cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photoaddition Reactions of 1,2-Diketones with Silyl Ketene Acetals. Formation of β-Hydroxy-γ-ketoesters

Photochemical reactions taking place between 1,2-diketones and silyl ketene acetals and their excited state reaction mechanisms have been explored. Irradiation of benzene, acetone, or acetonitrile solutions containing 1,2-diketones and silyl ketene acetals is observed to promote formation of 1,4-dioxenes, resulting from [4 + 2]-cycloaddition, oxetanes, arising by Paterno−Buchi processes, and β-hydroxy-γ-ketoesters, generated by SET-promoted Claisen-type condensation. These competitive pathways leading from the excited states of the 1,2-diketones to these products are influenced by solvent polarity and the nature of the silyl ketene acetal and 1,2-diketone. The Claisen-type condensation process, following an SET desilylation pathway and predominating when the photoreactions are carried out in the polar solvent acetonitrile, represents an efficient method to prepare a variety of diversely substituted β-hydoxy-γ-ketoesters.
Extension of impedance matrix compression method with wavelet transform for 2-D conducting and dielectric scattering objects due to oblique plane-wave incidence

The impedance matrix compression (IMC) technique is applied to analyze the square method–of-moments (MoM) matrix arising from the surface integral equation for 2-D conducting and dielectric objects with oblique plane-wave incidence. The induced current components are processed separately by using wavelet basis functions. The comparison between cylinders with circular and square cross section is presented to show the effectiveness of IMC, which depends on the geometry of the object and the wavelet transform matrix. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 34: 53–56, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10371
Identification of functional subpopulations of murine natural killer cells based on their cell surface asialo GM1 phenotype.

Abstract HSV-1 infection renders a mouse fibroblast cell line (MCN) sensitive to murine splenic NK killing which is independent of interferon (IFN) induction during the assay. This NK (HSV-1) activity is distinctive from conventional NK (YAC-1) in that they cannot be aborted by antiasialo GM1 (anti-ASGM1) antibody plus complement treatment as NK (YAC-1) does. Further characterization of these two subpopulations was carried out by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) technique based on their cell surface asialo GM1 (ASGM1) phenotype. While almost all NK (YAC-1) activity resides within FACS-positive population, both ASGM1 positive and negative cell populations can kill the virally infected MCN equally well. One interesting observation is that only the ASGM1 positive cells respond significantly to IL-2 NK boosting. Five different mouse strains (CD-1, C57BL/6J, C57BL/6J-BG, SM/J, and SJL) were compared on their FACS profile with anti-ASGM1 antibody as well as their NK function. The differences observed are discussed.
Multilevel and non‐ideal quantization in ∑ δ modulation

Oversampled sigma-delta analogue-to-digital conversion has been the focus of much research attention in recent years. Converters based on this principle have been found to be particularly suited to integrated circuit implementation owing to their simple structure and robustness to circuit imperfection. the analysis of the sigma-delta system is complicated by the presence of a discontinuous non-linear element, with the result that until very recently few rigorous studies of such converters had appeared in the literature. In this paper we study the operation of the single-loop sigma-delta modulator, consisting of a quantizer and a discrete-time integrator in a feedback loop, with constant input. Our analysis uses the tools of non-linear dynamics to derive rigorous descriptions of system behaviour. In particular we focus on the effects of the discontinuous nonlinear element-the quantizer. In the most basic case the quantizer has two levels. We study the effect of quantizer offsets in conjunction with leaky integration on the behaviour of this system. We then study the effect on system operation of increasing the number of quantization levels and explain in quantitative terms the structure of the resultant input versus average output characteristic.
Constitutive Modeling of Solute Diffusivity in Hydrated Soft Tissues

Based on the experimental results of electrical conductivity and hydraulic permeability, a new constitutive model for relative diffusivity (D/Do ) of solutes in gels and tissues was developed. This model could predict the functional relationship between solute diffusivity and tissue deformation. This model could also quantitatively predict the effect of solute size on solute diffusivity in tissues. This study is important for the understanding of nutritional transport in cartilaginous tissues. It is also useful for the prediction of nutrition levels in tissue constructs during growth.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Librarians and Mandatory Academic Advising at a Mid-sized Public University: A Case Study

Abstract This article provides a case study of librarians being assigned the responsibility of providing academic advising to undeclared students at a mid-sized public university. The experience of academic advising as librarians is explored as well as challenges, benefits, best practices and next steps. The implications and impact of advising on library work is discussed. For the most part, the librarians found that academic advising dovetailed well with the culture of librarianship.
Differentiated shift-invariant integral operators, univariate case

In a recent paper [1] the author, along with H. Gonska, introduced some wavelet type integral operators over the whole real line and studied their properties such as shift-invariance, global smoothness preservation, convergence to the unit, and preservation of probability distribution functions. These operators are very general and they are introduced through a convolution-like iteration of another general operator with a scaling type function. In this paper the author provides sufficient conditions, so that the derivatives of the above operators enjoy the same nice properties as their originals. A sufficient condition is also given so that the “global smoothness preservation” related inequality becomes sharp. At the end several applications are given, where the derivatives of the very general specialized operators are shown to fulfill all the above properties. In particular it is shown that they preserve continuous probability density functions.
Role of Neutral Impurity Scattering in the Analysis of Hall Data from ZnO and Other II-VI Materials

To determine donor and acceptor concentrations affecting electrical properties in ZnO crystals, the relaxation time approximation (RTA) has been used to analyze mobility and carrier concentration data measured from 80 to 400 K. Five scattering mechanisms are included: polar-optical-phonon, piezoelectric potential, deformation potential, ionized impurity, and neutral impurity scattering. Temperature dependences of intrinsic mobilities and Hall r factors are determined. Neutral impurity (ni) scattering can play an important role in limiting the total mobility in ZnO single crystals. By including ni scattering, the experimental deformation potential E1 = 3.8 eV for ZnO can be used, rather than treating E1 as a fitting parameter. This approach yields “intrinsic” mobilities for n-type and p-type ZnO, and other II-VI materials. At 300 K, the intrinsic electron Hall mobility in ZnO is predicted to be 230 cm2/Vs. The results of fitting the temperature dependences of mobility and carrier concentrations from representative ZnO and CdSe bulk samples are shown. Intrinsic results for n-type CdS and ZnS will also be discussed. The 300-K intrinsic hole Hall mobility in ZnO is predicted to be about 50 cm2/Vs.
Faith-Based coalitions, social services, and government funding

Both the charitable choice provision, Section 104 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, and President Bush's recent Faith-Based and Community Initiative were designed to encourage the increased participation of faith-based organizations as government supported social service providers. This article examines 14 faith-based coalitions in Harris County, Texas, and their response to accepting government monies for social services. Description of these coalitions indicates great variability among them in regard to structure, resources, programs offered and attitudes towards government contracts. This study demonstrates the importance of including faith-based coalitions, along with local congregations, in the effort to understand faith-based social services. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) addressed President Clinton's campaign promise to "change welfare as we know it." Welfare policy changes such as the elimination of entitlements to public assistance, work requirements for benefit recipients, limited immigrant eligibility, and state controlled social programs demonstrate the new emphasis on personal responsibility and local solutions. This retrenchment of the federal government has been accompanied by a renewed effort to promote religious charity as a "safety net" that will fulfill society's "responsibility to the disadvantaged" (Mitchell 2000). The "charitable choice" provision, Section 104 of PRWORA, was an attempt to bolster this safety net. This provision requires that states treat religious organizations as any other non-government provider when contracting for services funded under this legislation. Specifically, the charitable choice clause establishes a statute that protects the religious
Gluino pair production in electron-positron annihilation

Abstract We summarize the effects of some unknown supersymmetry breaking mechanism by the addition to the super-QCD lagrangian of explicit, and different, mass terms for the scalar superpartners of quarks and antiquarks. Allowing also a possible Majorana mass for the gluino, we then calculate cross sections for e + e − → two gluinos, a process which may be observable if the gluino is sufficiently long-lived.
Scaling description of the dielectric function near the mobility edge.

We give a full renormalization-group treatment of the electron density-density correlation function in a disordered system near the mobility edge. We extract the scaling behavior of the diffusion constant and conductivity in the critical region. Thus, the behavior of these quantities as a function of wave number and frequency is determined and the crossover between the high-frequency and large-wave-number domains is given explicitly.
Use of Fungal Rhizomorphs as Nesting Material by Glaucomys volans (Southern Flying Squirrels)

Abstract We examined 53 nests of southern flying squirrels constructed within nest boxes in Mobile County, AL. Of those containing a bedding layer (n = 35), 80% contained fungal rhizomorphs of Marasmius brevipes. Rhizomorphs of this genus have been reported in bird-nest descriptions, but have not been documented in flying squirrel nests. M. brevipes was common on our study site, and its use by flying squirrels may be unique to the area. Nevertheless, this and similar species of rhizomorph-producing fungi occur in other portions of the flying squirrel's range, and the nondescript nature of rhizomorphs may lead to their misidentification. Our observations appear to constitute the first description of an ecological relationship between this fungus and a mammalian species.
Lithium-chloride-induced aversions in the opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

No previous studies have reported taste aversions in marsupials. Three experiments are reported wherein opossums, following lithium-chloride-induced illness, avoid drinking saccharin-flavored water, avoid killing mice, and stop consuming mice. When the flavors were novel, clear and long-lasting aversions to saccharin and mouse killing were demonstrated in one trial. Attacks ceased, as did consumption. Familiarity with the CS, however, extended the number of illnesses required to establish an aversion. This marsupial shows conditioning similar to some placental mammals, and the findings reported here extend the literature concerning predatory aversion.
Are corneal cells susceptible to antibody-mediated killing in corneal allograft rejection?

Abstract Purpose: The precise role of antibodies in corneal transplantation is controversial. Clinical and experimental evidence both supports and refutes the contribution of donor-derived alloantibody in corneal allograft rejection. Accordingly, we prospectively evaluated the presence of donor-derived alloantibody in two high-risk donor–host combinations. We also evaluated the ability of this alloantibody to kill corneal epithelial, keratocytes, and endothelial cells in complement-dependent and complement-independent fashions. Methods: C3H/Hej (H-2 k ) and Balb/c (H-2 d ) corneal grafts were transplanted orthotopically to CB6F1 (H-2 b/d ) and C57BL/6 (H-2 b ) recipients, respectively. These two donor–host combinations represent disparity at the entire MHC and multiple minor histocompatibility loci. Four objectives were addressed. First , we wished to determine if there was a correlation between the appearance of donor-specific serum IgG antibody and corneal graft rejection. Second, we evaluated the effect of passive transfer of hyperimmune donor-specific antibody on corneal allograft rejection. Third, we examined the capacity of donor-specific alloantibody to mediate complement-dependent cytolysis of corneal cells. Finally, we determined the capability of donor-specific alloantibody to mediate apoptosis of corneal cells. Results: The presence of donor-specific serum IgG alloantibodies did not correlate with corneal graft rejection. One hundred percent of CB6F1 and C57BL/6 hosts rejected their C3H and Balb/c orthotopic corneal allografts, respectively. However, two of these seven CB6F1 hosts and one C57BL/6 host did not produce donor-specific IgG alloantibody that was significantly different from naive donors. Passive transfer of hyperimmune allo-antiserum prior to corneal transplantation did not increase the incidence, severity, or tempo of corneal allograft rejection in either donor–host combination. Hyperimmune allo-antiserum produced complement-mediated lysis of C3H corneal endothelial but not C3H corneal epithelial cells in the C3H-CB6F1 donor–host combination. Interestingly, all three corneal cell layers were vulnerable to complement-mediated cytolysis in the Balb/c–C57BL/6 donor–host combination. Additionally, Balb/c corneal epithelial, keratocytes, and endothelial cells were vulnerable to complement-independent, antibody induced apoptosis. Conclusions: Corneal graft rejection does not appear to correlate with the production of IgG alloantibody and can occur in the absence of donor-specific IgG alloantibody. Antibody-mediated killing of the corneal endothelium can occur in a complement-dependent or complement-independent fashion.
Electrophysiological responses to non-electrolytes in lingual nerve of rat and in lingual epithelia of dog.

Abstract Epithelial and neural mechanisms underlying the trigeminal chemoreception of non-electrolytes were investigated in whole-nerve recordings from lingual nerve and in Ussing-chamber studies of isolated lingual epithelia. The non-electrolytes included menthol, amyl acetate, phenethyl alcohol, toluene, methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, hexanol and octanol. They produced different lingual nerve responses: methanol and ethanol only increased ongoing activity; longer-chain alcohols initially increased but then suppressed activity below baseline; phenethyl alcohol and toluene only suppressed activity. Their threshold concentrations for lingual nerve responses, with the exception of menthol, were proportional to the octanol:water partition coefficients of the stimuli. The threshold concentration for menthol was significantly lower than predicted by this coefficient. Calculation of the free energy of transfer from the threshold concentrations for the n -alcohols suggests that they undergo partition into a hydrophobic environment such as is found in lipid bilayers. Lanthanum chloride, which inhibited lingual nerve responses to hydrophilic compounds, presumably by blocking their diffusion across tight junctions, did not inhibit responses to these non-electrolytes. At high concentrations, hexanol acted as an anaesthetic in that the lingual nerve no longer responded to thermal and chemical stimuli whereas ethanol, which only increased lingual nerve activity, did not inhibit those responses. Epithelial transport, as indicated by the short-circuit current (I sc ) measured across tongues bathed in symmetrical solutions of Krebs-Henseleit buffer, was reversibly inhibited by ethanol, hexanol, octanol, phenyl ethanol and menthol. The stimulus concentration necessary to inhibit 50% of the Isc decreased with increasing octanol:water partition coefficient. Epithelial responses to menthol differed from responses to the n -alcohols, in that the I sc initially increased before decreasing, whereas for the n -alcohols and phenethyl alcohol, Isc monotonically decreased. Decreasing transport across lingual epithelia may play a role in modulating lingual nerve responses. These data show that menthol behaves differently than the other compounds tested and are consistent with its interaction with specific receptors.
APPLICANT REACTIONS TO PRE-EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION BLANKS: A LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL JUSTICE PERSPECTIVE

The current research investigated applicant reactions derived from common application blanks. Previous work has found applications to be riddled with legally inadvisable items, but limited research has attempted to understand how such items might affect applicants. By using organizational justice theory as a framework, two studies examined applicant reactions from two application blanks: a legally advisable application and a legally problematic application. It was found that applicants completing the legally problematic application had lower perceptions of justice and expressed higher litigation intentions compared to those completing the legally advisable application, especially for those that were rejected without an explanation.
Segregation for heading date and stem enlargement in kohlrabi x broccoli crosses

F1 and F2 progenies from crosses of an early broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.) line with kohlrabi (B. oleracea var. gongyloides) indicated that days to flower bud maturity in annual segregates is quantitative and additive in inheritance. It appeared that the biennial kohlrabi parent strongly contributed genetic factors for late maturity. F1 plants of both crosses, 98% of F2 plants from early broccoli × kohlrabi, and 81% of the F2 plants from late broccoli × kohlrabi were annual in 1980. In 1986, 96% of early broccoli × kohlrabi F2 and 87% of late broccoli × kohlrabi F2 plants were annual. Kohlrabi stem enlargement showed a continuous range of expression in the F2 with some dominance of broccoli type. Few F2 plants were close to the kohlrabi parent in degree of stem enlargement.
Early emergence of photoreceptor mosaicism in the primate retina revealed by a novel cone-specific monoclonal antibody.

We have examined the emergence of the photoreceptor mosaic in fetal macaque monkeys by using a novel monoclonal antibody, 7G6, that recognizes all cones in the adult primate retina. In the fetal retina, however, between embryonic (E) day 80 and E130, some opsin-positive cones were not labeled by 7G6. Double-labeling experiments revealed that though long and middle wavelength-sensitive fetal cones are 7G6-positive, a subset of short wavelength-sensitive cones are delayed in their acquisition of 7G6 immunoreactivity. Heterogeneity in cone labeling with 7G6 was evident at all fetal ages. The onset of 7G6 immunoreactivity, surprisingly, precedes both the expression of the cone opsins and the formation of synaptic contacts in the outer plexiform layer. Specifically, a population of cones was labeled in the periphery of the E65 retina, concomitant with ongoing cone genesis. Moreover, early-differentiating 7G6-positive cones are organized into a regular array in immature, peripheral regions of the fetal retina indicating that the spatial arrangement of cones is initiated either during active cone proliferation or the initial differentiation of these cells. These results suggest that the periodic spacing of cones in the primate retina emerges autonomously within the photoreceptor layer, prior to the formation of synaptic connections within the retina or with the brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 377:500–508, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ambiguity aversion and the equity premium puzzle: A re-examination of experimental data on repeated gambles

Abstract Benartzi and Thaler [Benartzi, S., Thaler, R.H. (1999). Risk aversion or myopia? Choices in repeated gambles and retirement investments. Management Science 45, 364–381] experimentally study decision makers who are faced with multiple plays of a gamble. While these decision makers may decline the opportunity to play repeated gambles, they may reverse this preference when shown an explicit distribution of the outcomes from the multiple plays. The preference reversal indicates irrationality, and Benartzi and Thaler attribute this irrationality to myopic loss aversion. A re-examination of their experimental results in light of a misinterpreted theoretical motivation for their experiment, and an extensive literature on ambiguity aversion, reveals that ambiguity aversion caused by bounded rationality is an alternative explanation for the reversal.
Gone with the Wnts: β-Catenin, T-Cell Factor, Forkhead Box O, and Oxidative Stress in Age-Dependent Diseases of Bone, Lipid, and Glucose Metabolism

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway affects several biological processes ranging from embryonic development, patterning, and postembryonic stem cell fate, to bone formation and insulin secretion in adulthood. β-Catenin mediates canonical Wnt signaling by binding to and activating members of the T-cell factor (TCF) transcription factor family. Similar to the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, oxidative stress influences fundamental cellular processes including stem cell fate and has been linked to aging and the development of age-related diseases. However, the molecular details of the pathogenetic effects of oxidative stress on the homeostasis of many different tissues remain unclear. β-Catenin has been recently implicated as a pivotal molecule in defense against oxidative stress by serving as a cofactor of the forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factors. In addition, it has been shown that oxidative stress is a pivotal pathogenetic factor of age-related bone loss and strength in mice, leading to, among other changes,...
A CROSS‐CULTURAL COMPARISON OF CHILD CARE AS AN EMPLOYER‐PROVIDED BENEFIT

With a global recession impacting employers in most industrialised nations, the management of most large organisations has been forced to trim the number of workers, reduce benefits and in some cases, eliminate entire divisions of their company. A surprising survivor during this difficult period is employer‐provided day care, a relatively new employment benefit that emerged just within the past two decades.
Scalable Multi-Class Traffic Management in Data Center Backbone Networks

Large online service providers (OSPs) often build private backbone networks to interconnect data centers in multiple locations. These data centers house numerous applications that produce multiple classes of traffic with diverse performance objectives. Applications in the same class may also have differences in relative importance to the OSP's core business. By controlling both the hosts and the routers, an OSP can perform both application rate-control and network routing. However, centralized management of both rates and routes does not scale due to excessive message-passing between the hosts, routers, and management systems. Similarly, fully-distributed approaches do not scale and converge slowly. To overcome these issues, we investigate two semi-centralized designs that lie at practical points along the spectrum between fully-distributed and fully-centralized solutions. We achieve scalability by distributing computation across multiple tiers of an optimization machinery. Our first design uses two tiers, representing the backbone and classes, to compute class-level link bandwidths and application sending rates. Our second design has an additional tier representing individual data centers. Using optimization, we show that both designs provably maximize the aggregate utility over all traffic classes. Simulations on realistic backbones show that the 3-tier design is more scalable, but converges slower than the 2-tier design.
Deletion of Candida albicans SPT6 is not lethal but results in defective hyphal growth.

Abstract As a means to study surface proteins involved in the yeast to hypha transition, human monoclonal antibody fragments (single-chain variable fragments, scFv) have been generated that bind to antigens expressed on the surface of Candida albicans yeast and/or hyphae. A cDNA expression library was constructed from hyphae, and screened for immunoreactivity with scFv5 as a means to identify its cognate antigen. A reactive clone contained the 3′ end of the C. albicans gene, orf 19.7136 , designated SPT6 based on homology to Saccharomyces cerevisiae , where its product functions as a transcription elongation factor . A mutant containing a homozygous deletion of SPT6 was isolated, demonstrating that unlike S. cerevisiae , deletion of this gene in C. albicans is not lethal. Growth of this strain was severely impaired, however, as was its capacity to undergo filamentous growth. Reactivity with scFv5 was not detected in the mutant strain, although its impaired growth complicates the interpretation of this finding. To assess C. albicans SPT6 function, expression of the C. albicans gene was induced in a defined S. cerevisiae spt6 mutant. Partial complementation was seen, confirming that the C. albicans and S. cerevisiae genes are functionally related in these species.
Pretreatment levels of circulating Th1 and Th2 cytokines, and their ratios, are associated with ER-negative and triple negative breast cancers

Immune signatures in breast tumors differ by estrogen receptor (ER) status. The purpose of this study was to assess associations between ER phenotypes and circulating levels of cytokines that co-ordinate cell-mediated [T-helper type 1 (Th1)] and humoral [T-helper type 2 (Th2)] immunity. We conducted a case–case comparison of 523 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer to evaluate associations between 27 circulating cytokines, measured using Luminex XMap technology, and breast cancer phenotypes [ER− vs. ER+; triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) vs. luminal A (LumA)]. Ratios of Th1 to Th2 cytokines were also evaluated. Levels of interleukin (IL)-5, a Th-2 cytokine, were higher in ER− than in ER+ tumors. The highest tertile of IL-5 was more strongly associated with ER− (OR = 2.33, 95 % CI 1.40–3.90) and TNBCs (OR = 2.78, 95 % CI 1.53–5.06) compared to ER+ and LumA cancers, respectively, particularly among premenopausal women (OR = 4.17, 95 % CI 1.86–9.34, ER− vs. ER+; OR = 5.60, 95 % CI 2.09–15.01, TNBC vs. LumA). Elevated Th1 cytokines were also detected in women with ER− and TNBCs, with women in the highest tertile of interferon α2 (OR = 2.39, 95 % CI 1.31–4.35) or tumor necrosis factor-α (OR = 2.27, 95 % CI 1.21–4.26) being twice as likely to have TNBC versus LumA cancer. When cytokine ratios were examined, women with the highest ratios of Th1 cytokines to IL-5 levels were least likely to have ER− or TNBCs compared to ER+ or LumA cancers, respectively. The strongest associations were in premenopausal women, who were up to 80 % less likely to have TNBC than LumA cancers (IL-12p40/IL-5, OR = 0.19, 95 % CI 0.07–0.56). These findings indicate that immune function is associated with ER− and TNBC and may be most relevant among younger women, who are likely to be diagnosed with these aggressive phenotypes.
Shatter resistance of spectacle lenses

Objective. —To evaluate the relative strength and shatter resistance of spectacle lenses currently used in sunglasses and dress, sports, and industrial eyewear. Design. —Seven lenses that met the US American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z80 standards for dress glasses (made of high-index plastic, allyl resin plastic, heat tempered glass, chemically tempered glass, and polycarbonate, and with center thickness ranging from 1 mm to 2.2 mm) and 4 lenses that met ANSI Z87 standards for industrial safety eyewear (allyl resin plastic, heat-tempered glass, chemically tempered glass, and polycarbonate, all with 3.0-mm center thickness) were tested for impact resistance to 5 projectiles (air gun pellets, golf balls, tennis balls, lacrosse balls, and baseballs). Main Outcome Measures. —Impact energy required to shatter spectacle lenses. Results. —Based on 348 lens impacts, dress and industrial lenses made from glass, allyl resin plastic, and high-index plastic shattered at impact energies less than those expected to be encountered from the test projectiles during their routine use. Polycarbonate lenses demonstrated resistance to impact for all tested projectiles exceeding the impact potential expected during routine use. Conclusions. —Under the test conditions of this study, polycarbonate lenses demonstrated greater impact resistance than other commonly used spectacle lenses that conform to prevailing eyewear standards. These findings suggest that current ANSI Z80 and ANSI Z87 standards should be reevaluated.
Plasma leptin is partly cleared by the kidney and is elevated in hemodialysis patients

Plasma leptin is partly cleared by the kidney and is elevated in hemodialysis patients. Leptin, the gene product of the ob gene, is important in the control of appetite in rodents and may have an important role in humans. The clearance of leptin from the circulation is unknown. As the leptin receptor is present in the kidney, we evaluated the role of the kidney in removing circulating leptin in humans. We measured leptin in aortic and renal vein plasma in 8 patients with intact renal function and 6 patients with impaired renal function who were undergoing elective cardiac catheterization. Renal blood flow was measured in all patients to calculate net mass balance across the kidney. In patients with intact renal function there is net renal uptake of 12% of circulating leptin, whereas in patients with renal insufficiency there is no renal uptake of leptin. In a separate cohort of 36 patients with end-stage renal failure on hemodialysis, peripheral leptin levels factored for body mass index was increased by > fourfold as compared to a group of healthy controls ( N = 338). In addition, plasma leptin is not cleared by hemodialysis with a modified cellulose membrane. Additional studies are required to evaluate the role of leptin in mediating the anorexia of uremia.
Assessing Presidential Communications in Civil Rights Policymaking

This chapter compares the public communications of modern presidents across target groups and issue areas of civil rights. We find that attention, support, and symbolism on civil rights vary considerably across individual presidents and political party. Not surprisingly, in their public messages Democratic presidents are more attentive and supportive of civil rights than are Republican presidents. Some results were expected, while others were surprising. Lyndon B. Johnson was attentive and supportive; but, unexpectedly, George H. W. Bush was highly attentive to and quite nonsupportive of civil rights. Also surprisingly, on most indicators, Bush's policy statements were less symbolic and less equivocal than were Ronald W. Reagan's. Most attention is given to blacks as a target group (although this is declining) and to the employment issue area. Overall, the findings reveal the considerable flexibility and discretion in presidents' public communications in the civil rights realm.
Single-frequency low-threshold continuous-wave 3-μm periodically poled lithium niobate optical parametric oscillator

A low-threshold (350-mW) stable single-frequency continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator was demonstrated. Tunable idler output up to 450 mW was obtained near 3 μm by resonating both the signal wave and a single-frequency 1.06-μm Nd: YAG pump laser in a periodically poled lithium niobate optical-parametric-oscillator ring resonator. Tunable output wavelengths from 2.9 μm to 3.25 μm were also demonstrated. By inserting an etalon, we achieved an absolute midinfrared single-frequency stability of +/-0.01 nm.
Mycoplasma salivarium in human gingival sulci.

The prevalence and quantity of mycoplasmata in the gingival sulcus area of periodontally diseased and periodontally healthy subjects was tested. Mycoplasma salivarium was the predominant sulcular species and occurred in a significantly higher percentage of diseased subjects than healthy subjects (p<.0005) (86.7 % vs 31.8 %). When mycoplasmata were present in the sulcus their concentration was usually 106–107 per gram of fluid whereas the concentration in saliva was approximately 100 to 1000 fold less. Therefore M. salivarium appears to be primarily a sulcular organism. M. salivarium may be part of the complex plaque which appears to produce gingivitis.
Preparation and crystal structures of a series of titanium(III) 9-BBN hydroborate complexes containing Ti...H agostic interactions.

9-BBN hydroborate complexes Ti{(μ-H) 2 BC 8 H 1 4 } 3 (THF) 2 (1), Ti{μ-H) 2 BC 8 H 1 4 } 3 (OEt 2 ) (2), and [K(OEt 2 ) 4 ]-[Ti{μ-H) 2 BC 8 H 1 4 } 4 ] (4) were formed from the reaction of TiCl 4 with K[H 2 BC 8 H 1 4 ] in diethyl ether or THF. Ti{(μ-H) 2 BC 8 H 1 4 } 3 (PhNH 2 ) (3) was isolated from the reaction of 2 with aniline in diethyl ether. In the formation of these complexes, Ti(IV) is reduced to Ti(lll). The coordinated diethyl ether in 2 can be displaced by the stronger bases THF and aniline, to form 1 and 3, respectively. All of the compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In complex 1, which contains two coordinated THF ligands, the titanium possesses a 17 electron configuration and there is no evidence for agostic interaction. Complexes 2 and 3 contain only one coordinated ether or aniline ligand, and the titanium possesses a 15 electron configuration. In these compounds, a C-H hydrogen on an a carbon on the BC 8 H 1 4 unit of a 9-BBN hydroborate ligand forms an agostic interaction with the titanium. Criteria for assessing the existence of agostic interactions are discussed. As the potassium salt, the anion of complex 4 is more stable than the complexes 1-3. Organometallic anions of the type [ML 4 ] - for titanium(lll) are rare.
Optimal Normalized Diversity Product of $2\,\times\,2$ Lattice-Based Diagonal Space–Time Codes From QAM Signal Constellations

In this correspondence, we prove that the optimal normalized diversity product of lattice-based diagonal space-time block codes with Gaussian integer (or QAM) signal constellations, i.e., , and any generating matrices of complex entries (not necessarily algebraic extensions of as commonly used) is . This result implies that lattice-based diagonal space-time block codes with Gaussian integer signal constellations and generating matrices of entries from quadratic algebraic extensions of have already reached the optimal normalized diversity product.
Characterizing medication discrepancies among older adults during transitions of care: a systematic review focusing on discrepancy synonyms, data sources and classification terms

Medication reconciliation is a Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal prioritized at transitions of care. Medication discrepancies are the reason for, and result of, medication reconciliation. However, their characterization in the literature has not been systematically studied. Older adults are at particularly high risk for medication discrepancies given the prevalence of polypharmacy in this population. The aim was to determine how medication discrepancies among older adults are defined during transitions of care by analyzing synonyms, medication data sources and classification terms. A systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE for primary literature involving medication discrepancies among adults aged ≥50 years during hospital care transitions was carried out. Reviewers consolidated data into like categories and used descriptive statistics to summarize findings. Out of 746 records retrieved, 35 studies were included in this review. In total, 19 studies (54%) were exclusive to adults over 65 years o...
Combination Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Many potential therapeutic options are now available for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Interest has emerged in using therapies in various combinations. Retrospective experience has suggested that this approach is common and can be efficacious. Data are emerging supporting the benefit of combination therapy; however, limitations and questions remain about this strategy. This report reviewed the rationale for combination therapy and summarized the results from clinical trials.
Current Transients in CdS/CdTe Solar Cells

Current transient responses to voltage and illumination steps are investigated to elucidate the mechanisms involved in carrier transport in CdS/CdTe cells. For most cells, the response to a dark, forward-bias step after a long dark soak at zero bias is a current growth curve For one such cell, the magnitude of the transient is ≈ 22% of the starting value with half of the growth occurring within ≈ 10 sec, the other half requiring 1000's of seconds. The effect is completely reversible and a mirror-image decay curve at zero bias after dark bias-on equilibration can be measured. Similarly, a complex of growth and decay curves are observed on application of illumination steps with constant bias. Similar transients have been observed by McMahon [1] and del Cueto et al. [2]. This paper is a survey of these effects in cells from 3 different fabricators. These transients, with varying magnitudes and directions, were seen in all the cells studied. In general, the better the cell, the smaller the magnitudes of the transients. They range from changes by factors of 10 for pathological cells to subtle fast transients (1-2%) in excellent cells. Beside the important implications these transients have for accurate measurements of cell efficiency and stability, they provide clues about the carrier transport mechanisms.. One of the mechanisms proposed involves the occupation of deep donor traps with small hole cross sections, changing their recombination kinetics. The second hypothesis involves the modulation of the junction barrier profile by changing the charge on deep acceptors and donors by carrier trapping, leading to a change in the effective junction barrier height. A third involves defect mutation such as that of [Cui] donors into [VCd- Cu] acceptor complexes, depending on the position of the quasi-Fermi levels.
Accuracy of the college alumnus physical activity questionnaire

The validity and reproducibility of the Physical Activity Index from the College Alumnus Questionnaire (PAI-CAQ) were determined in 78 men and women (21–59 yr) with a broad range of physical activity habits. The PAI-CAQ was computed as the sum of energy expended in stair climbing, walking, and sports and recreational physical activity recalled from the past week. Data were validated against measures of cardiorespiratory fitness, body fatness, motion detection, and physical activity records. All physical activity was recorded by participants for six 48-hour periods. Each day of the week, including weekends, were represented at least twice in the physical activity records. Age-adjusted correlation coefficients between like activities on the College Alumnus Questionnaire and physical activity records ranged from 0.25 to 0.65 in men and 0.28 to 0.86 in women. Correlations between the PAI-CAQ and validation criteria that reflected total and heavy-intensity physical activities were higher (r = 0.34–0.69, p 0.05). Test-retest reproducibility was higher over 1 month (r = 0.72) than over 8 and 9 months (r = 0.34 and 0.43) (p < 0.05). Energy expended in walking and stair climbing was underestimated on the College Alumnus Questionnaire, resulting in lower PAI-CAQ scores, as compared to the physical activity records.
Optimal output feedback for nonzero set point regulation

Motivated by the results of Artstein and Leizarowitz ([2]) on steady-state periodic tracking, a continuous-time nonzero set point regulation problem is considered which involves 1) noisy and nonnoisy measurements, 2) weighted and unweighted controls, 3) correlated plant/measurement noise and cross weighting, 4) nonzero-mean disturbances, and 5) state-, control- and measurement-dependent white noise. It is shown that in the absence of multiplicative disturbances the closed-loop control can be designed independently of the open-loop control. Unlike [2], the results are obtained without using the overtaking criterion.
Can telemedicine reverse the brain drain

Drs Dodani and LaPorte in their article on brain drain (November 2005 JRSM1) alluded to telemedicine as a tool for doctors in developed countries to ‘work’ with patients in developing countries, and establish educational cooperation with centres there. Clinical process outsourcing (CPO) is a new phenomenon that can potentially reverse the brain drain. Like the booming business process outsourcing sector, CPO involves a specific procedure being transferred out of a developed country to be performed at a significantly lower cost elsewhere without compromising quality. An excellent example is tele-radiology, wherein X-rays, computerized tomography scans or magnetic resonance images are emailed from a hospital in a developed country. This allows a USA/UK board-certified radiologist living in a developing country to view and report the films. The hospital receives accurate advice around the clock, with a consequent increase in productivity. Currently more than 600 USA hospitals utilize services provided by an Australian radiology company.2 In addition to cutting the burgeoning healthcare costs in the West, this situation enhances efficiency, reduces waiting times and may be worth considering in the NHS. The need for foreign-trained doctors living in developing countries is bound to grow, helping them reduce the wage differential between the countries of their training and origin. This is an option worth considering for doctors wishing to return home after training abroad. However, time will tell whether this trend can be extended to the entire spectrum of medical services.
Tribological Issues in the Tube Hydroforming Process—Selection of a Lubricant for Robust Process Conditions for an Automotive Structural Frame Part

In this paper, an overall review of tribological issues in the tube hydroforming process is presented. Guidelines for the selection of lubricants under the hydroforming process conditions are summarized following a description of existing testing methods and apparatus. A methodology of combined experiments and FEA was presented to determine the coefficient of friction in the hydroforming process in addition to selecting a proper lubricant for a given part and process design. Experimental results showed that thickness of the final part at critical regions, amount of axial feeding and axial force are strong indicators of lubricant performance whereas effect of lubrication on the part flatness, corner radius formation and box dimensions are found to be negligible. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1580526#
New trends in global childhood mortality rates.

“Nearly half of the 3.6 million fewer deaths annual childhood deaths in 2013 than in 2000 resulted from reductions in deaths from pneumonia, diarrhea, and measles.” A NEW STUDY has reported a significant decline in global child mortality rates which has occurred since 2000 (Liu et al., 2014). According to the authors, a major transition in child survival is occurring, with an estimated 6.3 million children under the age of 5 dying in 2013, compared to 9.9 million in 2000, although high rates stubbornly persist in parts of African and South Asia. Nearly half of the 3.6 million fewer deaths annual childhood deaths in 2013 than in 2000 resulted from reductions in deaths from pneumonia, diarrhea, and measles. The report attributed the progress to broad healthcare interventions over the years against infectious diseases, including increased immunizations and the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, as well as improvements in health care for expectant mothers and success fighting the effects of diarrhea and other dehydrating illnesses. Leading causes of death varied by region of the world: infection in sub-Saharan African and preterm birth complications in southern Asia. India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of Congo and China had the highest numbers of child deaths, together contributing to around half of all child and neonatal deaths in 2013. Two countries, India and Nigeria, accounted for nearly one-third of all deaths among children younger than 5. The report also reported that the gap in mortality rates between the richest and poorest families has fallen in all regions of the world, except for sub-Saharan African, which continues to be the riskiest region for a young child. According to the report, a child born in Angola, which has the world's highest rate—167 deaths per 1,000 live births—is 84 times more likely to die before he or she turns 5
The in-situ generation of silica reinforcement in modified polydimethylsiloxane elastomers

Structure and properties of a series of modified polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers reinforced by {ital in situ} generated silic particles were investigated. The PDMS elastomer was modified by systematically varying the molecular weight between reactive groups incorporated into the backbone. Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and partial hydrolyzate of TEOS were used to generate silic particles. Chemistry and phase structure of the materials were investigated by {sup 29}Si magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and swelling experiments.
A prototype of information requirement elicitation in m-commerce

Information requirement elicitation (IRE) is a context-aware and personalized wireless Web service to elicit user information requirements through interactive choice prompts. The authors developed a prototype of IRE and demonstrated its operations in an imagined m-commerce scenario. This article also gives the result of a preliminary usability study.
Modeling of graphitization kinetics during peritectic melting of tungsten carbide

A dynamic computational model developed within the context of the classical theory of phase evolution is applied to the W–C system to simulate the kinetics of graphite nucleation during non-equilibrium peritectic melting of WC. The kinetic variables used in the model are obtained directly from the free energy formulations that characterize the stable and metastable equilibria between WC, liquid, and graphite. The isothermal kinetic analysis suggests that transformation time decreases monotonically with increasing superheat such that the minimum transformation time occurs at the metastable congruent melting point of WC (~3107 K). To crystallize 1 ppm of graphite, the minimum transformation time is computed to be ~2 ns. The non-isothermal kinetic analysis suggests that under moderate to high heating rates (10 4 –10 6 K/s) graphitization is completed at superheats of 40–50 K, while under ultra-high heating rates (~10 8 K/s) graphitization remains incomplete giving rise to metastable congruent melting of WC.