cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The kinetics of the reaction between plutonium(IV) and vanadium(III) in perchlorate solution

Abstract The kinetics of the reduction of Pu(IV) with V(III) has been studied as a function of temperature and acidity in perchlorate solutions of ionic strength two. The reaction rate has been found to be firs order with respect to each of the reactants and inversely proportional both to the first power and to the second power of the hydrogen ion concentration. Thermodynamic quantities for the activation process in terms of the principal species have been obtained for the parallel paths at 25°C. It has been shown that the rate of the reduction reaction was unaffected the presence of added chloride ion, and it appears that the chloride ion does not function as a bridging group in the activated complex. The entropies of the activated complexes for both hydrogen ion dependent paths have been calculated and compared with reactions involving similar charge types.
Sociometric Status among Emotionally Disturbed Adolescents in a Residential Treatment Program

Positive and negative peer nominations were collected longitudinally for 64 adolescents in a 15-bed residential treatment program, beginning with each adolescent's first week of admission. Prior to admission, parent ratings of social competence and problem behaviors were collected. Behavior observations and clinician ratings of social behavior were also collected. The study goals were to determine if social status could be reliably assessed in this peer group, if it could be predicted from measures of social activity collected prior to admission and whether it correlated with patterns of social behavior. The results indicated good week-to-week stability for acceptance, rejection and social preference. Social impact was not generally reliable. Parent ratings of problematic behavior prior to admission significantly predicted acceptance and social preference established later in the clinical milieu. Preferred social status in the residential milieu was related to more socially competent patterns of behavior....
Reasoning strategies and the use of biomedical knowledge by medical students.

Summary: Summary. This paper reports one of a series of studies conducted to investigate the role of biomedical knowledge in clinical reasoning. It was motivated by findings from our earlier studies that demonstrate that when specific basic science information is provided to medical students prior to solving a clinical case, they are unable to use this information in explaining the patient problem. An experiment was designed to investigate the use of biomedical information in the explanation of a clinical problem without any basic science information (spontaneous explanation) and where basic science information was provided after the clinical case (biomedically primed explanation). The results are discussed in the context of a two-stage model of diagnostic reasoning. The first stage is referred to as data-driven reasoning, and is characterized by the triggering of inferences from observations in the data to hypotheses. The second stage is designated as predictive reasoning, and is characterized by the generation of inferences driven by hypotheses. The results show that, with the exception of final-year medical students, the use of biomedical information interfered with the data-driven reasoning process. However, it did facilitate the process of predictive reasoning by the students. It is proposed that a sound disease classification scheme is necessary before biomedical knowledge can facilitate both data-driven and predictive reasoning during clinical problem-solving.
Nuclear magnetic resonance study of the molecular structure of 4-methylarsabenzene and 4-methylstibabenzene partially oriented in a nematic solvent

Abstract The molecular structure of 4-methylarsabenzene (I) and 4-methylstibabenzene (II) partially oriented in a nematic solvent is studied by NMR. Good agreement between the ring proton structure of I and that of arsabenzene from electron diffraction and microwave spectroscopy is obtained. For II, the NMR study rules out structures with large CC bond alternation, and favors a model in which C α C β is slightly longer than C β C γ .
LOW-TEMPERATURE INTERNAL FRICTION IN METAL FILMS AND IN PLASTICALLY DEFORMED BULK ALUMINUM

Crystalline metal films on silicon substrates have been found to have a surprisingly large, nearly temperature-independent internal friction at low temperatures, with a magnitude similar to that of amorphous solids. This large internal friction is rather insensitive to chemical composition and impurities, mode of film preparations, and film thickness, but can be reduced considerably by proper alloying. In an attempt to understand its origin, plastically deformed bulk aluminum has been measured in the superconducting state. It has been found that its internal friction can be increased over two orders of magnitude by plastic deformation. For deformations exceeding 10% the internal friction saturates and resembles that of the metal films both in magnitude and temperature independence. It is suggested that the damping is caused by a broad spectrum of tunneling states associated with dislocations both in the bulk metal and in the metal films.
Dependence of exchange bias in Ni81Fe19/PtxMn1−x (0<x<0.2) bilayers on composition and microstructure

Abstract The exchange coupling between ferromagnetic Ni 81 Fe 19 and antiferromagnetic Pt x Mn 1− x films prepared by RF magnetron sputtering has been investigated. The study has focused on the relationship between the exchange bias and the structural characteristics of the Pt x Mn 1− x films, such as crystallinity, texture, and granularity. The Pt content of the Pt x Mn 1− x film is in the range of 0 at% x γ -phase with a disordered FCC structure in the Pt x Mn 1− x films. Although the texture of the polycrystalline Pt x Mn 1− x films improves with increasing Pt content, a relatively large exchange field of 64 Oe at room temperature and a high blocking temperature of about 200°C were found in Ni 81 Fe 19 (15 nm)/Pt 8 Mn 92 (30 nm). The exchange bias of the of Ni 81 Fe 19 /Pt x Mn 1− x bilayers is dependent on the intrinsic properties of the Pt x Mn 1− x films, such as the exchange coupling between the antiferromagnetic moments and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy, which decrease with the Pt doping concentration.
Ab initio studies of GaN epitaxial growth on SiC.

Ab initio methods were used to investigate the initial stages of GaN epitaxial growth on (0001) 6H-SiC. Total energies of four types of interfaces were calculated. Polarity matching at the interface plays a fundamental role in determining the lower-energy structures, yielding strong binding for Si-N and C-Ga interfaces and very weak binding for Si-Ga and C-N. We therefore predict that Si-terminated substrates will produce ideally Ga-terminated films, whereas C-terminated substrates will produce ideally N-terminated films. This prediction suggests reinterpretation of recent experiments.
The effect of dispersion model on the linear stability of miscible displacement in porous media

Chang and Slattery (1986, 1988b) introduced a simplified model of dispersion that contains only two empirical parameters. The traditional model of dispersion (Nikolaevskii, 1959; Bear, 1961; Scheidegger, 1961; de Josselin de Jong and Bossen, 1961; Peaceman, 1966; Bear, 1972) has three empirical parameters, two of which can be measured in one-dimensional experiments while the third, the transverse dispersivity, must be measured in experiments in which a two-dimensional concentration profile develops. It is found that nearly the same linear stability behavior results from using either model.
The Relationship of Plasma Volume, Sympathetic Tone, and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Young Healthy Nonpregnant Women

Objective—Preeclampsia has been associated with elevated pro-inflammatory markers, increased sympathetic activity and decreased plasma volume. We hypothesized that these associations would be identified in women prior to a first pregnancy. Methods—We studied 76 healthy nulligravid subjects measuring the pro-inflammatory markers Creactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Plasma volume (PV) was measured in supine position and corrected for body mass index (BMI). We examined supine plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine and blood pressure response to Valsalva’s maneuver to quantify sympathetic activation. We then examined the association of plasma volume and sympathetic activity with pro-inflammatory cytokines with P < 0.05 accepted for significance. Results—CRP was significantly increased in subjects with lowest PV/BMI quartile when compared to middle two quartiles and highest quartile (ANOVA, p = 0.037). We found no significant association of PV/BMI with either interleukin 6 or tumor necrosis factor alpha. Both plasma epinephrine concentration (r = 0.29, P = 0.02) and the phase II_L blood pressure response to Valsalva’s maneuver (r = 0.44, P < 0.0001) were associated with serum IL-6 concentrations. Conclusions—Low plasma volume is associated with increased CRP levels and increased sympathetic tone is linked to elevated IL-6 concentration in young non-pregnant women. These findings represent elements of a non-pregnancy phenotype that parallels the findings observed in preeclampsia and in women at risk for ischemic cardiovascular disease. This suggests that the relationships observed during preeclampsia, which have been associated with placental pathology, may predate pregnancy and be independent of placental activity.
Studies of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) compounds. III. Correlation of compounding energy with fusion level

The major contributors to the compounding energy of a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) sample in the Haake torque rheometer are starting temperature, rotor speed, and totalized torque. In this study, the compounding energy was calculated by using an energy balance in the internal mixer reported by Pedersen. The fusion levels of the PVC samples, which were prepared in the Haake torque rheometer at various blending conditions (starting temperature = variable, rotor speed = 60 rpm, and totalized torque = 10 kg-m-min), were determined by DSC and a capillary rheometer. The compounding energy was then correlated with the fusion level. The simple total energy balance can be applied to correlate the compounding energy with the fusion level of the PVC compound prepared in the Haake torque rheometer. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Corals Chemically Cue Mutualistic Fishes to Remove Competing Seaweeds

Corals in the genus Acropora generate much of the structural complexity upon which coral reefs depend, but they are susceptible to damage from toxic seaweeds. Acropora nasuta minimizes this damage by chemically cuing symbiotic goby fishes (Gobiodon histrio or Paragobiodon echinocephalus) to remove the toxic seaweed Chlorodesmis fastigiata. Within minutes of seaweed contact, or contact from only seaweed chemical extract, the coral releases an odor that recruits gobies to trim the seaweed and dramatically reduce coral damage that would otherwise occur. In turn, chemically defended gobies become more toxic after consumption of this noxious alga. Mutualistic gobies and corals appear to represent a marine parallel to terrestrial ant-plants, in that the host provides shelter and food in return for protection from natural enemies.
Glutamine synthetase: biophysical studies of structure-function-control relationships.

Abstract 1. 1. A variety of biophysical techniques have been used to study glutamine synthetase from E. coli. Electron paramagnetic resonance experiments of enzyme-bound Mn 2+ were used to follow changes in the metal ion environment in response to substrate and inhibitor binding. 2. 2. Novel epr experiments were conducted to establish the distance between the two metal ion binding sites per subunit of this dodecameric enzyme. 3. 3. These experiments utilized substitution inert Cr 3+ -nucleotides as substrate analogues for the metalnucleotide site of glutamine synthetase and revealed that the metal ion sites became closer as substrates or inhibitors bind to the enzyme. 4. 4. A combination or nmr, epr and fluorescence energy transfer experiments led to the determination of the spatial relationship between the catalytic site and the regulatory covalent adenylyl site. 5. 5. In E. coli. , adenylylation of a specific tyrosyl residue on each subunit provides a major pathway for regulation of glutamine biosynthesis. 6. 6. Additional nmr and stopped flow fluorometric techniques have provided the first evidence that the amino acid feedback modifier sites are distinct from the catalytic site. 7. 7. Thus, recent data on the mapping of the catalytic and regulatory sites of glutamine synthetase are giving information on three dimensional relationships among substrate and regulator binding sites. 8. 8. These data provide insite into the modulation and fine tuning of biocatalysis at the molecular level.
Some rare earth complexes of 2,2′-bipyridine 1,1′-dioxide

Abstract The synthesis and physical properties of a series of new compounds of the general formula Ln(bipyO 2 ) 4 (ClO 4 ) 3 (where Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Y; bipyO 2 = 2,2′-bipyridine 1,1′-dioxide) are reported. Infrared spectra indicate that coordination is through the oxygen. Infrared spectra, as well as conductance measurements indicate that the metal ← bipyO 2 bond is weaker in the lanthanide complexes than in the similar transition metal complexes.
Electrical resistivity and Curie temperature of amorphous (FeNi)PC alloys

Abstract Low temperature electrical resistivity and Curie temperature of amorphous (Fe 100− x Ni x ) 75 P 15 C 10 alloys (0⩽ x ⩽50) were studied. An application of the data to a result of a coherent potential approximation method leads to an explanation of the low temperature resistivity anomaly in terms of an electron-magnon interaction.
Pancreatic cancer : An update

Pancreatic cancer is refractory to most chemotherapy. For many years, the only active agent for this disease was gemcitabine, which has very modest activity. Two new regimens, gemcitabine plus erlotinib and gemcitabine plus capecitabine, have recently demonstrated statistically significant survival improvements compared with single-agent gemcitabine. Several key negative studies have also been reported recently. This review discusses recent trials that have changed the standard of care for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
The second persona

The Vidal description is more nearly a kind of journalism than a kind of criticism, but its thrust is clearly illustrative of the distinction the reader have become accustomed to making—the distinction between the man and the image, between reality and illusion. In the classical theories of rhetoric the implied auditor-this second persona-is but cursorily treated. More recently the readers have learned that the second persona may be favorably or unfavorably disposed toward the thesis of the discourse, or he may have a neutral attitude toward it. The expectation that a verbal token of ideology can be taken as implying an auditor who shares that ideology is something more than a hypothesis about a relationship. It rather should be viewed as expressing a vector of influence. Regarding the communism-as-cancer metaphor, it could make considerable difference to critical analysis whether a preoccupation with or morbid fear of cancer had any psychopathological significance, whether such a fear had been identified by psychiatrists.
Egocentric Distance Perception in a Virutal Environment Using a Perceptual Matching Task

Objective: To determine whether egocentric distance judgments are accurate in a virtual environment using a perceptual matching task. Methods: Observers were immersed within a virtual environment consisting of an L-shaped room with a test object (a column) located down one corridor and a comparison object (a flagpole) located down the other. Perceived distances were measured by having the observers move the comparison object to match the distance to the test object. Textures in each corridor were independently varied, as was the size of the test object. Results: Significant effects were found for the texture pattern under the test object and for distance, but not for the texture under the comparison object or column size. Performance was best with a regular (brick) pattern. Overall, observers' judgments overestimated distance to the test object by approximately 7%. Conclusions: Egocentric distance judgments were relatively accurate compared to past research. Texture affected performance, with a regular pa...
The effects of forage particle length and exogenous phytase inclusion on phosphorus digestion and absorption in lactating cows

Abstract Accurate estimates of phosphorus (P) availability from feed are needed to allow P requirements to be met with reduced P intake, thus reducing P excretion by livestock. Exogenous phytase supplementation in poultry and swine diets improves bioavailability of P, and limited research suggests that this strategy may have some application in dairy cattle rations. The effects of exogenous phytase and forage particle length on site and extent of P digestion were evaluated with 5 ruminally and ileally cannulated lactating cows (188±35d in milk). Cows were assigned in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments in 2 incomplete Latin squares with four 21-d periods. Diets contained P slightly in excess of National Research Council requirements with all P from feed sources. During the last 4d of each period, total mixed ration, refusals, omasal, ileal, and fecal samples were collected and analyzed for total P, inorganic P (Pi), and phytate (Pp). Total P intake was not influenced by dietary treatments but Pp intake decreased and Pi intake increased with supplemental phytase, suggesting rapid action of the enzyme in the total mixed ration after mixing. Omasal flow of Pi decreased with phytase supplementation, but we observed no effect of diet in ileal flow or small intestinal digestibility of any P fraction. Fecal excretion of total P was slightly higher and Pp excretion was lower for cows receiving diets supplemented with phytase. Milk yield and composition were unaffected by diets. When phytase was added to the mixed ration, dietary Pp was rapidly degraded before intake and total-tract Pp digestion was increased. The lack of effect of phytase supplementation on dietary P utilization was probably because these late-lactation cows had a low P requirement and were fed P-adequate diets.
A pharmacological study of neural mediation of disc autotomy in Ophiophragmus filograneus (Lyman) (Echinodermata : Ophiuroidea)

Abstract Ophiophragmus filograneus (Lyman) were immersed in depressants or putative neurotransmitters for 5–30 min and artificially induced to autotomize. Times ( t ) for completion of autotomy were measured; median autotomy times of experimental and control groups (n = 30) were compared. Of the depressants, MS-222, MgCl 2 , and menthol blocked autotomy completely ( t > 15min); brittlestars recovered on return to sea water. 2-Phenoxyethanol and atropine reduced the number of animals autotomizing by 72 and 36%., respectively. Animals in D -tubocurarine did not autotomize or revive. Of the stimulants, adrenalin, acetylcholine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, noradrenalin, glycine, and γ-aminobutyric acid decreased median autotomy times by 52–83%. Sodium glutamate did not affect autotomy time or the number of animals responding. Animals in eserine developed tetany and did not autotomize or recover. The results suggest that ophiuroid disc autotomy is neurally controlled.
Identification and management of cognitive decline in companion animals and the comparisons with Alzheimer disease: A review

Abstract There are a number of correlations between the pathophysiology and behavioral expression of early Alzheimer disease in humans and age-related cognitive dysfunction in dogs and cats. Changes in social interaction and the reduced ability to cope with everyday situations are difficulties experienced in human, canine, and feline age-related cognitive decline. Anxiety, distress, and confusion commonly precede diagnosis. Information obtained from family members, carers, or owners may be key to identifying early behavioral markers and allowing early management or treatment. Environment may predispose to or protect from cognitive decline over time. Neuroinflammation associated with air pollution or excessive noise can lead to oxidative damage within the cerebrum and development of β-amyloid plaques. Targeted programs promoting mental exercise may be used to delay progression once clinical signs have been presented. Pharmacological interventions in humans have focused mainly on augmenting neuronal efficacy by using agents to increase the chemical communication, whereas in veterinary medicine cerebral vasodilators are commonly used. Preclinical and mildly impaired patients have limited options in human medicine, whereas there is a trend in veterinary medicine to offer targeted nutritional supplements that include antioxidants, L-carnitine, or omega-3 fatty acids. Comparing treatment options in species provides opportunities to identify new methods of controlling age-related cognitive decline.
A Bioassay for the Measurement of Human interleukin-4

We have developed a bioassay for human IL-4 based upon its ability to upregulate CD23 (low affinity IgE receptor) expression. Ramos, a B lymphocyte line derived from a Burkitt lymphoma, was repetitively subcloned yielding a clone, Ramos.G6.C10, which is several fold more sensitive to this effect of IL-4. In microtiter plates cells were cultured for 48 h in the presence of dilutions of recombinant human IL-4 or samples, and then stained with murine anti-human CD23 and goat anti-mouse IgG-FITC. IL-4 induced an eight-fold increase (60 channel shift) in fluorescence intensity as measured by flow cytometry. Significant effects were observed at an IL-4 concentration of 50-100 pg/ml and increased with concentrations up to 800 pg/ml. Inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation were 10% and 11% respectively. The bioassay showed good specificity for IL-4; however, tumor necrosis factors alpha and beta, at optimal concentrations, gave readings barely at the threshold of detection.
Spatial and temporal variations in precipitation and cloud interception in the Sierra Nevada of central California

Spatial and temporal variations in patterns of precipitation and cloud interception were studied for a period of 14 months in the Sierra Nevada of central California. 14 fully automated sampling stations, located at elevations from 800 to 2400 m, were utilized in the study. Both precipitation and cloud interception were observed to increase with elevation. Cloudwater deposition increased at higher elevations due both to a greater frequency of cloud interception and higher wind speeds. Cloudwater deposition, caused primarily by the interception of clouds associated with cold fronts approaching from the north or north-west, is most important at elevations above 1500 m; however, the interception of highly polluted winter “Tule” fogs, lifting above the floor of the San Joaquin Valley, appears to be an important mechanism for cloudwater deposition at lower elevation sites. Observed and estimated hydrological and chemical inputs to the passive cloudwater collectors used in the study were substantial, suggesting that cloud interception may contribute significantly to the same inputs for exposed conifers in the region. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.1991.t01-4-00005.x
SU-DD-A3-02: Evaluation of Helical Tomotherapy Megavoltage CT System for Daily Automatic Patient Setup Correction and Manual Prostate Gland Motion Correction

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of helical tomotherapy megavoltage CT system (MVCT), and to study patient setup uncertainty and inter‐fractional internal organ motion for prostate cancer patients during the course of external beam treatment. Method and Materials: 34 prostate cancer patients that received definitive helical tomotherapy treatments were included in this study. MVCT images were registered with planning CTimages using automatic bone registration followed by manual registration based on soft tissue match. Patient setup corrections and internal organ motion corrections in the medial‐lateral (ML), superior‐inferior (SI), anterior‐posterior (AP) directions, and rotations around the longitudinal axis were obtained from 1345 daily MVCT image registrations.Results: The mean and standard deviation of patient setup corrections were 3.1±7.3 mm in the ML direction, −0.8±4.9 in the SI direction, −0.2±6.4 in the AP direction, and 0.8±1.3° for rotations around the longitudinal axis. The mean and standard deviation of internal organ motion corrections were −0.1±0.8 mm in the ML direction, −0.1±0.7 mm in the SI direction, and 0.0±1.9 mm in the AP direction. The fraction of manual registrations that did not have adjustment in the ML, SI, or AP direction was 84%, 95%, and 71%, respectively. The prostate motion variability did not change during the course of treatment. Conclusion: Patient setup uncertainty dominated target position uncertainty. Helical tomotherapy MVCT system was effective in correcting patient setup errors and internal organ motions in the ML and AP directions, but provided limited soft tissue resolution in the SI direction.
"Farewell" To Paleodemography?" Rumors of Its Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

Bocquet-Appel & Masset (1982) have recently proposed that paleodemography be abandoned in the light of two seemingly insurmountable deficiencies. First, they contend that the age structures of skeletal samples reflects nothing more than the age structures of their reference populations, that is to say, the samples by whose criteria they were aged. Second, they contend that age estimates made on adult skeletons lack sufficient accuracy to permit legitimate demographic analysis. Such estimates are, in the authors' view, nothing more than “random fluctuations and errors of method”. The purpose of the present research is to consider Bocquet-Appel & Masset's assertions in light of the empirical evidence produced by paleodemography. Our results fail to support either of the authors' allegations. In fact, skeletal samples do not invariably reflect the structure of their reference populations and age estimates do not produce the random fluctuations predicted by the authors' a priori criteria for age estimation. Most importantly, our data indicates that the authors fail to consider the methods and accomplishments of paleodemography in their entirety and thereby present a biased and inadequate discussion of the salient issues.
Simultaneous determination of antimony and chlorine in synthetic rubbers by 14 MeV neutron activation analysis

A nondestructive method for the analysis of Sb and Cl in synthetic rubbers by 14 MeV neutron activation analysis has been developed and evaluated by comparisons with microanalytical and thermal neutron activation analysis results. The method is most precise when a rubber with known amounts of Sb and Cl is used as a standard. Samples containing 0.07 to 2.5 wt.% Sb and 2.5 to 15.9 wt.% Cl have been analyzed and precision for the method is 10% or better. Antimony and Cl detection limits are 0.02 and 0.5 wt.% respectively. Agreement among the three methods is excellent; the thermal activation analysis method is more precise and simpler to apply if only Sb needs to be determined in a sample.
Health Effects of Socially Toxic Neighborhoods: The Violence and Urban Asthma Paradigm

Asthma outcomes are clearly socially patterned with asthma ranking as a leading cause of health disparities among minority and low socioeconomic groups. Yet, the increasing prevalence and marked disparities in asthma remain largely unexplained by known risk factors. These marginalized individuals may also live in communities that are increasingly socially toxic, which may be related to increased psychosocial stress that also con-tributes to asthma morbidity. This article focuses on violence exposure as a useful paradigm to understand how chronic social stressors may influence asthma expression.
Financial model of UAB

The paper will be concerned with the implementation of an overall Financial Model of UAB using the IBM program product PSG II/VS. PSG(Planning Systems Generator) is a generalized, broad based package for any type of modeling situation utilizing time series data. I will explore the background of the model and various steps in the implementation process. The various sub-models included will be: (1) Budget/Appropriation model (2) Expenditure model (3) Revenue model (4) UAB Equilibrium model using the Stanford Model techniques and (5) Personnel/Space Model.
Performance-based environmental index weights: Are all metrics created equal?

Abstract This study estimates the marginal contribution to environmental performance made by six separate macroinvertebrate metrics included in an additive index developed to measure wadeable stream condition. We model the metrics as outputs in a quadratic directional output distance function, which serves as an alternate measure of environmental performance, and then derive the marginal performance for each metric. We use the resulting estimates of marginal performance to develop a metric weighting scheme that incorporates each metric's marginal contribution to performance, at each site, and then construct a weighted version of the original index. The performance-weighted index provides a similar measure of overall performance in this application, while also adding new information on the relative importance of each of the index metrics. This represents a new application of existing methods to measure productivity, and is closely related to the environmental shadow price literature.
Distinctive Normal Harmonic Vibrations of [2.2]Paracyclophane

The hybrid Hartree−Fock/density functional method B3LYP and 4-31G(d) basis set were used for geometry optimizations and vibrational analysis of both the D2 and D2h conformers of [2.2]paracyclophane. The unprecedented full geometry optimization with a split valence basis set and a method that includes electron correlation shows the equilibrium structure of [2.2]paracyclophane to be the twisted D2 conformation with a calculated twist angle (CringCbridgeCbridgeCring) of 3.9°. We present the first complete assignment of all 90 normal harmonic vibrations of [2.2]paracyclophane. Upon examination of the calculated normal modes and comparison with prior assignments for paracyclophanes and p-xylene, we have identified vibrations that are cyclophane specific modes. Our calculated harmonic frequencies and relative intensities are in excellent overall agreement with the experimental IR spectrum. We have thus demonstrated the potential of hybrid Hartree−Fock/density functional theory as an electron-correlated method s...
Flotation rates of fine, spherical particles and droplets

Abstract Flotation rates of fine, spherical particles or droplets by a spherical, rising bubble or drop have been computed for conditions relevant to microflotation. The buoyancy-driven motion of the rising drop (or bubble) is characterized by small Reynolds, and large Peclet numbers. Particular attention is given to suspended droplets (or particles) much smaller than the rising drop; dilute conditions are assumed. Two complementary regimes are considered: (1) convective capture dominated by the buoyancy-driven, relative motion between a collecting drop and smaller, dispersed droplets, and (2) capture dominated by diffusive transport of small droplets within a boundary layer on the surface of a larger collecting drop. The first regime is relevant for the flotation of micron-size and larger droplets; the second is relevant for submicron sizes. A scaling analysis reveals three distinct mechanisms for droplet capture by a larger rising drop. According to the scaling analysis, flotation rates depend strongly on the size of the dispersed droplets, the size of the collecting drops, and the mobility of the collecting drop interface; a bubble with a free surface is a more efficient collector than a viscous drop, and a collector with an interface immobilized by surfactant is least efficient. The scaling analysis predicts that flotation rates depend weakly on the strength of van der Waals forces, and are insensitive to the viscosity or density of the dispersed droplets; flotation rates of droplets and particles are very similar. The scaling predictions are illustrated by dimensionless flotation rates computed by a trajectory analysis in regime (1), and by mass transport formulae for regime (2). Detailed pairwise, hydrodynamic and van der Waals interactions are incorporated into the analysis of the first regime, but not the second where they are shown to be unimportant by scaling arguments. The droplet size that is most difficult to float and its flotation rate are predicted by scaling and estimated numerically.
Clinical evaluation of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor for the treatment of lower extremity ulcers.

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer is a major health care problem that leads to amputation. Methods: Patients with full-thickness diabetic neurotrophic foot ulcers present for longer than 8 weeks without healing were entered into one of five randomized, prospective, blinded clinical trials comparing treatment with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or placebo gel for up to 20 weeks. The purpose of these trials was to assess the safety and efficacy of PDGF used with good wound care. Each patient had an adequate arterial blood supply, was free of infection, was off-loaded, and was extensively debrided. The ulcers had been present for at least 8 weeks. Results: A total of 922 patients were entered into the study. Analysis of ulcers with a baseline area of less than 10 cm 2 (95 percent of patients) showed that patients treated with PDGF at 100 μg/g had a significant increase in complete healing compared with patients given placebo (50 percent versus 36 percent, p < 0.007). PDGF also decreased the time to complete healing by 30 percent (14 weeks versus 20 weeks, p = 0.01). Adverse events were similar in both treatment groups, as were recurrent ulcer rates. Conclusion: PDGF applied once daily was effective in healing chronic diabetic neurotrophic foot ulcers when used in conjunction with good wound care.
Host Transcript Accumulation during Lytic KSHV Infection Reveals Several Classes of Host Responses

Lytic infection by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is associated with an extensive shutoff of host gene expression, mediated chiefly by accelerated mRNA turnover due to expression of the viral SOX protein. We have previously identified a small number of host mRNAs that can escape SOX-mediated degradation. Here we present a detailed, transcriptome-wide analysis of host shutoff, with careful microarray normalization to allow rigorous determination of the magnitude and extent of transcript loss. We find that the extent of transcript reduction represents a continuum of susceptibilities of transcripts to virus-mediated shutoff. Our results affirm that the levels of over 75% of host transcripts are substantially reduced during lytic infection, but also show that another ∼20% of cellular mRNAs declines only slightly (less than 2-fold) during the course of infection. Approximately 2% of examined cellular genes are strongly upregulated during lytic infection, most likely due to transcriptional induction of mRNAs that display intrinsic SOX-resistance.
Firm-level return dispersion and correlation asymmetry: challenges for portfolio diversification

The main purpose of this article is to study whether firm-level return dispersions might have any significance in explaining asymmetric return correlations observed in equity market returns. Correlation asymmetry, in particular increased return correlations conditional on downside moves, implies that portfolio diversification will not be as successful during bear markets – periods during which portfolio diversification will be most needed. Similarly, low firm-level return dispersion imply that stocks within the portfolio behave the same way, making diversification harder. It is found that asymmetric correlations are associated with asymmetric firm-level return dispersions. The results indicate that portfolio managers need to not only take into account the asymmetry in return correlations but also be aware of how firm-level return dispersions behave during such periods when they need diversification most.
Flexible Manufacturing Systems: An Overview

Global competition has made it necessary for many firms to introduce such advanced technologies as Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS). However, the extent of such technology applications varies from industry to industry and has met various degrees of success. Reviews the impetus for the introduction of FMS and the conceptual aspects of such systems. Analyses the state of research on FMS, explores problems faced by the firms in implementing FMS and discusses the benefits ensuing from successful implementation of FMS. Includes a relatively extensive bibliography.
Rotational-echo double resonance characterization of the effects of vancomycin on cell wall synthesis in Staphylococcus aureus

Cross-polarization magic-angle spinning and rotational-echo double resonance 13C and 15N NMR experiments have been performed on intact cells of Staphylococcus aureus labeled with D-[1-13C]alanine and [15N]glycine or with [1-13C]glycine and L-[epsilon-15N]lysine. The cells were harvested during stationary or exponential growth conditions, the latter in media with and without the addition of vancomycin. The results of these experiments allowed the in situ determination of the relative concentrations of peptidoglycan cross-links (the number of peptide-stem D-alanines covalently linked to a pentaglycyl bridge) and bridge-links (the number of peptide-stem lysines covalently linked to a pentaglycyl bridge). The concentration of cross-links remained constant in the presence of vancomycin, whereas the number of bridge-links decreased. These changes suggest that vancomycin (at therapeutic levels) interrupts peptidoglycan synthesis in S. aureus by interference with transglycosylation.
Mediation Effects of Organization–Public Relationship Outcomes on Public Intentions for Organizational Supports

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the value of organization–public relationship (OPR) outcomes by examining the mediation effects of relationship outcomes on key antecedents of stakeholders' support for a not-for-profit organization, which include awareness, attitude, and behavioral intention toward supportive relationship-building. To this end, a survey was conducted with individual donors of a not-for-profit organization. Key findings include strong positive effects of awareness of organizational relationship-building activities in beliefs about OPR outcomes and on the intention to engage in relationship-building, such as giving donations. In addition, this study found that OPR outcomes play a critical role in connecting such effects of awareness to the intention of supportive behaviors.
Cosmology and dark matter

Abstract The past few years have seen several breakthroughs in particle astrophysics and cosmology. In several cases, new observations can only be explained with the introduction of new fundamental physics. In this talk I summarize some of these recent advances and describe several areas where progress may well be made in the future. More specifically, I focus on supersymmetric and axion dark matter, self-interacting dark matter, cosmic-microwave-background and large-scale-structure tests of inflation, and the dark-energy problem.
Management of Colonic Volvulus

Colonic volvulus is a common cause of large bowel obstruction worldwide. It can affect all parts of the colon, but most commonly occurs in the sigmoid and cecal areas. This disease has been described for centuries, and was studied by Hippocrates himself. Currently, colonic volvulus is the third most common cause of large bowel obstruction worldwide, and is responsible for ∼15% of large bowel obstructions in the United States. This article will discuss the history of colonic volvulus, and the predisposing factors that lead to this disease. Moreover, the epidemiology and diagnosis of each type of colonic volvulus, along with the various treatment options will be reviewed.
Analytical techniques for addressing forward and inverse problems of light scattering by irregularly shaped particles

Understanding light scattering by nonspherical particles is crucial in modeling the transport of light in realistic structures such as biological tissues. We report the application of novel analytical approaches based on modified Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin and equiphase-sphere methods that facilitate accurate characterization of light scattering by a wide range of irregularly shaped dielectric particles. We also demonstrate that these approaches have the potential to address the inverse-scattering problem by means of a spectral analysis of the total scattering cross section of arbitrarily shaped particles.
Direct Observation of DC Kerr Electro-Optic Modulation using Silicon Nanocrystals

Here we report direct observation of DC Kerr electro-optic modulation using silicon nanocrystals. The enhanced DC Kerr effect could enable ultrafast CMOS compatible electro-optic modulators.
Basic and Applied Concepts of Blood Banking and Transfusion Practices (3rd Edn.)

By Kathy D. Blaney MS, BB(ASCP)SBB and Paula R. Howard MS, MPH, MT(ASCP)SBB Mosby (an imprint of Elsevier Inc.) 387 pages. $79.95. ISBN: 978-0-323-08663-9 Basic and Applied Concepts of Blood Banking and Transfusion Practices is intended for those who require detailed knowledge and an understanding of immunohematology to perform their jobs—namely, medical technologists and technicians working in a blood bank or transfusion-medicine laboratory. The text begins on a strong note with the first chapter, “Immunology: Basic Principles and Applications in the Blood Bank,” which provides an excellent overview of the basic concepts of immunohematology, including the reactivity of antibodies and antigens. One of the characteristics of this text is its ability to be comprehensive yet concise and clear. The text emphasizes the importance of understanding historical terminology while presenting the most up-to-date immunohematology techniques. This is particularly true for the section on Rh, which combines just enough history of the nomenclature while covering …
Radio source instability in VLBI analysis

The source position time-series for many of the frequently observed radio sources in the NASA geodetic very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) program show systematic linear and non-linear variations of as much as 0.5 mas (milli-arc-seconds) to 1.0 mas, due mainly to source structure changes. In standard terrestrial reference frame (TRF) geodetic solutions, it is a common practice to only estimate a global source position for each source over the entire history of VLBI observing sessions. If apparent source position variations are not modeled, they produce corresponding systematic variations in estimated Earth orientation parameters (EOPs) at the level of 0.02–0.04 mas in nutation and 0.01–0.02 mas in polar motion. We examine the stability of position time-series of the 107 radio sources in the current NASA geodetic source catalog since these sources have relatively dense observing histories from which it is possible to detect systematic variations. We consider different strategies for handling source instabilities where we (1) estimate the positions of unstable sources for each session they are observed, or (2) estimate spline parameters or rate parameters for sources chosen to fit the specific variation seen in the position-time series. We found that some strategies improve VLBI EOP accuracy by reducing the biases and weighted root mean square differences between measurements from independent VLBI networks operating simultaneously. We discuss the problem of identifying frequently observed unstable sources and how to identify new sources to replace these unstable sources in the NASA VLBI geodetic source catalog.
Discussion of ‘the goals of analytic therapy”: Some thoughts on Karen Horney's contributions

It is hard to believe that 50 years have gone by since Karen Homey, M.D., founded the American Institute for Psychoanalysis and the Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis. Her contributions to the field of psychoanalysis and psychiatry in general have survived the test of time, forming a link between the old school of psychoanalytic thought and the move toward a biopsychosocial approach to the treatment of psychiatric patients. Those who knew Karen Homey best found it difficult to account for her eagerness, creativity, indomitable spirit, originality, self-reliance, and strength in advancing her ideas in the face of professional opposition. Her daughter, Marianne Eckardt, stated,
Primary structure of two COOH-terminal hexapeptides from rabbit muscle aldolase: A difference in the structure of the α and β subunits

Abstract Two COOH-terminal hexapeptides isolated from rabbit muscle aldolase have been shown to have the following primary structures: Ile-Ser- Asn -His-Ala-Tyr (α chain) and Ile-Ser- Asp -His-Ala-Tyr (β chain). This is the first structural difference identified for the two types of chains found in the crystalline aldolase preparations.
Pristine rocks (8th Foray): “Plagiophile” Element ratios, crustal genesis, and the bulk composition of the Moon

Eu/Al, Sr/Al, Eu/Sr, and similar ratios among pristine lunar nonmare lithologies with implications for nonmare petrogenesis and for the bulk composition of the moon are examined. On a plot of Eu/Al versus mg, ferroan anorthosites are separated from all other pristine nonmare rocks by a considerable gap. A nonrandom process must be invoked to account for the gap in the spectrum of ratios. A single magma probably cannot account for even the Mg-rich pristine rocks subset, based on diversity of plagiophile ratios among samples with similar mg ratios. Plagiophile ratios also constrain the bulk composition of the moon. Plagiophile ratios among ferroan anorthosites exactly match those expected under a model in which ferroan anorthosites formed by flotation of plagioclase cumulates over a primordial 'magmasphere'. Ratios among nonvolatile elements confirm that the moon formed out of materials akin to chondritic meteorites.
Apartment-Based Breast Cancer Education Program for Low Income Vietnamese American Women

The purpose of the project was to develop and implement an apartment-based intervention that would improve the knowledge and preventive health habits of hard to reach low income Vietnamese women regarding breast cancer. The targets were Vietnamese women aged 40 and older who resided in apartments in low-income communities in Houston. Twenty apartments were identified and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. A total of 345 Vietnamese women participated in the project. Follow-up telephone interviews were conducted at five months. Results showed that the intervention group demonstrated significant changes in knowledge and attitudes about breast cancer. Implications of this study include support for culturally appropriate education offered at convenient locations that emphasizes the benefits of early detection of breast cancer for low-income Vietnamese women.
A Conceptual Strategy for Stengthening eSurveillance in the African Region

Many local and international stakeholders have independently pursued solutions for electronic surveillance and reporting in African countries resulting in multiple systems of varying effectiveness and minimum interoperability. CDC lead a developmental process that engaged various partner organizations, including the WHO Regional Office for Africa, to conceptualize a strategy for providing region-wide governance of eSurveillance and the creation of the African Surveillance Informatics Governing Board to address standards, policy, infrastructure, workforce, and resource needs to strengthening surveillance and reporting capacity.