cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MRI assessment of left ventricular structure and function in children with infantile Pompe disease

Introduction Pompe Disease (α-glucosidase deficiency, glycogen storage disease type II) is a progressive disease resulting from accumulation of lysosomal glycogen in skeletal and myocardial cells. In the infantile form there is rapid progression of disease and rare survival beyond the first year. Severe left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is characteristic but may regress with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Cardiac MRI (CMR) is useful to follow LV mass, but sedation is especially high risk. We report our success in performing CMR in this population with minimal or no sedation.
Resolving Community Conflict and Problems: Public Deliberation and Sustaining Dialogue, by Lohmann, R. A., & Van Til, J. (Eds.)

In Resolving Community Conflict and Problems: Public Deliberation and Sustained Dialogue, Roger Lohmann and Jon Van Til make a compelling case for integrating public deliberation and sustained dial...
Social Cognitive Predictors of Physical Activity in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are often sedentary, despite the benefits of the regular physical activity. This has motivated the search for variables that act as determinants of physical activity. Such variables are derived from theory and presumably represent targets of behavioral interventions for increasing physical activity. This prospective, observational study examined variables from social cognitive theory as determinants of physical activity 6 weeks later in persons with RRMS. Persons (N = 68) with RRMS initially completed a questionnaire battery that included measures of self-efficacy, physical, social, and self-evaluative outcome expectations, functional limitations as an impediment, social support as a facilitator, and goal setting for physical activity. The participants wore an accelerometer and completed a self-reported physical activity measure 6 weeks later. Data were analyzed using path analysis in Mplus 3.0. Self-efficacy (path coefficient = 0.19, p < 0.05), functional limitations (path coefficient = −0.33, p < 0.0001), and goal setting (path coefficient = 0.26, p < 0.01) had statistically significant direct effects on physical activity. Self-efficacy further had a statistically significant indirect effect on physical activity by way of functional limitations (path coefficient = 0.12, p < 0.05), but not by goal setting (path coefficient = 0.02, p = 0.66). This model explained 28 % of the variance in physical activity. This prospective study suggests that self-efficacy, functional limitations, and goal setting might represent modifiable targets of behavioral interventions for increasing physical activity among persons with RRMS.
Interaction of estrogens on uterine growth.

THE simultaneous occurrence of two or more estrogens within the same animal has been a frequent topic for conjectural discussions as to possible physiologic and biochemical implications. It is the opinion of some that estradiol (α and β) is the hormone secreted by the Graafian follicle and that estrone, though present in the follicular liquor, is derived from it. Furthermore, there is good evidence for believing that the two estradiols and estrone undergo interconversion in the body and this possibility receives additional support from the results of in vitro experiments. It is also thought that estriol may be derived from estrone. However, estriol has been isolated only from human material, although a substance with similar physiologic and chemical properties has been obtained from other animals following the administration of estrone. Probably the most direct evidence that such a conversion can take place in the human being is the observation by Pearlman, Pearlman and Rakoff (1) who gave deuterio-estron...
Simultaneous Ionisation and Excitation by Foreign Ions in a Gaseous Mixture

WE have recently carried out some experiments which indicate that an ion of one kind may, upon collision with a molecule of another gas, ionise that molecule and excite the resulting ion to the degree that the energy required to ionise the one exceeds the energy required to ionise the other. This means that an ion may rob a molecule of an electron, and at the same time give to the resulting ion the excess of energy made available by its recombination with the electron over the amount needed to take that electron out of the molecule. As the energies of excitation are quantised, there is usually still a remnant of the energy of recombination yet to be accounted for, and this probably goes into increased kinetic energy of one or both particles involved in the collision.
Heavy Spenders, Medium Spenders, and Light Spenders of Japanese Outbound Pleasure Travelers

Abstract The two main objectives of this study were to profile expenditure-based segments (heavy, medium, and light spenders) of Japanese outbound pleasure travelers and to identify the determinants of travel expenditure. Identifying groups with different levels of expenditure and comparing the differences among those groups can be a useful method of segmentation for the travel organizers. The main findings indicate that (1) expenditures increase with age, party size and length of trip as expected, (2) those traveling with a spouse, boy or girl friend and parents spend more, (3) summer is the peak expenditure period, (4) travelers to U.S. mainland, Canada, Europe, and Oceania showed greater propensity to spend compared to travelers to Asian countries, but travelers to Hawaii and Guam spent less, and (5) honeymooners and traveling for combined business and pleasure purposes are big spenders.
Processing and Electrical Characterization of a Varistor‐Capacitor Cofired Multilayer Device

A comprehensive study of the materials selection, processing, cofiring, and electrical characterization of a multilayer varistor/capacitor (MLVC) device has been presented. The goal was to achieve component miniaturization and provide superior high-frequency and high-amplitude transient-voltage protection. A ZnO-based material and 0.75Pb-(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 -0.25Pb(Zn 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 (PMN-PZN) were chosen as the respective varistor and capacitor components. Using a controlled-profile furnace, PMN-PZN with excess PbO resulted in an optimum cofiring with a complex varistor composition. The sintering study made it clear that the ability to cofire is dependent not only on matching sintering temperatures and final densities but also sintering rates. Composite-pellet studies assured the mechanical and electrical integrity of the device and indicated that interaction between the respective components was minimal. Prototype MLVC devices were fabricated using standard tape-casting techniques. Microstructural analysis of the MLVCs revealed solid ceramic/ceramic and ceramic/electrode interfaces with little evidence of interaction. Current-voltage and dielectric measurements both indicated good electrical properties that can be specifically tailored by changing the layer thickness.
A Statewide Movement to Promote the Adoption of Tobacco-Free School Policies.

BACKGROUND: Since most tobacco users become addicted to nicotine as teenagers, prevention efforts for youth remain central to comprehensive prevention programs. National and state efforts that encourage adoption and enforcement of comprehensive tobacco-free school (TFS) policies can lead to significant reductions of youth tobacco use. In 2003, North Carolina (NC) Health and Wellness Trust Fund grantees began to focus statewide on the adoption of and compliance with TFS policies in NC schools. This study examined 46 NC districts that passed TFS policies between 2003 and early August of 2005 to see what factors were important in policy passage in order to support the continued promotion of TFS policy adoption across the state. METHODS: Detailed interviews were conducted with 118 key informants who were intimately involved with passage of their school districts’ TFS policies, and results were coded and analyzed for common themes. RESULTS: The study found several strategies key to adoption of TFS policies: effective leadership from organizations and individuals in positions of influence, grassroots organizing from community coalitions and youth groups, and communication strategies that optimally position policy adoption and compliance. CONCLUSION: States that have not yet achieved TFS policy adoption can focus on leadership development, grassroots organizing, and improved communication to advance their advocacy efforts.
Evidence for methionine sulfoximine as a transition-state analog for glutamine synthetase from NMR and EPR data.

Abstract Manganese(II)bound at the “tight” metal ion site of unadenylylated glutamine synthetase (E. coli W) has two rapidly exchanging first coordination sphere water molecules. The solvation number was evaluated from a study of the frequency dependence of 1 pT 1p , the paramagnetic contribution to the longitudinal relaxation rate of solvent protons. The number of rapidly exchanging water molecules is reduced to one in the presence of saturating L-glutamate and to ∼0.2 when L-methionine SR-sulfoximine (MSOX) is present. MSOX is a linear competitive inhibitor (KI=3μM) of glutamine synthetase when L-Glu is the substrate. The dissociation constant of MSOX measured by following the 18 fold decrease in 1 pT 1p (at 48 MHz) is 30μM and is lowered to ∼9μM in the presence of ADP. The high affinity of MSOX for the enzyme suggests that this compound mimicks the “transition-state” for the glutamine synthetase reaction. Further evidence for this postulate is found from the dramatic sharpening of the epr spectrum of enzyme-bound Mn(II) in the presence of MSOX and MSOX plus ADP. The intense change in the epr spectrum arises from reduced solvent accessibility to bound Mn(II) and conformational changes produced by binding MSOX and ADP. The suggestion is made from these data that L-Glu and MSOX bind near or directly to the Mn(II) at the “tight” metal ion site in glutamine synthetase isolated from E. coli W.
A meta-analysis of body mass index of adolescent and adult survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

We conducted a meta-analysis of existing studies to examine body mass index (BMI) of adolescent and adult survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) compared to individuals without cancer. Studies were identified and reviewed using specific inclusion criteria. The effect size was odds ratio (OR) of the prevalence of overweight/obese BMI (≥25 kg/m2) in ALL survivors versus comparison groups. Study data were coded and validated. Fixed-effects (FE) and random-effects (RE) estimates of the effect size were estimated. A total of 9 studies met our inclusion criteria. Survivors were more likely to be overweight/obese compared to comparison groups (FE OR = 1.12, 95 % CI 1.06–1.18 and RE OR = 1.28, 95 % CI 1.07–1.53). When limited to studies from North American samples, female survivors were overweight/obese more often than the comparison groups (FE OR = 1.30, 95 % CI 1.19–1.43). Adolescent and adult survivors of pediatric ALL, especially female survivors, may be at a higher risk of being overweight/obese compared to individuals without cancer. However, few studies provided detailed information on patient and treatment factors (e.g., cranial radiation) that can impact BMI. Standardized reporting of study content is vital for providing robust information on the risk of developing late effects among cancer survivors. Adolescent and adult survivors of pediatric ALL require additional weight management resources such as targeted counseling for physical activity and dietician support both early in treatment and after the end of their therapy. Female survivors may need additional guidance to develop healthy eating practices and to participate in exercise programs.
Meaningfulness Level and Discrimination of CVC Trigrams

This study examined the ability of 120 Ss to discriminate among CVC trigrams varying in meaningfulness (Noble's m′). Ss, on each of 80 items, chose from five response trigrams the one they rated as being most similar to the stimulus trigram. The choices included one trigram from the same meaningfulness level as the stimulus, and four others which were two step intervals apart in meaningfulness from each other and the stimulus. The results indicated a linear relationship between stimulus and response m′ level. Ss thus used amount of meaningfulness to judge the similarity of trigrams, and this depended on their ability to discriminate among the meaningfulness levels of the possible alternatives. An explanation of the mechanisms by which this discrimination process may operate was offered.
The application of Fullerton's Functional Fitness Test for older adults in a group setting

Objectifs. - Discuter de l'evaluation des performances physiques des personnes âgees, decrire la batterie de tests de Fullerton et proposer des normes, discuter des principes d'administration de cette batterie de test. Methodes. - La batterie de tests de Fullerton a ete administree a 7 183 hommes et femmes âges de 60 a 94 ans issus de 267 sites repartis dans 21 etats differents. Resultats. - Des normes de performance pour chaque test et par tranches d'âge de 5 ans ont ete elaborees pour les hommes et pour les femmes. Les resultats montrent, pour chaque test et pour la plupart des tranches d'âge, une baisse de la performance entre 60 et 94 ans. Les personnes les plus actives ont obtenu les scores les plus eleves et leurs performances declinent deux fois moins vite que celles des sujets les moins actifs entre 60 et 94 ans. De plus, des conseils relatifs a l'administration des tests sont donnes. Conclusion. - Les normes ont ete elaborees a partir d'une population de volontaires independants, dont 50 % ont signale participer a au moins 30 minutes d'exercice modere, trois jours par semaine. De ce fait, ces normes doivent etre utilisees avec precaution dans d'autres populations.
Domestic and global outsourcing practices of America's most effective IS users

With increasing cost-reduction pressures, outsourcing - selectively turning over some information systems functions and processing services to a subcontractor - has emerged in the last few years as an important option for chief information officers (CIOs). In this paper we present the results of our exploratory, empirical research into the practices and views of IS outsourcing. The research methodology of a questionnaire-based mail survey was used. The survey sample consisted of companies that were identified as the most effective users of IS by Computerworld magazine. The paper provides empirical evidence on the extent to which outsourcing of various IS functions is being practised, and the views of CIOs concerning the advantages, disadvantages and motives of IS outsourcing. The paper also sheds light on the relationship between various firm characteristics and IS outsourcing, and investigates the economics of, and decision-making processes in, IS outsourcing. There is a special focus on the comparison of USA-based and global IS outsourcing.
Evaluation of the Chemical and Physical Properties of Hardwood Bark Used as a Broiler Litter Material

Abstract Various physical and chemical properties of hardwood bark (HB) and pine shavings (PS) were compared. Subsequently, efficacies of these materials as broiler litter were determined in two production trials. Upon receipt of each material, moisture content, pH, bulk density, and moisture absorbing capacity were determined. The PS had less moisture, less bulk density, and more moisture absorbing capacity than HB. However, the pH of PS and HB were not different. Trial 1 consisted of 16 replicate pens of HB and 8 pens of PS and Trial 2 involved 8 pens of HB, 8 pens of shredded HB, and 8 pens of PS. Each pen in each trial contained 50 broilers. No consistent differences in either pH, moisture, or nitrogen content were found in the litter types during the two growout periods. Body weight gain, feed conversion, and carcass grade were not affected by litter type.
Research Experience and Barriers to Participating in Research among Members and Non-Members of the Dietetics Practice Based Research Network (DPBRN) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The DPBRN, a free member benefit of the Academy, conducts and supports research in many practice settings. This study describes research experience and barriers to participating in research among DPBRN-members (members) and non-DPBRN Academy members (non-members). An online survey was emailed to all Academy members (n1⁄467626) in November 2013. Reported differences are statistically significant (p<0.05). Of the 4134 survey respondents (whose demographic characteristics were similar to the Academy membership), 170 were members (4%). More members than non-members had a doctorate (29% vs. 8%) and identified higher education (33% vs. 12%) or research (20% vs. 7%) as their practice area. Of those who participated in research (94% of members, 87% of non-members), the median number of projects was four and two for members and non-members, respectively. More members than non-members published or presented data (72% vs. 52%), reported a first author publication (62% vs. 38%), developed a research question (62% vs. 38%), applied for funding (36% vs. 14%) and collected data (64% vs. 36%). Lack of time was the most frequently reported barrier to participating in research. Members reported lack of ability to obtain funding more frequently than non-members (70% vs. 63%). Barriers reported by nonmembers more frequently than members included lack of: support from leadership (55% vs. 44%), understanding of the institutional review board (48% vs. 27%) and interest in research (45% vs. 17%). Overall, members reported greater experience with and fewer barriers to participating in research than non-members. This may be explained by differences in education and practice area.
A non-iterative method for boundary-layer equations—Part II: Two-dimensional laminar and turbulent flows

A non-iterative method for non-linear parabolic partial-differential equations is described and applied to boundary-layer equations for two-dimensional laminar and turbulent flows. Comparison of calculated results indicates that the accuracy of this method is comparable to those obtained with an iterative method
The integripennis species group of Geocharidius Jeannel, 1963 (Carabidae, Bembidiini, Anillina) from Nuclear Central America: a taxonomic review with notes about biogeography and speciation.

Our review recognizes 15 species of the integripennis species group of Geocharidius from Nuclear Central America, include three species previously described (Geocharidius gimlii Erwin, Geocharidius integripennis (Bates) and Geocharidius zullinii Vigna Taglianti) and 12 described here as new. They are: Geocharidius andersoni sp. n. (type locality: Chiapas, Chiapas Highlands, Cerro Huitepec) and Geocharidius vignatagliantii sp. n. (type locality: Chiapas, Motozintla, Sierra Madre de Chiapas, Benito Juarez) from Mexico; Geocharidius antigua sp. n. (type locality: Sacatepequez, 5 km SE of Antigua), Geocharidius balini sp. n. (type locality: Suchitepequez, 4 km S of Volcan Atitlan), Geocharidius erwini sp. n. (type locality: Quiche Department, 7 km NE of Los Encuentros), Geocharidius jalapensis sp. n. (type locality: Jalapa Department, 4 km E of Mataquescuintla), Geocharidius longinoi, sp. n. (type locality: El Progreso Department, Cerro Pinalon), and Geocharidius minimus sp. n. (type locality: Sacatepequez Department, 5 km SE of Antigua) from Guatemala; and Geocharidius celaquensis sp. n. (type locality: Lempira Department, Celaque National Park), Geocharidius comayaguanus sp. n. (type locality: Comayagua Department, 18 km ENE of Comayagua), Geocharidius disjunctus sp. n. (type locality: Francisco Morazan, La Tigra National Park), and Geocharidius lencanus sp. n. (type locality: Lempira Department, Celaque National Park) from Honduras. For all members of the group, adult structural characters, including male and female genitalia, are described, and a taxonomic key for all members of the integripennis species group is presented based on these characters. Behavioral and biogeographical aspects of speciation in the group are discussed, based on the morphological analysis. In all cases of sympatry, pairs of closely related species show greater differences in sizes than pairs of more remotely related species. Integripennis group species occupy six different montane areas at elevations above 1300m, with no species shared among them. Major faunal barriers in the region limiting present species distributions include the Motagua Fault Zone and a gap between the Guatemalan Cordillera volcanic chain and the Honduran Interior Highlands no higher than 900m in elevation. Highest species diversity is in the Guatematan Cordillera (six species), second highest in the Honduran Interior Highlands area (four species).
Cell fate determination in the peripheral nervous system : the sympathoadrenal progenitor

Studies of postnatal chromaffin cells, sympathetic neurons and Small Intensely Fluorescent (SIF) cells have suggested that these cells develop from a common progenitor, the sympathoadrenal (SA) progenitor, whose fate is determined by the relative levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and glucocorticoid (GC) in its environment (Unsicker et al., 1978, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 75:3498–3502; Doupe et al., 1985a, J. Neurosci. 5:2119–2142). Recent studies have identified such a bipotential SA progenitor in the rat embryo. Surprisingly, this progenitor is initially unresponsive to NGF; neuronal differentiation is instead promoted by fibroblast growth factor (FGF). However, FGF appears to promote NGF responsiveness, suggesting that neuronal differentiation involves a relay or cascade of growth factor action. Furthermore, chromaffin cell differentiation appears to involve two sequential, GC-dependent events: the inhibition of neuronal differentiation and the induction of epinephrine synthesis. The former event is a prerequisite to the latter. Thus both the chromaffin and neuronal pathways of differentiation follow a series of dependent events, involving changes in the responsiveness of SA progenitors to environmental factors. Such changes correlate with changes in antigenic marker expression that can be observed in vivo. In addition to choosing between neuronal and endocrine fates, SA progenitors must also express an appropriate neurotransmitter phenotype. For example, sympathetic neurons can become either noradrenergic or cholinergic. This cholinergic potential is already present in uncommitted SA progenitors, as evidenced by their ability to synthesize acetylcholine. Recent studies suggest that these cells may have yet other developmental capacities, including the ability to synthesize serotonin. This capacity is consistent with the hypothesis that SA progenitors are closely related to progenitors of enteric neurons, an idea supported by recent observations using novel antigenic markers. The SA progenitor may be, therefore, a “master” neuroendocrine progenitor for the peripheral nervous system.
Structural couple therapy in the treatment of inhibited sexual drive

Abstract This paper presents a study of a structural couple therapy approach to the treatment of inhibited sexual desire (ISD). ISD is first conceptualized as a relational phenomenon that may be most effectively treated in a couple context. Structural couple therapy is advanced and applied to the treatment of a clinical sample of couples presenting with ISD. Results of the study suggest that a structural couple therapy approach to ISD is effective in reducing symptoms of the sexual disorder and in increasing couple satisfaction.
Optically detected nuclear resonance of excited and ground states of YPO4: Pr3+

Abstract The hyperfine structure and nuclear magnetic moments of Pr 3+ :YPO 4 in the ground state and lowest component of the 1 D 2 excited state have been measured using laser holeburning and optically detected nuclear resonance. For the ground state, the quadrupole coupling constants are D g =3.079 MHz , η γ g | /2 π =2.308 kHz / G , γ g ⊥ /2 π =5.41 kHz / G . The corresponding excited state values are D e =2.272 MHz , η and γ e | /2 π =1.42 kHz / G , γ e ⊥ /2 π =1.72 kHz / G . Model calculations of the splitting factors assuming pure 4f 2 electron states agree well with the ground state values but rather poorly with those in the excited state.
Pattern of defoliation and its effect on photosynthesis and growth of Goldenrod

1. Leaf area was removed from Solidago altissima in either a dispersed pattern (half of every leaf removed) or a concentrated pattern (every other leaf removed) and effects on leaf gas exchange, vegetative growth and flowering were examined relative to undefoliated controls. Gas exchange was measured for leaves remaining after defoliation and for regrowth leaves that developed post-damage (at 7, 16 and 26 days post-defoliation). 2. Area-based photosynthetic rates of leaves remaining after defoliation were not affected by either dispersed or concentrated damage, but damage of both types enhanced area-based photosynthesis of regrowth leaves at 16 days post-defoliation and to a lesser extent at 26 days post-defoliation. 3. Dispersed damage, but not concentrated damage, stimulated mass-based photosynthesis of undamaged leaves remaining after defoliation. Undamaged leaves remaining after defoliation and regrowth leaves on damaged plants had higher specific leaf area (leaf area/leaf mass) than comparable leaves on control plants. Mass-based photosynthesis was more strongly elevated by defoliation than area-based photosynthesis because of this increase in specific leaf area. 4. Plants with dispersed damage recovered more quickly from defoliation; they had higher relative growth rates in the first week post-defoliation than plants with concentrated damage. Both types of defoliation caused similar reductions in flower production. 5. These results add to accumulating evidence that dispersed damage is generally less detrimental to plants than concentrated damage and suggest that physiological changes in leaves may be part of the reason.
Effect of Cold Pressing on Dielectric Properties of (Sr0.8Pb0.2)TiO3-MgO Composites

(Sr0.8Pb0.2)TiO3-MgO (50:50 by weight) composites are prepared and their dielectric properties are investigated. The dielectric properties of the samples prepared by using the green samples prepared under different cold pressing conditions are compared. The cylindrical samples prepared by using uniaxial pressing (UP) followed by cold isostatic pressing (CIP) show the higher quality of dielectric properties than the plate samples prepared by using only UP. It is found that the forming pressure before CIP also influences the dielectric constant of the sintered products. Furthermore, the dielectric constant of the rectangular composite samples cut out of the disk samples is direction dependent with respect to the UP direction while the tan δ of the composites is almost independent of the measurement directions. Communicated by Dr. George W. Taylor
Synergy between data warehousing and knowledge management: three industries reviewed

Data warehousing is believed to be a competitive necessity. The management of knowledge supports the competitive advantage of organisations. Therefore, the effective use of data warehousing to store knowledge can be instrumental in supporting the competitive advantage of companies. "Ongoing management of the data warehouse with minimal adjustments to the data architecture and business users excited about their data are true indicators of project success". Data warehousing can be used as a repository, which is considered a gateway to managerial information or the expert's knowledge, i.e. the Knowledge Management (KM) concept. Corporations can enhance their ability to share information by utilising data warehousing and KM. This study examines how companies are extracting valuable information by utilising a data warehouse. This article presents an exploratory study of three industries that have effectively implemented and utilised data warehousing and knowledge management. These case studies examine the corporate expectations of data warehousing and its support for storing and retrieving the expert's knowledge.
Yield and water use of broadleaf crops in a semiarid climate

Abstract The predominate crops grown in the northern Great Plains of the United States are cereal grains, which are well adapted to the region’s semiarid climate and short growing season. However, rotations are changing because minimum- and no-till production systems improve precipitation-use-efficiency. Therefore, producers are seeking diversity in crop choices to improve the design of their rotations. Our objective with this study was to examine water relations and agronomic performance of seven broadleaf crops that may be suitable for a semiarid climate. Dry pea (Pisum sativum L.), dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) were the most favorable for this region considering crop yield and water-use-efficiency (WUE). Soybean (Glycine max L.), crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst), canola (Brassica rapa L.), and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) were less successful. Water use for grain production ranged from 23 to 37 cm among crops whereas water-use-efficiency varied three-fold. Soil water extraction patterns differed between sunflower and dry pea, with sunflower extracting more water as well as accessing water deeper in the soil profile. Integrating oilseed and legume crops with cereal grains in a cycle-of-four rotation will aid producers in managing diseases and weeds, as well as improve grain yield due to the rotation effect.
Thermally induced surface changes in aluminium○-iron oxide thermites

The aluminium and iron oxide surfaces of Al-Fe3O4 thermite in powder and pressed pellet form were studied before and after accelerated ageing at 180° C by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The Al2O3 surface film thicknesses on aluminium metal were deduced from the intensity ratio of aluminium K L L Auger signals induced by X-ray radiation on Al2O3 and aluminium metal. Based on the mean free path of 1.65 nm for aluminium K L L Auger electrons, the oxide thickness on aluminium flakes before mixing with Fe3O4 was estimated to be 0.8 to 0.9 nm. A slight oxidation was observed on the aluminium surface after mixing with Fe3O4 at room temperature. Hot pressing of this mixture at 425° C for 7 min increased the oxide film to 3.1 nm. This surface oxide film seemed to protect the aluminium metal, and further ageing at 180° C did not cause significant oxide growth.
Metallization and amorphization of the molecular crystals SnI 4 and GeI 4 under pressure

The insulator-to-metal transition in ${\mathrm{SnI}}_{4}$ and ${\mathrm{GeI}}_{4}$ was studied as a function of pressure up to 25 GPA by measuring the temperature dependence of the sample resistance inside a diamond-anvil cell. Both materials were found to metallize at well-defined pressures. A model proposed by Pasternak and Taylor in which the tetrahedral iodide molecules are linked to form conducting chains was found to explain both the metallization and amorphization of these molecular crystals.
Self-Smart, Part I: Work Smart

The topic of this installment of the Developing Soft Skills series is how to be self-smart, which really involves two subtopics, being work smart and being career smart. In this issue, we'll focus on being work smart by discussing the following three mantras: perfect is the enemy of the good; when things go wrong, blame yourself; and overconfidence is a deal breaker. The common thread here is to focus your work on what brings the best return with reasonable effort, and avoid behaviors and efforts that become counterproductive or bring insignificant return. In the next issue, we'll focus on building career smart skills.
The International Criminal Court, the Security Council, and the Politics of Impunity in Darfur

This article analyzes the political challenges confronting the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its efforts to bring war crimes suspects to trial in connection with mass atrocities committed in the Darfur region of Sudan. It chronicles and examines the battles over cooperation between the ICC and the defiant Sudanese government that have forestalled the handover of suspects such as Sudanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir. It also seeks to explain why the Security Council, in its ambivalence toward the ICC, has not vigorously pressed Sudan to fulfill its legal obligation to cooperate.
Biomolecules as nanomaterials: interface characterization for sensor development

Extensive research is underway to understand and exploit the interface between biological materials and integrated systems Today, "nanotechnology" can be defined as a group of emerging technologies in which the structure of matter is controlled at the nanometer scale, the scale of small numbers of atoms, to produce novel materials and devices having useful and unique properties. An ideal biological candidate for use in nanoscale devices is the microtubule, an essential component of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton, which, unlike most proteins, has been shown to be electrically conductive. Due to the presence of an intrinsic dipole in the protein polymer, RF reflectance spectroscopy was chosen as an interrogation method. RF reflectance spectroscopy measures the electrical response of a sample in response to sinusoidally alternating currents as a function of frequency By interrogating the protein electrically, we are able to detect the polymerization state of the system, track any associated conductivity changes, and monitor binding of microtubule-associated proteins. We demonstrate manipulation of the microtubule system through the use of low-frequency electric fields, and discuss implications for sensor development.
Comparison of women's beginning tennis skills under three different time schedules.

This study compared the knowledge and skill attained by university women (N = 96) in beginning tennis under three different time schedules. Scores on a wallboard test, achievement tests of serve accuracy and speed, and a written test were compared to determine achievement of women in beginning tennis classes. Although all groups improved on the wallboard test, ANCOVA revealed no significant F ratios among the groups on any of the motor performance tests. ANOVA procedures revealed no significant differences between the groups on the written examination. Findings indicate that time schedules may not be as important as other factors in the learning and performance of tennis skills, as measured by the dependent variables in this study.
Alcohol Use Problem Severity and Problem Behavior Engagement Among School-Based Youths in Minnesota

This study created an alcohol use problem severity taxonomy and examined its association to engagement in other problem behaviors. Minnesota youths were categorized based on their frequency of alcohol use and DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence criteria. Greater alcohol use problem severity was generally associated with higher prevalence of lifetime and regular marijuana use and higher odds of lifetime sexual intercourse and past-year arrest/law trouble. Knowing about variations in adolescent alcohol use and problems may be instrumental in gauging the degree to which youths may also be engaging in a range of other problem behaviors.
Integration of plug-in electric vehicle charging and wind energy scheduling on electricity grid

Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and wind energy are both key new energy technologies. However, they also bring challenges to the operation of the electricity grid. Charging a large number of PEVs requires a lot of grid energy, and scheduling wind energy is not trivial because of the intermittency. In this paper we propose a hierarchical control algorithm which integrates PEV charging and wind energy scheduling. It explores the controllable nature of PEV charging to accommodate the intermittent wind energy. The algorithm consists of three levels: the top-level controller solves the hourly scheduling of wind energy (and conventional generation) through an optimization problem, the middle-level controller determines sub-hourly scheduling of PEV charging to achieve load following, and the bottom-level controller uses grid frequency deviation as the feedback cue to control PEV charging in real time. The integrated controller achieves multiple goals, including optimal electricity cost, replacing fossil fuel generation by wind energy, reducing ancillary service by controlled PHV charging, and improving the quality of electricity service.
PHYTOPLANKTON IN THE SOUTHWESTERN SARGASSO SEA AND NORTH EQUATORIAL CURRENT, FEBRUARY 19611

In a l,OOO-mile section in the tropical Atlantic, flagellate species, with one exception, tended to be uniformly distributed, but diatoms, for the most part, were more numerous toward the southern end of the section. This change was associated with an intensification of stratification of the upper 100 m. The relative ability of flagellates and diatoms to react to varying growth conditions, in turn dependent on hydrography, is discussed.
Fluorescence and the structure of proteins. VII. Hydrogen-bonded phenols as fluorescence sinks.

Abstract The low fluorescence of tyrosyl residues in some proteins suggests that sinks for loss of energy must exist, and it has been proposed that these sinks are tyrosyl residues hydrogen-bonded to carbonyl groups. To test this proposal, compounds such as HOC 6 H 4 CH 2 CH 2 C 6 H 4 OCH 3 were prepared and tested for fluorescence and for the degree of fluorescence lost upon hydrogen-bonding the phenolic group to amides. Because the formation of a stable bond between phenols and amides can occur only in non-polar solvents, the following distinction has been made. In non-polar solvents, a hydrogen-bonded phenolic group can serve as an efficient energy sink for loss of excitation energy from a nearby phenolic ring but not from an indole ring. In aqueous solution, a phenolic group can serve as an energy sink during the period of its collision with a carboxylate ion. The latter sink is quite inefficient unless the carboxylate ion concentration is high.
Collagen Content Is Significantly Lower in Restenotic Versus Nonrestenotic Vessels After Balloon Angioplasty in the Atherosclerotic Rabbit Model

Background It is recognized that restenosis is primarily due to alterations in geometric remodeling of the extracellular matrix rather than intimal hyperplasia. Prior studies have shown that angioplasty stimulates an increase in both synthesis and degradation of collagen in the atherosclerotic vessel. However, differences in collagen content and metabolism between restenotic and nonrestenotic vessels have not been examined. Methods and Results Four weeks after angioplasty in an atherosclerotic rabbit model, collagen content in restenotic and nonrestenotic vessels was measured both biochemically by hydroxyproline quantitation and histologically by a digital subtraction method with the use of circularly polarized images of picrosirius red–stained sections. Collagenase and gelatinase activity also were measured in the same restenotic and nonrestenotic vessels by use of a radiosubstrate assay. Collagen content was found to be significantly lower in restenotic vessels than in nonrestenotic vessels both biochem...
Explicit Treatment of Spin Labels in Modeling of Distance Constraints from Dipolar EPR and DEER

Current SDSL−EPR methods allow measurement of dipolar distances in the 8−70 A range; however, the use of extrinsic probes complicates the interpretation of these distances in modeling macromolecular structure and conformational changes. The data presented here show that interprobe distances correlate only weakly with Cβ−Cβ distances, especially for distances that are on the order of the spin label tether lengths. Explicitly incorporating the spin label into the modeling process increases the experiment/model correlation 4-fold and reduces the distance error from 6 A to 3 A.
New Insights into the Transition Pathway from Nonspecific to Specific Complex of DNA with Escherichia Coli Integration Host Factor

To elucidate the nature of the transition-state ensemble along the reaction pathway from a nonspecific protein-DNA complex to the specific complex, we have carried out measurements of DNA bending/unbending dynamics on a cognate DNA substrate in complex with integration host factor (IHF), an architectural protein from E. coli that bends its cognate site by approximately 180 degrees . We use a laser temperature jump to perturb the IHF-DNA complex and monitor the relaxation kinetics with time-resolved FRET measurements on DNA substrates end-labeled with a FRET pair. Previously, we showed that spontaneous bending/kinking of DNA, from thermal disruption of base-pairing/-stacking interactions, may be the rate-limiting step in the formation of the specific complex (Kuznetsov, S. V.; Sugimura, S.; Vivas, P.; Crothers, D. M.; Ansari, A. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2006, 103, 18515). Here, we probe the effect of varying [KCl], which affects the stability of the complex, on this rate-limiting step. We find that below approximately 250 mM KCl, the observed relaxation kinetics are from the unimolecular bending/unbending of DNA, and the relaxation rate kr is independent of [KCl]. Above approximately 300 mM KCl, dissociation of the IHF-DNA complex becomes significant, and the observed relaxation process includes contributions from the association/dissociation step, with kr decreasing with increasing [KCl]. The DNA bending step occurs with a positive activation enthalpy, despite the large negative enthalpy change reported for the specific IHF-DNA complex (Holbrook, J. A.; Tsodikov, O. V.; Saecker, R. M.; Record, M. T., Jr. J. Mol. Biol. 2001, 310, 379). Our conclusion from these studies is that in the uphill climb to the transition state, the DNA is kinked, but with no release of ions, as indicated by the salt-independent behavior of k(r) at low [KCl]. Any release of ions in the unimolecular process, together with conformational changes in the protein-DNA complex that facilitate favorable interactions and that contribute to the negative enthalpy change, must occur as the system leaves the transition state, downhill to the final complex.
Experimental investigation of stretched premixed flames burning mixtures of methane and methyl chloride in air and comparison with numerical simulations

Abstract Experimental measurements of the laminar burning velocities of flames burning methane/methyl chloride mixtures, and methyl chloride in air, are made in a counterflow burner. The flame speeds are observed to decrease with increasing chlorine loading, from 40 cm s−1 for a stoichiometric methane-air flame to 4.9 cm s−1 for a stoichiometric methyl chloride-air flame. Good agreement is found between flame speeds deduced from experiments and those predicted by numerical simulations at the periphery of the domain, i.e., for methane-air and methyl chloride-air flames. The agreement between experiments and calculations at intermediate regions, that is, for varying methanemethyl chloride-air mixtures is at best reasonable. Sources for the discrepancies in the kinetic mechanism are identified. The critical extinction stretch rate for flames burning methyl chloride in air is measured, as is the stretched flame speed close to extinction.
Some Comments Concerning “The Quantitative Synthesis of Single-Subject Research”

An evaluation of the Percentage of Nonoverlapping Data (PND) approach for quantifying outcomes of single-subject research reveals that it is potentially too sensitive to atypical baseline data, not powerful enough to discriminate important treatment differences, and adversely affected by even subtle trends in the data. Suggestions for correcting some of the problems are provided, but the overall recommendation is for additional empirical studies before admitting any such metric into accepted practice.
Distributed Cognitive Radio Network Management via Algorithms in Probabilistic Graphical Models

In this paper, cognitive radio wireless networks are investigated, in which a number of primary users (PUs) transmit in orthogonal frequency bands, and a number of secondary users (SUs) monitor the transmission status of the PUs and search for transmission opportunities in these frequency bands by collaborative detection. A network management problem is formulated to find the configuration of SUs (assignment of SUs) to detect PUs so that the best overall network performance is achieved. Two performance metrics are considered, both of which characterize the probability of errors for detecting transmission status of all PUs. For both metrics, a graphical representation of the problem is provided, which facilitates to connect the problems under study to the sum-product inference problem studied in probabilistic graphical models. Based on the elimination algorithm that solves the sum-product problem, a message passing algorithm is proposed to solve the problem under study in a computationally efficient manner and in a distributed fashion. The complexity of the algorithm is shown to be significantly lower than that of the exhaustive search approach. Moreover, a clique-tree algorithm is applied to efficiently compute the impacts of each SU's choice on the overall system performance. Finally, simulation results are provided to demonstrate the considerable performance enhancement achieved by implementing an optimal assignment of SUs.
PRICE CONSTRAINTS, FORWARD MARKETS AND THE COMPETITIVE FIRM UNDER PRICE UNCERTAINTY*

This article proposes a model of the competitive firm simultaneously facing price constraints and forward markets under price uncertainty. The incorporation of a forward market is shown to be very important because a risk-averse firm will set its production decision to the forward price regardless of its attitude toward risk. In addition, we show that risk aversion is a sufficient condition for a decrease in risk to reduce the amount hedged when risk is reduced through a mean-preserving price squeeze.
Physics-based Fusion of Multispectral Data for Improved Face Recognition

A novel physics-based fusion of multispectral images within the visual spectra is proposed for the purpose of improving face recognition under constant or varying illumination. Spectral images are fused according to the physics properties of the imaging system, including illumination, spectral response of the camera, and spectral reflectance of skin. The fused image is given as a probe to the recognition software Facelttrade which compares it to a gallery of images. The identification performance of our physics-based fusion method is compared to the performance of principle component analysis and average fusion methods. The results show that the proposed fusion yields a higher identification rate. A method of illumination adjustment is proposed when the probe and gallery images are acquired under different illumination conditions. The results show that the identification rate is higher than that of unadjusted gray-level images