cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An examination of bent semi-bridging metal carbonyl bonding II. Polymorphism and multiple independent molecules in [H2Ru4(CO)13]

A triclinic polymorph of [H2Ru4(CO)13] has been crystallographically characterized: P1, a 9.062(2), b 9.155(2), c 26.649(6) A, α 81.80(2), β 88.03(2), γ 67.76(2)°, V 2024.9(8) A3, Z = 4, RF 2.31%. Both this polymorph and a previously studied monoclinic polymorph [D.B.W. Yawney and R.J. Doedens, Inorg. Chem., 11 (1972) 838] crystallize with two independent molecules in the asymmetric units. A wide range of bond parameters are found for the two bent semi-bridging μ-CO ligands in each of the four chemically identical molecules in the two polymorphs. However, despite the wide range of values, which are attributed to crystal packing forces, each μ-CO group conforms exactly to the linear Crabtree-Lavin relationship [R.H. Crabtree and M. Lavin, Inorg. Chem., 25 (1986) 805].
Models of zinc-containing proteases. Catalysis of cobalt(III)-mediated amide hydrolysis by a pendant carboxylate

Hydrolyse du lactame dans le complexe forme par le cobalt (III) et l'(α-[(oxo-5 perhydro diazepine-1,4yl-1methyl)-6 pyridyl-2methyl]) imino-2,2' bis-acetate
ACTION OF DIPHTHERIA TOXIN IN THE GUINEA PIG

The blood clearance and distribution in the tissues of 125I after intravenous injection of small doses (1.5–5 MLD or 0.08–0.25 µg) of 125I-labeled diphtheria toxin has been followed in guinea pigs and rabbits and compared with the fate of equivalent amounts of injected 125I-labeled toxoid and bovine serum albumin. Toxoid disappeared most rapidly from the blood stream and label accumulated and was retained in liver, spleen, and especially in kidney. Both toxin and BSA behaved differently. Label was found widely distributed among all the organs except the nervous system and its rate of disappearance from the tissues paralleled its disappearance from the circulation. There was no evidence for any particular affinity of toxin for muscle tissue or for a "target" organ. Previous reports by others that toxin causes specific and selective impairment of protein synthesis in muscle tissue were not confirmed. On the contrary, both in guinea pigs and rabbits, a reduced rate of protein synthesis was observed in all tissues that had taken up the toxin label. In tissues removed from intoxicated animals of both species there was an associated reduction in aminoacyl transferase 2 content. It is concluded that the primary action of diphtheria toxin in the living animal is to effect the inactivation of aminoacyl transferase 2. The resulting inhibition in rate of protein synthesis leads to morphologic damage in all tissues reached by the toxin and ultimately to death of the animal.
The ‘new’ donor: creation or evolution?

The unusual mass of financial capital produced in the late 20th century, complemented by the creative thinking of innovative philanthropists, engendered new ideas for philanthropy. An entrepreneurial focus, greater emphasis on partnerships among business, government and nonprofit sectors, and new wealth as well as new social innovation dramatically affected the philanthropic scene — and therefore nonprofit organisations and fundraising. A publication extolling venture philanthropy stated, ‘Philanthropy may be on the cusp of the greatest revolution in the nonprofit sector since Congress granted tax-exempt status in 1954’.[Morino Institute (2001) ‘2001 Venture Philanthropy: The Changing Landscape’, prepared for the Morino Institute and Venture Philanthropy Partners, Inc., by Community Wealth Ventures, Inc.] This paper defines the terminology that identifies the new donor, describes new roles and practices in philanthropy, and looks at how the new donor fits into a comprehensive fundraising programme. New approaches to philanthropy versus traditional philanthropy are considered, including whether or not these approaches are actually new or represent an evolution in giving. Futureprojectionsarediscussedaswellascaveats regarding the maintenance of balance between what is tried and true and what is a trend. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications
Three principles for sound water policy

Three economic principles are often neglected when formulating water policy. First, the quantity of water supplied is of paramount importance for policy not the price of water. Water policy should be judged by how much high-quality water is supplied, not by whether that policy meets some distributional objective. Second, the regulated alternatives for water policy have performed poorly. Regulated monopolies, concessions and government ownership have failed to deliver satisfactory results. Third, the real debate is between regulated and unregulated privatisation, not privatisation versus government ownership. The debate over water policy should move in a more free market direction.
Tunicamycin prevents stimulation of protein synthesis by branched chain amino acids in isolated rat muscles.

Quarter rat diaphragms were incubated for 150 min. with or without stimulators of protein synthesis and/or inhibitors of protein glycosylation. Tyrosine incorporation into protein was measured during the last 120 min. Branched chain amino acids stimulated protein synthesis by 40–60%. Tunicamycin or 2-deoxy-D-glucose did not affect baseline protein synthesis, but inhibited or abolished stimulation of protein synthesis by branched chain amino acids. Tunicamycin did not prevent stimulation of protein synthesis by insulin or affect amino acid transport under these conditions. The data suggest that a) glycoprotein(s) may be involved in the post-transcriptional stimulation of protein synthesis by leucine, b) leucine and insulin may stimulate peptide chain initiation in muscle through different mechanisms.
Microscopic aspects of Stretched Exponential Relaxation (SER) in homogeneous molecular and network glasses and polymers

Abstract The “diffusion to traps” model quantitatively explains “magic” stretching fractions β(Tg) for a wide variety of relaxation experiments (nearly 50 altogether) on microscopically homogeneous electronic and molecular glasses and deeply supercooled liquids by assuming that quasi-particle excitations indexed by Breit–Wigner channels diffuse to randomly distributed sinks. Here the theme of earlier reviews, based on the observation that in the presence of short-range forces only d* = d = 3 is the actual spatial dimensionality, while for mixed short- and long-range forces, d* = fd = d/2, is applied to four new spectacular examples, where it turns out that SER is useful not only for purposes of quality control, but also for defining what is meant by a glass in novel contexts. The examples are three relaxation experiments that used different probes on different materials: luminescence in isoelectronic crystalline Zn(Se,Te) alloys, fibrous relaxation in orthoterphenyl (OTP) and related glasses and supercooled melts up to 1.15T g , and relaxation of binary chalcogen melts probed by spin-polarized neutrons (T as high as 1.5T g ). The model also explains quantitatively the appearance of SER in a fourth “sociological” example, distributions of 600 million 20th century natural science citations, and the remarkable appearance of the same “magic” values of β = 3/5 and 3/7 seen in glasses.
Using Bayesian stable isotope mixing models to estimate wolf diet in a multi-prey ecosystem†

Stable isotope analysis (SIA) of wolf (Canis lupus) tissues can be used to estimate diet and intra- population diet variability when potential prey have distinct d 13 C and d 15 N values. We tested this technique using guard hairs collected from 44 wolves in 12 northwestern Montana packs, summer 2009. We used hierarchical Bayesian stable isotope mixing models to determine diet and scales of diet variation from d 13 C and d 15 N of wolves and potential prey, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), elk (Cervus canadensis), moose (Alces alces), snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), and other prey. As a check on SIA results, we conducted a separate diet analysis with temporally matched scats (i.e., collected in summer 2008) from 4 of the same packs. Wolves were centered on the ungulate prey in the isotope mixing space. Both methods revealed differences among pack diets and that wolves may consume moose in greater proportions than predicted by available biomass. Stable isotope analysis, and scat results were not entirely concordant; assumptions related to tissues of use in SIA, hair growth period in wolves, and scat sampling may have contributed to a mismatch between methods. Incorrect fractionation values, insufficient separation of prey in the isotope mixing space, choice of prior information in the Bayesian mixing models, and unexplained factors may have distorted diet estimates. However, the consistently high proportion of moose in pack diets suggests that increased population monitoring would benefit management of moose and wolves. Our results also support suggestions of other researchers that species-specific fractionation values should be used whenever possible, and that SIA may sometimes only provide indices of use for general groups of prey (e.g., large ungulates). 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Anomalous upper mantle beneath the Australian-Antarctic discordance

Abstract Within the Australian-Antarctic discordant zone, residual depth anomalies approach 1000 m. In sea floor younger than 10 Ma that is more than 500 m deeper than expected, Rayleigh wave phase velocities are significantly faster than in sea floor of comparable age in the Pacific. In this area, the shear wave velocity in the 20–40 km depth range is unusually fast, indicating that the lithosphere develops more rapidly than usual from an asthenosphere that is perhaps cooler than average. In sea floor that is older than 10 Ma, phase velocities are anomalously fast and independent of the residual depth. Beneath this older sea floor, the low-velocity zone in the oceanic mantle is much less pronounced than beneath sea floor of comparable age in the Pacific.
Deregulation in the electric utility industry: Excess capacity and the transition to a long-run competitive market

Existing analyses of electricity deregulation have focused on situations where horizontal market power is present. This paper instead evaluates a market where a competitive outcome is more likely. Competitive market supply and demand curves for electricity have been simulated for a twenty-state region. These simulated supply and demand curves are used to predict short-run and long-run prices for electric power. Many consumers will see a drop in the portion of their electric bills accounted for by the current economic costs of supplying them with electricity. Adjustments to consumers’ bills for stranded cost recovery will be determined by legislators and regulators on a state-by-state and utility-by-utility basis. Because of excess capacity that currently exists in the industry, the decline in prices will be greater in the short run than in the long run.
Assessing Moisture Stress In Wheat With Hand-Held Radiometers

AbstractHand -held radiometers that measure reflected solar and emitted thermal radiation are use-ful for evaluating agronomic parameters. An example application is presented which showsthat thermal measurements can detect water stress before visual signs appear. Reflectedsolar measurements can be used to document the history of stress, and are useful for cali-brating the thermal parameter at various degrees of stress. Some special requirements ofinstruments that are to be used in field experiments are discussed.IntroductionSmall, lightweight instruments that measure reflected solar and emitted thermal radiationhave been available for several years. The main purpose for the development of the reflec-tance radiometers was to provide ground verification of satellite acquired data. Infraredradiometers have also been used for this purpose, but were, for the most part, developed forindustrial applications where non -contact temperature measurements were required. Hand -heldradiometers are especially useful in agriculture, where relationships need to be developedbetween remotely sensed data and agronomic variables such as leaf area index, biomass, andamount of ground cover. The instruments provide data that can be related to various cropconditions such as moisture stress, disease incidence, insect infestations, and nutritionaldeficiencies. The relationships can best be developed by obtaining data over numerous smallplots where crops can be carefully monitored and cultural variables such as soil water, rowspacing, and row orientation, can be easily manipulated. Hand -held radiometers are ideallysuited for these types of experiments because of their portability. Many measurements can bemade rapidly in fields inaccessible to vehicles and too small to be included in the resolu-tion element of satellite based sensors.This report describes the application of handheld radiometers to evaluate moisture stressin wheat, and offers some comments on instrument requirements for field use.Assessment of moisture stressVisual observation of wilting is a common method for detecting water stress in plants.By the time wilting is evident, however, yield reducing damage has occurred 1. Physio-logically based measurements of plant water potential and leaf diffusion resistance havebeen used to quantify stress 2, but these methods have a disadvantage in that only parts ofindividual plants are used and numerous samples are required to adequately characterize a
Anodic bonding of glass and silicon wafers with an intermediate silicon nitride film and its application to batch fabrication of SPM tip arrays

This paper reports a detailed study of wafer-level anodic bonding with a dielectric intermediate layer and its application to the fabrication of scanning probe microscope (SPM) probe arrays. First, the bonding performance between sodium-ion rich glass and silicon nitride coated silicon substrate is characterized. The effects of voltage, tool pressure, bonding time, surface properties, and cleanliness are thoroughly studied. Then, the silicon nitride based SPM probe arrays consisted of pyramidal tip and 1.5 μm-thickness cantilever are successful bonded and transferred to Pyrex 7740 glass substrate by use of our optimized wafer-scale electrostatic force bonding condition. The nano-imaging capability of the scanning probe array is also demonstrated.
Gustatory insular cortex lesions disrupt drug-induced, but not lithium chloride-induced, suppression of conditioned stimulus intake.

Rats suppress intake of a normally preferred 0.15% saccharin conditioned stimulus (CS) when it is paired with an aversive agent like lithium chloride (LiCl) or a preferred substances such as sucrose or a drug of abuse. The reward comparison hypothesis suggests that rats avoid intake of a saccharin cue following pairings with a drug of abuse because the rats are anticipating the availability of the rewarding properties of the drug. The present study used bilateral ibotenic acid lesions to examine the role of the gustatory cortex in the suppression of CS intake induced by cocaine, morphine, and LiCl. The results show that bilateral lesions of the insular gustatory cortex (1) fully prevent the suppressive effects of both a 15- and a 30-mg/kg dose of morphine, (2) attenuate the suppressive effect of a 10 mg/kg dose of cocaine, but (3) are overridden by a 20 mg/kg dose of the drug. Finally, these same cortical lesions had no impact on LiCl-induced conditioned taste aversion. The current data show that the insular taste cortex plays an integral role in drug-induced avoidance of a gustatory CS.
A new methodology for systematic exploitation of technology databases

Abstract Nowadays technology watch must be considered as a strategic tool for business enterprises. The increase of database volume has forced a change in information management. The purpose of this article is to explain how a mathematical data analysis method can help to transform sequential raw data into valuable information.
Photophysical Properties of Dioxolane-Substituted Pentacene Derivatives Dispersed in Tris(quinolin-8-olato)aluminum(III)

Two novel dioxolane-substituted pentacene derivatives, namely, 6,14-bis-(triisopropylsilylethynyl)-1,3,9,11-tetraoxa-dicyclopenta[b,m]pentacene (TP-5) and 2,2,10,10-tetraethyl-6,14-bis-(triisopropylsilylethynyl)-1,3,9,11-tetraoxa-dicyclopenta[b,m]pentacene (EtTP-5), have been synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. Here, we examine the steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) of solid-state composite films containing these pentacene derivatives dispersed in tris(quinolin-8-olato)aluminum(III) (Alq3). The films show narrow red emission and high absolute photoluminescence quantum yields (φPL = 59% and 76% for films containing ∼0.25 mol % TP-5 and EtTP-5, respectively). The Forster transfer radius for both guest−host systems is estimated to be ∼33 A. The TP-5/Alq3 thin films show a marked decrease in φPL with increasing guest molecule concentrations, accompanied by dramatic changes in the PL spectra, suggesting that intermolecular interactions between pentacene molecules result in the f...
Formation of Block Liposomes is a General Phenomenon of Charged Membranes

We have recently reported on the discovery of block liposomes (BLs), a new class of chain-melted (liquid) vesicles, formed in mixtures of curvature-stabilizing hexadecavalent cationic lipid MVLBG2, DOPC and water (Zidovska et al., Langmuir, 2008). BLs consist of distinctly shaped, yet connected spheres, pears, tubes, or rods. Unlike typical liposome systems, where spherical vesicles, tubular vesicles, and cylindrical micelles are separated on the macroscopic scale, within a BL, shapes are separated on the nanometer scale. We carried out structural studies of BLs with differential-contrast-microscopy (DIC) and cryo-transmission-electron-microscopy (cryo-TEM) and identified membrane charge and spontaneous membrane curvature as key parameters controlling the BL-formation. BL-formation was believed to be a special capacity of MVLBG2, a newly synthesized highly charged (16+) lipid (Ewert et al., JACS, 2006) with giant dendrimer-like headgroup leading to a conical molecular shape resulting into high spontaneous membrane curvature, when incorporated into lipid bilayer. In this work we report formation of BLs for other cationic lipids, demonstrating that BL-formation is a general phenomenon of all charged membranes. We carried out systematic study of binary lipid mixtures comprised of DOPC and a cationic lipid, varying the headgroup size and charge of cationic lipid from 1+, 3+ to 5+. We find that all cationic lipids form BLs on the micrometer and nanometer scale. We have also found that pure DOPC forms BLs in presence of monovalent salt, which is known to cause zwitterionic DOPC to become negatively charged. This latter finding confirms that BL-formation is a general capacity of charged membranes independent of the charge nature. Block liposomes may find a range of applications in chemical and nucleic acid delivery and as building blocks in the design of templates for hierarchical structures. Funding by DOE DE-FG-02-06ER46314, NIH GM-59288, NSF DMR-0503347.
Periadolescent alcohol exposure has lasting effects on adult neurophysiological function in rats.

Abstract Most individuals have their first experience with ethanol (EtOH) consumption as adolescents. Episodes of high EtOH drinking, lasting from hours to days (i.e. binges), are not uncommon. Thus, adolescent EtOH drinking has become a significant health concern due to the possible protracted effects of high doses of EtOH on behavior and the developing brain. This study assessed the effects of brief high levels of EtOH during periadolescence on subsequent behavior and electrophysiology in adult rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to EtOH vapor for 5 days (i.e. postnatal days 35–40) or 10 days (i.e. postnatal days 30–40) for 12 h/day. Locomotor activity, EEG activity, and event-related potentials (ERPs) were then assessed at 1 and 6–7 weeks post EtOH exposure. Significant differences in locomotor activity were not observed at 1 week or 6–7 weeks post-ethanol exposure. However, EtOH exposure did have long-term electrophysiological effects. EtOH exposure increased the frequency of the EEG in the 1–2 Hz range in the parietal cortex and the 16–32 Hz range in the hippocampus. EtOH exposure also increased hippocampal N2 amplitude, decreased hippocampal P3 amplitude, and decreased cortical and hippocampal P2 amplitudes. While these findings are generally similar to those reported following long-term ethanol exposure during adulthood, alcohol exposure during adolescence appears to produce more robust hippocampal effects following shorter periods of exposure. In addition, these data indicate that, in the absence of overt behavioral differences, there are long-lasting changes in the functional brain activity of adult rats briefly exposed to high levels of EtOH during the periadolescent period.
Structure-induced enhancement of thermal conductivities in electrospun polymer nanofibers

Polymers that are thermally insulating in bulk forms have been found to exhibit higher thermal conductivities when stretched under tension. This enhanced heat transport performance is believed to arise from the orientational alignment of the polymer chains induced by tensile stretching. In this work, a novel high-sensitivity micro-device platform was employed to determine the axial thermal conductivity of individual Nylon-11 polymer nanofibers fabricated by electrospinning and post-stretching. Their thermal conductivity showed a correlation with the crystalline morphology measured by high-resolution wide-angle X-ray scattering. The relationship between the nanofiber internal structures and thermal conductivities could provide insights into the understanding of phonon transport mechanisms in polymeric systems and also guide future development of the fabrication and control of polymer nanofibers with extraordinary thermal performance and other desired properties.
AAV-mediated gene therapy for heart failure: enhancing contractility and calcium handling.

Heart failure is a progressive, debilitating disease that is characterized by inadequate contractility of the heart. With an aging population, the incidence and economic burden of managing heart failure are anticipated to increase substantially. Drugs for heart failure only slow its progression and offer no cure. However, results of recent clinical trials using recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene delivery offer the promise, for the first time, that heart failure can be reversed. The strategy is to improve contractility of cardiac muscle cells by enhancing their ability to store calcium through increased expression of the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase pump (SERCA2a). Preclinical trials have also identified other proteins involved in calcium cycling in cardiac muscle that are promising targets for gene therapy in heart failure, including the following: protein phosphatase 1, adenylyl cyclase 6, G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2, phospholamban, SUMO1, and S100A1. These preclinical and clinical trials represent a “quiet revolution” that may end up being one of the most significant and remarkable breakthroughs in modern medical practice. Of course, a number of uncertainties remain, including the long-term utility and wisdom of improving the contractile performance of “sick” muscle cells. In this regard, gene therapy may turn out to be a way of buying additional time for actual cardiac regeneration to occur using cardiac stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells.
Wald's “true index” derived ipso facto

This paper presents a direct algebraic demonstration of the formula of the "true index" of cost of living given by Wald (1939).
SU-EE-A2-06: Non-Contact, Non-Invasive Breast Thermography Has Potential to Evaluate Treatment Response in Breast Cancer Patients

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to determine the feasibility of using Breast Thermography (BT) to improve the evaluation of treatment response in breast cancer patients. Method and Materials: A protocol is underway at our institution that enlisted 17/30 breast cancer patients treated for: I) locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) on a phase I/II study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (ChT) and hyperthermia (HT) (4/17); II) chest wall recurrence treated with radiation (RT) and HT (4/17); III) LABC treated with neoadjuvant ChT (2/17), and IV) chest wall recurrence treated with ChT (7/17). The patients are imaged before and after the completion of the prescribed treatment. Patients from group II were imaged before and at the end of each week of treatment. Six of the seven patients in group IV were either not due for follow up at the time of this report, or haven't reported yet. For the patients in group I, BT was used in conjunction with other imaging and pathologic studies to correlate the skin thermal signature with physiologic (perfusion, oxygenation) and pathologic (size, grade, hormonal receptor status, and lymphovascular invasion) characteristics of intact breast tumors. For patients in the other groups, either established imaging studies (MRI, PET), or clinical inspection was used to correlate and validate the BT data. Results: Preliminary results demonstrate that the BT data correlates well with MR and PET. Thermographic changes in the breast as captured with a high resolution infrared camera correlate with treatment response as demonstrated by clinical exam and pathologic response (in patients where this data was available). Conclusion: Breast Themography contributes additional information regarding treatment response than just visual clinical inspection in patients with chest wall recurrence or inflammatory breast cancer. This non‐invasive, non‐contact, cost‐effective tool has potential for evaluating patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapies for breast cancer.
The Role of Public Employees in the Privatization Process: A Symposium

Once a government has made the decision to privatize a service that it is already providing, various considerations need to be given to the public employees who will be affected by this decision These considerations include personnel issues such as selection and termination, wages, benefits, and job security The reference made to them m the Request for Proposal (RFP) significantly impacts the amount of cost savings and the quality of service delivery that are likely to accompany privatization In addition, the ease or difficulty of transitioning these employees to private sector employment is also affected As an illustration, the efforts of the Orlando Orange County Expressway Authority to privatize toll operations in Central Florida are discussed
1-β-d-Arabinofuranosylcytosine conjugates of corticosteroids as potential antitumor agents

Abstract The antitumor activity and toxicity of two new 1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) conjugates of cortisol and corticosterone linked through a phosphodiester bond between the 5′ and 21 positions of the respective moieties (cortisol- and corticosterone- p -ara-C) were investigated in L1210 lymphoid leukemia cells in mice. They are highly active against both i.p.- and i.c.-implanted ara-C-sensitive lymphoid leukemia in mice, exceeding the activity produced by the parent drug, ara-C. For example, corticosterone- p -ara-C exhibited the respective ILS values of 306% at 50 mg/kg/day × 9 and 294% at 75 mg/kg/day × 9 on survivals of i.p.- and i.c.-inoculated L1210 leukemic mice. The effectiveness of the conjugates seems to depend on schedules of the treatments. The 9-day continuous treatments showed a better therapeutic effectiveness than those with either a 5-day, a single or a widely spaced (q 4 d., 1, 5, 9) treatment. However, they were found to be marginally effective against i.p.-implanted ara-C-resistant L1210 leukemia in mice. They were also inhibitory against proliferation of human leukemia-lymphoid cells in culture. Their superior antitumor activity and resistance to cytidine deaminase suggests that they serve as a prodrug form of ara-C or ara-CMP.
Effects of vasoactive topical agents on the survival of dorsal skin flaps in rats

OBJECTIVETo evaluate 3 vasoactive topical agents regarding their ability to improve the survival of random skin flaps in rats.METHODThirty-five adult Sprague-Dawley rats had a single 9 × 2 cm random skin flap raised with topical application of a white petroleum ointment (control group), prostaglandin E2, minoxidil, or nitroglycerin to the flap. The effect of the agents on the viability of the flaps was evaluated.RESULTSThe control group had an average survival area of 60.8% ± 7.9%. The nitroglycerin and minoxidil groups were not significantly different, with an average area of survival of 60.1% ± 8.1% and 63.3% ± 4.7%, respectively. The prostaglandin E2 group had average area of survival of 74.2% ± 10.5% (P = 0.002).CONCLUSIONProstaglandin E2 demonstrated a significant increase in flap survival. Nitroglycerin ointment and minoxidil had no beneficial effects when compared with control.
The CVD of Nanocomposites Fabricated via Ultrasonic Atomization

Composite thin films have been created by a novel technique employing ultrasonic atomization to introduce the particles into the vacuum chamber during plasma-enhanced (PE) deposition of a matrix material. Co-deposition has been confirmed by both fluorescence microscopy and FTIR analysis. Particle deposition has been explored in the context of solvent properties as well as reactor conditions, and the results have been examined in the framework of the calculated mass drying rate and droplet lifetime. This technique could extend CVD techniques to applications currently possible only by using wet-processing techniques or multistep processing.
On goodness of fit tests based on spacings for type ii censored samples

A class of tests based on spacings is obtained for milticensored samples. Their asymptotic null as well as alternative distributions are obtained.
Interactive computer graphics-based multiobjective decision-making for regional groundwater management

This paper presents a comprehensive set of procedures by which decision-makers can select a single strategy from a set of alternative strategies. Application of these procedures in developing a regional conjunctive water management strategy for an important rice producing area in Arkansas, U.S.A., is described. The importance of interactive decision-making and efficient presentation of information through interactive graphics and computations is also demonstrated. The optimization model considers two different objectives: minimization of the total cost of water use (including opportunity cost due to the loss in agricultural production caused by non-availability of water); and maximization of total withdrawal (pumping) from the aquifer. Application of the surrogate worth tradeoff method together with interactive computer graphics display of relevant information is presented as part of the procedures for selecting a regional sustained groundwater withdrawal strategy.
Fertilization in tunicates: loss of the paternal mitochondrion prior to sperm entry.

The spermatozoa of Ascidia nigra contain only one mitochondrion. Phase contrast and electron microscopical evidence is presented showing that the spermatozoon loses its mitochondrion before it enters the perivitelline space. Thus, in these organisms, the paternal mitochondrion plays no role in the development of the zygote and cannot contribute mitochondrial DNA to the genetic repertory of the zygote.
Soil, Water, and Nutrient Management Options for Climate Change Adaptation in Southern Africa

Climate change and food insecurity are the two major challenges for humanity in developing countries. Drawing lessons from numerous research studies from southern Africa and regions on other continents, this review discusses possible interventions for climate and ecological change adaptation using improved water management, soil fertility amelioration, and intensive crop management options. This review and the proposed framework should provide useful information for improving agricultural policy in southern Africa to help poor farmers contend with erratic rainfall, declining soil fertility, and fragile economies while ensuring long-term ecosystem sustainability, increased crop yields, improved farm incomes, and sustained social livelihoods.
Crop tolerance to saline sprinkling water

Crops sprinkled with saline irrigation water are subject to foliar salt absorption and injury as well as to injury from soil salinity. Yield reductions caused by soil salinity alone are well documented, and data are presented here for 71 agricultural crops. Factors affecting these data and their applicability to sprinkler-irrigated crops are discussed. Although foliar injury has been observed with many sprinkled crops, particularly tree crops, essentially no information is available to predict yield losses as a function of the salt concentration of the irrigation water. Salinity thresholds for sprinkling-induced foliar injury are estimated for some crops; however, climatic conditions greatly affect the onset and degree of injury. Management strategies that minimize sprinkling injury are mentioned.
Evaluating a web-based self-management program for employees with hypertension and prehypertension: A randomized clinical trial

Background Web-based self-management programs offer a novel approach for self-insured employers seeking to improve and maintain employee health. Methods We conducted a 6-month prospective, cluster-randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate whether worksite access to an automated, web-based, self-management program resulted in better blood pressure control. The trial was conducted at 6 EMC Corporation worksites in Massachusetts, each of which had at least 600 employees; 404 EMC employees with pre-hypertension or hypertension participated. Participants at 3 worksites received a home blood pressure cuff that uploaded readings to a Web site where they could view trends and read automated rules-based messages. Participants at 3 worksites received access to an onsite blood pressure cuff. Primary outcome measure was change in systolic blood pressure. Secondary outcome measures were change in diastolic blood pressure, proportion of participants achieving significant changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and subject satisfaction. Results Although the mean change in systolic blood pressure was not significantly different between intervention and control groups (−1.69 vs. −0.86 mm HG, respectively, P = .49) the change in diastolic blood pressure between groups was significant. (−1.08 vs. = 1.47 mm HG, respectively, P 10-mm Hg decrease in systolic blood pressure or >5-mm Hg decrease in diastolic blood pressure compared to controls (22% vs 17%, P = .02 and 29% vs 16%, P = .03, respectively). Intervention participants were twice as likely to report starting a new medication ( P = .02) and more likely to report improved communication with their doctor ( P = .02). Conclusions Participation in an automated online self-management program resulted in improved blood pressure among employees with prehypertension or hypertension.
Solid State Coordination Chemistry of the Copper Halide- and Pseudo-Halide-Organoamine System, Cu-X-[(bis-2,3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazine)] (X = Cl, Br, CN): Hydrothermal Synthesis and Structural Characterization

The compounds [Cu3Cl3(bipypy)] (1), [CuBr(bipypy)]2 (2), [Cu2Br2(bipypy)] (3), and [Cu3(CN)3(bipypy)] (4) were prepared from mixtures of the copper halide salts and the ligand bis-2,3-(2-pyridyl)py...
On the relevance of the Dirac equation to the scattering of medium-energy nucleons from nuclei

Abstract The differences between relativistic and nonrelativistic descriptions of medium-energy nucleon—nucleus scattering are discussed. Special attention is paid to a recently developed Dirac optical model in which we point out an ambiguity resulting from the use of an incomplete representation for relativistic nucleon—nucleon scattering amplitude. This ambiguity is reflected in contributions from negative-energy states and in the implementation of the impulse approximation. We also review how a nonrelativistic optical potential can be modified to include relativistic projectile kinematics.
Financial hardship and obesity

There is a substantial correlation between household debt and health. Individuals with less healthy lifestyles are more likely to hold debt, yet there is little evidence as to whether this is merely a correlation or if financial hardship actually causes obesity. In this paper, we use data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health to test whether financial hardship affects body weight. We divide our sample into two groups: men and women, explore two different types of financial hardship: holding credit card debt and having trouble paying bills, and three outcomes: overweight, obese and body mass index (BMI). We use a variety of econometric techniques: Ordinary Least Squares, Propensity Score Matching, Sibling Fixed Effects, and Instrumental Variables to investigate the relationship that exists between financial hardship and body weight. In addition, we conduct several robustness checks. Although our OLS and PSM results indicate a correlation between financial hardship and body weight these results appear to be largely driven by unobservables. Our IV results suggest that there is no causal relationship between credit card debt and overweight or obesity for either men or women. However, we find suggestive evidence that having trouble paying bills may be a cause of obesity for women.
Shear‐rate‐dependent viscosity of non‐Newtonian suspensions and entangled polymer systems

A simple equation is proposed to calculate the shear-rate-dependent viscosities of entangled polymers and particle suspensions. The rate-dependence of the viscosities is attributed to changes in certain structural parameters associated with the fluids, such as entanglement density or degree of particle agglomeration. The state of these structural parameters for fluids subjected to a given shear flow is determined by two competing process, i.e., structural breakdown and reformation, which in steady How arc in a state of dynamic equilibrium. For the polymer systems structural degradation and reformation are tantamount to entanglement loss and creation, whereas for the suspensions they are correlated with the particle breakup and flocculation. The regeneration process is driven by thermal diffusion and is assumed to be independent of shear rate. The degradation process is caused primarily by the imposed shear and is assumed to be proportional to the shear rate to a power m (0<m<1). Based on these assumptions, structural variation for fluids undergoing not only steady-state but a I so transient flows can be calculated. Model predictions and their implications are discussed. The derived equation can be applied to many non-Newtonian pseudo-plastic fluids.
An Epidemiologic Approach to Predictors of Elective Coronary Artery Bypass Mortality in a Non-University Hospital Population

This investigation was undertaken to determine whether perioperative variables present in patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, and documented in earlier studies at university programs, bear any significant relationship to mortality occurring in a population of prospectively monitored non-university hospital patients. The investigation sought to identify the risk factors that might be present in these patients. Toward this purpose, data from 1,095 patients having CABG surgery at four major non-university Pittsburgh hospitals were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis to develop a model for predicting survival. From this model, three variables, unstable angina or recent myocardial infarction (< 6 weeks); evidence of chronic heart failure at the time of the preoperative examination; and greater than 65 years of age were found to have high statistical significance (P < 0.02) in predicting mortality in this non-university-hospital population. In summary, the study demonstrated that three variables, previously confirmed as being valuable predictors of risk in university hospital populations, also have significant predictive value in elective non-university CABG survival.
Isopropylamine adsorption for the characterization of acid sites in silica-alumina catalysts

Abstract The adsorption and reaction of isopropylamine has been studied using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) on a series of silica-alumina catalysts as a function of alumina content, and the results have been correlated with cracking activities for n -hexane. The TPD-TGA curves on the amorphous silica-aluminas exhibit similar features to that observed on high-silica zeolites in that a well-defined feature is observed which desorbs as propene and ammonia between 575 and 650 K. This desorption feature appears to be due to strong Bonsted sites which are not present on either pure silica or alumina. The concentration of these sites increases in a regular manner with Al content and correlates well with the n -hexane cracking activity. This suggests that the TPD-TGA measurement of isopropylamine is a useful probe of the catalytically active sites on amorphous silica-aluminas.
Level lowering for half-integral weight modular forms

In this paper we provide a level lowering result for half-integral weight modular forms. The main ingredients are the Shimura map from half-integral weight modular forms to integral weight modular forms along with a level lowering result for integral weight modular forms due to Ribet. It is necessary to keep track of the parity of the weight as well as the character involved so that one can apply the Shintani lift to go back to a half-integral weight modular form and establish the result.
A peptidyl dipeptidase-4 from Pseudomonas maltophilia: Purification and properties☆

A peptidyl dipeptidase-4 (bacterial PDP-4) was purified to near homogeneity from a supernatant of Pseudomonas maltophilia extracellular medium. Bacterial PDP-4 is a single-polypeptide-chain enzyme, 82 kDa, with an alkaline isoelectric point. Peptides susceptible to hydrolysis by bacterial PDP-4 include angiotensin 1, bradykinin, enkephalins, atriopeptin 2, and smaller synthetic peptides. N-acylated tripeptides are hydrolyzed, but free tripeptides are not. A free carboxy terminus is required for hydrolysis. Peptides with ultimate and penultimate Pro residues are not hydrolyzed. The enzyme does not require an anion for activity. Bacterial PDP-4 was inhibited by EDTA and the dipeptide Phe-Arg. Thiorphan was an inhibitor only at levels well above those required for inhibition of neutral metalloendopeptidase (NEP), an enzyme for which thiorphan is specific. A second NEP and thermolysin inhibitor, phosphoramidon, did not inhibit bacterial PDP-4. The potent angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril was not inhibitory. Bacterial PDP-4 is distinguished from a similar enzyme from Escherichia coli, which is not susceptible to EDTA inhibition, and one from Corynebacterium equi, which hydrolyzes free tripeptides. These data indicate that the bacterial PDP-4 catalytic site is unlike those of other enzymes that function either wholly or in part as peptidyl dipeptidases.
Potential of Quantity of Coronary Artery Calcification to Identify New Risk Factors for Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis

The goals of this study of adults asymptomatic for coronary artery disease (CAD) were to examine the relations between established CAD risk factors and quantity of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in three arterial locations using generalized linear mixed models and to estimate the variability in quantity of CAC explained by established CAD risk factors and the variability due to noise or artifact in the measure. The community-based sample included 740 asymptomatic adults (378 women) aged 20-59 years without hypertension or diabetes. Participants were recruited from Rochester, Minnesota, between 1990 and 1994. Quantity of CAC in three arterial locations was detected noninvasively by electron beam computed tomography. Sex, arterial location, age, body size, blood pressure, lipid metabolism, and smoking were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with quantity of CAC. Age was more strongly associated with quantity of CAC in the left than in the right coronary or circumflex arterial locations (p < 0.005). In each sex, risk factors together explained less than 40% of the variability in quantity of CAC. Noise or artifact in the measure accounted for only a small proportion of unexplained variability. Future studies of new risk factors for artery-specific quantity of CAC and its progression could provide additional etiologic insights into the atherosclerotic process.
Clofibrate Reversal of Platelet Hypersensitivity in Hyperbetalipoproteinemia

Platelet function was evaluated in 29 patients with familial hyperbetalipoproteinemia; 17 were untreated and 12 were receiving clofibrate (Atromid-S). In comparison with 26 normal subjects, the untreated patients aggregated in response to 1/3 the concentration of adenosine diphosphate (ADP), 1/25 the concentration of epinephrine, and 1/4 the concentration of collagen. Treatment with clofibrate, 2 g daily, returned the ADP sensitivity of the platelets to normal and returned epinephrine and collagen sensitivity towards normal, even though it did not alter total cholesterol, low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or triglyceride concentrations significantly. Platelet nucleotide release was also 3-to-5 fold increased in untreated type II patients. Clofibrate treatment failed to diminish the elevated platelet nucleotide release. Incubation of clofibrate at therapeutic concentrations (100-200 µu/ml) with normal platelets in vitro decreased their sensitivity to ADP and epinephrine and reduced 14C-serotonin r...
Searching for many targets: An analysis of speed and accuracy

Three Ss scanned matrices of letters for 40 sessions in a test of Neisser’s claim that feature tests in high-speed searches operate independently and in parallel. In the multiple-target condition (MTC), the matrix contained any one of four target letters, while in the four single-target conditions (STC), the S knew which particular target was embedded in the list. In contrast to previous studies, the error rates for individual target letters in the MTC were analyzed separately rather than being pooled. Two Ss made more errors on the hardest target when searched for in the MTC than in the STC. This difference would be masked by pooling error rates. The third S’s scanning rate in the MTC was not as rapid as in the STC. Neither a sequential nor a strictly parallel feature processing model can account for these data.
Measurement of magnetized presheaths using laser-induced fluorescence in argon plasmas

Summary form only given. The classic Bohm's Criterion is valid only for unmagnetized, weakly-collisional plasmas. For magnetized plasmas where the magnetic field is obliquely incident to the boundary, Chodura and later Riemann, claimed that the presheath, accelerates ions to the sound speed along the magnetic field lines. After this an additional “magnetic presheath” must exist, which scales with the ion gyro radius, and accelerates the ions from the sound speed along the magnetic lines of force, to the sound speed perpendicular to the boundary. Riemann and Franklin claimed that both the presheath and magnetic presheath had a single structure. Previous experiments attempted to verify the presheath scale lengths by measuring plasma potential structures, however none actually measured ion flow velocity, and as such their presheath lengths were not properly defined. Kim et. al. found that in magnetized and collisional plasmas, the presheaths had two distinct potential structures, one that scaled with the ion collision length and on that scaled with the ion gyro radius, contrary to Riemann and Franklin's claims. In this work the authors investigate magnetic and collisional presheath scale lengths in an inductive Argon plasma, using laser-induced fluorescence to measure ion flow speed thus and define the presheath boundaries. The scale lengths and presheath potential structures are compared to theory presented by Chodura, Riemann and Franklin.