cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogenic behavior of 2(o-chlorophenyl)-2-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane and its homologues.

Abstract Eight chlorinated hydrocarbons were tested for their ability to compete with 3H-estradiol-17β for specific binding proteins in uterine cytoplasm from immature rats. The binding was assayed on 5–20% sucrose density gradients. 2(o-Chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (o,p′-DDT) and 2(o-chlorophenyl)-2-(p-chloropenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (o,p′-DDE) (1·4 × 10−4M) competed with 3H-estradiol-17β (8·7 × 10−9 M) for binding to the “8 S receptor” in the cytomplasm. 2,2-Bis-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (p,p′-DDT), 2,2-bis-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE), 2,2-bis-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethane (p,p′-DDD), 2(m-chlorophenyl)-2-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethane (m,p′-DDD), 2(o-chlorophenyl)-2-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (o,p′-DDD) and bis-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroacetate (DDA) did not compete at 1sd4 × 10−4 M. Transfer of the receptor-bound compounds into the nuclei was examined using similar competition techniques. o,p′-DDT and o,p′-DDE competed with estradiol binding in the nuclei. These studies indicate that o,p′-DDT and o,p′-DDE at high concentrations act as estrogens as measured by their ability to compete with estradiol-17β for binding to the uterine cytopoasmic receptor and in the transfer and binding of estradiol in the nuclei of uterine cells.
A Cost-Effective Sideslip Estimation Method Using Velocity Measurements From Two GPS Receivers

This paper demonstrates that the vehicle sideslip can be estimated through the kinematic relationship of velocity measurements from two low-cost GPS receivers. To compensate for the low update rate of low-cost GPS receivers, acceleration/angular rate measurements from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) are merged with the GPS measurements using an extended Kalman filter (EKF). Two technical challenges were addressed: 1) unsynchronized updates of the two GPS receivers and 2) significant delays in GPS velocity measurement. A stochastic observability analysis reveals that the proposed method guarantees the observability when a vehicle has nonzero yaw rates. Experimental verification shows that the vehicle sideslip is estimated regardless of surface friction levels under several maneuvers.
Purification of multiple forms of plasma angiotensinogen: molecular weight and charge heterogeneity.

Abstract A method of purifying angiotensinogen (C.A. 11002-13-14) from dog plasma using a monoclonal antibody is presented. More than 98% of applied angiotensinogen was sequestered by the 2-C : C 7 F 7 anti-angiotensinogen monoclonal antibody in solid-phase adsorption assays. Employing immunoaffinity column chromatography, sufficient angiotensinogen was purified for subsequent investigation of angiotensinogen molecular heterogeneity. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis resolved two molecular weight forms, an α-form at M r 59 000 and a β-form at M r 57 000. These α- and β-plasma angiotensinogen forms were separated by anion-exchange HPLC; an additional γ-form was also identified. Homogeneous dog angiotensinogen, recovered by reverse-phase HPLC, was partially sequenced. The dog angiotensinogen N-terminal sequence was shown to be more similar to rat than to human angiotensinogen. Since neuraminidase reduced the molecular weight of α-angiotensinogen by 4000 and β-angiotensinogen by 2000, these two forms of the prohormone in dog plasma contain two and one carbohydrate side chain, respectively.
A convenient thin layer chromatographic method for the detection of cyclochlorotine and simatoxin, toxins from Penicillium islandicum Sopp.

A rapid, convenient TLC method is described for detection of cyclochlorotine, a carcinogen produced by the commonly found storage moldPenicillium islandicum Sopp. This method has also led to the isolation of a new toxic metabolite, simatoxin.
A comparison of morphine, fentanyl, and sufentanil anesthesia for cardiac surgery: induction, emergence, and extubation

We compared anesthetic doses of three popular opiates, morphine (n = 10), fentanyl (n = 9), and sufentanil (n = 9) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Opiate administration after induction was based upon EEG and cardiovascular signs of the depth of anesthesia. Total doses were morphine, 4.4 +/- 0.71 mg/kg, fentanyl, 95.4 +/- 9.9 micrograms/kg, and sufentanil, 18.9 +/- 2.2 micrograms/kg. Comparisons among opiates included times for induction of anesthesia, return of consciousness, return of spontaneous ventilation, return of adequate cardiovascular status, and extubation. The following times (mean and SEM) were significantly (P less than 0.05) shorter for sufentanil than for fentanyl or morphine: induction (15 +/- 2.3 min, 5.9 +/- 0.7 min, and 3.0 +/- 0.2 min for morphine, fentanyl, and sufentanil, respectively); return of consciousness (morphine 109.7 +/- 34.4 min, fentanyl 62.3 +/- 17.9 min, sufentanil 17 +/- 8.7 min); return of acceptable and stable cardiovascular status (morphine 587.3 +/- 139.3 min, fentanyl 537.9 +/- 144.8 min, sufentanil 173.7 +/- 56.8 min); and extubation (morphine 1121.3 +/- 61.8 min, fentanyl 1005.7 +/- 77.7 min, sufentanil 533.3 +/- 67.8 min). We conclude that sufentanil administered in the dosage range of 19 micrograms/kg allows more rapid induction, earlier emergence from anesthesia, and faster extubation of patients than either morphine or fentanyl.
The role of objectives in guiding the organization of information learned from text

Abstract This study was designed to identify how objectives influence the organization of the information recalled from text. Three hypotheses were investigated: (1) that objectives affect the sequence of attention to information in text, (2) that they affect the sequence in which information is rehearsed during a review period, or (3) that they serve as a set of cues at retrieval. One hundred college students read objectives either before or after reading a passage (varying the opportunity for objectives to affect the sequence of attention). They then either had or did not have a review period (varying the opportunity to use objectives to sequence rehearsal and also varying the presence of the objectives in memory at the time of retrieval). One hundred more students read the passage in control conditions with objectives available throughout the reading or with no objectives available. Results showed that students given objectives after reading but before a review period had more clustering by objectives in free recall than did those who never saw objectives, supporting the hypothesis that organization by objectives occurs during rehearsal. No evidence was found to support the notion that organization by objectives occurs during encoding or retrieval phases.
Liquorice consumption and salivary testosterone concentrations.

Summary Liquorice consumption has been shown to substantially reduce serum testosterone concentration. An explanation for this result was that the active component in liquorice (glycyrrhizic acid) interfered with 17β-hydroxysteroid deyhydrogenase, which has been shown in vitro to catalyse the conversion of androstenedione to testosterone. We twice attempted to replicate this effect of liquorice but could not. We identified differences between our methods and those of the previous study and possible statistical anomalies (including inappropriate use of statistical tests) in the earlier report.
Spontaneous cytotoxicity mediated by human monocyte-macrophages against human fibroblasts infected with herpes simplex virus—Augmentation by interferon

Abstract Human monocyte-macrophages (MΦ) displayed spontaneous cytotoxicity for human fibroblasts infected with herpes simples virus (HSV). The HSV-immune status of the MΦ did not affect the spontaneous cytotoxicity. Significant cytotoxicity required an effector cell to target cell ratio of at least 50: 1, and was first observed 12 hr after incubation of MΦ with HSV-infected cells. A 12- to 18-hr preincubation of MΦ with interferon enhanced the cytotoxic activity. Cytotoxicity activity was also observed with cytomegalovirus-infected HF implying that the cytotoxic activity of the MΦ was nonspecific for viral-infected cells.
Integration of the case-based series in population-oriented prevention into a problem-based medical curriculum

This article describes the pilot testing of the Case-Based Series in Population-Oriented Prevention (C-POP) and accompanying evaluation instruments in a problem-based medical curriculum at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Several of the cases were successfully taught in the curriculum, but the evaluation instruments revealed no change in population-oriented skills or orientation. Issues of implementation and evaluation of the C-POP curriculum are discussed.
Relative variation in human proximal and distal limb segment lengths

The pattern of variation and covariation of proximal and distal limb segment lengths was examined within and between 20 geographically diverse skeletal samples of modern humans. Analyses of variance-covariance matrices (VCMs) of logarithmically transformed (ln) variates of humerus, radius, femur, and tibia length were performed to test the following hypotheses: first, within populations, the distal and proximal segments will have equal relative (i.e., size-independent) variability. However, between populations, the tibia is predicted to be more variable than the other segments. Tests of fit of computed VCMs to theoretical matrices by an iterative procedure (Anderson [1973] Ann. Stat. 1:135-141) reject the equal variance hypotheses, rather suggesting that the relative variances of the distal limb segments are greater than are those of the proximal. Males and females differ somewhat in that within females, the distal segments of both limbs have equal variance, while within males, the tibia has greater relative variance than the radius. The second hypothesis, regarding between-group variability, is somewhat supported in that between human populations, one cannot reject that the tibia has greater relative variance than the other limb segments. However, neither can one reject an alternative hypothesis that both distal limb segments (tibia and radius) are more variable than the proximal segments. Differential growth allometry is explored, and likely plays a major role in differences seen both within and between human populations.
Shifting Conversations on Girls' and Women's Self-Injury: An Analysis of the Clinical Literature in Historical Context

Through a historical review of girls' and women's episodic and repetitive self-injury -scholarship focusing primarily on white, middle-class women in North America and Britain - in the clinical literature from 1913 to the present, the author identifies four shifts over time. These are: 1) varying degrees of clinical interest in and numbers of publications on self-injury, 2) changing conceptualizations of self-injury, 3) changing treatment approaches for self-injury, and 4) changing characterizations of women who self-injure. Moving from research studies which indicate that self-injury typically presents in females during adolescence, this article elucidates how self-injury may reflect girls' developmental struggles within a patriarchal culture and embody a narrative of women's experiences of violation. Bringing together the history of self-injury and a feminist, relational analysis, it is argued that the historical discourse on self-injury mimics women's experiences of objectification and violence by sile...
Structure and function of the stratum corneum permeability barrier

The main function of the epidermis is to generate an impermeable outer layer, the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum can be considered morphologically and functionally to represent a two-compartment system composed of: (1) anucleate corneocytes (the bricks), largely composed of fibrous protein networks; and (2) the intercellular matrix (the mortar), predominantly composed of neutral lipid. Whereas much prior and current work on the stratum corneum has focused on the protein biochemistry leading to the formation of the keratinized corneocyte (“keratinization”), this paper is concerned with the formation, composition, and function of the intercellular matrix of the stratum corneum. For those interested in permeability barrier function, percutaneous transport, and the cutaneous reservoir, as well as most inherited disorders of cornification, it is critical to understand the “mortar,” for it is this domain that logically regulates all of these important phenomena.
Solution structure of Escherichia coli PapI, a key regulator of the pap pili phase variation.

Pyelonephritis-associated pili (pap) allow uropathogenic Escherichia coli to bind to epithelial cells and play an important role in urinary tract infection. Expression of pap pili is controlled by a phasevariation mechanism, based on the two distinct heritable states that are the result of adenine N6methylation in either of the two GATC sequences in its regulatory region. Methylation status of these two sequences is sensed by the action of two proteins, Lrp and PapI, and they play a central role in determining pap pili gene expression in both phase-ON and phase-OFF cells. We used modern nuclear magnetic resonance techniques to determine the solution structure and backbone dynamics of PapI. We found its overall fold closely resembles that of the winged helix-turn-helix family of DNA-binding proteins. We also determined that PapI possesses its own DNA-binding activity, albeit non-sequence specific, independent of Lrp. PapI appears to bind to DNA with a Kd in the 10 µM range. Possible mechanisms by which PapI might participate in the regulation of the pap operon are discussed in light of these new findings.
Recombinant apolipoprotein A-I Milano reduces intimal thickening after balloon injury in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

BACKGROUNDSeveral epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relation between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease. Recently, observational studies have suggested a similar inverse relation between HDL and restenosis after coronary balloon angioplasty. Despite these observations, it is unclear whether this inverse relation reflects a direct vascular protective effect of HDL or apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, the major apolipoprotein component of HDL. Therefore, to determine whether HDL directly influences neointima formation, we investigated the effect of recombinant apo A-I Milano (apo A-I M), a mutant of human apo A-I with Arg-173 to Cys substitution, on intimal thickening after balloon injury in cholesterol-fed rabbits.METHODS AND RESULTSCholesterol feeding was initiated 18 days before injury and continued until the time of death. Eight rabbits received intravenous injections of 40 mg of apo A-I M linked to a phospholipid carrier on alternate days, beginning 5 days ...
Brain 18F-FDG PET in the Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Dementias: Comparison with Perfusion SPECT and with Clinical Evaluations Lacking Nuclear Imaging

The clinical identification and differential diagnosis of dementias is especially challenging in the early stages, but the need for early, accurate diagnosis has become more important, now that several medications for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) are available. Many neurodegenerative diseases produce significant brain-function alterations detectable with PET or SPECT even when structural images with CT or MRI reveal no specific abnormalities. (18)F-FDG PET images of AD demonstrate focally decreased cerebral metabolism involving especially the posterior cingulate and neocortical association cortices, while largely sparing the basal ganglia, thalamus, cerebellum, and cortex mediating primary sensory and motor functions. Assessment of the precise diagnostic accuracy of PET had until recently been hindered by the paucity of data on diagnoses made using PET and confirmed by definitive histopathologic examination. In the past few years, however, studies comparing neuropathologic examination with PET have established reliable and consistent accuracy for diagnostic evaluations using PET-accuracies substantially exceeding those of comparable studies of the diagnostic value of SPECT or of both modalities assessed side by side, or of clinical evaluations done without nuclear imaging. Similar data are emerging concerning the prognostic value of (18)F-FDG PET. Improvements in the ability of PET to identify very early changes associated with AD and other neurodegenerative dementias are currently outpacing improvements in therapeutic options, but with advances in potential preventive and disease-modifying treatments appearing imminent, early detection and diagnosis will play an increasing role in the management of dementing illness.
Effects of flicker characteristics from solid-state lighting on detection, acceptability and comfort:

A study to assess the detection and acceptability of flicker and stroboscopic effects under different lighting conditions was conducted. Frequencies from 50 Hz to 300 Hz were assessed, as well as different modulation amounts, duty cycles, waveform shapes and correlated colour temperatures. For the range of conditions evaluated, direct perception of flicker was negligible at 100 Hz or higher, but stroboscopic effects could be perceived at 300 Hz. Reducing flicker modulation from 100% to 33% decreased perception of stroboscopic effects. A higher duty cycle was associated with slightly lower discomfort. The implications for solid-state lighting systems producing high-modulation flicker are discussed.
The Measurement of Attention

This review examines some of the definitional issues of attention and the related constructs of working memory and executive control. Measurement approaches to two attention elements, inattention and impulsivity, which are relevant to the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, are also explored. Features of Stroop and Stroop-like tasks, continuous performance tests, and assessment paradigms that have a volitional or motivational aspect, such as delay of gratification, are highlighted. The conclusions emphasise the multidimensional nature of attentional constructs and the care that must be taken when attempting to measure a single attentional element.
A Not-So-Subtle Bump on the Head

An unhelmeted young man fell from his longboard, hit his head, probably lost consciousness, stood up, and felt a bump. After he returned home, he acted sullen and defiant but had no recollection of the fall. Almost immediately after arrival at the emergency department, he developed head and eye turning to the right followed by forceful limb twitching. He was intubated for airway protection but was extubated successfully soon thereafter. There was marked lactic acidosis (pH, 7.23; PaCO2, 38 mm Hg; HCO2, 16 mEq/L [to convert to millimoles per liter, multiply by 1]; pH base level, 11; and lactate level, 7.9 mmol/L [to convert to milligrams per deciliter, divide by 0.111]). He was given a 1000-mg intravenous loading dose of levetiracetam. Trauma evaluation also identified a scapula fracture. His neurologic examination findings were within normal limits. Computed tomographic scanning of the head showed soft-tissue swelling but no skull fracture or contusions. However, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated cortically located hemorrhagic spots on the left side (Figure). He recovered well.
A systematic review of perinatal depression interventions for adolescent mothers

Poor, adolescent, racial/ethnic minority women are at great risk for developing perinatal depression. However, little research has been conducted evaluating interventions for this population. We conducted a systematic review of preventive and treatment interventions for perinatal depression tested with adolescents, with a focus on low income, minority populations. Nine research-based articles (including one that reported on two studies) were reviewed systematically, and quality ratings were assigned based on a validated measure assessing randomization, double-blinding, and reporting of participant withdrawals. Two treatment studies were identified, both of which were successful in reducing depression. Eight prevention studies were located, of which four were more efficacious than control conditions in preventing depression. Studies sampled mostly minority, low socioeconomic status adolescents. No consistent characteristics across efficacious interventions could be identified. This review underscores the need for researchers to further investigate and build an evidence base.
The facilitating effect of claustral experience on the speech of psychogenically mute children.

Abstract Three therapeutic nursery patients exhibiting varying types of psychogenic mutism increased their expressive language behavior after enclosing themselves in small, dark spaces. The common effect of this experience is discussed in relation to its possible dynamic meaning as well as to the development of a practical therapeutic intervention.
The Influence of the Metaparadigm of Nursing on Professional Identity Development Among RN-BSN Students

This paper is a report of an interview about the metaparadigm of nursing and the influence of the metaparadigm on the professional identity development of students enrolled in an online RN-BSN program.
The potential energy efficiency of vector acceleration

Energy efficiency of computation is quickly becoming a key problem from the chip through the data center. This paper presents the first quantitative study of the potential energy efficiency of vector accelerators. We propose and study a vector accelerator architecture suitable for implementation in a 70 nm technology. The vector architecture has a high-bandwidth on-chip cache system coupled to 16 independent memory channels. We show that such an accelerator can achieve speedups of 10X or more on loop kernels in comparison to a quad-issue superscalar uniprocessor, while using less energy. We also introduce run-ahead lanes, a complexity and energy efficient means of tolerating variable latency from crossbar contention, cache bank conflicts, cache misses, and the memory system. Run-ahead lanes only synchronize on dependencies or when explicitly directed
Effects of elevated CO 2 and soil water content on phytohormone transcript induction in Glycine max after Popillia japonica feeding

Plants will experience increased atmospheric CO2 and drought in the future, possibly altering plant- insect dynamics. To investigate the combined effects of these components of global change on plant-insect inter- actions, three major hormone signaling pathways (jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and ethylene (ET)) and related defenses were examined in undamaged soybean (Glycine max) leaves and after Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) feeding; plants were grown under elevated CO2 and reduced soil water both independently and simulta- neously. Nutritional quality and Japanese beetle preference for leaf tissue grown under these different conditions also were determined. Elevated CO2 increased the concentra- tion of leaf sugars and dampened JA signaling transcripts but increased the abundance of SA compared with plants grown in ambient CO2. A mild reduction in soil water content had no effect on leaf sugars but stimulated the induction of transcripts related to JA and ET biosynthesis after herbivory. When applied in combination, elevated CO2 and reduced soil water content suppressed the expression of transcripts related to JA and ET gene tran- scription. Exposure to elevated CO2 alone increased sus- ceptibility of soybean to beetle damage. However, exposure to elevated CO2 in combination with reduced soil water content negated the impact of elevated CO2, leaving susceptibility unchanged. Predicting future crop resistance to pests must take into account interactions among indi- vidual components of global climate change.
Colony Hybridization to Screen for Microsatellites

Simple sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs) for use as genetic markers are derived from the microsatellite repeat sequences found abundantly throughout eukaryotic genomes. Microsatellite DNA is identified in libraries of cloned DNA by colony hybridization to oligonucleotide probes containing simple sequence repeat (SSR) DNA, a common procedure in molecular biology laboratories. Plasmid or phagemid colonies are transferred to a nylon filter, grown briefly, fixed, and hybridized with one or more 32P-labeled oligonucleotide probes. This protocol is adapted for the rapid processing of many filters at once and optimized for identification of long stretches of uninterrupted repetitive DNA sequences.
Skadu: Efficient vector shadow memories for poly-scopic program analysis

Shadow memory is a critical component of many dynamic program analysis frameworks with applications ranging from memory debugging to computer security. Most recent work has focused on optimizing the execution time of analyses that associate a single tag with each memory address. However, an important new class of dynamic analyses (poly-scopic analyses) requires multiple tags for each memory address. These new analyses place additional burdens on memory shadowing infrastructures, especially with regards to memory overhead. Existing shadow memory infrastructures are either unequipped to handle these additional burdens or result in runtime and memory overheads that make them impractical for all but small inputs. In this paper we propose vector shadow memories (VSMs) as an infrastructure to support poly-scopic analyses. Furthermore we introduce Skadu, a VSM implementation that employs several novel techniques to greatly reduce the runtime and memory overhead associated with the two major challenges of VSMs: tag validation and garbage collection. Our results show that on two separate poly-scopic analyses, memory footprint profiling and hierarchical critical path analysis, Skadu significantly reduces the associated memory overhead: by 14.2× and 11.4× respectively. In both cases, Skadu makes poly-scopic analysis practical for ordinary desktop and laptop machines.
Work Disability Associated with Cancer Survivorship and Other Chronic Conditions

The long-term effects of cancer and its treatment on employment and productivity are a major concern for the 40% of cancer survivors in the U.S. who are working age. This study's objectives were (1) to quantify the increase in work disability attributable to cancer in a cohort of adult survivors who were an average of 46 months post-diagnosis and (2) to compare disability rates in cancer survivors to individuals with other chronic conditions. Data from the Penn State Cancer Survivor Study (PSCSS) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were compared. The PSCSS sample included 647 survivors age 55-65, diagnosed at four medical centers in Pennsylvania and Maryland. There were 5988 similarly aged subjects without cancer in the HRS. Adjusted odds ratios for work disability were estimated for cancer survivorship, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung disease, and arthritis/rheumatism with multivariate logistic regression. Even for cancer-free survivors, the adjusted disability rate was significantly higher in comparison to adults with no chronic conditions (female OR = 1.94; male OR = 1.89). There were few significant differences between disability rates for cancer and other conditions. The elevated disability rate is another argument for viewing cancer survivorship as a chronic condition potentially requiring a broad range of psychosocial services.
Evolution of developmental potential and the multiple independent origins of leaves in Paleozoic vascular plants

Four vascular plant lineages, the ferns, sphenopsids, progymnosperms, and seed plants, evolved laminated leaves in the Paleozoic. A principal coordinate analysis of 641 leaf species from North American and European floras ranging in age from Middle Devonian through the end of the Permian shows that the clades followed parallel trajectories of evolution: each clade exhibits rapid radiation of leaf morphologies from simple (and similar) forms in the Late Devonian/Early Car- boniferous to diverse, differentiated leaf forms, with strong constraint on further diversification beginning in the mid Carboniferous. Similar morphospace trajectories have been documented in studies of morphological evolution in animals; however, plant fossils present unique opportunities for understanding the developmental processes that underlie such patterns. Detailed comparison of venation in Paleozoic leaves with that of modern leaves for which developmental mechanisms are known suggests developmental interpretations for the origination and early evolution of leaves. The parallel evolution of a marginal meristem by the modification of developmental mechanisms available in the common ancestor of all groups resulted in the pattern of leaf evolution repeated by each clade. Early steps of leaf evolution were followed by constraint on further diversification as the possible elaborations of marginal growth were exhausted. Hypotheses of development in Paleozoic leaves can be tested by the study of living plants with analogous leaf morphologies.
Declining Institutional Loyalty

One of the most striking findings of the CAP survey is the strong sense of affiliation that US academics express toward their academic disciplines both in 1992 and 2007. But they express a sharp decline in their sense of affiliation with their employing institutions over this same 15-year period. Perceptions of the quality of the physical conditions and the level of human support (secretaries, service personnel) for the conduct of work are linked with the feeling of institutional affiliation. But of even greater importance is management style—the perception of a strong performance orientation, the sense of being consulted, the sense of having influence in decision-making, and the perception that management supports academic freedom. These variables lead to a perception of competent management and in turn to a feeling of affiliation or loyalty to the institution.
Solid-state spectroscopic properties and the geometry of binuclear rhodium(I) diisocyanoalkane complexes

A series of crystalline dinuclear rhodium complexes with different bridging diisocyano ligands and different counter ions have been studied by low-temperature crystallographic and solid-state spectroscopic techniques. The Rh–Rh distances vary from 4.5153(3) to 3.0988(7) A, and the twist angles around the Rh–Rh line from 58.3(1) to 0°, both depending on the size and conformational rigidity of the bridging ligand. For very long distances as occur in the [Rh2(dimen)4]2+ salts the absorption is significantly blue-shifted compared to other complexes. For a given cation a shorter Rh–Rh bond gives a red shift of the phosphorescence emission band, indicating a smaller energy gap between the ground and emitting excited states. An exception occurs for the [Rh2(1,6-diisocyanohexane)4]2+ ion, in which dimer formation in the calixarate salt lengthens the Rh–Rh intramolecular bond length without affecting the emission spectrum.
PZT actuated four-bar mechanism with two flexible links for micromechanical flying insect thorax

A four-bar mechanism with two flexible links is proposed to be used in a micromechanical flying insect robot wing thorax design for stroke amplification. PZT-5H and PZN-PT based unimorph actuators are utilized at the input link of the four-bar. The kinematics and dynamics of the proposed wing structure with two parallel four-bar mechanisms are analyzed, and DC forces generated at the wing are computed for checking the feasibility of the design. Using laser micromachining and folding techniques, prototype four-bars are constructed, and it is shown that the single four-bar structure can have 90-100/spl deg/ stroke motion at 29 Hz with a rigid polyester wing on it.
Partitioning of formaldehyde between air and ice at −35°C to −5°C

Abstract The equilibrium partitioning of formaldehyde (HCHO) between air and snow was studied in a series of laboratory experiments conducted at −5°C, −15°C, and −35°C, in order to understand how partitioning of HCHO between air and polar snow varies with temperature, and thus seasonally on the ice sheet. Measured partitioning coefficients were 56, 93, and 245 mol l −1 atm −1 for −5°C, −15°C and −35°C, respectively, showing a similar trend as the values previously estimated from field observations. Estimates of the pseudo-first-order rate coefficient for air–snow exchange for the same three temperatures were 4.1×10 −4 , 1.1×10 −4 , and 1.1×10 −5 s −1 , respectively. This implies a time scale for air–snow equilibration of the order of hours to days for HCHO accumulated at or near the ice–air interface on snow grains. Comparing the current laboratory partitioning coefficients with those estimated from measurements of air and freshly fallen snow in Greenland during summer demonstrates that the snow is supersaturated and should degas HCHO to the surrounding air. During this degassing, polar snow should be a significant source of HCHO to the lower troposphere.
IIT TREC 2007 Genomics Track: Using Concept-Based Semantics in Context for Genomics Literature Passage Retrieval.

For the TREC-2007 Genomics Track [1], we explore unsupervised techniques for extracting semantic information about biomedical concepts with a retrieval model for using these semantics in context to improve passage retrieval precision. Dependency grammar analysis is evaluated for boosting the rank of passages where complementary subject/object concept pairs can be identified between queries and sentences from candidate passages. In our model, a concept is represented as a set of synonymous terms and a concept-word distribution. Concept terms are identified using an information extraction technique relying on shallow sentence parsing, external knowledge sources, and document context. The system combines a dimensional data model for indexing scientific literature at multiple levels of document context, with a rule-based query processing algorithm. The data model consists of two hierarchical indices: one for individual words and a second for extracted concepts. The word index provides retrieval of single or multi-word terms. The concept index provides efficient retrieval of single or multiple independent concepts. A retrieval function combines concepts with term statistics at multiple levels of context to identify relevant passages. Finally, we boost the relevance score of sentences identified within a passage where we can identify term dependencies that complement subject/object pairs between query and passage sentences via dependency grammar analysis. Our objective for this year’s forum was to improve passage retrieval precision. We submitted three automatically generated results for three variations of our retrieval model to the TREC forum. The three results exceeded the track median for character based passage retrieval by 75 to 93%. The mean average precision (MAP) for our top passage retrieval model was 0.0940 which compares favorably to the top result of 0.0976.
The dynamic 3-tier protocol: an access remedial scheme to control unfairness in DQDB MANs

This paper addresses the unfairness problems of a DQDB network through an structured access remedial scheme, viz., the dynamic 3-tier protocol. At low load domains, the original DQDB protocol performance is retained. At heavy loads, a dynamic bandwidth control mechanism, named Alpha Tuning Mechanism, is activated. With the right choice of the /spl alpha/-parameter, it is possible to match the service pattern (in terms of channel bandwidth) offered by the access protocol with the actual demand (or traffic) pattern in the network. At low load domains an anticipatory demand function (/spl Delta/) addresses latency related unfairness. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. >
Superelastic viscous dampers for seismically resilient steel frame structures

This study proposes a passive control device based on superelastic behavior of shape memory alloys (SMAs) and investigates the device performance for improving response of steel frame structures subjected to multi-level seismic hazards. The device, named as Superelastic Viscous Damper (SVD), exhibits both re-centering and energy-dissipating capabilities and consists of SMA elements and a viscoelastic (VE) damper. SMA elements are mainly used as recentering unit and the viscoelastic damper is employed as energy dissipation unit. The VE damper consists of two layers of VE material bonded with three steel plates. Energy is dissipated through the shear deformation of VE material. Each SMA element forms a continuous loop; wrapping the loops around the outer two plates improves compactness and efficiency. An analytical model of a three-story benchmark steel building with the installed SVDs is developed to determine the response of the structure under a ground motion input. A neuro-fuzzy model is used to capture nonlinear behavior of the SMA elements of the SVD. Nonlinear response history analyses are conducted at MCE level seismic hazard. A suite of 22 ground motion records is employed in dynamic analysis. Peak interstory drift, peak absolute floor acceleration, and residual story drift are selected as the primary demand parameters. Results shows that SVDs can effectively mitigate dynamic response of steel frame structures under strong ground motions and enhance their post-earthquake functionality.
Accurate calibration and control of relative humidity close to 100% by X-raying a DOPC multilayer.

In this study, we have designed a compact sample chamber that can achieve accurate and continuous control of the relative humidity (RH) in the vicinity of 100%. A 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) multilayer can be used as a humidity sensor by measuring its inter-layer repeat distance (d-spacing) via X-ray diffraction. We convert from DOPC d-spacing to RH according to a theory given in the literature and previously measured data of DOPC multilamellar vesicles in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solutions. This curve can be used for calibration of RH close to 100%, a regime where conventional sensors do not have sufficient accuracy. We demonstrate that this control method can provide RH accuracies of 0.1 to 0.01%, which is a factor of 10–100 improvement compared to existing methods of humidity control. Our method provides fine tuning capability of RH continuously for a single sample, whereas the PVP solution method requires new samples to be made for each PVP concentration. The use of this cell also potentially removes the need for an X-ray or neutron beam to pass through bulk water if one wishes to work close to biologically relevant conditions of nearly 100% RH.
X‐ray Computed Tomography for Evaluation of Density Gradient Formation during the Compaction of Spray‐Dried Granules

X-ray computed tomography was used to quantify the internal structure of compacts made from poly(vinyl alcohol)-containing spray-dried agglomerates at specific levels of humidity. High humidities increased the average density but decreased the uniformity of the density distribution. Lower levels of humidity generally produced more diffuse high density zones. Internal uniformity is superior at lower humidities where agglomerate fracture is more common than gradual agglomerate deformation. SEM has been used to determine zone-specific agglomerate behavior at 0% and 98% relative humidity. These results can be used to connect gradient development to compaction curve behavior.
Transgastric pancreaticogastric anastomosis: an alternative operative approach for middle pancreatectomy.

Objective To determine short-term outcomes following middle pancreatectomy with transgastric pancreaticogastric anastomosis. Design, Setting, and Patients A retrospective analysis of 23 patients who underwent middle pancreatectomy with transgastric pancreaticogastric anastomosis at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, from June 22, 2005, through April 29, 2009. Main Outcome Measures Indications for procedure, operative time, length of stay, morbidity, mortality, and need for readmission, antibiotics, reoperation, additional procedures, or transfusion. Results The mean age of 15 women and 8 men who underwent middle pancreatectomy with transgastric pancreaticogastric anastomosis was 55.0 years. The median follow-up time was 12.9 months. The most commonly resected tumors were intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (n = 9), serous cystadenomas (n = 5), and neuroendocrine tumors (n = 4). The mean (SD) operative time was 191 (39) minutes. No patients required intraoperative transfusion. The median hospital stay was 5 days. The most common complications were pancreatic fistula (n = 6), intra-abdominal abscess (n = 4), and superficial skin infection (n = 4). Three patients had splenic artery pseudoaneurysms. Seven patients required readmission; 2 required reoperation. No patients developed postoperative new or worsening endocrine or exocrine insufficiency. There were no deaths. Conclusions Middle pancreatectomy with transgastric pancreaticogastric anastomosis offers a safe alternative to the traditional Roux-en-y pancreaticojejunostomy and may be technically simpler.
The Spectacle and Detournement

This Media Literacy column is a follow-up to the column in the September 2007 issue that discussed Guy Debord and the artistic, political avant-garde organization called the Situationist International. This column continues the discussion of the situationist concepts of the spectacle and detournement by explaining quick and easy ways to introduce these sophisticated concepts to middle school or high school students by showing selected YouTube.com videos.
Virtual Research Ethics: A Content Analysis of Surveys and Experiments Online

This chapter presents a content analysis of Internet surveys and experiments. Our study explores guidelines for the conduct of online research by describing the extent to which psychological studies comply with Reips’ (2000) recommendations for Web researchers. Our study also explores ethical considerations and problems in the conduct of virtual research by describing the extent to which behavioral studies on the Internet comply with ethical standards for research (American Psychological Association, 2003). The chapter concludes with a discussion of aspects of virtual research ethics pertinent to future participants, Internet scientists and institutional review boards. “We need not invent new ethical rules for online research. We need only increase our awareness of and commitment to established ethical principles.” – Jim Thomas, 1999, p. 8
Late Quaternary development of the Croatan Beach Ridge Complex, Bogue Sound, Bogue Banks, NC, USA and implications for coastal evolution

Abstract Foraminiferal, sedimentological, geophysical, and geochronologic data were utilized to elucidate the late Quaternary geologic development of the Croatan Beach Ridge Complex (CBRC), Bogue Sound, and Bogue Banks, North Carolina, USA. The CBRC is a relict beach ridge feature located on the mainland. It is separated from the modern barrier island, Bogue Banks, by Bogue Sound. Seventeen cores along shore-normal and shore-parallel transects provided material for sedimentologic and foraminiferal analysis and resulted in the recognition of seven depositional facies representing a variety of coastal depositional environments. Chronologic and depositional facies data suggest the CBRC was initiated during MIS 5a and rapid southward progradation produced a cape structure. Eolian reactivation of the upper sand of the CBRC occurred during the last glacial maximum (∼18 ka). The age of flood tide delta deposits in Bogue Sound suggests that the Holocene barrier island, Bogue Banks, had formed by ∼6 ka. Shoreface ravinement resulted in a shoreface landward of the present shoreline by ∼3.5 ka. Seaward and westward spit progradation of Bogue Banks began ∼1.7 ka and continued to ∼1.3 ka. Normal marine salinity conditions were present in Bogue Sound ∼1.1 ka, suggesting removal of at least the narrowest parts of the barrier island, coeval with a previously documented segmentation of the southern Outer Banks barrier islands. Previous work has linked this segmentation to climate warming and increased tropical storm activity during the Medieval Climate Anomaly. This study illustrates the complex response of this coastal system to Pleistocene and Holocene sea-level and climate change over two major sea-level cycles. In particular, the regional geomorphology during MIS5a and the Holocene sea-level highstand differ significantly and this, in large part, was controlled by the antecedent geologic framework, resulted in the contrasting more localized coastal geomorphic response.
Analysis of platelets by flow cytometry.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the methods used for analysis of platelets by flow cytometry (FCM). It focuses on the principles that are important whenever platelets are being studied by flow cytometry. The biology and physical properties of platelets are sufficiently different from those of other cell types in that they frequently require different methods of preparation, labeling, and analysis than are used for flow cytometric evaluation of other cell types. The flow cytometric evaluation of platelets has a historical component that is both of some interest and relevant to some of the discussion to follow. Much of the early work with flow cytometry was directed toward the study of nucleated cells of the blood, particularly lymphocytes. Until the past few years no one had used flow cytometers for the study of platelets, and in fact most workers referred to the small particles found in blood as “debris” with little thought that the debris consisted almost entirely of platelets. Thus, one can find extensive discussions of methods to eliminate debris and of the confusion created when debris contaminated the lymphocyte gates.
From Aggression to Atrocity: Rethinking the History of International Criminal Law

Explaining the shift from the priority of the charge of "aggression" in the beginning of the field of international criminal law to its exclusion in the age of the its reinvention around a suite of atrocity charges is the central task for historians in understanding this domain — and it also should matter for observers of the world today. Yet routinely, international criminal law is presented as running through a smooth trajectory, rather than a stark reversal or at least massive shift. For this reason, this essay gathers together elements for a case for the transformation in the first place, and floats some hypotheses about its timing and causes.
Clerical Expansion and Narrative Diminution in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales

“Clerical Expansion and Narrative Diminution in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales” uncovers a self-reflexive Ovidian voice that emerges throughout the Canterbury Tales, a voice that proves to be attached to contemplative and academic milieus. Appropriating these milieus for his clerically trained characters, such as the Monk, as well as those who interact with clerics, such as the Wife of Bath, Chaucer depicts the competing perspectives of the traditional monastic commune and its secular counterpart in London guild communities. The resulting text both reproduces and dismantles narrative framing strategies that Chaucer learned from clerical commentaries, attempting to claim scholasticism and narrative from the scholars who inculcated him with these methodologies and to generate a subversive and polyvocalic frame narrative that accounts for burgeoning London culture.