cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cyclometallated Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes with a trithiacrown ligand

We report the synthesis and full characterization for a series of cyclometallated complexes of Pt(II) and Pd(II) incorporating the fluxional trithiacrown ligand 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane ([9]aneS3). Reaction of [M(C insertion mark N)(micro-Cl)]2 (M = Pt(II), Pd(II); C insertion mark N = 2-phenylpyridinate (ppy) or 7,8-benzoquinolinate (bzq)) with [9]aneS3 followed by metathesis with NH4PF6 yields [M(C insertion mark N)([9]aneS3)](PF6). The complexes [M(C insertion mark P)([9]aneS3)](PF6) (M = Pt(II), Pd(II); Cinsertion markP = [CH2C6H4P(o-tolyl)2-C,P]-) were synthesized from their respective [Pt(C insertion mark P)(micro-Cl)]2 or [Pd(C insertion mark P)(micro-O2CCH3)]2 (C insertion mark P) starting materials. All five new complexes have been fully characterized by multinuclear NMR, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopies in addition to elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and single-crystal structural determinations. As expected, the coordinated [9]aneS3 ligand shows fluxional behavior in its NMR spectra, resulting in a single 13C NMR resonance despite the asymmetric coordination environment of the cyclometallating ligand. Electrochemical studies reveal irreversible one-electron metal-centered oxidations for all Pt(II) complexes, but unusual two-electron reversible oxidations for the Pd(II) complexes of ppy and bzq. The X-ray crystal structures of each complex indicate an axial M-S interaction formed by the endodentate conformation of the [9]aneS3 ligand. The structure of [Pd(bzq)([9]aneS3)](PF6) exhibits disorder in the [9]aneS3 conformation indicating a rare exodentate conformation as the major contributor in the solid-state structure. DFT calculations on [Pt([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6) and [Pd([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6) indicate the HOMO for both complexes is primarily dz2 in character with a significant contribution from the phenyl ring of the ppy ligand and p orbital of the axial sulfur donor. In contrast, the calculated LUMO is primarily ppy pi* in character for [Pt([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6), but dx2-y2 in character for [Pd([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6).
Performance of a System for Apple Surface Defect Identification in Near-infrared Images

This paper reports the development and testing of machine vision systems for sorting apples for surface defects, including bruises. The system operated on apples, which were oriented with the stem/calyx axis perpendicular to the imaging camera. Grey-scale images in the visible wavebands were used to verify orientation. Images for detection of defects were acquired through two optical filters at 740 and 950 nm, respectively. Defects were detected using a combination of three different threshold segmentation routines and one routine based on artificial neural networks and principal components. The paper reports quantitative measurement of the performance of the system for verification of orientation and a combination of the four segmentation routines. The routines were evaluated using eight different apple varieties. The ability of the routines to find individual defects and measure the area ranged from 77 to 91% for the number of defects detected, and from 78 to 92·7% of the total defective area.
The Total Irradiance Monitor (TIM): Science Results

The solar observations from the Total Irradiance Monitor (TIM) are discussed since the SOlar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) launch in January 2003. The TIM measurements clearly show the background disk-integrated solar oscillations of generally less than 50 parts per million (ppm) amplitude over the ∼2 ppm instrument noise level. The total solar irradiance (TSI) from the TIM is about 1361 W/m2, or 4–5 W/m2 lower than that measured by other current TSI instruments. This difference is not considered an instrument or calibration error. Comparisons with other instruments show excellent agreement of solar variability on a relative scale. The TIM observed the Sun during the extreme activity period extending from late October to early November 2003. During this period, the instrument recorded both the largest short-term decrease in the 25-year TSI record and also the first definitive detection of a solar flare in TSI, from which an integrated energy of roughly (6± 3)×1032 ergs from the 28 October 2003 X17 flare is estimated. The TIM has also recorded two planets transiting the Sun, although only the Venus transit on 8 June 2004 was definitive.
Conditional covariation of binge drinking with predictors of college students cheating.

Recent research has identified a variety of significant predictors of academic dishonesty, but virtually no studies have examined the conditional relation of binge drinking and students' cheating. Using a survey sample of 289 college students, this study tested the mediating relations of binge drinking with the correlation of independent variables--including opportunity, strain, and self-control--on self-reported academic dishonesty. Low self-control had a stronger correlation with students' cheating behaviors for those who were heavy binge drinkers (beta = -.52) than for students who were nonbingers (beta = -.38). Differential relations were found for other key variables, namely, opportunity and strain, at varying severities of binge drinking.
Maximally Equiangular Frames and Gauss Sums

In a finite-dimensional complex Euclidean space, a maximally equiangular frame is a tight frame which has a number of elements equal to the square of the dimension of the space, and in which the inner products of distinct elements are of constant magnitude. Though the general question of their existence remains open, many examples of maximally equiangular frames have been constructed as finite Gabor systems. These constructions involve number theory, specifically Schaar’s identity, which provides a reciprocity formula for quadratic Gauss sums. To be precise, Zauner used Schaar’s identity to compute the spectrum of a chirp-Fourier operator, the eigenvectors of which he conjectured to be well-suited for the construction of maximally equiangular Gabor frames. We provide two new characterizations of such frames, both of which further confirm the relevance of the theory of Gauss sums to this area of frame theory. We also show how the unique time-frequency properties of a particular cyclic chirp function may be exploited to provide a new, short and elementary proof of Schaar’s identity.
The Influence of Shear Layer Turbulence on Stationary Pseudoblades in Supersonic Pressure Exchange Inducing Flow Fields

The pressure exchange process can be initiated by nonsteady pressure forces that arise due to moving fluid dynamic interfaces in the laboratory frame of reference. The fluid interfaces are flow features of “pseudoblades” that can be generated by an expanding supersonic primary flow, impinging on freely spinning cone-vane type of rotors. These pseudoblades are fluidic vanes that interface with an entrained, compressible secondary fluid and can mimic the action of impellers as in conventional turbomachinery. The overarching goal of this research is the development of a novel fluid impeller-based ejector. The authors’ motivation towards this study was in understanding the boundary conditions leading to spatial deterioration of pseudoblades. Flow around stationary, axisymmetrically aligned rotors (the ramp vane and double cone type), held in a primary supersonic flow field (Mach 1.44 jet), were investigated by laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) measurements of shear layer turbulence intensity (TI) under alternative seeding of primary and entrained secondary flows. Rotors were tested and compared for shear layer TI distribution-based boundary conditions, anticipated pseudoblade conditions and an “effective persistence length of stationary pseudoblades.” The results suggest that the double cone rotor is most conducive for pseudoblade stability. The TI distribution-based boundary conditions for this rotor indicate that the effective pseudoblade persistence length approximately equals the exit diameter of the supersonic nozzle.
Analysis of Forces Generated by N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirator Tethering Devices: A Pilot Study

The restorative forces of elasticized tethering devices on N95 filtering facepiece respirators (N95 FFR), that occur in response to the application of a load (applied force) during donning, create the requisite pressure to effectively seal the respirator against the face and prevent excessive inward migration of harmful elements. Many workers don and doff the same N95 FFR multiple times in the course of a single workday, yet little is known regarding the possible degradation of these restorative loads and, by implication, protection with multiple donnings. This laboratory pilot study evaluated the degradation in loads of tethering devices of three models of N95 FFRs subjected to the strain of five wear periods of 15 min interspersed with 15-min periods without wear. Data indicate that there were load degradations at each donning that differed significantly with the FFR model (p = <0.001), the greatest of which occurred with the first donning. The N95 FFR model with the lowest restorative loads was able to...
Plastic deformation analysis in machining of Inconel-718 nickel-base superalloy using both experimental and numerical methods

Abstract Surface region plastic deformation of Inconel-718 nickel-base superalloy workpieces was evaluated when machined under orthogonal cutting conditions at various cutting speeds. Plastic deformation analysis was accomplished by determining the residual stress and plastic strain distributions in the surface region. The residual stresses were tensile and maximum near the surface and decreased in magnitude with an increase in depth beneath the machined surface. Similarly, the plastic strains were maximum near the surface and decreased with an increase in depth beneath the machined surface. In addition, a finite element simulation of orthogonal machining was carried out for predicting the residual stress and plastic strain distribution. In general, the trend of the curves predicted by the finite element model was similar to those found experimentally.
Metabolism of steroid-modifying anticancer agents

The application of steroid-modifying drugs as a strategy for the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers has gained increasing popularity during the past decade. However, it is important to point out and emphasize that very few of the agents were originally designed for their current application. Most were designed for other purposes, predominantly fertility control (e.g. LHRH agonists and the antiestrogens). Nevertheless, now it is possible to integrate their actions to design rational therapies. There are many reasons for the current interest in antisteroidal drugs. The initial euphoria over the potential ability of combination chemotherapy to cure breast and prostatic carcinoma has proved to be premature. Combination chemotherapy has many severe side-effects which limits patient acceptability, especially if the patient realizes that the likelihood of a cure is remote. In the main, antisteroidal therapies do not have many side-effects and those that do, e.g. aminoglutethimide, are the focus of increased efforts in drug design to produce increased drug specificity. Finally, there is a growing realization that hormone-dependent cancer control with a nontoxic, antisteroidal therapy may be the most acceptable approach currently available for early disease management. Chemotherapy would then be reserved as the final option for treatment. The description of drug metabolism has been central to the development of synthetic LHRH analogs and an understanding of the mode of action of nonsteroidal antiestrogens and antiandrogens. The discovery of steroid synthetic pathways has been essential for the development of the aromatase inhibitors. This whole area of endeavor has now become a major focus of attention for the medicinal chemist. A new generation of agents is entering clinical evaluation which will provide a wealth of valuable information about the successful (or unsuccessful?) methods to control hormone-dependent disease. Since the success or failure of a drug can often depend upon formulation, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability or metabolism, it is our hope that this overview might help solve some of the future problems.
Prospects of Wind-Diesel Generator-Battery Hybrid Power System: A Feasibility Study in Algeria

The present work analyses the feasibility of a wind-diesel generator-battery hybrid system. The wind energy resource data are collected from the weather station at the Renewable Energy Development Center of Bouzareah in Algeria. The recorded values vary from 5.5 m/s to 7 m/s at 25 m. The hybrid system analysis has shown that for a household consuming 1,270 kWh/yr, the cost of energy is 1.205 USD/kWh and produces 2,493 kWh/yr in which 93% of electricity comes from wind energy. From this study, it is clear that the optimized hybrid system is more cost effective compared to the diesel generator system alone where the NPC and COE are equal, respectively, to 19,561 USD and 1.205 USD/kWh and 47,932 USD and 2.952 USD/kWh. The sensitivity analysis predicts that the grid extension distance varies from 1.25 to 1.85 km depending on wind speed and fuel price which indicate a positive result to implement a stand-alone hybrid power system as an alternative to grid extension. In addition to the feasibility of this system, it can reduce the emission of the CO2, SO2, and NOx, respectively, from 4758 to 147, from 9.45 to 0.294, and from 105 to 3.23 kg/yr. Investments in autonomous renewable energy systems should be considered particularly in remote areas. They can be financed in the framework of the National Energy Action Plan of Algeria.
The Development of Self-Image Bias A Real-World Demonstration

This study investigates a mechanism by which individual differences in person perception evolve in the real world. Previous research has demonstrated that in order to maintain a positive self-image, people assign generally greater weight to traits representing their strong points as compared to traits representing their shortcomings; this effect has been labeled the self-image bias. Using an unobtrusive measure of centrality, the present study shows how the centrality of "computer skills" increased (over a semester) for students receiving a high grade in an introductory computer science course, whereas it (slightly) decreases for students receiving a low grade. This effect was shown to be specific, that is, limited to computer skills (and related mathematical skills).
An electron's spin--Part II

In Part I of this article, we introduced the notion of encoding binary bit information in the spin polarization of a single electron confined in a quantum dot and placed in a magnetic field. The spin polarization becomes bistable in a magnetic field and the spin can point either parallel to the field or antiparallel to it. These two polarizations encode the classical binary bits 0 and 1. We showed that since the bits can be switched by simply flipping the electron's spin without physically moving the electron in space and causing a current, the energy dissipated during the bit flip operation could be made very small. In Part II we discuss the notion of using a single electron's spin as a quantum bit (or qubit) that represents information in quantum computers. Just as spin is superior to charge as a vehicle to host classical bit information in classical computers it turns out that spin is superior to charge to host quantum information as well. That is why spin-based quantum information processing is gradually becoming the staple of scalable solid state versions of quantum computers.
0.27-TW, sub-17-fs laser system at 1 kHz

We present new results on a high average power (kHz), high peak power (0.27 TW) laser system based on Ti:sapphire. We have recently demonstrated pulses as short as 16.5 fs at a fraction of a TW and characterized these pulses using second-harmonic frequency optical gating (SHG-FROG). Our work represents the highest-average power, sub-20-fs laser system developed to date. Our laser design uses two multipass ring amplifiers.
Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus: New Bug, Old Drugs

Objective:To discuss community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections and evaluate older antibiotics as suitable therapeutic treatment options.Data Sources:Searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (1966–May 2006) were performed using the key terms methicillin resistance, community-acquired, community associated, treatment, Staphylococcus aureus, mec, and Panton-Valentine leukocidin.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All articles were critically evaluated and all relevant information was included in this review.Data Synthesis:There has been a documented shift of methicillin resistance occurring in staphylococcal infections manifested within the community. Infections caused by CA-MRSA possess unique characteristics including lack of hospital-associated risk factors, improved susceptibility patterns, distinct genotypes, faster doubling times, and additional toxins. Potential therapeutic options to treat these infections include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole ...
Actigraphy in the Critically Ill: Correlation With Activity, Agitation, and Sedation

OBJECTIVES To determine the feasibility of continuous measurement of limb movement via wrist and ankle actigraphy (an activity measure) in critically ill patients and to compare actigraphy measurements with observed activity, subjective scores on sedation-agitation scales, and heart rate and blood pressure of patients. • METHODS In a prospective, descriptive, correlational study, all activity of 20 adult patients in medical and coronary care units in a university medical center were observed for 2 hours and documented. Wrist and ankle actigraphy, heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure data were collected every minute. The Comfort Scale and the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale were completed at the beginning of the observation period and 1 and 2 hours later. • RESULTS Wrist actigraphy data correlated with scores on the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (r = 0.58) and the Comfort Scale (r = 0.62) and with observed stimulation and activity events of patients (r = 0.45). Correlations with systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures were weaker. Wrist and ankle actigraphy data were significantly correlated (r = 0.69; P < .001); however, their mean values (wrist, 418; ankle, 147) were significantly different (t = 5.77; P < .001). • CONCLUSIONS Actigraphy provides a continuous recording of patients’ limb movement. Actigraphy measurements correlate well with patients’ observed activity and with subjective scores on agitation and sedation scales. Actigraphy may become particularly important as a continuous measurement of activity for use in behavioral research and may enhance early recognition and management of the excessive activity that characterizes agitation. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2005;14:52-60)
Site fidelity in temporally correlated environments enhances population persistence

Site fidelity, the phenomenon of remaining faithful to sites, often where an individual has bred successfully in the past, has important consequences for population dynamics. Previous results have shown that site fidelity results in a positive correlation between population density and fitness. Here, I build on this theme by incorporating site fidelity using the win-stay : lose-switch rule often seen among birds, i.e. individuals return to sites were they bred successfully in the past and vacate those where they have not. Results demonstrate that the combination of site fidelity and temporal autocorrelation in site quality can enhance the persistence of population networks, whereas either factor acting alone has little or no influence. Moreover, there is an abrupt threshold at moderate levels of temporal autocorrelation, ρtime > 0.35–0.4, beyond which persistence time and the probability of surviving >500 years is greatly accelerated. These results suggest that temporal autocorrelation combined with appropriate behavioural responses may enhance population persistence.
Magnetic Cellular Automata (MCA) arrays under spatially varying field

Magnetic Cellular Automata (MCA) is a variant of Quantum-dot-cellular automata (QCA) where neighboring single-domain nanomagnets (also termed as magnetic cell) process and propagate information (logic 1 or logic 0) through mutual interaction. The attractive nature of this framework is that not only room temperature operations are feasible but also interaction between neighbors is central to information processing as opposed to creating interference. In this work, we explore spatially moving Landauer clocking scheme for MCA arrays (length of eight, sixteen and thirty-two cells) and show the role and effectiveness of the clock in propagating logic signal from input to output without magnetic frustration. Simulation performed in OOMMF.
Individual Differences in Prefrontal Activation Asymmetry Predict Natural Killer Cell Activity at Rest and in Response to Challenge

Reliable individual differences in electrophysiological measures of prefrontal activation asymmetry exist and predict dispositional mood and other psychological and biological indices of affective style. Subjects with greater relative right-sided activation report more dispositional negative affect and react with greater intensity to negative emotional challenges than their left-activated counterparts. We previously established that such individual differences in measures of prefrontal activation asymmetry were related to basal NK function, with left-activated subjects exhibiting higher levels of NK function than right-activated subjects. The present study was designed to replicate and extend these earlier findings. Subjects were tested in five experimental sessions over the course of 1 year. During the first two sessions, baseline measures of brain electrical activity were obtained to derive indices of asymmetric activation. During sessions 3 and 4, blood samples were taken during a nonstressful period in the semester and then 24 h prior to the subjects' most important final examination. During session 5, subjects were presented with positive and negative film clips 30 min in duration. Blood samples were obtained before and after the film clips. Subjects with greater relative right-sided activation at baseline showed lower levels of basal NK function. They also showed a greater decrease in NK function during the final exam period compared to the baseline period. Subjects with greater relative left-sided activation showed a larger increase in NK function from before to after the positive film clip. These findings indicate that individual differences in electrophysiological measures of asymmetric prefrontal activation account for a significant portion of variance in both basal levels of, and change in NK function.
40Ar/39Ar dates for the Spanish Peaks intrusions in south-central Colorado

A diverse suite of spatially and temporally juxtaposed igneous rocks ranging from alkaline lamprophyres to granites intruded south-central Colorado during late Oligocene and early Miocene time. In addition to the stocks of the East and West Spanish Peaks, there are three types of dikes exposed in the region, based on orientation: radial, subparallel (striking approximately east–west), and independent dikes. The most striking features of this area are the numerous dikes radiating out from West Spanish Peak, some rising several tens of meters above the surrounding terrain and discontinuously exposed for tens of kilometers. New results from 40Ar/39Ar dating indicate that magmatism in the Spanish Peaks region began about 26.6 Ma and continued until about 21.8 Ma. Field evidence suggests that the initial intrusions were subparallel alkaline lamprophyre dikes south of the Spanish Peaks. A subsequent period of sub-alkaline magmatism occurred, producing West Spanish Peak (24.6 ± 0.13 Ma), East Spanish Peak (23.9 ± 0.08 Ma), and the radial dikes focused on West Spanish Peak. The final phase of magmatism included subparallel sub-alkaline lamprophyre dikes northeast of the Spanish Peaks. The 40Ar/39Ar results of this study substantiate the intrusive history derived from field relationships and establish the order of intrusion as West Spanish Peak, East Spanish Peak, and radial dikes, respectively. This study has implications for both the timing and style of the initiation of the Rio Grande rift, as well as the petrogenetic relationship between alkaline and sub-alkaline rocks in relatively stable cratonic areas.
Determination of the amount of homology required for recombination in bacteriophage T4

Homology is an important feature of recombination. We have used the rll cistrons of bacteriophage T4 to determine the extent of homology required for recombination. We varied the amount of homologous DNA available for recombination in both marker rescue experiments and deletion-by-deletion crosses. Our results suggest that the primary pathway for recombination in T4 requires 50 bp of homology. Our finding that recombination is detectable when fewer than 50 bp of homology are available suggests that there is a second, less efficient pathway of recombination in T4. This pathway may be used during the formation of deletions.
Extended Chamberlain Minithoracotomy: A Safe and Versatile Approach for Difficult Lung Resections

Background We present the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing an anterior "extended Chamberlain" minithoracotomy as an alternative approach to a hemi-clamshell sternotomy or extended lateral thoracotomy for safe and reliable access to the pulmonary hilum and subsequent anatomic pulmonary resection. Methods This study is a retrospective review of 162 patients undergoing anatomic lung resection through a mini anterior thoracotomy from 2002 to 2010. An 8-cm anterior thoracotomy was performed with the patient in a supine position, entering the chest through the second intercostal space. The pectoralis muscle fibers were split with preservation of the mammary artery medially and the thoracoacromial neurovascular bundle laterally. Primary outcome variables included hospital course, complications, and mortality rate. Results The mean age was 63.9 (range, 20 to 85 years); female to male ratio was 71:91. Neoadjuvant therapy was used in 49 (30.2%) patients. Proposed resections were successful in 161 of 162 (99%) patients. Conversion to hemi-clamshell was required in 1 patient for vascular control. Complications occurred in 48 (29.6%) patients. Three (1.9%) perioperative deaths (2 pneumonectomies [6.3%], 1 lobectomy [1.0%]) occurred. Median length of stay was 8 days. Conclusions The "extended Chamberlain" mini anterior thoracotomy provides direct and expeditious, less-invasive access to the pulmonary hilum. This approach preserves muscle function and avoids partial sternotomy or extended lateral thoracotomy, and their associated incisional-related morbidity.
Antiviral Drug Therapy of Filovirus Infections: S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase Inhibitors Inhibit Ebola Virus In Vitro and in a Lethal Mouse Model

Ebola (subtype Zaire) viral replication was inhibited in vitro by a series of nine nucleoside analogue inhibitors of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, an important target for antiviral drug development. Adult BALB/c mice lethally infected with mouse-adapted Ebola virus die 5-7 days after infection. Treatment initiated on day 0 or 1 resulted in dose-dependent protection, with mortality completely prevented at doses > or =0.7 mg/kg every 8 h. There was significant protection (90%) when treatment was begun on day 2, at which time, the liver had an average titer of 3 x 10(5) pfu/g virus and the spleen had 2 x 10(6) pfu/g. Treatment with 2.2 mg/kg initiated on day 3, when the liver had an average titer of 2 x 10(7) pfu/g virus and the spleen had 2 x 10(8) pfu/g, resulted in 40% survival. As reported here, Carbocyclic 3-deazaadenosine is the first compound demonstrated to cure animals from this otherwise lethal Ebola virus infection.
Chemical equilibrium relations used in the fireball model of relativistic heavy ion reactions

The fireball model of relativistic heavy-ion collision uses chemical equilibrium relations to predict cross sections for particle and composite productions. These relations are examined in a canonical ensemble model where chemical equilibrium is not explicitly invoked.
New Eocene Hydrocarbon Seep Decapod Crustacean (Anomura: Galatheidae: Shinkaiinae) and Its Paleobiology

A new decapod crustacean species, Shinkaia katapsyxis, is reported from the Eocene Humptulips Formation of western Washington, USA. The specimens were collected from a hydrocarbon seep deposit that has been well-documented and contains a well-described molluscan fauna. The new occurrence extends the geologic range of the genus Shinkaia Baba and Williams, 1998, and subfamily Shinkaiinae Baba and Williams, 1998, into the Eocene from its only other known occurrences in hydrothermal vent environments in the Pacific Ocean. The range extension of an extant decapod genus into the Eocene is not uncommon and adds to the evidence that the Decapoda may be unusually resistant to extinctions and are distinctly conservative evolutionarily.
Biochemical detection of adenosine and cytidine ionization within RNA by interference analysis

Perturbation of active site functional group pKas is an important strategy employed by protein enzymes to achieve catalysis. There is increasing evidence to indicate that RNAs also utilize functional group pKa perturbation for folding and reactivity. The two best candidates for a functionally relevant pKa perturbation are the N3 of C (pKa 4.2) and the N1 of A (pKa 3.5), either of which could be sufficiently raised to allow protonation near physiological pH. Here we report the synthesis and use of a series of alpha-phosphorothioate tagged cytidine and adenosine analogs whose altered pKas make it possible to efficiently detect functionally relevant protonation events by Nucleotide Analog Interference Mapping. This approach has been used to detect ionization events in several catalytic RNAs, including the group I intron, the Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV), the hairpin and the Varkud Satellite (VS) ribozymes. The active site residue of the VS ribozyme appears to be ionized in the course of the reaction pathway, which may be indicative of a general acid or base mechanism for catalysis by this RNA.
Permanency Planning for Children with Disabilities: Enforcing the Right of All Children to Live with a Family

Under federal law, the state must develop "permanency plans" for all children who are removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse. Central to permanency planning is the belief that all children belong with families Permanency planning secures for children permanent family placements as opposed to temporary foster care or institutional placements. For children with disabilities who are voluntarily placed in institutions by their parents because their parents can no longer take care of them at home, no such permanency planning is generally required. In this Article, the author argues that two recent policy developments that serve to protect the best interests of children generally should be expanded to address the needs of families who require support to keep their children with disabilities at home rather than placing them in institutions. These two recent policy developments are permanency planning for children who have been neglected and abused and the expansion of the definition of legal parenthood, in the context of surrogacy, same sex families, step-families, and children born to unmarried adults.
Stock markets, banks, and economic growth

Using data on 49 countries from 1976 to 1993, the authors investigate whether measures of stock market liquidity, size, volatility, and integration in world capital markets predict future rates of economic growth, capital accumulation, productivity improvements, and private savings. They find that stock market liquidity-as measured by stock trading relative to the size of the market and economy - is positively and significantly correlated with current and future rates of economic growth, capital accumulation, productivity growth, even after controlling for economic and political factors. Stock market size, volatility, and integration are not robustly linked with growth. Nor are financial indicators closely associated with private savings rates. Significantly, banking development -as measured by bank loans to private enterprises divided by GDP -when combined with stock market liquidity predicts future rates of growth, capital accumulation, and productivity growth when entered together in regressions. The authors determine that these results are consistent with views that (1)financial markets and institutions provide important services for long-run growth, and (2)stock markets and banks provide different financial services.
The double-edged sword: Emotional regulation for children at risk

The capacity to manage emotion is based on the growth of self-regulatory capacities in the early years, but is also affected by situational demands, influences from other people, and the child's goals for regulating emotion in a particular setting. For most children growing up in supportive contexts, the growth of emotional regulation is associated with enhanced psychosocial well-being and socioemotional competence. But for children who are at risk for the development of psychopathology owing to environmental stresses or intrinsic vulnerability (or their interaction), emotional regulation often entails inherent trade-offs that make nonoptimal strategics of managing emotion expectable, perhaps inevitable, in a context of difficult environmental demands and conflicting emotional goals. This analysis discusses how emotional regulation in children at risk may simultaneously foster both resiliency and vulnerability by considering how emotion is managed when children (a) are living with a parent who is depressed, (b) witness or experience domestic violence, or (c) are temperamentally inhibited when encountering novel challenges. In each case, the child's efforts to manage emotion may simultaneously buffer against certain stresses while also enhancing the child's vulnerability to other risks and demands. This double-edged sword of emotional regulation in conditions of risk for children cautions against using “optimal” emotional regulation as an evaluative standard for such children or assuming that emotional regulation necessarily improves psychosocial well-being. It also suggests how the study of emotional regulation must consider the goals for regulating emotion and the contexts in which those goals are sought.
Patient Stage of Change predicts outcome in a panic disorder medication trial.

Objective: The authors test the hypothesis that patient readiness to change predicts outcome in a placebo-controlled medication trial. Method: Outpatients with panic disorder and agoraphobia completed the Stages of Change (SOC) questionnaire, a measure of readiness to change, before being randomly assigned either sustained release (SR) adinazolam or placebo in a 4-week double-blind trial. Results: In the “intent to treat” analysis, for the 202 subjects who made at least one visit after baseline, adinazolam SR was significantly more effective than placebo on most major outcome measures. Of the 126 subjects who completed the SOC questionnaire, regression analyses showed significant correlations between SOC scores and all 5 outcome measures. In a second analysis, cluster membership based on SOC scores was predictive of outcome on 3 of 5 measures. In each statistical analysis, subjects who were not predisposed to change as measured by the SOC were significantly less likely to change. Conclusions: Patient readiness to change was strongly correlated with outcome in a placebo-controlled panic disorder trial with an effective medication. In this study, the SOC category, Precontemplation (i.e., those subjects who reported the belief that they had no problem) were less likely to change compared to those who believed that they had a problem. Anxiety 1:64–69 (1994). © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fatty acid transport proteins, implications in physiology and disease

Uptake of long-chain fatty acids plays pivotal roles in metabolic homeostasis and human physiology. Uptake rates must be controlled in an organ-specific fashion to balance storage with metabolic needs during transitions between fasted and fed states. Many obesity-associated diseases, such as insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, cardiac lipotoxicity, and hepatic steatosis, are thought to be driven by the overflow of fatty acids from adipose stores and the subsequent ectopic accumulation of lipids resulting in apoptosis, ER stress, and inactivation of the insulin receptor signaling cascade. Thus, it is of critical importance to understand the components that regulate the flux of fatty acid between the different organ systems. Cellular uptake of fatty acids by key metabolic organs, including the intestine, adipose tissue, muscle, heart, and liver, has been shown to be protein mediated and various unique combinations of fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs/SLC27A1-6) are expressed by all of these tissues. Here we review our current understanding of how FATPs can contribute to normal physiology and how FATP mutations as well as hypo- and hypermorphic changes contribute to disorders ranging from cardiac lipotoxicity to hepatosteatosis and ichthyosis. Ultimately, our increasing knowledge of FATP biology has the potential to lead to the development of new diagnostic tools and treatment options for some of the most pervasive chronic human disorders. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Triglyceride Metabolism and Disease.
The Continuing Saga of MRSA

In this issue of the Journal there are 3 papers that expand our understanding of an old enemy, Staphylococcus aureus. They report changes in the prevalence of nasal colonization with S. aureus in the United States, explore the associations among host and bacterial genotypes and nasal carriage or skin infection, and question what defines a community-associated strain of methicillin-resistant S. aureus
The Yin and Yang of International Nurses Week

For many years I was not a proponent of Nurses Day in any form or format. I always had the impression that it was to sooth the semisavage breast (Congreve, 1797) of the overworked, underappreciated, poorly recognized “little ladies of healthcare.” It seemed contrived by the greeting card companies and was a quick and easy way for hospitals and other health care agencies to inexpensively recognize the nursing masses and avoid addressing the real issues at hand—the artificial hierarchy of health care, the servitude wages, the audacious behaviors of other providers, and the deficient autonomyof our profession. In addition, I have never been one to be overwhelmed by a wilting carnation to wear on my name pin, nor a free ice cream in the hospital cafeteria. In other words, I was not a fan of thisminimal attempt towhitewash the vagaries of health care. Then, of course I had noticed that there were not any Lawyers Day, or Doctors Day, nor any Engineers Day, and others. All are recognized as highly regarded professions, so why did we need a Nurses Day? Then, an epiphany! The challenge could become an opportunity. International Nurses Day/Week could be seen as an occasion to interconnect our challenges and our strengths—our caring and our courage and our influence and autonomy. The Chinese philosophy of yin and yang is one of wholism, interconnectedness, and the forming of a dynamic and complimentary structure (Wikipedia, 2014); why could not Nurses Day/Week be similarly viewed? Why not use this annual event to do what we truly do best—helping others instead of allowing the focus to be on some token selfrecognition? Years ago the Congress noted that nursing was the sleeping giant of health care; if we ever came together on an issue, we had the potential to change the course of history
Prospective fates and regulative capacities of fragments of the female genital disc of Drosophila melanogaster.

A fate map of the female genital disc of Drosophila melanogaster was established by examining the derivatives of fragments transplanted into host larvae for metamorphosis. The fate map is presented as a two-dimensional projection, but for several reasons it is proposed that the anal plates originate from the dorsal epithelial layer whereas the genitalia are produced from the ventral layer. Fragments produced by cuts parallel to the axis of symmetry of the disc undergo regeneration during culture in adult hosts if the fragments comprise more than half of the disc, or duplication if they comprise less than half. Most of the fragments generated by bilaterally symmetrical cuts across the line of symmetry of the disc undergo neither regeneration nor duplication during culture, but with some such fragments there is a low frequency of regeneration. It is argued that the usual lack of regeneration in these fragments results from wound healing which confronts identical positions from right and left sides, giving no growth stimulation. The fragments which regenerate might do so as a result of healing between dorsal and ventral surfaces, providing the discontinuity in positional information which is thought to be involved in growth stimulation.
A portable, automated and environmentally friendly biodiesel processing system

The relatively recent developments in heterogeneous-catalyst-based supercritical biodiesel processing have enabled the construction of a simple, portable, efficient, automated and environmentally friendly biodiesel processing system. The processing of biodiesel in the supercritical state uses no water, produces negligible waste and is insensitive to the free-fatty acid content in a lipid. In this paper, an overview of the supercritical transesterification process as it applies to the design of a portable biodiesel processing system will be discussed. In addition, the details of the design and performance of a first-generation prototype biodiesel processing system are described.
User-Centered Design in Procured Software Implementations

Beginning in 2008, the author's IT department started looking at Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products as an alternative to custom developed applications. Over the next two years, the company would transition from a "build" to "buy" philosophy, and it would be necessary to evolve the role of usability specialists to help incorporate user-centered design practices into both COTS evaluations and implementations. This case study describes how the author contributed to an enterprise-wide implementation of Microsoft SharePoint, as well as some of the challenges faced and lessons learned. It also suggests other ways that usability specialists can participate in COTS implementations.
RHYTHMIC ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY IN STOMACH AND INTESTINE OF TOAD

The intact stomach of the toad initiates rhythmic slow-spikes of 5–15 s duration and frequency of 3-5 min −1 . The spontaneous electrical waves originate in the longitudinal muscle layer; isolated circular muscle is quiescent. Aboral conduction velocity is 0.12–0.9 mm s −1 . Reduction of external sodium concentration from 89.5 to 15 mM produced no effect on slow spikes, although further reduction to 1.5 mM increased frequency and decreased amplitude. Slow-spikes were unaffected by ouabain or by incubation in potassium-free solution. When calcium in the medium was reduced, slow-spike amplitude and frequency decreased. Slow-spikes exhibited a change in amplitude of 16 mV per decade change in Ca O 2+ ; slow-spikes were eliminated at 10 −8 M Ca O 2+ and by blockers of calcium conductance channels. Intact intestine of toad demonstrated slow-waves which resembled those of mammalian intestine. These were sensitive to changes in external sodium and were eliminated by 1 × 10 −4 M ouabain. It is suggested that rhythmic slow-spikes of longitudinal smooth muscle of amphibian stomach may result from periodic changes in Ca conductance whereas endogenous electrical waves of intestine may result from rhythmic extrusion of sodium.
Nineteenth Century E.L. Trouvelot astronomical prints at Emporia State University

Abstract Although known more infamously for his efforts with sericulture and the accidental release of the gypsy moth in North America, the mid-nineteenth century French emigrant E.L. Trouvelot left a more honorable legacy to astronomy based on his celestial observations, and his detailed and accurate drawings of astronomical objects and phenomena. A portfolio of 15 Trouvelot prints and an accompanying manual were produced and distributed by Charles Scribner's Sons in 1881; Emporia State University possesses ten of the portfolio prints, but not an original of the manual. The ten prints at ESU include numbers III (total solar eclipse), V (zodiacal light), VI (lunar mare Humorum), VII (partial lunar eclipse), VIII (Mars), IX (Jupiter), XI (comet of 1881), XIII (Milky Way), XIV (Hercules cluster, M13), and XV (Orion nebula, M42). Although the basis for their presence is uncertain, it has an apparent coincidence with T.M. Iden, who arrived at then Kansas State Normal School in 1897 as head of the physical sci...
Induction of Calcium Influx in Cortical Neural Networks by Nanomagnetic Forces

Nanomagnetic force stimulation with ferromagnetic nanoparticles was found to trigger calcium influx in cortical neural networks without observable cytotoxicity. Stimulated neural networks showed an average of 20% increment in calcium fluorescence signals and a heightened frequency in calcium spiking. These effects were also confined spatially to areas with engineered high magnetic field gradients. Furthermore, blockage of N-type calcium channels inhibited the stimulatory effects of the nanomagnetic forces, suggesting the role of mechano-sensitive ion channels in mediating calcium influx.
Is empiric iodine therapy effective in patients with normal PET scans and elevated thyroglobulin levels

2055 Objectives FDG PET scans are indicated for patients with history of differentiated thyroid carcinoma with elevated thyroglobulin levels but normal iodine scans. However, if the PET scan is also normal, the source of the elevated thyroglobulin is not identified. In this clinical setting, one management option is empiric treatment with 131I followed by a post-therapy scan. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of empiric 131I therapy in this scenario. Methods 124 patients with PET or PET/CT scans performed for thyroid carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed for subsequent 131I therapy and post-therapy scan results. Results 73/124 (59%) patients had positive results for the PET study and were not further evaluated. 40/124 (32%) had negative PET scans and 11/124 (9%) had equivocal PET scans. One patient with negative PET scan was lost to follow-up. Of the 39 remaining patients with negative PET scans, 11 patients (28%) received 131I therapy and 28 (72%) patients did not. Post-therapy scans showed focal uptake in 4/11 (36%) patients and were negative in 7/11 (64%) patients. In the 11 patients with equivocal PET scans, only 2 (12%) received subsequent 131I therapy. Of these patients, 1/2 (50%) had a positive post-therapy scan. Conclusions Empiric 131I therapy is beneficial in identifying the source of elevated thyroglobulin level in patients with normal iodine scans and PET scans
The Effect of Low Income Housing Tax Credit Units on Residential Property Values in Dallas County

This paper examines the effect Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)projects have on neighboring sales prices of single-family homes in Dallas County. The results suggest LIHTC projects that went into place between 1986 and 2003 have a small, positive signifi cant effect on single-family home prices located within 0.5 miles of the low-income units. In particular, homes located within 0.5 miles of an LIHTC project sold for 2.1% more than homes located between 0.5 and 1.5 miles from an LIHTC project.