cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition of diamond and applications: from large-grain polycrystalline diamond to nanocrystalline diamond

Summary form only given. Growth of diamond with extreme physical and chemical properties can be achieved in electrical discharges under properly controlled plasma chemistry at temperatures and pressures where graphite, instead of diamond, is thermodynamically stable. This discovery led us to wide open opportunities for applying the extreme hardness, thermal conductivity, optical and microwave transparency, chemical inertness, wear resistance, coefficient of thermal expansion, dielectric strength, carrier saturation velocities, and many other interesting properties of diamond crystals and coatings to industrial and scientific applications. Plasma density, plasma chemistry, as well as physical processes in plasmas such as ion bombardment of substrates and/or the growing diamond surfaces all play important roles in the nucleation and the growth of diamond on various substrates. Plasmas generated in gaseous mixtures such as methane and hydrogen with controlled dilution by argon as well as plasmas generated in vapor mixtures formed from properly mixed liquid solutions alone have been developed and optimized for the nucleation and growth of diamond of selected crystal orientations, grain sizes, and doping levels. A systematic experimental project has also been conducted to explore diamond nucleation and growth by plasmas generated in gas mixtures of methane and hydrogen that are highly diluted by more than 90% argon. Growth of well-faceted microcrystalline diamond films with preferred (100) or (111) crystal orientation as well as nanocrystalline diamond films could be tailored by controlling plasma parameters such as microwave power density, gas pressures and compositions, and substrate temperatures.
Nonlinear control of discrete-time linear systems with state and control constraints: a reference governor with global convergence properties

Discrete-time, linear control systems with specified pointwise-in-time constraints, such as those imposed by actuator saturation, are considered. The constraints are enforced by the addition of a nonlinear "reference governor" that attenuates, when necessary, the input commands. Because the constraints are enforced, the control system remains linear and undesirable response effects such as instability due to saturation are avoided. The structure of the governor is a modification of the continuous-time reference governor proposed by Kapasouris, Athans and Stein (1990). Its nonlinear action is defined using an appropriate, finitely determined, maximal output admissible set. As a result, the governor can be implemented on-line for systems of significant order. Algorithmic details of the implementation are described. Theorems provide comprehensive results concerning the response of the overall system which are much stronger than those given in the above paper. The main result is global in nature: if the input command converges to a statically admissible input and the initial state of the system belongs to the maximal output admissible set, the eventual action of the reference governor is a unit delay. A tenth-order, helicopter system is considered as an example. >
LATINO IMMIGRANT FAMILIES’ SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS: STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS DURING A TIME OF STRINGENT IMMIGRATION LEGISlATION AND ECONOMIC INSECURITY

Focus group data (N = 52) was used to examine the sources of support available to Latino immigrant families within their social network, the role support agents play, and families’ access to formal sources of advocacy within a context of anti-immigration legislation and economic precariousness. Results indicate that Latinos rely heavily on their family, friends, neighbors, and community entities for emotional, moral, instrumental, and financial support. Families are in need of formal sources of advocacy, particularly in regards to their experiences as immigrants and documentation status. Service providers have the potential to play a vital role in filling the gaps present in Latino immigrant families’ social network and linking families to much needed services and resources.
Evaluating the success of urban success stories: Is reputation a guide to best practice?

Abstract Do the reputations of central cities that have reportedly revitalized match reality? Can reputation alone be used to select best practices in urban public policy? In replicating research conducted a decade ago, we asked a panel of urban and economic development experts to identify, out of the universe of large, distressed central cities in 1990, those that had successfully revitalized between 1990 and 2000. We compared the performance of these successful cities with the performance of cities not perceived to be successful on a composite index of the change in the economic well‐being of residents from 1990 to 2000, as well as on a weighted index of economic, social, fiscal, and demographic change between 1990 and 2000. Regardless of which index was used, there was a low correlation between reputation and reality. We draw lessons from this experiment on relying on best practice reputations in formulating and propagating public policies.
Plutonium velocity in Zea mays (corn) and implications for plant uptake of Pu in the root zone

A transport velocity of Pu complexed with the siderophore DFOB has been measured in corn to be at least 174 cm/h. Based on a calculated plant water velocity, a Pu retardation factor of 1-10 was estimated. Dominant Pu species retardation in soil is typically several orders of magnitude higher than this, implying that plants can be a vector for exceptionally rapid upward Pu mobility.
An Econometric Investigation of Easterlin's ‘Synthesis Framework’: The Philippines and the United States

In this paper we estimate a fertility model based on Easterlin's synthesis framework. The model assumes that not all couples are able to achieve their desired number of living children because of supply constraints and that, for other couples, the number of living children may exceed desired fertility, depending upon child mortality, the level of fertility in the absence of control, and the degree of contraceptive regulation practised. Estimates of the model for samples of women with completed fertility taken from the Philippines (1973) and the United States (1965) indicated that a higher proportion of Filipino women than women in the U.S. were unable to achieve desired fertility because of supply constraints, that levels of fertility control of Filipino women not supply-constrained were lower, and that excess fertility of Filipino women was much higher. Demand-for-children equations based on the constraints model were quite different from those not taking into account the possibility that some women were...
Short-Time Dynamics of Partial Wetting

When a liquid drop contacts a wettable surface, the liquid spreads over the solid to minimize the total surface energy. The first moments of spreading tend to be rapid. For example, a millimeter-sized water droplet will wet an area having the same diameter as the drop within a millisecond. For perfectly wetting systems, this spreading is inertially dominated. Here we identify that even in the presence of a contact line, the initial wetting is dominated by inertia rather than viscosity. We find that the spreading radius follows a power-law scaling in time where the exponent depends on the equilibrium contact angle. We propose a model, consistent with the experimental results, in which the surface spreading is regulated by the generation of capillary waves.
Comparative studies in two cases of testicular feminization syndrome, one with and the other without the fluorescent distal band q12 of the Y

In two patients with testicular feminization syndrome, one Yq12-positive and the other Yq12-negative, we compared phenotype, gonadal histology and ultrastructure, in vivo steroid response of the testes to the administration of exogenous gonadotropin during adrenal suppression, and of the adrenal gland to ACTH. The assumption that the constitutive Y heterochromatin could function as a regulator of steroid biosynthesis and metabolism, with or without effect at other levels, was not firmly supported by the observations reported here. However, further studies along this line may help elucidate the biologic role of this portion of the Y chromosome in humans.
After Church History? Writing the History of Christianity from a Global Perspective

Recent efforts to write the global history of Christianity respond to demographic changes in Christianity and use “global” in three ways. First, “global” suggests efforts at more comprehensive historical retrieval, especially to place the beginnings of Christian communities not within mission history but within the church history in those areas. Second, “global” can refer to the broader comparative perspectives on Christianity's history, especially the history of religions. Finally, “global” can indicate attempts to retell the entire Christian story from a self-consciously worldwide perspective. Recent works also raise new theological and pragmatic challenges to the discipline of church history.
One-to-one computing: what does it bring to schools?

This study investigates students’ use of one-to-one laptops for various activities and the impact of one-to-one computing on student learning and school culture. Based on data collected from surveys and interviews of teachers, students, and parents in a Midwestern middle school over one academic year, this study answers the following major questions: 1) How did students use their laptops? 2) What impact did the one-to-one laptop program have on student learning and school culture? 3) What were the perceptions of and concerns over one-to-one computing? A sound understanding of these issues is increasingly important as more and more schools are joining in this one-to-one computing initiative and more money is being invested. Results revealed that students used their laptops for various tasks related to learning, communication, expression, and exploration. Students gained significantly in their technology proficiency. The one-to-one laptops have provided great opportunities and resources for teaching and learning, but also raised issues such as student discipline problems, concerns on digital literacy, and fear of over-dependency on information technology.
Parent‐teacher involvement benefits everyone

Most educators accept that active involvement of parents in their children's education improves children's development and their academic success. Strong family backgrounds — i.e., the mother's education#shemployment focuses on school‐type skills that are used to teach the children and the father encourages learning — influence high academic success for children. The roles parents assume in their children's education are key to children's overall development and achievements. Parents, involved as “teachers,” policy‐makers, partners with school staff, and community liaisons, enable schools to address the developmental needs of their children. With improved preparation, teachers can be taught to work with parents and use them as allies in promoting their children's growth and development. They learn to encourage parents to provide good educational environments at home for their children and to teach them in out‐of‐school settings. As school personnel form partnerships with children's parents — everyone will...
Ataxia and c‐Fos Expression in Mice Drinking Ethanol in a Limited Access Session

Background: Although previous murine studies have demonstrated ethanol self-administration resulting in blood ethanol concentrations (BECs) believed to be pharmacologically relevant, to our knowledge, no study reported to date has demonstrated intoxication via ataxia after self-administration. Thus, the goal of this study was to demonstrate ataxia and to examine changes in c-Fos expression in mice after self-administration of intoxicating doses of ethanol. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were trained to drink a 10% ethanol solution during daily 30-min limited access sessions. Mice were exposed to increasing concentrations of ethanol until a 10% ethanol solution was reached. BEC and ataxia, measured as foot slips off of a balance beam, were examined after the limited access self-administration session. In a separate experiment, various brain structures from mice drinking water or ethanol were examined for changes in c-Fos expression two hr after the limited access session. Results: Mice drank between 1.5 and 2 g/kg of 10% ethanol during the daily 30-min session. BECs for these mice 15 min after the limited access session ranged between 0.52 and 2.13 mg/ml. A significant increase in foot slips off a balance beam was seen immediately after ethanol consumption during the limited access session. Among mice drinking ethanol, an increase in c-Fos expression was seen in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus, and a decrease in c-Fos expression was seen in the cingulate cortex, ventral tegmental area, lateral and medial septum, CA1 region of the hippocampus, and basolateral amygdala. Conclusions: After this procedure in mice, BECs are achieved that are in a range considered pharmacologically relevant and intoxicating. Significant ataxia was observed after ethanol self-administration. Brain regions showing changes in c-Fos expression after voluntary intoxication were similar to those previously reported, suggesting that these brain regions are involved in regulating behavioral effects of alcohol intoxication.
The relation between the second ionization potential of a metal ion to its interaction with serum

Abstract A correlation has been demonstrated between the ionization potentials of single-charged cations M+ of a series of transition elements and the interaction of the corresponding double-charged cations M2+ with serum, measured by the smallest amount of cation which will cause clear serum to become turbid. Additive and antagonistic effects have been demonstrated. The ionization potential of cations has been discussed in relation to their chemical and binding properties. The second ionization potential of the metal atom M is parallel to the field strength of M2+.
Feline primary open angle glaucoma

Objectives We have documented the histomorphological features of feline primary open angle glaucoma. Design A retrospective morphologic study of eight affected eyes from eight cats, from 1992 to 2006 extracted from a pathology collection, which includes 4000 feline submissions and 1100 cases of feline glaucoma. Procedure Sections of affected globes, stained with H&E or with alcian blue were examined with a light microscope. Eyes that did not fulfill the criteria for primary open angle glaucoma were excluded from the study. Results The mean age was 9.1 years. Five cats were female and three cats were male. The breeds included five DSH, two Burmese, and one DLH cat. Significant histomorphological findings included an open irido-corneal angle with an open ciliary cleft in all cases, loss of ganglion cells in eight of eight cases, cupping and gliosis of the optic nerve head in four of four cases in which the optic nerve was adequately sampled, and myxomatous changes of the stroma surrounding the vortex veins in seven of eight cases. Conclusions Primary open angle glaucoma in cats is a rare disease that should be taken into consideration when investigating cases of feline glaucoma. The pathogenesis of aqueous outflow obstruction in these cases is not known. This study describes eight additional cases of feline primary open angle glaucoma in cats without an identified cause.
Bounds for effective parameters of heterogeneous media by analytic continuation

We give a mathematical formulation of a method for obtaining bounds on effective parameters developed by D. Bergman and G. W. Milton. This method, in contrast to others used before, does not rely on a variational principle, but exploits the properties of the effective parameter as an analytic function of the component parameters. The method is at present restricted to two-component media.
Mitochondrial Ca2+homeostasis in the regulation of apoptotic and necrotic cell deaths

Using distinct models of apoptosis and necrosis, we have investigated the effect of mitochondrial Ca(2+)(Ca(m)) homeostasis in the regulation of cell death in neuroblastoma cells as well as cardiac myocytes. The steady state level of Ca(m)was determined as the FCCP-releasable Ca(2+). Culturing cells with low concentration of extracellular Ca(2+)(Ca(o)) or with EGTA triggered an early reduction in both the Ca(m)store and the membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)). This was followed by the detection of cytochrome c release, caspase activation, and apoptosis. Inhibitors of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore such as cyclosporin A and Bcl-2 blocked the release of Ca(m)and inhibited apoptosis. In contrast, mitochondrial Ca(2+)overload resulted in necrotic cell death. Culturing cells in the presence of excess Ca(o)led to increased Ca(m)load together with a decrease of DeltaPsi(m)that reached maximum at 1 h, with necrosis occurring at 2 h. While the decline of Ca(m)and DeltaPsi(m)was a coupled reaction for apoptosis, this relationship was uncoupled during necrosis. Clonazepam, a relatively specific inhibitor of the mitochondrial Na/Ca exchanger, was able to protect the cells from necrosis by reducing Ca(m)overload. Importantly, combination of clonazepam and cyclosporin showed a cooperative effect in further reducing the Ca(m)overload and abolished cell death. The data imply the participation of Ca(m)homeostasis in the regulation of apoptosis and necrosis.
The immobilization antigen of Paramecium aurelia is a single polypeptide chain.

SYNOPSIS The immobilization antigen (i-antigen) fraction of Paramecium aurelia syngen 4 is shown to contain a protease that is activated by mercaptoethanol. After the protease has been heat-inactivated, the molecular weight of the i-antigen (∼250,000 daltons) cannot be decreased by mercaptoethanol treatment. It is demonstrated that the i-antigen is a single polypeptide chain. Reasons are also given why low molecular weight subunits were previously reported by other authors.
Highly nonlinear interactions in n-type InSb with a picosecond CO 2 laser

The electron-hole plasma generation mechanism in n-type InSb was studied with picosecond CO 2 laser pulses. It was found that at very high intensities the electron ionization can be adequately described by a tunneling mechanism. The relevance of the present study to the understanding of laser-matter interaction at high intensities and the laser-induced damage process in semiconductors are discussed.
Intrinsic Sol−Gel Clad Fiber-Optic Sensors with Time-Resolved Detection

Sol−gel clad fiber-optic waveguides are investigated as intrinsic distributed fiber-optic chemical sensors. The porous sol−gel cladding allows diffusion of analytes into the evanescent field region close to the fiber-optic core. Pulsed optical excitation (0.5 ns) and time-resolved emission detection can be used to simultaneously monitor several multiplexed sensor clad regions along a single optical fiber. Time-resolved detection is also demonstrated as a means of resolving both the spatial location and the fluorescence kinetics of intrinsic sensor chromophores along the fiber-optic waveguide. Narrow band excitation and spectrally resolved emission provide additional experimental means for discriminating between specific sensor clad regions. A fluorescein-doped silica xerogel clad pH sensor and an undoped aluminosilica xerogel clad quinone sensor are demonstrated as intrinsic sol−gel clad fiber-optic sensors.
The Creatine Kinase System in Normal and Diseased Human Myocardium

We measured creatine kinase activity, isozyme composition, and total creatine content in biopsy samples of left ventricular myocardium from 34 adults in four groups: subjects with normal left ventricles, patients with left ventricular hypertrophy due to aortic stenosis, patients with coronary artery disease without left ventricular hypertrophy, and patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular hypertrophy due to aortic stenosis. As compared with specimens of normal left ventricles, those from all patients with left ventricular hypertrophy had lower creatine kinase activity, higher MB creatine kinase isozyme content and activity, and lower creatine content. Specimens from the patients without left ventricular hypertrophy had normal creatine kinase activity, increased MB creatine kinase isozyme content and activity, and decreased total creatine content. The normal ventricles showed almost no MB isozyme content or activity. These data suggest that changes in the creatine kinase system occur in both pressure-overload hypertrophy and coronary artery disease. Patients with myocardial infarction who have mild or no preexisting fixed coronary artery disease or pressure-overload hypertrophy would not be expected to have elevation of serum MB creatine kinase.
A Bilingual "Neighborhood Club": Intervening with Children Exposed to Urban Violence

Mental health practitioners have offered relatively little in response to the pervasive community violence faced by many children living in impoverished neighborhoods. The “neighborhood club” is a school-based, short-term, support group designed to assist children with the psychological impact of exposure to community violence. Ten “neighborhood clubs” were conducted in two public elementary schools in Detroit, Michigan. This paper reviews the implementation of a bilingual “neighborhood club,” undertaken to better serve the Spanishspeaking Latino students in a school community. We discuss many of the rewards and challenges of conducting a bilingual, multicultural support group for children and conclude that a bilingual support group provides all children with a model that validates ethnic and cultural diversity while also building empathic bonds based on mutually-reinforcing, common experiences.
Synthesis and structure of inorganic and organometallic N,N′-bis(3, 5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)ethylenediamine yttrium complexes

Abstract The utility of the chloride precursor [(salen′)Y(μ-Cl)(THF)]2, 1 (salen′=N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)ethylenediamine), in preparing amide, aryloxide, and organometallic derivatives of this ancillary ligand system is described. 1 reacts with KN(SiMe3)2 to form (salen′)Y[N(SiMe3)2](THF), 2, but does not readily form an aryloxide derivative by reaction with LiOAr′ (OAr′=2,6-di-tert-butylphenoxide). However, (salen′)Y(OAr′), 3, can be obtained by reaction of Y(OAr′)3 with H2salen′ and crystallizes from toluene–THF as (salen′)Y(OAr′)(THF), 4. 4 can also be prepared by reaction of 2 with HOAr′ in THF. The hexafluoroacetylacetonate (hfac) complex, (salen′)Y(hfac)(THF)2, 5, and the organometallic derivative, (salen′)Y(C5Me5), 6, can be prepared by reaction of 1 with Na(hfac) and KC5Me5, respectively.
Decision-tree analysis of control strategies

A major focus of research on visually guided action is the identification of control strategies that map optical information to actions. The traditional approach has been to test the behavioral predictions of a few hypothesized strategies against subject behavior in environments in which various manipulations of available information have been made. While important and compelling results have been achieved with these methods, they are potentially limited by small sets of hypotheses and the methods used to test them. In this study, we introduce a novel application of data-mining techniques in an analysis of experimental data that is able to both describe and model human behavior. This method permits the rapid testing of a wide range of possible control strategies using arbitrarily complex combinations of optical variables. Through the use of decision-tree techniques, subject data can be transformed into an easily interpretable, algorithmic form. This output can then be immediately incorporated into a working model of subject behavior. We tested the effectiveness of this method in identifying the optical information used by human subjects in a collision-avoidance task. Our results comport with published research on collision-avoidance control strategies while also providing additional insight not possible with traditional methods. Further, the modeling component of our method produces behavior that closely resembles that of the subjects upon whose data the models were based. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that data-mining techniques provide powerful new tools for analyzing human data and building models that can be applied to a wide range of perception-action tasks, even outside the visual-control setting we describe.
Notes on the two-phase model for radiation-induced dimensional changes in graphite☆

Abstract The historical development and modifications to the “single-phase model” of the graphite structure, used to interpret and predict behavior during neutron irradiation, are outlined. In the singlephase model all parts of the artificial graphite aggregate are assumed to behave as if they were part of a graphite crystal lattice. It is shown that changes occurring in the non-graphitic carbon phase, relief of internal stresses induced during cool-down from graphitization temperature, and chances in the crack structure of the graphite aggregate must also be considered in interpretation of dimensional changes produced during high-temperature irradiations.
Child Psychiatry Perspectives: Women at Fault: Societal Stereotypes and Clinical Conclusions

Abstract When the theories related to mother-generated pathology, the nuclear family, separation and attachment, and sex roles are examined, it becomes clear that many mental health concepts and practices concerning women reflect societal beliefs, whether or not these beliefs may be biased. Although the mother-child relationship has traditionally been viewed as the most crucial relationship in the life of a child, recent research has emphasized the importance of the father-child relationship, and the ability (perhaps even desirability) of the child to form successful attachments with persons other than the mother, or in addition to her. Rigid sex-role stereotypes and the nuclear family style, which have permitted the exclusive mother-child bond to thrive in the past, are increasingly viewed as legitimate options among a myriad of other equally viable sex-role patterns and family styles.
Thermal stability of maglev SCMs with vibration-induced disturbances

Abstract In magnetic levitation (Maglev) systems, the interaction between the superconducting magnets (SCMs) and the discrete ground coils causes electromagnetic and mechanical vibrations. These disturbances can limit the performance of the Maglev. We examine how the electromagnetic oscillations are translated into mechanical vibrations and the subsequent effects on thermal stability. Dynamic circuit theory is used to determine the harmonic forces on the SCM. The vibrational response of the SCM to these forces is analyzed via normal mode calculations. The energy dissipation within the conductor due to hysteresis damping is then determined, forming the input to a two-dimensional thermal stability analysis. This paper focuses on the extension of the thermal stability model from one to two dimensions and results obtained from modeling the performance of MLU002. Results of this analysis show how variations in mechanical properties of the conductor affect the stability of MLU002 as a function of velocity. It was found that vibrational resonance occurs at certain combinations of Young's modulus and vehicle velocity, quenching the magnets. The ability to predict the velocity at which resonances occur allows future Maglev designs to avoid such quenches by shifting the critical velocity above that intended for operation.
Validity of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales in American Sign Language

Few instruments have been translated and validated for people who use American Sign Language (ASL) as their preferred language. This study examined the reliability and validity of a new ASL version of the widely used Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scales. Deaf individuals (N = 311) were shown the ASL version via videotape, and their responses were recorded. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the four-factor structure of the MHLC. Scale reliabilities (Cronbach's alphas) ranged from 0.60 to 0.93. There were no apparent gender or ethnic differences. These results provide support for the new ASL version of the MHLC scales.
The Influence Caused by each Assembly Misalignment on the HGT Hypoid Gear's Meshing Performance

The assembly misalignment is the key factor that influences the meshing performance of gear, the meshing performance worked on no-load or light load conditions is more completely expressed by contact pattern and transmission error. According to the contact pattern and transmission error, the influence of assembly misalignment to the meshing performance of hypoid gear is studied, this method break the limitations relying on experience to adjust the installation. Based on the machining principle and method of Gleason hypoid gears which machined by the HGT method, the mathematical model of machining was established, and the theoretical tooth surface equations were derived, on this basis, the hypoid gear as an example, the tooth contact analysis (TCA) was carried out considering assembly misalignment, the conclusion was drew that the influence to the position of tooth surface contact area and the magnitude of transmission errors are different when the Assembly misalignment affecting alone. This can offer certain reference for the installation and adjustment of hypoid gear pair in engineering practice.
Tetralogy of Fallot—indications for operation∗

Abstract Severe anoxemia is the main indication for operation in infancy. Failure to gain weight or severe attacks of paroxysmal dyspnea are an indication of severe anoxemia. A Potts anastomosis is the operation of choice in early-infancy. If the baby does reasonably well, operation can be postponed until the subclavian artery is sufficiently large for a Blalock-Taussig anastomosis. Extreme polycythemia is the main indication for operation in late infancy and early childhood. Young children who are severely incapacitated almost invariably have an extremely severe pulmonary stenosis and a very small pulmonary artery; for such children a Blalock-Taussig operation, performed on the opposite side to the aortic arch, is the operation of choice. The preference for a Blalock-Taussig operation is not based as much on the skill of the surgeon as on the structure of the heart. The major considerations are whether the lungs can adjust abruptly to the normal cardiac output and how the heart, which has been patched, will grow. Total correction is the ideal operation for older patients. For such an operation to be possible, the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery must be sufficiently large, and the septal defect must not be too large. A child with an acyanotic tetralogy of Fallot almost always has a good sized pulmonary artery and can have total correction at an earlier date than a severely cyanotic child with a small pulmonary artery. A child who is changing from increased pulmonary blood flow to decreased flow may also have the septal defect closed at an earlier age than a patient with a tiny pulmonary artery. All patients who have been improved by a shunt operation do not have a tetralogy of Fallot. Therefore, such patients must be carefully evaluated to make certain that the structure of the heart is such that correction is possible. A child who has had a previous shunt operation should have total correction if his exercise tolerance declines, the hemoglobin and hematocrit again rise, or signs of progressive cardiac strain appear. A decline in exercise tolerance may be caused by a decrease in the size of the shunt or an increase in pulmonary hypertension. A decrease in the size of the shunt decreases the load on the heart; and while the continuous murmur is still audible, the heart becomes smaller and the lungs clearer. With development of pulmonary hypertension the continuous murmur disappears while the lungs remain engorged and the pulmonary arteries are prominent. So long as the patient does well and the cardiac condition remains stationary, total correction is not needed.
Multimodal interaction with BCL-2 family proteins underlies the proapoptotic activity of PUMA BH3.

PUMA is a proapoptotic BCL-2 family member that drives the apoptotic response to a diversity of cellular insults. Deciphering the spectrum of PUMA interactions that confer its context-dependent proapoptotic properties remains a high priority goal. Here, we report the synthesis of PUMA SAHBs, structurally stabilized PUMA BH3 helices that, in addition to broadly targeting antiapoptotic proteins, directly bind to proapoptotic BAX. NMR, photocrosslinking, and biochemical analyses revealed that PUMA SAHBs engage an α1/α6 trigger site on BAX to initiate its functional activation. We further demonstrated that a cell-permeable PUMA SAHB analog induces apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells and, like expressed PUMA protein, engages BCL-2, MCL-1, and BAX. Thus, we find that PUMA BH3 is a dual antiapoptotic inhibitor and proapoptotic direct activator, and its mimetics may serve as effective pharmacologic triggers of apoptosis in resistant human cancers.
Critical behavior of the specific heat of dysprosium near the néel temperature

Abstract The heat capacity has been measured in Dy near its Neel temperature. Careful analysis of the data shows an apparent change in the sign of the exponent α at t d ∼ 0.005. The outer region behaves universally with ϵ = 1, n = 2 systems, having α = α ′ = − 0.02 ± 0.01, and the inner region has α = α ′ = + 0.18 ± 0.08, in agreement with predictions for anisotropic dipolar-dominated systems.
Empirical equations for representing viscoelastic functions and for deriving spectra

Several equations containing two empirical constants are considered for representing G(t), G′(ω), J′(ω), and J(t) in the glass-to-rubber dispersion zone. With these equations, data on the NBS polyisobutylene can be closely represented. The relaxation spectrum H(τ) and the retardation spectrum L(τ) were derived exactly from the equations for G′(ω) and J′(ω), respectively. The derived equations have the same functional form, and thus H(τ) and L(τ) can be interconverted, under certain conditions, by employing an auxiliary equation that interrelates the relaxation and retardation times at which the spectra maximize. An exact transformation of an equation for G(t) gave a second equation for H(τ); from the constants in this equation, L(τ) was calculated. The methods for obtaining and interconverting H(τ) and L(τ) for polyisobutylene gave results that agree satisfactorily with literature data obtained by the usual approximation methods.
University students’ notebook computer use

Recent evidence suggests that university students are self-reporting experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort with computer use similar to levels reported by adult workers. The objective of this study was to determine how university students use notebook computers and to determine what ergonomic strategies might be effective in reducing self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort in this population. Two hundred and eighty-nine university students randomly assigned to one of three towers by the university's Office of Housing participated in this study. The results of this investigation showed a significant reduction in self-reported notebook computer-related discomfort from pre- and post-survey in participants who received notebook computer accessories and in those who received accessories and participatory ergonomics training. A significant increase in post-survey rest breaks was seen. There was a significant correlation between self-reported computer usage and the amount measured using computer usage software (odometer). More research is needed however to determine the most effective ergonomics intervention for university students.
Proliferation in the neural tube of the splotch (Sp) mutant mouse.

The length of each period in the cell cycle was determined radioautographically for mesencephilic ventricular cells in splotch normal (Sp/+;+/+) and abnormal (Sp/Sp) mouse embryos. At ten and 11 days' gestation, the length of the generation time in the abnormal brain was approximately 3.5 hours longer than that in the normal littermates. This overall prolongation was the result of an increase in the DNA-synthetic (S), mitotic (M), and postmitotic (G1) periods. The increase in the length of mitotis appeared to be responsible for the increased numbers of mitotic figures which characterize this condition. The abnormal brains, however, showed a typical chronological lengthening of the cell cycle of approximately the same magnitude as is the case during normal development of the neural tube.
Nonuniqueness in spin-density-functional theory on lattices

In electronic many-particle systems, the mapping between densities and spin magnetizations, ${n(\mathbf{r}),\mathbf{m}(\mathbf{r})}$, and potentials and magnetic fields, ${v(\mathbf{r}),\mathbf{B}(\mathbf{r})}$, is known to be nonunique, which has fundamental and practical implications for spin-density-functional theory (SDFT). This paper studies the nonuniqueness (NU) in SDFT on arbitrary lattices. Two new, nontrivial cases are discovered, here called local saturation and global noncollinear NU, and their properties are discussed and illustrated. In the continuum limit, only some well-known special cases of NU survive.
The Role of Apoptosis in the Pathogenesis of Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy of the Cornea

Objective To investigate the potential role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy of the cornea. Methods Twenty-one corneal buttons from patients with Fuchs dystrophy and 15 control corneas were studied. Apoptosis was assessed by the in situ end-labeling of double-stranded DNA breaks, and by immunohistochemical characterization of cellular markers associated with apoptosis (Fas, FasL, Bcl-2, and Bax). Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA in the corneal stroma and endothelium was separately analyzed by a semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, cultivated keratocytes generated from diseased corneal buttons and donor rims were exposed to camptothecin, an apoptotic inducer, for 6 and 24 hours. They were then examined for protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of apoptotic regulatory molecules. Results DNA fragmentation was seen in the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium in 6 of 7 corneas with Fuchs dystrophy. A statistically significant difference was identified in the expression of Bax and its mRNA in the stroma, but not in the endothelium of Fuchs dystrophy corneas. Following exposure to camptothecin, keratocytes from patients with Fuchs dystrophy responded with an increased level of Bax and a low level of Bcl-2. This trend was distinctively different from the response of normal keratocytes. Conclusions The evidence in this study points to a disease-related disturbance in the regulation of apoptosis in Fuchs dystrophy. Our findings suggest that excessive apoptosis may be an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of Fuchs dystrophy.
A rationale for mediation and its optimal use

Abstract We propose a novel explanation for how pre-trial mediation might increase the likelihood of settlement. The mediator verifies the plaintiff's private information about the court's judgement and communicates this to the defendant, without disclosing confidential details that would disadvantage the plaintiff in court. This increases the plaintiff's incentives to reveal information and increases settlement rates. We then compare total dispute resolution costs without mediation, with compulsory mediation, and with mediation on request by the plaintiff. If the cost of mediation can be allocated optimally among the parties, then compulsory mediation is never optimal, but prohibition may be. However, compulsory mediation can be optimal when the allocation of costs is fixed. A regime of mediation on the request of either party is an equally efficient alternative to compulsory mediation. In contrast, mediation by mutual consent can be less efficient than prohibited mediation.
Nursing judgment in selection of patient classification variables.

This article presents research performed to identify those patient classification variables that are most relevant for differentiating various patient categories. The nursing care time needed by patients in different categories was measured by judgment of head nurses. The data for this research were collected over a period of 2 weeks during day and afternoon shifts on a busy surgical ward in a 300-bed suburban acute-care general hospital. The data included an extensive list of auditable patient status items, as well as head nurse judgments. Statistical analysis of the data indicated that only a fe patient classification variables are necessary to be included in classification instruments. The study also revealed that different sets of classification variables are essential for different nursing shifts on the same unit.
Complexity-distortion tradeoffs in variable complexity 2-D DCT

Variable complexity algorithms (VCAs) (i.e. algorithms which take a variable, input-dependent amount of time to complete a task) have been proposed to reduce the average computational complexity of compression algorithms for images and videos. In this paper we introduce a new 2-D variable-complexity DCT that can be used to replace the regular discrete cosine transform (DCT), if only a part of DCT coefficients need to be computed. Consequently, the computational complexity of the DCT can be reduced at the cost in degradation of the reconstructed image quality. We investigate fine-grained complexity-distortion tradeoffs for the proposed variable-complexity, separable DCT (VS-DCT). The evaluation includes a theoretical computational complexity analysis of the VS-DCT in terms of the number of additions and multiplications (note in this paper computational complexity does not refer to the polynomial order of operations) and empirical complexity-distortion curves of the VS-DCT running on two distinct platforms, including a desktop personal computer and an embedded system. The results of evaluation show that our VS-DCT can reduce the computational complexity of a regular DCT by up to 10% for every 3dB decrease in the PSNR (peak signal-to-noise ratio) of the reconstructed images.
A Cyclical Continuum in Multidisciplinary Engineering Education

A continuum in education can be viewed as a continuation of education from lower to higher level learning. To reinforce student learning, repeated exposure of concepts helps retention of material. It is in this context that this paper describes a system at Kettering University, whereby a freshman project in the Interdisciplinary Design and Manufacturing course is revisited in the multidisciplinary senior capstone project. The product used by the freshman is now re-engineered and improved by the seniors. These seniors are well qualified to make improvements since they were the users and now they have matured in their education and are in the position to contribute towards change. Alternative designs are created and one is selected through rigorous methods to be fabricated for freshman use. It is this feedback in the education cycle that closes the loop for educators. This Cyclical Continuum enables student engineers to created designs based on the needs and wants of the customers.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Systematic ‘abnormal’ returns after quarterly earnings announcements

Abstract Numerous studies observe abnormal returns after the announcement of quarterly earnings. Ball (1978) suggests those returns are not evidence of market inefficiency, but instead are due to deficiencies in the capital asset-pricing model. This paper tests whether abnormal returns are observed when steps are taken to reduce the effect of deficiencies in the capital asset-pricing model. Significant abnormal returns are observed, but do not cover the transactions costs unless one can avoid direct transactions costs (e.g., a broker). The paper also investigates whether those abnormal returns can be attributed to a deficiency in the capital asset-pricing model. The conclusion is they cannot.
Ultraviolet Mutagenesis in Bacteriophage T4 II. Photoreversal of Mutational Lesions

Drake, John W. (University of Illinois, Urbana). Ultraviolet mutagenesis in bacteriophage T4. II. Photoreversal of mutational lesions. J. Bacteriol. 92: 144–147. 1966.—T4 r mutations were induced by ultraviolet irradiation of extracellular phage particles, using a phage mutant, v , which is particularly susceptible to photoreactivation. Most of the induced r mutations could be subsequently photoreversed intracellularly with white light. Ultraviolet irradiation induces both transitions and sign mutations, and both were susceptible to photoreversal. The results suggest that two very different types of mutational lesions may arise from a common type of photochemical lesion.
Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Associated with Bark Beetles*

Nitrogen-fixingEnterobacter agglomerans andEnterobacter spp. were consistently isolated from the bark beetleDendroctonus terebrans. Large populations of nitrogen-fixing bacteria were found with the beetle, although no in situ acetylene reduction was demonstrated. The constant occurrence of nitrogenfixing bacteria withD. terebrans suggests a symbiotic relationship. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria were also isolated from the bark beetlesDendroctonus frontalis andIps avulsus.
Predicting disease severity of necrotizing enterocolitis: How to identify infants for future novel therapies

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a very devastating problem within the very low birth weight neonatal population. Several experimental therapies are being tested in animal models and soon may be ready for human trials. Despite this progress, we currently have no way to identify infants who would be optimal targets for therapy. Specifically, we are unable to predict which infants will progress to the more severe Bell's stage of disease that may necessitate surgery. Ideally, an algorithm could be constructed that would encompass multiple neonatal and maternal risk factors as well as potential biologic markers of disease so that these infants could be identified in a more timely fashion. This review summarizes the known risk factors and biomarkers of disease in hopes of stimulating clinical research to identify such an "early warning" NEC algorithm.
Infertility in Adult Hypodactyly Mice Is Associated with Hypoplasia of Distal Reproductive Structures

Abstract Hypodactyly (Hoxa13(Hd)) mice have a 50-base-pair deletion in Hoxa13, and rare surviving homozygotes of both sexes are infertile. Heterozygous mutant mice are fertile; however, Hoxa13(Hd/+) females exhibit an anterior transformation of cervical tissue to a uterine stromal phenotype that is accentuated in the homozygote and occasionally includes uterine-specific glands in the transformed cervical region. The columnar-to-squamosal epithelial transition that characterizes mature cervical-vaginal tissue is positioned within uterine-like stroma rather than cervical tissue in these mutants, suggesting that this postnatal developmental transition occurs independent of the underlying stromal characteristics. Hoxa13(Hd/Hd) adult females produce apparently functional germ cells as determined by superovulation and ovarian histology, but they exhibit profound hypoplasia of the cervix and vaginal cavity. Using whole-mount in situ hybridization, we localized Hoxa13 expression to the cervical and vaginal tissues, consistent with the observed defects. In Hoxa13(Hd/Hd) males, the penian bone is severely hypoplastic and misshapen. The penian bone develops by a combination of endochondral and intramembranous ossification, but the defects observed in Hoxa13(Hd/Hd) males are limited to the region of endochondral bone formation. Our results indicate that infertility in Hypodactyly mutants is related to hypoplasia of the vaginal cavity and cervix in females and deficiency of the os penis in males.