cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing citizen leaders through action learning

This is an account of a programme utilizing the application of action learning to the development of capacities of citizens. The Citizen Leadership for Democratic Governance is designed to equip citizens with the skills to get involved and handle the difficult tasks of governance in their communities in South Africa. After a history of apartheid there is recognition of the need to equip citizens to more effectively respond to the challenges of creating and sustaining democracy. The programme has proven to be highly successful in achieving the aims. The programme design involved an emphasis on reflection, experimental learning, problem solving and action through learning sets.
Hexabromonaphthalene contaminants of polybrominated biphenyls: chemical composition and disposition in the rat

Hexabromonaphthalene (HBN) has been identified as a toxic contaminant of Fire‐master BP‐6, a mixture of polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) that is used commercially as a fire retardant and that was responsible for a major public health emergency in Michigan in 1974. Previously reported to be a single compound, the hexabrominated naphthalene derived from direct bromination of naphthalene was here shown by high‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to be a mixture of two closely related isomers, 1,2,3,4,6,7‐HBN and 2,3,4,5,6,7‐HBN, in a ratio of 60:40. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the HBN mixture was studied in the male Fischer‐344 rat. [ 14 C] HBN was incompletely absorbed after oral doses of 0.4 and 4.0 μmol/kg body weight After iv treatment, fecal excretion accounted for 24% of the total dose by the end of d 1, 44% by d 3, and 62% by d 35. Urinary excretion was negligible. The excreted radioactivity was in the form of metabolite(s). Biliary excretion studies confirmed the natu...
L2Relay: Design and implementation of a layer 2 Wi-Fi packet relay protocol

In this paper, we propose L2Relay, a novel packet relay protocol for Wi-Fi networks that can improve the performance and extend the range of the network. A device running L2Relay is referred to as a relayer, which overhears the packet transmissions and retransmits a packet on behalf of the Access Point (AP) or the node if no ACK is overheard. One important feature of L2Relay is its ubiquitous compatibility, i.e., it is compatible with any Wi-Fi devices, such that one or multiple relayers can be installed in any network easily without any modification to the AP or the nodes. L2Relay is a layer 2 solution that exploits many layer 2 functionalities such as carrier sense. It encompasses unique solutions to link quality measurement, rate adaptation, and relayer selection. We implement L2Relay in the OpenFWWF platform and compare it against the baseline network without a relayer as well as a popular commercial Wi-Fi range extender. Our results show that L2Relay achieves overall better performance than both compared schemes.
Model for Anomalous Power Dependence of Microwave Heating in Ceramic Materials

A model is presented to explain the anomalous power dependence of microwave heating in ceramic materials. The anomaly considered consists of a saturation effect wherein the dependence of the heating rate on microwave power becomes sublinear. Our proposed explanation is based on the idea of spatial confinement of the absorbing charges in grain boundary regions. The mechanism of saturation, more generally, of a decrease in absorption efficiency, arises from a mismatch of two lengths, one of which measures the maximum distance an absorbing charge travels under the combined action of damping and of the oscillating microwave field, and the other measures the spatial extent of the confining region. Explicit calculations for a simple model are presented and the results are examined in the light of observations on ferric oxide. Ein Modell zur Erklarung der anomalen Leistungsabhangigkeit der Mikrowellenaufheizung keramischer Materialien wird dargestellt. Die Anomalic bestcht in einem Sattigungseffekt, wobei die Heizgeschwindigkeit sublinear von der Mikrowellenleistung abhangt. Unsere Erklarung basiert auf der raumlichen Beschrankung der absorbierenden Ladungen in den Korngrenzenbereichen. Die Sattigung oder, allgemeiner, die Abnahme der Absorption entsteht durch die Fehlanpassung zweier Langen; die eine mist die maximale Entfernung, die eine Ladung unter der Wirkung von Dampfung und oszillicrendem Mikrowellenfeld zurucklegt, die andere mist die Abmessungen des beschrankenden Gebietes. Explizite Rechnungen werden fur ein einfaches Modell durchgefuhrt, die Ergbnisse werden anhand von Beobachtungen an Eiscnoxyd uberpruft.
Picosecond rotationally resolved stimulated emission pumping spectroscopy of nitric oxide

Abstract Stimulated emission pumping (SEP) experiments were performed on the nitric oxide molecule in a flow cell environment using lasers with pulse widths of 17–25 ps. A lambda excitation scheme, or ‘‘pump–dump” arrangement, was employed with the pump laser tuned to the T00 vibronic band origin ( λ pump = 226.35 ( 1 ) nm ) of the A2Σ+(v′ = 0, J′) ← X2Π1/2(v″ = 0, J″) and the dump laser scanned from 246–248 nm within the A2Σ+(v′ = 0, J′) → X2Π1/2(v″ = 2, J″) transition. The rotationally resolved SEP spectra were measured by observing the total fluorescence within the A2Σ+(v′ = 0, J′) → X2Π1/2(v″ = 1, J″) transition between 235 nm and 237.2 nm while scanning the dump laser wavelengths. Multiple rotational states were excited due to the broad laser bandwidth. Measurements showed that the resolved rotational structure depended on the energy and bandwidth of the applied pump and dump laser pulses. Analysis of the observed fluorescence depletion signals yielded an average percent fluorescence depletion of about 19% when λ pump = 226.35 ( 1 ) nm and λ dump = 247.91 ( 1 ) nm . This value reflects the percent transfer of the NO population from the A2Σ+(V′ = 0, J′) excited electronic state to the X2Π1/2(v″ = 2, J″) ground electronic state. The maximum expected depletion is 50% in the limit of dump saturation. Selective excitation of NO at the bandhead provides good spectral discrimination from the background emission and noise and unambiguously confirms the identity of the emitter.
Allorhogas pyralophagus (Hym.: Braconidae), a gregarious external parasite imported into Texas, USA, for biological control of the stalkborer Eoreuma loftini (Lep.: Pyralidae) on sugar cane

Allorhogas pyralophagus Marsh is a recently discovered doryctine braconid with potential for field trials against stalk borers infesting both large- and small- stemmed Graminacea. This external gregarious parasite was originally reared fromEoreuma loftini (Dyar) larvae infesting Johnson grass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.] and sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) from the states of Sinaloa and Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The parasite is easily reared in the laboratory using a wide range of host larvae [Diatraea spp.,E. loftini, Chilo sp. andTryporyza nivelli (F)]. Hosts are placed in grass stems or paper straws for exposure to ovipositing females.A. pyralophagus has been field released and recovered from the following hosts infesting sugar cane:E. loftini andD. saccharalis (F.) in Texas.Diatraea spp. in Trinidad,D. rufescens in Bolivia andT. nivella in Sumatra, Indonesia.
Phase transition buoyancy contributions to stresses in subducting lithosphere

The sequence of phase transitions undergone by minerals with increasing depth in Earth's mantle is perturbed within subducting lithospheric slabs by their thermal structure. Such perturbation of equilibrium phase relations gives rise to relative buoyancy contrasts between slab and mantle that contribute to the state of stress within the slab. While other factors contribute to overall slab stresses, thermal and phase transition effects largely control the structure of the stress field within the slab. The resulting maximum in down-dip compressive stress within the slab corresponds to the observed peak in depth distribution of deep seismicity. Furthermore, metastable persistence of lower pressure phases within the cold slab should give rise to localized shear stresses whose distribution corresponds to observed features of subduction zone seismicity. These observations are independent of the variety of failure mechanisms proposed for deep seismogenesis.
On the relationship between stress induced leakage currents and catastrophic breakdown in ultra-thin SiO2 based dielectrics

Abstract Stress induced leakage currents have been measured on capacitor structures with gate dielectrics approximately 19 A thick, grown in N 2 O. Both n + /p and p + /n (poly-silicon gate/ silicon substrate) structures were fabricated to allow electron injection using both positive and negative bias. We have measured the statistical distribution (64 devices for each condition) of the SILC as a function of the stress bias condition. Both charge to breakdown (Q DB ) and time to breakdown (T DB ) are found to be strong functions of the applied bias. The change in the stress induced leakage (ΔJ/J o ) at breakdown is found to be relatively independent of the magnitude and polarity of the bias during stress. We suggest that (ΔJ/J o ) at breakdown is a measure of a critical defect density required to cause catastrophic breakdown in ultra-thin dielectrics and this critical density is not dependent upon the electron energy during stress.
A Role for the IκB Family Member Bcl-3 in the Control of Central Immunologic Tolerance

Bcl-3 is a member of the family of IkappaB inhibitors. Unlike the classical, cytoplasmic IkappaBs, Bcl-3 does not inhibit RelA- or c-Rel-containing NF-kappaB transcription factor dimers. Instead, Bcl-3 can enter the nucleus and modulate NF-kappaB activity, although the underlying mechanism and physiologic function remain largely unknown. Here we identified Bcl-3 as a regulator of immunologic tolerance to self. In parallel with NF-kappaB2, Bcl-3 functions within stroma to generate medullary thymic epithelial cells, which are essential for negative selection of autoreactive T cells. Loss of both NF-kappaB2 and Bcl-3, but not either one alone, led to a profound breakdown in central tolerance resulting in rapid and fatal multiorgan inflammation. These data reveal extensive utilization of the NF-kappaB system to promote central tolerance in the thymus, in apparent contrast with the well-known roles of NF-kappaB to promote inflammation and autoimmunity in the periphery.
The Use of Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) Software to Create a Database of Librarian-Mediated Literature Searches

Expert-mediated literature searching, a keystone service in biomedical librarianship, would benefit significantly from regular methodical review. This article describes the novel use of Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) software to create a database of literature searches conducted at a large academic health sciences library. An archive of paper search requests was entered into REDCap, and librarians now prospectively enter records for current searches. Having search data readily available allows librarians to reuse search strategies and track their workload. In aggregate, this data can help guide practice and determine priorities by identifying users' needs, tracking librarian effort, and focusing librarians' continuing education.
Fractures after antiretroviral initiation.

Background Bone mineral density declines by 2–6% within 1–2 years after initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART); however, it is uncertain whether this results in an immediate or cumulative increase in fracture rates.
The relationship between ethnicity, Christian orthodoxy, and mental health

Although researchers have noted differences in the role of religiosity in the lives of people from different ethnic backgrounds, the components of religion’s influence (i.e., membership and orthodoxy) on mental health have not been previously examined. In the current study, Christian participants’ Christian Orthodox Scale (COS) scores were used to predict scores on mental health. As hypothesized, African Americans with higher COS scores exhibited fewer mental-health problems than did all ethnicities studied with lower COS scores. Implications and future directions for understanding the cultural influence of religion on African Americans are discussed.
Market structure and competitive equilibrium in dynamic economic models

Abstract Recently theorists have analyzed economies which potentially contain both finite and infinite horizon overlapping generations, using “Arrow-Debreu” (complete) markets. Typically, applied models assume recursive spot and contingent securities markets, implying a different equilibrium concept. Indeed, if infinite horizon agents are present recursive equilibria cannot exist without some side conditions on debt. With the right side conditions, we show that every recursive market equilibrium allocation is a complete market equilibrium allocation and vice versa. This bridges a gap between theory and applications, and extends existing equivalence results on market structure.
DEBS'S cooperative commonwealth plan for workers

(1971). DEBS'S cooperative commonwealth plan for workers. Labor History: Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 560-569.
Great Vessel Root and Artery Dimensions in Transposition of the Great Arteries Repaired With Atrial Switch Operation

To describe great-vessel dimensions in patients with D-loop transposition of the great arteries (TGA) who have undergone atrial switch operation (ATSO). Patients who have undergone arterial switch operation for TGA have a high incidence of dilation of the neoaortic root. The incidence and degree of great artery dilation in patients who have undergone ATSO for TGA has not previously been described. A retrospective database review identified patients with TGA and intact ventricular septum who underwent ATSO at <1 year of age with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) within the previous 5 years (n = 39). A control group of patients referred for CMR with normal findings was identified for comparison (n = 40). Measurements of the annulus, root, sinotubular junction, and great vessels were performed, and interobserver/intraobserver variability was assessed. Median age of subjects at ATSO was 3 months (range 1–12) with median age at CMR of 29 years (range 18–40). For aortic measurements, mean z scores (± SDs) for patients relative to body surface area (BSA)–adjusted normal controls were as follows: annulus 1.41 (0.80), root 2.04 (1.48), sinotubular junction 2.16 (1.26), and great vessel 1.86 (1.53). For pulmonary measurements, similar values were as follows: annulus 1.82 (1.42), root 3.25 (2.01), sinotubular junction 2.47 (1.79), and great vessel 3.96 (3.08). In all cases, the p value was <0.001, and no confidence interval included the value 0. Adult patients with TGA repaired with ATSO in infancy have a greater incidence of dilation of both great vessels, particularly the pulmonary artery. These results may indicate abnormalities in the vascular structure of both great arteries in TGA that may predispose to progressive arterial dilation.
Electrical penetration graphs of the nymphal stage of Bemisia argentifolii

Electrical penetration graph (EPG, DC system) waveforms were recorded from first, second, and third instar Bemisia argentifolii nymphs. Waveforms recorded were similar among the three instars. Four waveforms were recorded and were named C, J, L, and H. Waveform J is new, whereas waveforms C, L, and H of B. argentifolii nymphs were similar to those published previously from greenhouse whitefly nymphs. As in the previous study on greenhouse whitefly nymphs, there was variation in each of waveforms C, L, and H. Waveform C was recorded at an extracellular voltage level, and represents a pathway phase where the stylets penetrate the plant tissue in an intercellular pathway. At the end of waveform C, the voltage dropped to an intracellular level, indicating penetration of a living cell, and the stylet tips then remained in that cell for the rest of the EPG recording, which was sometimes as long as 16 h. Three waveforms (J, L, and H) were recorded during this intracellular phase, beginning with J, a brief (average = 31 s), low amplitude, irregular waveform. J appeared only at the beginning of the intracellular phase, and was followed by either L (five out of eight times) or H (three out of eight times). Waveforms L and H then alternated with one another for the remainder of the intracellular phase. The most conspicuous difference between L and H was the frequency of their voltage fluctuations; L had a lower frequency and H a higher frequency. Usually the shape of waveform L was dominated by voltage peaks in a positive direction, while waveform H was characterized by strong voltage peaks in a negative direction; although some variants of both L and H had distinct voltage peaks in both directions. The electrical origin of both the positive and negative voltage peaks was electromotive force (emf) fluctuation rather than resistance fluctuation. During waveform H, copious amounts of honeydew were produced, indicating that the penetrated cell was a sieve element. We conclude, therefore, that H represents phloem sap ingestion; and because J and L are produced in the same cell as H, then phloem phase is represented by waveforms J, L, and H. The biological correlations for J and L are not yet known.
Radiation dosimetry of an accidental overexposure using EPR spectrometry and imaging of human bone

On 11 December 1991 a radiation accident occurred at an industrial accelerator facility. A description of the facility and details of the accident are reported in Schauer et al., 1993a). In brief, during maintenance on the lower window pressure plate of a 3 MV potential drop accelerator, an operator placed his hands, head, and feet in the radiation beam. The filament voltage of the electron source was turned 'off', but the full accelerating potential was on the high voltage terminal. The operator's body, especially his extremities and head, were exposed to electron dark current. At approx. 3 months post-irradiation, the four digits of the victim's right hand and most of the four digits of his left hand were amputated. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometry was used to estimate the radiation dose to the victim's extremities. Extremity dose estimates ranged from 55.0 Gy (+/- 4.7 Gy) to 108 Gy (+/- 24.1 Gy).
Lumenal Protein within Secretory Granules Affects Fusion Pore Expansion

It is often assumed that upon fusion of the secretory granule membrane with the plasma membrane, lumenal contents are rapidly discharged and dispersed into the extracellular medium. Although this is the case for low-molecular-weight neurotransmitters and some proteins, there are numerous examples of the dispersal of a protein being delayed for many seconds after fusion. We have investigated the role of fusion-pore expansion in determining the contrasting discharge rates of fluorescent-tagged neuropeptide-Y (NPY) (within 200 ms) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) (over many seconds) in adrenal chromaffin cells. The endogenous proteins are expressed in separate chromaffin cell subpopulations. Fusion pore expansion was measured by two independent methods, orientation of a fluorescent probe within the plasma membrane using polarized total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and amperometry of released catecholamine. Together, they probe the continuum of the fusion-pore duration, from milliseconds to many seconds after fusion. Polarized total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy revealed that 71% of the fusion events of tPA-cer-containing granules maintained curvature for >10 s, with approximately half of the structures likely connected to the plasma membrane by a short narrow neck. Such events were not commonly observed upon fusion of NPY-cer-containing granules. Amperometry revealed that the expression of tPA-green fluorescent protein (GFP) prolonged the duration of the prespike foot ∼2.5-fold compared to NPY-GFP-expressing cells and nontransfected cells, indicating that expansion of the initial fusion pore in tPA granules was delayed. The t1/2 of the main catecholamine spike was also increased, consistent with a prolonged delay of fusion-pore expansion. tPA added extracellularly bound to the lumenal surface of fused granules. We propose that tPA within the granule lumen controls its own discharge. Its intrinsic biochemistry determines not only its extracellular action but also the characteristics of its presentation to the extracellular milieu.
The guide to glass 3D printing: developments, methods, diagnostics and results

Purpose – This purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the steps and processes behind successfully adapting novel materials, namely virgin glass and recycled glass, to three‐dimensional printing (3DP).Design/methodology/approach – The transition from 3DP ceramic systems to glass systems will be examined in detail, including the necessary modifications to binder systems and printing parameters. The authors present preliminary engineering data on shrinkage, porosity, and density as functions of peak firing temperature, and provide a brief introduction to the complexities faced in realizing an adequate and repeatable firing method for 3D printed glass.Findings – Shrinkage behavior for the 3D printed recycled glass showed significant anisotropy, especially beyond peak firing temperatures of 730°C. The average shrinkage ratios for the slow‐ and fast‐axes to the Z‐axis were 1:1.37 and 1:2.74, respectively. These extreme differences can be attributed to the layer‐by‐layer production method and binder ...
Attenuated development of ischemic brain edema in vasopressin-deficient rats.

Summary: Brain edema formation was investigated in the vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rat using a middle cerebral artery occlusion model of early ischemic injury. Water and sodium accumulation after 4 h of ischemia were attenuated 36 and 20%, respectively, in the Brattleboro strain as compared to the control Long-Evans strain. This effect was independent of differences in animal size and state of hydration. In addition, measurements of cerebral blood flow indicated that Brattleboro and Long-Evans rats had equal levels of ischemia following middle cerebral artery occlusion. Systemic treatment of Brattleboro rats with vasopressin normalized their serum electrolyte concentrations and osmolarity but did not alter sodium or water accumulation in the ischemic brain. In contrast, intraventricular administration of vasopressin in Brattleboro rats increased edema formation to that seen in control rats. The reduced water and sodium accumulation in Brattleboro rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion may be related to alterations in blood-brain barrier permeability since the blood-to-brain sodium flux was 36% less in the ischemic tissue of the Brattleboro as compared to the Long-Evans strain. These results support the hypothesis that central vasopressin is a regulator of brain volume and electrolyte homeostasis. Furthermore, our findings suggest a role for central vasopressin in the development of ischemic brain edema.
Verifying the ACIS contamination model with 1E0102.2-7219

The low-energy sensitivity of the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) instrument on board the Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO) has been continuously degrading since launch due to the accumulation of a layer of contamination on the ACIS optical blocking filter (OBF). This contamination layer, the result of out-gassing and off-gassing within the observatory, introduces a new, energy dependent absorption into the ACIS response. The thickness of this layer has been increasing with time and its spatial distribution across the OBF has been continually changing with time. We utilize multiple observations of the SMC Supernova Remnant 1E0102.2-7219 to verify the models for the spectral, temporal, and spatial dependence of the contamination layer. We also use this source to investigate cross-calibration between the front illuminated (FI) and back illuminated (BI) CCDs. 1E0102.2-7219 has a soft, line-dominated spectrum which is very sensitive to the additional absorption of the contamination layer. The extensive calibration observations of 1E0102.2-7219 over the course of the mission at several different locations on the ACIS Imaging (I) and Spectroscopy (S) arrays allows for a verification of the temporal and spatial dependence of the contamination model.
Predictors of Adherence to Nutrition Recommendations in People With Non- Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

The purpose of this study was to determine how the components of psychosocial adjustment to diabetes predict adherence to nutrition recommendations based on self-reported successful completion of contingency contracts. The relationships between the components of psychosocial adjustment and adherence to nutrition recommendations were examined in a convenience sample of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus participating in a contingency contracting intervention with nurses. Patients completed a standardized instrument, the Diabetes Care Profile, at the time they were enrolled into this randomized clinical trial. High and low levels of adherence to nutrition recommendations were identified by a median split of the number of contingency contracts completed for adherence to nutrition recommendations. Subjects who reported higher regimen adherence and a higher support ratio (received more diabetes-specific social support than desired) were significantly less likely to engage in contingency contracting for adherence to nutrition recommendations.
Studies of worn surfaces and the transfer film formed in sliding by CuS-filled and carbon fiber-reinforced nylon against a steel surface

Abstract The unrubbed and rubbed pin surfaces and the transfer film of nylon-15%CuS-30%CF composite formed on the steel disk surface were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). These studies revealed that CuS and nylon decomposed during rubbing and produced Cu, (CH3)2SO-CH2-CH2- and -CH2-CH2-COON groups, CUSSO3, Fe2(SO4)3 and FeSO4. The analyses at different depths in the transfer film indicated higher concentrations of these species closer to the top surface of the transfer film than underneath. The EDS elemental map analyses on the unrubbed and rubbed nylon-35%CuS, and rubbed nylon-15%CuS-30%CF pin surfaces indicated that in the absence of fibers CuS spread over almost the entire contact surface but this did not occur when fibers were present. These results have been used to understand the wear mechanism in a polymer composite with both the filler and the fiber.
Diverse mechanisms of antiepileptic drugs in the development pipeline

There is a remarkable array of new chemical entities in the current antiepileptic drug (AED) development pipeline. In some cases, the compounds were synthesized in an attempt improve upon the activity of marketed AEDs. In other cases, the discovery of antiepileptic potential was largely serendipitous. Entry into the pipeline begins with the demonstration of activity in one or more animal screening models. Results from testing in a panel of such models provide a basis to differentiate agents and may offer clues as to the mechanism. Target activity may then be defined through cell-based studies, often years after the initial identification of activity. Some pipeline compounds are believed to act through conventional targets, whereas others are structurally novel and may act by novel mechanisms. Follow-on agents include the levetiracetam analogs brivaracetam and seletracetam that act as SV2A-ligands; the valproate-like agents valrocemide, valnoctamide, propylisopropyl acetamide, and isovaleramide; the felbamate analog flurofelbamate, a dicarbamate, and the unrelated carbamate RWJ-333369; the oxcarbazepine analog licarbazepine, which probably acts as a use-dependent sodium channel blockers, and its prodrug acetate BIA 2-093; various selective partial benzodiazepine receptor agonists, including ELB139, which is a positive allosteric modulator of 3-containing GABAA receptors. A variety of AEDs that may act through novel targets are also in clinical development: lacosamide, a functionalized amino acid; talampanel, a 2,3-benzodiazepine selective noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonist; NS1209, a competitive AMPA receptor antagonist; ganaxolone, a neuroactive steroid that acts as a positive modulator of GABAA receptors; retigabine, a KCNQ potassium channel opener with activity as a GABAA receptor positive modulator; the benzanilide KCNQ potassium channel opener ICA-27243 that is more selective than retigabine; and rufinamide, a triazole of unknown mechanism.
Qualitative Research in Applied Linguistics: A Progress Report

This article describes the status of qualitative research in applied linguistics and ESOL. It identifies trends by reporting on an informal survey of published journal articles, highlighting relevant published qualitative studies and research methods texts, and relating the views of research methodologists working within and outside the qualitative tradition. Several of the unresolved, persistent issues raised are progress toward a definition of qualitative research, the role of quantification in qualitative research, and the generalizability of qualitative research.
Mortality rates across 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels among adults with and without estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2: the third national health and nutrition examination survey.

Background Previous studies exploring the association between 25[OH]D levels and mortality in adults with and without kidney disease utilized 25[OH]D thresholds that have recently been scrutinized by the Institute of Medicine Committee to Review Dietary References Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium. Objective We explored all-cause mortality rates across the spectrum of 25[OH]D levels over an eighteen-year follow-up among adults with and without an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Design The study included 1,097 U.S. adults with eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 14, 002 adults with eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Mortality rates and rate ratios (RR) across 25[OH]D groups were calculated with Poisson regression and restricted cubic splines while adjusting for covariates. Results Prevalence of 25[OH]D levels 20 ng/ml after adjustment for all covariates. Conclusions Regardless of presence of eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, mortality rates across groups with 25[OH]D levels 20–40 ng/ml are similar.
Growth of Ultralong ZnS/SiO2 Core−Shell Nanowires by Volume and Surface Diffusion VLS Process

Nanowires of up to 1 cm in length and approximately 30 nm in diameter were synthesized through a simple chemical vapor deposition process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data showed that these nanowires were well-aligned and grew in the direction along the flow of the carrier gas. Through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the nanowires were found to be composed of a single-crystalline ZnS core and amorphous SiO2 shell. Gold catalyst particles were found at the tips of the nanowires and completely encased by a silica shell. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements were performed on nanowire samples in which the synthesis time was systematically varied to provide information regarding growth dynamics. After a systematic study on the structure, we propose that the core−shell nanowires were formed via a distinct volume and surface diffusion process occurring simultaneously for different chemical species in and on the gold catalyst particle.
Part I: porosity dependence of the Weibull modulus for hydroxyapatite and other brittle materials.

Porous brittle materials are used as filters, catalyst supports, solid oxide fuel cells and biomedical materials. However the literature on the Weibull modulus, m, versus volume fraction porosity, P, is extremely limited despite the importance of m as a gauge of mechanical reliability. In Part I of this study, m is determined for 441 sintered hydroxyapatite (HA) specimens fractured in biaxial flexure for 0.08 ≤ P ≤ 0.62. In this study, we analyze a combined data set collected from the literature that represents work from a total of 17 different research groups (including the present authors), eight different materials and more than 1560 oxide and non-oxide specimens, the m versus P plot is "U-shaped" with a wide band of m values for P 0.55 (Region III), and a narrower band of m values in the intermediate porosity region of 0.1 , and the Young's modulus E for the HA specimens tested in Part I along with literature data for other brittle materials. Both and E are power law functions of the degree of densification, ϕ, where ϕ=1-P/P(G) and P(G) is the green (unfired) porosity.
Formation of Ferroelectric Phases in Sb–S–I Glasses

We have investigated devitrification of glasses within infrared transmitting xSbSI–(100 − x)Sb2S3 pseudo-binary series, which forms SbSI and Sb2S3 ferroelectric crystal phases. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction results show unusual behavior for the formation of the SbSI phase, which occurs by two parallel processes: one-dimensional crystallization at low temperature which starts from the sample surface, and three-dimensional bulk crystallization that continues the transformation to crystalline state at higher temperatures. The ratio of the intensities of the high-temperature exothermal peak to the low-temperature peak in DSC scans increases as the particle size and heating rate are increased. In contrast to the SbSI phase, the temperature of crystallization for the Sb2S3 phase does not depend on the particle size. Models are proposed for the origin of the various crystallization mechanisms.
CD30 ligand is expressed on resting normal and malignant human B lymphocytes

CD30, a member of the tumour necrosis receptor superfamily, is physiologically expressed on a subpopulation of T helper cells in normal individuals but is also expressed on several malignant and virally transformed cells. Its ligand (CD30L) is a pleiotropic cellular transmembrane protein that can induce cell death in several CD30+ cell lines. CD30L expression has been reported on activated human peripheral blood T lymphocytes and macrophages but not on B cells. Here we show that the CD30L is expressed on resting normal and on malignant B cells in addition to both CD4+ and CD8+ subsets of activated T cells, making it the second tumour necrosis family member, in addition to the CD27 ligand, that can be expressed on both T and B cells. These findings raise the possibility that the CD30L has a role in B-cell/T-cell communication and that B and T cells are likely to be involved in the growth regulation of CD30+ tumours.
RoboTrikke: A Novel Undulatory Locomotion System

The TRIKKE is a three-wheeled, human-powered scooter that can be propelled by a combination of cyclic motion of its handlebar and swaying motion of the rider. This paper addresses the modeling, dynamics and control of the TRIKKE and the development of a robotic platform called the ROBOTRIKKE that is derived from similar principles. The TRIKKE can be modeled as a modified roller-racer with an unstable steering arrangement. The model of the TRIKKE reduces to the roller-racer [8] in the absence of this steering arrangement. We prove that under certain conditions on the geometric parameters of the system, the TRIKKE and roller-racer systems cannot be stopped after motion starting from rest using the steering control as the sole input. As a consequence, the ideal model is severely limited from the point of view of controllability. We demonstrate the validity of our model through comparison with experimental measurements on a small-scale robotic prototype of the TRIKKE. We present closed-loop control results for tracking (on average) a straight line trajectory using visual feedback from an overhead camera.
TeC: end-user development of software systems for smart spaces

This paper presents TeC, a framework for end-user design, deployment, and evolution of applications for smart spaces. This work is motivated by the current gap between traditional software development approaches and end user desire to easily personalise and evolve their systems for smart spaces. TeC is precise enough to support the fully automated deployment of systems designed by end users, and it addresses important characteristics of ubiquitous computing, namely, the ability to describe dynamic adaptations and to relate system features to physical location and to the presence and identity of users. TeC is described by example, with four home automation systems concerning surveillance and energy management. The paper also discusses the implementation of the TeC middleware and preliminary evaluation concerning usability and engineering effort.
Cyclic Deposition and Sea Level Changes: Record in Twin Creek Limestone (Jurassic), Northern Utah: ABSTRACT

The Twin Creek Limestone in northern Utah was deposited in a shallow sea during the Middle Jurassic. Paleocurrent patterns determined from study of ripple marks and cross-stratification, and the distribution of facies, indicate that the average shoreline orientation was northeast-southwest. Two major transgressive-regressive cycles, which are correlated with sea level curves proposed by P. R. Vail and others for the Jurassic, are delineated. The lower cycle in the Twin Creek Limestone unconformably overlies the Lower Jurassic Nugget Sandstone. The Twin Creek Limestone is represented by deposits of the Gypsum Springs, Sliderock, Rich, and Boundary Ridge Members. Lithofacies in this cycle sequence grade upward from reworked Nugget Sandstone at the base into oosparite, micrite, and silty ripple-marked micrite, to an overlying discontinuous red siltstone unit. The cycle is correlative with the J2.1 global cycle of relative change of sea level. The upper cycle is separated from the lower one by a hiatus of unknown duration. This boundary is recognized on the basis of the thin discontinuous red bed at the top of the Boundary Ridge Member. The cycle consists of the Watton Canyon, Leeds Creek, and Giraffe Creek Members. Lithofacies grade from oosparite at the base up into micrite, silty micrite interbedded with sandy oosparite, and sandstone. The upper boundary is marked by the base of the Middle Jurassic Preuss Sandstone. The cycle is correlative with the J2.2 global cycle. Duration of these global cycles is about 8-10 m.y. Recognition of the cycles leads to improvement in stratigraphic and structural interpretation incorporating the effects of sea level changes. End_of_Article - Last_Page 941------------
Visualizations of coastal terrain time series

In coastal regions, water, wind, gravitation, vegetation, and human activity continuously alter landscape surfaces. Visualizations are important for understanding coastal landscape evolution and its driving processes. Visualizing change in highly dynamic coastal terrain poses a formidable challenge; the combination of natural and anthropogenic forces leads to cycles of retreat and recovery and complex morphology of landforms. In recent years, repeated high-resolution laser terrain scans have generated a time series of point cloud data that represent landscapes at snapshots in time, including the impacts of major storms. In this article, we build on existing approaches for visualizing spatial–temporal data to create a collection of perceptual visualizations to support coastal terrain evolution analysis. We extract terrain features and track their migration; we derive temporal summary maps and heat graphs that quantify the pattern of elevation change and sediment redistribution and use the space–time cube c...
Visible-Region Absorption Spectra of a Ti3+ Fassaite from the Allende Meteorite: A Discussion

The spectral data of Dowty and Clark for the titaniferous pyroxene in the Allende meteorite have been reinterpreted. Arguments are presented in support of an alternative assignment of the two absorption bands at 21,000 cm-'and 16,500 cm-'as both being due to crystal field transitions in Ti3* ions. Not only are two such bands expected for Ti"* ions in distorted Ml coordination sites of clinopyroxenes, but the derived spectral parameters a and A. are consistent with other Ti(III) compounds. The occurrence of Ti'* ions in the clinopyroxene structure is attributed to the enhanced crystal field stabilization energy acquired in the Ml site.
Event-based traceability for managing evolutionary change

Although the benefits of requirements traceability are widely recognized, the actual practice of maintaining a traceability scheme is not always entirely successful. The traceability infrastructure underlying a software system tends to erode over its lifetime, as time-pressured practitioners fail to consistently maintain links and update impacted artifacts each time a change occurs, even with the support of automated systems. This paper proposes a new method of traceability based upon event-notification and is applicable even in a heterogeneous and globally distributed development environment. Traceable artifacts are no longer tightly coupled but are linked through an event service, which creates an environment in which change is handled more efficiently, and artifacts and their related links are maintained in a restorable state. The method also supports enhanced project management for the process of updating and maintaining the system artifacts.
Functionalized graphene/silicon chemi-diode H 2 sensor with tunable sensitivity

A reverse bias tunable Pd- and Pt-functionalized graphene/Si heterostructure Schottky diode H2 sensor has been demonstrated. Compared to the graphene chemiresistor sensor, the chemi-diode sensor offers more than one order of magnitude higher sensitivity as the molecular adsorption induced Schottky barrier height change causes the heterojunction current to vary exponentially in reverse bias. The reverse bias operation also enables low power consumption, as well as modulation of the atomically thin graphene’s Fermi level, leading to tunable sensitivity and detection of H2 down to the sub-ppm range.
Vascular Consequences of Intermittent Hypoxia

In patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), nocturnal exposure to intermittent hypoxia causes elevations in arterial pressure that persist throughout the day. Animal models have shown that this hypertensive effect requires an intact sympathetic nervous system and an intact carotid chemoreceptor reflex. The reninangiotensin system contributes importantly to hypertension in this model, because renal nerve denervation, angiotensin II receptor blockade, and suppression of the renin-angiotensin system by high salt diet all prevent the rise in blood pressure. The vascular endothelium is functionally impaired in this model and also in patients with OSA. These individuals demonstrate decreased plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites, increased production of superoxide by neutrophils, and increased levels of 8-isoprostane in breath condensate. Increased levels of pro-in- flammatory cytokines are also present. Thus, oxidant stress and inflammation are potential mediators of intermittent hypoxia-induced vascular dysfunction. Once the mechanisms of intermittent hypoxia-induced alterations in vascular structure and function are understood, strategies can be developed to reverse or prevent them. Such research has relevance not only to hypertension, but also to atherosclerosis and other important cardiovascular sequelae of OSA.
Near-Shannon/Slepian-Wolf performance for unknown correlated sources over AWGN channels

We consider the problem of joint source-channel coding of two correlated binary information sequences. Instead of compressing the information using source coding, both sequences are independently channel encoded and transmitted over two independent additive white Gaussian noise channels. No information about the correlation between the sources is required in the encoding process. The correlation between both sequences is exploited at the receiver, allowing reliable communications at signal-to-noise ratios very close to the theoretical limits established by the combination of Shannon and Slepian-Wolf theorems. This occurs even when the correlation between sources is not known at the decoder, since it can be estimated jointly with the iterative decoding process.
The comorbidity of bipolar disorder and axis II personality disorders: prevalence and clinical correlates

Objectives: Many studies have examined the prevalence and predictive validity of axis II personality disorders among unipolar depressed patients, but few have examined these issues among bipolar patients. The few studies that do exist suggest that axis II pathology complicates the diagnosis and course of bipolar disorder. This study examined the prevalence of axis II disorder in bipolar patients who were clinically remitted. Methods: We assessed the co-occurrence of personality disorder among 52 remitted DSM-III-R bipolar patients using a structured diagnostic interview, the Personality Disorder Examination (PDE). Results: Axis II disorders can be rated reliably among bipolar patients who are in remission. Co-diagnosis of personality disorder occurred in 28.8% of patients. Cluster B (dramatic, emotionally erratic) and cluster C (fearful, avoidant) personality disorders were more common than cluster A (odd, eccentric) disorders. Bipolar patients with personality disorders differed from bipolar patients without personality disorders in the severity of their residual mood symptoms, even during remission. Conclusions: When structured assessment of personality disorder is performed during a clinical remission, less than one in three bipolar patients meets full syndromal criteria for an axis II disorder. Examining rates of comorbid personality disorder in broad-based community samples of bipolar spectrum patients would further clarify the linkage between these sets of disorders.
Network reciprocity in modeling and analysis of phased array antennas

This paper addresses aspects of network reciprocity in the modeling and analysis of phased array antennas. As is well known, transformations of the network terminal quantities, voltages and currents, or incident and reflected waves, via any real orthogonal transformation preserves both the respective power relations and the formal reciprocity symmetry of the corresponding impedance or normalized scattering matrix. In contrast, a general unitary transformation does not necessarily preserve the reciprocity symmetry of the impedance or normalized scattering matrices.
MapCruncher: integrating the world's geographic information

Current large-scale interactive web mapping services such as Virtual Earth and Google Maps use large distributed systems for delivering data. However, creation and editorial control of their content is still largely centralized. The Composable Virtual Earth project's goal is to allow seamless interoperability of geographic data from arbitrary, distributed sources.MapCruncher is a first step in this direction. It lets users easily create new interactive map data that can be layered on top of existing imagery such as road maps and aerial photography. MapCruncher geographically registers and reprojects the user's map into a standard coordinate system. It then emits metadata that makes it easy for anyone on the Internet to find the published map data and import it. Interactive maps them become distributed, seamlessly composable building blocks -- similar to images in the early days of the Web.