealed a acerated peristomal site with surrounding erythema, induration, nd serosanguineous drainage. The abdominal exam was otherise normal without evidence of obstruction. An upper endoscopy as performed for placement of a new PEG; however, on examiation, absence of the pyloric opening was noted (Figure A).1 urthermore, the PEG tube was extending from the gastrocutaneus site to the opposite wall, with torsion of the distal stomach Figure B). A subsequent gastrostomy tube study revealed contrast xtrusion into the duodenum, suggesting the balloon was inflated n the small bowel. It was suspected that as a result of persistent anipulation of the PEG tube, torsion of the distal stomach and uodenum ensued, with a resultant anatomic gastric outlet obtruction. The wound dehiscence and cellulitis were believed to be result of leakage of gastric secretions around the peristomal site aused by the obstruction. Repeat esophagogastroduodenoscopy fter deflation of the balloon bumper revealed normal anatomy. ntubation of the duodenum noted a clean based ulcer attributed o pressure necrosis from the inflated balloon. A replacement PEG ube was inserted through the tract and anchored securely to the bdominal wall without any complication. The localized wound nfection has since healed. PEG tube placement is a low-risk procedure routinely erformed for patients who are unable to take food orally. ommon indications for placement include neurologic conitions with associated impaired swallowing, oropharyngeal, aryngeal, and esophageal neoplasms, facial trauma, and the eed for supplemental feedings in patients with miscellaeous catabolic conditions. Overall, the complication rate anges from 3%–14%, and mortality approaches 1%.1 Various ajor and minor complications have been described in the iterature. Commonly encountered problems include pain at he insertion site, leakage around PEG tube, tube displaceent by patient or health care personnel, tube obstruction, nd local ulceration or wound infection.2 This case is an example of an anatomically created gastric outlet bstruction, without the typical symptoms of nausea, vomiting, nd distention. Two theories have been postulated to explain the bove. As described by Lamont and Rode,3 passage of a gastrosomy tube past the pylorus into the small bowel with insufflation f the balloon can result in fixation within the small bowel. The econd theory implicates migration of the PEG tube through the ylorus as a result of improper anchoring to the abdominal wall. ortunately in this patient, absence of obstruction at the distal tip f the gastrostomy tube allowed for unimpeded feedings, and the toma provided an exit for air release and excess gastric secretions.
Adjustment lending and the restoration of sustainable growth

The paper summarizes the results of a major study by the World Bank which evaluates the effects of its adjustment lending in the 1980s in relation to policies for increased growth. Reforms undertaken by Bank adjustment programmes usually contain a macro component designed to bring aggregate demand into balance with aggregate supply, and a micro component designed to increase aggregate supply itself. Countries are grouped into three categories: ‘early intensive adjustment lending’ (EIAL), ‘other adjustment lending’ (OAL) and ‘non-adjustment lending’ (NAL), and the major findings are that EIAL countries, taken as a group, had better growth performance, markedly better export performance, and worse investment performance (public and private) than countries in the other two groups, even when the influence of external factors such as terms of trade and weather is netted out. The negative effect on investment is worrying in the light of its implications for long-term growth, and is interpreted in terms of the lack of credibility attaching to a number of government reform programmes. Available data on social indicators — though incomplete — suggest that Bank adjustment lending has not increased absolute poverty, but the shares of central government expenditures for health and education declined on average in the EIAL countries for which data exist. to improve the record on aggregate growth, the report concludes that adjustment policies need to focus more on removing major distortions that reduce efficiency and on creating conditions favourable to renewed investment, particularly by the private sector.
DDT and the American century: Global health, environmental politics, and the pesticide that changed the world

DDT and the American century: Global health, environmental politics, and the pesticide that changed the world, by David Kinkela, Chapel Hill, NC, University of North Carolina Press, 2011, 272 pp., ...
Hochschild and cyclic homology of quantum groups

For an arbitrary complex linear semisimple Lie groupG, we consider Hopf algebras of the deformations of the formal and algebraic functions onG. The Hochschild and cyclic homology of these Hopf algebras are computed when the value of the deformation parameter is generic.
Imaging reflections in elliptically anisotropic media

In an isotropic medium, waves reflected from a mirror form a virtual image of their source. This property of planar reflectors is generally not true in the presence of anisotropy. In their short note, Blair and Korringa (1987) show that for the special case of SH waves from a point source in a transversely isotropic medium, an aberration‐free image is formed for any orientation of the mirror. While their proof is mathematical, we show the same result in an intuitive, pictorial fashion and in the process discover that although the image is indeed aberration free, it is still distorted.
Uptake, Modified Output, and Learner Perceptions of Recasts: Learner Responses as Language Awareness

Recent research has shown that certain learners' responses to feedback, specifically repair and modified output, are predictive of subsequent second language (L2) development. Yet, little is understood about why these responses are associated with second language acquisition (SLA). The current study investigated this question by exploring the cognitive processes underlying learner responses. Learners of Japanese ( n = 24) engaged in task-based interactions during which they received recasts of their errors. Each learner then watched video clips of the recast episodes and commented on them. The learners' stimulated recall reports were analyzed in relation to their responses to the recasts: uptake, repair, and modified output. In recast episodes where they produced uptake, their reports indicated that they perceived the recasts as corrective feedback significantly more frequently compared to cases where they did not produce uptake. In episodes where learners correctly repaired their errors, they were significantly more likely to report not only recognizing corrective recasts but also noticing the interlanguage–L2 mismatch. Modified output was also significantly related both to learners' recognition of corrective recasts and to their noticing of the gap ( Schmidt & Frota, 1986 ). Given the developmental benefits commonly associated with noticing the gap, these findings may partly explain why repair and modified output have been found to be predictive of SLA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Using Groups32 in instruction

This article discusses the process of integrating the use a software system into a conventional course in Abstract Algebra. It is a description of how and why a software system was used. It uses a particular system, Groups32, as an example.
Surface sulphydryl groups and hexose monophosphate pathway activity in resting human polymorphonuclear leucocytes.

Summary. The role of surface -SH groups on the hexose monophosphate pathway activity in resting human polymorphonuclear leucocytes was studied. Endotoxin, taurocholic acid and concanavalin A stimulated [1-14C]glucose oxidation to a greater degree than [6-14C]glucose oxidation. The stimulation of glucose-1-C oxidation by endotoxin, taurocholic acid and concanavalin A could be prevented by p-chloromercurybenzene sulphonic acid, an inhibitor of surface -SH groups. In contrast, polymorphonuclear leucocytes from four patients with chronic granulomatous disease failed to show stimulation of glucose-1-C oxidation by endotoxin, taurocholic acid or concanavalin A.
RELIGIOUS EGO IDENTITY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO FAITH MATURITY

Abstract The relationship between religious ego identity and religious faith maturity was investigated among college students (M age % 19.8 years) using J. E. Marcia's (1966) religious ego status classification system, which is based on the presence or absence in an individual of an exploration of religious values or beliefs and commitment to them; the system also contains a measure of religious faith maturity. Results showed that individuals with a diffusion status (no exploration, no commitment) were less mature in religious faith than those with a foreclosure status (no exploration, commitment), a moratorium status (exploration, no commitment), or those classified as achieved (exploration, commitment). Compared with individuals classified as foreclosed, achieved individuals integrated more effectively the religious faith maturity dimension of service to humanity and community as well as service of self to a transcendent reality.
PHYSIOLOGICAL COMPARISON OF THE ISOMORPHIC LIFE HISTORY PHASES OF THE HIGH INTERTIDAL ALGA ENDOCLADIA MURICATA (RHODOPHYTA)1

The isomorphic phases of Endocladia muricata (Post. & Rupr.) J. Ag. Were compared for photosynthetic and respiratory difference in response to a variety of environmental manipulations. Photosynthetic light response during submergence at 15° C and the pattern of respiratory recovery following prolonged emergence (3 h) at either 15° or 30° C were similar between gametophytes and tetrasporophytes. The phases showed the same ability to photosynthesize and respire during emergence at each temperature tested (15°, 25°, and 35° C, fully hydrated thalli) and at various desiccation state (measured at 25° C only). Submerged rates of photosynthesis following prolonged emergence at 15° and 30° C were, however slightly greater (17%) for tetrasporophytes as compared to gametophytes. Regardless of the life history phase, plants incubated at 15° C during emergence recovered more completely than plants incubated at 30° C. Photosynthetic recovery after 1 h in plants incubated at 15° C often “spiked” and yielded rates as great as 185% of pretreatment rates. Increased photosynthetic rates during recovery were absent for the 30° C incubations. The initial photosynthetic recovery of plants collected from the upper limits of distribution was greater than that of plants collected from the lower limits. Recovered rates of respiration were highly variable over time. Respiration often exceeded pretreatment values more then threefold, and the elevated rates were sustained for 12 h. Photosynthesis and respiration in air were comparable to rates in seawater and varied slightly with increasing temperature. Photosynthetic and respiratory rates also decreased with increasing tissue water loss. Thus, only slight differences in physiological performance were observed between phases and individuals collected from different vertical positions. Metabolic differences were transient and apparent only under experimental conditions that modeled extreme environmental conditions.
Student learning behaviors promoted with instructional technology

This study examines the use of collaborative instructional technology among engineering undergraduates at a Research I university and discusses the relationship of student use to desired educational outcomes. Specifically, trends in student use of the Tablet PC and related features over a four year period will be discussed. Frequency of student use of the collaborative features within engineering courses and the subsequent relationship to gains in desired learning outcomes will be reviewed. Discussion focuses on how the results are being used to form initiatives to encourage student and faculty use. Administrators and faculty at other institutions that are involved in initiatives related to instructional technology or those interested in pedagogical approaches that use technology to encourage collaboration between peers as well as between instructors and students can use the results from this study to help inform projects at their own colleges and universities.
Specific inhibition of interleukin 3 bioactivity by a monoclonal antibody reactive with hematopoietic progenitor cells

HIM1, originally designated HI98, a murine monoclonal IgM antibody raised against human mononuclear cells, has been reported at the Fourth International Leukocyte Typing Workshop (called antibody M0141) to be the only one of 157 antibodies tested that inhibited binding of interleukin 3 (IL-3) to KG-1 human acute myelogenous leukemia cells and normal human monocytes. We have carried out detailed studies of the selective effect of HIM1 on IL-3-mediated stimulation of hematopoietic progenitors. Preincubation of normal human bone marrow mononuclear cells, depleted of adherent cells and T cells, with HIM1 antibody resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of IL-3-mediated stimulation of both erythroid burst-forming units (maximum inhibition 55%) and granulocyte/macrophage colony-forming units (maximum inhibition 49%). HIM1 antibody had no effect on growth of erythroid colony-forming units in culture. In addition, preincubation of the cells with HIM1 antibody had no deleterious effect on granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor-induced growth of either erythroid bursts or granulocyte/macrophage colonies. To be certain that the HIM1 antibody did not react directly with IL-3 itself, we attempted to use immunodepletion to remove IL-3 that had been added to our culture medium. Although we were able to remove IL-3 bioactivity by immunodepletion with anti-IL-3 antibody bound to Sepharose beads, beads with attached HIM1 did not remove IL-3 activity from the medium. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils bind high levels of HIM1, although they have very few or no detectable IL-3 receptors. Therefore, this antibody appears to recognize a cell surface antigen that is critical for optimal IL-3 binding and bioactivity but is not the actual IL-3 receptor.
Sampling artifacts from the use of denuder tubes with glycerol based coatings in the measurement of atmospheric particulate matter.

Chemical speciation studies use sampling configurations that often require the deployment of denuder tubes of various types to measure certain species or control particulate sampling artifacts. Concurrent sets of measurements on Teflon membrane and quartz filters in specific sampling configurations were used to evaluate the potential influence of denuder tubes with glycerol-based coatings on particulate mass and carbon measurements on downstream filters. Positive biases were observed in the measurement of gravimetric mass and carbon on Teflon and quartz filters, respectively, downstream of sodium carbonate/glycerol and citric acid/glycerol coated denuder tubes relative to those without upstream denuder tubes. The magnitude of the bias is dependent on the level of ambient particulate loading.
Men and Women in Southern Spain: “Domestic Power” Revisited

This article offers a definition of “domestic power” and attempts to operationalize this for comparative study of gender relations in southern Europe. It describes male-female relations in two stratified rural towns in Andalusia (southern Spain). The data show that working-class women in these towns, often united with their mothers, are able in many cases to prevail in domestic decision making despite opposition from their husbands. The article explores the cultural and psychological reasons for this apparent inversion of a constituted patriarchal ideal and the relative effect of social class upon male and female power asymmetries. The implications of limited access of male fieldworkers to Andalusian women are briefly addressed. Finally, these findings are discussed in the light of broader epistemological issues in gender study.
Work in progress: Who answered first? — A trivia game utilizing timed electronic classroom response systems

Currently, classroom response systems (CRS) are being integrated into an increasing number of university courses. One of the least pursued usages of CRS is the ability to capture speed of student responses. Many of these systems produce a dynamic comma-separated value (CSV) file that presents all of this information in a database that can then be tapped for various uses. The system described in this paper combines the i>Clicker CRS, Mathworks MATLAB, and Microsoft PowerPoint to create an interactive trivia game for use in the classroom. The current implementation is used as an exam review in two first-year fundamentals of engineering courses at the university level.
Effect of JTT-705 on cholesteryl ester transfer protein and plasma lipid levels in normolipidemic animals

This study evaluated JTT-705, S-[2-([[1-(2-ethylbutyl)cyclohexyl]carbonyl]amino)phenyl]2-methylpropanethioate, as a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor in several animal species. In vitro, JTT-705 inhibited plasma CETP activities of humans, rabbits, hamsters, cynomolgus monkeys and marmosets with IC(50) values of 5.5, 1.0, 11.7, 2.4 and 6.3 microM, respectively. The thiol form (JTP-25203) also inhibited those activities with IC(50) values of 2.8, 0.44, 0.52, 1.3 and 1.1 microM, respectively. Following oral administration to normolipidemic animals (rabbits, hamsters and marmosets), JTT-705 reduced plasma CETP activity, increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol), and decreased the ratio of non-HDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol (atherogenic index) in all species. In marmosets, JTT-705 increased slow alpha-migrating lipoprotein (apolipoprotein E-rich HDL) in agarose gel electrophoresis, indicating that HDL metabolism in JTT-705-treated marmosets is similar to that in CETP-deficient humans. These results indicate that JTT-705 can be expected to inhibit plasma CETP activity and improve plasma lipoprotein profiles in a wide range of animal species, including humans.
Neurenteric cyst: case report and a review of the potential dysembryology.

We report a 13-year-old female who presented to an outside emergency room following blunt trauma to the head. As part of her evaluation, an unenhanced CT of the face and radiographs of the cervical spine were performed. She was referred to our clinic with “abnormal” imaging. Radiographs revealed dysmorphic cervical spine and ventral clefting of the vertebral bodies from C7-T2. A subsequent MRI was obtained that demonstrated a large spinal cord mass. MRI demonstrated an unenhanced intramedullary mass of the cervicothoracic spinal cord measuring approximately 1.5 cm in greatest axial diameter. Surgical exploration of her intraspinal mass revealed a neurenteric cyst. Spinal neurenteric cysts are categorized in the spectra of occult spinal dysraphism and most likely arise from incomplete separation of the developing notochord and foregut in the embryo. We discuss potential etiologies for the formation of such cysts. The clinician should consider neurenteric cysts in their differential diagnosis of patients with spinal dysraphism and/or intraspinal masses. Clin Anat. 19:669–672, 2006 © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A comparison of iliac bone histomorphometric data in post-menopausal osteoporotic and normal subjects

Transilial bone biopsies following in vivo fluorochrome labeling were obtained from 90 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and 34 healthy post-menopausal women. Standard histomorphometric data were collected from undecalcified sections. The distribution of values for both structural and remodelling indices was the same for each group. Bone volume was 35% lower (P less than 0.001), wall thickness was 12% lower (P less than 0.001), and trabecular thickness was 11% lower (P less than 0.02) in osteoporotics. Trabecular separation was 34% greater (P less than 0.001) and trabecular number was 36% lower (P less than 0.001) in osteoporotics. Biopsy core width was 11% less (P less than 0.02) and cortical width was 35-50% less (P less than 0.001) in osteoporotics. Static indices of remodelling, mineralizing surfaces, and mineral apposition rate were similar in the two groups. The absolute values for bone histomorphometric variables for both groups are similar to most published data. Osteoporotics had poorer bone structure, marked by decreased trabecular connectivity and thin cortices. There were no major differences in dynamic indices of remodelling. Since the histomorphometric data were distributed the same in both groups, special subsets of osteoporotic subjects not in the normal population did not exist.
Ibn al-Haytham and the origins of modern image analysis

The noted science historian, David Lindberg, wrote that "Alhazen was undoubtedly the most significant figure in the history of optics between antiquity and the seventeenth century." Impressive and accurate as this characterization of Ibn al-Haytham (Latinized as Alhazen or Alhacen) is, it significantly understates the impact he had on areas as diverse as the theology, literature, art, and science of Europe. The work on computerized image analysis that I discuss elsewhere at this conference can be rightfully seen as the latest link in an unbroken chain that connects 21st century optical scientists with our intellectual progenitor, Ibn al-Haytham; a span of almost 1000 years.
Amnion overlay meshed skin autograft

Meshed skin autografts are conventionally dressed with fine petrolatum gauzes. Pain and haemorrhage are a frequent sequel to changing dressings in the early days after grafting. We have explored the use of amnion to overlay the meshed autograft (3:1) in addition to the fine petrolatum gauze. Eleven patients with 24 burn wounds were treated. The amnion provided good protection to the underlying meshed autograft and the neoepithelium. It did not block the re-epithelialization and may have promoted the healing process. Most of the grafts had healed completely by 7 days after application. Pain and haemorrhage were markedly reduced. The non-antigenic nature, adherent quality and inexpensive cost makes amnion a promising biological dressing for meshed autografts.
Early results of intensified remission induction chemotherapy for childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia.

L'utilisation d'un traitement agressif chez des malades a haut risque est justifiee. Cependant des effets toxiques importants retardant le debut du traitement des remissions et entrainant un risque accru de rechute, necessitent des modifications de protocoles
Activity Assay for Endothia parasitica Protease Using Trypsinogen as Substrate

Abstract A sensitive activity assay method for Endothia parasitica protease based on activation of trypsinogen has been developed. Activation of trypsinogen was performed at pH 4.0 and 30.0C using 3.0 mg/ml of bovine trypsinogen and 1.25 μ/ml of purified Endothia parasitica protease in .04M sodium formate −.3M KCl buffer. At intervals of 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 minutes the amounts of trypsin formed were determined on .05ml aliquots with 1.95ml of 1% casein in .2M Tris −.01M CaCl 2 buffer, pH 8.0 and 30C for 10min. The trichloroacetic acid-soluble products were determined at 280nm. Enzyme activity was determined from the initial rate of trypsinogen activation. The pH optimum for activation of trypsinogen by Endothia parasitica protease was 3.5 to 3.6, V max , 2,950±177 micromoles trypsinogen activated per minute per micromole Endothia parasitica protease, and K m was 8.32±.30×10 −5 M. Sensitivity of the trypsinogen activation assay was 11,400 times that of direct determination of Endothia parasitica protease activity on casein at pH 3.0 and 30C and 600 times more sensitive than a milk clotting assay at pH 5.1 and 30C.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment Versus Combined Weight Loss/Depression Treatment Among Women with Comorbid Obesity and Depression

Background Obesity is associated with clinical depression among women. However, depressed women are often excluded from weight loss trials.
Use of the odds ratio to translate neuropsychological test scores into real-world outcomes: From statistical significance to clinical significance

Standard parametric tests generate p values and effect sizes, but often these are difficult to translate into real-world outcomes. In this study, the odds ratio was applied to neuropsychological testing and was compared to parametric approaches. Participants were 26 community-dwelling adults with possible or probable Alzheimer's disease and 25 matched healthy community-dwelling volunteers. Odds ratios were computed to estimate the probability of concurrent diagnosis given neuropsychological performance level. Odds ratios discriminated the groups at magnitudes that could not be discerned from t-test significance tables. These values were compared to sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy. Clinical and research applications and implications were addressed.
Infrared spectra of CX2=CoX2 and CX3-CoX complexes from reactions of laser-ablated cobalt atoms with halomethanes.

Simple cobalt complexes with substantial carbon−cobalt double bond character are produced in Co atom reactions with tetra-, tri-, and dihalomethanes, whereas insertion complexes are identified only in the dihalomethane matrix infrared spectra. These complexes are identified from matrix infrared spectra and comparison with frequencies computed by density functional theory. Exclusive generation of carbenes in the tetrahalomethane systems is consistent with the computational results that the staggered allene-type conformer is the only meaningful energy minimum in the reaction path. Their short C−Co bondlengths of 1.732−1.764 A and CASSCF computed bond orders near 1.7 are also appropriate for carbon−cobalt double bonds. Hence, reactions of laser-ablated Co atoms are effective means to generate rarely reported high oxidation-state Co complexes with carbon−cobalt double bonds. Unlike the Rh and Ir cases, Co carbynes (with C−Co triple bonds) are not formed. The observation of CH2Cl−CoF with photoreversible inten...
Accreditation of Teacher Education is Alive and Kicking

(1979). Accreditation of Teacher Education is Alive and Kicking. Action in Teacher Education: Vol. 1, Certification/Accreditiation in Teacher Education, pp. 1-10.
Percutaneous sclerotherapy for lymphatic malformations: a retrospective analysis of patient-evaluated improvement.

PURPOSE To evaluate the midterm outcomes of percutaneous sclerotherapy of lymphatic malformations (LMs) as judged by patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 13-item survey questionnaire was sent to 74 patients who had undergone at least one sclerotherapy procedure in our hospital from January 1997 through January 2003. Information regarding the anatomic location, specific symptoms reported, history, treatment satisfaction, postprocedural complications, and number of treatment sessions was elicited. Four sclerosing agents (as single agents or in combination with other agents) were used: ethanol, sodium tetradecyl sulfate 3% (STS), OK-432, and doxycycline. RESULTS Fifty-five patients or their caregivers completed the survey. The patients' ages ranged from 6 months to 48 years at the time of the first procedure (mean, 12 y; median, 4 y). A majority of LMs were located in the cervicofacial region. The size and location of the lesion, recurrent infection, and pain were the most frequent indications for treatment. Fifty-one percent of these patients received sclerotherapy alone or in conjunction with surgery as primary treatment. Ethanol was the most common sclerosing agent used, followed by doxycycline, STS, and OK-432. Response varied with the type of LM, with 100%, 86%, and 43% of the patients reporting good to complete response for macrocystic, microcystic, and combined-type LMs, respectively. Skin blistering and ulcers were the most common complications. Permanent complications were uncommon and were largely related to ethanol use. CONCLUSIONS Percutaneous sclerotherapy provides effective midterm primary treatment for LMs. Treatment outcomes appear to vary according to the morphology of the malformation.
Substance-abuse treatment and mortality

Abstract Drug-overdose deaths, which have more than doubled over the past decade, represent a growing public-health concern. Though substance-abuse treatment may be effective in reducing drug abuse, evidence for a causal effect of treatment on drug-related mortality is lacking. I analyze the effect of substance-abuse treatment on mortality by exploiting county-level variation in treatment facilities driven by facility openings and closings. The estimates indicate that a 10% increase in facilities lowers a county's drug-induced mortality rate by 2%. The estimated effects persist across individual and county characteristics and further indicate that spillovers of treatment reduce other related causes of death.
Estriol metabolism in sheep: excretion of biliary and urinary conjugates.

The metabolic conjugation of estriol- 6,7-H3 was investigated in female sheep. The studies were performed in animals with bile fistulas, as well as in the intact state. Following the intravenous administration of estriol, the 3- sulfate and the 3-glucosiduronate were identified both in the urine and in the bile (the latter predominated in the bile). Concomitant studies with in vitro incubations of homogenates of liver, small intestine, and kidney showed that the liver readily conjugated estriol as the sulfate and glucosiduronate, the intestine readily formed the 3- glucosiduronate, and the kidney was a rather poor conjugating organ. From the in vivo and in vitro experiments the metabolic fate of estriol in sheep appears to involve its conjugation by the liver, both as the 3-sulfate and 3-glucosiduronate, with the latter primarily excreted into the bile. The estriol-3-glucosiduronate is readily reabsorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and excreted in the urine, thus establishing an enterohepatic circulat...
Effect of microstructural parameters on the yield strength of Al-4%Mg/Al2O3p composites

The quest for materials with high specific strengths and stiffness has been the impetus for the development of metal-matrix composites (MMC's) in recent years. MMC's containing continuous reinforcements possess the highest strengths and stiffnesses in the direction of the reinforcement. However, such composites have poor transverse properties and are extremely expensive for most applications. In contrast, MMC's with particulate reinforcements, while not achieving the strengths and stiffness levels of continuous fiber-reinforced MMC's, exhibit greater isotropy in their properties, Furthermore, they can be processed by conventional means and are much less expensive. The objective of this present investigation was to study the effect of microstructural parameters on the yield strength of Al-4%Mg/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3]p composites containing volume fractions greater than 0.45 and with a bimodal mixture of particle sizes in order to further discriminate among the effects of particulate size and interparticle spacing variables.
Observation of monolayer and bilayer period RHEED oscillations during epitaxial growth of Ge on Ge(1 0 0)

Abstract Both monolayer and bilayer periods are observed during the growth of germanium on Ge(1 0 0) using reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED). Oscillations in the specular beam intensity of the RHEED pattern are recorded for substrate temperatures of 400–850 K over a wide range of incident germanium fluxes. With careful sample preparation, the period of the RHEED oscillations consistently goes through a transition from a bilayer period to an alternating intensity monolayer period as the surface temperature is raised above ∼700 K. Without this preparation, only bilayer periods characterized by symmetric-shaped oscillations are observed. This indicates that the sample preparation plays a key role in determining the resulting growth. The period of the RHEED oscillations is not strongly dependent on the incident angle of the electron beam, suggesting that the observed periods are not a result of a diffraction condition, such as Kikuchi lines. The data are consistent with a mobility-controlled dynamic bilayer versus monolayer growth mechanism.
Infanticide and maternal aggression: Synchrony of male and female reproductive strategies in mice

Thirty-six percent of male mice from three strains attacked newborn pups sired by another male. No male attacked its own offspring. Females did not show differential aggression toward males likely (strangers) or unlikely (sires) to attack their pups. Both forms of aggression were unaffected by housing in rooms which did or did not contain the aggression targets. The three strains differed in strength of maternal aggression but not in the incidence of infanticide. Females showed more aggression when mated with males of the same, rather than a different, strain but no differences with intruders of the same or a different strain. Infanticide by males is best viewed as a postcopulatory, intermale-competition strategy, and maternal aggression as a counter strategy.
Radiationless Decay of Excited States of Uracil through Conical Intersections

The electronically excited singlet states of uracil have been studied theoretically using ab initio multireference configuration interaction methods focusing on the mechanism for radiationless decay back to the ground state. The first excited state with a significant oscillator strength is calculated to be the S2 state, corresponding to an excitation π → π*, while a dark state, S1 (nO → π*), exists below S2. Conical intersections have been located between the S2 and S1 states 0.9 eV below the vertical excitation to S2 and between the S1 and the ground state, ca. 1.8 eV below the vertical excitation energy to S2. These conical intersections are connected with each other and the Franck Condon region by pathways that exhibit no barriers and provide for a nonradiative decay to the ground state.
Lesions of the frontal bone in American Indians.

Over 1,400 adult skulls from archeological sites along the Atlantic Seaboard, in the Midwest and in the Southwest were examined for frontal lesions. A late prehistoric site in Delaware yielded the highest frequency. Next was a late prehistoric site in Illinois, but here the high frequency may reflect in part the collector's special interest in bone pathology. By contrast, the historic and early prehistoric sites yielded the lowest frequencies. Like Hooton and Snow, the only previous American investigators who have recorded frontal lesions in detail, the present authors agree that most of the occurrences in skulls from Archaic and early Pueblo sites are due to trauma. However, in the other groups studied most of the lesions appear to be inflammatory and to have a rather constant location on the frontal. Some are accompanied by lesions on the parietals and on certain long bones. After healing bone remodelling gradually eliminates much of the original disfigurement. Examples of lesions in different stages are illustrated. The appearance of some of the inflammatory lesions suggests syphilis, but satisfactory proof of this is not yet forthcoming. Hopefully, these findings will rekindle interest in the problem and stimulate further efforts to reach correct diagnoses.