cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ground-Based Network and Supersite Observations to Complement and Enrich EOS Research

Since 1997 NASA has been successfully launching a series of satellites - the Earth Observing System (EOS) - to intensively study, and gain a better understanding of, the Earth as an integrated system. Space-borne remote sensing observations, however, are often plagued by contamination of surface signatures. Thus, ground-based in-situ and remote-sensing measurements, where signals come directly from atmospheric constituents, the sun, and/or the Earth-atmosphere interactions, provide additional information content for comparisons that confirm quantitatively the usefulness of the integrated surface, aircraft, and satellite datasets. Through numerous participations, particularly but not limited to the EOS remote-sensing/retrieval and validation projects over the years, NASA/GSFC has developed and continuously refined ground-based networks and mobile observatories that proved to be vital in providing high temporal measurements, which complement and enrich the satellite observations. These are: the AERO NET (AErosol RObotic NETwork) a federation of ground-based globally distributed network of spectral sun-sky photometers; the MPLNET (Micro-Pulse Lidar NETwork, a similarly organized network of micro-pulse lidar systems measuring aerosol and cloud vertical structure continuously; and the SMART-COMMIT (Surface-sensing Measurements for Atmospheric Radiative Transfer - Chemical, Optical & Microphysical Measurements of In-situ Troposphere, mobile observatories, a suite of spectral radiometers and in-situ probes acquiring supersite measurements. Most MPLNET sites are collocated with those of AERONET, and both networks always support the deployment of SMART-COMMIT worldwide. These data products follow the data structure of EOS conventions: Level-0, instrument archived raw data; Level-1 (or 1.5), real-time data with no (or limited) quality assurance; Level-2, not real high temporal and spectral resolutions. In this talk, we will present NASA/GSFC groundbased facilities, serving as network or supersite observations, which have been playing key roles in major international research projects over diverse aerosol regimes to complement and enrich the EOS scientific research.
Chapter 11 Relation between the Atomic and the Electronic Structures

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the present knowledge of the atomic structure of amorphous hydrogenated silicon (a-Si:H) and reviews the quantum-mechanical calculations of its electronic structure that have been based on that knowledge. In contrast to the case of crystals, the structure of a substance like a-Si:H must necessarily be very incompletely known. For a perfect crystal, the relative positions of any number of atoms are determined—namely, the size and shape of the unit cell and the locations of the atoms within the cell. The absence of long-range order in a-Si:H prevents such a concise description. This information is available only in probabilistic terms (i.e., as distribution functions), because the disorder of an amorphous phase consists in part of spatial fluctuations in interatomic distances. Moreover, only pair distribution functions can presently be measured with any accuracy.
Regulation of platelet-activating factor receptor and platelet-activating factor receptor-mediated biological responses by cAMP in rat Kupffer cells.

Treatment of cultured Kupffer cells with the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (10 microM) for a short period of time (30 min) attenuated the subsequent platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced arachidonic acid release and cyclooxygenase-derived eicosanoid (e.g. thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin E2) production. This effect of isoproterenol was highly specific since the alpha-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine and the beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol had no effect on the stimulatory effect of 1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (AGEPC). The inhibitory effect of isoproterenol on the AGEPC-induced arachidonic acid release was demonstrated through the use of a specific beta-adrenergic subtype agonist and antagonist to be mediated by beta 2-adrenergic receptors on Kupffer cells. These inhibitory effects of isoproterenol can be mimicked by dibutyryl cAMP but not by dibutyryl cGMP, suggesting that a cAMP-dependent mechanism is likely involved in the regulatory action of isoproterenol. Ligand binding studies indicated that short term (i.e. 30 min) treatment of the cultured Kupffer cells with either isoproterenol or dibutyryl cAMP had no effect on the specific [3H]PAF binding. However, long term incubation (9-24 h) with dibutyryl cAMP caused down-regulation of the PAF receptors in rat Kupffer cells. Forskolin (0.1 mM), an adenylyl cyclase activator, down-regulated the surface expression of the AGEPC receptors more rapidly, decreasing the specific [3H]AGEPC binding by approximately 40% within 2 h. The receptor regulatory effect of dibutyryl cAMP and forskolin was time- and concentration-dependent. These observations suggest that a cAMP-dependent mechanism coupled with beta 2-adrenergic receptors may have important regulatory effects on the PAF receptor and post-receptor signal transducing mechanisms for PAF in hepatic Kupffer cells.
Cellular and enzymatic activities of a synthetic heteropolymer double-stranded RNA of defined size.

We have synthesized a novel heteropolymer double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecule of defined length and strandedness (dsRNA309) and evaluated its ability to induce cytokine gene expression, activate dsRNA-dependent enzymes, and inhibit both tumor cell growth and virus replication. Unlike the conventionally studied synthetic homopolymer dsRNAs, polyinosinic acid:polycytidylic acid (poly(I-C)) and its mismatched analogue polyinosinic:polycytidylic, uridylic acid (poly(I-C12,U), dsRNA309 possessed restricted biological activity. dsRNA309 was unable to inhibit tumor cell growth or efficiently induce cytokine (i.e. interferon-beta and interleukin-1 alpha) gene expression. However, dsRNA309 was able to inhibit virus replication and activate dsRNA-dependent intracellular enzymes, 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase (2'-5' A synthetase) and the dsRNA-activated inhibitor kinase in in vitro assay systems. Overall, dsRNA309 provided a means for examining the mechanisms governing the dsRNA-regulated antiviral and antiproliferative responses, and studies with dsRNA309 demonstrated that the ability of a synthetic dsRNA to activate dsRNA-dependent intracellular enzymes does not necessarily predict the same gene inducing capacity.
Global transformations and intimate relations in the 21st century: social science research on sexuality and the emergence of sexual health and sexual rights frameworks.

Abstract This article tracks the conjunction between the social, cultural, political, and economic changes taking place on a global level and the shift in sexuality research from primarily biomedical and behavioral concerns to those of rights and social justice. Particular attention is paid to how transnational public health and human rights discourses, and social movements concerned with gender inequality and the oppression of sexual minorities, have influenced the field of sexuality research. This influence is especially clear in the emergence of the concepts of sexual health and sexual rights, which have enabled researchers to draw clear connections between highly localized phenomena and transnational systems. The importance of rights-based approaches, in particular, has supported an explicit politicization of research and the engagement of researchers in social justice causes. To illustrate the interests and approach of contemporary sexuality research, the article includes a review of recent literatur...
Fragmentary transfer of P32-labeled parental DNA to progeny phage: II. The average size of the transferred parental fragment. Two-cycle transfer. Repair of the polynucleotide chain after fragmentation

Abstract The average contribution of parental DNA to progeny phage T4 is between 5 and 10% of the progeny phage DNA in those particles that receive some parental DNA. This contribution is calculated from the displacement of progeny phage in a CsCl density gradient. The amount of the transferred DNA of parental origin is not constant among progeny particles. It depends on the multiplicity of infection and can be increased by inhibition of DNA synthesis with FUDR. In a second growth cycle the parental material is further dispersed. During this transfer, the parental strand exchanges its complementary strand for a new one. The transferred DNA material is found in duplex structures of hybrid composition. No conserved double-stranded parental subunits are detected in the progeny even when net synthesis of the new DNA is inhibited with FUDR. Evidence is presented that the breakage and reunion occur between parental and progeny DNA segments. The progeny DNA molecules containing parental subunits, when heated or treated with alkali, dissociate into strands in which the parental subunits are materially connected. No separation of pure parental material is observed. This implies that the integrity of the polynucleotide chain is repaired after breakage and rejoining. The integrity of the injected parental DNA prior to replication is discussed.
Three Essays on the Economics of Education

Chapter 1 utilizes confidential student achievement information obtained under a signed confidentiality agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The authors wish to thank Jinxiang Liu for programming and database support. The authors benefited from discussions with Maria Ferreyra, Margaret McMacken, John Garrow, Dave Davare, Brian Junker, participants at the October 3, 2008 seminar on applied microeconomics at the Tepper School, participants at the May 23, 2009 seminar at Heinz College, and comments received at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Economic Finance Association and the 2009 Summer Meeting of the North American Econometric Society. Financial support from the Heinz Endowments and the William Penn Foundation is gratefully acknowledged. Responsibility for the findings and interpretation of this paper rests solely with the authors. Regarding Chapter 2, I would like to thank Lowell Taylor, Maria Marta Ferrerya, and Mel Stephens, Heinz and Tepper seminar participants, Melanie Zilora, Billie Morrow Davis, John Gardner, and Abby Linn. I also thank Dave Davare, Anne Herald, and the staff of the PSBA. Chapter 3 has benefited from the advice of Lowell Taylor, Melanie Zilora, Billie Morrow Davis, Aaron Turner, my committee, and comments received at my dissertation proposal. I also thank Stephanie Cellini and Latika Chaudhary for their help in replicating their paper. I gratefully invite the comments and feedback of any readers of this version. This research was conducted with restricted access to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the BLS. This dissertation is dedicated to my paternal grandmother, Doris Clay, who made me promise to finish my degree. All chapters would have been impossible without the loving support of my husband, Aaron Turner, and my parents, Jan and David Clay. Honorable mentions are due to my eighth-grade English teacher, Mr. Ford, my high-school history and economics teacher, Mr. Copley, and my undergraduate advisor, Rajiv Sethi. This work is a small piece of their legacies as teachers. Finally, my children, Ryan and Tristan Turner, both provided love and support during the latter half of the writing of this dissertation, and deserve thanks for sharing their infancy with my academic endeavors.
Motion Planning for a Six-Legged Lunar Robot

This paper studies the motion of a large and highly mobile six-legged lunar vehicle called athlete, developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This vehicle rolls on wheels when possible, but can use the wheels as feet to walk when necessary. While gaited walking may suffice for most situations, rough and steep terrain requires novel sequences of footsteps and postural adjustments that are specifically adapted to local geometric and physical properties. This paper presents a planner to compute these motions that combines graph searching techniques to generate a sequence of candidate footfalls with probabilistic sample-based planning to generate continuous motions to reach them. The viability of this approach is demonstrated in simulation on several example terrains, even one that requires rappelling.
How Firms Make Capital Expenditure Decisions: Financial Signals, Internal Cash Flows, Income Taxes and the Tax Reform Act of 1986

This paper empirically assesses the determinants of future net capital expenditures for a broad cross-section of COMPUSTAT firms from 1973 to 1989. We explore three general categories of factors expected to affect investment: (1) external equity financing, (2) internally generated accounting information, and (3) tax incentives. We find that external financing and information plays a role in that both positive stock returns and equity issuances indicate future increases in investment. The results suggest that high stock prices not only lower the cost of capital, but also signal good investment opportunities. Accounting information about internal sources and uses of funds are also important in the investment decision. In particular, net income and depreciation are positive indicators of future investment while there is a tradeoff between the payment of dividends and investment. Further, positive changes in available cash liquidity also motivate future investment. While taxes are not important in the investment decision on average, we find that firms with previously higher income taxes invested substantially more in 1985 and 1986. This coincides with the repeal of the investment tax credit and the accelerated depreciation schedules in the Tax Reform Act of 1986. We view this as evidence that federal tax policy in the 1980's induced firms with high income tax obligations to accelerate capital expenditures just before the favorable tax treatment of capital expenditures was eliminated.
Recognition of ascending stairs from 2D images for control of powered lower limb prostheses

Intent recognition is essential for effective control of powered assistive devices, such as powered lower limb prostheses, exoskeletons, or wheelchairs. Currently, EMG and mechanical sensors are used for intent recognition of powered lower limb prostheses. We propose the addition of vision for improved intent recognition control, with this work focused on determining the best method for recognizing of ascending stair edges from 2D images. In this work different image processing methods were tested to determine which method produces the best line extraction. The best results were obtained using Canny, Sobel, Prewitt, and Roberts Cross edge detectors for four colorspace components. Finally, a convex/concave line decision system was developed to produce preliminary results about the presence or absence of stairs in a given image.
Selection of high temperature thermal energy storage materials for advanced solar dynamic space power systems

Under the direction of NASA's Office of Aeronautics and Technology (OAST), the NASA Lewis Research Center has initiated an in-house thermal energy storage program to identify combinations of phase change thermal energy storage media for use with a Brayton and Stirling Advanced Solar Dynamic (ASD) space power system operating between 1070 and 1400 K. A study has been initiated to determine suitable combinations of thermal energy storage (TES) phase change materials (PCM) that result in the smallest and lightest weight ASD power system possible. To date the heats of fusion of several fluoride salt mixtures with melting points greater than 1025 K have been verified experimentally. The study has indicated that these salt systems produce large ASD systems because of their inherent low thermal conductivity and low density. It is desirable to have PCMs with high densities and high thermal conductivities. Therefore, alternate phase change materials based on metallic alloy systems are also being considered as possible TES candidates for future ASD space power systems.
Towards a Different Construction of Blackness: Black Immigrant Scholars on Racial Identity Development in the United States.

In this collaborative autoethnography, two immigrants interrogate their evolving self-definitions as Black women in the U.S. academy. Using a variety of data sources, they uncover several commonalities and differences in their experiences which have coalesced into a four-part model in their journey towards a different construction of Black identity: positioning themselves in the Black box, apprehending their outsider-within positionalilty, navigating the "us/them" to "we" switch, and integrating a different construction of Blackness while remaining true to their cultural/ethnic identity. In elaborating on these themes, they critique the journey towards apprehending minority identity status for people like them.
RAPE IN STOCKHOLM

Sweden has a reputation for sexual liberality and sex-role equality, two items which might be presumed to correlate with a low rate of forcible rape. In truth, however, the rate of rape known to the police in Stockholm is about equivalent to that for comparably sized American jurisdictions. Neither laws nor reporting rates are believed to vary meaningfully between the United States and Sweden. We suggest that the rape in Stockholm may well be a function of a different kind of sexual behavior (though not so different as stereotypes portray), and that more sophisticated studies of rape and other crimes ought to refine sharply the gross measurements now employed to signify criminal activity.
Proton induced spallation reactions

Abstract Proton-induced upsets are becoming an important problem for modern digital electronics used on satellites that traverse the inner radiation belts. The mechanism for this single event phenomenon is the proton-induced spallation reaction. Computer simulations are used to illustrate the kinematics of the spallation reaction and the resulting energy deposition in microvolumes which have dimensions typical of the elements comprising modern devices.
Direct observation of secondary nuclei production

Abstract Production of secondary nuclei by low energy contacts between a crystal and a solid rod was investigated by direct microscopic observation. Crystal attrition occurred very easily and produced many secondary nuclei. Using both potash alum and magnesium sulphate heptahydrate growing in aqueous solution, large numbers of particles in the size range 1–10 μm were produced in both super- and undersaturated solutions. In addition larger pieces of crystalline material up to 50 μm in size were removed from the crystal under growing conditions. Many of the smaller particles grew very slowly in supersaturated solutions whereas the larger particles appeared to grow at rates characteristic of large crystals.
Quantitative assessment of student motivation to characterize differences between engineering majors

Student motivation is often undervalued in comparison to academic performance measures for evaluating changes in higher education. There is a need to consider the affective domain in reform, in addition to academic performance. The effect of student motivation toward short- and long-term goals on student actions is not well understood. To assess this need, two research questions are addressed: 1) What elements of a motivation instrument designed for first-year engineering students are valid for upper-level engineering students? 2) How do motivations differ for upper level students in different engineering majors? Students in their major-specific engineering courses were surveyed with the Motivation and Attitudes in Engineering (MAE) instrument, which assesses long-term goal related expectancy, and perceptions of present and future tasks/goals. Short-term task self-efficacy was assessed using items adapted from the Attitudes and Approaches to Problem Solving survey. Results based on comparisons between major, class, and grade point average (GPA) showed: 1) Higher GPA indicates significantly higher expectancies and self-efficacy; 2) Bioengineers have significantly higher expectancies than mechanical engineers; and 3) Juniors have significantly higher GPAs, expectancies, and more positive perceptions of the present than sophomores. Results indicate that students' motivations toward short- and long-term goals may influence actions toward learning.
Layered Growth of Lattice-Mismatched Ga x In 1− x P on GaP Substrates by Liquid Phase Epitaxy

We report layered growth of Ga x In1−x P on GaP substrates using single-step liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) with a Sn-based melt when the lattice mismatch is greater than 0.4 % (x < 0.95). Compositional control was observed by (1) varying the cooling rate and (2) changing the melt-back temperature at the beginning of the growth. Possible growth mechanisms are proposed to explain the principles of both approaches of compositional control. Smooth epilayers have been observed. High resolution x-ray diffraction was used to characterize the composition of the epilayers, and room temperature photoluminescence was reported for one of the samples with the composition of x = 0.11. Plan-view TEM measurements revealed threading dislocation densities on the order of 108 cm−2 in the upper regions of the Ga x In1−x P epilayers. In contrast, when using In-based melts, LPE of Ga x In1−x P on GaP (100) substrates exhibited island growth at large misfits, whereas edge growth dominated when using GaP (111B) substrates under equivalent growth conditions.
A hexamerin protein, AgSP-1, is associated with diapause in the boll weevil

The objective of this research was to identify a reliable biochemical indicator for diapause (dormancy) in the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis. Hemolymph polypeptides from reproductive and diapausing weevils were compared using denaturing sodium dodecyl sulpfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). A 77-kDa protein, which proved to be a hexamerin (AgSP-1), strongly correlated with morphological diapause characters in both male and female adult weevils. N-terminal sequence analysis identified the first 25 amino acids of the mature protein and was used to develop an antibody to AgSP-1. Anti-AgSP-1 reacted only with hemolymph from diapausing weevils of both sexes but not with hemolymph from reproductive weevils. Also, the yolk protein, vitellogenin (VG), inversely correlated with AgSP-1. When hemolymph VG was high, AgSP-1 was absent or barely perceptible.Juvenile hormone regulates VG synthesis in most insect species. Juvenile hormone is reported to stimulate reproductive maturation in the boll weevil (Physiological Entomology 22 (1997) 261) and to be absent during diapause (Physiological Entomology 22 (1997a) 269). Therefore, the juvenile hormone (JH) mimic, methoprene, was used to assess the role of JH activity in the boll weevil for terminating diapause, stimulating reproductive maturation and possibly influencing AgSP-1 titers. Application of methoprene was not effective in activating reproductive development. Hemolymph from methoprene-treated, females contained VG and AgSP-1 titers that were similar to acetone-treated and untreated control weevils.Using a genomic DNA library and 3' RACE, two clones were isolated that yielded the complete sequence of AgSP-1 as well as a portion of the 5' untranslated region. Northern blot analysis confirmed the presence of a 2.5 kB transcript for AgSP-1 in the fat body of diapausing weevils. AgSP-1 was also present in the fat body of reproductive weevils, but to a lesser extent. No sex-related differences in gene expression were observed; diapausing weevils of both sexes showed similar levels of AgSP-1 expression. An inverse correlation was observed between the VG transcript and AgSP-1 mRNA. VG was highly expressed in the fat body of reproductive females and only slightly expressed in tissue from diapausing females. Our data suggests that AgSP-1 is a diapause-specific protein in adult weevils and that JH, alone, is not effective in terminating diapause.
Do Traditional Western European Drinking Practices Have Origins in Antiquity

Over the last few decades, alcohol consumption patterns have been changing in western European cultures (FAO 1991; Hupkens etal, 1992). Many nations have begun to embrace non-traditional beverages and drinking1 practices. There are arguments for both cultural change and for persistence of drinking norms over time or across generations. Indeed, some recent reports suggest both rapid change and persistence (Heath, 1992; McGowan et al, 1992) in some drinking patterns.The northern and the southern regions of Western Europe have traditionally been seen as having different drinking cultures.2 Moreover, these preferences and patterns appear to have persisted from a more distant past. Could it be possible that the traditional western European drinking norms, attitudes and practices may have persisted over the centuries and have origins in antiquity?To explore the question of the etiology of western European drinking cultures, some tentative hypotheses will be offered. It is hoped that these speculations will gene...
Increased mRNA expression for the α1 subunit of the GABAA receptor following nitrous oxide exposure in mice

The mechanisms by which nitrous oxide (N(2)O) produces physical dependence and withdrawal seizures are not well understood, but both N(2)O and ethanol exert some of their effects via the GABA(A) receptor and several lines of evidence indicate that withdrawal from N(2)O and ethanol may be produced through similar mechanisms. Expression levels of mRNA transcripts encoding several GABA(A) receptor subunits change with chronic ethanol exposure and, therefore, we hypothesized that N(2)O exposure would produce changes in mRNA expression for the alpha(1) subunit. Male, Swiss--Webster mice, 10--12 weeks of age, were exposed for 48 h to either room air or a 75%:25% N(2)O:O(2) environment. Brains were sectioned and mRNA for the alpha(1) subunit was detected by in situ hybridization using an 35S-labelled cRNA probe. N(2)O exposure produced a significant increase in expression levels of the alpha(1) subunit mRNA in the cingulate cortex, the CA1/2 region of the hippocampus, the dentate gyrus, the subiculum, the medial septum, and the ventral tegmental area. These results lend support to the hypothesis that N(2)O effects are produced, at least in part, through the GABA(A) receptor and that N(2)O produces these effects through actions in the cingulate cortex, hippocampus, ventral tegmental area and medial septum. These results are also further evidence that ethanol and N(2)O produce dependence and withdrawal through common mechanisms.
Effects of Dietary PCB Exposure on Reproduction in the White-Footed Mouse (Peromyscus leucopus)

Studies of the impact of environmental contaminants on reproduction have typically focused on effects on fertility and subsequent reproductive failure. Contaminants may also impact reproductive output or other aspects of life history through effects on resource acquisition or allocation. We fed successfully breeding female white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) diets containing polychlorinated biphenyls (2:1 Aroclor 1242:1254) at levels of 0 (n = 10), 10 (n = 12), and 25 (n = 10) ppm (mg polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs]/kg food). After 4 months on the diets, female mice were bred with male mice maintained on control food. There was no effect of PCB exposure on litter size at birth or weaning, although fewer female mice on the 25-ppm diet gave birth. There was no effect of PCB dose on maternal metabolic rate at peak lactation or on total food (dry matter) intake during lactation. Female mice on the 10-ppm diet, however, consumed more food per pup during lactation and weaned larger pups, although these differences disappeared after 4 weeks of age. We conclude that although moderate-term exposure to PCBs did decrease the number of litters produced for high-dose female mice, it did not change litter size, pup growth rate, or energetic measures for those female mice that did successfully reproduce.
The electron scattering at grain boundaries in tungsten films

Abstract The impact of electron scattering at grain boundaries in polycrystalline tungsten (W) thin films is studied with a unique approach. Two nominally 300 nm-thick films, a (1 1 0)-oriented epitaxial and a (1 1 0)-textured polycrystalline W film, were prepared in identical fabrication conditions except for the substrates, i.e., Al 2 O 3 substrate for the epitaxial film and thermally oxidized Si substrate for the polycrystalline film. The significantly larger dimension of the film thickness than the electron mean free path in W allows the contribution of surface scattering to be negligible, and the additional resistivity for the polycrystalline W film relative to the epitaxial film is attributed to grain boundary scattering. The Mayadas–Shatzkes (MS) grain boundary scattering model is employed for quantitative analyses, with the grain boundary reflection coefficient determined to be 0.42 ± 0.02 and 0.40 ± 0.02 at 293 K and 4.2 K, respectively, using the measured lateral grain size of 119 ± 7 nm. Based on the grain boundary reflection coefficient determined in this study and the surface scattering coefficient ( p = 0.11) of the Fuchs–Sondheimer model given elsewhere, the resistivity of W lines having line-widths less than 10 nm is predicted to be lower than that of Cu lines.
Solvent Effects on the Conversion of Dicopper(II) μ-η2:η2-Peroxo to Bis-μ-oxo Dicopper(III) Complexes: Direct Probing of the Solvent Interaction

A new tridentate ligand, PYAN, is employed to investigate solvent influences for dioxygen reactivity with [Cu(PYAN)(MeCN)]B(C6F5)4 (1). Stopped-flow kinetic studies confirm that the adducts [{CuII(PYAN)}2(O2)][B(C6F5)4]2 (2Peroxo) and [{CuIII(PYAN)}2(O)2][B(C6F5)4]2 (2Oxo) are in rapid equilibrium. Thermodynamic parameters for the equilibrium between 2Peroxo and 2Oxo are as follows: THF, ΔH° ∼ −15.7 kJ/mol, ΔS° ∼ −83 J/K·mol; acetone, ΔH° ∼ −15.8 kJ/mol, ΔS° ∼ −76 J/K·mol. UV−visible absorption and resonance Raman spectroscopic signatures demonstrate that the equilibrium is highly solvent dependent; the mixture is mostly 2Peroxo in CH2Cl2, but there are significantly increasing quantities of 2Oxo along the series methylene chloride → diethyl ether → acetone → tetrahydrofuran (THF). Copper(II)−Neq stretches (239, 243, 244, and 246 cm-1 in CH2Cl2, Et2O, acetone, and THF, respectively) are identified for 2Peroxo, but they are not seen in 2Oxo, revealing for the first time direct evidence for solvent coordin...
Broiler live performance response to dietary zinc source and the influence of zinc supplementation in broiler breeder diets

Abstract An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of Zn source and Zn concentration in caged broiler breeder hen diets on progeny performance. Eight dietary treatments were examined consisting of a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (2—progeny diets and 4—diets provided to broiler breeder hens) with each treatment being represented by six replications. Progeny were provided diets supplemented with 140 mg Zn kg −1 from an inorganic source or a mixture of inorganic and organic sources. Slow-feathering, Cobb 500 broiler breeder hens were given one of four experimental diets containing 160 mg supplemental Zn kg −1 from Zn sulphate (ZnSO 4 ), zinc-amino acid complex (ZnAA 1 ), a combination of ZnSO 4 and ZnAA, with each contributing one-half of the total supplemental Zn, or no supplemental Zn after 20 weeks of age (BASAL). Prior to 20 weeks, all hens were fed diets containing 160 mg supplemental Zn kg −1 from zinc-amino acid complex. Hatching eggs laid during 43 week were incubated and hatched. Three hundred and thirty-six resultant male chicks were given diets containing 140 mg supplemental Zn kg −1 from either ZnSO 4 (140 mg Zn kg −1 ) or ZnSO 4 + ZnAA (ZnSO 4 , 100 mg Zn kg −1 ; ZnAA, 40 mg Zn kg −1 ) during a 17-d growth assay. The chicks originated from broiler breeder hens that were given a diet without supplemental Zn or diets supplemented with different sources of Zn. Providing supplemental Zn to hens in the form of ZnSO 4 or ZnAA did not improve progeny performance. At 17 d, broilers fed diets supplemented with ZnSO 4 + ZnAA had lower feed conversion ( P P 4 . These data indicate that broiler chick performance may be improved by replacing 40 mg Zn kg −1 diet from ZnSO 4 with 40 mg Zn kg −1 from zinc-amino acid complex.
Uveal melanoma and familial atypical mole and melanoma (FAM-M) syndrome.

We conducted this study to determine whether occurrence of primary uveal melanoma in the setting of familial atypical mole and melanoma (fam-m) syndrome (an autosomal dominant cutaneous preneoplastic syndrome) follows a pattern of a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome. A retrospective review of 4600 consecutive patients with primary uveal melanoma revealed eight patients with biopsy-proven fam-m syndrome. The clinical profile of these patients was studied and their kindreds analyzed. In patients with fam-m syndrome, the uveal melanoma occurred at a relatively young age (mean 40 years; range 10-52 years). The diagnosis of fam-m syndrome preceded or followed the diagnosis of uveal melanoma by as much as 10 years. None of the patients had an associated nonmelanocytic malignancy. Three of the eight patients had a positive family history of melanoma (cutaneous melanoma (2) and uveal melanoma (1). The authors conclude that the occurrence of primary uveal melanoma in the setting of fam-m syndrome does not ...
Acute Care of the Elderly Units: A Positive Outcomes Case Study

Acute care of the elderly patient is a specialty area of practice. The elderly have a spectrum of needs including physiologic, psychosocial, functional, and financial needs that will alter their response to physiologic illness and the acute care experience in general. Acute care units specifically designed to meet the needs of elderly adults can have a dramatic impact on recovery from acute illness and long-term, postdischarge outcomes. This report describes the experience of one elderly patient hospitalized for the treatment of pneumonia. This elderly patient manifested a response to the acute care experience that was typical of his age cohort, including confusion and incontinence. Subsequent transfer to an acute care for the elderly unit maximized this patient's recovery and postdischarge placement.
Evaluating the Efficacy of a Malaria Vaccine

Malaria is a major public health problem. An effective vaccine against malaria is actively being sought. We formulate a potential outcomes definition of the efficacy of a malaria vaccine for preventing fever. A challenge in estimating this efficacy is that there is no sure way to determine whether a fever was caused by malaria. We study the properties of two approaches for estimating efficacy: (1) use a deterministic case definition of a malaria caused fever as the conjunction of fever and parasite density above a certain cutoff; (2) use a probabilistic case definition in which the probability that each fever was caused by malaria is estimated. We compare these approaches in a simulation study and find that both approaches can potentially have large biases. We suggest a strategy for choosing an estimator based on the investigator's prior knowledge about the area in which the trial is being conducted and the range of vaccine efficacies over which the investigator would like the estimator to have good properties.
Binding of human C-reactive protein (CRP) to plasma fibronectin occurs via the phosphorylcholine-binding site☆

Human C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant that is selectively deposited at sites of tissue damage. CRP binds with high affinity to purified plasma fibronectin (Fn) when the Fn is immobilized on a surface or matrix via either specific IgG antibody or by gelatin. The CRP to Fn binding is saturable at a molar ratio of CRP/Fn of approximately 9 with a Kd = 1.47 x 10(-7) M and requires Ca2+. The binding site on Fn for CRP was localized to the C-terminal portion by using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to Fn as competitive inhibitors of CRP. The binding involves the phosphorylcholine (PC)-binding site of CRP since the addition of PC inhibits binding to Fn and those mAbs to CRP that bind at or near the PC-binding site selectively inhibit the CRP to Fn binding. In addition the mouse IgA myeloma protein TEPC-15, which is specific for PC, also competes with CRP for binding sites on Fn. A mAb to the mouse PC-binding idiotype T-15, which also reacts with the PC-binding site of CRP, inhibits the binding of CRP to Fn. The findings suggest that CRP may play a role in the formation of the extracellular matrix needed for tissue repair. The CRP-Fn interaction may be one of the explanations for the observation of selective deposition of CRP at sites of tissue injury.
A survey of social media use, motivation and leadership among public relations practitioners

Abstract This study investigates the relationship between motivation, leadership and social media use among a sample of public relations practitioners who recently had begun using Twitter to follow Universal Accreditation Board (UAB)-affiliated organizations. A majority of the survey respondents were classified as “everyday users.” A series of Twitter leadership indicators correlated positively with internal motivation and correlated negatively with amotivation. Several word-of-mouth variables also were investigated with regard to motivation.
Emission limited filling of deep defects in transient capacitance experiments

The dependence of capacitance transients on the filling pulse length for a number of amorphous silicon Schottky devices grown with different back contact configurations were measured. If the depletion layers are only partially filled by partial voltage pulsing, anomalous capacitance transients can be observed on all samples regardless of the back contact or position of the Fermi level. Samples without an Ohmic back contact show a slowly rising capacitance transient during the defect filling phase. It is proposed that the defect filling on these samples is time-limited by emission either from the Fermi level in the bulk of the samples, or by emission over a barrier at the back contact. This proposal suggests that the anomalous capacitance emission transients for such samples are due to partial filling of the depletion layer, rather than to slow relaxation of defects upon charge capture.
Law, the State, and the Spatial Integration of the United States

The rules and standards of law both regulate behavior (individual or group) and provide the context within which behavior occurs. By means of a hermeneutic framework, the spatial integration of the United States economy is interpreted in terms of the structure and application of laws adjudicated by the Supreme Court. Emphasis is placed, in particular, upon the substantive aspects of law which have provided the conditions for national economic growth. It is argued that spatial integration can be derived as an outcome from earlier debates between competing classes of the revolutionary era and from an agreement between these classes that the basic unit of American society would be the individual. However, it is also shown that control of the state by the ruling class also enabled the implementation of a policy of spatial integration as part of an overall agenda of national economic development. Evidence in support of this interpretation is drawn from Supreme Court decisions relating, for example, to the Comm...
The role of pectin in Cd binding by orange peel biosorbents: A comparison of peels, depectinated peels and pectic acid

Abstract Biosorption by cheaply and abundantly available materials such as citrus peels can be a cost efficient method for removing heavy metals from wastewater. To investigate the role pectin plays in metal binding by citrus peels, native orange peels, protonated peels, depectinated peels, and extracted pectic acid were compared. Kinetic experiments showed that equilibrium was achieved in 1 h. The 1st-order model was more effective in describing the kinetics than the 2nd-order model. Titrations showed two acidic sites with pKa values around 4 (carboxyl) and 10.5 (hydroxyl), respectively. The pH dependent surface charge was described well by a two-site model. Sorption isotherms were best modeled assuming a 1:2 binding stoichiometry, followed by the Langmuir and the Freundlich model. The binding capacity was highest for pectic acid (2.9 mequiv./g) followed by protonated peels and native peels, being lowest for depectinated peels (1.7 mequiv./g). This showed the importance of pectin in metal binding by citrus peels. However, even depectinated peels were still good sorbents which still provided carboxyl groups that were involved in metal binding. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in all materials and their involvement in metal binding.
Using Students' Journals about Death Experiences as a Pedagological Tool

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to evaluate a pedagological tool for student's study of death and bereavement. Previous research suggests that students may be more willing to discuss issues associated with death through written correspondence rather than through oral communication. However, despite these efforts there are still students who experience great difficulty in expressing themselves fully in class—by no fault of the teacher—but merely due to the student's own disposition. Based on the data, it appears as if journal writing may offer a way around this difficulty. Data were collected from two sites: a private college in New England and a Midwestern state university. Common themes that students stated effected their experiences with death included reactions of significant others to the death in question, the funeral services provided, and the familial events postfuneral. The limitations and benefits of using journaling as a pedagological tool for a bereavement course are discussed. Using pr...
Selective Deposition in Layer-by-Layer Assembly: Functional Graft Copolymers as Molecular Templates

A new approach to creating patterned composite structures with layer-by-layer assembled thin films is introduced. In this approach, the top surfaces of layer-by-layer films are chemically patterned by the direct stamping of functional polymers on the surface. The resulting pattern is then used as a template for the further deposition of materials on the surface. This paper illustrates this concept through the patterning of an oligoethylene glycol resist atop a polyelectrolyte multilayer surface. The resist layer is created by stamping an oligoethylene oxide−maleic anhydride graft copolymer onto the top polyamine surface. Further deposition of polyions results in the formation of a patterned polymer film atop the original multilayer thin film. When a patterned polyelectrolyte film is used as the base layer or substrate in this process, a second pattern can be stamped atop the original patterned array. Subsequent selective adsorption of polymers yields a second level of microstructures, illustrating the con...
Nuclear proliferation and the probability of nuclear war

This paper studies the effects of nuclear proliferation, the acquisition of nuclear weapons by additional nation states, on the probability of nuclear war. There are, of course, multiple interrelated effects of nuclear proliferation in addition to its effect on the probability of nuclear war, such as economic effects on the global distribution of wealth, political effects on the structure of alliances and alliance relationships, and military effects on the nature of war.' All of these effects are, however, arguably less important than the question of nuclear war outbreak itself. Thus the focus of this paper is the influence of additional nuclear weapons states on the probability of nuclear war. The principal analytic conclusion of this paper is that there may be different qualitative effects of proliferation on the probability of nuclear war, depending on the number of existing nuclear nations and that in certain instances proliferation may reduce, rather than increase the probability of nuclear war.2 The principal policy conclusion of this paper is that where there are adverse effects on world stability of an additional nuclear nation, these effects may be partly offset by policies and programs which have the effect of reducing the probability of accidental or irrational war. Related arguments on the effects of nuclear proliferation have been presented by Gallois, Wentz, and Tullock. Gallois argued that additional nuclear weapon states, such as France, would so raise the stakes of a potential conflict that such proliferation would make nations more cautious and thus reduce the probability of nuclear war.3 Wentz argued that it might be in U.S. interests to promote selective nuclear proliferation.4 Tullock treated multicountry
Partial reconstitution of virus-specific memory CD8+ T cells following whole body γ-irradiation

CD8+ memory T cells are critical in providing immunity to viral infection. Previous studies documented that antigen-specific CD8+ memory T cells are more resistant to radiation-induced apoptosis than naive T cells. Here, we determined the number and in vivo function of memory CD8+ T cells as immune reconstitution progressed following irradiation. Immediately following irradiation, the number of memory CD8+ T cells declined 80%. As reconstitution progressed, the number of memory cells reached a zenith at 33% of pre-irradiation levels, and was maintained for 120 days post-irradiation. In vitro, memory CD8+ T cells were able to produce cytokines at all times post-irradiation, but when adoptively transferred, they were not able to expand upon rechallenge immediately following irradiation, but regained this ability as reconstitution progressed. When proliferation was examined in vitro, irradiated memory CD8+ T cells were able to respond to mitogenic growth but were unable to divide.
The Port-A-Cath and Per-Q-Cath.

Abstract Venous access in acute and chronically ill patients can become problematic when attempting to maintain a reliable system. The need for safe and dependable intravascular systems has become quite evident. This article examines the Port-A-Cath (Pharmacia, Inc., St. Paul, MN) and the Per-Q-Cath (Gesso International, Inc., San Antonio, TX). These systems are preferred by several patient populations who require frequent or prolonged intravenous therapy.
Four conformers characterized in allyl nitrite.

Allyl nitrite, ONOCH2CHCH2, can exist in conformations which include syn (S) and anti (A) configurations of ONOC, anti or gauche (G) configurations of NOCC, and syn or skew (Sk) configurations of OCCC. Four of them have been observed and characterized by their microwave spectra and quantum chemical calculations to have AGSk′ (0.0 kcal/mol), AGSk (0.2(2) kcal/mol), SASk (0.2(2) kcal/mol), and SAS (0.9(2) kcal/mol) configurations about the three successive dihedral angles. All four are observed in microwave studies of the vapor at 300 and 200 K and the first three are seen in pulsed-jet beams. The SAS form apparently relaxes to the SASk conformer during expansion in the pulsed-jet. Quantum chemical calculations reveal that the two possible conformers with anti–anti configurations of the ONOCC fragment, AAS and AASk, are transition states, unstable configurations, or of marginal stability, consistent with structures observed in this and other previously studied alkyl nitrites. The remaining four possible conformers are predicted to have relative energies within 1 kcal/mol of the observed conformers but were not observed experimentally. Chirality 14:232–240, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.