cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A multiband on-chip antenna for 94 and 140 GHz applications

A bowtie slot on-chip antenna (OCA), exhibiting multiband operation at 94 and 140 GHz is presented. The first of its kind on-chip multiband operation is achieved by adding parasitic loading elements in the slots. The bond-pads along with a shunt-stub, form the impedance matching network of the antenna. Designed in IHP 130nm BiCMOS process, the simulated gain of the proposed antenna is −4.09dBi and −4.76 dBi at 94 GHz and 140 GHz respectively while occupying 494×366×650 μm3. The small on-chip dimensions at mm-wave frequencies along with the presented multiband operation can be extremely useful for supporting multiple upcoming wireless communication applications.
Butanol Separation from Humid CO2-Containing Multicomponent Vapor Mixtures by Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks

Butanol is a promising renewable fuel and feedstock. A major challenge in fermentative butanol production is to find a cost-effective butanol separation process from dilute aqueous solutions, usually an acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) mixture. Nanoporous zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have shown potential for alcohol separation from dilute solutions. However, little is known about butanol separation from multicomponent mixtures using ZIFs, including the effects of the humid acid gas (CO2) used to sparge the fermenter and generate the vapor product stream. We present a study of butanol separation by ZIF-8, ZIF-90, ZIF-71 and hybrid ZIF-8–90 and ZIF-8–71 adsorbents with binary butanol/water and multicomponent ABE feeds. To obtain reliable structure–property relations for ZIF adsorbents in realistic conditions, we combine multicomponent vapor breakthrough with structural, textural, and stability characterization techniques in humid CO2 environments. In the absence of CO2, more hydrophobic materials suc...
Caregivers' Priorities and Observed Outcomes of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Medication for Their Children.

OBJECTIVE To document variability among caregivers' priorities when considering medication to treat their Children's attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and explore associations between these priorities and medication-related improvements. METHODS Caregivers of children, ages 4 to 14 years, diagnosed with ADHD were recruited from outpatient clinics and support groups across Maryland. A survey gathered data on caregiver-reported concerns when considering ADHD medication, demographic characteristics, and observed and desired improvements in their child's ADHD. A validated Best-Worst Scaling instrument assessed priorities among 16 concerns when considering ADHD medication. Latent class analysis identified subgroups with similar ADHD medication concerns. Differences in self-reported medication-related improvements were examined across subgroups. RESULTS The 184 participants (mean = 42 yrs) were primarily the biological mother, 68% white and 25% black. Their children were mostly male (73%) and using medication (81%). Overall, the most important ADHD medication concerns were the child becoming a successful adult (p < 0.0001), school behavior improvements (p < 0.0001), and better grades (p < 0.0001). Others thinking badly of the child was a significantly less important concern (p < 0.0001). Three subgroups were identified: short-term outcomes-oriented group (39%), long-term outcomes-oriented group (37%), and side effects/safety-oriented group (27%). Relative to the other 2 groups, a smaller proportion of the side effects/safety-oriented group desired these improvements (p < 0.2618). CONCLUSION Most caregivers prioritize short- and long-term outcomes when considering ADHD medication. However, those most concerned with long- or short-term outcomes tended to desire additional improvements in their child's ADHD.
A Taxonomy and Holistic Approach to Risk Assessment of Network-Centric Systems

The need for information superiority and the capability to immediately and appropriately respond when necessary has been driving the military and commercial market domains towards more sustainable, interoperable, and pervasive collections of network-centric systems. In this paper we will review essential aspects of a network centric system (NCS) and propose a risk taxonomy applicable during the operational phase of an NCS. This paper is unique in that the taxonomy proposed herein can be used as a framework for modeling, analysis, and assessment of operational risks associated with network centric systems.
Nitrogen, season, and tillage management influence ammonia oxidizing bacterial communities in long-term maize.

Abstract Nitrification is the biological oxidation of NH3 to NO2− and NO3− for which ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) are the functionally dominant group in cropland responsible for the rate-limiting step of NH3 oxidation. Different AOB species have functional differentiation and do not equally contribute to nitrification. This investigation explored if long-term N fertilization and tillage influenced AOB community structure. The study site was a long-term (>40 years) continuous maize (Zea mays L.) experiment with three N fertilization rates (0, 168, and 336 kg ha−1) and either no-tillage (NT) or moldboard plow tillage (PT). We used denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to analyze PCR-amplified bacterial ammonia monooxygenase genes and detect changes among NH3-oxidizing bacteria. Tillage, fertilization, and sample season all significantly influenced the AOB community. The AOB were more diverse in NT than PT. The AOB became more diverse with increasing N input and were more diverse in summer than winter samples. Nitrosomonas-like and Nitrosospira-like groups were identified based on gel migration patterns. Unique bands occurred in different treatments, manifesting environmental selection. The long-term field trial showed soil management consistently influenced AOB communities. Significantly, AOB diversity differed at a small scale within a relatively uniform landscape, even in the presence of long-term management practices.
Efficacy of Self-Directed Learning in the Supracondylar Fracture Performance Improvement Module at an Academic Pediatric Orthopedic Institution

Maintenance of certification (MOC) within a medical society requires continuing medical education that demonstrates life-long learning, cognitive expertise, and practice-based self-assessment. This prospective study sought to evaluate whether a self-directed Practice Improvement Module (PIM) would improve pediatric orthopedic patient outcomes, thus demonstrating evidence of life-long learning (Part II MOC credit) in treating supracondylar humerus fractures. Six surgeons and 113 patients were included. There was no significant difference in actual fracture outcome before or after PIM at any level of surgeon experience regarding radiographic appearance or need for reoperation (p > 0.10). Junior staff demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the percentage of time that marking the operative site was documented in the chart by the surgeon before (38%) and after (65%) PIM (p = 0.02). The self-directed education portion of the supracondylar fracture PIM led to modest improvement in documentation habits among junior staff, without impact on overall patient outcomes. Therefore, the PIM appears to be less useful in providing evidence for life-long learning as it relates to surgical outcomes (Part II MOC/CME), yet, it may directly benefit practice-based self-assessment (Part IV MOC), and the self-assessment and Personal Improvement Plan may be the most important portion of the PIM to improve outcomes.
Sequential Design for the Nonparametric Regression of Curves and Surfaces

The problem of sequentially selecting the design points for a nonparametric regression is considered. It is desired to estimate some unknown function over some known region. Observations may be taken at a design point chosen on the basis of past observations. An adaptive method is described which both selects the local amount of smoothing required for the regression estimate and proposes the location of the next best design point. The method developed has a wide application in the estimation of surfaces where no parametric model is known or appropriate.
Individual Accountability in Organizations: Scale Development and Validation

The present multi-study research investigation was designed to examine the conceptualization and measurement of the accountability construct, and to provide scale development and validation evidenc...
Annotating Cohort Data Elements with OHDSI Common Data Model to Promote Research Reproducibility

Rapid increase in the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) has led to an unprecedented expansion in the availability of dense longitudinal cohort datasets for clinical studies. However, there is a growing need to ensure data traceability, validity, and reproducibility for EHR-based clinical research. Applying common data models that standardize EHR data elements could reduce research discrepancies and improve research reproducibility. As a pilot study, we utilized the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM) developed by the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) community to annotate cohort data elements from the local Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP). We evaluated the data coverage of the OMOP CDM by manually annotating the cohorts from 92 REP publications. Next, we examined cohort similarities between different publications using OMOP elements. Evaluation results showed that the OMOP CDM covers 99.8% of the content that is associated with cohort attributes. It demonstrated that the OMOP CDM can be used for data element standardization when extracting information from EHR and clinical registries. The OMOP CDM also shows its potential to be used as a tool for retrospective examination of cohort definition consistencies and epidemiology model similarities.
Recuperation of Regenerative Braking Energy in Electric Rail Transit Systems

Electric rail transit systems are the large consumers of energy. In trains with regenerative braking capability, a fraction of the energy used to power a train is regenerated during braking. This regenerated energy, if not properly captured, is typically dumped in the form of heat to avoid overvoltage. Finding a way to recuperate regenerative braking energy can result in economic as well as technical merits. In this comprehensive paper, the various methods and technologies that were proposed for regenerative energy recuperation have been analyzed, investigated, and compared. These technologies include: train timetable optimization, energy storage systems (onboard and wayside), and reversible substations.
A dynamically adaptive sparse grids method for quasi-optimal interpolation of multidimensional functions

In this work we develop a dynamically adaptive sparse grids (SG) method for quasi-optimal interpolation of multidimensional analytic functions defined over a product of one dimensional bounded domains. The goal of such approach is to construct an interpolant in space that corresponds to the "best M -terms" based on sharp a priori estimate of polynomial coefficients. In the past, SG methods have been successful in achieving this, with a traditional construction that relies on the solution to a Knapsack problem: only the most profitable hierarchical surpluses are added to the SG. However, this approach requires additional sharp estimates related to the size of the analytic region and the norm of the interpolation operator, i.e., the Lebesgue constant. Instead, we present an iterative SG procedure that adaptively refines an estimate of the region and accounts for the effects of the Lebesgue constant. Our approach does not require any a priori knowledge of the analyticity or operator norm, is easily generalized to both affine and non-affine analytic functions, and can be applied to sparse grids built from one dimensional rules with arbitrary growth of the number of nodes. In several numerical examples, we utilize our dynamically adaptive SG to interpolate quantities of interest related to the solutions of parametrized elliptic and hyperbolic PDEs, and compare the performance of our quasi-optimal interpolant to several alternative SG schemes.
Health-Literacy Training for First-Year Respiratory Therapy Students: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory therapists (RTs) should communicate with patients in a way that leads to patients understanding their discharge plans and medical device instructions. The teach-back method is a patient-centered, health-literate technique that allows health care professionals to confirm patient understanding. The purpose of this mixed-methods pilot study was to measure the use of teach-back by first-year undergraduate RT students in a simulation-center experience after a 1-h teach-back skills training. METHODS: First-year RT students9 health literacy knowledge and belief in communication skills were measured using a pre- and post- survey about their knowledge and beliefs. A 1-h health literacy and teach-back skills training lecture (ie, intervention) was delivered after the pre-testing. RT students were then assessed for teach-back use during a regularly scheduled simulation center experience. Their experiences were recorded in a semistructured interview immediately after the simulation-center experience. RESULTS: 14 of 20 RT students used teach-back in the simulation center. Knowledge scores increased from 8.278 to 8.944 postintervention, and the median scores for belief increased from 111 to 117 postintervention. There was a statistically significant postintervention increase in knowledge scores (P CONCLUSIONS: Results from our pilot study indicate that RT students may benefit from a 1-h health literacy and teach-back skills training. Furthermore, we identified reasons why the teach-back method was not used and determined what communication training students perceived would be helpful. Our findings can be used to help improve and implement communication skills training in the RT curriculum.
Robust Backstepping Sensorless Speed Control of PMSM Using Cascaded Sliding Mode and High Gain Observers

In this work we implement a Sensorless speed control for three phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) using the Backstepping Control. Only stator currents and voltages are used for feedback to design a non linear control algorithm which tracks the speed of PMSM with parametric uncertainties and under varying load. A continuous sliding mode observer (SMO) based on sigmoid function is used for rotor position estimation in cascade with an extended high gain observer (EHGO) for robust speed estimation that reduces chattering phenomenon and improve accuracy. This removes the requirement of filter and phase delay compensation. For control of speed, current tracking backstepping controllers are designed which show excellent tracking of reference speed and are prone to parametric uncertainties. Finally the simulation results validate the performance of the proposed controller and observers
SGLT-2 inhibitors were not linked to severe or nonsevere UTIs vs DPP-4 inhibitors or GLP-1 agonists

Source Citation Dave CV, Schneeweiss S, Kim D, et al. Sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and the risk for severe urinary tract infections: a population-based cohort study. Ann Intern Med. 20...
Analysis of a nonlinear variable-order fractional stochastic differential equation

Abstract We prove the wellposedness of a variable-order fractional stochastic differential equation driven by a multiplicative white noise, which models random phenomena with memory effects, and the regularity of its solutions.
The Use of Tranexamic Acid to Prevent Postpartum Hemorrhage

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic pharmacologic agent with demonstrated effectiveness for reducing the incidence of death from blood loss following trauma and major surgery. In intrapartum care, TXA is being used in in conjunction with uterotonic agents to treat postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Based on the findings of the WOMAN trial that found TXA reduced maternal death due to PPH, the World Health Organization recommends that TXA be part of the standard comprehensive PPH treatment package, and US professional organizations recognize its use as adjunctive treatment for PPH. Evidence suggests that TXA used prophylactically in the setting of cesarean birth may decrease blood loss and the incidence of PPH. There is limited evidence for prophylactic use of TXA in women of all risk categories following vaginal birth but prophylactic use in women who have an a priori risk for PPH is being investigated. This article presents a case in which a midwife identifies a woman in active labor who has significant risk factors for PPH. In consultation with the collaborating obstetrician, TXA is given early during the third stage of labor in addition to the recommended components of active management for the purpose of preventing PPH.
Time-dependent variational principle for mixed matrix product states in the thermodynamic limit

We describe a time evolution algorithm for quantum spin chains whose Hamiltonians are composed of an infinite uniform left and right bulk part, and an arbitrary finite region in between. The left and right bulk parts are allowed to be different from each other. The algorithm is based on the time-dependent variational principle (TDVP) of matrix product states. It is inversion-free and very simple to adapt from an existing TDVP code for finite systems. The importance of working in the projective Hilbert space is highlighted. We study the quantum Ising model as a benchmark and an illustrative example. The spread of information after a local quench is studied in both the ballistic and the diffusive case. We also offer a derivation of TDVP directly from symplectic geometry.
Effects of sex and menstrual cycle on volume-regulatory responses to 24-h fluid restriction.

Reproductive hormones have significant nonreproductive physiological effects, including altering fluid regulation. Our purpose was to explore the impact of sex and menstrual cycle (MC) phase on vol...
Associations between insufficient sleep and prescription opioid misuse among high school students in the United States.

Study Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the association between insufficient sleep and prescription opioid misuse among US high school students. Methods: Participants were 6,884 hig...
Analysis of socioeconomic and demographic factors and imaging exam characteristics associated with missed appointments in pediatric radiology.

Missed appointments can have an adverse impact on health outcomes by delaying appropriate imaging, which can be critical in influencing treatment decisions. To assess for socioeconomic and imaging exam factors associated with missed appointments among children scheduled for diagnostic imaging. We retrospectively analyzed children ( 21 days (OR=3.7; 95% CI=2.9–4.8). The use of radiation, intravenous contrast agent or sedation was not associated with increased likelihood of missed appointments. Expanding our knowledge of how different socioeconomic and imaging-related factors influence missed appointments among children can serve as a foundational step to better understand existing and emerging disparities and inform strategies to advance health equity efforts in radiology.
O31 Determining Low-Income Fathers’ Preferred mHealth Nutrition-Related Topics, Features, and Delivery Methods

Background There is limited evidence about fathers’ preferences related to using mHealth tools to receive nutrition and obesity prevention information for their preschool aged children. Objective The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine fathers’ preferred mHealth nutrition-related topics, features, and delivery methods. Study Design, Setting, Participants Low-income fathers (n = 29) of preschool aged children from 2 US states were individually interviewed by a trained research assistant using a semi-structured interview script. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Interview questions were based on the Theory of Planned Behavior to determine fathers’ subjective norms, preferences, and attitudes towards mHealth tools, content and video preferences, and behavioral intentions related to using mHealth tools. The classic analysis approach was used to determine major themes from transcribed interviews. Descriptive statistics of participants were derived from a demographics questionnaire. Results Fathers were, on average, 36 years old, and the majority were non-White (69%) and non-Hispanic (79%), with almost half having a high school education or less (48%). Overall themes indicated that fathers preferred mHealth tools such as an app, social media, videos, text messages, and email. There were mixed opinions on the use of memes and GIFs. Requested topics included healthy eating, child feeding, meal preparation, food safety, physical activity, and mental health related information. Features should include practical tips, meal plans, recipes, a calendar with healthy lifestyle reminders, options to connect with other fathers, and personalization for their child. Content should be short, funny, appealing, engaging, informational, beneficial, and include visuals, yet be credible, relatable, and straightforward. Frequency of information should be posted or shared every day or at least once or twice a week. Conclusion The use of an app or social media to communicate healthy eating and child feeding information to low-income fathers of preschool age children may be a viable nutrition education strategy. Funding NIFA.
usEP Induce Regulated Cell Death Mechanisms

Cells employs many different mechanisms for their expiration. The best known and studied regulated cell death mechanism is apoptosis. Cell death subtypes, including regulated cell death (RCD), programmed cell death (PCD), and accidental cell death, are discussed. A discussion on and caution for the use of the term “necrosis” is included. Apoptosis was the earliest RCD mechanism shown in Jurkat cell responses to usEPs as determined by cytochrome c release and caspase activation. This apoptotic cell death was enhanced by usEP-induced supraelectroporation, as electric fields with nanosecond durations and short(fast) rise-fall times passed through the cell, while pulses with microsecond duration go around cells. However, using Jurkat clones that did and did not express APAF-1, which is an essential protein for apoptosome formation as a platform for caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation, it was also shown that usEPs induced caspase-dependent and caspase-independent cell death. A role for caspases depended on the usEP charging intensity with lower usEP impact causing caspase-dependent cell death while higher charging caused caspase-independent cell death. Although a full discussion of all RCD mechanisms is not included, evidence is presented that not all cell types responded to usEP by apoptotic cell death. The presence or absence of Ca2+ has an impact on the RCD mechanisms. Human triple-negative breast cancer cells expressed either or both necroptosis and parthanatos. Necroptosis is sometimes considered regulated necrosis because plasma membrane pores form from intracellular proteins. Finally, usEPs are also shown to induce cell responses downstream of toll-like receptors (TLRs). Considerations for immunogenic cell death (ICD) are also considered.
Patient and Caregiver Health-related Quality of Life and Caregiver Burden While Awaiting Heart Transplantation: Findings From the Sustaining Quality of Life of the Aged: Heart Transplant or Mechanical Support (SUSTAIN-IT) Study.

Background We sought to compare change over time (baseline to 2 y) in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between older (60-80 y) patients awaiting heart transplantation (HT) with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) versus without MCS and their caregivers and caregiver burden. Methods This study was conducted at 13 United States sites. Patient HRQOL was examined using the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 (KCCQ-12). Caregiver measures included the EQ-5D-3L and Oberst Caregiving Burden Scale, measuring time on task and difficulty. Analyses included analysis of variance, χ2, and linear regression. Results We enrolled 239 HT candidates (n = 118 with MCS and n = 121 without MCS) and 193 caregivers (n = 92 for candidates with MCS and n = 101 for candidates without MCS). Baseline differences in HRQOL were observed between HT candidates with and without MCS: EQ-5D-3L visual analog scale (VAS) score (67.7 ± 17.6 versus 54.1 ± 23.3, P < 0.001) and KCCQ-12 overall summary score (59.9 ± 21.0 versus 48.9 ± 21.6, P < 0.001), respectively. HT candidates with MCS had significantly higher EQ-5D-3L VAS scores and KCCQ-12 overall summary score across time versus without MCS. Baseline EQ-5D-3L VAS scores did not differ significantly between caregivers of HT candidates with and without MCS (84.6 ± 12.9 versus 84.3 ± 14.4, P = 0.9), respectively, nor were there significant between-group differences over time. Caregivers for HT candidates with MCS reported more task difficulty (range: 1 = not difficult to 5 = extremely difficult) versus caregivers for those without MCS at baseline (1.4 ± 0.5 versus 1.2 ± 0.3, P = 0.004) and over time. Conclusions Understanding differences in HRQOL and caregiver burden among older HT candidates with and without MCS and their caregivers may inform strategies to enhance HRQOL and reduce burden.
Vector and Matrix Differentiation

Frequently, we need to differentiate quantities like tr(AX) with respect to the elements of X, or quantities like Ax, z′Ax with respect to the elements of (the vectors) x and/or z.
Dunes, turbulent eddies, and interfacial exchange with permeable sediments

[1] Interfaces between a water column and underlying porous media are ubiquitous in nature. Turbulent flow over an irregular interface separating a water column and underlying porous media drives advective-fluid exchange between the two domains. We investigate the dynamics of this coupled system for unidirectional flow in the water column and a triangular interface modeled on dunes. Numerical simulations solve the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for the water column and then Darcy's Law and the continuity equation for the porous media. The two sets of equations are coupled via the pressure distribution along the interface. The pressure maximum and minimum along the interface, which are tied to the presence of an eddy, dominantly control the configuration of and flux through the interfacial exchange zone (IEZ) in the porous media. Since the length of eddies for fully developed turbulent flow is insensitive to the Reynolds numbers (Re), the configuration of the IEZ remains stable across a range of Re, although flux through the IEZ is strongly dependent on the Re. The flux is a power function of Re and a linear function of the current-topography induced pressure gradient along the interface. Mean residence times for fluids in the IEZ follow an inverse-power relationship with Re since the volume of the IEZ is insensitive to Re. The IEZ depths and fluxes can be predicted via equations fitted to the simulated IEZ depths and fluxes, scaled by the dune steepness, for different Re, granted that other systems maintain close dynamic similitude with those studied here.
Child abuse and neglect--recognition and reporting

The dental profession has a legal, ethical and moral responsibility to report suspected cases of abuse and neglect. The risk to the child is significant. In non-fatal cases of abuse, 35 percent will be abused again within one year. To this end, dentists should discuss child abuse and neglect at staff meetings and establish office procedures if a case is identified. Encourage staff to discuss concerns they have regarding possible abuse they suspect in the office. Keep the child abuse hotline number or local agency responsible for receiving reports in the office rolodex. Abuse and neglect is a real problem in all neighborhoods and dentistry can make a difference.
LA CONCEPTION D'UN MANUEL DE FRANÇAIS LANGUE ÉTRANGÈRE : QUELLE(S) ENTRÉE(S) ?

Cet article a pour but de presenter une analyse de la conception des manuels pour l’enseignement/apprentissage de Francais Langue Etrangere (FLE) concus dans la perspective dite « actionnelle » a partir d’une etude du manuel Le Nouveau Taxi 1, edite par Hachette en 2009, que nous utilisons dans un cours de francais elementaire pour des etudiants universitaires. Selon les auteurs, cet ouvrage se base sur la perspective actionnelle, qui voit l’apprenant comme un acteur social qui « agit socialement avec la langue-culture etrangere » (Conseil de l’Europe, 2001). Cette approche se distingue de celles qui la precedent parce qu’elle met l’accent sur la realisation des tâches qui se rapprochent de la vie reelle en plus des tâches de « pre-communication pedagogique » et des tâches « pedagogiques communicatives » (Rosen, 2009). Bases sur la notion cle proposee par Puren (2005), les entrees didactiques, nous presenterons l’entree par l’action, qui correspond a la perspective actionnelle, ainsi que les entrees qui l’ont precedee. Nous verrons par la suite quelles entrees ont ete choisies par les auteurs du Nouveau Taxi 1 pour creer les unites didactiques et a quelle(s) methodologie(s) elles correspondent.
Reviving the Russian empire: the Crimean intervention through a neoclassical realist lens

AbstractAlthough many policy-makers and scholars maintain that international norms have altered the motivations underlying state behaviour, this article argues that states continue to pursue national self-interest, but in ways that remain understudied. While traditional realist assumptions explain a great deal of state behaviour, they have not been widely used to account for important alternative tools of state intervention, such as economic and normative strategies. Focusing on the case of Russia's 2014 intervention in Ukraine, this article offers insights into how, and under what circumstances, these tools are used to accomplish traditional state objectives. Guided by the tenets of neoclassical realism, the article argues that in the case of Russia, military force is no longer the sole, or even the primary, means used to accomplish traditional security goals. Such dynamics have significant theoretical and policy implications for contemporary international relations.
Globular cluster and halo field abundances: similarities and a few differences

The abundance distributions of cluster and field halo populations will be considered. Abundance data for most elements of the Periodic Table are much sparser for globular clusters than for individual halo field stars, mainly due to the relative lack of high resolution spectra in the blue for the former group. But the available data do suggest that, in spite of remaining uncertainties in the observational data, that chemical composition differences in the heavier elements (Fe-peak and beyond) are small, indicating common nucleosynthetic origins for all halo populations.
Effect of progesterone on the estrous activity cycle of the rat

Abstract Two, 3 or 4 Silastic capsules of progesterone were implanted sc for 24–35 days, removed for a 12–14 day interval and re-implanted into the same adult female rats from which they were taken. A control group received cholesterol capsules. For approximately 4–10 days, Silastic capsules of progesterone suppressed estrous activity cycles. Thereafter, amplitude of running increased progressively and definite periodicities re-emerged. Following a 12 day recovery period, the same capsules were re-implanted and activity was again suppressed. During the first implantation, the number of estrous cycles with greater than 4-day periods significantly increased. Progesterone was also found to delay the daily onset of activity in relation to the light/dark cycle (phase angle difference). Phase angle difference prior to the first implantation was negatively correlated with the rate of recovery. The data support the conclusion that progesterone affects parameters of estrous activity by antagonizing the actions of estrogen and suggest that animals may make internal adjustments to high titers of progesterone.
New Insights into immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome of the Central Nervous System

Purpose of review To highlight the importance of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome affecting the brain in HIV-infected individuals in the absence of opportunistic infections. To describe the varied clinical manifestations, unifying pathophysiological features and discuss the principles of management of this syndrome. Recent findings Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome within the brain is commonly seen in patients with HIV infection upon initiation of antiretroviral drugs. The fulminant forms occur in the face of opportunistic infections or uncontrolled viral replication within the brain. In this case, the enhanced immune response is targeted against the microbial agent, and the brain suffers bystander damage. Treatment requires the combination of the antimicrobial agent, continued antiretrovirals and in some cases corticosteroids. It is increasingly being recognized that despite adequate control of viral replication in the brain, some patients develop a chronic form of T cell encephalitis which appears to be driven by continued production of HIV-Tat protein. In others, the immune response may be targeted against the host antigens in the brain. Summary In patients with central nervous system-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, the use of corticosteroids and strategies that prevent T cell migration into the brain may be needed. Extreme caution is necessary if viral eradication strategies are to be employed that involve activation of viral reservoirs, as these patients may be at risk for developing central nervous system-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.
A Prediction Technique for Ablative Material Performance under High-Shear Re-Entry Conditions

Ablation tests of cones and wedges in high-performance hyperthermal test facilities have led to the development of an analytical technique for the prediction of heat shield material response to combinations of shear and heat flux higher than can be simulated. Exposure of composite materials to a high heat-transfer environment results in the development of a relatively weak char layer which is susceptible to removal by aerodynamic forces. Knowledge of the rate of char formation as obtained from thermochemical calculations is used in conjunction with the test recession rates to determine the maximum sustainable depth of char at any test shear level. This depth is shown to be constant for higher heat fluxes and to vary inversely with the total surface shear for higher shear levels. Internal temperature profiles and pressure gradients are considered, and the analysis is extended to materials forming liquid layers.
A Molecular orbital study of the rotation about the CC bond in styrene

Abstract The geometry and energy of styrene have been calculated using the 6-31G basis set as a function of the C β C 2 C 1 C 2 dihedral angle-Φ = 0°(cis), 15°, 30°, 60° and 90° — assuming that the vinyl and phenyl groups remain planar, but otherwise with full geometry optimization. Similar calculations have been carried out for 1,3-butadiene and 3-methylene-1,4-pentadiene (MPD) where rotation about 180° generates a different and not the same conformer. The torsional potential energy curve for styrene has a very flat minimum Φ = 0, i.e. the cis structure is the most stable, whereas butadiene and MPD have minima in the region Φ = 37° to 40°, indicative of more stable gauche structures. For styrene the barrier height Φ = 90° is 131.1 KJ mol −1 . These results provide strong support for the potential function obtained by Hollas and Ridley from single level vibronic fluorescence and other spectroscopic data. The distortion of the benzene ring brought about the vinyl group substitution is discussed, also the variation of the C/C and H/C bond lenghts with Φ and the change in charge on the vinyl group and the polarity of the various bonds in the conversion of the cis into the 90° gauche conformer. The stabilization energy for styrene relative to that for benzene has been evaluated according to various criteria, and, in addition, the energy associated with the distortion of the ring.
Emulsion copolymerization of butyl acrylate with cationic monomer using interfacial redox initiator system

The polymerization kinetics of butyl acrylate/[2-(methacryloyoxy)ethyl]trimethyl ammonium chloride (BA/MAETAC) macroemulsion and miniemulsion copolymerizations was investigated with cumene hydroperoxide/tetraethylenepentamine as a redox initiator system. The postulate of an interfacial copolymerization with the two-component redox initiator system (one hydrophobic and the other hydrophilic) was confirmed. Adding MAETAC had a complex effect on the polymerization kinetics of BA. The influence was ascribed to variations in the nucleation mechanism, which were dependent on the level of MAETAC, and the polymerization method (macroemulsion vs miniemulsion). It was proposed that at the beginning of a macroemulsion copolymerization with high MAETAC composition the micellar copolymerization occurred, which controlled the nucleation process. The hydration properties of the latex were used to characterize the copolymer composition. The composition of the copolymer from the interfacial polymerization was very heterogeneous. The copolymer composition was lower in BA when there was an increase in BA conversion or the particle size. Adding salt increased the MAETAC content and decreased the BA content in the copolymer. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 39: 2696–2709, 2001
Dependence of the Raman signature of genomic B-DNA on nucleotide base sequence.

The vibrational spectra of four genomic and two synthetic DNAs, encompassing a wide range in base composition [poly(dA-dT). poly(dA-dT), 0% G + C; Clostridium perfringens DNA, 27% G + C; calf thymus DNA, 42% G + C; Escherichia coli DNA, 50% G + C; Micrococcus luteus DNA, 72% G + C; poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC), 100% G + C] (dA: deoxyadenosine; dG: deoxyguanosine; dC: deoxycytidine; dT: thymidine), have been analyzed using Raman difference methods of high sensitivity. The results show that the Raman signature of B DNA depends in detail upon both genomic base composition and sequence. Raman bands assigned to vibrational modes of the deoxyribose-phosphate backbone are among the most sensitive to base sequence, indicating that within the B family of conformations major differences occur in the backbone geometry of AT- and GC-rich domains. Raman bands assigned to in-plane vibrations of the purine and pyrimidine bases-particularly of A and T-exhibit large deviations from the patterns expected for random base distributions, establishing that Raman hypochromic effects in genomic DNA are also highly sequence dependent. The present study provides a basis for future use of Raman spectroscopy to analyze sequence-specific DNA-ligand interactions. The demonstration of sequence dependency in the Raman spectrum of genomic B DNA also implies the capability to distinguish genomic DNAs by means of their characteristic Raman signatures.
Thermodynamics of associated solutions: Henry's constants for nonpolar solutes in water

Abstract Hu, Y., Azevedo, D., Ludecke, D. and Prausnitz, J., 1984. Thermodynamics of associated solutions: Henry's constants for nonpolar solutes in water. Fluid Phase Equilibria ,17: 303–321. A systematic derivation is presented for the Helmholtz energy of a van der Waals fluid mixture whose nonideality is ascribed to both chemical and physical interactions; this derivation, applicable to all fluid densities, leads to an equation of state which contains chemical equilibrium constants in addition to the customary physical van der Waals constants a and b . Attention is given to the need for simplifying assumptions and to the variety of symplifying assumptions that can lead to useful results. A particular equation of state is used to correlate Henry's constants for nonpolar solutes in water over a wide temperature range. The correlation, however, is only partly successful, because a one-fluid van der Waals theory of mixtures is not satisfactory for mixtures containing molecules that differ appreciably in size, especially in the dilute region.
Palaeoecological perspectives in Dominican amber.

Abstract Palaeoecological and palaeobiogeographical aspects of Dominican amber are discussed based on the known insect fauna. Topics covered are examples of speciation, extinctions, longevity as well as associations between insects and plants, insects and vertebrates and various arthropod groups. Examples of camouflage, oviposition and predator-prey associations are presented. Ecological and medical implications from recently discovered vector-parasite associations (malaria, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis) are discussed. Paleosymbiotic associations, with examples of phoresis, mutualism, parasitism and pathogens, are examined. Insects in Dominican amber, together with their cohabitants, can assist in determining specific habitats and reconstructing ancient landscapes.
Effective Properties of Carbon Nanotube and Piezoelectric Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Smart Composites

We propose a new hybrid piezoelectric composite comprised of armchair single-walled carbon nanotubes and piezoelectric fibers as reinforcements embedded in a conventional polymer matrix. Effective piezoelectric and elastic properties of this composite have been determined by a micromechanical analysis. Values of the effective piezoelectric coefficient e31 of this composite that accounts for the in-plane actuation and of effective elastic properties are found to be significantly higher than those of the existing 1–3 piezoelectric composites without reinforced with carbon nanotubes.
Experimental Evidence for γ-Agostic Assistance in β-Methyl Elimination, the Microscopic Reverse of α-Agostic Assistance in the Chain Propagation Step of Olefin Polymerization

Isotopically labeled zirconocene methyl neopentyl complexes of the formula (CpR_n)_2Zr(CH_3)(CH_2C(CH_3)2CD_3) are obtained via reaction of LiCH_2C(CH_3)_2CD_3 with (CpR_n)_2Zr(CH_3)(Cl). Addition of B(C_6F_5)_3 to (CpR_n)_2Zr(CH_3)(CH_2C(CH_3)_2CD_3) results in β-methyl elimination, forming the ion-paired species [(CpR_n)_2Zr(CH_3)][CH_3B(C_6F_5)_3] along with isotopologs of isobutene. The relative amounts of d_3- and d_0-isobutene afford the isotope effect for β-methyl elimination. For Cp_2Zr(CH_3)(CH_2C(CH_3)_2CD_3) (Cp = (η^5-C_5H_5)), a kinetic deuterium isotope effect of 1.40(2) has been measured at 23 °C. Comparable deuterium kinetic isotope effects have been observed for four other zirconocene methyl neopentyl compounds: [Cp^*(C_5Me_4H)Zr] (Cp^* = (η^5-C_5Me_5)), [Cp^*_2Zr], [rac-(EBI)Zr] (EBI = ethylenebis(indenyl)), and [(THP)Zr] (THP = 1,2-(SiMe_2)_2(η^5-3,5-C_5H(CHMe_2)_2)(η^5-C_5H_3)). The direction and magnitude of these effects are consistent with γ-agostic assistance in the transition state for β-methyl elimination, the microscopic reverse of α-agostic assistance in the transition state for olefin insertion into the Zr−methyl bond.
Stress Electrocardiography in the Evaluation of Surgical Revascularization of the Heart

Electrocardiography was carried out during hypoxemia and graded exercise tests before and at intervals between 2 and 20 months after attempts to revascularize the heart by internal mammary artery implantation in 44 patients with angiographically documented coronary disease and angina pectoris. Eleven patients had single vessel disease; the right coronary was involved in seven of these patients. Thirteen patients had single vessel implants, employing the left internal mammary artery in 11 patients and a saphenous vein graft from the aorta in two. Thirty-one patients had double internal mammary artery implantation accompanied by gastroepiploic arterial implantation in four. Fifty per cent of the patients were symptomatically improved after surgery, the best results occurring in two patients with isolated anterior descending coronary disease. Of the 34 patients having postoperative coronary and mammary arteriography, 15% showed improvement which could be ascribed to mammary revascularization; 24% had limited...
The growing evidence for personality change in adulthood: Findings from research with personality inventories

Theories of adult development all agree that adulthood is a time of important changes in goals, resources, and coping. Yet, impressed with the rank-order stability of individual differences in personality, many researchers interested in personality traits and personality assessment doubt that personality changes in meaningful and systematic ways during adulthood. This article reviews large studies of mean-level change in personality characteristics measured with broad-band personality inventories, and includes both cross-sectional and cross-cohort longitudinal research. The results show considerable generalizability across samples, cohorts, and studies. In particular, people score higher with age on characteristics such as conscientiousness, agreeableness, and norm-adherence, and they score lower with age on social vitality. These findings provide evidence that personality does change during adulthood and that these changes are non-negligible in size, systematic, not necessarily linear, and theoretically important.
Performance in differential instrumental conditioning as a function of the pattern of partial S+ reward

A total of 46 rats, distributed across two experiments, received differential instrumental conditioning trials in a nonchoice brightness-discrimination apparatus. In each experiment, groups differed with respect to the pattern of rewarded and nonrewarded S+ trials. Response in S− was never reinforced. The results of both experiments indicated that the pattern of S+ reward events influences S− response levels in a fashion consistent with expectations derived from stimulus-specificity theory.
Mobile Relay Amplifying Matrix Design of the Cooperative Distributed MMSE Relaying for AF Wireless Mobile Networks

This paper presents an optimal amplify-and-forward (AF) relay scheme for a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) system consisting of M-mobile sources, M-mobile destinations, and N-cooperative distributed mobile relay nodes. A wireless mobile relaying network with channel state information is in- vestigated. The received signals from the mobile sources are ex- changed between mobile relays to achieve optimal performance. The main contribution in this paper is the derivation of mobile relaying amplifying matrices (MARMs) designed for cooperative MIMO networks based on the minimum mean square error (MMSE) criterion. By adopting the new proposed MRAMs, the bite error rate (BER) performance of the system is evaluated using Monte-Carlo simulations.