cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Superelement Modeling Method for Compound Dynamic Systems

A dynamic superelement modeling method for compound dynamic systems, which include springs, dampers, rigid and flexible substructures, and so on, is proposed. In this method, the finite element models of the flexible substructures in the system are first reduced in physical space to formulate their respective superelements. Then they are assembled to the global finite element model of the system directly, just like common elements. The reduced finite element model obtained from the proposed method is much smaller than the global model in dimension and can retain the dynamic characteristics in the low- and middle-frequency range of the global model. Because an iterative scheme is applied for the dynamic superelement modeling technique, its accuracy is much higher than for the static technique. Another advantage of this method is that the reduced model is still defined in the physical space. Numerical examples, including a floating raft isolation system and a tall building with one tuned mass damper are also included. The results show that the proposed dynamic superelement modeling method is efficient for compound systems and that its accuracy is much higher than the static method.
The internal dynamics of globular proteins.

(1981). The Internal Dynamics of Globular Protein. Critical Reviews in Biochemistry: Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 293-349.
A randomized controlled study of peanut oral immunotherapy: clinical desensitization and modulation of the allergic response.

Background Open-label oral immunotherapy (OIT) protocols have been used to treat small numbers of patients with peanut allergy. Peanut OIT has not been evaluated in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Objective To investigate the safety and effectiveness of OIT for peanut allergy in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Methods In this multicenter study, children ages 1 to 16 years with peanut allergy received OIT with peanut flour or placebo. Initial escalation, build-up, and maintenance phases were followed by an oral food challenge (OFC) at approximately 1 year. Titrated skin prick tests (SPTs) and laboratory studies were performed at regular intervals. Results Twenty-eight subjects were enrolled in the study. Three peanut OIT subjects withdrew early in the study because of allergic side effects. During the double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge, all remaining peanut OIT subjects (n = 16) ingested the maximum cumulative dose of 5000 mg (approximately 20 peanuts), whereas placebo subjects (n = 9) ingested a median cumulative dose of 280 mg (range, 0-1900 mg; P Conclusion These results conclusively demonstrate that peanut OIT induces desensitization and concurrent immune modulation. The current study continues and is evaluating the hypothesis that peanut OIT causes long-term immune tolerance.
The Limits of Language: Literacy, Morality, and Transformation in Mary Antin's The Promised Land

Scholarship on ethnic literature has paid particular attention to literacy narratives. Linguistic assimilation is a central theme of immigrant writers, who use narratives of language socialization to show how characters medi ate between cultures and reconcile the Old World with the New.1 Language narratives are particularly important in the work of Mary Antin, whose life story is one of transformation through language. In The Promised Land (1912), she documents her escape from the Russian Pale of Settlement, arrival in the United States, and experiences learning English in American schools, where she quickly assimilated and attracted attention as an emerg ing writer. As she recounts, language and literacy acquisition created the potential for her dramatic transformation from an impoverished immigrant to a prominent writer and activist. Literary scholars have tended to see Antin's language narratives as metaphors for her assimilation. It is true that Antin's rapid language acquisition reflects her patriotic zeal and embrace of Americanism. In The Promised Land, she makes a "public declaration of [her] love for the English language" which she acquired "word by word . . . like gather ing a posy blossom by blossom" (164-66). For those scholars who have accused her of being politically na?ve and stylistically stilted, such pas sages underscore what they see as her uncritical, pro-assimilation stance. Sarah Blacher Cohen, for instance, criticizes Antin for her tendency to use "the most impressive-sounding English" while urging immigrants to reject their cultural heritage (31). Steven G. Kellman asserts that Antin displays an "instrumental" view of language, which she treats as "a tool that can be adapted or discarded not only without trauma but also without dis torting thought" (157). In Kellman's analysis, Antin's linguistic assimila tion serves as a metaphorical displacement for her view of culture, which she also treats as something that can be easily adopted or discarded.2 As William A. Proefriedt argues, however, it is difficult to say whether, in her blind patriotism or enthusiasm for assimilation, Antin is deceiving herself or simply "trying to convince [her audience] of the wisdom of open immi gration policies and educational and social service support for immigrants"
Regression of atherosclerosis: A review

In recent years, it has been established in humans that progression of atherosclerosis can be slowed, and in some cases, regressed. This differs from previous decades in which such observations were only considered possible in animals. The emergence of more effective lipid-lowering agents along with aggressive dietary and other lifestyle interventions has brought about this change. Other recent studies, using clinical events as the primary outcome, have shown that both pharmacological and lifestyle interventions decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. With these findings, medical and lifestyle management of coronary disease is taking on an increasingly important role as an alternative to invasive interventions. The optimal pharmacological, dietary or exercise regimen, the relative contribution of each, how to optimally implement these programs in large populations, and their cost effectiveness have yet to be defined. This article explores current research in the area of regression of atherosclerosis in humans.
CD44 expression in colorectal adenomas is an early event occurring prior to K-ras and p53 gene mutation

Neoplastic progression of colorectal epithelial cells from benign adenomas to malignant carcinomas appears to result from a series of genetic alterations involving both oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. This progression was recently found to be associated with expression of splice variant isoforms of CD44, a cell surface hyaluronate receptor implicated in carcinogenesis. In this study we examined the relationship of CD44 expression to somatic genetic events in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence: point mutation of K-ras in codons 12 and 13 and overexpression of p53 protein as a marker of gene mutation. Among 22 small adenomas, CD44 was present in 9 (41%), of which only 1 contained a K-ras mutation. CD44 was absent in the other 2 small adenomas positive for K-ras mutation or p53 overexpression. In contrast to the early expression of CD44 in small adenomas, mutations of K-ras and p53 were detected preferentially in large adenomas and late-stage adenomas containing carcinoma. The frequent expression of CD44 prior to K-ras and p53 gene alterations in colorectal neoplasia suggests that activation of CD44 gene expression is related to earlier events in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, possibly cell activation and proliferation following APC gene mutation or alteration of DNA methylation.
Transcriptional Activation: Switched-on chromatin

A large 'SWI/SNF' general activator complex serves as a molecular machine to help a wide range of transcription factors overcome the specific repressive effects of chromatin.
Trypanosoma lewisi: Oxygen uptake by whole cells and trypanosomal mitochondria

Abstract 1. 1. Three experimental protocols were completed to compare the respiratory activity of mitochondria and whole cells of Trypanosoma iewisi . 2. Oxygen uptake was measured endogenously and with the substrates, glucose, glutamate, and lactate. 3. Mitochondria in general respired less as compared to the living cells. The peak of respiration was observed around day 10. Mitochondria utilized glucose and glutamate starting on day 7 and day 11 respectively. 4. No statistically significant differences over the endogenous rates were obtained with lactate, although small differences were obtained throughout the periods of observation. 5. Whole cells gave a better response both endogenously and with the substrates. The response to glucose and glutamate started early in the infection and continued through day 14. Lactate responses were similar to those observed with mitochondria. 6. Simultaneously, trypanosome populations were enumerated. The populations showed a steady increase from day a, reaching a crisis on day 10. This was followed by a gradual decline until day 30, when no trypanosomes were seen in the host blood.
Contamination of in vivo bone-lead measurements.

This paper addresses one aspect of the calibration of a 109 Cd-based K-shell x-ray fluorescence measurement system, namely the treatment of the calibration line intercept. Under circumstances of contamination, the intercept may warrant statistical treatment different from that currently performed. This paper proposes refinements to the existing method of subtracting the phantom calibration line intercept from in vivo responses in the calculation of in vivo concentrations. These refinements are recommended because the existing method can underestimate in vivo concentrations by a small amount under normal operating conditions. Contamination of the calibration standard matrix of plaster of Paris by both lead and non-lead contaminants is addressed.
Electromechanical characterization of a tissue-engineered myocardial patch derived from extracellular matrix.

Objective Extracellular matrix scaffolds have been successfully used for myocardial wall repair. However, regional functional evaluation (ie, contractility, electrical conductivity) of the extracellular matrix scaffold during the course of remodeling has been limited. In the present study, we evaluated the remodeled scaffold for evidence of electrical activation. Methods The extracellular matrix patch was implanted into the porcine right ventricular wall (n = 5) to repair an experimentally produced defect. Electromechanical mapping was performed with the NOGA system (Biosense Webster Inc, Diamond Bar, Calif) 60 days after implantation. Linear local shortening was recorded to assess regional contractility. After sacrifice, detailed histologic examinations were performed. Results Histologic examinations showed repopulation of the scaffold with cells, including a monolayer of factor VIII–positive cells in the endocardial surface and multilayered α-smooth muscle actin–positive cells beneath the monolayer cells. The α-smooth muscle actin–positive cells tended to be present at the endocardial aspect of the remodeled scaffold and at the border between the remodeled scaffold and the normal myocardium. Electromechanical mapping demonstrated that the patch had low-level electrical activity (0.56 ± 0.37 mV; P Conclusions The extracellular matrix scaffolds were repopulated by α-smooth muscle actin–positive cells 60 days after implantation into the porcine heart. The presence of the cells corresponded to areas of the remodeling scaffold that showed early signs of electrical conductivity.
International cooperation in conserving biological diversity: a world strategy, international convention, and framework for action

Stimulated by the growing awareness of deforestation at all latitudes, the loss of species, declines in several fisheries, pollution, and other environmental threats, governments, citizen groups, academics, and indigenous peoples have been actively seeking ways to reverse current trends of impoverishment and achieve sustainable development. This paper considers the problems which confront managers of protected areas and proposes a six-point agenda for management based upon improved international policies, funding initiatives and other support mechanisms.
Symptomatic, Nonruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Are Emergent Operations Necessary?

To evaluate current morbidity and mortality and to define the best strategy of management, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical histories of 36 patients (24 males and 12 females) who underwent repair of symptomatic, nonruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) between April 1, 1987, and April 30, 1992, at the Mayo Clinic (3.2% of 1111 patients with AAA repair). Ages ranged from 54 to 94 years (mean 75 years). All patients were hemodynamically stable and presented with abdominal and/or back pain of 1 to 60 days' duration (mean 11.6 days). The diagnosis of AAA was confirmed by CT scan in 26 patients, ultrasonogram in seven, and plain abdominal films in three. Fourteen patients (38.9%) were operated on emergently within 4 hours of admission, 11 (30.5%) between 4 and 24 hours, and 11 between 24 hours and 7 days following presentation (mean 28.9 hours). Eight (22.2%) had inflammatory aneurysm. AAAs were repaired with a straight graft in 17 patients and a bifurcated graft in 19. Complications occurred in 24 patients (66.7%). Mortality was 11.1% (4/36). The association between emergency repair (< 4 hours) and 60-day mortality was significant (p < 0.05). There were no deaths among those patients whose operation was delayed. Comparison to a matched control group of 72 patients who underwent elective AAA repair revealed an increased incidence of inflammatory aneurysm and female gender among our study group. The symptomatic patients had larger aneurysms (6.5 vs. 5.6 cm, p < 0.05) and required more intraoperative transfusions. Intensive care unit and hospital stay was longer in the symptomatic patients (p < 0.001); morbidity was markedly increased (p < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Patient Characteristics That Influence Physician Behavior

We examined whether four patient characteristics (age, ethnicity, sex and appearance) influenced five physician behaviors with the patient (interviewing, nonverbal attention, courtesy, information giving and empathy). Ten physician-patient interactions were observed through a one-way mirror for each of 15 physicians. Physicians were rated higher on information giving (p = 0.002) and empathic skills (p = 0.02) when they were with female patients; on interviewing (p = 0.02) and empathy (p = 0.0007) with Anglo-American compared with Spanish-American patients; on interviewing (p = 0.01), nonverbal attention (p = 0.001) and courtesy (p = 0.02) when with the best groomed patients; and on courtesy (p = 0.03) with elderly patients. In addition, there were fewer physician-initiated interruptions with female patients (p = 0.03) and with well-groomed patients (p = 0.02). Each of the four patient characteristics studied acted independently in influencing physician behavior. The recognition that patient characteristics influence physician behavior should stimulate physicians to examine their reactions in order to insure that all types of patients receive thorough, courteous and empathic care.
New developments in the pathology of Wilms tumor.

Wilms tumor (WT) is an embryonal renal neoplasm that has proven to be an exceptionally productive model for the study of tumor pathogenesis and therapy. It also provides a striking demonstration of what can be achieved through the collaborative study of rare tumors, as well as the importance of incorporating formal pathological review into the design of therapeutic cancer trials. As a result of the National Wilms Tumor Study, a majority of children are now cured of their WT with less intense and prolonged therapy than was customary at the middle of the 20th century. The presence of extreme polyploidy (anaplasia) identifies a small subset of WT which have a grim prognosis in the context of present therapy, and which will require innovative therapeutic intensification. Recent evidence suggests that anaplasia is a marker of resistance to adjuvant therapy, rather than increased aggressiveness. Stage I anaplastic WT and advanced-stage WT with anaplasia limited to a portion of the primary tumor seem to fare as ...
Asymptotics for orthogonal polynomials on and off the essential spectrum

Abstract We assume that the coefficients in the three term recurrence relation for orthogonal polynomials form sequences of bounded variation and we show that the asymptotic behavior of the orthogonal polynomials on the essential spectrum is closely related to the asymptotic behavior in the complex plane (off the essential spectrum), proving a conjecture of Mate, Nevai and Totik [ Constr. Approx. 1 (1985) , 231–248].
Experiments on the effective conductivity of dilute dispersions containing highly conducting slender inclusions

The electric conductivity of dilute suspensions of highly conducting and alined slender fibres was studied experimentally and was found to agree, in the infinitely dilute range, with a theoretical expression recently derived by the authors. First-order effects resulting from single-pair particle interactions were also determined.
Electron paramagnetic resonance of NO adsorbed on reduced chromia-alumina

Abstract An anisotropic EPR signal has been observed after contact of pre-reduced samples of dilute (0.086–2.31% Cr) chromia-on-alumina with NO. This paramagnetic species is very stable when isolated from ambient conditions but extremely sensitive to oxidation. The width of the signal is independent of temperature or of the Cr concentration in the solid support. The intensity of the signal passes through a maximum as a function of the Cr concentration. The temperature dependence of the signal intensity follows the Curie-Weiss law. The signal is assumed to be associated with the Cr(I) entity resulting from the transfer of the antibonding electron from a chemisorbed NO molecule to a reduced chromous surface site.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy at transition metal-gas interfaces: adsorption and reactions of sulfur dioxide on platinum-, rhodium-, and ruthenium-coated gold

Abstract Surface-enhanced Raman (SER) spectra obtained using 647-nm excitation are reported for the adsorption and oxidation of sulfur dioxide in flowing argon-based streams at ambient pressures and at 300 K on electroelectrochemically roughened gold, and on gold surfaces modified by thin (2–3 monolayer) electrodeposited films of platinum, rhodium, and ruthenium. The spectra were recorded by using a spectrograph/charge-coupled device (CCD) detector system, enabling real-time spectral sequences to be obtained within 1–2 s. Dosing with sulfur dioxide yielded a band at 1135 cm −1 on platinum as well as on unmodified gold, assigned to a symmetric S-O stretch of molecularly adsorbed SO 2 . This band is weak on ruthenium, and absent on rhodium. A feature at 300–320 cm −1 is also obtained on gold, platinum, rhodium, and ruthenium, and is identified as the metal-adsorbate stretch for sulfur formed by dissociative SO 2 adsorption. On platinum and gold, oxidation of the adsorbed SO 2 requires the presence of water and CO in addition to O 2 in the feed stream. Under these conditions, the 1135-cm −1 feature is replaced by bands at 1010 and 1020 cm −1 (Pt) or 1010 cm −1 (Au), ascribed to adsorbed sulfate. On ruthenium, including only water and O 2 in the feed yields SO 2 oxidation to sulfate, characterized by a band at 1030 cm −1 . The stability of each species to temperature excursions up to 475 K is noted. Comparison is also made with potential-dependent SER spectra obtained for SO 2 at the corresponding metal-aqueous electrochemical interfaces. Similarly to the gas-phase systems, the surface oxidation as well as molecular adsorption of SO 2 can be monitored at these electrochemical interfaces with SERS. Dissociative chemisorption to yield adsorbed sulfur is strongly potential-dependent, as expected since the process is reductive. Some virtues of such parallel gas-phase and electrochemical surface spectroscopic studies are pointed out.
Role of potassium channels in amyloid-induced cell death

Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons are severely depleted early in Alzheimer's disease and appear particularly susceptible to amyloid beta-peptide (A beta) toxicity in vivo. To model this effect in vitro, a cholinergic septal cell line (SN56) was exposed to A beta. SN56 cells exhibited a tetraethylammonium (TEA)-sensitive outward K+ current with delayed rectifier characteristics. Increases of 64% (+/-19; p < 0.02) and 44% (+/-12; p < 0.02) in K+ current density were noted 6-12 and 12-18 h following the addition of A beta to SN56 cell cultures, respectively. Morphological observation and staining for cell viability showed that 25 +/- 4 and 39 +/- 4% of SN56 cells were dead after 48- and 96-h exposures to A beta, respectively. Perfusion of SN56 cells with 10-20 mM TEA blocked 71 +/- 6 to 92 +/- 2% of the outward currents, widened action potentials, elevated [Ca2+]i, and inhibited 89 +/- 14 and 68 +/- 14% of the A beta toxicity. High [K+]o, which depolarizes cell membranes and increases [Ca2+]i, also protected SN56 cells from A beta toxicity. This effect appeared specific since glucose deprivation of SN56 cells did not alter K+ current density and TEA did not protect these cells from hypoglycemic cell death. Furthermore, A beta was toxic to a dopaminergic cell line (MES23.5) that expressed a K+ current with delayed rectifier characteristics; K+ current density was not altered by A beta and MES23.5 cells were not protected by TEA from A beta toxicity. In contrast, a noncholinergic septal cell line (SN48) that shows minimal outward K+ currents was resistant to the toxicity of A beta. These data suggest that a K+ channel with delayed rectifier characteristics may play an important role in A beta-mediated toxicity for septal cholinergic cells.
Twin versus singleton pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Objective: To compare latency period, infectious morbidity, neonatal morbidity and neonatal mortality in twin versus singleton pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) remote from term. Methods: A retrospective, matched cohort study comparing 41 twin and 82 singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM between 24-0/7 and 31-6/7 weeks’ gestation. The data were obtained by reviewing maternal and neonatal charts. Results: The median latency periods were 3.6 days (interquartile range 1.5–13.9 days) for twins and 6.2 days (interquartile range 2.9–11.8 days) for singletons (p = 0.86). Twins were less likely to be complicated by clinical chorioamnionitis when compared with singletons (4/41 [9.8%] vs. 19/82 [23.2%], relative risk [RR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18–0.96). Histological evidence of chorioamnionitis was also lower in twins compared with singletons (14/39 [35.9%] vs. 46/68 [67.7%], RR 0.56, 95% CI, 0.34–0.92). These differences persisted after adjusting for race...
Chromosome number and structure both are markedly stable in RER colorectal cancers and are not destabilized by mutation of p53

Fourteen colorectal cancer cell lines, categorized according to the presence or absence of microsatellite instability, were further analysed for chromosomal stability by karyotyping. NonRER (microsatellite stable) cell lines typically displayed highly aberrant karyotypes with alterations not only of chromosome number but also of chromosome structure including chromosomal deletions, inversions, and translocations. RER (microsatellite unstable) cell lines, in contrast, displayed significantly fewer alterations of chromosome number. Moreover, RER cell lines also displayed significantly fewer cytogenetically evident alterations of chromosome structure. Compared to NonRER colon cancers, RER colon cancers are significantly less likely to have undergone chromosomal gain, loss, or breakage. Characterization of p53 gene status by gene sequencing was performed in an attempt to determine if p53 gene status correlated with the chromosomal stability of the RER cancers. Gene mutations in p53 were present in all of the NonRER colon cancers. However, p53 gene mutations were also found present in four of nine of the RER colon cancers. Unexpectedly, RER colon cancers bearing mutant p53 demonstrated the same stability of chromosome number, and the same stability of chromosome structure, as the RER colon cancers with wild-type p53. Therefore, in RER colon cancers specific p53 independent mechanisms actively maintain the stability of both chromosome number and structure.
Swelling behavior of hyaluronic acid gels

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring mucopolysaccharide. It is an important component of the intercellular matrix. It controls the permeability of tissues by means of the highly entangled network which can be formed because of its high molecular weight. To be able to use hyaluronic acid for several biomedical applications it is necessary to have an understanding of its swelling properties. Equilibrium swelling properties of hyaluronic acid gels were investigated by varying the temperature, pH, ionic strength, and composition of the surrounding solution. Swelling was found to depend on pH and ionic strength and to be reversible. The gel was highly swollen at high pH, but it shrank continuously as the pH was lowered to 10% of its maximum volume. The gel was comparatively insensitive to temperature. Drying affected the swelling capacity of the gel significantly. Gel swelling was also affected by a high concentration of acetone or propyl alcohol in the aqueous swelling solutions.
Knowledge flow from the top: the importance of teamwork structure in team sports

Research questions: Downward managerial knowledge flow is essential for teamwork to function, yet the capabilities that coaches utilize to transmit knowledge to their players remain understudied. Drawing on contingency theory and the tacit–explicit knowledge distinction, the paper explores how and why managerial capabilities are used for knowledge flow in two different sport teams, organized with tall and flat teamwork structures.Research methods: Case studies are presented of two Division I (National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA) sport teams in a major university located in the northeastern USA, representing tall and flat teamwork structures (American football and ice hockey). Data include a total of 30 in-depth interviews of coaches and players, along with observations of team meetings, games and practices collected during 11 months.Results and findings: Findings reveal different knowledge flow patterns in the two cases. In a tall teamwork structure, capabilities focused on turning tacit manage...
Trend, seasonality, cycle, and irregular fluctuations in primary productivity at Lake Tahoe, California-Nevada, USA

Primary productivity has been measured routinely at Lake Tahoe since 1967, and a number of mechanisms underlying variability in the productivity record have now been identified. A long-term trend due to nutrient loading dominates the series. Seasonality also is prominent, apparently controlled by direct physical factors unrelated to the trophic cascade. A 3-yr cycle has been detected and several possible mechanisms are considered. Irregular fluctuations also are present, caused in part by isolated events (a forest fire) and recurring but variable phenomena (spring mixing). Except possibly for the 3-yr cycle, the known sources of variability appear to operate ‘bottom-up’ through direct physical and chemical effects on the phytoplankton.
Waveguide PPLN second harmonic generator for NASA's space interferometry mission (SIM)

The Frequency Doubler (FDR) is a component of the External Metrology subsystem on NASA's Space Interferometry Mission, performing second harmonic generation using quasi-phasematched PPLN waveguides pigtailed with polarization maintaining fiber. The need for harmonic generation on SIM is explained. Packaging and results of performance and space-qualification testing of the FDR are described.
Intermittent Evaluative Mediation With Enduring, Postdivorce Conflict

Pickar and Kahn (2011) recently presented a new alternative dispute resolution method for resolving child custody disputes. The settlement-focused parenting plan consultation (SFPPC) is a form of evaluative mediation conducted by a parenting plan consultant (PPC), who possesses the combined expertise of a mediator and child custody evaluator. The SFPPC was formerly presented as a single course of evaluative mediation. Given the changes that typically occur in the life cycle of a separated or divorced family, this article describes the expansion of the PPC role to provide intermittent evaluative mediation with families over time, as parenting plans may need modification when family circumstances or the developmental needs of the children change. This approach is tailored for the reality that “enduring conflict” is normative for a majority of families, who need assistance in engaging constructively in such conflict over time. Case examples of the intermittent use of a PPC are offered, and the unique skills ...
Complexation of plutonium(IV) with sulfate at variable temperatures

The complexation of plutonium(IV) with sulfate at variable temperatures has been investigated by solvent extraction method. A NaBrO{sub 3} solution was used as holding oxidant to maintain the plutonium(IV) oxidation state throughout the experiments. The distribution ratio of Pu(IV) between the organic and aqueous phases was found to decrease as the concentrations of sulfate were increased. Stability constants of the 1:1 and 1:2 Pu(IV)-HSO{sub 4}{sup -} complexes, dominant in the aqueous phase, were calculated from the effect of [HSO{sub 4}{sup -}] on the distribution ratio. The enthalpy and entropy of complexation were calculated from the stability constants at different temperatures using the Van't Hoff equation.
On Turbulence and Mixing in the Free Atmosphere Inferred from High-Resolution Soundings

Abstract Mixing in the free atmosphere above the planetary boundary layer is of great importance to the fate of trace gases and pollutants. However, direct measurements of the turbulent dissipation rate by in situ probes are very scarce and radar measurements are fraught with uncertainties. In this paper, turbulence scaling concepts, developed over the past decades for application to oceanic mixing, are used to suggest an alternative technique for retrieving turbulence properties in the free atmosphere from high-resolution soundings. This technique enables high-resolution radiosondes, which have become quite standard in the past few years, to be used not only to monitor turbulence in the free atmosphere in near–real time, but also to study its spatiotemporal characteristics from the abundant archives of high-resolution soundings from around the world. Examples from several locations are shown, as well as comparisons with radar-based estimations and a typical Richardson number–based parameterization.
Positive Job Response and Ethical Job Performance.

Although many studies have linked job attitudes and intentions to aspects of in-role and extra-role job performance, there has been relatively little attention given to such job responses in the context of employees’ ethical/unethical behavior. The purpose of this study was to investigate a possible relationship between positive job response (conceptualized as job satisfaction and intention to stay) and behavioral ethics. Ninety-two matched manager-employee pairs from a regional branch of a large financial services and banking firm completed survey instruments, with each employee providing information about his or her job attitudes and intentions and each manager assessing the ethical/unethical performance of his/her employees. Respondents also provided additional information required for our analyses. The results indicated that positive job response among subordinates was associated with higher supervisory ratings of the subordinates’ ethical job performance. The managerial implications of the findings for managing ethical behavior are explored.
Encapsulation of oligoethylene glycols and perfluoro-n-alkanes in a cylindrical host molecule.

Oligoethylene glycols and perfluoro-n-alkanes are suitable guests for the synthetic cylindrical host molecule 12; an investigation of these host–guest systems is reported.
Identities, Borders, Change: A Case Study of Trans Cultural Learning in Mediated Learning Communities

The purpose of this case study was to examine one learner's Keira personal trajectory in an online, transnational telecollaborative learning environment, focusing on how she negotiated 1 her own sense of identity, 2 her perspective on French and American cultures, and 3 the possibility of a transcultural dialogue. The data observations, journals, interviews showed that early on, Keira's expectations of the class shifted drastically. Consequently, she began to engage her own conception of self and being American through introspection and, ultimately, a redefinition of her own subjectivity. Keira progressively developed her own transcultural stance and reached a point where her sense of the conditions of possibility of culture learning and the transcultural encounter, buttressed by a much deeper and nuanced knowledge of both cultures, led to a completely new understanding and repositioning of her posture in this encounter, which she called "an opportunity for liberation." This study supports the effectiveness of technology-mediated learning communities MLCs in fostering transcultural learning seen as a developmental process, a dynamic trajectory.
Nature and properties of pure and nb-doped Ti02 ceramic membranes affecting the photocatalytic degradation of 3-chlorosalicylic acid as a model of halogenated organic compounds

Abstract Pure and Nb-doped TiO2 ceramic membranes supported on glass were prepared by sol-gel techniques. When irradiated with near-UV light, these membranes brought about the photocatalytic degradation of 3-chlorosalicylic acid (3-CSA). Relationships between preparation conditions and the characteristics and efficiencies of the different membranes have been inferred. The changes in the physical-chemical characteristics of these membranes when they are fired at high temperatures are retarded by both the Nb-doping and the coating on glass supports. Doping does not improve the rate of degradation of 3-CSA, despite the fact that light absorbance is higher. The increase of firing temperature causes an increase in the size of membrane particles and a remarkable drop in the specific surface area, resulting in a substantial decrease in photochemical efficiency. A discussion based on the hypothesis of e−/h+ recombination at grain boundaries and point defects of the membranes is presented.
Estimating frequency by interpolation using Fourier coefficients

The periodogram of a time series that contains a sinusoidal component provides a crude estimate of its frequency parameter, the maximizer over the Fourier frequencies being within O(T/sup -1/) of the frequency as the sample size T increases. In the paper, a technique for obtaining an estimator that has root mean square error of order T/sup -3/2/ is presented, which involves only the Fourier components of the time series at three frequencies, The asymptotic variance of the estimator varies between, roughly, the asymptotic variance of the maximizer of the periodogram over all frequencies (the Cramer-Rao lower bound) and three times this variance. The advantage of the new estimator is its computational simplicity. >
Comparative analysis of tooth-root strength using stress–strength interference (SSI) theory with FEM-based verification

Gear geometry plays a significant role in deciding the tooth deflection, magnitude of stress induced and stress distribution. Accurate evaluation of the stress state and distribution of stresses at the tooth root requires application of experimental methods to determine, such as electric resistance wire strain gauges, or photoelastic gauges, etc. These experimental methods are especially complicated, expensive, and laborious. Therefore, they are applied mainly in special cases. In the recent years, the methods of probabilistic design have been commonly accepted in the design of mechanical components and systems to assist the designer in making decisions on the best balanced design with respect to several design criteria. In probabilistic design, it is common to use parametric statistical models to calculate the probability of failure obtained from the Stress–Strength Interference (SSI) theory, which more nearly models the true situation. This paper discusses the application of the SSI theory that has been used to support the detailed gear design as part of the “Design for Reliability” approach to evaluate the tooth-root strength with finite element method-based verification. The SSI theory is formulated to predict the effect of the root fillet generated by rack or hob tool with and without protuberance on the gear system reliability. The results indicate the high fillet root stresses and gear tooth deflection in gears with the lowest tip radius of the generating tool.
Radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine chemistry in the synthesis of hydrogenase and nitrogenase metal cofactors.

Nitrogenase, [FeFe]-hydrogenase, and [Fe]-hydrogenase enzymes perform catalysis at metal cofactors with biologically unusual non-protein ligands. The FeMo cofactor of nitrogenase has a MoFe7S9 cluster with a central carbon, whereas the H-cluster of [FeFe]-hydrogenase contains a 2Fe subcluster coordinated by cyanide and CO ligands as well as dithiomethylamine; the [Fe]-hydrogenase cofactor has CO and guanylylpyridinol ligands at a mononuclear iron site. Intriguingly, radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine enzymes are vital for the assembly of all three of these diverse cofactors. This minireview presents and discusses the current state of knowledge of the radical S-adenosylmethionine enzymes required for synthesis of these remarkable metal cofactors.
Initial Stages of Growth of Gallium Nitride via Iodine Vapor Phase Epitaxy

Thin layers of GaN have been deposited on 1µm thick MOVPE GaN(0001) thin film substrates using a novel vertical iodine vapor phase epitaxy system. The system features three concentric flow zones that separate the reactant gasses until they reach the substrate. Hydrogen flows through the innermost zone to deliver iodine vapor from an external bubbler to the molten Ga maintained at ~1050°C and GaI to the substrate; high-purity ammonia flows through the outermost zone; nitrogen flows through the middle zone to prevent reaction between the growth species at the GaI nozzle. GaN growth was found to be a function of time, with decreasing concentration of iodine the likely cause of a decrease in growth rate at longer growth times. The step-and-terrace microstructure of the MOVPE seeds was replaced with a smooth morphology film after the shortest growth experiment. Star-shaped features with hexagonal symmetry grew on the surface with increasing growth time. These features became the tops of hexagonal pyramids; these pyramids grew competitively and dominated the final growth surface. The surface of the films grown for the longest period contained a step-and-terrace microstructure; however, the density of steps of was lower than that on the surface of underlying MOVPE substrate.
(β‐Alanine)dibromolead(II)

The structure of the title compound, [PbBr2(C3H7NO2)], contains Pb2+ ions, Br− ions and β-alanine mol­ecules in their zwitterion form. Each lead(II) ion has a seven-coordinate geometry, with four sites occupied by Br− ions, two by a bidentate carboxyl­ate group and the last by a single O atom. The singly-bridging Br− ions link the PbII ions into layers that are further aggregated into a three dimensional array by the formation of Pb—O bonds and hydrogen bonds involving the —NH3+ groups.
Extended analysis of surface scratch smoothing

Abstract The earlier treatment by King and Mullins of the decay of a surface scratch to flatness applies only to the symmetric case, in which the first moment of the profile is zero. Although the problem of smoothing of a symmetric scratch by combined surface and volume diffusion was presented formally, only an approximate solution was given. The present work includes a rigorous solution to this problem; the results show the previous approximate solution to be very accurate. The earlier theory is also extended to the case of asymmetric scratches. Consideration of the antisymmetric component of the profile which results from a non-zero first moment shows that the relative asymmetry becomes increasingly important with time. Analyses of the cases of smoothing of asymmetric scratches by separate surface and volume diffusion show that the data for a particular scratch can be corrected first for the effects of asymmetry and then for the effects of volume diffusion to determine the surface diffusion coefficient.
Personalising the past: heritage work at the Museum of African American History, Nantucket

Historic site museums need to take into account that heritage is not an attribute of places, but is a process that reinforces identities, values, and relationships in the present. As such, the practices of museums as well as visitors might be considered ‘heritage work’ which serves social purposes in the present. This article addresses the ways that the Museum of African American History in Nantucket, Massachusetts, negotiates between competing notions of heritage. An analysis of heritage work at this museum illustrates how some museum practices reinforce notions of objectified heritage and ‘authentic’ portrayals of the past while other practices encourage personal heritage experiences and meaningful relationships between community members and the Museum. The theories of heritage and museum experience developed by recent heritage studies researchers create a theoretical frame through which to interpret the practices of this museum.
The cutting edge in diabetes treatment--is weight-loss surgery an effective therapeutic strategy?

The cutting edge in diabetes treatment—is weight-loss surgery an effective therapeutic strategy?
Chemical composition of Asian continental outflow over the western Pacific: Results from Transport and Chemical Evolution over the Pacific (TRACE‐P)

We characterize the chemical composition of Asian continental outflow observed during the NASA Transport and Chemical Evolution over the Pacific (TRACE-P) mission during February-April 2001 in the western Pacific using data collected on the NASA DC-8 aircraft. A significant anthropogenic impact was present in the free troposphere and as far east as 150degE longitude reflecting rapid uplift and transport of continental emissions. Five-day backward trajectories were utilized to identify five principal Asian source regions of outflow: central, coastal, north-northwest(NNW), southeast (SE), and west-southwest (WSW). The maximum mixing ratios for several species, such as CO, C2Cl4, CH3Cl, and hydrocarbons, were more than a factor of 2 larger in the boundary layer of the central and coastal regions due to industrial activity in East Asia. CO was well correlated with C2H2, C2H6, C2Cl4, and CH3Cl at low altitudes in these two regions (r(sup 2) approx. 0.77-0.97). The NNW, WSW, and SE regions were impacted by anthropogenic sources above the boundary layer presumably due to the longer transport distances of air masses to the western Pacific. Frontal and convective lifting of continental emissions was most likely responsible for the high altitude outflow in these three regions. Photochemical processing was influential in each source region resulting in enhanced mixing ratios of O3, PAN, HNO3, H2O2, and CH3OOH. The air masses encountered in all five regions were composed of a complex mixture of photcrchemically aged air with more recent emissions mixed into the outflow as indicated by enhanced hydrocarbon ratios (C2H2/CO greater than or equal to 3 and C3H8/C2H6 greater than or equal to 0.2). Combustion, industrial activities, and the burning of biofuels and biomass all contributed to the chemical composition of air masses from each source region as demonstrated by the H6, SO2, and C2Cl4 were compared for the TRACE-P and PEM-West B missions. In the more northern regions, O3, CO, and SO2 were higher at low altitudes during TRACE-P. In general, mixing ratios were fairly similar between the two missions in the southern regions. A comparison between CO/CO2, CO/CH4, C2H6/C3H8, NO(x)/SO2, and NO(y)/(SO2 + nss-SO4) ratios for the five source regions and for the 2000 Asian emissions summary showed vay close agreement indicating that Asian emissions were well represented by the TRACE-P data and tbe emissions inventory.
On the application of strain factors for approximation of the contribution of anisotropic cells to the mechanics of a tissue construct

Bio-artificial tissue constructs consisting of fibroblast cells embedded in a collagenous matrix are valuable in vitro systems in which to study cellular mechanics. Deriving cellular mechanics from the results of experimentation on tissue constructs requires a mathematical relationship that delineates amongst the contributions of the constituents of a tissue construct. A scaling between the average strain in a uniformly stretched tissue and the axial strain in isotropic cells was used in earlier work to study relations between cell mechanics and the overall mechanics of a tissue construct. That work showed that a scaling factor called a "strain factor" provided an accurate representation of the average axial strain in isotropic cells. The present study analyzes such relationships for anisotropic cells. We incorporate Eshelby's (1957; Proceedings of the Royal Society of London A 241, 376; 1959; Proceedings of the Royal Society of London A 252, 561) exact solution for the strain field in isolated ellipsoidal inclusions into the Zahalak (Biophysical journal 79, 2369) constitutive model for tissue constructs. Results showed that, for the case of prolate cells, the strain along the major cell axis is mostly influenced by the remote strain projected along that axis; off-axis cell mechanics plays only a small role in most tissues. The strain factor approximation is shown to be accurate for anisotropic cells to within a few percent for the vast majority of tissues. The results presented in this paper provide an explicit measure of the effects of cellular anisotropy, and a mechanism for calculating the contributions of these effects to overall tissue mechanics when these effects are important.
Acquired myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis, an antibody-mediated disorder of neuromuscular transmission that produces clinical weakness, may be ocular or generalized. Clinical diagnostic evaluation may be supplemented by electrophysiologic studies and antibody testing. Therapeutic options, including anticholinesterase inhibitors, immunosuppressive agents, plasmapheresis and thymectomy, are tailored for the individual patient. This article emphasizes the key aspects of the clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy.