cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of additives on polymer matrix mobility and the glass transition

In the region near an interface, the microscopic properties of a glass forming liquid may be perturbed from their equilibrium bulk values. In this work, we probe how the interfacial effects of additive particles dispersed in a matrix can influence the local mobility of the material and its glass transition temperature, Tg. Experimental measurements and simulation results indicate that additives, such as nanoparticles, gas molecules, and oligomers, can shift the mobility and Tg of a surrounding polymer matrix (even for relatively small concentrations of additive; e.g., 5–10% by volume) relative to the pure bulk matrix, thus leading to Tg enhancement or suppression. Additives thus provide a potential route for modifying the properties of a polymer material without significantly changing its chemical composition. Here we apply the Limited Mobility (LM) model to simulate a matrix containing additive species. We show that both additive concentration, as well as the strength of its very local influence on the surrounding matrix material, will determine whether the Tg of the system is raised or lowered, relative to the pure matrix. We demonstrate that incorporation of additives into the simple LM simulation method, which has successfully described the behavior of bulk and thin film glassy solids, leads to direct connections with available experimental and simulation results for a broad range of polymer/additive systems.
Is Auditor Moral Hazard the Only Reason to Ban Contingent Fees for Audit Services

In most countries, auditors are banned from accepting a report contingent fee from their clients. The main reason for this ban might be that such contingent fees would compromise auditor independence by motivating the auditors to issue an unjust favourable report. In this paper we argue that in addition, in a market characterized by information asymmetry, allowing favourable reports to command higher fees, would compromise the informational efficiency of the market by making separation of firm types more difficult. We arrive at our conclusion through a model where informed managers appoint auditors to signal their true value. We analyse the resulting equilibria of the signalling game and argue that the Differentiated Semi-Separation (DSS) equilibrium is the most intuitive and interesting one. Our main results are presented through three examples.
Coherent Raman scattering microscopy: capable solution in search of a larger audience.

Significance: Coherent Raman scattering (CRS) microscopy is an optical imaging technique with capabilities that could benefit a broad range of biomedical research studies. Aim: We reflect on the birth, rapid rise, and inescapable growing pains of the technique and look back on nearly four decades of developments to examine where the CRS imaging approach might be headed in the next decade to come. Approach: We provide a brief historical account of CRS microscopy, followed by a discussion of the challenges to disseminate the technique to a larger audience. We then highlight recent progress in expanding the capabilities of the CRS microscope and assess its current appeal as a practical imaging tool. Results: New developments in Raman tagging have improved the specificity and sensitivity of the CRS technique. In addition, technical advances have led to CRS microscopes that can capture hyperspectral data cubes at practical acquisition times. These improvements have broadened the application space of the technique. Conclusion: The technical performance of the CRS microscope has improved dramatically since its inception, but these advances have not yet translated into a substantial user base beyond a strong core of enthusiasts. Nonetheless, new developments are poised to move the unique capabilities of the technique into the hands of more users.
Management Issues and Controversies in Low-Risk Patients with Essential Thrombocythemia and Polycythemia Vera.

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV) are the most common myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Treatment of ET and PV is based on the risk for subsequent thrombosis. High-risk patients, defined as older than 60, JAK2 V617F–positive patients, or patients with a history of prior thrombosis, merit cytoreduction to control blood counts, whereas a watchful waiting paradigm is utilized in low-risk patients. However, low-risk patients have a host of other specific management issues that arise during their disease course. This review will discuss the most common management issues specific to the care of low-risk patients, including anti-platelet therapy dosing, pregnancy, and indications for early cytoreduction. Although low-dose aspirin is well established in PV, its indications and dosing regimens are less clear in ET. Recent evidence has supported twice daily low-dose aspirin in ET and observation alone in very low–risk ET patients. Pregnancy is not contraindicated in MPNs, and we recommend aspirin throughout pregnancy with consideration for prophylactic postpartum anticoagulation. High phlebotomy needs, symptom burden, and extreme thrombocytosis are common reasons for initiation of cytoreduction in low-risk patients, although we typically do not start cytoreduction for an isolated high platelet count alone. Recent data has also demonstrated a potential disease-modifying effect of interferons in MPNs, with some experts now advocating the early use of interferon in low-risk patients, although more mature data is needed before practice guidelines change. We evaluate the literature to inform clinical decision-making regarding these controversies, including most recent data that has challenged the “watchful waiting” paradigm. Our discussion provides guidance on common clinical scenarios seen in low-risk ET and PV patients, who face a myriad of complex management decisions in their care.
Extensions to generalizations of hypergeometric and basic hypergeometric functions of inequalities for quotients of hypergeometric functions that arose in research on financing efficiency of securities-based crowdfunding

While working on financing efficiency of securities-based crowdfunding, David C. Brown and Shaun William Davies found that in order to establish their major results analytically they needed to find a proof of their conjecture (based on numerical attempts) that a certain quotient of quotients of $${}_2F_1$$ hypergeometric functions is bounded above by one. In this paper, the author extends his proof of the conjecture, which is contained in Addendum 1 of the published 2020 Brown and David paper, to generalizations of hypergeometric and basic hypergeometric functions.
The cooperative landscape of multinational clinical trials

The scale and nature of cooperative efforts spanning geopolitical borders in clinical research have not been elucidated to date. In a cross-sectional study of 110,428 interventional trials registered in Clinicaltrials.gov, we characterized the evolution, trial demographics, and network properties of multinational clinical research. We reveal that the relative growth of international collaboratives has remained stagnant in the last two decades, although clinical trials have evolved to become much larger in scale. Multinational clinical trials are also characterized by higher patient enrollments, industry funding, and specific clinical disciplines including oncology and infectious disease. Network analyses demonstrate temporal shifts in collaboration patterns between countries and world regions, with developing nations now collaborating more within themselves, although Europe remains the dominant contributor to multinational clinical trials worldwide. Performances in network centrality measures also highlight the differential contribution of nations in the global research network. A city-level clinical trial network analysis further demonstrates how collaborative ties decline with physical distance. This study clarifies evolving themes and highlights potential growth mechanisms and barriers in multinational clinical trials, which may be useful in evaluating the role of national and local policies in organizing transborder efforts in clinical endeavors.
The phlogopites from the Jacupiranga carbonatite intrusions

Electron microprobe analyses of phlogopites from five carbonatite intrusions (C1 oldest, to C5 youngest) constituting the carbonatite plug in the Jacupiranga complex support previous conclusions based on magnetite analyses that C2 to C5 represent a trend of differentiation, and that C1 has different chemical characteristics. All analyzed grains are zoned but no systematic zoning trends occur. The FeO/(FeO + MgO) ratio is very low (0.065 to 1.2), MgO is high (22.5 to 28.2%), TiO2 is very low (up to 0.44w%), BaO may be very high (up to 10.3 w%), and Na2O may be as high as 2.77 w%. With decreasing age from C2 to C5, MgO increases. Phlogopites from a banded reaction rock between carbonatite and jacupirangite are similar to, but not related to the phlogopites of the adjacent carbonatite. Compared with other carbonatite micas, the MgO-rich, TiO2-poor Jacupiranga phlogopites present one of the less evolved compositions, similar to those in mantle peridotites. Carbonatite micas are generally lower in TiO2 than BaO-rich micas from other rocks.
Time-Resolved Holography for the Microscopic Study of Crack-Tip Motion in Dynamic Fracture

Large scale fracture mechanics has proven very useful in the analysis of fracture in uniform materials. However, there exist several classes of fracture (such as stress-corrosion cracking1, intergranular fracture2, and fracture of polymeric materials3,4) which appear unvaried and behave homogeneously on the macroscopic scale, but which have drastically different fracture properties on the microscopic scale. Theoretical studies, though initially focused on large scale homogeneous materials, now cover the full range of scale from finite elemental analysis of large structural members5 to atomistic scale models6. However, experimental techniques are still involved in the larger scale analysis. Traditional experimental fracture techniques are therefore unequipped to properly evaluate the dynamic fracture behavior of these materials without averaging out the variations.
Stabilization and implementation of the fast transversal filter

A new rescue technique to stabilize the fast transversal filter (FTF) using the most efficient recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm and to implement the stabilized FTF on the commercially available DSP56000, DSP32, and TMS320C30 digital signal processors (DSPs) is presented. Long-term stability testing is performed by configuring FTF to predict second-order autoregressive process with different eigenvalue spreads of the input autocorrelation matrix. Experimental results show that the FTF works well with this rescue technique. >
Mitochondrial DNA Sequencing of Cat Hair: An Informative Forensic Tool

Approximately 81.7 million cats are in 37.5 million U.S. households. Shed fur can be criminal evidence because of transfer to victims, suspects, and/or their belongings. To improve cat hairs as forensic evidence, the mtDNA control region from single hairs, with and without root tags, was sequenced. A dataset of a 402-bp control region segment from 174 random-bred cats representing four U.S. geographic areas was generated to determine the informativeness of the mtDNA region. Thirty-two mtDNA mitotypes were observed ranging in frequencies from 0.6-27%. Four common types occurred in all populations. Low heteroplasmy, 1.7%, was determined. Unique mitotypes were found in 18 individuals, 10.3% of the population studied. The calculated discrimination power implied that 8.3 of 10 randomly selected individuals can be excluded by this region. The genetic characteristics of the region and the generated dataset support the use of this cat mtDNA region in forensic applications.
Pathways to Resilience in Context

This chapter provides an overview of key resilience concepts, controversies, and perspectives. It delineates a variety of types of research models that examine resilience processes over time, including person-focused, variable-focused, and hybrid models focused on understanding developmental pathways and trajectories. The importance of qualitative and quantitative approaches to understanding the human capacity for adaptive responses to challenges is emphasized. Resilience is conceptualized within a dynamic, embedded, ecological systems framework, encompassing interactions across multiple levels, from genes, to person, family, community, and cultural group. The importance of a life-span ecologically informed perspective is illustrated through highlights from the past half century of research on diverse pathways to resilience.
Physiological correlates of colonic motility in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome is frequently encountered in clinical practice, and it has been repeatedly suggested that abnormal colonic motor activity is one of the major pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the origin of symptoms in such disorder. If this statement is true, then high-amplitude propagated colonic contractions (HAPCs), i.e. the mass movements, may play an important role. To test this hypothesis, we conducted an investigation by recording colonic motility for a prolonged (24 h) period in 25 patients with irritable bowel syndrome and in 18 healthy volunteers, to compare the number of mass movements over 24 h in patients (constipation-predominant, alternating bowel habits) and controls. The overall amount of motility was also assessed in twelve patients and 13 controls. We also looked for the possible changes in mass movements and motility which may occur with defecation and after a meal. The results showed that 1) with respect to HAPCs and motility index, neither group was significantly different from controls; 2) HAPCs and the motility index were significantly reduced during sleep in all groups tested; 3) HAPCs were significantly more common before as compared to after defecation and after as compared to before meals; 4) HAPCs are not independent from the segmental contractile activity; 5) the motility index/24 h was lower in the constipation-predominant group of patients with respect to controls. We conclude that in patients with irritable bowel syndrome colonic motility per se may play a pathophysiological role in the genesis of the symptoms, although other mechanisms are likely to concur, or to be responsible for the complaints of these patients. However, colonic prolonged recordings are very useful for studying physiological and pathophysiological correlates of sleep, eating, and defecation.
Discovering Aj Pop B'atz': Collaborative Ethnography and the Exploration of Q'eqchi' Personhood

Este informe explora la relacion entre el conocimiento historico y el poder en San Juan Chamelco, Guatemala. En Chamelco, los q'eqchi' producen la historia regional por medio de cuentos de Aj Pop B'atz', quien protegio la comunidad q'eqchi' contra la invasion espanola en el siglo XVI. En 2006, funde un grupo etnografico colaborativo para analizar los cuentos orales y un documento colonial. Nuestro analisis revela Aj Pop B'atz' como una parte vital de la vida contemporanea q'eqchi'. Este articulo propone que mis colegas utilicen Aj Pop B'atz' para construir la identidad q'eqchi' y fortalecer su papel en la historia guatemalteca. El descubrimiento de un texto colonial que documenta Aj Pop B'atz' da a mis colegas el poder para cambiar la historia oficial de Guatemala que ignora las contribuciones del pueblo q'eqchi'. De hecho, este informe examina las investigaciones colaborativas como un medio de la historicidad latinoamericana
Gigaspora gigantea: seasonal abundance and ageing of spores in a sand dune

Seasonal abundance of spores of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Gigaspora gigantea in four different stages of vigour was monitored in a coastal sand dune in Rhode Island. Stages included healthy, moribund, dead and invaded spores. Invaded spores contained spores of other AM fungi. The sand dune was sampled monthly from March 1989 to February 1990. Healthy spores were most abundant in winter and least abundant in summer. An opposite trend was found for dead spores. Moribund spores were most numerous in spring and least abundant in autumn. Abundance of healthy, moribund and dead spores showed significant seasonal variation, but no significant seasonal trend was evident for the numbers of invaded spores. The relative abundance of healthy spores was negatively correlated with that of dead spores. Newly formed spores persisted for about five months before becoming moribund. Individual moribund spores died over a three-month period. The total number of spores of G. gigantea , regardless of condition, was more or less constant throughout the year.
Kalman filtering based motion estimation for video coding with adaptive block partitioning

In this paper, a new block-based motion estimation (ME) method is proposed which uses the Kalman filtering (KF) with adaptive block partitioning (ABP) to improve the motion estimates resulting from conventional block-matching algorithms (BMAs). In our method, a first order autoregressive model is applied to the motion vectors (MVs) obtained by BMAs. The motion correlations between neighboring blocks are utilized to predict motion information. According to the statistics of the frame MVs, 16times16 macro-blocks (MBs) are split into 8times8 blocks or 4times4 sub-blocks adaptively for the Kalman filtering (KF). To further improve the performance, a zigzag scanning is adopted and the state parameters of the Kalman filter are adjusted adaptively during the each KF iteration. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method can effectively improve the ME performance in terms of the peak-signal-to-noise-ratio (PSNR) of the motion compensated images with smoother motion vector fields.
On the limitations of automated restriction mapping

Eight important restriction mapping programs, developed between 1978 and 1993, are analyzed and their performance evaluated. The analyses concentrate on the practical value of the programs to molecular biologists who do restriction mapping on a daily basis, rather than on theoretical efficiency. Although all of the programs could find maps consistent with the data, none were able to discriminate reliably the true map from the other consistent maps, given realistic levels of error. To alleviate this problem, we propose an expert mapping system which utilizes the same inferences and mapping techniques used by expert human mappers to reduce the number of false maps found.
Organized Dissonance: Feminist Bureaucracy as Hybrid Form

Feminist bureaucracy, a response to a historical tension between feminist theorists and practitioners, merges opposed models of power. Through qualitative analysis of power in practice, I examine t...
Quantitation of cytokine-stimulated migration of endothelium and epithelium by a new assay using microcarrier beads.

Abstract Recent studies have identified a group of cytokines which appear to be cell-specific regulators of mobility in nonleukocytic mammalian cells. One example is scatter factor (SF), a soluble protein(s) produced by cultured fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells which causes spreading and separation (“scattering”) of tight, cohesive colonies of epithelial cells. Studies of SF action have been limited because the degree of scattering is difficult to quantitate and because scattering assays cannot be used to study potential target cells that do not form tight, cohesive colonies. We developed a simple, quantitative assay of SF-stimulated mobility based on migration of target cells off microcarrier beads onto plastic culture surfaces in 24-well plates. We showed that crude and partially purified SF derived from ras-transformed 3T3 cells stimulates migration of both epithelial and vascular endothelial cells but not of producer or nonproducer fibroblasts. Scatter and migration-stimulating activities copurified on cation exchange chromatography; and the degree of stimulation was closely correlated with scattering titer regardless of SF purity. Migration of endothelial cells from beads, while extremely sensitive to SF, was not affected by serum concentration (1 to 10%), various purified growth factors, or fibronectin. Both scattering and migration from beads were blocked by cycloheximide (0.1 μg/ml) during assay incubation, suggesting that these processes require protein synthesis. The microcarrier bead assay may be a useful quantitative tool to study the biochemical mechanisms of SF-stimulated cell migration.
The Strong-Field Tripodal Phosphine Donor, [PhB(CH2PiPr2)3]-, Provides Access to Electronically and Coordinatively Unsaturated Transition Metal Complexes

This paper introduces a sterically encumbered, strong-field tris(diisopropylphosphino)borate ligand, [PhBPiPr3] ([PhBP^(iPr)_(3)] = [PhB(CH_2P^iPr_2)_3]^-, to probe aspects of its conformational and electronic characteristics within a host of complexes. To this end, the Tl(I) complex, [PhBP^iPr_3]Tl (1), was synthesized and characterized in the solid-state by X-ray diffraction analysis. This precursor proves to be an effective transmetallating agent, as evidenced by its reaction with the divalent halides FeCl_2 and CoX_2 (X = Cl, I) to produce the monomeric, 4-coordinate, high-spin derivatives [PhBP^iPr_3]FeCl_2 and [PhBP^iPr_3]CoX (X = Cl_3, I_4) in good yield. Complexes 2−4 were each characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and shown to be monomeric in the solid-state. For conformational and electronic comparison within a system exhibiting higher than 4-coordination, the 16-electron ruthenium complexes {[PhBP^iPr_3]Ru(μ-Cl)}_2 (5) and {[PhBP_3]Ru(μ-Cl)}_2 (6) were prepared and characterized ([PhBP_3] = [PhB(CH_2PPh_2)_3]^-. The chloride complexes 2 and 3 reacted with excess CO to afford the divalent, monocarbonyl adducts [PhBP^iPr_3]FeCl(CO) (7) and [PhBP^iPr_3]CoCl(CO) (8), respectively. Reaction of 4 with excess CO resulted in the monovalent, dicarbonyl product [PhBP^iPr_3]CoI(CO)_2 (9). Complexes 5 and 6 also bound CO readily, providing the octahedral, 18-electron complexes [PhBP^iPr_3]RuCl(CO)_2 (10) and [PhBP_3]RuCl(CO)_2 (11), respectively. Dimers 5 and 6 were broken up by reaction with trimethylphosphine to produce the mono-PMe_3 adducts [PhBP^iPr_3]RuCl(PMe_3) (12) and [PhBP3]RuCl(PMe3) (13). Stoichiometric oxidation of 3 with dioxygen provided the 4-electron oxidation product [PhB(CH_2P(O)^iPr_2)_2(CH_2P^iPr_2)]CoCl (14), while exposure of 3 to excess oxygen results in the 6-electron oxidation product [PhB(CH_2P(O)^iPr_2)_3]CoCl (15). Complexes 2 and 4 were characterized via cyclic voltammetry to compare their redox behavior to their [PhBP_3] analogues. Complex 4 was also studied by SQUID magnetization and EPR spectroscopy to confirm its high-spin assignment, providing an interesting contrast to its previously described low-spin relative, [PhBP_3]CoI. The difference in spin states observed for these two systems reflects the conformational rigidity of the [PhBPiPr3] ligand by comparison to [PhBP_3], leaving the former less able to accommodate a JT-distorted electronic ground state.
Lipid structures: A brief history of multisomes

Lipid monolayers and bilayers can stabilize networks of water droplets inside larger drops of oil to create structures that could have a range of applications.
Size and shape effects in point load tests of irregular rock fragments

Point-load tests were performed on three hard rocks of the Lake Superior district, ironformation, metadiabase, and ophitic basalt. More than 500 irregular, mine-run fragments ranging in diameter up to about 250 mm were tested in the field, using a specially designed, semi-portable test rig. Results were analyzed by multiple regression techniques, seeking a “best” expression for the point-load strength in terms of a size effect and shape effects. Standard unconfined compression tests and “Brazilian” tests were also performed on the metadiabase and the basalt, three core sizes of each, in order to determine their respective size effects. The size-effect exponents for compression were found to be a variable characteristic of rock type, as previously reported for other rocks by the senior author, whereas the size-effect exponent in the point-load test was constant over all three rocks.
Nanoscale mapping of the W/Si(001) Schottky barrier

The W/Si(001) Schottky barrier was spatially mapped with nanoscale resolution using ballistic electron emission microscopy (BEEM) and ballistic hole emission microscopy (BHEM) using n-type and p-type silicon substrates. The formation of an interfacial tungsten silicide is observed utilizing transmission electron microscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. The BEEM and BHEM spectra are fit utilizing a linearization method based on the power law BEEM model using the Prietsch Ludeke fitting exponent. The aggregate of the Schottky barrier heights from n-type (0.71 eV) and p-type (0.47 eV) silicon agrees with the silicon band gap at 80 K. Spatially resolved maps of the Schottky barrier are generated from grids of 7225 spectra taken over a 1 μm × 1 μm area and provide insight into its homogeneity. Histograms of the barrier heights have a Gaussian component consistent with an interface dipole model and show deviations that are localized in the spatial maps and are attributed to compositional fluctuations, nanoscale defects, and foreign materials.
McCune-Albright syndrome

McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is characterized by the clinical triad of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, cafe-au-lait pigmented skin lesions, and multiple endocrinopathies. The molecular basis of MAS is a mutation in G(s)alpha that results in constitutive activation of adenylyl cyclase in affected tissues. This mutation occurs during early embryogenesis, and therefore patients with MAS are mosaic. The identification of activating mutations of Gsa in liver, heart, and gastrointestinal tract of patients with MAS suggests a broader spectrum of clinical disease than previously appreciated.
Prognostic Models and Algorithms in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Although surgical treatment is curative for localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC), 25% of patients present with locally advanced or disseminated disease, and disease will recur systemically in another 20% to 30% of those who have localized disease at presentation. Many clinical, histologic, and molecular factors have been identified that place patients who have localized RCC at greater risk for recurrence and those who have metastatic disease at risk for progression or death. This article reviews the major prognostic factors for RCC and the most commonly used algorithms developed for use before or after nephrectomy and before initiation of systemic therapy. These RCC nomograms allow more accurate counseling of patients regarding their likely clinical course and facilitate treatment planning.
Who Needs What Social Research for Policymaking

In reflecting on changes in policy analysis, the author notes the climate of suspicion for policy advising and some of the major errors or "sins " in the way policy analysts choose, define, and analyze problems. All too often policy analysts and their sponsors, the users of analysis, react to typical issues, have an investment in change, and ignore the imperatives of the policy process.
Sequence and developmental regulation of the gene that encodes the Dictyostelium discoideum L3 ribosomal protein

We have isolated and characterized genomic and cDNA recombinant plasmids that encode the Dictyostelium discoideum (Dd) ribosomal protein L3 (rpL3). Genomic plasmids were identified using a probe derived from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae TCM1 gene, that encodes the yeast rpL3. The DdL3 gene contains two introns and encodes a protein 398 amino acids in length that shows a high degree of homology to the conserved rpL3 protein of both lower and higher eukaryotes. During development, both the pattern of accumulation of DdL3 mRNA and changes in its translational activity are identical to those observed for other r-protein mRNAs.
LEVEL-SET SIMULATION FOR THE STRAIN-DRIVEN SHARPENING OF THE ISLAND-SIZE DISTRIBUTION DURING SUBMONOLAYER HETEROEPITAXIAL GROWTH

We use an island dynamics model for heteroepitaxial growth to study the narrowing and sharpening of the island-size distribution as a function of the strain in the submonolayer growth regime. Our island dynamics model is coupled to an elastic model that is based on atomistic harmonic interactions. The elastic equations are solved self-consistently at every time step during the simulation for the entire system. This is possible because the numerical time steps in the island dynamics model that is based on the level set technique are significantly larger than the time step of a typical atomistic event such as adatom diffusion and detachment while we still retain all the relevant physics that are associated with adatom diffusion and detachment.
Antigoitrogenic Properties of Some 3′-Alkyl-iodothyronines

The thyromimetic activities of several 3′-alkyl-3,5-diiodothyronines were studied by the rat antigoitrogenic assay and compared with L-T3 and L-T4. L-3′-Isopropyl- 3,5-diiodothyronine was the most potent member of this series. On an equimolar basis, this remarkable compound had twice the activity of L-T3 with a 50% effective dose (ED50) of 0.07 compared to 0.13 μg/day for L-T3. Its 5′-iodinated derivative was somewhat less potent than L-T3, with an ED50 of 0.25 μg/day, but was more active than L-T4 (ED50 1.2 μg/day). DL-3′-Ethyl-diiodothyronine (ED50 0.25 μg/day) had a potency between that of L-T3 and L-T4. L-3′-Isobutyl-diiodothyronine (ED50 1.5 μg/day) was less active than L-T4. These synthetic thyroxine analogs exhibit unusually high activity and are of particular interest in that they represent the first group of 3′ non-halogen-substituted diiodothyronines to have significant thyromimetic properties. (Endocrinology 78:29, 1966)
The Effects of a Comprehensive Early Literacy Project on Preschoolers’ Language and Literacy Skills

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a federally funded early literacy project that aimed to promote the school readiness skills of preschool-age children from low income families. Through daily, explicit, and systematic instruction, the project targeted to improve preschoolers’ oral language skills, phonological awareness, print awareness, and alphabet knowledge that aligned with the existing curriculum of the local school district. Data were collected through multiple sources at the individual child level, classroom level, and from the family/home environment. Significant gains were found between pre- and post-tests in child outcomes, classroom environments, instructional practices, parent attitudes toward early literacy, and family involvement in literacy activities. Additionally, classroom organization was identified as a significant predictor for children’s receptive language skills. Limitations of the current study and implications for future research as well as instructional practices were discussed.
Coumarins as wavelength shifters in polystyrene

Abstract A series of commercially available coumarins was tested as wavelength shifters in polystyrene for a tile/fiber calorimeter application. The objective was to find a compound that when incorporated in a polystyrene matrix absorbed in the 400–450 nm wavelength range, fluoresced in the green region of the visible spectrum ( λ em = 450−550 nm), and exhibited both short decay time and high quantum yield. Transmittance, fluorescence, and decay time determinations were performed in order to characterize each coumarin in polystyrene. Two coumarins (C510 and C515) were found to have faster decay times (∼8 ns vs. 12 ns) and superior light output (100–120%) compared to the commonly-used green wavelength shifter, K-27.
Vibrational overtone initiated photopolymerization of acrylonitrile

Vibrational overtone activated polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) has been demonstrated using two initiators, benzoyl peroxide (BP), and 2,2′-(azobis)isobutyronitrile (AIBN). Excitation of the fifth vibrational overtone of the CH stretch of AIBN at 627 nm and BP at 604 nm initiates the reaction. Monomer conversions were monitored by a gravimetric method. In both cases, the wavelength selectivity was investigated by irradiating the monomer/initiator mixtures at the absorption maximum of the initiator, the absorption maximum of the monomer, and at a wavelength (580 nm for AN/AIBN and 625 nm for AN/BP) where neither the initiator nor the monomer absorbs light. For the AN/AIBN mixture, after 48 h the monomer conversion for the irradiation on the peak absorption of AIBN (627 nm) is about twice as large as the irradiation at 580 nm. For the AN/BP mixture, after 48 h the monomer conversion for the irradiation on the peak absorption of BP (604 nm) is about a factor of 2.2 larger than for the irradiation at 625 nm. The overall quantum yields of both polymerizations were estimated. After 48 h the overall quantum yield for the AN/AIBN mixture irradiated at the initiator absorption (Φ627 = 21083) is about 10 times larger than for the sample irradiated at the pure monomer absorption (Φ595 = 1942). For the AN/BP mixture, the 604 nm quantum yield (Φ604 = 1096) is about 2.4 times larger than the 595 nm quantum yield (Φ595 = 448). The influence of the initiator concentration is also presented. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 565–571, 2003
Intra- and interspecific transplantation of limb buds in crustacea: A new method for studying central and peripheral interactions in crustacean limbs

Limb buds can be transplanted intra- and interspecifically in the fiddler crabs, Ucapugnax and Ucapugilator. These two species differ morphologically, behaviorally, and physiologically. This technique provides a method for examining the relative roles of host and donor tissues in studies of morphology and behavior.
VITAMIN D DEPENDENT RICKETS TYPE 11 (DD11) WITH ALO PECIA. TREATMENT WITH MEGA DOSES OF 1, 25(OH)2 D3 OVERCOMES AFFINITY DEFECT IN RECEPTOR FOR 1,25(OH)2 D

A 1½ yr old hispanic male with alopecia, muscle weakness, inability to stand, severe growth retardation, skeletal deformities and radiological rickets was found to have serum 25(OH)D 26ng/ml (N 8-55), 1,25(OH)2D 319 pg/ml (N 26-70) and in cultured skin fibroblasts a cytosol binding of 1,25(OH)2D3 with a kd of 2.7 nM (N 0.13±0.02) and a binding capacity of 19fmole/mg protein (N 32±2). The abnormal affinity is more significant than the abnormal capacity unlike previous studies of cultured cells of DDll. The in vitro data suggest a defect that might be overcome by high levels of calciferols; he was started with a high concentration of 1,25(OH)2D3 at 10mcg P.O. twice daily, (5mcg/lml R0-21-5535, Roche Lab.). After 4 m of treat. he was able to walk, to catch up in growth, radiological improvement was apparent, and serum analyses changed from pre to post periods Ca 7.2mg/dl to 8.9, P. 2.2mg/dl to 4.0, Alk. Phsoph. 1646 to 961, PTH 122fmole/ml to 27 (N 2-50). UcAMP 4.8nmole/dl of glomerular filtrate to 4.8 (N 3.2±0.82), osteocalcin 18.1ng/ml to 42.0 (N 16-30), 24 hr urinary a.a. were increased before treatment and there was no significant decrease during therapy. Serum 1,25(OH)2D was >500-pg/ml measured 12 hr after a dose. The results suggest that extremely high doses of 1,25(OH)2D3 in this type of DDll produce a satisfactory clinical and biochemical improvement and can be maintained over a prolonged period without evidence of toxicity.
Do Higher Prices for New Goods Reflect Quality Growth or Inflation

Much of Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for consumer durables reflects shifts to newer product models that display higher prices, not price increases for a given set of goods. I examine how these higher prices for new models should be divided between quality growth and price inflation based on (a) whether consumer purchases shift toward or away from the new models and (b) whether new-model price increases generate higher relative prices that persist through the model cycle. I conclude that two-thirds of the price increases with new models should be treated as quality growth. This implies that CPI inflation for durables has been overstated by almost 2 percentage points per year, with quality growth understated by the same magnitude.
Identification of novel GTP‐binding proteins in the human neutrophil

We describe here the existence of previously undescribed GTP-binding proteins within the human neutrophil. These proteins specifically bind guanine nucleotides under conditions in which the previously characterized G-proteins are unable to bind. We have partially purified these proteins and present both functional and immunologic data which indicate that they are unrelated to Gn, the major neutrophil pertussis toxin substrate. An additional protein, of apparent molecular mass 22 kDa, may be related to the ras G-protein family. Analysis of the structural and functional characteristics of these novel proteins will promote a better understanding of the process of neutrophil activation.
Effect of clear cutting on snow accumulation and water outflow at Fraser, Colorado

Abstract. This paper compares of snowpack accumulation and ablation, evapotranspiration, and water outflow from clearcut and forested plots within a high elevation (2900 m) mixed conifer forest at the Fraser Experimental Forest near Fraser, Colorado, USA. Also presented is a method for defining contributing area where outflow is measured from unbounded plots. Plots were monitored from 1980 to 1990 and again in 1993. The clearcut plot was harvested in late 1984. Evapotranspiration (ET) of the forested plot at zero discharge (ETo) was estimated at 426 mm while the ET was 500 mm at the mean precipitation of 596 mm. ET was dependent on precipitation with about 28% of precipitation input in excess of 426 mm contributing to increased ET, while the remainder contributed to increased outflow. During the six monitored post-harvest years, Peak Water Equivalent of the snowpack averaged 36% higher on the cut plot than on the control, and the mean discharge increased from 85 mm to 356 mm. Area estimates were obtained from the slopes of the regression of outflow on precipitation inputs. Hydrologic parameters corresponded closely to those previously determined at Fraser Experimental Forest using other methods, lending credence to the validity of the area estimates.
Concerns About Extreme Weather Focus on the Need for Better Resilience

Weather disasters with damages exceeding $1 billion each have hit the United States 151 times since 1980, and federal disaster declarations have increased from 65 in 2004 to 98 in 2012, according to the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO). Concern about the number of disasters—including storms, droughts, floods, and wildfires—and their cost to the economy, infrastructure, and human lives was the focus of a 12 February U.S. Senate hearing on extreme weather events and the cost of not being prepared for them. Senators and witnesses spoke about the need for resilience, preparedness, and paying up front for measures that could save money and headaches when disasters occur.
Pain in persons with cerebral palsy: extension and cross validation.

Abstract Engel JM, Jensen MP, Hoffman AJ, Kartin D. Pain in persons with cerebral palsy: extension and cross validation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:1125–8. Objective: To cross-validate and extend the assessment of pain in persons with cerebral palsy (CP). Design: Standardized in-person interviews. Setting: University medical clinics and local residential and community housing for persons with developmental disabilities. Participants: One hundred adults with CP. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Measures of pain intensity, pain interference in daily activities, psychologic function, significance of pain problem, and satisfaction with pain treatment. Results: Sixty-seven (67%) subjects reported 1 or more chronic pain problem(s). Low back, hip, and leg pain were most common. Twenty-four percent reported constant pain; 19% reported that pain occurred daily. Mean pain intensity ± standard deviation over the previous week on an 11-point scale (0, no pain; 10, pain as bad as could be) was 4.08±2.25. Minor interference (2.55±3.03; scale range, 0–10) from pain with routine daily activities was reported. Responses to the Satisfaction with Life Scale (n=63) indicated only moderate life satisfaction (18.44±8.34; scale range, 5–35) among those with 1 or more pain problem(s). Responses to the Rand Mental Health Inventory (n=65; mean score, 60.65±20.36) revealed relatively high levels of psychologic distress in those with chronic pain. Consumer satisfaction with pain management care varied, with 32.8% of the subjects reporting dissatisfaction. Conclusions: The study findings are consistent with earlier findings concerning pain problems in adults with CP and provide further evidence that pain problems may be overlooked and undertreated in this population.
Giving Isabel an “ado” (adieu): Sympathy and sadomasochism in Henry James's preface to the portrait of a lady

(1999). Giving Isabel an “ado” (adieu): Sympathy and sadomasochism in Henry James's preface to the portrait of a lady. Women's Studies: Vol. 28, No. 3, pp. 303-333.
Effects of Monochromatic UV-Visible Light and Sunlight on Fe(III)-Catalyzed Oxidation of Dissolved Sulfur Dioxide

The effect of UV-visible light and natural sunlight on the Fe(III)-catalyzed oxidation of dissolved sulfur dioxide has been studied under the conditions representative for those of acidified atmospheric liquids. The experimental results have shown that both sunlight and UV-visible light enhance the rate of Fe(III)-catalyzed oxidation of aqueous sulfite with wavelength ranging from 300 to 575 nm. The light enhanced oxidation is mainly due to photochemical formation of OH radicals from Fe(OH)2+ complexes in the wavelength region below 420 nm and SO3•− free radicals from Fe(III) sulfite complexes above 420 nm in the absence of organic ligands. Like the Fe(III)-catalyzed thermal chemical oxidation, the Fe(III)-catalyzed photochemical oxidation is also first order with respect to sulfite ion concentration. The sunlight irradiation can increase the Fe(III)-catalyzed oxidation of S(IV) over 45%. The presence of organic complex ligands, such as oxalate, can completely inhibit the Fe-catalyzed oxidation of S(IV) in the dark. However, the photolysis of Fe(III)-oxalato complexes generates oxalate free radicals, leading to the formation of H2O2 and OH radicals and the oxidation of S(IV). The rate of Fe(III)-catalyzed oxidation of S(IV) species is found to increase with increasing light intensity. The effects of sunlight on the Fe(III)-catalyzed oxidation of S(IV) should be taken into account when predicting the daytime rates of sulfuric acid formation in atmospheric water droplets.
SU‐GG‐J‐80: Characterization of Cross Scatter in Dual Source CBCT

Purpose: A dual‐source CBCTimagingsystem provides an efficient means to perform 3D and 4D imaging, but the addition of the second imaging chain produces additional scatteredphotons or cross scatter. The purpose of this study is to characterize cross scatter and its effects on uniformity and contrast in dual‐source CBCTimagingsystem.Method and Materials: An x‐ray imagingsystem has been developed consisting of two tube/detector pairs mounted orthogonally; each chain includes a 40×30 cm amorphous silicon flat panel detector with anti‐scatter grid. A timing system was developed to offset the exposures of each imaging chain relative to the detector cycle which remained synchronous for both imagers. Cross scatter is directly measured by only firing the orthogonal tube. The magnitude of cross scatter is expressed as the cross scatter fraction (CSF) which is the ratio of the signal attributed to cross scatter to the total detected signal. Contrast measurements were made using the Catphan® 504 and uniformity was measured with the Catphan® 504 as well as in anthropomorphic head and pelvis phantoms. Results: In all cases cross scatter produced a severe cupping artifact in the reconstructions. For the Catphan® the CSF reached 30% at the center of the projections and in excess of 60% for the pelvic phantom. The presence of cross scatter also reduced the contrast in reconstructions by up to 10%. The cross scatter distribution was also observed to have a strong gradient decreasing away from the orthogonal x‐ray tube by as much as 60%. Conclusion: Cross scatter is a degrading factor of both contrast and ct number uniformity in dual source CBCT.Conflict of Interest: This research is supported in part by Varian Medical Systems
A policy assessment of preventive health practice.

Abstract This paper outlines three major ways in which primary prevention may be achieved: through (1) personal health services, (2) environmental control measu
Hyaluronan-CD44 Interaction with Neural Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein (N-WASP) Promotes Actin Polymerization and ErbB2 Activation Leading to β-Catenin Nuclear Translocation, Transcriptional Up-regulation, and Cell Migration in Ovarian Tumor Cells

In this study we have investigated the interaction of hyaluronan (HA) and CD44 with the neuronal Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP) in regulating actin polymerization and ErbB2/β-catenin signaling in human ovarian tumor cells (SK-OV-3.ipl cells). Biochemical and immunological analyses indicate that N-WASP is expressed in SK-OV-3.ipl cells and that the binding of HA stimulates N-WASP association with CD44 and Arp2/Arp3 leading to filamentous actin formation and ovarian tumor cell migration. In addition, HA binding promotes CD44-N-WASP association with ErbB2 and activates ErbB2 kinase activity that in turn increases phosphorylation of the cytoskeletal protein, β-catenin. Subsequently, phosphorylated β-catenin is transported into the nucleus leading to β-catenin-mediated TCF/LEF-transcriptional co-activation. Because HA-induced β-catenin phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and TCF/LEF transcriptional activation is effectively blocked by the ErbB2 inhibitor, AG825, we conclude that HA/CD44-N-WASP-associated ErbB2 activation is required for β-catenin-mediated signaling events. Transfection of SK-OV-3.ipl cells with N-WASP-VCA (verpolin homology, cofilin homology, and acidic domain) fragment cDNA not only blocks HA/CD44-induced N-WASP-Arp2/3 complex formation but also inhibits actin polymerization/F-actin assembly and tumor cell migration. Overexpression of the N-WASP-VCA domain also significantly reduces HA-induced ErbB2 recruitment to CD44, diminishes β-catenin phosphorylation/nuclear translocation, and abrogates TCF/LEF-specific transcriptional co-activation by β-catenin. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that N-WASP plays a pivotal role in regulating HA-mediated CD44-ErbB2 interaction, β-catenin signaling, and actin cytoskeleton functions that are required for tumor-specific behaviors and ovarian cancer progression.
Resonant converter topologies with three and four energy storage elements

Generalized half-bridge and full-bridge resonant converter topologies with two, three and four energy storage elements are presented. All possible circuit topologies for such converters under voltage/current driven and voltage/current sinks are discussed. Many of these topologies have not been investigated in open literature. Based on their circuit element connections and source and load excitation types, these topologies are classified into resonant and nonresonant topologies and on their physical realizability. Comparison based on exact steady state analysis are given for typical second- and third-order series resonant converters whereas the fourth-order topology is based on the approximate analysis. >
Clemmensen Reductions Using Ultrasonic Irradiation

Abstract A variety of ketones have been reduced to the corresponding methylene compounds using amalgamated zinc and conducting the reaction in an ultrasonic laboratory cleaner.