cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
World language programming and leadership in K–12 Massachusetts public schools

This large-scale study used a survey to collect data on K–12 world language programming in Massachusetts public schools. Building off work by Pufahl and Rhodes (2011), this study focused on world language programs, program types, and languages offered, as well as student exclusion, program leadership, and the Seal of Biliteracy. The study resulted in 188 districts represented in the final data set, which was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results indicate comparable findings to national data in terms of program and language offerings, with shifts in program type. Data further revealed patterns of student exclusion and trends in offering the Seal of Biliteracy. Although programs are most often led by a world language specialist, school principals are more likely responsible for teacher evaluation. Survey data were collected at the beginning of school closures due to COVID-19, capturing a picture of K–12 world language education and a point of comparison for future research.
FMRP regulates experience-dependent maturation of callosal synaptic connections and bilateral cortical synchrony

Reduced structural and functional interhemispheric connectivity correlates with the severity Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) behaviors in humans. Little is known of how ASD-risk genes regulate callosal connectivity. Here we show that Fmr1, whose loss-of-function leads to Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), cell autonomously promotes maturation of callosal excitatory synapses between somatosensory barrel cortices. Postnatal, cell-autonomous deletion of Fmr1 in postsynaptic Layer (L) 2/3 or L5 neurons results in a selective weakening of AMPA receptor- (R), but not NMDA receptor-, mediated synaptic function, indicative of increased "silent", or immature, callosal synapses. Sensory deprivation by contralateral whisker trimming normalizes callosal input strength, suggesting that experience-driven activity of postsynaptic Fmr1 KO L2/3 neurons weakens callosal synapses. In contrast to callosal inputs, synapses originating from local L4 and L2/3 circuits are normal, revealing an input-specific role for postsynaptic Fmr1 in promoting callosal synaptic connectivity. Multielectrode EEG recordings in awake Fmr1 KO mice find reduced coherence of bilateral neural oscillations in beta and gamma frequencies during rest and sensory stimulation, reflecting reduced interhemispheric integration. Our findings reveal the cellular and synaptic mechanisms by which loss of Fmr1 leads to reduced interhemispheric connectivity and suggests a novel biomarker of brain dysfunction in FXS.
Feasibility of Administering a Bronchodilator Continuously via Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer and Syringe Pump During Mechanical Ventilation

Background: Aerosolized bronchodilators (AB) are frequently administered via nebulizer (NEB) to treat episodes of bronchospasm. Lung model (LM) studies suggest that aerosol delivery during mechanical ventilation (MV) is suboptimal. Use of the Aerogen vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN) allows administration of albuterol continuously through a syringe pump (SP) without the need of gas to power the NEB. We examined the interactions between electronic components to assess impact on rate of nebulization (RON) during MV. Methods: Pharmacy downloaded programming for albuterol 0.5%, 5mg/mL continuous into the Medfusion 4000 SP drug library. A 60 mL syringe was filled with 20 mL of saline (0.9%) to simulate albuterol 0.5%, 20 mL solution, and attached to the SP. The SP was set to dispense 15 mg/h in the first round and 20 mg/h for the second round of 4h testing. Fluid from the syringe was used to prime the SP tubing and 1 mL injected into the VMN reservoir to start nebulization. The control timer was set to continuous. The Servo-i (SV) mechanical ventilator was used for the study with a VMN to deliver AB to a LM. The SV mechanics were monitored at 1 h and post 4 h nebulization at different mg/h doses; tidal volume (VT) - 0.45 mL, volume control (VC) - 12 breaths/min, peak airway pressure (Paw) - 22 cm H2O, plateau pressure (Pplat) - 14 cm H2O, PEEP +8 cm H2O. The VMN was inserted on the dry side of the Fisher & Paykel humidifier chamber. Acceptable MV functionality was verified by observation of the SV on board monitoring systems. Results: After completion of the studies, there were no significant performance issues with regard to RON on MV mechanics; VT - 0.45 mL ± 0.08, Paw - 22 ± 2 cm H2O, Pplat - 14 ± 2 cm H2O, PEEP - +8 cm H2O, with no auto-PEEP, auto-cycling or changes to waveform graphics detected. The RON equal aerosolized drug volume delivered in mL/h; 15 mg/h = 3 mL/h and 20 mg/h = 4 mL/h. This study confirmed that 12 mL ± 1 was nebulized at 15 mg/h and 16 mL ± 1 was nebulized at 20 mg/h in 4h. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that continuous AB delivery via SP+MV is feasible. RON volume per hour were stable and drug dilution was not required which may improve effectiveness. Short term use of the SP (10–20 min) to administer AB may not be advantageous for delivering enough volume to optimize delivery. The interactions of different equipment did not have an undesirable effect on machinery functionality. Further study is needed to determine RON effect on deposition during MV.
Synthetic methods : IX. Hydroboration of silylacetylenes. A new synthesis of α-silaketones☆

Abstract The first example of monohydroboration of silylacetylenes with dichloroborane is described. The reaction occurs regio- and stereo-specifically and leads after methanolysis to isolable vinylboronic esters (III). The latter undergo photo Z ⇌ E isomerization. Oxidation of III to the corresponding α-silaketone was accomplished in high yield using trimethylamine-N-oxide dihydrate. The overall method represents a useful conversion of acetylenes to α-silaketones.
Hecke modular forms and $q$-hermite polynomials

A l'aide de la technique de developpement en termes de q-polynomes d'Hermite A n (cosθ/q)=Σ i =0,...,n[n,i]cos(n-2i)θ, ou [n,i]=Πj=1,...,i (1-q n-ii+j )/(1-q j ) est le polynome de Frauss (cf L. J. Rogers), on etablit un certain nombre d'identites exprimant une sommation de la forme Σ( n,m)∈D (−1) f(n,m )q Q(n,m ) +L(n,m) comme un produit rationnel de η-fonctions, ou Q est une forme quadratique, L une forme lineaire et D⊆{(n,m)∈Z×Z | Q(n,m)≥0}
Temporal dynamics of cortical sources underlying spontaneous and peripherally evoked slow waves

Slow waves are the most prominent electroencephalographic feature of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. During NREM sleep, cortical neurons oscillate approximately once every second between a depolarized upstate, when cortical neurons are actively firing, and a hyperpolarized downstate, when cortical neurons are virtually silent (Destexhe et al., 1999; Steriade et al., 1993a, 2001). Intracellular recordings indicate that the origins of the slow oscillation are cortical and that corticocortical connections are necessary for their synchronization (Amzica and Steriade, 1995; Steriade et al., 1993b; Timofeev and Steriade, 1996; Timofeev et al., 2000). The currents produced by the near-synchronous slow oscillation of large populations of neurons appear on the scalp as electroencephalogram (EEG) slow waves (Amzica and Steriade, 1997). Despite this cellular understanding, questions remain about the role of specific cortical structures in individual slow waves. Early EEG studies of slow waves in humans were limited by the small number of derivations employed and by the difficulty of relating scalp potentials to underlying brain activity (Brazier, 1949; Roth et al., 1956). Functional neuroimaging methods offer exceptional spatial resolution, but lack the temporal resolution to track individual slow waves (Dang-Vu et al., 2008; Maquet, 2000). Intracranial recordings in patient populations are limited by the availability of medically necessary electrode placements and can be confounded by pathology and medications (Cash et al., 2009; Nir et al., 2011; Wenneberg 2010). Source modeling of high-density EEG recordings offers a unique opportunity for neuroimaging sleep slow waves. So far, the results have challenged several of the influential topographic observations about slow waves that had persisted since the original EEG recordings of sleep. These recent analyses revealed that individual slow waves are idiosyncratic cortical events and that the negative peak of the EEG slow wave often involves cortical structures not necessarily apparent from the scalp, like the inferior frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate, and precuneus (Murphy et al., 2009). In addition, not only do slow waves travel (Massimini et al., 2004), but they often do so preferentially through the areas comprising the major connectional backbone of the human cortex (Hagmann et al., 2008). In this chapter, we will review the cellular, intracranial recording, and neuroimaging results concerning EEG slow waves. We will also confront a long held belief about peripherally evoked slow waves, also known as K-complexes, namely that they are modality independent and do not involve cortical sensory pathways. The analysis included here is the first to directly compare K-complexes evoked with three different stimulation modalities within the same subject on the same night using high-density EEG.
The Ethics of Disaster Planning: Preparation vs Response

We are morally obligated to plan for disaster because it affects human life and well-being. Because contemporary disasters affect the public, such planning should be public in democracies and it should not violate the basic ethical principles of normal times. Current Avian Flu pandemic planning is restricted to a response model based on scarce resources, or inadequate preparation, which gives priority to some lives over others. Rather than this model of ‘Save the Greatest Number,’ the public would be more ethically served by a model of ‘Save All Who Can Be Saved,’ which is based on adequate preparation. And where events exceed adequate preparation, scarce resources should be allocated fairly.
Team-Based Volunteerism with the Seriously Ill: A Qualitative Analysis from 10 Volunteers' Perspectives

Volunteers offer means through which social workers may extend their ability to support individuals with serious illnesses near the end of life. This study explored the experience of volunteers on teams organized initially as a grassroots movement in response to stigmatized and often socially isolated people with HIV/AIDS dying in the community. Volunteer care teams later expanded to individuals with other serious illnesses. This model spread as a means of meeting the growing need for practical support for seriously ill homebound individuals. Yet, little has been reported in the scientific literature about the interworkings of these teams and their optimal level of functioning. Qualitative inquiry, in the form of semi-structured interviews, explored perspectives of 10 volunteers with experience in volunteer team caring and identified the social processes that shaped their work. The volunteers discussed balance between positive life meaning gained from volunteer work, lessons learned, and negative aspects of a volunteer team approach to caring for the seriously ill in the community. Further investigation is warranted to validate the volunteer care team approach as a cost-effective tool to help seriously ill individuals and caregivers.
Synthesis of C17-OH-north unit of ritterazine G via “Red-Ox” modifications of hecogenin acetate

The C17-OH-north unit of ritterazine G was prepared in 13 steps from hecogenin acetate. This synthesis features a highly efficient and stereoselective introduction of the C17-OH via E-ring cleavage/F-ring formation, D-ring oxidation, and F-ring cleavage/E-ring formation.
Comparison of protons and electrons in the excitation of x-rays by impact

Abstract The experimental investigation of the laws governing the excitation of x-rays by electron impact appears to be near completion. However, the existence of the proton, with its mass of 1,846 times that of the electron, provides the possibility of introducing anew variable—the mass—into collision experiments. Previous investigations have led to inconclusive results except that it is known that when fast α-particles fall on an element, its characteristic x-ray spectrum is excited. In the writer's experiments, a mass spectrograph is used to bring either protons or electrons, of same energy in the range from 15 kv. to 25 kv., onto a copper target. The arrangement eliminates several known sources of error. X-radiation produced passed into an argon filled Geiger counter.The procedure was to compare two currents: (1) the current composing an electron beam just intense enough to produce detectable x-rays; and (2) that composing the strongest proton beam which certainly produced less radiation.The ratio of these currents is a minimum value for p, the ratio of the efficiencies for excitation of electrons and protons respectively. The results were that (1) no radiation from proton impacts was observed, (2) the minimum value of p from three sets of experiments was 740; 237,000; and 6,400.In view of the directness of the experiment, the order of magnitude of the highest figure is presented as the result, i.e. ϱ = 105. This may be compared with ( M/m = 1,846, W/m) 3 2 = 79,310, (M/m) 2 = 3,408,000 . Wave mechanical considerations of impact processes indicate that radiation should be produced by proton impacts of energy greater than the critical energy (for copper, 8.86 kv.) but intensity formulas have not been derived.If they can be derived the present results offer the possibility of checking the wave mechanics of impact processes.
Idiotypic properties of the murine anti-arsonate antibody response: B- and T-cell influences

In a previous report characterizing the arsonate (ABA)-specific plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses of A/J mice induced by ABA-KLH, two interesting characteristics of the idiotypic (Id) profile were noted: (1) an apparent Id selectivity in the isotype switch since the earliest appearing IgG PFC in the primary response were significantly more "cross-reactive Id" (CRI)-dominant than the IgM PFC population, and, (2) a temporal waning of CRI dominance with time among IgG PFC, from 75-100% CRI+ PFC to about 25-45% CRI+ PFC in secondary responses. Experiments were performed to determine whether these effects are largely attributable to T or to B cells. Mice were immunized with a T-independent (TI) form of ABA (ABA-Brucella abortus) and apparent Id selectivity was observed; the earliest IgG PFC averaged 75% CRI+ while IgM PFC were only 39% CRI+. Due to the TI nature of the Ag, this provides suggestive, but not conclusive, evidence that the Id asymmetry in the isotype switch may be attributable to the direct interaction of Ag with B cells. Other studies addressed the temporal shift in CRI dominance. First, it was found that preexposure of mice to either KLH or to ABA (on an irrelevant carrier) resulted in diminished CRI dominance in subsequent "primary" responses to ABA-KLH. Secondly, adoptive transfer experiments with B and T cells from virgin mice (Bv, Tv) or ABA-KLH-primed mice (Bp, Tp) showed that recipients of Bv + Tp or Bp + Tv generated anti-ABA PFC responses with intermediate CRI levels. The Tv cells had some preferential tendency to activate CRI+ clones in the Bp population. The results demonstrate that CRI levels are jointly determined by the immune status of both B and T cells. A simple model is offered which accounts for early Id dominance and its gradual decline and has as its central postulate the assumption that CRI+ B cells in the virgin ABA-specific repertoire have an affinity advantage over CRI- clones.
DnaG-suppressing variants of R68.45 with enhanced chromosome donating ability in Rhizobium.

Abstract Suppressors of the thermosensitive dnaG 3 allele have been isolated in strains of Escherichia coli containing the P-type plasmid R68·45. At least one suppressor,R68· 45 sup dnaG 15, maps on the plasmid and completely suppresses the dnaG allele. Several alleles scattered about the Rhizobium meliloti map are all mobilized at a higher frequency byR68·45 sup dnaG 15 than by its parent. This enhanced mobilization is not the result of R′ formation. Such suppressor plasmids greatly facilitate genetic analysis in Rhizobium .
Notch1 and 2 cooperate in limb ectoderm to receive an early Jagged2 signal regulating interdigital apoptosis

Spontaneous and engineered mutations in the Notch ligand Jagged2 produced the Syndactylism phenotype (Jiang, R.L., Lan, Y., Chapman, H.D., Shawber, C., Norton, C.R., Serreze, D.V., Weinmaster, G., Gridley, T., 1998. Defects in limb, craniofacial, and thymic Development in Jagged2 mutant mice. Genes Dev. 12, 1046-1057; Sidow, A., Bulotsky, M.S., Kerrebrock, A.W., Bronson, R.T., Daly, M.J., Reeve, M.P., Hawkins, T.L., Birren, B.W., Jaenisch, R., Lander, E.S., 1997. Serrate2 is disrupted in the mouse limb-development mutant syndactylism. Nature 389, 722-725). Given that additional ligands may be expressed in the developing limb bud, it was possible that loss of Jagged2 disabled only part of Notch function in the limb. In addition, it is not clear from the expression pattern of Jagged2 in the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) whether the ectodermal or mesenchymal compartment of the limb bud receives the Jagged2 signal. To elucidate the requirement for the Notch pathway in limb development, we have analyzed single and compound Notch receptor mutants as well as gamma-secretase-deficient limbs. Floxed alleles were removed either from the developing limb bud ectoderm (using Msx2-Cre) or from the mesenchyme (using Prx1-Cre). Our results confirm that Jagged2 loss describes the contribution of the entire Notch pathway to the mouse limb development and revealed that both Notch1 and 2 are required in the ectoderm to receive the Jagged2 signal. Interestingly, our allelic series allowed us to determine that Notch receives this signal at an early stage in the developmental process and that memory of this event is retained by the mesenchyme, where Notch signaling appears to be dispensable. Thus, Notch signaling plays a non-autonomous role in digit septation.
Make Hydrogen while the Sun Shines: The Photoelectrolysis of Water Using Oxide Semiconductors

The principles of photoelectrochemical generation of hydrogen using inorganic semiconductor/water interfaces are first outlined. Advantages in the use of oxide semiconductors for solar hydrogen generation are then enumerated. The requirements for the water splitting reaction in terms of the semiconductor photocatalyst(s) are then elaborated. Finally, preliminary results are presented on the use of electrodeposited p-Cu2O films for hydrogen generation in a twin-compartment photoelectrochemical cell using visible light and sacrificial reducing agents in the (dark) anode compartment.
The effect of porosity on the austenite to bainite transformation in powder metallurgy steels

The effect of porosity on the kinetics of the austenite to bainite isothermal transformation in powder metallurgy steels was characterized using a high-speed quenching dilatometer. The measurements revealed that the presence of porosity shortens the incubation time as well as the overall isothermal transformation time. An Avrami-type equation was fitted to the measured data, and the effect of porosity on the nucleation rate of bainite was quantified. In addition, the activation energy for diffusion of carbon atoms during nucleation of bainite was calculated and was found to decrease with increasing porosity.
Provision of clinical pharmacy services in two safety net provider settings

Objective: The purpose of this report is to characterize the patient population served by the Grace Lamsam Pharmacy Program and to describe program outcomes.Methods: A chart review was conducted for all patients (n=100) participating in the Grace Lamsam Pharmacy Program from January 1, 2007 to February 6, 2008. The primary outcome data collected were the medication related problems (unnecessary drug therapy, needs additional drug therapy, ineffective drug therapy, dosage too low, dosage too high, adverse drug reaction, noncompliance, and needs different drug product) identified by pharmacists, the number and type of pharmacist interventions made, estimated cost savings from perspective of the patient and clinical data (hemoglobin A1C, blood pressure measurements, and LDL-C) for patients with diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, respectively. Basic demographic data was collected, including: patient gender, age, education level, race/ethnicity, marital status, and income. Patients’ smoking status, type and number of medical conditions, medications being used at baseline, and number of pharmacist visits per patient during the study review period were also recorded.Results: The majority of patients cared for were male, middle-aged, and African-American. The majority (90%) of patients had an income below 150% of the 2007 Federal poverty level. Patients were most commonly treated for diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. During the period of review, 188 medication related problems were identified and documented with noncompliance being the most common medication related problem identified. Pharmacists completed 477 Pharmaceutical Manufacturer Assistance Program applications for 68 patients. These interventions represented a cost savings from the patients’ perspective of approximately 243 USD per month during the review period. Blood pressure, A1C, and LDL-C readings improved in patients enrolled in the clinical pharmacy program at the free clinic and the community health center.Conclusion: A clinical pharmacy services model provides a role for the pharmacist in an interdisciplinary team (beyond the traditional dispensing role) to identify medication related problems in the drug therapy of patients who utilize safety-net provider health care services.
The Use of Oncoplastic Reduction Techniques to Reconstruct Partial Mastectomy Defects in Women with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

: The application of oncoplastic techniques to breast conservation therapy (BCT) is thought to improve cosmetic results with some documented oncologic advantages in certain patients. Although present data highlight the oncologic safety of this approach, the role of oncoplastic surgery specific to ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has not been elucidated. In this study, all women in the Emory Healthcare system between January 1991 and June 2006 with biopsy-proven DCIS who underwent lumpectomies combined with simultaneous reduction mammaplasties or mastopexies were identified. Medical records, including office notes, operative and pathology reports were analyzed. Parameters included age, BMI, histologic grade (low, intermediate, high) and type (comedo versus non-comedo) of DCIS, margin status, locoregional recurrence, specimen weight, postoperative complications, and overall outcomes. Pedicle design and contralateral breast pathology were also analyzed. Twenty-eight women were included in the study with an average age of 47. Therapeutic mammaplasty was the definitive procedure for 18 (64%) of these patients. Ten patients (36%) required reoperations: nine for positive margins and one for residual microcalcifications (stereo biopsy DCIS). Overall, seven patients (25%) required completion mastectomy with reconstruction (transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap: n = 3, latissimus flap: n = 4), whereas three patients (11%) underwent re-excisions with confirmation of negative margins. All ten women who required completion mastectomy or re-excisions exhibited either intermediate or high-grade, comedo DCIS. Overall, 50% (6/12) of women diagnosed with high-grade comedo DCIS required completion mastectomy with reconstruction after initial therapeutic mammaplasty. The final positive-margin rate for women diagnosed with intermediate-grade, comedo necrosis was 43% (3/7). The women in this failed group that required reoperations were overall younger (mean: 45.6; median: 43) than those in which oncoplastic surgery was the definitive procedure (mean: 57.8; median: 57). There were no significant differences between the failed and successful groups in terms of biopsy weight (failed: 253 g, successful: 237 g), type of excision (e.g., wire-localized), location of tumor, reduction type (e.g., superior medial), or postoperative complications. There was one case of locoregional recurrence of DCIS 7 months after the initial operation. All 28 patients had no evidence of disease at an average follow-up of 2.7 years. This study suggests that although oncoplastic reduction techniques are a reasonable approach for women with DCIS, stricter patient selection and improved confirmation of negative margins will minimize the need for either re-excisions or completion mastectomy and reconstruction.
TrustGeM: Dynamic trusted environment generation for chip-multiprocessors

Embedded system security challenges have been exacerbated by the complexity inherent in the software stack of next generation handheld devices (internet connectivity, app stores, mobile banking, etc.) and the aggressive push for multicore technology. As applications with different degrees of assurance are deployed on these multiprocessor platforms, new challenges emerge in terms of protection against software based side channel attacks and exploits such as buffer overruns. In this paper, we introduce TrustGeM: a dynamic trusted environment generation engine for chip-multiprocessors. TrustGeM's goal is to dynamically generate trusted execution environments for applications with different assurance requirements. TrustGeM exploits the concepts of application driven policy generation, performance/power-aware on-chip application sandboxing, and reliable, secure, and dynamic memory virtualization. Experimental results on an 8 Core CMP show that TrustGeM is able reduce overall system energy by an average 24% due to its memory utilization efficiency while incurring minimal performance overhead over the ideal case (an average of 5%). TrustGeM is also able to generate policies with much smaller memory requirements allowing the dynamic trusted environment generation to enforce the policies much more efficiently.
Inflation–growth nexus: some bivariate EGARCH evidence for Bangladesh

This study examines the inflation–growth nexus for Bangladesh over the period 1976–2009 in a bivariate exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity in mean (EGARCH-M) model. This work finds that both growth and inflation adversely affect each other in a lagged fashion in Bangladesh. Inflation uncertainty appears to be conducive to growth for the country, contradicting the Friedman hypothesis. Growth uncertainty, which is also thought to be inimical to growth, affects the average growth rate positively. Thus, the Central Bank should shift its target from controlling inflation uncertainty to reducing a rise in inflation to ensure faster growth in Bangladesh.
Comparison of the phase relationships of chemically delithiated layered Li1−xCo1−yMyO2 (M=Al and Mg) oxides

Abstract Lithium has been chemically extracted with NO 2 BF 4 in acetonitrile medium from LiCo 1− y Al y O 2 ( y =0.1 and 0.25) and LiCo 1− y Mg y O 2 ( y =0.06 and 0.1). The products have been characterized by a Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction data, wet chemical analyses for lithium and oxygen contents (where possible), and infrared spectroscopy for metallic conduction. While all the lithium could be extracted from LiCo 0.94 Mg 0.06 O 2 , only 80%, 70%, and 80% of the lithium could be extracted, respectively, from LiCo 0.9 Al 0.1 O 2 , LiCo 0.75 Al 0.25 O 2 , and LiCo 0.9 Mg 0.1 O 2 . The Li 1− x Co 0.9 Al 0.1 O 2 system maintains the initial O3-type structure for 0.45≤(1− x )≤1.0 and a two-phase mixture of O3+O3′ phases for 0.2≤(1− x ) 1− x Co 0.75 Al 0.25 O 2 system maintains the initial O3-type structure for the entire range of 0.3≤(1− x )≤1.0. Similarly, Li 1− x Co 0.94 Mg 0.06 O 2 maintains the initial O3-type structure for 0.6≤(1− x )≤1.0 and a mixture of the O3- and P3-type phases for 0 x )≤0.6, while Li 1− x Co 0.9 Mg 0.1 O 2 maintains the initial O3-type structure for the entire range of 0.2≤(1− x )≤1.0. The observed phase relationships are compared with those of the previously investigated Li 1− x Co 1− y M y O 2 and Li 1− x Ni 1− y Mn y O 2 systems, and the results are rationalized on the basis of electrostatic considerations.
Vector space transformations used in lieu of the convolution integral

The purpose of this paper is to present some detailed results which enable the solution of a systom equation by means of transforms instead of the convolution integral. Some common control forces are studied and the results summarized. Application of several control forces and delayed control forces are included in this study.
Results With Selective Preoperative Lumbar Drain Placement for Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

Background The optimal use of lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage for the prevention of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) remains unclear. Here, we report our experience with selective preoperative lumbar drain placement with TEVAR. Methods Between May 2002 and January 12, 381 TEVAR procedures were performed at a single referral institution. Preoperative lumbar drains were placed selectively in patients considered high-risk for SCI due to planned long-segment aortic coverage with a history of prior aortic intervention or planned hybrid Crawford extent I to III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Results Preoperative lumbar drains were placed in 81 patients (21%); of these, drain placement in 38 (47%) was for procedures involving long-segment descending thoracic aortic coverage in the setting of prior descending thoracic or infrarenal aortic repair, and in 43 (53%) was for hybrid thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. SCI occurred in 12 patients (14.8%) who received a preoperative lumbar drain, transient in 6 (7.4%) and permanent in 6 (7.4%), whereas SCI occurred in 13 patients (4.3%) who did not receive a preoperative lumbar drain, 12 transient (4.0%) and 1 permanent (0.3%). A lumbar drain complication occurred in 9 drain patients (11.1%), although none resulted in permanent disability. Age, postoperative hypotension, and the number of endografts implanted were independently associated with SCI. Preoperative lumbar drain placement was not associated with reduced SCI. Conclusions Restricted use of preoperative lumbar drains for patients at high-risk of SCI undergoing TEVAR appears safe and leads to low rates of SCI in nondrained patients. However, the utility of preoperative lumbar drains in preventing SCI with TEVAR remains questionable and should be weighed against the risk of drain complications.
Dispersion curve estimation via phased array beamforming methods

Localization of scattering sources via active ultrasonic inspection in plate-like structures requires knowledge of the structure’s dispersion relation and material properties. Often the dispersion relation and material properties are unknown, uncertain, or difficult to model due to material complexity and variability in material properties, geometry, and/or environment, thereby requiring in situ estimation. Two methods are presented for estimating guided wave dispersion curves (phase and group velocity) in a multimodal, multipath environment using a phased array. Phase and group velocities are estimated in situ on an aluminum and carbon fiber plate and compared to theoretical values. Scattering from plate boundaries is localized using the estimated phase and group velocity curves through beamforming and ranging via time of flight.
Molten air – a new, highest energy class of rechargeable batteries

This study introduces the principles of a new class of high-energy batteries and their fundamental chemistry is demonstrated. These molten air batteries use air, a molten electrolyte, are quasi-reversible (rechargeable), have the capability for multiple electrons stored per molecule, and have the highest intrinsic electric energy storage capacities. Here we show three examples of the new battery's electron transfer chemistry. These are the metal, carbon and VB2 molten air batteries with respective intrinsic volumetric energy capacities of 10 000 (for Fe to Fe(III)), 19 000 (C to CO32−) and 27 000 W h l−1 (VB2 to B2O3 + V2O5), compared to 6200 W h l−1 for the lithium air battery. Higher energy capacity, cost effective batteries are needed for a range of electronic, transportation and greenhouse gas reduction power generation devices. Needed greenhouse gas battery reduction applications include overcoming the battery driven “range anxiety” of electric vehicles, and increased capacity energy storage for the electric grid.
Routine Surveillance MRI Following Chemoradiation for Advanced-Stage Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: Better than Clinical Exam?

The role of surveillance imaging following treatment for oropharyngeal cancer remains illdefined. Until recently, the National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) and American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) limited imaging recommendations to yearly chest radiographs as indicated.1, 2 Despite these guidelines, a survey of head and neck surgeons conducted by Paniello et al found heterogeneity regarding the use of post-treatment locoregional imaging of head and neck cancers, including use of advanced imaging such as computed tomography (CT) for surveillance of disease recurrence.3
Twisted Kac–Moody algebras and the entropy of AdS3 black hole

Abstract We show that an SL(2,R)L×SL(2,R)R Chern–Simons theory coupled to a source on a manifold with the topology of a disk correctly describes the entropy of the AdS3 black hole. The resulting boundary WZNW theory leads to two copies of a twisted affine Kac–Moody algebra, for which the respective Virasoro algebras have the same central charge c as the corresponding untwisted theory. But the eigenvalues of the respective L0 operators are shifted. We show that the asymptotic density of states for this theory is, up to logarithmic corrections, the same as that obtained by Strominger using the asymptotic symmetry of Brown and Henneaux.
Comparative Metagenomic Analysis of a Microbial Community Residing at a Depth of 4,000 Meters at Station ALOHA in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre

The deep sea (water depth of >2,000 m) represents the largest biome on Earth. Yet relatively little is known about its microbial community's structure, function, and adaptation to the cold and deep biosphere. To provide further genomic insights into deep-sea planktonic microbes, we sequenced a total of ∼200 Mbp of a random whole-genome shotgun (WGS) library from a microbial community residing at a depth of 4,000 m at Station ALOHA in the Pacific Ocean and compared it to other available WGS sequence data from surface and deep waters. Our analyses indicated that the deep-sea lifestyle is likely facilitated by a collection of very subtle adaptations, as opposed to dramatic alterations of gene content or structure. These adaptations appear to include higher metabolic versatility and genomic plasticity to cope with the sparse and sporadic energy resources available, a preference for hydrophobic and smaller-volume amino acids in protein sequences, unique proteins not found in surface-dwelling species, and adaptations at the gene expression level. The deep-sea community is also characterized by a larger average genome size and a higher content of “selfish” genetic elements, such as transposases and prophages, whose propagation is apparently favored by more relaxed purifying (negative) selection in deeper waters.
A cautionary note: the actions of adenosine agonists and antagonists may be reversed under certain conditions in primary cultures.

Abstract It is now generally accepted that adenosine has a neuroprotective role in the central nervous system. Agonists of adenosine such as 2-chloroadenosine (2-ClA) have been shown to be neuroprotective, while antagonists such as 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT) increase neurotoxicity. However, paradoxical results have been reported with adenosine analogues, especially with respect to length of time of administration. We observe similarly contradictory findings with respect to 2-ClA and 8-PT actions in primary hippocampal cultures exposed to glutamate or kainic acid. We found 8-PT and 2-ClA had antagonist and agonist actions, respectively, only with acute (1 h) treatment; with chronic treatment (24 h), 2-ClA had no effects, while 8-PT had significant agonist actions. We also show that with variations in the type of culturing system, concentration, and pH that 8-PT’s neurotoxic antagonist actions could be dramatically changed. We, therefore, present this paper as a cautionary note in experimenting with adenosine analogues.
Serum α‐lipoprotein responses to variations in dietary cholesterol, protein and carbohydrate in different non‐human primate species

Serum α-lipoprotein responses to variations in dietary cholesterol, protein, and carbohydrate were studied in different nonhuman primate species. Chimpanzee, rhesus, green, patas, squirrel and spider monkeys all showed significant interspecies differences in serum total cholesterol responses to 1.84 mg/kcal exogenous cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol significantly increased the α-lipoprotein cholesterol in all species except rhesus and chimpanzee. Among these species, there was no relationship between the basal serum lipoprotein profile and subsequent lipoprotein responses to dietary cholesterol. Although the level of dietary protein at 6%, 12%, and 37% of calories had no appreciable main effect on serum total cholesterol in spider monkeys, very low protein diet (6% of calories) produced a significant elevation in α-lipoprotein cholesterol. Serum α-lipoprotein responses to exogenous cholesterol (1.84 mg/kcal) was highest for the very low protein diet and lowest for low protein diet (12% of calories). Diets with high sucrose (76.5% of calories) and low saturated fat (12.5% of calories) containing no added cholesterol were tested in squirrel and spider monkeys and produced a consistent serum total cholesterol response; the α-lipoprotein response was significantly higher in squirrel monkeys than in spider monkeys. The above findings have implications in experimentally induced and comparative atherogenesis.
An ethnonational perspective on territorial politics in the EU: east–west comparisons from a pilot study

This paper examines the relationship between European integration and ethnonational demands with the example of selected regions in the European Union (EU). It follows the theoretical premises of new regionalism and explores the ways in which ethnonational groups use the opportunities and resources of European governance to express their identities, material interests, and political demands. Methodologically, it conducts a plausibility probe of the potential effects of European integration on ethnonationalism by testing for regional differences in identities, interests, and political attitudes. The case studies are drawn from the UK (Wales and Scotland), Belgium (Flanders), Austria (Carinthia and Burgenland), Romania (Northwest and Center regions), and Bulgaria (South-Central and South-Eastern regions) as a representative selection of regional interests in the EU. The paper finds that European integration affects ethnonational groups by reinforcing identity construction in the direction of inclusiveness a...
Vertical comb-finger capacitive actuation and sensing for CMOS-MEMS

Abstract A new method for out-of-plane (vertical) electrostatic actuation and capacitive displacement-sensing that utilizes sidewall capacitance change of multiconductor comb fingers is analyzed and experimentally verified. Combining the inherited in-plane (lateral) actuation and sensing capacities of comb fingers, three-dimensional actuation/sensing can be realized. A maskless post-CMOS micromachining process is employed and the fabrication is compatible with standard CMOS processes. Applications include an three-axis microstage, a z -axis accelerometer and a lateral-axis gyroscope that use the proposed vertical comb-finger actuation/sensing method. The measured maximum vertical displacement of the microstage is 3.5 μm with a resonant frequency of 6.17 kHz. Measured sensitivity of the z -axis accelerometer is 0.5 mV/g with less than −40 dB cross-axis sensitivity, noise floor 6 mg/√Hz, and linear range from −27 to 27 g. The lateral-axis gyroscope design uses integrated comb drives for out-of-plane actuation, and is motivated by the desire to integrate three-axis gyroscopes on a single chip. The packaged gyroscope operates at atmospheric pressure with a sensitivity of 0.12 mV/ o /s and the resonant frequency of the drive mode is thermomechanically tuned between 4.2–5.1 kHz. Resonant frequency matching between the drive and sense modes is realized by integrating a polysilicon heater inside the spring beams.
Durable Heat Flux Sensor for Extreme Temperature and Heat Flux Environments

This paper reports on the development and evaluation of a novel heat flux sensor, the high-temperature heat flux sensor, tested at temperatures and heat flux levels in excess of 1000°C and 10-13 W/cm 2 , respectively. The current sensor configuration uses type-K thermocouple materials in a durable welded thermopile arrangement contained within a surface-mountable high-temperature housing. The steady-state sensitivity of the design is predicted using a simplified one-dimensional thermal-resistance model. The design performance of a prototype sensor is validated using both conduction and convection heat transfer calibration at low temperature. The average experimental values of the sensitivity are 623 ± 33 mV/W/cm 2 and 579 ± 29 mV/W/cm 2 in conduction and convection, respectively. These calibration results compare very well with the predicted room-temperature sensitivity of 559 μV/W/cm 2 . Minimal dependence on heat transfer coefficient is found in convection. Prolonged thermal cycling of the sensor using a high-temperature kiln and a propane torch apparatus demonstrates survivability near the maximum temperature of the thermoelectric materials with negligible oxidation or loss of calibration.
The effects of moderate changes of extracellular K+ and Ca2+ on synaptic and neural function in the CA1 region of the hippocampal slice

The effects of moderate changes of the concentration of ions on the function of mammalian central nervous tissue have not exactly been determined. We placed tissue slices from rat hippocampal formation in an interface chamber for study in vitro. Extracellular potentials were recorded in stratum radiatum and stratum pyramidale in response to stimuli of varying intensity applied to the Schaffer collateral bundle. The overall input-output relationship of excitatory synaptic transmission was gauged by expressing postsynaptic population spike amplitude as a function of presynaptic volley amplitude. The components of the transmission process were also examined by plotting the maximal rate of rise (slope) of the focally recorded synaptic potential (fEPSP) as a function of presynaptic volley amplitude, and the population spike amplitude as a function of the fEPSP slope. Raising the concentration of K+ from the normal level of 3.5 mM to 5 mM caused an average increase of 48% in the population spike evoked by a given presynaptic volley. This was due to an increased electrical excitability of pyramidal cells, as indicated by an increase of the population spike evoked by a given magnitude of fEPSP. Conversely, lowering [K+]o from 3.5 to 2 mM caused a decrease of the population spike relative to a given magnitude of either the presynaptic volley or the fEPSP. Changing [K+]o within these limits caused no significant change of the fEPSP evoked by a given presynaptic volley. Raising [Ca2+]o from 1.2 to 1.8 mM caused a 35% increase in both the fEPSP and the population spike evoked by a given presynaptic volley, and lowering [Ca2+]o to 0.8 mM caused a decrease of both these functions. The amplitude of the population spikes evoked by given fEPSPs changed surprisingly little (but consistently) when [Ca2+]o was varied within these limits. We conclude that moderate changes of [K+]o influence mainly the electric excitability of hippocampal pyramidal cells, with little effect on transmitter release or on the response of the postsynaptic membrane to transmitter, while moderate changes of [Ca2+]o affect the release of excitatory synaptic transmitter more than they affect postsynaptic membrane function.
Doomsday, the Internet, diversity and sustainability

In 1960 Heinz von Foerster challenged the prevailing Malthusian models of human population growth. He advanced the view that mankind's ability to solve the problems associated with the world's growing population would stay well ahead of the growth in that population. Thus a world which was formerly projected to be threatened by growing resource shortages was projected to be threatened by a lack of physical space in which to enjoy an abundance. The paper which follows revisits the work and affirms its importance to an understanding of the current debate on sustainability. The passing years have done much to accentuate the importance of von Foerster's insights. The coalitions of the Internet are seen as a further evolution of the communication coalitions which underlie his view of the population problem.
Structure-activity relationships of chloride-sensitive fluorescent indicators for biological application.

The application of the quinoline derivative 6-methoxy-N-(3-sulfopropyl)quinolinium (SPQ) to the measurement of membrane transport of chloride in biological systems was reported recently (N.P. Illsley and A.S. Verkman (1987) Biochemistry 26, 1215-1219). To understand the structure-activity relationships of compounds with chloride-sensitive fluorescence properties, 19 structural analogs of SPQ having a single quaternized nitrogen heteroatom were synthesized and characterized. The effect of variations in ring structure, length of sulfoalkyl chain, position of ring substituent, and nature of ring substituent were examined. For each compound, the water solubility, octanol:water partition coefficient, absorbance and fluorescence spectra, fluorescence lifetime, and Stern-Volmer constants (Kq) for quenching by a series of anions were measured. All compounds were quenched by chloride, bromide, iodide, and thiocyanate, but not by cations, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, or by pH (5-8); several compounds were quenched slightly by bicarbonate (Kq = 8-12 M-1). High chloride sensitivity (Kq greater than 50 M-1) required the presence of a quinoline backbone substituted with electron-donating groups such as methyl and methoxy, but did not depend on length of the sulfoalkyl chain or on the position of ring substituents (positions 2-7). All compounds with high chloride sensitivity had fluorescence excitation spectra in the ultraviolet (excitation maximum less than 350 nm) and fluorescence lifetimes greater than 15 ns. These results establish a set of guidelines for synthesis of chloride-sensitive fluorescent indicators tailored for specific biological applications.
The Shrewd Grasp of RNA Polymerase

In a paper in this week's issue, Nudler et al . ([p. 211][1]) define the basis of the interaction of DNA with RNA polymerase, the enzyme that synthesizes messenger RNA from DNA. Landick and Roberts describe in their Perspective exactly where that takes us in our ability to describe the transcription machinery and provide a comprehensive figure. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.273.5272.211